bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning communities and physical education professional development: A scoping review
Authors: Parker Melissa , Patton Kevin , Gonçalves Luiza , Luguetti Carla , Lee Okseon
Published: December 2021

Learning communities (LCs) in a variety of formats are touted as an effective strategy for continuing professional development (CPD) in physical education. This study’s purpose was to provide an overview of the research on LCs in physical education for professional development between 1990 and 2020. A scoping review undergirded the research process and search parameters included full-text empirical studies in 12 languages. Ultimately 95 studies were found. A descriptive analysis revealed teachers as the focus in 75% of the studies; fewer studies focused on initial teacher education students, teacher educators, and facilitators. The largely qualitative studies reflected an international database (18 countries; four multinational studies) with South Korea, the US, and England dominating the literature. Four features spotlight thematic findings: (a) facilitation, (b) the process of community development, (c) the focus of the group and (d) the product(s) of the group. Learning communities as a CPD approach in physical education appear to be effective in a variety of ways. Little evidence, however, exists regarding their sustained nature over time, or how teacher engagement in LCs may result in substantive student learning. Contributing to the scattered nature of literature to date was the interchangeable use of communities of practice (CoP) and other forms of LCs. Often communities were not theoretically aligned, the development process of communities not explained, nor evidence provided as to how the community studied contained the qualifying features of a CoP or LCs. Future research, therefore, should detail the nature of community and fidelity to the theoretical framework.
No Appetite for Change: Culture, Liberalism, and Other Acts of Depoliticization in the Australian Obesity Debate
Authors: Warin Megan
Published: December 2021

There is wealth of evidence that points to the pernicious ways in which inequities in food, bodies, and health are disproportionally borne. Equally, there is a wealth of evidence that critiques the role of neoliberal imperatives for individuals to take responsibility for their health, and how this tenet reproduces inequity. However, health interventions and public policy remain immune to addressing social determinants of health and ignore the cultural dynamics of power in food systems, interventions, and policy. Drawing from ethnographic research in an Australian community that has high levels of socioeconomic disadvantage and obesity, and the Australian Government’s response to the ‘obesity epidemic’, this article examines the processes and tactics of depoliticization that are used to elide political and sociocultural phenomenon. I leverage the work of Brown and Povinelli to argue that liberalism’s hold on universalisms, autonomy, and individual liberty in obesity discourses subjugates a comprehension of political relations, positioning liberal principles and culture as mutually antagonistic. It is precisely this acultural positioning of liberalism that makes it possible to remove recognition of the power that produces and contours the ‘metabolic rift’ between food systems, public health, and equity priorities. In conclusion, I consider how obesity policy might be different if we paid attention to this culturalization of politics.
Research on vibration reduction of semi-active suspension system of quarter vehicle based on time-delayed feedback control with body acceleration
Authors: Guo Yong , Ren Chuanbo
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the mechanical model of two-degree-of-freedom vehicle semi-active suspension system based on time-delayed feedback control with vertical acceleration of the vehicle body was studied. With frequency-domain analysis method, the optimization of time-delayed feedback control parameters of vehicle suspension system in effective frequency band was studied, and a set of optimization method of time-delayed feedback control parameters based on “equivalent harmonic excitation” was proposed. The time-domain simulation results of vehicle suspension system show that compared with the passive control, the time-delayed feedback control based on the vertical acceleration of the vehicle body under the optimal time-delayed feedback control effectively broadens the vibration absorption bandwidth of the vehicle suspension system. The ride comfort and stability of the vehicle under random road excitation are significantly improved, which provides a theoretical basis for the selection of time-delayed feedback control strategy and the optimal design of time-delayed feedback control parameters of vehicle suspension system.
A lesson in un-creativity: (R (on the application of Friends of the Earth Ltd and others) v Heathrow Airport Ltd [2020] UKSC 52
Authors: Hawkins Joanne
Published: December 2021

Plans for a third runway at Heathrow airport have been the subject of ongoing melodrama. In the latest instalment, (R (on the application of Friends of the Earth Ltd and others) v Heathrow Airport Ltd [2020] UKSC 52), the Supreme Court comprehensively reversed the Court of Appeal's judgment, rejecting the finding that the decision maker acted unlawfully in designating the Airport National Policy Statement (ANPS). This commentary highlights that the Supreme Court judgment signals a missed opportunity to develop a more creative approach to the polycentric and dynamic issue of climate change in the context of nationally significant infrastructure projects. It argues that the decision is, if not wholly unexpected, a disappointing one.
Critical analysis of laws and policies for the prevention of petroleum pipeline vandalization in Nigeria
Authors: Okumagba Edward O.
Published: December 2021

The loss of an estimated $4.5 billion in 2020 by Nigeria to petroleum pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft has necessitated a critical assessment of the legal frameworks for the prevention of petroleum pipeline vandalism in Nigeria. This paper utilizes source materials relating to the title by examining the impacts of existing legal frameworks for the prevention of petroleum pipeline vandalization in Nigeria. It x-rays amongst others the provisions of sections 2 and 7 of the Petroleum Production and Distribution (Anti-Sabotage) Act and Miscellaneous Offences Act which imposes the death penalty and life imprisonment with the aim of deterring offenders without creating a court to try offenders. It reveals that in the face of such stringent sanctions, the activities of petroleum pipeline vandalism have continued unabated albeit a thriving business that is likely to arm the Nigerian economy in COVID-19 pandemic era. In addition, with an already perceived “compromised” criminal justice system, the paper concludes by advocating for change in policy strategy that will include the creation of a special court by amending existing legal frameworks to try offenders of the activities of petroleum pipeline vandalization.
From Kyoto to Paris: Problematic route of state responsibility for climate change
Authors: Salimi Turkamani Hojjat
Published: December 2021

Anthropogenic climate change is one of the effects of carbon dioxide emissions from the use of fossil fuels. The Climate Change International Legal Regime consisting of primary rules set out in international treaties has been established to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Due to the lack of special secondary rules in this regime, a violation of its primary rules leads to applying the general rules of state responsibility in DARSIWA. The question is whether these general rules are compelling enough. The article shows that the attribution of GHG emissions to states is complex due to the lack of a specific causal relationship and diversity of GHG emitters. In addition, there is no absolute and comprehensive obligation for GHG emission under the climate change legal regime, which could hold the emitting state responsible. In addition, assuming the compensation as an inherent consequence of responsibility, state accountability rules cannot effectively deal with climate change because of the cumulative nature of damages and the discarding of compensation from the relevant treaties, particularly from the Paris Agreement. Therefore, in addition to the legal liability of states, other dimension of their responsibility including ethical responsibility should also be considered as much as possible.
E-scooters as allies in addressing environmental sustainability in urban transport
Authors: Vestri Gabriele
Published: December 2021

This opinion considers the phenomenon of e-scooters and tries to analyse their environmental impact in cities. In doing this it also considers the role that they play in the environmental sustainability of city wide transport systems. In order to address the first issue it is necessary to separate the actual life cycle of the vehicle in question from its mere use. This is an important consideration since the life cycle of this mode of transport obviously contributes to understanding the carbon footprint that can be produced by these types of vehicles as a whole. In addition to the above, the opinion also considers the regulatory framework that is associated with these vehicles in Spain.
Health monitoring of sandwich composites with auxetic core subjected to indentation tests using acoustic emission
Authors: Essassi Khawla , Rebiere Jean-Luc , Mahi Abderrahim EL , Amine Ben souf Mohamed , Bouguecha Anas , Haddar Mohamed
Published: December 2021

The quasi-static indentation behavior of an eco-sandwich composite with auxetic core consisting of polylactic acid reinforced with flax fibers will be discussed in this article. The structures involved in the test were manufactured using 3D printing technique. Four configurations with different number of cells in the core, were tested. It is found that sandwiches with high number of cells are stiffer and dissipate more energy. Experimental tests were monitored with acoustic emission technique in order to detect the appearance and the evolution of damage behavior. An unsupervised pattern recognition algorithm was used to post process the acoustic emission signals. The classification is conducted using k-means algorithm. Results show that there are three different classes of events for each configuration, which are the core cracking, the matrix cracking and the fiber/matrix debonding. The evaluation of the contribution of each damage mechanism on the total amount of failure was deduced according to the amplitude range, the cumulative number of hits and the acoustic energy activity. Furthermore, macroscopic and microscopic observations were performed in order to correlate acoustic emission classes with the damage mechanisms observed.
Two limits to the application of Rawls’s concepts of autonomy and the difference principle in contemporary philosophy of education
Authors: Kodelja Zdenko
Published: December 2021

The concept of justice that Rawls discussed in his famous book “A Theory of Justice” has had a profound influence on contemporary political and moral philosophy, as well as, to some extent, philosophy of education. Many philosophers of education have applied or criticized Rawls’s concepts – above all the concepts of autonomy, the person, fair equality of opportunity and the difference principle – which he developed as an essential part of his theory of justice. In this paper I will discuss very briefly only one of the problems that philosophers of education face when applying his concepts of the autonomous person and the difference principle. The essence of this problem is expressed in the question of whether or not to respect the limits of the applicability of these concepts set by Rawls himself.
The significance of A Theory of Justice for philosophy of education
Authors: Curren Randall
Published: December 2021

This article offers retrospective and prospective commentary on the significance of A Theory of Justice for philosophy of education. It addresses the progress that Anglophone philosophy of education has made since the publication of A Theory of Justice in 1971, and the ways this progress has been facilitated by the transformation of political philosophy that Rawls set in motion. It offers examples of ongoing lines of inquiry and unfinished projects in philosophy of education for which Rawls’ methods and positions remain important.
The take-up of Rawls’ theory of the good in philosophy of education
Authors: White John
Published: December 2021

Personal well-being is a central concept in philosophical discussions of education and its aims. Although the work of general philosophers like Nussbaum, Griffin, Raz and Sen on the topic has been influential here, there has been next-to-no interest among philosophers of education in John Rawls’s work on ‘the good’ – in great contrast to interest in his work on ‘the right’, and despite the key place that his theory of the good has in his Theory of Justice (TJ), Chapter 7. This paper explores a likely reason for this lack of interest. This is connected with Rawls’s 1942 undergraduate thesis on the meaning of sin and faith. While there are many continuities between this – eg. to do with communitarianism and equality – and the theory of the right in TJ, there are none in the area of the good, since the thesis rejected the notion for theological reasons. In writing TJ, therefore, having long abandoned his Christian belief, Rawls had a rich background of earlier work on the right which he was able to work up into a powerful argument, while in the area of the good he had to start from scratch. The result, drawing on Josiah Royce’s ideas about plans of life, is disappointing and open to fairly obvious objections. In the light of this, it is not surprising that Rawls’s views on the good have had so little influence in philosophy of education.
An ameliorative analysis of the concept of education
Authors: Marley-Payne Jack
Published: December 2021

Ameliorative analysis is a powerful new approach to understanding concepts, stemming from cutting-edge work at the intersection of philosophy of language, philosophy of mind and metaphysics. It offers the potential to improve our understanding of a range of subject matters. One topic to which it has not yet been applied is the concept of education. Doing so can enhance our understanding of this vital subject matter and, in particular, help in the push for educational justice. While philosophers and policymakers alike have preferred a broad understanding of education that encompasses many aspects of human development, ameliorative considerations favour a narrower concept, tightly connected to formal schooling. This is because effective pursuit of an egalitarian agenda requires education working alongside a range of other welfare priorities, and it is important that our concept of education does not muddy the waters or undermine other aspects of the pursuit of justice.
Use of non-invasive ventilation in motor neuron disease – a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Walsh Laura J , Deasy Kevin F , Gomez Fernando , O’Sullivan Elizabeth , Eustace Joseph , Ryan Aisling M , Murphy Desmond M
Published: December 2021

Motor neuron disease (MND) is a neurodegenerative disorder which leads to progressive muscle weakness including respiratory muscle decline. The introduction of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been shown to improve quality of life, survival and slow the rate of pulmonary function decline. A retrospective chart analysis of patients who attended the MND clinic from 2014 to 2019 at a tertiary-referral, academic, teaching hospital was carried out to evaluate if NIV and greater compliance with NIV was associated with improved survival. 111 patients were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 63.8 years and 61.3% were males. 66.7% of our cohort used NIV and of this 66.7%, 44.1% were compliant. There was a significantly longer survival in those who used NIV ( p = 0.002) and in those who used NIV optimally ( p = 0.02) when both groups were compared to those who did not use NIV. In the bulbar MND group those who were compliant with NIV survived longer than who those who did not use NIV ( p = 0.001). We found a significantly longer survival with the use of NIV, the use of NIV optimally and with use of NIV in those with bulbar onset MND compared to those who did not use NIV.
The Impact of Bias and Discrimination
Authors: Levey Sandra , Cheng Li-Rong Lilly
Published: December 2021

This article describes the bias and discrimination that play a role in the lives of people viewed as different based on color, ethnicity, gender, language, appearance, age, religion, sexual orientation, or country of origin. Bias and discrimination play a major role in the difficulties faced by unserved and underserved populations such as migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and others across the globe.
Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Retrograde Type A Intramural Hematoma With Intimal Disruption in the Descending Aorta
Authors: Wang Yingliang , Song Songlin , Zhou Chen , Zhu Wenying , Liu Jiacheng , Shi Qin , Huang Songjiang , Yang Chongtu , Li Tongqiang , Chen Yang , Xiong Bin
Published: December 2021

Purpose:

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for retrograde type A intramural hematoma (IMH) with intimal disruption in the descending aorta and report our endovascular therapeutic experience.

Materials and Methods:

From January 2014 to October 2020, a total of 24 consecutive patients with retrograde type A IMH with intimal disruption (intimal tear or ulcer-like projection) in the descending aorta underwent TEVAR. The demographics, clinical characteristics, treatment details, imaging information, and follow-up results were reviewed.

Results:

Among all patients with retrograde type A IMH, 13 (54.2%) patients presented with ulcer-like projection and 11 (45.8%) with intimal tear (aortic dissection) in the descending aorta. Successful TEVAR was achieved in all patients. There was no 30-day mortality. During a mean follow-up of 37.5 months, 1 patient (4.2%) developed permanent paralysis, 1 patient (4.2%) underwent reintervention due to the expansion of the aorta distal to the stent resulting from the enlargement of distal intimal tear at the 2 month follow up, and no other adverse events were observed. The latest computed tomographic angiography images showed that the maximum diameter of the ascending aorta and descending aorta significantly decreased after TEVAR (both p<0.001), and the IMH/false lumen in the ascending aorta and the descending thoracic aorta were completely absorbed.

Conclusion:

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for selected patients with retrograde type A intramural hematoma that presented with intimal disruption in the descending aorta is feasible and efficient, but close surveillance is needed to manage aortic-related adverse events.
Physician-Modified Endograft With Inner Branches for the Treatment of Complex Aortic Urgencies
Authors: Torrealba Jose , Panuccio Giuseppe , Kölbel Tilo , Gandet Thomas , Heidemann Franziska , Rohlffs Fiona
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To describe the use of physician-modified endograft (PMEG) with the exclusive use of inner branches or in combination with fenestrations for the urgent treatment of complex aortic aneurysms.

Technique

We present two urgent cases. A patient with a 6.8 cm saccular juxtarenal aneurysm and another patient with a contained rupture of the thoracoabdominal aorta right above the celiac trunk (CT). In both cases, a Cook Zenith TX2 thoracic endograft was back-table modified, in the first case by adding three fenestrations and one inner branch for the left renal artery to improve sealing due to its partial involvement in the aneurysm and, in the second case, with the use of two inner branches for the CT and superior mesenteric artery. Both procedures were successful, with uneventful postoperative courses and complete aneurysm exclusion on postoperative CT angiography.

Conclusion

Use of PMEGs with inner branches is feasible for urgent repair in complex aortic anatomy.
Biogenic silver nano sol–loaded spunlace fabric for wound dressing; mechanical and functional characterization
Authors: Mankodi Hireni , Patel Bharat
Published: December 2021

The biogenic silver nano sol (AgNS) is most suitable for biomedical applications due to its inherent properties. In the present investigation polyester (P), viscose (V) and polyester/viscose blend (50:50) (PV) spunlaced fabrics were coated with AgNS prepared using organic honey, manuka honey. The dip-coated fabric samples were found suitable for wound dressing purposes when evaluated layered wise for their mechanical properties. The layer-wise dispersion behavior of the V sample was found better than the P/V and P samples. In the case of the air permeability sample, P/V performed better compared to V and P samples. Water sorption ability of P/V and V are found suitable for wound dressing. The ultraviolet protection factor value of treated fabric found excellent when coated with only honey. Further, the AgNS loaded fabric exhibited good resistance against microbial organisms as revealed by the bromophenol blue stain.
TACE Combined with HIFU Versus Surgical Resection for Single Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Child-Pugh B Cirrhosis in Overall Survival and Progression-Free Survival: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Qiwei , Wang Yunbing , Zhang Junyong , Zhang Wenfeng , Gong Jianping , Ma Rong
Published: December 2021

Objective: To compare the effectiveness, safety and survival outcome of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) versus surgical resection for treating single hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis. Methods: A hospital-based retrospective study with 146 patients diagnosed with single HCC with Child-Pugh B cirrhosis from July 2010 to July 2018 was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital. A total of 49 patients underwent TACE combined with HIFU (the combined group), and 97 patients underwent surgical resection (the resection group). Of them, 22 patients undergoing TACE combined with HIFU and 45 patients undergoing surgical resection had small HCC (tumor diameter ≤3 cm). The overall survival (OS) time, progression-free survival (PFS) time and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results: In the single HCC tumor cohort, there was no significant difference in OS between the two groups [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.6379; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.3737 to 1.089; P = .0995], while the resection group showed an obvious superiority to the combined group regarding PFS (HR = 0.3545; 95% CI = 0.2176-0.5775; P < .0001). The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year recurrence rates were 30.9%, 55.7%, 86.6% in the resection group and 53.1%, 77.6%, 89.8% in the combined group, respectively. In the small HCC tumor cohort, there was also no difference in OS between the two groups (HR = 0.8808; 95% CI = 0.3295-2.355; P = .06396), while the resection group showed an obvious superiority to the combined group regarding PFS (HR = 0.4273; 95% CI = 0.1927-0.9473; P = .0363). The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year recurrence rates were 28.9%, 53.3%, 93.3% in the resection group and 40.9%, 68.2%, 81.8% in the combined group, respectively. Furthermore, the incidence of complications of the combined group was 38.8%, which was significantly less than the 56.7% of the resection group ( P = .041), and the duration of general anesthesia in the combined group was shorter than that in the resection group ( P = .001). Therein, there was no difference in the incidence of grade I complications (Clavien-Dindo classification) between the two groups ( P = .866). Conclusion: For patients with single or single small HCCs, TACE combined with HIFU may not be inferior to surgical resection in terms of the long-term survival rate, while surgical resection still has a definite advantage in terms of delaying recurrence. In addition, the combination of TACE and HIFU has higher safety than surgical resection.
Tumor Mutational Burden as a Biomarker for Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer
Authors: Kim Hongsik , Kim Hana , Kim Ryul , Jo Hyunji , Kim Hye Ryeon , Hong Joohyun , Park Joon Oh , Park Young Suk , Kim Seung Tae
Published: December 2021

Background: High tumor mutational burden (TMB-H) has been reported as a predictive marker to immunotherapy or prognostic marker in various tumor types. However, there has been little study of the role of TMB-H in advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC). Methods: We analyzed 119 advanced BTC patients who received Gemcitabine/Cisplatin (GP) as a first-line treatment between November 2019 and April 2021. Next-generation sequencing (NGS), including TMB analysis, as a routine clinical practice was performed in 119 patients. The TruSightTM Oncology 500 assay from Illumina was used as a cancer panel. Results: Among 119 patients, 18 (18.5%) had a tumor with high TMB (≥ 10 Muts/Mb). There were no significant differences between the status of TMB and clinical outcomes with GP, including objective response rate (ORR) ( P = .126), disease control rate (DCR) ( p = .454), and median progression-free survival (PFS) ( p = .599). The median overall survival (OS) was not different between patients with TMB-H and no TMB-H ( p = .430). In subgroup analysis of 32 patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICIs), there were significant differences in ORR ( p = .034) and median PFS ( p  = .025) with ICIs between patients with and without TMB-H. Conclusions: This study revealed that TMB-H in advanced BTCs did not have a prognostic or role in the standard first-line treatment. However, TMB-H might be a predictive biomarker for response to ICIs in advanced BTC.
Applying an Analytical Process to Longitudinal Narrative Interviews With Couples Living and Dying With Lewy Body Dementia
Authors: Bentley Allison , Salifu Yakubu , Walshe Catherine
Published: December 2021

Narrative research methods invite people to share their experiences via storytelling. There is increasing interest as to how qualitative narrative inquiry can provide greater understanding into the lived experience around health and illness, particularly within the field of dementia. Narrative research is concerned with how humans make sense of and engage with the changes and disruptions of everyday life. However, narrative research is an emerging and evolving field with no single clearly defined approach to data analysis. In this article, we provide a methodological exemplar by applying Murray’s four levels of narrative analysis to longitudinal narrative interviews completed with couples living with Lewy body dementia. We describe how to analyse connections between the four levels and how to articulate this across different interview time points. This analysis process contributes to methodological knowledge by providing a strategy to connect the personal, interpersonal, positional and societal levels of analysis. The time taken for in-depth analysis of a co-created, dyadic longitudinal narrative approach requires careful consideration, but ultimately, it can provide a richer understanding of the lived experience, allowing for deeper social, clinical and academic insight.
EphrinB2 promotes the human aortic smooth muscle cell growth and migration via mediating F-actin remodeling
Authors: Zhu Fan , Chen Jia , Luo Mingyao , Yao Dongting , Hu Xiaobo , Guo Yuanyuan
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the potential effect of EphrinB2 in human thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) and to illustrate the mechanisms governing the role of EphrinB2 in the growth of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC).

Methods

In the study, EphrinB2 expression was investigated by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in 12 pairs of TAD and adjacent human tissues. HASMCs were used for in vitro experiments. Next, EphrinB2 overexpression and depletion in HASMCs were established by EphrinB2-overexpressing vectors and small interfering RNA, respectively. The transfection efficiency was evaluated by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The effects of overexpression and depletion of EphrinB2 on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were tested in vitro. Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry and transwell migration/invasion, and wound healing assay were used to explore the function of EphrinB2 on HASMC cell lines. The relationship between EphrinB2 and F-actin was assessed by Western blot, immunofluorescence, and Co-IP.

Results

We found that EphrinB2 was a prognostic biomarker of TAD patients. Moreover, EphrinB2 expression negatively correlated to aortic dissection tissues, and disease incidence of males, suggesting that EphrinB2 might act as a TAD suppressor by promoting proliferation or decreasing apoptosis in HASMC. Next, over-expression of EphrinB2 in HASMC lines drove cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and inhibited apoptosis while knockdown EphrinB2 showed the opposite phenomenon, respectively. Furthermore, the level of F-actin in mRNA, protein, and distribution in HASMC cell lines highly matched with the expression of EphrinB2, which indicated that EphrinB2 could mediate the HASMC cytoskeleton via inducing F-actin.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our results first provided the pivotal role of EphrinB2 in HASMC proliferation initiated by mediating F-actin and demonstrated a prognostic biomarker and the potential targets for therapy to prevent thoracic aortic dissection.
Producing zombie television: AMC,The Walking Dead, and the institutional dynamics of green-lighting hard-edged horror on cable
Authors: Platts Todd K
Published: December 2021

This study documents the industrial conditions that permitted the green-lighting and production of The Walking Dead (2010–2022) on AMC, a network that built its reputation through high-brow series like Mad Men (2007–2015) and Breaking Bad (2008–2013) . The findings challenge two major arguments forwarded to make sense of the show’s airing: 1) the diagnostic model which suggests that zombies dovetailed into a zeitgeist-coloured paranoia of Others and the aftereffects of a neoliberalised social order and 2) the reputation model, which maintains that the industry track records of the personnel behind projects significantly enhances the chances of receiving a green-light.
Development of an Insulin Pen is a Patient-Centric Multidisciplinary Undertaking: A Commentary
Authors: Sparre Thomas , Hansen Niels-Aage B. , Wernersson Anya Sonia , Guarraia Mark
Published: December 2021

The goal of human-centered insulin pen design is to relieve the treatment burden of a chronic condition and help affected individuals to feel free of disease. The patient as well as their entire ecosystem should be considered. At Novo Nordisk A/S, we believe that embedding human-centered design at the heart of our development processes is best achieved with multidisciplinary experts in-house to work alongside product development teams and, importantly, the end user. Novo Nordisk introduced the first commercially available insulin pen in 1985 and has continued to develop reusable/durable and prefilled insulin pens to meet different patient needs, through to the latest NovoPen 6 and NovoPen Echo Plus with SMART technology. Human-centered design is essential for delivering meaningful and practical solutions for individuals with diabetes.
Unsafe Sharps Disposal Among Insulin-Using Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: An Emerging Global Crisis
Authors: Thompson Bithika M. , Cook Curtiss B.
Published: December 2021

Approximately eight billion therapeutic injections are administered outside of medical treatment facilities annually. The management of diabetes mellitus (DM) includes self-monitoring of blood glucose levels and administration of insulin and injectable non–insulin-related medications. The lancets, needles, and syringes used for DM management are categorized as medical sharps. Improperly discarded medical sharps can cause needlestick injuries in unsuspecting individuals and thereby pose a considerable public health risk. Release of these items into the environment will likely increase with the rising worldwide prevalence of DM, and a public safety crisis will emerge if proper disposal measures are not emphasized. This article reviews the literature from various geopolitical regions and describes how a substantial number of patients with DM improperly discard their sharps. Data support the need to develop multifaceted and innovative approaches to reduce risk associated with improper disposal of DM-related medical sharps into local communities.
“The Feasibility of Targeted Muscle Reinnervation for the Management of Morton’s Neuroma”
Authors: Kuruvilla Shannon I. , Schaeffer Christine V. , Cooper Minton T. , DeGeorge Brent R.
Published: December 2021

Background

Despite multiple surgical modalities available for the management of Morton’s neuroma, complications remain common. Targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) has yet to be explored as an option for the prevention of recurrence of Morton’s neuroma. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the consistency of the relevant foot neurovascular and muscle anatomy and to demonstrate the feasibility of TMR as an option for Morton’s neuroma.

Methods

The anatomy of 5 fresh-tissue donor cadaver feet was studied, including the course and location of the medial and lateral plantar nerves (MPNs and LPNs), motor branches to abductor hallucis (AH) and flexor digitorum brevis (FDB), as well as the course of sensory plantar digital nerves. Measurements for the locations of the muscular and sensory branches were taken relative to landmarks including the navicular tuberosity (NT), AH, FDB, and the third metatarsophalangeal joint (third MTPJ).

Results

The mean number of nerve branches to FDB identified was 2. These branch points occurred at an average of 8.6 cm down the MPN or LPN, 9.0 cm from the third MTPJ, 3.0 cm distal to AH distal edge, and 4.8 cm from the NT. The mean number of nerves to AH was 2.2. These branch points occurred at an average of 6.3 cm down the MPN, 11.9 cm from the third MTPJ, 0.8 cm from the AH distal edge, and 3.8 cm from the NT.

Conclusions

Recurrent interdigital neuroma, painful scar, and neuropathic pain are common complications of operative management for Morton’s neuroma. Targeted muscle reinnervation is a technique that has demonstrated efficacy for the prevention and treatment of neuroma, neuropathic pain, and phantom limb pain in amputees. Herein, we have described the neuromuscular anatomy for the application of TMR for the management of Morton’s neuroma. Target muscles, including the AH and FDB, have consistent innervation patterns in the foot, and consequently, TMR represents a viable option to consider for the management of recalcitrant Morton’s neuroma.

Levels of Evidence:

V
After the ballot box: How explicit racist appeals damage constituents views of their representation in government
Authors: Arora Maneesh , Stout Christopher T.
Published: December 2021

Recent scholarship finds that the use of explicit racial appeals can be an effective mobilization strategy in some situations. Consequently, U.S. politics has witnessed the resurgence of such appeals. Yet, the effects of racial appeals are not ensconced in electoral contexts, but may have potential downstream effects on interest representation and the ability for politicians to build broader coalitions This study uses a survey experiment to test the effect of exposure to racist comments used by a 2018 U.S. Senate candidate on perceived interest representation among Black and White respondents. The results show that Black and liberal White respondents who are exposed to these comments feel that the candidate is less able to represent their interests. Thus, we find that the use of explicit racial appeals potentially alienates a substantial proportion of people which could potentially lead to greater dissatisfaction with government.
Exploring Knowledge, Prevention Methods, and Prevention Barriers of COVID-19 Among Somali, Karen, and Latinx Community Members in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Authors: Harris Margaret , Ekwonye Angela , Munala Leso , Buesseler Heather , Hearst Mary O.
Published: December 2021

Background:

As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, understanding the virus and necessary measures to prevent infection have evolved. While effective preventative measures for COVID-19 have been identified, there are also identifiable barriers to implementation.

Objective:

Explore the access to information, knowledge, and prevention methods and barriers of COVID-19 among Somali, Karen, and Latinx immigrant community members in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA through analysis of in-depth interviews.

Methods:

Data were collected through 32 interviews via phone, video conference on a computer, or in-person with Somali, Karen, and Latinx adults to understand the experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in each group’s native language. All participants were over the age of 18, and identified as Somali, Karen, and Latinx refugee or immigrant. Interview protocol contained 9 main questions including probes. Data were analyzed through use of the qualitative analysis software, Atlas.ti using phenomenology.

Results:

A total of 32 adults were interviewed (Somali = 12, Karen = 10, and Latinx = 10). One-third were in person and the remainder were remote. The average age recorded was 37 years (range 20-66 years), 43.8% males and 56.3% females. Somali, Karen, and Latinx respondents consistently had accurate knowledge about COVID-19 and were attentive to finding trustworthy information. Information was available in Somali, Karen, and Latinx written language, although Karen elders who are not literate would benefit more from video messaging. Knowledge of preventive measures was consistent; however, barriers included access, working in front-line positions, and living in high density housing.

Conclusion:

Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on Somali, Karen, and Latinx community members in Minneapolis, MN is advantageous in removing identified barriers and disparities in health. The results of this study highlight the need for increased efforts to address barriers in the prevention of COVID-19, as well as future pandemics for immigrant and refugee populations.
COVID-19 Vaccine Concerns and Acceptability by Language in a Marginalized Population in Rhode Island
Authors: Bloom Molly , Verma Shelly , Ram Deepika , Roberton Timothy , Pacheco Cristina , Goldman Roberta E. , Lima Kevin , Faith Vera Cruz Maxine , Szkwarko Daria
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

We need to understand the continued concerns and acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines within marginalized communities in the United States. Our study explores the concerns and acceptability of COVID-19 vaccines, by language group, at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Rhode Island.

Methods:

We conducted an exploratory, mixed data collection telephone survey in languages spoken in the community (Spanish, Cape Verdean (CV) Creole/Portuguese, and English). Participants were asked about their COVID-19 vaccination status, as well as vaccine concerns and acceptability via 9 closed-ended and 2 open-ended questions. Chi squared and multivariate analysis was used to compare concerns and acceptability across languages. Coding and immersion/crystallization techniques were used to identify qualitative data themes.

Results:

The overall response rate was 58%. Side effects were cited as the most frequent (66%) concern among all language groups. Concern about the speed of vaccine development, vaccine ingredients, and being in a research trial varied significantly by language. Qualitative findings included concerns about chronic medical conditions and generalized fear of vaccine safety. English speakers were the most likely to report concerns and CV Creole/Portuguese speakers were the least likely to report concerns about the vaccine. Spanish and CV Creole/Portuguese participants who were not yet vaccinated reported higher acceptability to receive the vaccine compared to English speakers, with odds ratios of 2.00 (95% CI: 1.00-4.00) and 1.27 (95% CI: 0.62-2.60), respectively.

Conclusion:

To mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for future pandemics, strategies must be based on understanding the beliefs and perceptions of marginalized communities.
Leadership Excellence in Corporate Communications: A Multi-Group Test of Measurement Invariance
Authors: Meng Juan
Published: December 2021

This study aims at advancing leadership research in corporate communications by introducing a more rigorous statistical approach to test whether communication professionals of different hierarchical reporting levels, years of experience, and educational backgrounds would ascribe the same meanings to the construct of leadership excellence in corporate communications via survey research. By using an established measurement model of leadership excellence in corporate communications, the study uses three samples, including senior communication executives/leaders, mid-level communication professionals, and senior college students majoring in communication and/or public relations, to conduct the measurement invariance tests. By imposing constraints to different parameters in a sequence of nested models, findings indicate that the measures of leadership excellence in corporate communications can be equivalent across multiple groups. Measurement invariance was confirmed at multiple levels, including the higher-order measurement model, configural invariance, metric invariance, scalar invariance, and error invariance. This study deepens our understanding of measurement invariance when applying multi-group comparison in testing leadership excellence. Such evidence can also be used as central principles when developing corresponding leadership training and development modules by organizations in supporting multicultural and multi-group sensitivity in leadership development. Future research and practical implications are also discussed.
Challenges and Professional Development Needs of EMI Lecturers in Omani Higher Education
Authors: Alhassan Awad
Published: December 2021

English Medium Instruction (EMI) has been increasingly used in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Sultanate of Oman, and the English-taught degree programs have been offered in different disciplines. The adoption of EMI seems to have potential challenges for both teachers and students. While previous EMI studies have attempted to identify and classify these challenges, particularly those of EMI students, little research thus far seems to have focused on EMI subject teacher challenges and training needs. The present study fills this gap by exploring the issue in the Omani EMI tertiary context with a view to better informing EMI teacher education and professional development. A qualitative methodology, with both interviews and classroom observations, was adopted. The data was coded and analyzed thematically and inductively. Results showed that participants encountered both linguistic and pedagogical challenges. Participants also reported their needs for training and professional development. Pedagogical implications and recommendations for EMI content teacher education and professional development are presented and discussed.
Efficiency of Indian Thermal Power Plants and Suspended Particulate Matter: Findings Across Technological Assumptions and DEA Models
Authors: Sengupta Debarun , Mukherjee Deep
Published: December 2021

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) emissions from coal-based thermal power plants (CTPPs) cause respiratory illness. However, this has not been given its due importance in the efficiency assessment of CTPPs. This study contributes to the literature by incorporating suspended particulate matter in the benchmarking exercise for Indian CTPPs. In such a study, the theoretical assumptions regarding pollution generating technology or the choice of evaluation tool may impact the ranking of CTPPs. To draw robust inferences, we present a comparative study of two alternative microeconomic approaches (joint and by-production technologies) and two types of data envelopment analysis tools (graph–hyperbolic and directional distance function) applied on two representative samples of Indian CTPPs. Results indicate that Indian CTPPs are moderately inefficient. Choice of technological assumption or data envelopment analysis model does not impact the ranking of CTPPs. Ownership and plant load factor play vital roles in determining inefficiency, and impacts of these factors remain stable across models.

JEL Classifications: C61, D22, Q40, Q50
Homolateral Lisfranc Dislocation 1-5 in a Collegiate Quarterback: A Case Study
Authors: Dayton Steven R. , Krautmann Kurt M. , Boctor Michael J. , Tjong Vehniah K. , Kadakia Anish R.
Published: December 2021

Background:

Lisfranc injuries encompass a spectrum of injuries to the tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint complex from ligamentous sprains to fractures with dislocation. While studies have shown it is possible to return to sport (RTS) after low-energy injuries, no literature exists demonstrating RTS after homolateral fracture/dislocation of all 5 metatarsals.

Indications:

We present a novel technique for repair of homolateral Lisfranc fracture/dislocation of metatarsals 1-5 which may be used in high-level athletes attempting to return to competition.

Technique Description:

A dual approach is utilized, with a dorsal approach to allow for fusion of the 2nd and 3rd TMT joints and medial approach for internal bracing of the 1st TMT joint. The 2nd and 3rd metatarsals were denuded of all cartilage and the fusion site was fully prepared. Rigid fixation was applied to the fusion sites and then stability of the 1st TMT was reassessed. A guidewire for the cannulated InternalBrace (Arthrex; Naples, FL) system is initially inserted into the base of the 1st metatarsal. Positioning is confirmed with fluoroscopic imaging and the 3.4 mm drill is passed over the wire, followed by the cannulated tap. A 4.75 mm SwiveLock anchor (Arthrex; Naples, FL) with FiberTape suture (Arthrex; Naples, FL) is then inserted into the metatarsal base. The guidewire is placed in a reciprocating position on the medial cuneiform. The 2.7 mm drill is passed over the wire, followed by the 3.5 mm tap. A 3.5 mm SwiveLock anchor is then loaded with the FiberTape suture from the 1st metatarsal. Tensioning is performed, and the 3.5 mm SwiveLock anchor is inserted into the medial cuneiform.

Results:

The athlete was cleared to return to full competition 9 months following surgery. Physical examination demonstrated stability in dorsiflexion and abduction. Both weight-bearing x-rays and computed tomography scans showed no evidence of hardware failure, no instability of the 1st TMT joint, and solid fusion of the 2nd and 3rd TMT joints.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Current literature demonstrates that RTS is possible for athletes suffering from low-energy Lisfranc injuries. This novel surgical technique is the first to demonstrate return to sport of a high-level athlete from homolateral fracture/dislocation of all 5 metatarsals.