bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Campus Sexual Assault Among University Women in Eswatini
Authors: Fielding-Miller Rebecca , Shabalala Fortunate , Masuku Sakhile , Raj Anita
Published: November 2019

Sexual assault on university campuses has attracted growing attention, but there is little data available on the scope of the problem in Southern Africa. We sought to measure the prevalence of campus sexual assault among female university students at the University of Eswatini and describe the experience of survivors using a mixed-methods study design. Women were randomly sampled from a list of all full-time female university students provided by the office of the registrar, and participants completed a brief behavioral survey in a private study office using a tablet with computer-assisted self-interview software. Women who indicated experiences of sexual violence during the survey were invited to self-identify themselves to study staff to participate in a follow-up qualitative interview. We measured sexual assault using the Sexual Experiences Survey–Short Form Version (SES-SFV). We found that women in University were over 6 times more likely to report forced or coerced sex in the previous 12 months than has been previously reported in the general population. Sixty percent of participants reported experiencing an attempted or completed sexual assault in their lifetime, and a total of 38% reported an assault in the past 12 months. The vast majority (93%) of assailants were known to their victim, and the majority (56%) of perpetrators were romantic partners. The majority of participants had never disclosed their assault, and victim blaming and stigma emerged as highly salient themes during in-depth qualitative interviews. Food insecurity, losing a parent before age 21, and hazardous drinking were all significantly associated with experiencing sexual assault in the previous 12 months, as was experiencing a previous assault before the age of 18. To our knowledge, this is the first generalizable study of campus sexual assault prevalence conducted in the Southern African region.
Sexist Humor and Sexual Aggression Against Women: When Sexist Men Act According to Their Own Values or Social Pressures
Authors: Romero-Sánchez Mónica , Megías Jesús L. , Carretero-Dios Hugo
Published: November 2019

Exposure to sexist humor creates a context in which some men feel comfortable expressing aggressive tendencies toward women (i.e., self-reported rape proclivity). This is in part because this type of humor makes it easier for men who have antagonistic attitudes toward women to express their prejudice without fear of social reprisal. Besides, previous research has demonstrated the influence of motivational variables such as autonomy (initiation or regulation of intentional behavior based on free choice) and control (acting under external pressure) on aggression. We conducted two experiments to explore the hypothetical influence of priming autonomy and control motivations on the relation between sexist humor and the expression of sexually aggressive tendencies toward women. Study 1 ( N = 108) revealed that control-primed men with high (vs. low) scores in hostile sexism reported a higher rape proclivity when exposed to sexist (vs. neutral) humor. These results were partially replicated in Study 2 ( N = 132), assessing the accessibility of aggressive sexual thoughts. This research contributes to our understanding of the influence of sexist humor and motivational orientations in sexist men on the expression of aggressive sexual behaviors directed against women.
Predictors of Cisatracurium Continuous Infusion Dose in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Merkel Alison , Massey Kyle , Bellamy Cassandra , Miano Todd , Fuchs Barry , Candeloro Christina
Published: November 2019

Neuromuscular blockade (NMB) with cisatracurium may improve outcomes in the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) population; however, optimal dosing strategy remains unknown. Factors affecting pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cisatracurium may impact the dose required to achieve adequate train-of-four (TOF) response. The aims of this study were to determine cisatracurium dose requirements in a critically ill ARDS population and to identify clinical factors that affect dosing. This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study of medical intensive care patients who received cisatracurium infusion for treatment of ARDS. “Stable dose” was defined as the infusion rate producing 2 consecutive TOFs of 1/4 to 2/4. Factors examined for association with dose were temperature, pH, age, and the presence of acute kidney injury (AKI). The analysis included 39 patients. The median stable dose of cisatracurium was 2.8 (2.0, 3.1) μg/kg/min. Multivariable linear regression model for weight-normalized dose identified AKI as a factor independently associated with steady-state dose requirements (% change −31.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −51.9, −2.3). Our study provides information on cisatracurium doses required in patients with ARDS to reduce time required to reach goal TOF. Further studies are needed to determine effect of AKI on cisatracurium dose requirements and clinical outcomes.
Flutter suppression of an aircraft wing with a flexibly mounted mass using magneto-rheological damper
Authors: Ghasemikaram Amir Hossein , Mazidi Abbas , Fazel Mohammad Reza , Fazelzadeh Seyed Ahmad
Published: November 2019

Flutter analysis and suppression of an aircraft wing with a flexibly mounted external store using a magneto-rheological damper are investigated. The wing performs as a cantilever beam and the structural model, which incorporates bending-torsion flexibility, is used. A modified Bouc–Wen model is utilized in order to model the elastic connection between the store and the wing. The modified Peter’s finite-state loading is also considered to simulate the aerodynamic force and moment. The governing equations are obtained via Hamilton’s principle and assumed modes method is subsequently applied to transform the resulting partial differential equations into a set of ordinary differential equations. Numerical simulations are validated against several previously published papers by using a clean Goland wing. In order to control the vertical and rotational vibrations of the store and the wing, a state feedback controller and a compensator with full-order observer are designed. The performance of these controllers is compared together in several situations. Eventually, the performances are treated when disturbance is applied to the system. The results show that magneto-rheological damper’s performance is suitable for controlling the limit cycle oscillations of the wing and external store, in flutter condition.
The effect of high temperature steam ingestion on aerodynamic performance and stability of a low-speed axial compressor
Authors: Tu Baofeng , Zhang Luyao , Fu Wenjun , Hu Jun
Published: November 2019

To investigate the effect of high temperature steam ingestion on the aerodynamic stability of a multistage axial compressor, a two-stage low-speed axial compressor was studied, and full-annulus steady-state and unsteady-state numerical simulations were carried out. The effect of the high temperature steam mass fraction and the distribution of steam at the inlet boundary on the aerodynamic stability of a two-stage low-speed axial compressor was investigated. From the simulation results, we found that high temperature steam ingestion has an adverse effect on the low-speed axial compressor. The larger the steam mass fraction is, the greater the impact of the steam ingestion on the stability boundary and stall margin will be. When the steam mass fraction is equal to 0.35 and 0.7%, the stability margin decreases from 36.07 to 29.72% and 28.05%, respectively. The distribution of steam at the inlet boundary will change the performance and stability. When the steam ingestion range is less than 90°, the steam ingestion area increases and the stability margin will decrease gradually. After 90°, the stability margin is almost unchanged. The difference between the calculated and experimental values of the stability margin reduction caused by steam ingestion is 0.87%. In addition, with the ingestion of high temperature steam, the blockage in the corresponding passages is intensified and the loss is increased, which leads to the occurrence of the stall in advance. It is evident that steam ingestion has a significant impact on compressor stability, ensuring that the steam mass fraction and steam ingestion range are close to the actual value.
Challenging contingency: Viruses and the nature of molecular life
Authors: Long Christopher
Published: November 2019

Understandings of the nature or inherent workings of molecular life in the field of biopolitical security studies have today been characterized predominantly in terms of contingency. This article challenges this characterization. It does so by identifying a particular logic of operation that organizes political action and intervention at both the level of the population and the molecular in response to the threats of smallpox, Ebola and pandemic influenza. It argues that, in fact, rather than securing by instantiating a general economy of the contingent, governing practices rely upon the characterization of the nature of molecular life in terms of its constant biological dynamics. Governments around the world, and the US government in particular, have reacted to the increased likelihood of the emergence of disease through the stockpiling of new pharmaceuticals, including the antivirals ST-246, ZMapp and Tamiflu. Antivirals represent a pharmaceutical tool stockpiled by governments to ensure that they can respond to the emergence of novel biological threats. The characterization of the nature of molecular life in terms of its constant biological dynamics is so important, then, as it is this that underpins political programmes of preparedness that utilize antivirals in the prevention of disease.
Dr E W Price, the discoverer of podoconiosis
Authors: Vernon Gervase
Published: November 2019

A straightforward biography of Dr E W Price, the discoverer of podoconiosis, a medical missionary who was also the first to elucidate plantar ulcers in leprosy.
Invisibilizing Eurasia: How North–South Dichotomization Marginalizes Post-Soviet Scholars in International Research Collaborations
Authors: Kuzhabekova Aliya
Published: November 2019

Despite the growing complexity and multidimensionality of the system of international research collaborations, the colonial discourse casting the collaborative relationships in terms of polarized North–South antitheses persists and continues to exert influence on the nature of power distribution in the relationships, as well as on the conceptualization of some players in the relationship as superior donors, whereas others as inferior recipients. In this article, I demonstrate how dichotomic representation of the geopolitical entities involved in international research collaboration fails to acknowledge the existence and marginalizes a large and extremely talented academic community of Eurasian scholars, which has the potential to enrich and transform the global knowledge system if it becomes more actively and authoritatively involved in the international system of ideas exchange and knowledge generation. I argue that this invisibilization of post-Soviet research community is part of the logic of postcolonial governmentality, which creates the demand and draws the post-Soviet world into international trade in knowledge-related expert services, whereby profits and benefits from the trade are reaped by the countries, which self-categorize as the North, while undermining the potential of the former Soviet scholarly community to contribute to global knowledge production on equal terms.
Comparison of detection methods for Salmonella enterica shedding among reptilian patients at a veterinary teaching hospital
Authors: Fagre Anna C. , Pabilonia Kristy L. , Johnston Matthew S. , Morley Paul S. , Burgess Brandy A.
Published: November 2019

In the United States, ~1.4 million sporadic human Salmonella enterica infections occur annually, with an estimated 6% attributable to reptile exposure. Detection of Salmonella in reptiles can be challenging given the limitations among detection methods. We evaluated sampling and detection methods for S. enterica in a cross-sectional study of reptilian patients ( n = 45) over the course of 13 mo. Two sampling methods (cloacal swabs, electrostatic cloth body-feet samples) and 3 detection methods (enriched culture, lateral flow immunoassay [LFI], real-time PCR) were compared using McNemar and Fisher exact tests. Results varied by species, sample type, and detection method. In total, 14 of 45 (33%) patients were positive by culture, 10 of 45 (22%), and/or 13 of 45 (29%) by rtPCR. Among rtPCR-positive results, cloacal swabs (12 of 45 [27%]) resulted in a higher detection than body-feet wipes (4 of 45 [9%]; p = 0.01). Among culture-positive results, shedding was most commonly detected after additional incubation at room temperature when testing cloacal swabs (9 of 45 [20%]). However, there was significant disagreement between sampling methods (cloacal vs. body-feet; p = 0.03). No samples were positive by LFI. In general, cloacal swabs yielded the highest test-positive rates, irrespective of testing method. Our study highlights the importance of using detection methods optimized for the sample being tested.
Inhibition monitoring in veterinary molecular testing
Authors: Yan Lifang , Toohey-Kurth Kathy L. , Crossley Beate M. , Bai Jianfa , Glaser Amy L. , Tallmadge Rebecca L. , Goodman Laura B.
Published: November 2019

Many of the sample matrices typically used for veterinary molecular testing contain inhibitory factors that can potentially reduce analytic sensitivity or produce false-negative results by masking the signal produced by the nucleic acid target. Inclusion of internal controls in PCR-based assays is a valuable strategy not only for monitoring for PCR inhibitors, but also for monitoring nucleic acid extraction efficiency, and for identifying technology errors that may interfere with the ability of an assay to detect the intended target. The Laboratory Technology Committee of the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians reviewed the different types of internal controls related to monitoring inhibition of PCR-based assays, and provides information here to encourage veterinary diagnostic laboratories to incorporate PCR internal control strategies as a routine quality management component of their molecular testing.
Nurse–Patient Connectedness and Nurses’ Professional Quality of Life: Experiences of Volunteering at a Pediatric Oncology Camp
Authors: Cherven Brooke , Jordan Dorothy , Hale Sally , Wetzel Martha , Travers Curtis , Smith Kylie
Published: November 2019

Objective: Pediatric oncology nurses can experience burnout, vicarious traumatization, and compassion fatigue related to the unique stressors of their profession. Opportunities to enhance nurses’ professional commitment and nurse–patient connectedness may mitigate these stressors. This study explored the impact of volunteering at a local oncology camp on pediatric oncology nurses’ professional quality of life and connectedness with their oncology patients. Method and Sample: Pediatric oncology nurses from a single institution were invited to participate in this mixed methods study. Participants completed a survey assessing professional quality of life, professional commitment, and patient connectedness. Nurses who had oncology camp volunteer experience were invited to participate in a qualitative interview. Results: Compared with noncamp nurses ( n = 23), camp nurses ( n = 25) had increased odds of a low burnout score (odds ratio = 6.74, 95% confidence interval [1.10, 41.43], p = .039) and increased odds of a high compassion satisfaction score (odds ratio = 4.69, 95% confidence interval [1.14, 19.32], p = .033). Qualitative interviews supported the impact of volunteering at camp on nurses’ personal and professional perspective, nursing practice, and delivery of person-centered care. Conclusion: Volunteering at a pediatric oncology camp provided nurses the opportunity to engage with patients, share experiences, and view patients as individuals while still maintaining professional boundaries. Nurses who volunteer at camp described a perspective moving beyond patient-centered to person-centered care, and for some pediatric oncology nurses, camp volunteering may be a novel way to mitigate burnout and an important tool to enhance resiliency.
High Dietary Sodium Intake is Associated with Shorter Event-Free Survival in Patients with Heart Failure and Comorbid Diabetes
Authors: Saleh Zyad T. , Lennie Terry A. , Alhurani Abdullah S. , Almansour Issa M. , Alduraidi Hamza , Moser Debra K.
Published: November 2019

The aim was to determine whether 24-hour urine sodium excretion predicted event-free survival of patients with heart failure (HF) and diabetes mellitus (DM). Twenty-four hour urine sodium, as an indicator of dietary sodium, was collected from 107 patients with HF and comorbid DM. Patients were followed for a median period of 337 days to determine time to the first event of either all-cause hospitalization or cardiac-related mortality. There were 44 patients (41%) who had an event of death or hospitalization. Cox regression showed that higher urine sodium (>3.8 gm/day) was associated with 2.8 times greater risk for an event than lower urine sodium after controlling for age, gender, New York Heart Association class (I/II vs. III/IV), left ventricular ejection fraction, and body mass index. These data suggest that dietary sodium restriction may be beneficial for patients with HF and DM.
Tafamidis: A First-in-Class Transthyretin Stabilizer for Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Park Jonathan , Egolum Ugochukwu , Parker Shanea , Andrews Ebony , Ombengi David , Ling Hua
Published: November 2019

Objective: To review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of the selective transthyretin inhibitor tafamidis for transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). Data Sources: A PubMed (1966 to October 2019) and ClinicalTrials. gov search was conducted using the keywords tafamidis, Fx-1006A, Vyndaqel, and Vyndamax. Additional articles were identified from references. Study Selection and Data Extraction: We included English-language clinical studies evaluating the pharmacology, efficacy, or safety of tafamidis in humans for ATTR-CM. Data Synthesis: Tafamidis binds to the thyroxine-binding sites of the transthyretin tetramer and inhibits its dissociation into monomers, which is the rate-limiting step in the amyloidogenic process. Treatment with tafamidis was significantly associated with a significant reduction in mortality, lowered cardiovascular-related hospitalizations, less functional decline, and improved transthyretin stabilization compared with placebo. Additionally, tafamidis was found to have fewer adverse events, with no difference found compared with placebo. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Historically, symptomatic management for ATTR-CM was the only option, and the treatment of the underlying disease was limited to liver or heart transplantation. Tafamidis is the first medication approved for the treatment of ATTR-CM and the only medication that showed a reduction in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular-related hospitalizations in patients with amyloidosis. However, the role of tafamidis in patients with the New York Heart Association class III/IV heart failure or mutated transthyretin remains unclear. Conclusion: Tafamidis is an effective and safe oral medication for the treatment of the cardiomyopathy of transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis in adults to reduce cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular-related hospitalization.
Comparison of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes in Penile Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Associated Lesions: LCM-PCR Study of 87 Lesions in 8 Patients
Authors: Fernández-Nestosa María José , Guimerà Nuria , Sanchez Diego F. , Cañete-Portillo Sofía , Lobatti Antonella , Velazquez Elsa F. , Jenkins David , Quint Wim , Cubilla Antonio L.
Published: November 2019

Penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN) is currently classified in human papillomavirus (HPV)- and non-HPV-related subtypes with variable HPV genotypes. PeINs are frequently associated with other intraepithelial lesions in the same specimen. The aim of this study was to detect and compare HPV genotypes in PeINs and associated lesions using high-precision laser capture microdissection-polymerase chain reaction and p16INK4a immunostaining. We evaluated resected penile specimens from 8 patients and identified 33 PeINs and 54 associated lesions. The most common subtype was warty PeIN, followed by warty-basaloid and basaloid PeIN. Associated lesions were classical condylomas (17 cases), atypical classical condylomas (2 cases), flat condylomas (9 cases), atypical flat condylomas (6 cases), flat lesions with mild atypia (12 cases), and squamous hyperplasia (8 cases). After a comparison, identical HPV genotypes were found in PeIN and associated lesions in the majority of the patients (7 of 8 patients). HPV16 was the most common genotype present in both PeIN and corresponding associated lesion (50% of the patients). Nonspecific flat lesions with mild atypia, classical condylomas, and atypical condylomas were the type of associated lesions most commonly related to HPV16. Other high-risk HPV genotypes present in PeIN and associated nonspecific flat lesion with mild atypia were HPV35 and HPV39. In this study of HPV in the microenvironment of penile precancerous lesions, we identified identical high-risk HPV genotypes in PeIN and classical, flat, or atypical condylomas and, specially, in nonspecific flat lesions with mild atypia. It is possible that some of these lesions represent hitherto unrecognized precancerous lesions.
Undergraduates’ Disclosures of Unwanted Sexual Experiences: Who, Why, and When?
Authors: Fleming C. J. Eubanks , Muscari Emma C.
Published: November 2019

This study evaluated patterns of sexual assault disclosures as well as the response and impact of that response on assault survivors. The sample consisted of 217 undergraduates with a history of sexual assault (89.5% female, 76.5% Caucasian). Participants reported the order in which they disclosed and the nature and impact of the response they received. Results indicated that the majority of participants told close peers first and perceived the first response to be supportive. These findings are encouraging but also demonstrate the need for improving the response that an assault survivor receives.
Dimensional changes during shear without normal tractions (the Poynting effect) in nonlinear viscoelastic fiber-reinforced solids
Authors: Wineman Alan
Published: November 2019

When a rectangular block of a nonlinear material is subjected to a simple shearing deformation, specific normal tractions are required to ensure that the distances between the faces of the block, i.e. its dimensions, do not change. This work investigates the time-dependent dimensional changes during shear in the absence of these normal tractions (the Poynting effect) that occur in a block composed of an incompressible nonlinearly viscoelastic fiber-reinforced solid. The material is modeled using the Pipkin–Rogers nonlinear single integral constitutive equation for viscoelasticity. This constitutive equation is used because (1) it exhibits the essential features of nonlinear viscoelasticity; (2) it is straightforward to include the material symmetry restrictions due to the reinforcing fibers. A system of nonlinear Volterra integral equations is formulated for the dimensional changes in the block. Numerical solutions are presented for the case when the standard reinforcing model for nonlinearly elastic fiber-reinforced materials is incorporated in the Pipkin–Rogers constitutive framework. The results illustrate how the time-dependent dimensional changes depend on the fiber orientation and the viscoelastic properties of the fibers relative to those of the matrix.
Equilibrium paths of a three-bar truss in finite elasticity with an application to graphene
Authors: Pelliciari Matteo , Tarantino Angelo Marcello
Published: November 2019

This paper presents the formulation of the equilibrium problem of a three-bar truss in the nonlinear context of finite elasticity. The bars are composed of a homogeneous, isotropic, and compressible hyperelastic material. The equilibrium equations in the deformed configuration are derived under the assumption of homogeneous deformations and the stability of the solutions is assessed through the energy criterion. The general formulation is then specialized for a compressible Mooney–Rivlin material. The results for both vertical and horizontal load cases show unexpected post-critical behaviors involving several branches, stable asymmetrical configurations, bifurcation, and snap-through. The three-bar truss studied here is not only a benchmark test for the numerical analysis of nonlinear truss structures, but also a representative system for the unit cell of the graphene hexagonal lattice. Therefore, an application to graphene is performed by simulating the covalent bonds between carbon atoms as the bars of the truss, characterized by the modified Morse potential. The results provide insights on the internal mechanisms that take place when graphene undergoes large in-plane deformations, whose influence should be considered when developing molecular mechanics and continuum models in nonlinear elasticity.
A Kirchhoff plate formulation in a state-based peridynamic framework
Authors: Yang Zhenghao , Vazic Bozo , Diyaroglu Cagan , Oterkus Erkan , Oterkus Selda
Published: November 2019

In recent years, there has been rapid progress on peridynamics. It has been applied to many different material systems, used for coupled field analysis and is suitable for multi-scale analysis. This study mainly focuses on peridynamic analysis for plate-type structures. For this purpose, a new peridynamic Kirchhoff plate is developed. The new formulation is computationally efficient by having only one degree of freedom for each material point. Moreover, it is based on the state-based peridynamic formulation, which does not impose any limitation on material constants. After presenting how to impose simply supported and clamped boundary conditions in this new formulation, several numerical studies are considered to demonstrate the accuracy and capability of the proposed formulation.
Exploration of Tourist Activities in Urban Destination Using Venue Check-In Data
Authors: Vu Huy Quan , Luo Jian Ming , Li Gang , Law Rob
Published: November 2019

Understanding the differences and similarities in the activities of tourists from various cultures is important for tourism managers to develop appropriate plans and strategies that could support urban tourism marketing and managements. However, tourism managers still face challenges in obtaining such understanding because the traditional approach of data collection, which relies on survey and questionnaires, is incapable of capturing tourist activities at a large scale. In this article, we present a method for the study of tourist activities based on a new type of data, venue check-ins. The effectiveness of the presented approach is demonstrated through a case study of a major tourism country, France. Analysis based on a large-scale data set from 19 tourism cities in France reveals interesting differences and similarities in the activities of tourists from 14 markets (countries). Valuable insights are provided for various urban tourism applications.
Giant brachial artery aneurysm as a rare complication of a dialysis shunt
Authors: Schilling Elisa Maria , Weinrich Malte , Heller Thomas , Koball Sebastian , Neumann Andreas
Published: November 2019

Our patient exhibited a large tumor on his right upper arm where his former dialysis access site had been. X-ray, Doppler ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging scan could not fully reveal the nature of that tumor. Eventually, a surgical approach showed a giant aneurysm of the inflowing brachial artery to a partially obliterated arteriovenous fistula. This case highlights the importance of ongoing care for patients with arteriovenous shunts. Even arteriovenous fistulas, that are obliterated or no longer in use, can, especially when immunosuppressant therapy and other vascular risk factors are added to the overall cardiovascular risk, transform and endanger the health of our patients.
Feel at Home. Vietnamese Immigrants in Poland
Authors: Brzozowska Agnieszka , Postuła Agnieszka
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we develop the concept of home, presenting an example of Vietnamese entrepreneurs running their business in Poland. This subject is peculiar to the perspective of immigrants, who have already left their home country and need to establish themselves in a new place. We base our study on material gathered from four sources: a broad ethnographic study, non-participant and direct observation of Vietnamese places in Poland, photographs taken in Poland and Vietnam, and interviews. We argue that the concept of home is extremely broad and is represented by immigrants in diverse ways. After our analysis, we propose a deeper understanding of the activities of immigrants and their ways of acculturation.
Public opinion on crime, punishment and the death penalty in Barbados
Authors: Black Lynsey , Seal Lizzie , Seemungal Florence
Published: November 2019

The bulk of extant research on public opinion on crime and punishment is focused on Global North nations. This article contributes a new perspective to the literature on punitivism by examining public opinion on crime, punishment and the death penalty in Barbados. The article presents insights from exploratory focus group research conducted in Barbados in 2017. These findings are particularly relevant as Barbadian lawmakers navigate reform of the nation’s death penalty law. While the focus groups reveal anxieties that echo those identified in other jurisdictions, related to nostalgia for the past and concern regarding social order for instance, they also demonstrate the specific relevance of time and place. Using approaches from Caribbean Criminology and drawing on post-colonial perspectives, the article examines the context of views on punishment in Barbados, including perceptions of ‘neo-colonial’ interference and concerns about what can be lost in the process of ‘progress’.
Walking the line: lines, embodiment and movement on the Jordan Trail
Authors: Mason Olivia
Published: November 2019

This article explores the relationship between movement and cultural politics through a long-distance walking trail – the Jordan Trail. The Jordan Trail is a 650-km trail running the length of Jordan from its northern border with the occupied Golan Heights to the Red Sea. While cultural geography has increasingly engaged with walking, the actual line that is walked along has been neglected. Lines can be violent and destructive. This is exemplified by the drawing of the borders of the Jordanian state, under the British Mandate period following the breakdown of the Ottoman Empire. Lines can impose power on a place, therefore, when defined by a state. In Jordan, these state-drawn lines have created divisions where none have previously existed and have severed movement, particularly Bedouin movement. The Jordan Trail, however, has the possibility to rethink and recapture movement, particularly movement erased by the state. This is where I suggest cultural geographical approaches to lines are important in paying attention to the more experiential and ongoing nature of place. The lines of the Jordan Trail can be created by the movement of a body over the ground, they can be invisible to the human eye and instead told through stories, or they can be the recording of Global Positioning Services (GPS) coordinates. This article is based on 12 months of ethnographic research walking on the Jordan Trail and volunteering for the Jordan Trail Association and as such argues for more embedded explorations of movement and cultural politics in Jordan. I argue that a relationship between movement and cultural politics at the embodied and everyday scale can be explored by attending to the line of a walking trail. The Jordan Trail can highlight the violence of state creation and particularly the imposition of state drawn lines in Jordan and the movements they have cut off and the Trail can also capture embodied accounts of movement and place in which Bedouin and everyday accounts matter.
Working Visually, Mapping Artfully: Taskscapes of the K-12 Beginning Art Teacher
Authors: Nolte-Yupari Samantha T.
Published: November 2019

Drawing from qualitative research using participatory hand-drawn maps of beginning art teachers, I consider the ways hand-drawn maps are both artistic and contribute to a social justice agenda of hearing unheard voices. I employ anthropologist Tim Ingold’s discussion of taskscape and craftsmanship with arts educator Elliot Eisner’s discussion of craft in teaching to understand the emplaced experiences of four art teachers in K-12 environments. I reflect on qualities of the mapping process and the ways in which hand-drawn maps draw out the unacknowledged stories that affect teachers’ relationships with the power structures, social hierarchies, and cultures of schools.
Comparison of Urinary Alzheimer-Associated Neural Thread Protein (AD7c-NTP) Levels Between Patients With Amnestic and Nonamnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Ku Bon D. , Kim Hyeyun , Kim Yong Kyun , Ryu Han Uk
Published: November 2019

Urinary Alzheimer-associated neural thread protein (AD7c-NTP) is a potential biomarker of Alzheimer disease (AD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It is still unclear whether the urinary levels of AD7c-NTP are different between patients with amnestic MCI (aMCI) and nonamnestic MCI (naMCI). The present study aimed to explore the differences in urinary levels of AD7c-NTP between patients with aMCI and naMCI. Forty-six patients with MCI were divided into aMCI group (n = 23) and naMCI group (n = 23). The mean level of urinary AD7c-NTP in the aMCI group (32.75 ± 10.0 µg/mL) was significantly higher than that in the naMCI group (25.34 ± 9.0 µg/mL; P = .011). As far as we know, the present study is the first to show that individuals with aMCI have higher levels of urinary AD7c-NTP than those with naMCI, suggesting that urinary AD7c-NTP may be a potential biomarker to help identify patients with aMCI and naMCI.
Multimodal Imaging of Nonenhancing Glioblastoma Regions
Authors: John Flóra , Robinette Natasha L. , Amit-Yousif Alit J. , Bosnyák Edit , Barger Geoffrey R. , Shah Keval D. , Mittal Sandeep , Juhász Csaba
Published: November 2019

Background:

Clinical glioblastoma treatment mostly focuses on the contrast-enhancing tumor mass. Amino acid positron emission tomography (PET) can detect additional, nonenhancing glioblastoma-infiltrated brain regions that are difficult to distinguish on conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We combined MRI with perfusion imaging and amino acid PET to evaluate such nonenhancing glioblastoma regions.

Methods:

Structural MRI, relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) maps from perfusion MRI, and α-[11C]-methyl-l-tryptophan (AMT)-PET images were analyzed in 20 patients with glioblastoma. The AMT uptake and rCBV (expressed as tumor to normal [T/N] ratios) were compared in nonenhancing tumor portions showing increased signal on T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (T2/FLAIR) images.

Results:

Thirteen (65%) tumors showed robust heterogeneity in nonenhancing T2/FLAIR hyperintense areas on AMT-PET, whereas the nonenhancing regions in the remaining 7 cases had homogeneous AMT uptake (low in 6, high in 1). AMT and rCBV T/N ratios showed only a moderate correlation in the nonenhancing regions ( r = 0.41, P = .017), but regions with very low rCBV (<0.79 T/N ratio) had invariably low AMT uptake.

Conclusions:

The findings demonstrate the metabolic and perfusion heterogeneity of nonenhancing T2/FLAIR hyperintense glioblastoma regions. Amino acid PET imaging of such regions can detect glioma-infiltrated brain for treatment targeting; however, very low rCBV values outside the contrast-enhancing tumor mass make increased AMT uptake in nonenhancing glioblastoma regions unlikely.
A Scoping Review on the Use of Antibiotic-Impregnated Beads and Applications to Vascular Surgery
Authors: McGuinness Brandon , Ali Khatija Pinky , Phillips Steven , Stacey Michael
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Surgical site infection (SSI) presents a ubiquitous concern to surgical specialties, especially in the presence of prosthetic material. Antibiotic-impregnated beads present a novel and evolving means to combat this condition. This review aims to analyze the quality of evidence and methods of antibiotic bead use, particularly for application within vascular surgery.

Methods:

A systematic scoping review was conducted within Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Registry of Randomized Controlled Trials. Articles were evaluated by 2 independent reviewers. Level of evidence was evaluated using the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine Criteria and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Controlled Trials.

Results:

The search yielded 6951 papers, with 275 included for final analysis. Publications increased in frequency from 1978 to the present. The most common formulation was polymethyl methacrylate; however publications on biodegradable formulations, including calcium sulfate beads, have been published with increasing frequency. Most publications had positive conclusions (94.2%); however, the data was mainly subjective and may be prone to publication bias. Only 11 randomized controlled trials were identified and all but one was evaluated to be at a high risk of bias. The most common indication was for osteomyelitis (52%), orthopedic prosthetic infections (20%), and trauma (9%). Within vascular surgery, beads have been used primarily for the treatment of graft infection, with freedom from recurrence rates being reported from 41% to 87.5%.

Conclusions:

Antibiotic-impregnated beads provide a means to deliver high doses of antibiotic directly to a surgical site, without the risks of parenteral therapy. There has yet to be significant high-level quality data published on their use. There is a large body of evidence that suggests antibiotic beads may be used in SSIs in high-risk patients, prosthetic infections, and other complex surgical infections. Important potential areas of application in vascular surgery include graft infection, prevention of wound infection in high-risk patients, and diabetic foot infection.
Do social media create revolutions? Using Twitter sentiment analysis for predicting the Maidan Revolution in Ukraine
Authors: Sabatovych Iana
Published: November 2019

A wide variety of social media platforms have become integral to contemporary forms of social engagement, including mass protests. Twitter is considered specifically indicative of public attitudes in this regard. This study attempts to examine the feasibility of using Twitter sentiment analysis to predict the 2014 revolution in Ukraine. Tweets representing public opinion are clustered by means of the ‘StreamKM++’ algorithm into three classes (likely, neutral and unlikely). The resulting prediction model for the three classes (using Naïve Bayes) was 96.75 per cent. As such, this study offers a promising way to perform an online prediction of social movements.
Fourth-order iterative method without calculating the higher derivatives for nonlinear equation
Authors: Li Shengfeng
Published: November 2019

In this paper, we present firstly several one-step iterative methods including classical Newton’s method and Halley’s method for root-finding problem based on Thiele’s continued fraction. Secondly, by using approximants of the second derivative and the third derivative, we obtain an improved iterative method, which is not only two-step iterative method but also avoids calculating the higher derivatives of the function. Analysis of its convergence shows that the order of convergence of the modified iterative method is four for a simple root of the equation. Finally, to illustrate the efficiency and performance of the proposed method, we give some numerical experiments and comparison.
Role of neutrophils in tuberculosis: A bird's eye view
Authors: Hilda J Nancy , Das Sulochana , Tripathy Srikanth P , Hanna Luke Elizabeth
Published: November 2019

Neutrophils are innate immune cells implicated in the process of killing Mycobacterium tuberculosis early during infection. Once the mycobacteria enter the human system, neutrophils sense and engulf them. By secreting bactericidal enzymes and α-defensins like human neutrophil peptides loaded in their granule armory, neutrophils kill the pathogen. Peripheral blood neutrophils secrete a wide range of cytokines like IL-8, IL-1-β and IFN-γ in response to mycobacterial infection. Thus they signal and activate distant immune cells thereby informing them of prevailing infection. The activated monocytes, dendritic cells and T cells further continue the immune response. As a final call, neutrophils release neutrophil extracellular traps in circulation which can trap mycobacteria in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Extensive neutrophilic response is associated with inflammation, pulmonary destruction, and pathology. For example, inappropriate phagocytosis of mycobacteria-infected neutrophils can damage host cells due to necrosis of neutrophils, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. This dual nature of neutrophils makes them double-edged swords during tuberculosis, and hence data available on neutrophil functions against mycobacterium are controversial and non-uniform. This article reviews the role of neutrophils in tuberculosis infection and highlights research gaps that need to be addressed. We focus on our understanding of new research ideologies targeting neutrophils (a) in the early stages of infection for boosting specific immune functions or (b) in the later stages of infection to prevent inflammatory conditions mediated by activated neutrophils. This would plausibly lead to the development of better tuberculosis vaccines and therapeutics in the future.
Diamonds and Daisies: Floristics and Conservation of Asteraceae in One of Brazil’s Major Centers of Endemism
Authors: Chaves Daniel Augusto , Ribeiro-Silva Suelma , Rivera Vanessa Lopes , Bringel João Bernardo Azevedo , Nakajima Jimi Naoki , de Medeiros Marcelo Brilhante , Proença Carolyn
Published: November 2019

Brazilian rupestrian grasslands (campos rupestres) are old, climatically buffered infertile landscapes, which support many endemic species. Asteraceae show the high levels of plant endemism and contain more endangered species than any other family in Brazil. Here, we evaluated the complementarity of two protected areas for the conservation of endangered Asteraceae along the Espinhaço Mountain range, Southeast Brazil. Specifically, we investigated if the known endangered Asteraceae flora of the Diamantina District Plateau (38 species) occurs in two protected areas, Rio Preto State Park and Sempre Vivas National Park, and if these areas are complimentary or overlapping in protecting endangered Asteraceae species. To survey Asteraceae, we used a standardized RAPELD protocol (21 1 ha plots) and traditional floristic collecting (117 ha polygon/32 days/average team = 2.1 collectors) across different habitats and altitudes within both areas. RAPELD protocol recorded 115 species in a sample of 12,775 individuals of Asteraceae. Traditional floristic collecting recorded 172 species in a sample of 613 collections. Seventy-nine percent of endangered species known to occur within the Plateau were recollected by either RAPELD or traditional floristic collecting. Only 13% of endangered Asteraceae flora was common to both protected areas; 47% occur in Rio Preto State Park and 34% in Sempre Vivas National Park; combined, they recorded 68% of the endangered Plateau Asteraceae flora; only one critically endangered species was recorded. The two parks are complimentary but insufficient to protect the endangered Asteraceae flora of the Plateau; the uneven distribution of endangered species in the Diamantina District Plateau is a threat to their conservation.
Development Corridors and Remnant-Forest Conservation in Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Sloan Sean , Alamgir Mohammed , Campbell Mason J. , Setyawati Titiek , Laurance William F.
Published: November 2019

Road-infrastructure development in Southeast Asia is opening new resource frontiers but also consolidating earlier investments in agriculture and trade, as illustrated by the 2,700-km Trans-Sumatra Highway planned for Sumatra, Indonesia. In contrast to earlier broadscale forest losses in Sumatra, driven historically in Sumatra infrastructure and agricultural expansion, the Trans-Sumatra Highway would largely affect remnant forests. We identify Kerinci Seblat National Park and its surrounds, the Leuser Ecosystem, and the Batang Toru area as three remnant-forest areas critical to Sumatra’s ecological integrity and facing conservation challenges that would be significantly aggravated by the Trans-Sumatra Highway. If completed as planned, the highway will promote human incursions into the fringes of these areas. New Indonesian regulations concerning road developments in forests are unlikely to prevent such outcomes. The regulations afford weaker protections to ungazetted and noncore protected forests, which typify remnant-forest areas threatened by infrastructure expansion and are often critical for species conservation. We urge that ungazetted protected forests be given equal priority to gazetted protected forests in regard to conservation planning for road development, and also that gazetted forests be expanded in the Leuser Ecosystem and Batang Toru area to hedge against further incursions. Without such provisions, recent legal challenges to road developments in Sumatra’s remnant forests have often been unsuccessful. The Trans-Sumatra Highway may conceivably promote an effective legal alliance between conservationists and agricultural communities threatened with land expropriation, given that nearly half of the highway’s route remains pending contentious land-acquisition processes.