bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-world evidence for carfilzomib dosing intensity on overall survival and treatment progression in multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Raje Noopur , Medhekar Rohan , Panjabi Sumeet , Hines Dionne M , Wang Xin , Iskander Karim , Welliver Tim , Wade Rolin L , Ailawadhi Sikander
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Carfilzomib dosing as a single agent or in combination with dexamethasone (Kd) has evolved from the initial 27 mg/m2 twice-weekly (legacy dose), to more recently approved doses of 56 mg/m2 twice-weekly and 70 mg/m2 once-weekly (optimized doses). The objective of this study was to evaluate the overall survival (OS), and time to next treatment (TTNT) among multiple myeloma patients treated with Kd optimized vs legacy doses.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients receiving Kd between 01/01/2013–07/31/2017 was conducted using IQVIA’s oncology electronic medical records database. Kd dose was estimated based on body surface area. OS was measured from the Kd-initiation date until death. TTNT was defined as the time from Kd-initiation until the start of subsequent treatment. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox models were used to evaluate OS and TTNT.

Results

Of the 1,469 patients evaluated, 129 (8.8%) received optimized dose and 1,340 (91.2%) received legacy dose. Risk of mortality was 64% lower for patients receiving the optimized doses (HR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.178–0.745). Patients receiving the optimized doses had significantly longer TTNT compared to patients receiving the legacy dose (median TTNT: 17.5 months [95% CI: 14.8-NE] and 13.2 months, [95% CI: 12.4–14.4], respectively; p = 0.023), and 33% lower risk of progressing to the subsequent treatment (HR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.48–0.93).

Conclusions

Patient outcomes could be improved if eligible MM patients are treated with the optimized, recently approved Kd doses (56 mg/m2 twice-weekly and 70 mg/m2 once-weekly).
A retrospective observational study of a low fixed-dose rasburicase protocol for the treatment of tumor lysis syndrome in adults
Authors: Hossain Shahrier , Naber Martha , Yacobucci Matthew J
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Tumor lysis syndrome is an oncologic emergency characterized by hyperuricemia. Previous studies have demonstrated that a fixed-dose strategy of rasburicase is as effective as the FDA approved weight-based dose. Albany Medical Center employs rasburicase 1.5 mg in patients with a uric acid (UA) between 8 and 12 mg/dL and 3 mg for UA above12 mg/dL.We aimed to evaluate the UA lowering effectiveness and provider adherence to the institutional protocol, as well as the cost-efficiency of this dosing strategy.

Methods

This is a single center, retrospective, cohort study. The electronic medical record was used to identify patients receiving rasburicase and to collect baseline demographic and laboratory data. The fixed-dose strategies of rasburicase 1.5 mg and 3 mg were compared in their degree of UA reduction and clinical outcomes. Cost-savings of fixed-dosing was compared to the FDA-approved weight-based dose.

Results

Mean UA reduction in the 1.5 mg group (n = 49) from baseline to 24 hours was 2.88 ± 0.88 mg/dL (p < 0.0001) and 4.83 ± 1.39 mg/dL (p < 0.0001) in the 3 mg group (n = 105). A subgroup analysis of patients who received per protocol initial doses of rasburicase showed a mean reduction in UA from baseline to 24 hours of 2.83 ± 0.62 mg/dL in the 1.5 mg group (n = 42) and 6.12 ± 1.87 mg/dL in the 3 mg group (n = 42). Using a low fixed-dose approach resulted in a cost-savings of $138,077.30 annually.

Conclusion

Low fixed-dose rasburicase was an effective treatment, with a dose of 1.5 mg being sufficient to reach a goal UA of less than 8 mg/dL for serum UA levels below 12 mg/dL, while a 3 mg dose is appropriate for levels above 12 mg/dL. Cost analysis indicates this strategy is more cost-efficient than the FDA-approved weight-based dose.
Bioavailability and radical scavenging power of phenolic compounds of cocoa and coffee mixtures
Authors: Acosta-Otálvaro Elly , Domínguez-Perles Raúl , Mazo-Rivas Juan Camilo , García-Viguera Cristina
Published: June 2021

Cocoa and coffee are natural sources of phenolic compounds, which are degraded during beans processing of both. For this reason, there is an interest in obtaining extracts of these bio compounds. The aim of this study was uncovering the radical scavenging activity (AC) of mixtures of cocoa and coffee extracts, and the bioavailability of their phenolic compounds, resorting to in vitro models: DPPH and ORAC antioxidant methods, and the characterization of the trans-epithelial transport of cocoa and coffee phenolics through Caco-2 cells monolayer model of the intestinal barrier. The cocoa displayed a higher AC than the coffee regarding both DPPH and ORAC assays, while the mixtures increased in parallel with the percentage of cocoa in the blends. The combination index was calculated to set up the type of interaction in the cocoa-coffee mixtures, obtaining that the mixture 25:75 was moderately antagonistic, 50:50 nearly additive, and 75:25 slightly synergistic. The absorption efficiency of the cocoa phenolic compounds was between 87.9%–97.4%, in the coffee compounds was 100%. The mixtures varied according to the proportion of cocoa and coffee. The results obtained allowed concluding that the phenolic compounds present in cocoa and coffee, respectively, are featured by high bioavailability and a valuable antioxidant capacity, while no pattern was found in the mixtures concerning the real benefit of using them combined.
Rhabdomyosarcoma: How Advanced Molecular Methods Are Shaping the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Paradigm
Authors: Giannikopoulos Petros , Parham David M
Published: June 2021

For the past 40 years, progress in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) has been focused on understanding its molecular basis and characterizing the mutations that drive its tumorigenesis and progression. Genetic predisposition to RMS has allowed discovery of key genetic pathways and driver mutations. Subclassification of RMS into embryonal (ERMS) and alveolar (ARMS) subtypes has shifted from histology to PAX-FOXO1 fusion status, and new driver mutations have been found in spindle cell RMS. Comprehensive molecular profiling leveraging genome-scale next-generation sequencing (NGS) indicates that the RAS/RAF/PI3K axis is mutated in the majority of ERMS and modulated by downstream effects of PAX-FOXO1 fusions in ARMS. Because of the continued poor outcome of high-risk RMS, a variety of molecular targets have been or are now being tested in current or recent therapy trials. New techniques such as single cell sequencing, spatial multi-omics, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing offer potential for further discovery, but a need for clinically annotated specimens persists.
Effects of plasma atherogenic index and plasma osmolality on arteriovenous fistula patency in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Güven Cengiz , Pala Arda Aybars , Urcun Yusuf Salim
Published: June 2021

Background:

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of Plasma atherogenic index (AIP) and plasma osmolality (PO) values on arteriovenous fistula (AVF) patency in patients with chronic renal failure.

Methods:

The patients with primary AVF between December 2012 and March 2020 with the diagnosis of end-stage renal disease in our clinic were included in the study. The patient data were collected retrospectively in digital medium. Diabetic patients were not included in the study. The Triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), sodium (Na), fasting blood glucose, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) values were found and recorded from the files. AIP and PO were calculated with special formulas. Fistula patency rate in 6th, 12th, and 24th months were evaluated in 2-year follow-ups.

Results:

According to the results of two-year follow-ups of the 162 patients, who underwent primary AVF, 21 (13%) patients were found to have thrombosis in the 6th month, 33 (20.4%) patients in the 12th month; however,141 (87%) and 129 (79.6%) patients actively used AVF in the 6th and 12th months, respectively. The AIP and PO values that were calculated in the patient group with AVF thrombosis were significantly higher ( p = 0.001, p < 0.001; respectively). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, Na, BUN, and HDL-C variables were found to be independent predictive factors for AVF thrombosis (OR (Odds Ratio): 1.169, 95% CI (Confidence interval)): 1.056–1.294, p = 0.003; OR: 1.108, 95% CI: 1.043–1.176, p = 0.001; OR: 0.874, 95% CI: 0.820–0.932, p < 0.001; respectively). It was also found that the patency rate was 64.2% (104 patients) in the 24th month.

Conclusion:

AIP, PO, Na, and BUN values are positively associated with AVF thrombosis. Checking AIP, Na, and BUN values will be useful in patients with end-term renal failure, who already have difficulties in renal replacement methods and vascular access.
Effect of taurolidine citrate and unfractionated heparin on inflammatory state and dialysis adequacy in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Ezzat Haitham , Elsharkawy Magdy , Rezk Khaled , Mohsen Reem , Mansour Amr , Emara Ahmed
Published: June 2021

Background and aim:

HD patients using dialysis catheters have been associated with chronic inflammatory state. In Egypt 6.6% of HD patients use catheters, of which short term catheters represent 59.6% and 40.4% with long-term catheters. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of Taurolidine citrate and unfractionated heparin combination (Taurolock-hep500™) as a lock solution compared to unfractionated heparin alone on inflammatory markers, incidence of catheter related blood stream infections (CRBSI) and dialysis adequacy in HD patients with temporary HD catheters only, for 4 weeks duration.

Methods:

Sixty ESRD patients from hemodialysis units in Ain-Shams University hospitals (ASUH) at the time of catheter insertion we enrolled in our study. They were randomized into two groups: Group 1: Thirty patients received Taurolock-hep500™ as a catheter lock solution at the end of each hemodialysis session. Group 2: Thirty patients received unfractionated heparin as a catheter lock solution. hsCRP and IL-6 were measured at baseline and 1 month after using the lock solutions. Blood cultures were done in patients who developed symptoms of catheter related infections.

Results:

At the end of the study, Inflammatory markers were significantly higher in group 2 ( p-value: 0.045, 0.001, and 0.018 for WBCs, hsCRP and IL-6, respectively). Group 1 had better dialysis adequacy assessed by URR ( p-value: 0.007 and 0.001, respectively). CRBSI were demonstrated in nine patients in group 2 (30%) in contrast to one patient only in group 1(3.3%) ( p-value: 0.006) with pseudomonas being the most common isolated organism (27.7%).

Conclusion:

Use of (Taurolock-hep500™) for temporary hemodialysis catheters was associated with lower levels of inflammation markers and lower incidence of CRBSI and better catheter performance.
A review of physical vapor deposition coatings for rolling bearings
Authors: Ma Yansheng , Hu Jiangfeng , Dong Xuecheng
Published: June 2021

Rolling bearings are critical in automotive engines, wind turbine drive trains, and numerous other mechanical systems. Rolling bearings can suffer from early failures, which result in high operation and maintenance costs. Surface engineering techniques, such as the application of coatings and additives for lubricants have been developed to improve the tribological performance of rolling bearings. In this article, the performance of physical vapor deposition coatings on components working under rolling/sliding contacts and rolling bearings is reviewed. The applications of physical vapor deposition coatings in the rolling bearing industry are summarized. The effects of coating thickness, coating mechanical properties, test conditions, coating bonding layer, and coating architecture on coating performance are discussed. At the end of the article, possible approaches to further improve the performance of physical vapor deposition coatings on rolling bearings are proposed.
An asymmetric examination of the environmental effect of tourism in China
Authors: Lee Chien-Chiang , Olasehinde-Williams Godwin O. , Ibikunle Joseph Afolabi
Published: June 2021

This article employs the non-linear autoregressive distributed lag model in analysing the environmental impact of tourism in China from 2002Q1 to 2018Q4, while controlling for non-renewable energy consumption, trade openness, urbanisation, per capita GDP and its quadratic form. The approach permits the simultaneous testing of non-linearities in the short and long run. This is achieved through negative and positive partial sum decompositions of the regressor of interest. Findings from the article indicate the following: (i) long-run co-movements exist between tourism activities and environmental performance in China, (ii) tourism activities considerably damage the environment in China, (iii) the environment responds to tourism in an asymmetric manner, such that the damage caused by increasing tourism is smaller than the positive environmental effect of decline in tourism. Thus, less tourism protects the environment faster than more tourism damages it. A supplementary non-parametric test for non-linear causality was also performed. The result further provides strong evidence of a non-linear feedback causality between tourism activities and environmental performance in China in the first moment (mean) and second moment (variance). Tourism (environmental performance) is thus a significant predictor of China’s environmental performance (tourism).
Family tourism: Interpersonal interaction, existential authenticity and quality of tourist experience
Authors: Chen Han , Jiao Yan , Li Xiaoyi , Zhang Kun
Published: June 2021

The functional value experience of family tourism has often been paid attention both by tourists themselves and the tourism industry, but the individual value experience of parents in family tourism has been neglected. Family tourism shifts the scenario of interpersonal interaction between families from home, the conventional environment, to a non-conventional one. This change in the interactive situation will inevitably bring about changes in interpersonal interaction behavior and individual perception, especially to tourists who take on the role of parents in a nuclear family. This study enriches the examination of the family tourism experience by exploring the interpersonal interaction, existential authenticity travel experiences, and quality of tourist experience perceived by parents in family tourism. The main findings are: 1) In the non-conventional environment of tourism, effective interaction between tourists and their families helps to improve tourists’ emotional experience and satisfaction; 2) Three aspects of existential authenticity are the internal causes of the impact of interpersonal interaction on emotional experience and satisfaction; 3) Differences in parental roles make important discrepancies between men and women’s perception of family tourism experiences. This study provides insights to understanding the family tourism market and brings valuable findings to the area of family tourism marketing and management.
Multiple sclerosis experiences of couples: Examination of patient and partner perspectives
Authors: Demirtepe-Saygılı Dilek
Published: June 2021

The study aims to investigate Multiple Sclerosis (MS) experiences of couples. Using a dyadic qualitative method, separate simultaneous interviews were conducted with 20 couples, including one partner with MS. The themes resulting from content analysis were examined in two categories: Convergent (anxiety about future, acceptance of MS and MS as an accelerator of the relationship) and divergent (sexual problems, the experience of MS symptoms, the priority of the problems and untold issues). The findings revealed shared and unique perspectives of partners in the illness process, having the potential to guide the psychosocial interventions for couples living with a chronic illness.
Exposure to socioenvironmental stress as a predictor of physical and mental health
Authors: Halling Meredith , Timmer-Murillo Sydney , Hunt Joshua C , Geier Timothy , Beyer Kirsten MM , Malecki Kristen M , deRoon-Cassini Terri A
Published: June 2021

The literature demonstrates links between socioenvironmental characteristics, dysregulation of the stress response system, and PTSD, though few studies integrate these factors in one model. In a secondary analysis of cross-sectional data collected by the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW), structural equation modeling evaluated the relationships between socioenvironmental stress, cumulative biological risk (CBR), and PTSD symptom severity. The model hypothesized that exposure to socioenvironmental stress was associated with PTSD and that this relationship is mediated by increased CBR. Indices suggest the model provided a good fit to the data and supported socioenvironmental stress and CBR as valid latent constructs. Although the association between CBR and PTSD was not found to be statistically significant in this study, socioenvironmental stress was a significant predictor of PTSD and CBR. Given the role of socioenvironmental factors on CBR and PTSD symptoms, providers need to better assess and incorporate social stressors within evaluation and treatment.
The need for a standardized conceptual term to describe invalidation of patient symptoms
Authors: Bontempo Allyson C
Published: June 2021

In this paper, I comment on a growing literature documenting that many patients perceive their symptoms have been dismissed, ignored, not taken seriously, not believed, etc. (i.e. invalidated) by healthcare providers. I provide a narrative review of research reporting on this patient-provider phenomenon, invalidation of patient symptoms, in various illness contexts in order to highlight the variability concerning how scholars have been referring to the seemingly same phenomenon. Next, I discuss the challenges this variability poses for scholarship, including how it precludes the ability to build on our understanding of how it contributes to the patient experience and related health outcomes. I conclude with recommendations for future research.
Professional development for science and engineering professors offering English-medium instruction
Authors: Kim Eun Gyong , Kweon Soo-Ok , Lee Jeong-Ah , Park Seonmin
Published: June 2021

English-medium instruction (EMI) has been implemented in higher-education institutions around the world. This study examines the states of EMI-related professional development (PD) for Korean science and engineering professors and their perceptions of such programs. Faculty members at the three major science and engineering schools in Korea participated in a questionnaire survey and the follow-up interviews. The results show that the vast majority of them had not participated in pre- or in-service PD programs and had negative attitudes towards certified EMI-related PD programs mainly due to their institution’s strong emphasis on their research performance rather than the quality of their teaching. The study offers suggestions for future directions of EMI-related PD at institutions with a similar tendency.
Validation of growth standards and growth references: A review of literature
Authors: Marume Anesu , Archary Moherndran , Mahomed Saajida
Published: June 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards provide the most recognized and widely accepted way of assessing child growth. To ensure its applicability, accuracy, and reliability, studies have validated WHO growth standards against local populations and other internationally recognized growth references. We reviewed outcomes of evaluations done on WHO growth standards and assess the appropriateness of using these growth standards on a global level. We undertook a systematic quantitative review of studies published from 2011 to 2020 from multiple databases. Studies were included if they considered children aged 59 months and below and reported on validation of growth standards. There was an agreement in studies that validated WHO growth standards against international growth references of its superiority in identifying stunted, overweight, and obese children. However, they were less likely to identify underweight children. None of the studies reviewed reported similar growth trajectories to WHO standards in all indicators considered. Regional differences in child growth were observed in comparison to WHO growth standards. Adoption of regional-specific standards increases the sensitivity of identifying children with adverse nutrition outcomes.
Psychedelic medicalization, public discourse, and the morality of ego dissolution
Authors: Gearin Alex K , Devenot Neşe
Published: June 2021

Emerging from a diverse and long history of shamanic and religious cultural practices, psychedelic substances are increasingly being foregrounded as medicines by an assemblage of scientific research groups, media institutions, government drug authorities, and patient and consumer populations. Considering scientific studies and recent popular media associated with the medicalization of psychedelic substances, this article responds to scholarly debates over the imbrication of scientific knowledge and moral discourse. It contends that, while scientific research into psychedelic medicine presents itself as amoral and objective, it often reverts to moral and political claims in public discourse. We illustrate how psychedelic medicine discourse in recent popular media in the United States and the United Kingdom is naturalizing specific moral and political orientations as pharmacological and healthy. The article traces how psychedelic substances have become ego-dissolving medicines invested with neoliberal and anti-authoritarian agency.
‘You are not my type’: The role of identity in evaluating democracy & human rights promotion
Authors: Tokdemir Efe
Published: June 2021

In this article, we examine the impact of the democracy and human rights promotion efforts that are supposed to bolster positive attitudes among the public abroad and act as a tool to reach hearts and minds. Yet, we suggest that a salient in-group versus out-group dichotomy within a society could activate a reactive devaluation bias, and hence, conditions how individuals perceive and react to foreign actors and their policies depending on the source country and its links with in- and out-groups within the target state. By employing an original public opinion survey from Lebanon, we find that identities, and the level of attachment to the identity, affect individuals’ attitudes towards human rights and democracy promotion efforts. Our results offer important policy implications: practitioners should comprehensively reconsider the benefits of hearts and minds tools, as pre-existing attitudes are the main drivers of how these policies will be evaluated by the public abroad.
The center-periphery cleavage and online political efficacy (OPE): Territorial and democratic divide in Chile, 2018–2020
Authors: Fierro Pedro , Aroca Patricio , Navia Patricio
Published: June 2021

Recent works have coined the term Online Political Efficacy (OPE) to assess the impact of Internet use on the perceived political empowerment of citizens. As the classic concept of political efficacy distinguishes between internal (IPE) and external (EPE) efficacies, we seek to confirm the usefulness of a new indicator of political efficacy for online engagement and assess the impact of the territory where people reside on OPE. Although OPE is mostly explained by the same determinants that account for IPE, the center-periphery divide influences OPE and IPE in opposite directions. Those who reside in the territorial—and political—periphery believe more strongly that they can use Internet to participate in public affairs (OPE), though they do not feel more competent in doing so (IPE). The democratizing power of Internet helps bridge the center-periphery social and political territorial divide.
The effect of shear web on the dynamic response of a wind turbine blade subjected to actual dynamic load
Authors: Sharma Tushar , Choudhury Santanu , Murari V , Shukla KK
Published: June 2021

The advent of wind turbines has enabled mankind to utilize renewable energy sources for the development of power. The blade being the most crucial part and the design of the same remains a challenge since it is subjected to dynamic loads due to the rotation of the blade along with unsteady wind velocity. The prediction of the dynamic wind loads acting on the blade is a difficult task and thus this has been analyzed in the present work. Two different approaches have been proposed to predict accurately the variation of the wind loads acting on the rotor using the unsteady blade element momentum theory. The effect of gravity has also been accounted for in computing the response of the structure. The effect of the position of shear web and the number of shear webs on the response of the structure has also been analyzed in the present work.
Simulation-based assessment of coupled frequency response of magneto-electro-elastic auxetic multifunctional structures subjected to various electromagnetic circuits
Authors: Mahesh Vinyas , Mahesh Vishwas , Harursampath Dineshkumar , Abouelregal Ahmed E
Published: June 2021

This article deals with the modeling of magneto-electro-elastic auxetic structures and developing a methodology in COMSOL Multiphysics® to assess the free vibration response of such structures when subjected to various electromagnetic circuit conditions. The triple energy interaction between elastic, magnetic, and electric fields are established in the COMSOL Multiphysics® using structural mechanics and electromagnetic modules. The multiphase magneto-electro-elastic material with different percentages of piezoelectric and piezomagnetic phases are used as the material. In the solid mechanics module, the piezoelectric and piezomagnetic materials were created in stress-charge and stress-magnetization forms, respectively. The electric and magnetic fields are defined in COMSOL Multiphysics® through electromagnetic equations. Further, the customized controlled meshing constituted of free tetrahedral and triangular elements is adapted to trade-off between the accuracy and the computational expenses. The eigenvalue analysis is performed to obtain the natural frequencies of the MEE re-entrant auxetic structures. Also, the efficiency of smart auxetic structures over conventional honeycomb structures is presented throughout the manuscript. In addition, the discrepancy in the natural frequencies of the structures considering coupled and uncoupled state is also illustrated. It is believed that the modeling procedure and its outcomes serve as benchmark solutions for further design and analysis of smart auxetic magneto-electro-elastic structures.
Disrupting Development? A Situated Perspective on Technology and Innovation in Global Development
Authors: Fejerskov Adam Moe , Fetterer Dane
Published: June 2021

This article analyses the growing ubiquity of radical technologies and disruptive methodologies in global development. Accelerated by the broad nature of the Sustainable Development Goals, disruption and its related notions of innovation and technology have gradually made it to the centre of attention in development, shaping public and private actors and interventions alike. The article employs a situated analysis of disruption in development to show that as the concept is moving into the field of global development, its meaning and practice is continually—and even contradictorily—reconstructed in constant negotiation with its possible effects. We argue that, beyond a simple buzzword, disruption is employed strategically by different by actors to pursue certain political goals, revealing current movements and lines of discord in the field of global development. While emerging actors use it to challenge the legitimacy of existing donors, more traditional or established actors employ it with a view to remaining relevant in the field, pushing back against the challenge from emerging ones. These interpretative struggles thus are not just isolated ones determining the legitimacy of individual actors but are important for the way they set markers for what development is today, who can legitimately contribute to it and the purposes for which development is pursued.
Urban-Sensitive Social Protection: How Universalized Social Protection Can Reduce Urban Vulnerabilities Post COVID-19
Authors: Devereux Stephen , Cuesta Jose
Published: June 2021

Experience with urban social protection programmes is relatively limited in the Global South. Extensions or duplicates of rural social assistance programmes do not reflect the distinct vulnerabilities of the urban poor, who face higher living costs and more precarious employment, and are not reached by social insurance schemes that are designed for formally employed workers. Neither the Sustainable Development Goals nor the New Urban Agenda reflect a specific focus on urban social protection. COVID-19 has exposed this major gap in coverage, given the disproportionate impact of lockdowns on the livelihoods of the urban poor. To ‘build back better’ post COVID-19, we propose rights-based national social protection systems with two components: categorical social assistance for non-working vulnerable groups (children, older persons, persons with disability) and universal social insurance for all working adults (formal, informal or self-employed), financed out of general revenues rather than mandatory contributions by employees and employers. These ideas are explored in the case of South Africa, which has comprehensive social assistance but inadequate social insurance for urban informal workers.
Imagining research together and working across divides: Arts-informed research about young people’s (post) digital lives
Authors: Collier Diane R , Perry Mia
Published: June 2021

Research that ‘grows apart’ from its original design and proposal is not uncommon, especially when involving participatory and creative methods. However, the disconnect between research intentions and research realization is seldom probed for the insights offered; this paper addresses this gap. Taking up the conceptual lens of research imaginaries, this paper dives into the tensions and discoveries experienced in between the design and the practice of a multi-site participatory research project. The study involved two groups of young people, in two cities in two countries, with a focus on digital lives. In a commitment to collaboration with artists, senior researchers, research assistants, and young people in community spaces, a complex project emerged. This paper describes the tensions and possibilities of an emergent methodology and in doing so argues for increased attention to the movement of research designs; rather than the adherence to them.
Oral tradition as emplacement: Ancestral Blackfoot memories of the Rocky Mountain Front
Authors: Zedeño María Nieves , Pickering Evelyn , Lanoë François
Published: June 2021

We highlight the significance of process, event, and context of human practice in Indigenous Creation traditions to integrate Blackfoot “Napi” origin stories with environmental, geological, and archaeological information pertaining to the peopling of the Northwestern Plains, where the northern Rocky Mountain Front may have played a prominent role. First, we discuss the potential and limitations of origin stories generally, and Napi stories specifically, for complementing the fragmentary records of early human presence in the Blackfoot homeland. Second, we demonstrate the intimate connection among processes, events, place-making practices, and stories. Last, we aim to expand multivocality in the interpretation of the deep past through an archaeological practice that considers Indigenous philosophies and stories to be as valid as non-Indigenous ones.
Disease and Disapproval: COVID-19 Concern is Related to Greater Moral Condemnation
Authors: Henderson Robert K. , Schnall Simone
Published: June 2021

Prior research has indicated that disease threat and disgust are associated with harsher moral condemnation. We investigated the role of a specific, highly salient health concern, namely the spread of the coronavirus, and associated COVID-19 disease, on moral disapproval. We hypothesized that individuals who report greater subjective worry about COVID-19 would be more sensitive to moral transgressions. Across three studies ( N = 913), conducted March-May 2020 as the pandemic started to unfold in the United States, we found that individuals who were worried about contracting the infectious disease made harsher moral judgments than those who were relatively less worried. This effect was not restricted to transgressions involving purity, but extended to transgressions involving harm, fairness, authority, and loyalty, and remained when controlling for political orientation. Furthermore, for Studies 1 and 2 the effect also was robust when taking into account the contamination subscale of the Disgust Scale–Revised. These findings add to the growing literature that concrete threats to health can play a role in abstract moral considerations, supporting the notion that judgments of wrongdoing are not based on rational thought alone.
In The Shadows: Conservative Epistemology and Ideological Value
Authors: Blackburn Dean
Published: June 2021

This article intervenes in the debate about the nature of conservatism. Some contributors to this debate have claimed that this ideology can be defined as an adjectival disposition. They claim, that is, that a conservative possesses an attitude towards shared values rather than a distinct set of substantive values. The following discussion interrogates this account of conservatism and concludes that it can only be coherent if we ignore the epistemological limits of conservative thinking.
CBE: A Framework to Guide the Application of Marketing to Behavior Change
Authors: Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , Dietrich Timo , Carins Julia
Published: June 2021

Background:

This paper aims to extend the application of social marketing to social and environmentally beneficial behavior change providing a three-step process—Co-create-Build-Engage (CBE). The key strength social marketing brings to the social change space is the development of something of value that moves and motivates people to voluntarily change their behavior; in turn benefitting themselves, the planet and society at large.

Method:

Using a case study method, this paper identifies how up to eight marketing principles, initially penned to distinguish social marketing from public health, are applied in the three step CBE process, using first time program development and implementation examples. First, programs are co-created (C) with people at the heart of the problem and built (B) to create and embed lasting solutions and finally communities are engaged (E) to partake in these programs. This linear process is applied in first time program development and stages blur following first time implementation as CBE steps become continuous when programs are embedded into communities. This paper outlines four cases demonstrating when and where key marketing activities were applied to co-create, build and implement social marketing programs that achieved behavioral change.

Results:

Included is a roadmap of the activities that occurred in first time program development and implementation across each stage of the three step CBE process. During co-creation competition is assessed and groups are identified (segmentation). Formative research programs are theoretically underpinned and human centred (customer orientation) and solely aimed at identifying insights to guide program build and engagement. Elements of the marketing mix focus program build ensuring that a valued exchange offering is built. Engagement represents the initial implementation phase and encompasses the set of activities that focus on ensuring people are aware of and can adopt the program.

Recommendations for Research or Practice:

Many of the foundational techniques that distinguish social marketing from other behavioral science approaches are not widely adopted. This paper offers a roadmap to demonstrate how and when core social marketing activities can be applied to effect voluntary behavior change. Volitional change avoids stigmatization, alienation, reactance and community divides, which occur when behaviors are mandated or when people are told what to do. The CBE process provides a process, outlining social marketing’s key principles and the set of activities that are applied to build more effective marketing programs.
The Portuguese Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills Measure: Validity and Reliability
Authors: Ferreira Pedro L. , Simões Ana L. , Dourado Marília , Holm Margo B. , Rogers Joan C.
Published: June 2021

Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills (PASS) is a performance-based scale developed in the United States. Because of cultural differences, a Portuguese version was developed, then validated in the Portuguese population and tested ensuring reliability. The objective of this study was to create and test psychometric properties of a Portuguese version of PASS. A linguistic validation on older adults with physical/cognitive disabilities enabled us to validate P-PASS. Some original tasks were changed. Data were analyzed by PASS constructs (independence-safety adequacy), age, and gender. Construct validity (known-group analyses, factor analyses), with 98 individuals yielded excellent results. Reliability between two observers for 30 participants yielded almost perfect agreement for all three constructs. Independence scores were highest, followed by safety and adequacy. Men presented greater independence, as well as participants <60 years. We obtained results comparable with the original version. Conclusion. P-PASS is valid and reliable for the Portuguese population, enabling effective assessment of function and measurement of health outcomes.
Screening to Assessment Pathways in Evaluating Functional Cognition in Older Adults
Authors: Marks Timothy S. , Giles Gordon M. , Al-Heizan Muhammad O. , Edwards Dorothy F.
Published: June 2021

Identification of functional cognitive deficits can facilitate intervention to improve outcomes among older adults. We aimed to determine if impairments on screening tests of cognition are associated with deficits in performance on a more extensive functional cognitive assessment. Using a cross-sectional study design we administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the Mini-Cog, the Menu Task, and Weekly Calendar Planning Activity (WCPA) to a convenience sample of 277 community-dwelling older adults (55–93 years old). We created impaired and unimpaired groups using an established cut-off score for each screening test and compared each group on WCPA scores. The WCPA scores that demonstrated significant differences across screening measures were: Accuracy, Efficiency, Strategies, Rules, and Appointments Entered. Effect sizes for the WCPA scores Accuracy and Efficiency were large. Each screening test demonstrated discriminant validity on select WCPA scores and appear to be appropriate for use as screening tests of functional cognition.
External Validation Confirms Validity of a Simple Model to Predict Bowel Outcome After Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Pavese Chiara , Scivoletto Giorgio , Puci Mariangela V. , Schubert Martin , Curt Armin , Finazzi Agrò Enrico , Montomoli Cristina , Kessler Thomas M.
Published: June 2021

Background. The prediction of functional outcomes after spinal cord injury (SCI) is essential to plan the rehabilitation phase and the social reintegration. Recently, 2 models to predict independent and reliable bowel management 1 year after traumatic SCI have been derived and validated in 2 cohorts of patients included in the European Multicenter Study about Spinal Cord Injury (EMSCI). Objective. We aimed to validate 2 prediction models for bowel outcome after traumatic SCI in a patient sample external to EMSCI. Methods. The simplified model (based on a single predictor, the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury [ISNCSCI] total motor score) and the full model (based on 2 predictors, the ISNCSCI total motor score and item 3a of the Spinal Cord Independence Measure) were applied to the retrospectively collected data of 111 patients with traumatic SCI. Results. The simplified and the full models showed excellent discrimination with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of .939 (95% confidence interval (CI) .87-1.00) and .922 (95% CI 0.85-.99), respectively. Both models displayed similar results for sensitivity and negative predictive values; however, the simplified model showed higher values for specificity, positive predictive values, and accuracy. The calibration analysis showed a partial overlap between predicted probabilities and observed proportion, with better and acceptable calibration for the simplified model. Conclusions. Using an independent sample, our study demonstrates the validity of a simple model to predict independent and reliable bowel management 1 year after traumatic SCI.
Influence of compressive strength and maturity conditions on shrinkage of ordinary concrete
Authors: Szlachetka Olga , Witkowska-Dobrev Joanna , Dohojda Marek , Cała Anna
Published: June 2021

The paper presents results of investigations of compressive strength and shrinkage of concrete samples made on the basis of the Portland cement CEM I 32.5R, after 2, 7, 14, 28, 90, and 365 days of maturation in four different maturation conditions. It was shown that after 28 days the samples cured according to the standard in the cuvettes with water achieved the highest compressive strength, although the early-age compressive strengths after 7 and 14 days were lower than those for the samples cured in building film and in dry conditions. A determined correlation between the compressive strength and shrinkage of the concrete proves that wet curing also allows a total elimination of the shrinkage in the first 28 days. Along with the growth of the compressive strength, the drying shrinkage reduces. Obtained results confirmed that the best way of concrete curing, among the analyzed methods, from the point of view of both compressive strength and volume changes is the wet curing.
Modeling and control of a novel facade cleaning robot with four-ducted fan drive
Authors: Li Xiao-Peng , Wang Xin , Feng Bin
Published: June 2021

With the development of modern cities, the demand for cleaning glass curtain walls in urban skyscrapers is increasing, and therefore, many researches on facade cleaning robots have been carried out in the past few decades. In this article, a novel type of facade cleaning robot based on four-ducted fan is proposed. To improve the load capacity of the robot, the lifting and horizontal movement are, respectively, supported by an independent lifting mechanism and a lateral movement mechanism. Unlike the previous passive and active suction, the powerful suction power of the robot is provided by the four-ducted fan. Meanwhile, the obstacle-climbing force is caused by the forward of the four-ducted fan that improves the crossing obstacle ability. In addition, an incremental sliding mode algorithm is applied for controlling the posture when the robot crosses obstacles, which can ensure the stable performance of the cleaning robot under disturbance. Some simulations and experiments are conducted and the results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the designed facade cleaning robot.
DUDMap: 3D RGB-D mapping for dense, unstructured, and dynamic environment
Authors: Hastürk Özgür , Erkmen Aydan M
Published: June 2021

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) problem has been extensively studied by researchers in the field of robotics, however, conventional approaches in mapping assume a static environment. The static assumption is valid only in a small region, and it limits the application of visual SLAM in dynamic environments. The recently proposed state-of-the-art SLAM solutions for dynamic environments use different semantic segmentation methods such as mask R-CNN and SegNet; however, these frameworks are based on a sparse mapping framework (ORBSLAM). In addition, segmentation process increases the computational power, which makes these SLAM algorithms unsuitable for real-time mapping. Therefore, there is no effective dense RGB-D SLAM method for real-world unstructured and dynamic environments. In this study, we propose a novel real-time dense SLAM method for dynamic environments, where 3D reconstruction error is manipulated for identification of static and dynamic classes having generalized Gaussian distribution. Our proposed approach requires neither explicit object tracking nor object classifier, which makes it robust to any type of moving object and suitable for real-time mapping. Our method eliminates the repeated views and uses consistent data that enhance the performance of volumetric fusion. For completeness, we compare our proposed method using different types of high dynamic dataset, which are publicly available, to demonstrate the versatility and robustness of our approach. Experiments show that its tracking performance is better than other dense and dynamic SLAM approaches.
Is health a priority? Examining health-related support needs in adults with intellectual disability through a self-determination framework
Authors: Rinaldi Romina , Duplat Jordan , Haelewyck Marie-Claire
Published: June 2021

Background:

People with intellectual disabilities experience inequities in healthcare. Those are maintained by individual limitations as well as environmental factors. In this context, health needs are less likely to be expressed, identified and met.

Method:

We led a survey in 832 adults with intellectual disabilities to identify if health was set as a priority and if so, what were their major health-related support needs (in terms of physical, social and psychological health).

Results:

67.1% of participants reported at least one need. Most frequently, two or more types of needs were reported with gender and living facility having an effect on whether participants would report these needs, but these did not affect which type of needs were reported.

Conclusions:

Health-related support needs are highly prevalent and diversified in people with intellectual disabilities. This study emphasizes the importance to consider health as a global concept as well as the relationships between health and self-determination.
Longitudinal tracking of body composition, lower limb force-time characteristics and swimming start performance in high performance swimmers
Authors: Thng Shiqi , Pearson Simon , Rathbone Evelyne , Keogh Justin WL
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to (1) track changes in body composition, lower body force-time characteristics, and swim start performance over a competitive season, and (2) investigate the intra-individual associations between changes in body composition and lower body force-time characteristics to swim start performance in five high performance swimmers (three males, two females). Over a ∼12-month period, body composition, lower body force-time characteristics and swim start performance were assessed at three time points via DXA scan, squat jump and swim start performance test (start times to 5 and 15 m and several kinematic and kinetic outputs). Throughout a competitive season of concurrent swimming and dry-land resistance training, improvements in lower body lean mass and squat jump force-time characteristics were observed. However, changes in start times varied between athletes. Total body and lower body lean mass both displayed large negative correlations with the time spent in the entry and propulsive underwater phases ( r = –0.57 to –0.66), along with a large positive correlations with glide time ( r = 0.56–0.53). Additionally, lower body lean mass exhibited large to very large positive correlations with the flight phase ( r = 0.70–0.73). Overall, these findings provide some insight into the potential magnitude of change in body composition, lower body force-time characteristics and swim start performance in high performance swimmers within a season. The large to very large correlations between increased lower body lean mass and SJ force-time metrics to improvements in aspects of start performance may provide useful information to coaches and sports scientists.