bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Societal Accountability and Grand Corruption: How Institutions Shape Citizens’ Efforts to Shape Institutions
Authors: Larsson Fredrik , Grimes Marcia
Published: January 2022

That civil society activism can strengthen accountability and limit government corruption is theoretically compelling and popular in policy circles. Whether civic engagement can limit grand corruption, and if so in what types of settings, remains an open question. This paper presents the first large-N study of societal accountability with respect to grand corruption. Using objective indicators of procurement corruption from 173 EU regions, the study finds that civil society strength is associated with lower levels of corruption but that the association is not monotonic. Civil society strength seems to constrain procurement corruption where accountability conditions are the least favorable. Where accountability conditions are well-functioning, we find no evidence that societal accountability constrains corruption. The findings help to adjudicate between competing expectations from research on horizontal and societal accountability. Moreover, they confirm that societal accountability can complement horizontal accountability where institutional conditions function sub-optimally, even limiting grand corruption.
Anxiety and Depression: The Moderating Effects of Attention to Emotion and Emotional Clarity
Authors: Yildirim Damla , Vives Jaume , Ballespí Sergi
Published: January 2022

Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems. They often occur together and significantly affect well-being and daily functioning. However, it is unclear to what extent the two dimensions of meta-mood knowledge play a role in their comorbidity. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine the role of attention to emotion and emotional clarity in the relationship between anxiety and depression. A sample of 256 adults aged 32–66 years ( M = 46.21, SD = 5.53; 82.03% women) completed questionnaires on anxiety, depression, and meta-mood knowledge. Results showed that emotional clarity buffered the relationship between anxiety and depression. In addition, all combinations of attention to emotion and emotional clarity showed a significant and positive relationship with anxiety and depression symptom severity, with one exception. Interestingly, there was no statistically significant relationship between anxiety and depression when attention to emotion was low and emotional clarity was high. This last condition was interpreted as beneficial rather than detrimental, which in turn could help promote psychological resilience to better cope with emotional difficulties. Given these findings, this study highlights the role of attention to emotion and emotional clarity in assessing anxiety and risk of comorbid depression.
The Effect of Income Disparities on Influenza Vaccination Coverage in the United States
Authors: Gaskin Christeon M. , Woods Darien R. , Ghosh Subhanwita , Watson Shae , Huber Larissa R.
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

Although influenza vaccinations are widely accessible, many people in the United States do not receive them as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This study examined the relationship between income and receiving the influenza vaccination among US adults.

Methods:

We used 2014-2018 National Health Interview Survey data (N = 138 697). Adults self-reported whether they received a shot or nasal spray vaccine within the previous 12 months and their total family income. We used multivariable logistic regression to obtain odds ratios and 95% CIs.

Results:

Approximately 43% of adults reported receiving the influenza vaccine in the previous 12 months. After adjustment, adults in lower-income-level categories had decreased odds of influenza vaccine receipt compared with adults with a total family income ≥$100 000. Specifically, adults with a total family income <$35 000 had 21% decreased odds of receiving the influenza vaccine (adjusted odds ratio = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.75-0.83).

Conclusions:

In this population of US adults, lower income levels were associated with decreased odds of influenza vaccine receipt. The relationship between income and receipt of the influenza vaccine may have important implications for future influenza vaccination efforts. Increasing influenza vaccination coverage among lower-income adults should be considered a public health priority.
Impacts of Housing Booms on Fertility in China: A Perspective From Homeownership
Authors: Pan Yinghao , Yang Hao
Published: January 2022

Due to the nexus of wealth effect and cost effect, the impact of housing price on fertility is ambiguous in theory. However, the relation between housing price and fertility is essential for policymakers, especially in developing countries. This paper constructs an individual-level panel data set of over 40,000 randomly selected Chinese females with detailed fertility history during 2006–2010 from the Census 2010. Exploiting variation of housing price growth across cities over time and conditional on marriage status, we show that a 1,000 yuan upward shift in housing price induces the possibility of new birth by 13.9% for homeowners. Homeownership plays a vital role in housing price on fertility. These findings suggest that the wealth effect of housing price dominates the cost effect during the sample periods in China.
Hypoxemia increases blood-brain barrier permeability during extreme apnea in humans
Authors: Bailey Damian M , Bain Anthony R , Hoiland Ryan L , Barak Otto F , Drvis Ivan , Hirtz Christophe , Lehmann Sylvain , Marchi Nicola , Janigro Damir , MacLeod David B , Ainslie Philip N , Dujic Zeljko
Published: January 2022

Voluntary asphyxia imposed by static apnea challenges blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity in humans through transient extremes of hypertension, hypoxemia and hypercapnia. In the present study, ten ultra-elite breath-hold divers performed two maximal dry apneas preceded by normoxic normoventilation (NX: severe hypoxemia and hypercapnia) and hyperoxic hyperventilation (HX: absence of hypoxemia with exacerbating hypercapnia) with measurements obtained before and immediately after apnea. Transcerebral exchange of NVU proteins (ELISA, Single Molecule Array) were calculated as the product of global cerebral blood flow (gCBF, duplex ultrasound) and radial arterial to internal jugular venous concentration gradients. Apnea duration increased from 5 m 6 s in NX to 15 m 59 s in HX ( P = <0.001) resulting in marked elevations in gCBF and venous S100B, glial fibrillary acidic protein, ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase-L1 and total tau (all P < 0.05 vs. baseline). This culminated in net cerebral output reflecting mildly increased BBB permeability and increased neuronal-gliovascular reactivity that was more pronounced in NX due to more severe systemic and intracranial hypertension ( P < 0.05 vs. HX). These findings identify the hemodynamic stress to which the apneic brain is exposed, highlighting the critical contribution of hypoxemia and not just hypercapnia to BBB disruption.
The Patellar Instability Probability Calculator: A Multivariate-Based Model to Predict the Individual Risk of Recurrent Lateral Patellar Dislocation
Authors: Wierer Guido , Krabb Nicole , Kaiser Peter , Ortmaier Reinhold , Schützenberger Sebastian , Schlumberger Michael , Hiller Bernd , Ingruber Florian , Smekal Vinzenz , Attal Rene , Seitlinger Gerd
Published: January 2022

Background:

Predicting the risk of recurrence is of great interest when counseling patients after primary lateral patellar dislocation (LPD).

Purpose:

To investigate a multivariate model to predict the individual risk of recurrent LPD.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The study population included patients with primary LPD, knee imaging, and a minimum 2-year follow-up after nonoperative treatment. Data including patient characteristics and anatomic patellar instability risk factors were collected retrospectively from 7 national study centers. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were carried out to identify risk factors for recurrent LPD and to generate an accuracy-optimized model for out-of-sample prediction.

Results:

In total, 115 of 201 patients (57%) experienced recurrent LPD within 2 years after primary LPD. Age ≤16 years at primary LPD (odds ratio [OR], 5.0), history of contralateral instability (OR, 2.4), and trochlear dysplasia (Dejour type B-D: OR, 2.5; lateral trochlear inclination ≤12°: OR, 2.7) were significant risk factors for recurrent LPD ( P < .05). The prediction accuracy including these 3 risk factors was 79%. Patella alta, an increased tibial tubercle to trochlear groove distance, and patellar tilt had neither an association with increased recurrence rates nor an influence on prediction accuracy of recurrent LPD.

Conclusion:

Young age and trochlear dysplasia are major risk factors for early recurrent LPD. A multivariate model including age at primary LPD, lateral trochlear inclination, and history of contralateral LPD achieved the highest prediction accuracy. Based on these findings, the patellar instability probability calculator is proposed to estimate the individual risk of early recurrence when counseling patients after primary LPD.
Peak-Load Pricing With Quality-Differentiated Demand
Authors: Adams Charles F.
Published: January 2022

This is the fifth in a series of teaching notes on quality-differentiated demand. With an eye on accessibility to undergraduate economics majors, the focus here is on peak-load pricing and highway tolls. Once quality considerations are accounted for, a richer set of insights is derived to guide social planners in deciding optimal levels of traffic flow and tolls.

JEL Classifications: L0, D0
Effect of layering layout on the energy absorbance of bamboo-inspired tubular composites
Authors: Tarafdar Amirreza , Razmkhah Omid , Ahmadi Hamed , Liaghat Gholamhossein , Chitsaz Charandabi Sahand , Rezaei Faraz Moslem
Published: January 2022

Gradient distribution of vascular structure made the bamboo wall structure so effective which improved the load-bearing capacity of such bio-mimicked energy absorption structures and modify the crush behavior of thin-walled composite tubes. In this research, the influence of the layering design and stacking sequence on the crush behavior, failure mechanism and absorbed energy of bamboo-inspired GFRP composite tubes is assessed experimentally and numerically. Quasi-static compression tests were conducted to explore seven permutations of Coarse Woven (CW), Fine Woven (FW), and Unidirectional (UD) E/glass fiber sheets, taking into account the longitudinal vascular bundles strengthened by organic matrix. Samples were fabricated employing a modified hand laying up method by using mechanical pressure to obtain better surface finishing and interlaminar adhesion compared to conventional hand layering up methods. To evaluate the corresponding crashworthiness parameters and characterize the crushing behavior of composite tubes, quasi-static axial compressive loading was done. The numerical simulations were validated versus experiments by a commercial finite element (FE) LS-DYNA integrating material model 54. The predicted load-displacement curves and failure mechanisms of FE analysis demonstrate acceptable correlations with visual observations during experimentation. Furthermore, the parametric numerical was performed to examine the effect of different distributions of vascular bundles. The FE analysis results revealed that the crushing behavior of bio-inspired composite tubes depended substantially on layering configuration and the stacking sequence design. The outcomes showed that the combination of woven and unidirectional fibers, respectively, located in the inner layer and hoop direction provide the optimal layering configuration design in terms of crush length efficiency, crush load efficiency, Specific energy absorption, stable progressive crushing, and better manufacturing quality.
Single Versus Multiple Resilience Factors: An Investigation of the Dimensionality of the Academic Resilience Scale
Authors: Hunsu Nathaniel J. , Kehinde Olasunkanmi J. , Oje Adurangba V. , Yli-Piipari Sami
Published: January 2022

The Academic Resilience Scale (ARS) was developed to measure resilience factors in educational contexts. However, there is no clarity on whether the scale could be used as a measure of unidimensional academic resilience scores or just to obtain multidimensional academic resilience factors. How a scale is scored can affect the validity of inferences based on scores obtained by using the scale in research and practice. This study uses confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and ancillary bifactor measures to examine the dimensionality of the scale. There was no sufficient support for using the scale to obtain unidimensional academic resilience score. Rather, the scale should only be considered as a measure of multiple dimensions of academic resilience factors.
Dismantling "Race" in Health Research
Authors: Dordunoo Dzifa , Abernethy Paivi , Kayuni Jenipher , McConkey Stephanie , Aviles-G Martha L.
Published: January 2022

In this era of confronting racism in public space, it is critical to keep addressing the covert systemic racism in the healthcare system. We want to bring attention to the continued unscientific practice of race-based medicine and the absurdity of treating race as a biological indicator in the 21st century. We believe race is a social construct that does not qualify as a scientific biological indicator for predicting health outcomes. In this paper, we first present arguments for inappropriate use of race in health research and then discuss alternative explanations for health disparity findings that use race as a predictor. Our main concern centers on two specific aspects of the concept of "race": (1) its fundamental lack of scientific basis as a predictor for health outcomes, (2) the misguided narrative that the term creates, placing the onus of racial discrimination on the victim, instead of highlighting the act of discrimination and the role researchers play in actively reinforcing racism when using "race" as a variable. We conclude by proposing that "race" be replaced by the variable "racism" in health.
Application of biomaterials and tissue engineering in bladder regeneration
Authors: Wang Xiaoya , Shi Chunying , Hou Xianglin , Song Siqi , Li Chenglin , Cao Wenxuan , Chen Wei , Li Ling
Published: January 2022

The primary functions of the bladder are storing urine under low and stable pressure and micturition. Various forms of trauma, tumors, and iatrogenic injuries can cause the loss of or reduce bladder function or capacity. If such damage is not treated in time, it will eventually lead to kidney damage and can even be life-threatening in severe cases. The emergence of tissue engineering technology has led to the development of more possibilities for bladder repair and reconstruction, in which the selection of scaffolds is crucial. In recent years, a growing number of tissue-engineered bladder scaffolds have been constructed. Therefore, this paper will discuss the development of tissue-engineered bladder scaffolds and will further analyze the limitations of and challenges encountered in bladder reconstruction.
An evaluation of costs associated with overall organ damage in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in the United States
Authors: Bell Christopher F , Ajmera Mayank R , Meyers Juliana
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Approximately 33–50% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) develop organ damage within 5 years of diagnosis. Real-world studies that capture the healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs associated with SLE-related organ damage are limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate HCRU and costs associated with organ damage in patients with SLE in the USA.

Methods

This retrospective study (GSK study 208380) used the PharMetrics Plus administrative claims database from 1 January 2008 to 30 June 2019. Patients with SLE and organ damage were identified using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-9/10 codes derived from the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index. The first observed diagnosis of organ damage was designated as the index date. Selection criteria included: ≥18 years of age; ≥1 inpatient or ≥2 outpatient claims for SLE (≥30 days apart before the index date; ICD-9: 710.0 or ICD-10: M32, excluding M32.0); ≥1 inpatient or ≥3 outpatient claims for organ damage within 6 months for the same organ system code; continuous enrollment of 12 months both pre- and post-index date. The proportion of patients with new organ damage, disease severity, SLE flares, SLE-related medication patterns, HCRU and all-cause costs (2018 US$) were assessed 12 months pre- and post-index date.

Results

Of the 360,803 patients with a diagnosis of SLE, 8952 patients met the inclusion criteria for the presence of new organ damage. Mean (standard deviation (SD)) age was 46.4 (12.2) years and 92% of patients were female. The most common sites of organ damage were neuropsychiatric (22.0%), ocular (12.9%), and cardiovascular (11.4%). Disease severity and proportion of moderate/severe flare episodes significantly increased from pre- to post-index date (p < 0.0001). Overall, SLE-related medication patterns were similar pre- versus post-index date. Inpatient, emergency department and outpatient claims increased from pre- to post-index date and mean (SD) all-cause costs were 71% higher post- versus pre-index date ($26,998 [57,982] vs $15,746 [29,637], respectively).

Conclusions:

The economic impact associated with organ damage in patients with SLE is profound and reducing or preventing organ damage will be pivotal in alleviating the burden for patients and healthcare providers.
Experimental investigation on mechanical properties of nanocomposites based on poly lactic acid/ polyolefin elastomer reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes, and graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Daneshpayeh Sajjad , Ashenai Ghasemi Faramarz , Ghasemi Ismail
Published: January 2022

The mechanical properties of nanocomposites based on poly lactic acid/polyolefin elastomer (PLA/POE) were investigated. The compounds were made using an internal mixer. POE in two levels at 10–20 wt.% and nano fillers, including multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and graphene nano-platelets (GnPs) in 1, 2, and 3 wt.% levels, were added to the PLA. Impact and tensile tests were conducted to extract the impact and tensile properties, respectively. The dispersion quality of the fillers was also studied by using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images. The FESEM images demonstrated that the MWCNT at all levels were well distributed in different orientations, while the GnPs accumulated into the PLA/POE matrix. The simultaneous presence of nano fillers was dispersed with high quality in the matrix only in low loading. The tensile test results showed that by increasing the nano fillers individually and in a hybrid form in the presence of different loadings of POE, Young’s modulus and T-strength were improved, but impact strength and deformation at break were decreased. The addition of the POE to the PLA matrix significantly increased the impact strength and deformation at break by 128% and 75%, respectively, and the presence of POE reduced Young’s modulus and T-strength of the PLA matrix.
Mapping functional areas in Spain using mobile positioning data
Authors: Rodríguez M , Molina J , Camacho J A
Published: January 2022

To be effective, territorial development policies must rely on information collected at a proper spatial scale. This commentary compares functional and administrative geographies. We go beyond metropolitan areas and map functional areas across the entire national territory of Spain. These functional areas are delineated using commuting flows based on mobile positioning data. The results obtained revealed the existence of a substantial number of functional areas that do not belong to one sole region. This indicates that there is a discrepancy between the socioeconomic reality and the administrative areas employed for territorial development policy purposes. Functional areas could be particularly useful to address policy challenges in issues like labor market functioning, transport planning, housing, or public service provision.
Impacts of COVID-19 Regime on Labor Within Food Systems: Whither BRICS Now and Beyond?
Authors: Amusan Lere , Okorie Victor O.
Published: January 2022

The advent of COVID-19 has reconfigured foodscape across the globe, BRICS inclusive. Some of the familiar sites where people in BRICS found food in pre-pandemic period has become increasingly threatened while many have completely disappeared, leaving behind dark food deserts. Information on the extent of the devastation caused by the pandemic is still emerging. Such information is pivotal to the articulation of affirmative programs and policies. This article, therefore, explores the impact of the pandemic on food systems of BRICS to indicate how the alliance may positively influence the repositioning of each country member’s foodscape to achieve food security both now and beyond this pandemic. This article uses content analysis of relevant documents and draws from functionalist’s perspective to outline various impacts of the pandemic on food systems. It argues that creating enabling environment for labor, making food security a common goal of BRICS as a body as well as putting in place mechanisms supporting local food systems will invariably ensure food security across various levels in BRICS.
Is the Impact of COVID-19 Significant in Determining Equity Market Integration? Insights from BRICS Economies
Authors: Mishra P. K. , Mishra S. K.
Published: January 2022

This article examined the impact of the unanticipated outbreak of global public health crisis, COVID-19 pandemic, on the equity market performances and on the degree of integration of these markets in BRICS bloc. The empirical analyses lend support to the weakened equity market integration in the BRICS economies amid the pandemic, and the key driving forces include the rate of inflation, the real rate of interest, real exchange rate and composite leading indicator in the long-run, and trade performance and composite leading indicator in the short-run. The implications on the one hand, indicate increased opportunities for international portfolio diversification, and on the other hand, suggest for controlling the macroeconomic uncertainties of inflation, interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations during global health crisis to promote stable economic conditions for ensuring equity market integration in the long-run.
Influencing Human Behavior with Noninvasive Brain Stimulation: Direct Human Brain Manipulation Revisited
Authors: Fecteau Shirley
Published: January 2022

The use of tools to perturb brain activity can generate important insights into brain physiology and offer valuable therapeutic approaches for brain disorders. Furthermore, the potential of such tools to enhance normal behavior has become increasingly recognized, and this has led to the development of various noninvasive technologies that provides a broader access to the human brain. While providing a brief survey of brain manipulation procedures used in the past decades, this review aims at stimulating an informed discussion on the use of these new technologies to investigate the human. It highlights the importance to revisit the past use of this unique armamentarium and proceed to a detailed analysis of its present state, especially in regard to human behavioral regulation.
Information Exchange between Cortical Areas: The Visual System as a Model
Authors: Zeng Hang , Chen Siyi , Fink Gereon R. , Weidner Ralph
Published: January 2022

As nearly all brain functions, perception, motion, and higher-order cognitive functions require coordinated neural information processing within distributed cortical networks. Over the past decades, new theories and techniques emerged that advanced our understanding of how information is transferred between cortical areas. This review surveys critical aspects of interareal information exchange. We begin by examining the brain’s structural connectivity, which provides the basic framework for interareal communication. We then illustrate information exchange between cortical areas using the visual system as an example. Next, well-studied and newly proposed theories that may underlie principles of neural communication are reviewed, highlighting recent work that offers new perspectives on interareal information exchange. We finally discuss open questions in the study of the neural mechanisms underlying interareal information exchange.
Predictive Value of CHA2DS2 -VASc-HSF Score for Severity of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Liu Jingyi , Ma Yang , Bu Haiwei , Qin Wei , Shi Fei , Zhang Ying
Published: January 2022

CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores have been used to assess the prognostic risk of thromboembolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients. Recent studies have shown the utility of CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores for evaluating the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). The newly defined CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score evaluates atherosclerosis and is associated with CAD severity. This study investigated the association between the CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) severity as assessed by the Gensini score and the number of vessels. Furthermore, this study also compared the diagnostic value of the CHADS2, CHA2 DS2-VASc, and CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score for ACS. A total of 2367 eligible inpatients (ACS group [ n = 2030]; non-CAD group [ n = 337]) were consecutively enrolled in this study. Receiver operating characteristic curve diagnostic tests and logistic regression models were used to analyze the risk factors for ACS. The CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF scores were significantly higher in the ACS group than those in the control group. After adjusting for numerous traditional CAD risk factors, an increased CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score was found to be an independent risk factor for patients with ACS (odds ratio 1.401, 95% confidence interval 1.044, −1.879; P < 0.05). A newly diagnosed CHA2DS2-VASc-HSF score predicts the severity of ACS.
Three Cases of Lenalidomide Therapy for Multiple Myeloma and Subsequent Development of Secondary B-ALL
Authors: Vusqa Urwat Til , Chahine Zena , Asawa Palash , Sadashiv Santhosh , Samhouri Yazan , Lister John
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy, accounting for 1% of all cancers, with median age of diagnosis between 66–70 years. MM remains incurable despite advances in treatment over time. Lenalidomide is an important medication used in induction therapy for MM and is also used for maintenance therapy for standard risk patients. With its increasing use, data is emerging about its use being associated with increased risk of secondary primary malignancies (SPM), especially when used as maintenance therapy.

Case series

In this case series, we describe three patients with refractory MM treated with lenalidomide maintenance who later developed sALL. All had a common presentation of pancytopenia. They developed cytopenias while being on lenalidomide which was refractory to lenalidomide cessation, prompting bone marrow biopsy.

Management and outcome

Lenalidomide was subsequently stopped, and patients were treated for secondary B-ALL. However, all passed away either due to relapse of disease or complications arising from treatment.

Discussion

The mechanism of lenalidomide associated SPMs is not well understood however its incidence is well documented. At least 13 cases of ALL (predominantly B-cell ALL) following Immunomodulator imide drugs (IMiDs) have been reported in literature. An analysis of a larger cohort of patients is required to determine causality of lenalidomide with sALL. However, benefits of maintenance lenalidomide in patients with MM outweighs the risk of developing SPMs. Albeit persistent pancytopenia on lenalidomide therapy should be evaluated with bone marrow biopsy since it could be caused by secondary B -cell ALL.
Comparison of the effect and treatment sequence between a 2-week parallel repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and rehabilitation and a 2-week rehabilitation-only intervention during a 4-week hospitalization for upper limb paralysis after stroke: An open-label, crossover observational study
Authors: Yamada Naoki , Kashiwabara Kazumi , Takekawa Toru , Hama Midori , Niimi Masachika , Hara Takatoshi , Furumizo Satoshi , Tsuboi Marika
Published: January 2022

Background

NEURO® is a 2-week program that combines low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and intensive occupational therapy (OT) to treat patients with chronic hemiparesis following stroke. The degree to which each element contributes to the improvement of upper limb function remains unclear. It has been suggested that low-frequency rTMS applied to a healthy cerebrum activates neural activity in the contralateral hemispheric area surrounding the lesion. Intensive OT performed in parallel to rTMS promotes the functional remodeling of the cerebrum to help with rehabilitation.

Objectives

However, this has not been demonstrated using NEURO®. Therefore, we aimed to compare the effects of the NEURO® and OT-only protocols in patients with hemiparesis following stroke.

Methods

Thirty-seven patients with upper limb paralysis following stroke were recruited and hospitalized for treatments and randomly divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 16 patients who underwent NEURO® for the first 2 weeks, and Group B consisted of 21 patients who underwent OT-only for the first 2 weeks. After 2 weeks of hospitalization, the treatments of Groups A and B were reversed for the subsequent 2 weeks of treatment. Improvement in upper limb motor function in Groups A and B at 2 and 4 weeks after the start of treatment was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment (FMA) and the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT).

Results

Group A, who underwent NEURO® first during their initial 2-week hospitalization, showed significantly greater improvement than that in Group B, who underwent OT-only first ( P = .041 for FMA and P < .01 for WMFT). At 4 weeks following the reversal of treatments, Group A who underwent NEURO® and then OT-only showed significantly greater improvement than that in Group B, who underwent OT-only followed by NEURO® ( P = .011 for FMA and P = .001 for WMFT).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that rTMS facilitates neuromodulation when combined with OT, which leads to more effective rehabilitation than with OT alone (Trial registration: JMACCT ( http://www.jmacct.med.or.jp/ ); trial ID JMA-IIA00215).
Formulation and application of SMU: An open-source MATLAB package for structural model updating
Authors: Otsuki Yu , Lander Peter , Dong Xinjun , Wang Yang
Published: January 2022

This paper describes a MATLAB package for structural model updating, named SMU. The SMU package updates parameter values of a finite element model by solving optimization problems utilizing modal properties obtained from sensor measurements. In particular, the package offers three model updating formulations, namely, (1) the modal assurance criterion value approach, (2) the eigenvector difference approach, and (3) the modal dynamic residual formulation. The first two belong to the family of modal property difference formulations. For each formulation, the analytical Jacobian derivative of the objective function is derived and implemented in SMU. Since the formulated optimization problems are generally nonconvex, the global optimality of the solution cannot be guaranteed using off-the-shelf optimization algorithms. In order to increase the chance of finding a better local minimum, the SMU package can perform gradient search from randomly generated starting points. Several examples for the model updating of as-built structures are included in the GitHub package. This paper demonstrates the SMU functionality through model updating of an 18-DOF model and a concrete building frame model.
Redefining journalism narratives, distribution strategies, and user involvement based on innovation in digital native media
Authors: Sixto-García José , Silva-Rodríguez Alba , Rodríguez-Vázquez Ana I , López-García Xosé
Published: January 2022

Digital journalism is seeking to redefine its role in the communicative ecosystem in the network society of the third decade of the 21st century. This has been made through innovation processes that entail renewed narratives and formats, greater user involvement, and advanced dissemination strategies. Thousands of digital native media, most of which have come to prominence in last ten years, have undertaken this process of adaptation and reinvention. It has happened during a period of intense media coverage and constant technological changes. Based on the most recent research in the journalistic field, and on an empirical study of the most innovative digital native media within reach from an international perspective (n = 26; 20 digital native media + 6 traditional newspapers), this text reflects on current trends and the likely consequences of the changes underway within journalism, the journalistic profession, and research in the journalistic field. The results are structured according to the three assessed areas: mobile narratives, diffusion strategies, and user involvement.
Investigation of the adverse effects of slow steaming operations for ships
Authors: Dere Caglar , Zincir Burak , Inal Omer Berkehan , Deniz Cengiz
Published: January 2022

The typical negative effects of prolonged slow steaming operations are investigated in this study. The scope of the research is to examine the effects of the carbon deposit formation on piston rings (lack of sealing function), exhaust boiler (reduction in the heat recovery capacity), turbocharger (lack of scavenging capacity), and injector, due to the prolonged slow steaming operation. It is necessary to identify the holistic adverse effects of the low-load operation on the main engine performance and subsequent components. The study shows that the negative consequences of a long-term slow steaming operation cause noteworthy efficiency degradation in marine diesel engines. The paper aims to clarify the barriers to the efficient operation of marine diesel engines via raising awareness of proper and planned maintenance for sustainable slow steaming. The degradation rates affect the total operational efficiency, CO2 emissions, and fuel consumption. The study results show that the fuel consumption increases by 1.9%, 2.1%, and 1.9% of daily consumption and the corresponding CO2 emission increments are 4.36, 4.29, and 3.48 kg CO2 per nautical mile sailing of the container ship at specified speeds at 65%, 55%, and 45% engine loads, respectively. The efficiency variation leads significant amount of emission increment, while up to 50% decrement will enter into force by April 2022 for container ships. The study gives valuable insight into the increase in CO2 emissions and fuel after long-term slow steaming for the near future with the stricter emission limits. The results provide considerable information about the deterioration effect on the whole energy system and help to estimate potential efficiency levels for marine diesel engines.
Industry’s push for computer science education: Is computer science really for all?
Authors: Marshall Stefanie L , Grooms Ain A
Published: January 2022

Recent research on Computer Science (CS) has largely found that inequities in access persist. In 2016, President Obama announced the Computer Science for All initiative, recognizing that CS is a “new” basic skill in K-12 schools and over US$4 billion was pledged to Computer Science education (CSEd) initiatives. While general support for computer science and the associated funding is currently evident, this has not always been the case. From no mention in 2001’s No Child Left Behind legislation (2002) to making the national educational agenda in 2015’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), CS has found a place in K-12 education. The current state of the CSEd agenda in the US has been greatly influenced by those who have served in industry. However, ESSA was designed to give states flexibility in creating equitable educational systems, especially for students who have been historically marginalized. Given this contrast of federal legislation and the economic motivations of industry on CSEd, we ask, why did computer science education become part of the US federal agenda, and how have business and industry “pushed” and influenced computer science education? We draw on policies, research, reports, organization websites, and professional networking sites, to better understand the national support for CSEd as well as how state-level flexibility has resulted in specific states engaging within this policy window in varying ways. We then examine one company that has “pushed” a CSEd agenda to highlight the magnitude of the impact of industry on the field of CS. We close with implications for researchers and policymakers.
What Can Conjoint Experiments Tell Us about Americans’ Abortion Attitudes?
Authors: Doherty David
Published: January 2022

I report findings from a pair of conjoint experiments that presented respondents with a series of profiles of pregnant women and asked whether it should be possible for each to obtain a legal abortion. The profiles varied the reason for the abortion, gestational age, and demographic characteristics of the hypothetical woman. I find little evidence that women’s demographic characteristics—including their purported ethnoracial identities—affect these judgments. In contrast, the effects of gestational age and the reason for the abortion are substantial. Notably, the effects of gestational age appear to be linear and unresponsive to trimester and viability thresholds commonly cited in elite discourse. I also find that the reason for the abortion becomes more consequential as gestational age increases. Finally, I consider whether these effects vary with respondents’ party affiliation and gender. The findings offer new insights into the contours of abortion attitudes in the United States and illustrate the strengths and limitations of conjoint designs.
The Effect of Daytime Ingestion of Melatonin on Thyroid Hormones Responses to Acute Submaximal Exercise in Healthy Active Males: A Pilot Study
Authors: Souissi Amine , Dergaa Ismail , Chtourou Hamdi , Ben Saad Helmi
Published: January 2022

It is well known that exercise increases the activity of thyroid glands and raises the blood level of melatonin. The increase of melatonin during exercise may be linked to a rise in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). No previous study has investigated the combined effects of melatonin ingestion and acute submaximal exercise on thyroid hormones’ responses. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the effects of daytime ingestion of melatonin on thyroid hormones’ responses to acute submaximal exercise. After 50 min of either melatonin (6 mg) or placebo ingestion, eight physical education students (mean ± standard deviation of age: 22 ± 1 years) were asked to run for 45 min at 60% of their maximum aerobic speed. Free thyroxine (fT4) and TSH were measured in plasma samples before and immediately after exercise. After submaximal exercise, TSH increased by 54% in both placebo and melatonin conditions. There was no significant (Condition × Exercise) interaction, and no significant condition effect for TSH. The fT4 remained unchanged before/after submaximal exercise in both placebo [15.2 (1.9) and 15.0 (1.6) pmol/L, respectively, p > .05], and melatonin [16.7 (2.7) and 16.3 (2.7) pmol/L, respectively, p > .05] conditions. There was no significant (Condition × Exercise) interaction, no significant exercise effect, and no significant condition effect for fT4. To conclude, acute melatonin ingestion did not affect thyroid hormones’ responses to submaximal exercise.
Integrity and crack resistance of hybrid polypropylene fiber reinforced cemented soil
Authors: Zhang Jun , Xu Wei , Gao Peiwei , Su Lihai , Kun Bai , Yueyuan Li , Bohan Yang
Published: January 2022

Cement is commonly used in the rapid construction of emergency airports; however, cemented soils have issues with integrity and crack resistance. For example, cemented soils can crack easily, and overall stability is insufficient. To address these problems, cemented soil is reinforced with hybrid polypropylene fiber, and the anti-flying property, anti-wear property, and crack resistance of polypropylene fiber reinforced cemented soil with varying fiber lengths, fiber contents, and fiber combinations are examined through flying tests, wear tests, and crack tests. Results show that the reinforcement of fiber can significantly improve the anti-flying property, anti-wear property, and crack resistance of cemented soil. The content and fiber length have a great impact on properties of fiber reinforced cemented soil. The ideal length and content of fine polypropylene fiber are 12 mm and 0.3%, respectively. The ideal combination of hybrid polypropylene fiber reinforced cemented soil is 0.3% coarse polypropylene fiber with the length of 38 mm and 0.3% fine polypropylene fiber with the length of 12 mm. In addition, hybrid polypropylene fiber reinforced cemented soil mechanical properties exceed those of single polypropylene fiber reinforced cemented soil.
Retrospective analysis of drug utilization and rational drug use in treatment of essential arterial hypertension in Bulgaria: Generic perception
Authors: Nachev Nikolay , Stoyanova Stefka , Rangelov Antoan , Yordanov Emanuil , Hristov Emil I , Parvova Iva , Petkova Valentina
Published: January 2022

Aim: To analyze drug utilization and rational drug use in treatment of essential arterial hypertension in Bulgaria by using quantitative and qualitative parameters at national level. To assess generic penetration as a part of rational drug use. Materials and methods: Design: retrospective study of publicly accessible data from registries of National health insurance fund for the period January–December 2017. The analyses are in accordance with ATC/DDD methodology of WHO. The data was processed via descriptive statistical methods. Results: The analyzed population includes 185 671 patients with essential arterial hypertension—13.33% of all hypertensive patients. The expenses for 2017 are 9 796 940.12 BGN (Bulgarian leva; 1 Euro=1.95,585 BGN). The expense per patient per year is 52.76 BGN, monthly expense is 4.40 BGN and daily expense is 0.14 BGN. The sum of 9 796 940.12 BGN is divided into two groups—expenses for monoproducts 65.88% and expenses for combined products 34.12%. Blockbusters are INNs lercanidipine and nebivolol. The total expenses for uncomplicated essential arterial hypertension are 1.22% of the total expenses. With this resource, 1.6 DDD/Patient/Day is provided. Discussion: In Bulgarian therapeutic practice, the most prescribed products are beta-blockers nebivolol and bisoprolol, calcium antagonist lercanidipine, and centrally acting antiadrenergic agents rilmenidine and moxonidine. Sartanes are represented mainly by valsartan. In all section analyses, the considerable use of lercanidipine is evident. Reference (original) medicinal products are mainly prescribed, while the market share of generic products, both in terms of costs and DDD, is significantly lower. Obtained results are inconsistent with European recommendation, while lack of national pharmacotherapeutic guideline poses a serious challenge.
#RumorsCOVID-19: Predicting the Forwarding of Online Rumors in Wuhan, China and in Israel
Authors: Ariel Yaron , Elishar-Malka Vered , Seah Shuo , Weimann-Saks Dana , Weimann Gabriel
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 ushered in almost unprecedented socioeconomic and political challenges. A typical social reaction during such emergencies is rumormongering, which has intensified since the advent of social media. This study explored factors affecting users’ willingness to spread pandemic-related rumors in Wuhan, China and Israel. We tested a multi-variant model of factors affecting the forwarding of COVID-19 rumors. In an online survey conducted in April–May 2020, users of each country's leading social media platform (WeChat and WhatsApp, respectively) reported on patterns of exposure to and spread of COVID-19 rumors, as well as on their motives for doing so. Despite major differences between the two societies, interesting similarities were found: in both cases, individual drives, shaped by personal needs and degree of negative feelings, were the leading factors behind rumormongering. Exposure to additional sources of information regarding the rumors was also a significant predictor, but only in the Chinese case.
Real-world evidence of the management and prognosis of young women (⩽40 years) with de novo metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Mallet Amélie , Lusque Amélie , Levy Christelle , Pistilli Barbara , Brain Etienne , Pasquier David , Debled Marc , Thery Jean Christophe , Gonçalves Anthony , Desmoulins Isabelle , De La Motte Rouge Thibault , Faure Christelle , Ferrero Jean Marc , Eymard Jean Christophe , Mouret-Reynier Marie Ange , Patsouris Anne , Cottu Paul , Dalenc Florence , Petit Thierry , Payen Olivier , Uwer Lionel , Guiu Séverine , Frenel Jean Sébastien
Published: January 2022

Background:

Breast cancer (BC) in young women merits a specific approach given the associated fertility, genetic and psychosocial issues. De novo metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in young women is an even more serious condition, with limited data available.

Methods:

We evaluated management of women aged ⩽40 years with de novo MBC in a real-life national multicentre cohort of 22,463 patients treated between 2008 and 2016 (NCT0327531). Our primary objective was to compare overall survival (OS) in young women versus women aged 41–69 years. The secondary objectives were to compare first-line progression-free survival (PFS1) and to describe treatment patterns.

Results:

Of the 4524 women included, 598 (13%) were ⩽40 years. Median age at MBC diagnosis was 36 years (range = 20–40). Compared with women aged 41–69 years, young women had more grade III tumours (49% versus 35.7%, p < 0.0001), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 amplified (HER2+) disease (34.6% versus 26.4%, p < 0.0001) and HR–/HER2– disease known as “triple negative breast cancer” (TNBC) (17.1% versus 12.7%, p < 0.0001). BRCA testing was performed for 260 young women, with a BRCA1/2 mutation in 44 (17% of those tested) In young HR+/HER2– patients, chemotherapy (CT) was given as the frontline treatment more frequently compared with older ones (89.6% versus 68.8%, respectively, p < 0.0001). After median follow-up of 49.7 months (95% confidence interval, CI = 48.0–51.7), the median OS of young women was 58.5 months, 20.7 months and not attained in HR+/HER2–, TNBC and HER2+ subgroups, respectively. After adjustment for histological subtype, tumour grade, and number and type of metastasis, young women had significantly better OS compared with older ones, except for the TNBC subgroup, for which the outcome was similar. PFS1 was statistically different only in the TNBC subgroup, with 7.8 months for young women and 6.3 months for older women ( p = 0.0015).

Conclusion:

De novo MBC affects a significant proportion of young women. A subgroup of these patients achieves long OS and merits multidisciplinary care.