bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The forgotten ECEC staff working with birth-to-3-year-olds: The imbalances between the workforce policies and ECEC staff employment conditions in Spain
Authors: Corral-Granados Anabel , Rogers Chrissie , Kruse Fredrik
Published: November 2021

In response to an international focus on Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), Spanish scholars have recently started to explore the participation of early years practitioners in their educational organisations and their views on working conditions. However, a comprehensive review of the current challenges experienced by the Under 3 s early years educators and the examination of the imbalances in workforce policy and working conditions on literature, has thus far not been conducted. Three themes are identified related to the professional developmental path within the school settings that the Spanish ECEC educators follow. The first relates to the educators’ initial ECEC education and training, who the staff caring for this age group are, and how prepared they are. The second is linked to the ECEC programs available for children from birth until they reach three years, and how and where the inclusive programs are delivered to this age group, as well as the early years educators’ working conditions and the impact of the professional roles. Whereas the third relates to in-service professional development derived from interaction and collective learning. The article concludes with suggestions on how the practitioners’ professional development could operationalise policy requirements in order to achieve more inclusive and child-centred learning.
Development and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol filled with date palm midrib powder
Authors: Umar Yunusa , Haque Shaikh Manirul , Al-Harthi Mamdouh A , Sadique Zakariya , Ashwaq Omar , Obra Edwin , Sreekumar P A
Published: November 2021

Date palm ( Phoenix dactylifera L) is one of the most widely cultivated crops in different parts of Saudi Arabia. The midribs rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin are often burnt in the farms, causes severe environmental problems. In the present study, date palm midrib (DPM), these waste materials were powdered and incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Composites were prepared by varying the DPM loading (0–10 wt.%) using the solution casting method. Tensile and thermal properties were analyzed for the composites with respect to filler loading. Addition of DPM as filler enhanced the tensile modulus while an inverse effect was observed in the elongation values. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) analysis showed a gradual increase in melting temperature (Tm) and crystallinity values for PVA. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that the incorporation of DPM into PVA can increase the thermal stability of PVA. Morphology of the composites was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
China and the Internationalisation of the Sociology of Contemporary Work and Employment
Authors: Kofman Eleonore , Lee Maggy , Tse Tommy
Published: November 2021

The China e-Special Issue brings together 11 articles on the sociology of contemporary work and employment in China which have been published in WES in the past two decades, highlighting the increasing frequency of submissions, and also reflecting the diversity, complexity and plurality of work and employment in the region. The foci of debates include the changing fault lines of work and employment; the changing relationships between state, employers and workers; the impact of rural to urban migration and urbanisation on the labour process and employment configurations; the interrelations between production and social reproduction and its gendered dimensions; and the need to develop established methodologies further given the changing nature of the research subject.
The Challenge of Biography: Reading Theologians in Light of their Breached Sexual Ethics
Authors: Shin Sarah
Published: November 2021

Though their biographies vastly differ, Karl Barth's long-term extra-marital relationship with Charlotte von Kirschbaum and John H. Yoder's sexual crimes have been the focus of a range of reactions and proposed approaches on how to read the theology of the two theologians given their biographies. This article will examine those critical responses using an analytical framework appropriated from Sameer Yadav's work on cognate conversations about locating and remedying the causes of white supremacy in the church: are the problems due to problematic theology, problematic institutional practice, or both? A correct diagnosis helps the theologian to then propose the right remedy. This adapted framework will be applied to the cases of Barth and Yoder to critically examine how Steven Plant and Rachel Muers respond to Barth's biography and how Stanley Hauerwas and Hilary Scarsella respond to Yoder's biography. After demonstrating how the different respondents address the issue as one primarily of problematic theology or problematic institutional practices, I will argue that it is both theology and practice that must be addressed in order to satisfactorily deal with the reality and scale of infection when it comes to influential theologians. Sample treatments will be offered for responding to Barth's and Yoder's biographies.
Interpretable machine learning with an eye for the physics: Hyperspectral Vis/NIR “video” of drying wood analyzed by hybrid subspace modeling
Authors: Martens Harald
Published: November 2021

Chemometric multivariate analysis based on low-dimensional linear and bilinear data modelling is presented as a fast and interpretable alternative to more fancy “AI” for practical use of Big Data streams from hyperspectral “video” cameras. The purpose of the present illustration is to find, quantify and understand the various known and unknown factors affecting the process of drying moist wood. It involves an “interpretable machine learning” that analyses more than 350 million absorbance spectra, requiring 418 GB of data storage, without the use of black box operations. The 159-channel high-resolution hyperspectral wood “video” in the 500–1005 nm range was reduced to five known and four unknown variation components of physical and chemical nature, each with its spectral, spatial and temporal parameters quantified. Together, this 9-dimensional linear model explained more than 99.98% of the total input variance.
Multivariate generalized linear mixed models for continuous bounded outcomes: Analyzing the body fat percentage data
Authors: Petterle Ricardo R , Laureano Henrique A , da Silva Guilherme P , Bonat Wagner H
Published: November 2021

We propose a multivariate regression model to handle multiple continuous bounded outcomes. We adopted the maximum likelihood approach for parameter estimation and inference. The model is specified by the product of univariate probability distributions and the correlation between the response variables is obtained through the correlation matrix of the random intercepts. For modeling continuous bounded variables on the interval [Formula: see text] we considered the beta and unit gamma distributions. The main advantage of the proposed model is that we can easily combine different marginal distributions for the response variable vector. The computational implementation is performed using Template Model Builder, which combines the Laplace approximation with automatic differentiation. Therefore, the proposed approach allows us to estimate the model parameters quickly and efficiently. We conducted a simulation study to evaluate the computational implementation and the properties of the maximum likelihood estimators under different scenarios. Moreover, we investigate the impact of distribution misspecification in the proposed model. Our model was motivated by a data set with multiple continuous bounded outcomes, which refer to the body fat percentage measured at five regions of the body. Simulation studies and data analysis showed that the proposed model provides a general and rich framework to deal with multiple continuous bounded outcomes.
Epoxy tooling: Technologies, developments, sustainability and future interest to industry 4.0
Authors: Díez-Barcenilla Gorka , Gómez-Alonso José L , Gondra Koldo , Zuza Ester
Published: November 2021

The technology of epoxy tooling, at present under continuous development, is used for the rapid manufacture of cost-effective tools for small batch production. It is a valid alternative with no need for expensive investment in metallic moulds for the development of new products. Current investigations are focused on improvements to the production system, improved tool performance, the cost reduction of moulds and tool manufacturing sustainability. In this paper, both the advantages and the disadvantages of epoxy tooling in injection moulding, wax injection, metal stamping and hot embossing are compared with conventional techniques. Following a brief introduction of rapid tooling technologies, the latest advances of epoxy tooling and their implementation in different manufacturing processes are all analysed. These developments refer to the production of new ad-hoc epoxy composites, increased productivity using conformal cooling channels, the reduction of the tooling manufacturing costs through waste reuse and the emerging industry 4.0 technologies for smart manufacturing and tooling. The main objective is to identify both the challenges facing epoxy tooling techniques and future research directions.
Community Perspectives on Social Influences on Suicide Within a Native American Reservation
Authors: Cwik Mary , Doty S. Benjamin , Hinton Alexandra , Goklish Novalene , Ivanich Jerreed , Hill Kyle , Lee Angelita , Tingey Lauren , Craig Mariddie
Published: November 2021

Relative to the general population, Native Americans (NA) bear a disproportionate burden of suicide-related mortality rates. NA males and females aged 15 to 24 years experience suicide rates nearly 3 times than the U.S. all races rates in this age group. Although efforts have been made to understand and reduce suicide in tribal communities, a large portion has focused on individual characteristics with less attention given to social factors that may also inform suicide. This article aims to build on a local conceptual model of NA youth suicide by examining additional potential social factors through qualitative interviews. Findings from the thematic analysis resulted in the identification of seven perceived social influences: contagion, violence and abuse, discrimination and bullying, negative expectations, spirituality, social support, and cultural strengths. Public health approaches to reduce suicide should consider local social factors that resonate with tribal communities to build resilience.
HiTOP Assessment of Externalizing Antagonism and Disinhibition
Authors: Mullins-Sweatt Stephanie N. , Bornovalova Marina A. , Carragher Natacha , Clark Lee Anna , Corona Espinosa Alejandro , Jonas Katherine , Keyes Katherine M. , Lynam Donald R. , Michelini Giorgia , Miller Joshua D. , Min Jiwon , Rodriguez-Seijas Craig , Samuel Douglas B. , Tackett Jennifer L. , Watts Ashley L.
Published: November 2021

This article outlines the Phase 1 efforts of the HiTOP Measure Development group for externalizing constructs, which include disinhibited externalizing, antagonistic externalizing, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, substance use, and externalizing/maladaptive behaviors. We provide background on the constructs included and the process and issues involved in developing a measure for this diverse range of psychopathology symptoms, traits, and behaviors.
Comparison of damping parameters based on the half-power bandwidth methods of viscous and hysteretic damping models
Authors: Sun Panxu , Wang Dongwei
Published: November 2021

The half-power bandwidth method is usually used to calculate structural damping parameters by frequency response function (FRF). In this note, the half-power bandwidth methods for the displacement FRF, the velocity FRF, and the acceleration FRF are proposed based on viscous and hysteretic damping models, respectively. Comparison results show that the application conditions of half-power bandwidth methods for the displacement and acceleration FRFs are limited. They can only be used to calculate the small damping ratio/loss factor. The application condition of half-power bandwidth method for the velocity FRF is not limited. It can be used to calculate the large or small damping ratio/loss factor, which should be the first choice for calculating damping parameters. Besides, when the damping ratio is less than 0.2546 or the loss factor is less than 0.5658, the relative difference between the loss factor and twice the damping ratio is less than 10%. With the increase of the damping ratio or loss factor, the relative difference will increase rapidly, and the approximate relationship is no longer applicable.
Continuity and Change of Urban Policies in São Paulo: Resilience, Latency, and Reanimation
Authors: Leão Marques Eduardo Cesar
Published: November 2021

It is usually considered that urban policy change happens gradually or abruptly, provoked by coalition shifts, political pressure, or by agenda changes in public policies. However, a broad set of urban policies in São Paulo, Brazil shows the relevance of the third kind of oscillating trajectory not yet accounted for by the literature. Departing from compared urban policies in São Paulo, this article shows incremental progressive trends due jointly to political competition (pushed by progressive governments) and policy production itself.

While some programs entered the agenda to stay, others swung between implementation, latency, and reanimation. To investigate these processes, we compare four programs—(a) in situ slum upgrading and (b) bus integration (gradually imposing themselves), (c) cooperative housing construction, and (d) bus lanes/corridors (oscillating between latency and reanimation). The results challenge explanations of urban policy change, contributing to closer dialogues between urban studies and political science.
Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome following temozolimide for glioblastoma multiforme and the role of desensitization therapy
Authors: Ambur Austin , Ambur Lindsay , Khan Leila , Nathoo Rajiv
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Temozolomide is an oral alkylating agent used as first line treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). It has also been used in the treatment of certain solid tumors such as metastatic melanoma. Commonly reported adverse effects include nausea and vomiting, constipation, headache, fatigue and myelosuppression. Cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions are rare and include an urticarial hypersensitivity reaction, alopecia, and Stevens–Johnson syndrome. To our knowledge, there are minimal reports of temozolomide-induced DRESS syndrome.

Case Report

We present a 54-year-old man with glioblastoma multiforme who presented with a fever, diarrhea and progressively worsening rash 6 weeks after starting temozolomide.

Management & Outcome

The patient was diagnosed recurrent DRESS syndrome and restarted on a gradual prednisone taper with resolution over the following weeks. Unfortunately, the patient was unable to be followed long-term due to relocation to a different state.

Discussion

To our knowledge, there are minimal reports of temozolomide-induced DRESS syndrome. The diagnosis can be life-threatening, which makes management of patients with GBM and no alternative treatment option challenging. The use of de-sensitization therapy to temozolomide has been proposed for the management of severe adverse cutaneous reactions.
Efficacy of Tai Chi on Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ha Mei , Yang Yuhui , Shi Yu , Lu Ya , Chen Kun , Zhang Suofei , Luo Yu
Published: November 2021

Previous systematic reviews elucidate the efficacy of Tai Chi on the rehabilitation and treatment for various chronic diseases. Yet, no consensus has been reached on its efficacy and safety from those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to critically summarize what is already known about the prevailing benefits of Tai Chi for CKD patients. There was no evidence that Tai Chi had adverse effects on CKD patients. Long-term Tai Chi exercises could improve quality of life, cardiorespiratory fitness, and physical motor function for the end-stage renal disease (ERSD) patients undergoing dialysis. Regular Tai Chi exercises might exert modest influences in delaying CKD progression for mild–moderate CKD patients. However, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate positive effects of Tai Chi exercises on bone health of the ESRD patients. Accordingly, rigorously designed, longer-term studies of Tai Chi are warranted to identify its efficacy on CKD patients across different stages, especially targeting potential mechanisms in terms of Tai Chi altering biological gene profile expressions.
VEGF gene polymorphisms regulate human retinal vascular endothelial cell proliferation and apoptosis through ASF/SF2-associated alternative splicing
Authors: Li Honghui , Xie Jun , Zeng Junwen , Wu Juan , Zhou Jin , Zhao Wei
Published: November 2021

This study investigated the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the VEGF （vascular endothelial growth factor） gene, which are associated with susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), on the expression of VEGF proteins (VEGF165 and VEGF165b) and their role in cell proliferation and apoptosis in human retinal vascular endothelial cells (hRVECs). Cell viability and VEGF165 and VEGF165b expressions were evaluated in hRVECs transfected with VEGF genes containing different SNPs (rs3025039, rs3025033, and rs10434). The Cell Counting Kit 8 assay, quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, TUNEL assay, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to examine the effects of VEGF gene SNPs on cell viability, VEGF165 and VEGF165b expressions, and cell apoptosis in hRVECs. The interaction and localization of the RNA-binding protein alternative splicing factor/splicing factor 2 (ASF/SF2) were assessed using RNA pull-down. Although VEGF165 expression decreased, VEGF165b levels increased significantly in hRVECs transfected with rs3025039, which decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis. The SNPs rs3025033 and rs10434 had no significant effects on VEGF165b protein production and apoptosis; however, they promoted cell proliferation. SNPs affected the interaction between RNA and ASF/SF2, a splicing factor for intron retention. Insulin-like growth factor-1 treatment induced the expression of VEGF165, but not VEGF165b, whereas SRPIN340 treatment, an inhibitor of ASF/SF2, increased VEGF165b protein levels. VEGF gene sequence variations affected hRVEC proliferation and apoptosis via alternative gene splicing. Thus, the regulation of splicing via ASF/SF2 could be a potential strategy in treating pathological neovascularization in patients with AMD.
Effect of minimonovision in bilateral implantation of a novel non-diffractive extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens: Defocus curves, visual outcomes, and quality of life
Authors: Coassin Marco , Mori Tommaso , Di Zazzo Antonio , Poddi Maria , Sgrulletta Roberto , Napolitano Pasquale , Bonini Stefano , Orfeo Vincenzo , Kohnen Thomas
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To evaluate overall patient satisfaction, spectacle independence, visual acuity, and prevalence of optical phenomena following bilateral implantation of a new non-diffractive extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens targeted for minimonovision.

Methods

Multicenter prospective case series. Postoperative far and near visual acuity at 3 months and patient quality of life by NEI-VFQ-25 questionnaire were assessed. Postoperative evaluation included defocus curves analysis, spectacle independence assessment, and recording of photic phenomena.

Results

The study enrolled 97 eyes of 59 patients that underwent femtosecond-assisted cataract surgery with AcrySof IQ Vivity intraocular lens implantation. Thirty subjects (60 eyes) were eligible for analysis. After 3 months, postoperative achieved binocular uncorrected visual acuity was −0.03  ±  0.06 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution for distance, 0.06  ±  0.06 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution for intermediate, and 0.19  ±  0.03 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution for near. Defocus curve showed a smooth profile with no abrupt decrease of visual acuity. Minimonovision significantly improved visual acuity compared to when minimonovision was neutralized, for values of defocus curves from −1 to −3 D ( p < 0.05). Twenty-six (87%) patients reported complete spectacle independence. High levels of satisfaction for distance and near vision resulted at VFQ-25 questionnaire. Only two patients complained of halos (6.7%) and one of them also of glare (3.3%).

Conclusions

Implantation of this new non-diffractive extended depth-of-focus intraocular lens with minimonovision resulted in satisfying far, intermediate, and near visual acuity with a consistent reduction of spectacle dependence and improvement in patient's quality of life.
Age and sex-specific differences in interleukin 4, interferon gamma, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in the tears of healthy subjects
Authors: Mravec Bencúrová Dominika , Mandíková Šárka , Daňková Pavlína
Published: November 2021

Objective

To investigate the physiological profile of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in tears produced by epithelial cells under the effect of endogenous and exogenous biological factors. Knowing the physiological cytokine profile in tears with its biological characteristics including sex- and age-specific effects is fundamental when tears are analyzed for diagnostic or prognostic purposes in eye diseases.

Methods

Tear samples were collected from right eye of 45 healthy volunteers (24 males, 21 females) by 5 μl microcapillary tube. Cytokines interleukin 1β, interleukin 10, interleukin 4, interferon gamma, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor were quantified by multiplex Bio-Plex system.

Results

The production of macrophage migration inhibitory factor cytokine by epithelial cells on the ocular surface is higher in males compared to females ( p = 0.05); actually, most of female tear samples present with undetectable macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels. Our results show the negative correlations between the age and concentrations of interleukin 4 ( p < 0.01) and interferon gamma ( p < 0.01) in tears, respectively, and positive associations of vascular endothelial growth factor levels with the age above 45 years ( p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Data in this study indicate that age and sex may affect the physiological levels of cytokines in tears. Consequently, the impacts of biological factors need to be recognized and taken into consideration before the levels of cytokines in patients’ tears are analyzed for medical reasons. Concentrations of interleukin 1β and interleukin 10 cytokines, however, are very low in healthy tears and do not seem to be influenced by studied biological factors; therefore, they meet the requirements for analytes suitable for medical diagnostic and prognostic purposes.
Consensus recommendation on the use of therapeutic plasma exchange for adult neurological diseases in Southeast Asia from the Southeast Asia therapeutic plasma exchange consortium
Authors: Hiew Fu Liong , Thit Win Min , Alexander Mathew , Thirugnanam Umapathi , Siritho Sasitorn , Tan Kevin , Mya Aye Seinn Mya , Ohnmar Ohnmar , Estiasari Riwanti , Yassin Norazieda , Pasco Paul Matthew , Keosodsay Say Saysavath , Trong Nghia Hoang Tien , Islam MD Badrul , Wong Sing Keat , Lee Shirley , Chhabra Anupam , Viswanathan Shanthi
Published: November 2021

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an effective and affordable treatment option in most parts of Southeast Asia (SEA). In 2018, the SEA TPE Consortium (SEATPEC) was established, consisting of regional neurologists working to improve outcome of various autoimmune neurological diseases. We proposed an immunotherapeutic guideline prioritizing TPE for this region. We reviewed disease burden, evidence-based treatment options, and major guidelines for common autoimmune neurological disorders seen in SEA. A modified treatment algorithm based on consensus agreement by key-opinion leaders was proposed. Autoimmune antibody diagnostic testing through collaboration with accredited laboratories was established. Choice of first-line immunotherapies (IVIg/corticosteroid/TPE) is based on available evidence, clinicians’ experience, contraindications, local availability, and affordability. TPE could be chosen as first-line therapy for GBS, CIDP, MG (acute/short term), IgG, A paraproteinemic neuropathy, and NMDAR encephalitis. Treatment is stopped for acute monophasic conditions such as GBS and ADEM following satisfactory outcome. For chronic immune disorders, a therapy taper or long-term maintenance therapy is recommended depending on the defined clinical state. TPE as second-line treatment is indicated for IVIg or corticosteroids refractory cases of ADEM, NMOSD (acute), MG, and NMDAR/LGI1/CASPR2/Hashimoto’s encephalitis. With better diagnosis, treatment initiation with TPE is a sustainable and effective immunotherapy for autoimmune neurological diseases in SEA.
Children's reception of critical concepts in animated movies
Authors: Alehpour Mania , Abdollahyan Hamid
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study is to reveal how children interpret animated movies that include critical concepts. The study investigates the mechanism of 20 Iranian children's interpretation aged 9–12 of animations that contain critical concepts and challenging ideas. Participants were interviewed by an ethnographic approach immediately after watching three animated movies, Zootopia, Kung Fu Panda 3, and Inside Out. The collected data were interpreted based on reception theory, sociocultural theory, and frame theory. Three categorizations emerged from the data collected from interviews with children: framegroup, different framegroup, and incomplete framegroup. The variables most influencing children's interpretation of animations were their schemas or frames and the conceptual tools to interpret the animated movies. Some of the results show that the selected animations were not influential enough to change children's schemas and improve their critical thinking. However, if they were equipped with critical conceptual tools, they would grasp and interpret critical concepts featured in the animations.
Galling wear between ASTM 6061 aluminum and grade D2 tool steel
Authors: Martínez-Méndez Erick , Antonio-Aguirre Daniel , Vite-Torres Manuel , Márquez-Santiago José F , Tuckart Walter R , Gallardo-Hernández Ezequiel Alberto
Published: November 2021

In the automotive industry, galling is a huge problem either for the tool life or the quality of the stamping metal component. Galling is a severe form of scuffing associated with gross damage to the surface or failure. This work aims to carry out a series of experiments of galling tests at different loads and similar roughness with 6061 aluminum and D2 steel, common materials used in automotive components and tools respectively. A tribometer was employed to generate Galling wear, the button-on-button configuration, according to the ASTM G-196-08 standard. The results show the threshold of minimum load without galling wear. Post-test-surface analysis of the specimens was conducted by confocal microscopy to identify the damage generated during the wear tests. Additionally, a couple of friction tests were carried only to illustrate the friction coefficient behavior under galling conditions.
Telemedicine interventions for older adults: A systematic review
Authors: Şahin Ebru , Yavuz Veizi Betül Gülsüm , Naharci Mehmet Ilkin
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Telemedicine may help improve older adults' access, health outcomes, and quality of life indicators. This review aims to provide current evidence on the effectiveness of telemedicine in the aged population.

Method

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science electronic databases between January 2015 and September 2021 using the keywords “telemedicine” or “telehealth” and “older people” or “geriatrics” or “elderly.” The articles were classified under three headings according to the purposes: feasibility, diagnosis and management of chronic diseases, and patient satisfaction.

Results

A total of 22 articles were included. Across most disciplines, evidence has shown that telemedicine is as effective as usual care, if not more so, in the feasibility, chronic disease management, and patient satisfaction of the elderly. However, a few studies reported challenges such as difficulty with technology, hearing problems, and the inability to perform hands-on examinations for physicians.

Conclusion

Findings from this review support the view that health care providers can use telemedicine to manage elderly individuals in conjunction with usual health care. However, future research is needed to eliminate barriers to increasing telemedicine use among older adults.
A blind spot in mental healthcare? Psychotherapists lack education and expertise for the support of adults on the autism spectrum
Authors: Lipinski Silke , Boegl Katharina , Blanke Elisabeth S , Suenkel Ulrike , Dziobek Isabel
Published: November 2021

Most adults on the autism spectrum have co-occurring mental health conditions, creating a high demand for mental health services – including psychotherapy – in autistic adults. However, autistic adults have difficulties accessing mental health services. The most-reported barriers to accessing treatment are therapists’ lack of knowledge and expertise surrounding autism, as well as unwillingness to treat autistic individuals. This study was conducted by a participatory autism research group and examined 498 adult-patient psychotherapists on knowledge about autism and self-perceived competency to diagnose and treat autistic patients without intellectual disability compared to patients with other diagnoses. Psychotherapists rated their education about autism in formal training, and competency in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with autism, lowest compared to patients with all other diagnoses surveyed in the study, including those with comparable prevalence rates. Many therapists had misconceptions and outdated beliefs about autism. Few had completed additional training on autism, but the majority were interested in receiving it. Greater knowledge about autism was positively linked to openness to accept autistic patients. The results point to an alarming gap in knowledge necessary for adequate mental health care for individuals with autism.

Lay abstract

Most autistic adults experience mental health problems. There is a great demand for psychotherapeutic support that addresses the specific needs of autistic individuals. However, people with autism encounter difficulties trying to access diagnostic and therapeutic services. This study was conducted by a participatory autism research group: a group in which autistic individuals and scientists collaborate. The group developed a questionnaire for psychotherapists in Germany to assess their knowledge about autism. Psychotherapists also rated their ability to diagnose and treat autistic patients without intellectual disability, and patients with other psychological diagnoses. Many of the 498 psychotherapists that responded reported little knowledge and outdated beliefs about autism, as well as little training on treating patients with autism. Their expertise about other psychological conditions was more comprehensive. However, many psychotherapists were interested in professional training on autism. Those with more knowledge were also more open to treating autistic patients. In conclusion, psychotherapists’ lack of knowledge and expertise seem to be a major barrier for adults with autism to receiving helpful psychotherapeutic support. The results demonstrate the need for an advancement in autism education during psychotherapists’ training and in continuous education.
Menstruation and menopause in autistic adults: Periods of importance?
Authors: Groenman Annabeth P , Torenvliet Carolien , Radhoe Tulsi A , Agelink van Rentergem Joost A , Geurts Hilde M
Published: November 2021

Autism spectrum conditions were once seen as a predominantly male condition. This has caused a paucity of information on common events in the lives of women, such as menstruation and menopause. Some smaller studies indicate that autistic women might suffer from increased difficulties surrounding these events. This study aims to investigate whether autistic women experience more frequent premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and increased complaints surrounding menopause. In partly overlapping samples (premenstrual dysphoric disorder, n = 70, nASC = 28, ncomparisons = 42; menopause, n = 65, nASC = 30, ncomparisons = 35), we investigated premenstrual dysphoric disorder prevalence and menopausal complaints. In 70 individuals, we did not find an increased prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in autistic women (14.3%) compared with non-autistic women (9.5%). In 65 women aged 40 years and above, we found that autistic women did experience higher levels of menopausal complaints. In autistic women, higher menopausal complaints were associated with higher levels of depression and autistic traits. In non-autistic women, menopausal complaints were associated with increased inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity (i.e. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder traits), and depression. With this work, we show the important role that major reproductive milestones can have in an autistic woman’s life.

Lay abstract

Autism spectrum conditions were once seen as a predominantly male condition, but this has caused research to have little focus on women. Therefore, little is known about menstruation and menopause in autism spectrum conditions. Some smaller studies indicate that autistic individuals might suffer from increased difficulties surrounding these events. This study aimed to investigate whether autistic women experience more frequent premenstrual dysphoric disorder, causing extreme physical, emotional, and functional impairment. In a partly overlapping sample, we also examined whether women with autism spectrum condition experience increased complaints surrounding menopause. We did not find an increased prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in autism spectrum conditions (14.3%) compared with non-autistic women (9.5%). Those with autism spectrum conditions did experience increased menopausal complaints. These menopausal complaints were associated with higher levels of depression and autistic traits. In non-autistic women, menopausal complaints were associated with increased inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity (i.e. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder traits), and depression. With this work, we show the important role that major reproductive milestones can have in an autistic woman’s life.
Fat shaming, feminism and Facebook: What ‘women who eat on tubes’ reveal about social media and the boundaries of women’s bodies
Authors: Bound Alberti Fay
Published: November 2021

Women’s bodies and appetites attract a disproportionate level of media coverage, and reveal heightened cultural concern around ‘appropriate’ behaviour. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the ‘Women Who Eat on Tubes’ Facebook group, which raises important questions about the nature of ‘the public’ and monitoring of female desires, as well as the historically gendered surveillance of women’s relationship with food and eating. This chapter explores the emergence of ‘Women Who Eat on Tubes’ as a social phenomenon, and what its existence, and challenges to that existence, reveals about sexism, misogyny and gender in early-21st century digital culture.
‘Good food’ in an Instagram age: Rethinking hierarchies of culture, criticism and taste
Authors: Feldman Zeena
Published: November 2021

Through historical, economic and technological contextualisation and empirical data analysis, this article explores the cultural purchase the image-sharing app Instagram and the printed Michelin Guide have on contemporary food criticism. Both platforms contribute to popular understandings of ‘good food’. Yet, there are important functional and discursive distinctions in how culinary criticism is done in Instagram vis-à-vis Michelin. To that end, this article focuses on London’s restaurant scene and proposes the concept of the Instagram gaze as a means of understanding the representational repertoires and knowledge claims advanced by foodies on visual social media platforms. The Instagram gaze also facilitates insight into the relationship between Instagrammers’ culinary judgements and Michelin’ s.
Imperial legacies and southern penal spaces: A study of hunting nomads in postcolonial India
Authors: Brown Mark , Jadhav Vikas Keshav , Raghavan Vijay , Sinha Mayank
Published: November 2021

Southern penal spaces are marked by resemblances and affinities with colonial regimes of control, yet they also reflect quite distinctive postcolonial social and political dynamics found in the global south. Here, legacies of control, forms of exile, status reductions, hierarchical social stratifications and other like forms come together in robust modes of containment suitable for managing ‘marginal’ and ‘suspect’ populations. We draw on ethnographic empirical work with two hunting nomadic groups in India by two of the co-authors who are working with the Kheria Sabar community in Purulia district in West Bengal and Pardhi community in Mumbai. The latter were subject to notification under the notorious Criminal Tribes Act 1871, marking them out as ‘criminal tribes’ until their de-notification shortly after India's independence in 1947, yet the Kheria Sabars too feel its effects. We draw attention here to the continual negotiation and (re)fabrication of both state and citizen at the point of their everyday contact. Our notion of southern penal spaces contributes to penal theory by breaking from northern societies’ focus on institutional carcerality and capturing instead both the variety and the dispersal of penal and punitive practices found in postcolonial societies of the south.
Reflections on statistical modelling: A conversation with Murray Aitkin
Authors: Aitkin Murray , Hinde John , Francis Brian
Published: November 2021

A virtual interview with Murray Aitkin by Brian Francis and John Hinde, two of the original members of the Centre for Applied Statistics that Murray created at Lancaster University. The talk ranges over Murray's reflections of a career in statistical modelling and the many different collaborations across the world that have been such a significant part of it.
Sunshine Act in the dark
Authors: Safavi Kiya Shazadeh , Hong Angelina , Janney Cory F , Panchbhavi Vinod K , Jupiter Daniel C
Published: November 2021

Background

This study assessed patient perceptions of the Physician Payments Sunshine Act and opinions toward physicians who receive gifts and/or payments from pharmaceutical or medical device companies.

Methods

During their office visit, patients attending different specialty clinics volunteered to complete our survey. The survey asks if the patient knows what the Sunshine Act is, then asks questions on 5-point response scales to assess the patient's opinions toward physicians who receive compensation from companies, their self-rated knowledge of physician compensation, and how they believe this compensation affects the cost of care.

Results

Over 13 months, 523 responses were collected: 8.6% of patients reported having knowledge of the Sunshine Act, 56.8% rated their knowledge of physician compensations as “poor,” and 67.1% agreed with the statement that patients should be aware of the compensation physicians receive. When asked how their opinion toward their physician would change if they learned the physician received free meals or gifts from companies, 58.9% replied “not at all,” and 36.11% of patients did not believe their cost of care would increase if their physician received compensation from companies.

Conclusions

Most patients were unfamiliar with the Sunshine Act, and believe their knowledge of physician compensation is poor. Over half of the respondents would not change their opinion of their physician based on knowledge of their physician receiving payments/gifts from companies, and over one-third of respondents did not believe such compensation increased the cost of care. The majority of respondents agreed that patients should be aware of payments/gifts to physicians.
Peripheral oscillometric arterial performance does not depict coronary status in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jaeger Magdalene , Stratmann Bernd , Tschoepe Diethelm
Published: November 2021

Background

Arterial stiffness is associated with cardiovascular events. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs), their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) and galectin-3 are involved in the pathogenesis of end organ damage. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of arterial stiffness, MMPs, TIMPs and galectin-3 with the current vascular status in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

74 patients with T2DM, 36 with coronary heart disease (CHD) (T2DM + CHD) and 38 without CHD (T2DM − CHD) were included. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao), aortic and brachial augmentation indices (AIx aortic and AIx brachial) and central-aortic blood pressure values were determined by non-invasive arteriography. MMPs, TIMPs and galectin-3 plasma concentrations were analysed by ELISA.

Results

Patients with T2DM and CHD presented with significantly increased arterial stiffness determined as AIx and significantly elevated values for TIMP-4 and galectin-3. Heterogeneous peripheral vascular status regardless of the CHD status was observed, and increasing severity of CHD was associated with an increased arterial stiffness. TIMP-4 correlated significantly with an elevated PWVao in the whole cohort independently from CHD status.

Conclusion

Determination of arterial stiffness is an effective and, compared to laboratory markers, more reliable method for determining the peripheral vascular situation in patients with T2DM, but it does not clearly depict coronary situation.
A Rural School’s Adaptations, Improvements, and Innovations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wilcox Kristen C.
Published: November 2021

COVID-19 prompted unprecedented disruptions to schools with challenges particularly severe for high-poverty remote rural schools. This case study recounts the story of a rural school that had participated in a research–practice partnership (RPP) multi-year improvement effort prior to the pandemic and documents the ways the RPP and the school-based improvement team worked to navigate pandemic-related disruptions. This case study provides educational leaders with insights into ways to surmount challenges and innovate especially during times of significant disruption and provides prompts to consider with regard to the use of RPP support and improvement science-based processes and tools.
Are We Done Yet? Reflections on the Sustainability of Knowledge Products
Authors: Gallant Karen , Hutchinson Susan , White Catherine , Litwiller Fenton , Hamilton-Hinch Barbara , Moran Robyn
Published: November 2021

While collaborative research approaches help ensure that knowledge products resulting from research will be relevant to stakeholders and increase the likelihood that they will be integrated into practice, there has been limited attention given to the supports essential to maintaining knowledge products. Focussing on one research project whose knowledge products are heavily used, in this paper, we discuss the challenges associated with maintaining the integrity of these knowledge products, particularly tensions associated with: (1) lack of alignment of our needs, timelines and resources as researchers with those of community partners; (2) the ongoing need to support the evolution of knowledge products despite the conclusion of funding and project infrastructure and (3) lack of clarity about decision-making responsibility related to the ongoing evolution of these knowledge products. Out of these challenges, we offer recommendations for negotiating the evolution of knowledge products and sustaining the Knowledge to Action (KTA) cycle. These recommendations focus on documenting responsibilities for knowledge product maintenance and communication, assigning expiry dates to knowledge products, identifying secure, long-term repositories for knowledge products and planning for engagement of research partners with lived experience in the maintenance of research products.
Modeling and parameter identification of seated human body with the reference vector guided evolutionary algorithm
Authors: Zhang Shuguang , Shi Wenku , Chen Zhiyong
Published: November 2021

The low frequency vibration of the vehicle in motion has a great influence on the ride comfort of occupants. The research on the vibration response characteristics of human body plays a great role in analyzing and improving ride comfort. The purpose of this study was to investigate the parameter identification of seated human body dynamic model. A seven-degree-of-freedom (DOF) lumped parameter model was established to describe the vibration response characteristics of human body. The derivation processes of apparent mass (AM) and seat to head transmissibility (STHT) were performed. After the theoretical calculation of the human body vibration characteristics, we used several different evolutionary algorithms to identify the 23 parameters of the model, including the mass, stiffness and damping parameters. By comparing the results of the five optimization algorithms and comprehensively analyzing the convergence and distribution of the non-dominated solution set, we found that the reference vector guided evolutionary algorithm (RVEA) shows good competitiveness in solving many-objective optimization problem (MaOP), that is, parameter identification of seated human body model in this paper. The AM and STHT calculated by model identification were compared with their measured by experiment. The result shows that the selected seven-DOF model can well describe the vertical vibration characteristics of seated human body and the identification method used in this paper can accurately identify the parameters of lumped parameter model, which provides convenience for the establishment of a complete “road-vehicle-seat-human body” system dynamic model.