bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planning for grasping cluttered objects based on obstruction degree
Authors: Zhao Wenrui , Wang Jingchuan , Chen Weidong , Huang Yi
Published: November 2021

Grasping objects in clutter is more difficult than grasping a separated single object. An important issue is that unsafe grasps may occur, in case, one object sits or leans on another, which could cause the collapse of objects. In addition, reachability of each object surrounded by other obstacles also has to be considered. So the order of multiple objects for grasping and the grasp configuration of each object must be planned simultaneously. This article combines grasp order and grasp configuration planning to perform fast and safe multiobject grasping in cluttered scenes. First, a comprehensive grasp configuration database is built to provide enough feasible grasp configurations for the objects. Then, we propose an obstruction degree to estimate the likelihood of reachability of each grasp configuration as well as each object. This measurement also implicitly infers object interactions. Finally, grasp order and grasp configurations are planned together to deal with the constraints caused by reachability and object interaction. Simulations and experiments in a series of cluttered scenes demonstrate that our method can grasp objects efficiently and can greatly reduce unsafe grasps.
Crisis stabilisation services for people with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review
Authors: McCombe Lindsay HA , Martin Toby L , Curtis Hannah , Ediger James , Temple Beverley
Published: November 2021

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities sometimes engage in challenging behaviours. When behaviours escalate to the point where they pose imminent risk to the safety of people and environments, a crisis occurs that jeopardises community living and participation. In these situations, timely access to crisis stabilisation services is required. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to synthesise evidence on effective crisis stabilisation service models for challenging behaviours. A total of 46 publications met the inclusion criteria. The literature describes a spectrum of crisis stabilisation services of varying intensities including: outreach, outpatient, inpatient, respite, and capacity building through education and training. However, there is limited guidance on how to best structure service models. This review highlights the need for comprehensive and person-centred programme evaluations.
The role of sex and gender in the changing levels of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Seens Hoda , Modarresi Shirin , Fraser James , MacDermid Joy C , Walton David M , Grewal Ruby
Published: November 2021

Background:

Several studies have assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety and depression, but have not focused on the role of sex and gender. This study compared changes in the levels of anxiety and depression (pre- and post-COVID) experienced by individuals of various sexes and genders.

Methods:

We used a cross-sectional online survey that assessed pre- and post-COVID symptoms of anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9). General linear modeling (fixed model factorial analysis of variance) was used to evaluate changes in anxiety and depression between pre- and post-pandemic periods and explore differential effects of sex and gender on those changes.

Results:

Our study included 1847 participants from 43 countries and demonstrated a percentage increase of 57.1% and 74.2% in anxiety and depression, respectively. For the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 scale (maximum score 6), there was a mean increase in anxiety by sex for male, female, and other of 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4, respectively; and by gender for man, woman, and others of 0.9, 1.3, and 1.6, respectively. For the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (maximum score 27), there was a mean increase in depressive symptoms by sex for male, female, and other of 3.6, 4.7, and 5.5 respectively; and by gender for man, woman, and others of 3.3, 4.8, and 6.5, respectively.

Conclusion:

During COVID-19, there was an increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms for all sexes and genders, with the greatest increases reported by those identifying as non-male and non-men.
Values in Psychometrics
Authors: Wijsen Lisa D. , Borsboom Denny , Alexandrova Anna
Published: November 2021

When it originated in the late 19th century, psychometrics was a field with both a scientific and a social mission: Psychometrics provided new methods for research into individual differences and at the same time considered these methods a means of creating a new social order. In contrast, contemporary psychometrics—because of its highly technical nature and its limited involvement in substantive psychological research—has created the impression of being a value-free discipline. In this article, we develop a contrasting characterization of contemporary psychometrics as a value-laden discipline. We expose four such values: that individual differences are quantitative (rather than qualitative), that measurement should be objective in a specific sense, that test items should be fair, and that the utility of a model is more important than its truth. Our goal is not to criticize psychometrics for supporting these values but rather to bring them into the open and to show that they are not inevitable and are in need of systematic evaluation.
Working memory capacity and dual mechanisms of cognitive control: An experimental-correlational approach
Authors: Rosales Kevin P , Snijder Jean-Paul , Conway Andrew RA , Gonthier Corentin
Published: November 2021

Working memory is thought to be strongly related to cognitive control. Recent studies have sought to understand this relationship under the prism of the dual mechanisms of control (DMC) framework, in which cognitive control is thought to operate in two distinct modes: proactive and reactive. Several authors have concluded that a high working memory capacity is associated with a tendency to engage the more effective mechanism of proactive control. However, the predicted pattern of proactive control use has never been observed; correlational evidence is made difficult to interpret by the overall superiority of participants with a high working memory capacity: they tend to perform better even when proactive control should be detrimental. In two experiments, we used an experimental-correlational approach to experimentally induce the use of reactive or proactive control in the AX-CPT. The relation between working memory capacity and performance was unaffected, incompatible with the hypothesis that the better performance of participants with a high working memory capacity in the task is due to their use of proactive control. It remains unclear how individual differences in working memory capacity relate to cognitive control under the DMC framework.
Sometimes nothing is simply nothing: Automatic processing of empty sets
Authors: Zagury Yam , Zaks-Ohayon Rut , Tzelgov Joseph , Pinhas Michal
Published: November 2021

Previous work using the numerical comparison task has shown that an empty set, the nonsymbolic manifestation of zero, can be represented as the smallest quantity of the numerical magnitude system. In this study, we examined whether an empty set can be represented as such under conditions of automatic processing in which deliberate processing of stimuli magnitudes is not required by the task. In Experiment 1, participants performed physical and numerical comparisons of empty sets (i.e., empty frames) and of other numerosities presented as framed arrays of 1 to 9 dots. The physical sizes of the frames varied within pairs. Both tasks revealed a size congruity effect (SCE) for comparisons of non-empty sets. In contrast, comparisons to empty sets produced an inverted SCE in the physical comparison task, whereas no SCE was found for comparisons to empty sets in the numerical comparison task. In Experiment 2, participants performed an area comparison task using the same stimuli as Experiment 1 to examine the effect of visual cues on the automatic processing of empty sets. The results replicated the findings of the physical comparison task in Experiment 1. Taken together, our findings indicate that empty sets are not perceived as “zero,” but rather as “nothing,” when processed automatically. Hence, the perceptual dominance of empty sets seems to play a more important role under conditions of automatic processing, making it harder to abstract the numerical meaning of zero from empty sets.
Facile synthesis and biological evaluation of chrysin derivatives
Authors: Omonga Nicholas , Zia Zakia , Ghanbour Hesham , Ragazzon-Smith Abby , Foster Howard , Hadfield John , Ragazzon Patricia
Published: November 2021

In this paper, novel synthetic methods, including microwave O-alkylation, were used to produce several chrysin derivatives. These compounds were purified, characterised and tested on different cell lines and bacterial strains. From this family, 7-(2,4-dinitrophenoxy)-5-hydroxy-3-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one (C3) was shown to be extremely active on bacterial strains methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae as well as having anticancer activity on a range of cancer cell lines with IC50 values less than 30 µM. Chrysin has been known for their anticancer and antimicrobial properties, and this study not only corroborates this but also shows that it is possible to synthesise new improved derivatives with therapeutic possibilities.
The solubilities of benzoic acid and its nitro-derivatives, 3-nitro and 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acids
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Chen Jian , Hu Jinzhong , Liu Min , Cai Zhuoer , Xu Yang , Sun Baiwang
Published: November 2021

The solubilities of benzoic acid and its nitrated derivatives (3-nitrobenzoic acid and 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid) in seven pure solvents—water, methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile, dichloromethane, toluene, and ethyl acetate—were determined experimentally over a temperature range from 273.15 K to 323.15 K under 101.3 kPa. The solubility of the above substances in these solvents increased with temperature. The solubility values of benzoic acid in these seven solvents follow the following order: ethanol > ethanol > acetonitrile > ethyl acetate > dichloromethane > toluene > water, while the solubility values of its nitrification derivatives in these seven solvents follow the following order: methanol > ethanol > ethyl acetate > acetonitrile > dichloromethane > toluene > water. The solubility of benzoic acid, 3-nitrobenzoic acid, and 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid were significantly different in the same solvent. The solubilities obtained are very helpful in improving the recrystallization and yields of 3-nitrobenzoic acid and 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid.
Diagnosis and Localization of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea: A Systematic Review
Authors: Xie Michael , Zhou Kelvin , Kachra Shamez , McHugh Tobial , Sommer Doron D.
Published: November 2021

Background

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea results from abnormal communications between the subarachnoid and sinonasal spaces. Accurate preoperative diagnosis and localization are vital for positive clinical outcomes. However, the diagnosis and localization of CSF rhinorrhea remain suboptimal due to a lack of accurate understanding of test characteristics.

Objective

This systematic review aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of various tests and imaging modalities for diagnosing and localizing CSF rhinorrhea.

Methods

A systematic review of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results

Our search identified 4039 articles—53 cohort studies and 24 case series describing 1622 patients were included. The studies were heterogeneous and had a wide range of sensitivities and specificities. Many specificities were incalculable due to a lack of true negative and false positive results, thus precluding a meta-analysis. Median sensitivities and specificities were calculated for cohort studies of the following investigations: high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) 0.93/0.50 (sensitivity/specificity), magnetic resonance cisternography (MRC) 0.94/0.77, computed tomography cisternography (CTC) 0.95/1.00, radionuclide cisternography (RNC) 0.90/0.50, and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance cisternography (CEMRC) 0.99/1.00, endoscopy 0.58/1.00, topical intranasal fluorescein (TIF) 1.00/incalculable, intrathecal fluorescein (ITF) 0.96/1.00. Case series were reviewed separately. Etiology and site-specific data were also analyzed.

Conclusion

MR cisternography is more accurate than high-resolution CT at diagnosing and localizing CSF rhinorrhea. CT cisternography, contrast-enhanced MR cisternography, and radionuclide cisternography have good diagnostic characteristics but are invasive. Intrathecal fluorescein shows promising data but has not been widely adopted for purely diagnostic use. Office endoscopy has limited data but does not sufficiently diagnose CSF rhinorrhea independently. These findings confirm with current guidelines and evidence.
Face Masks Do Not Alter Gaze Cueing of Attention: Evidence From the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dalmaso Mario , Zhang Xinyuan , Galfano Giovanni , Castelli Luigi
Published: November 2021

Interacting with others wearing a face mask has become a regular worldwide practice since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the impact of face masks on cognitive mechanisms supporting social interaction is still largely unexplored. In the present work, we focused on gaze cueing of attention, a phenomenon tapping the essential ability which allows individuals to orient their attentional resources in response to eye gaze signals coming from others. Participants from both a European (i.e., Italy; Experiment 1) and an Asian (i.e., China; Experiment 2) country were involved, namely two countries in which the daily use of face masks before COVID-19 pandemic was either extremely uncommon or frequently adopted, respectively. Both samples completed a task in which a peripheral target had to be discriminated while a task irrelevant averted gaze face, wearing a mask or not, acted as a central cueing stimulus. Overall, a reliable and comparable gaze cueing emerged in both experiments, independent of the mask condition. These findings suggest that gaze cueing of attention is preserved even when the person perceived is wearing a face mask.
Decreased serum C1Q/TNF-related protein 4 concentrations are associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liu Zheng , Lu Jinhua , Zhang Daiyi , Niu Lijuan , Shi Bimin
Published: November 2021

Objective:

To detect serum C1Q/TNF-related protein 4 (CTRP4) concentrations in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and evaluate the correlation between CTRP4 and other variables in T2DM.

Method:

Sixty-five patients with newly diagnosed T2DM and eighty-nine healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric and biochemical data of the study participants was collected, and serum CTRP4 concentrations were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The correlation between serum CTRP4 and other indexes was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. Trend χ2 test and binary multivariate stepwise logistic regression were performed to assess the correlation between CTRP4 and the risk of T2DM.

Results:

Serum CTRP4 concentrations in the T2DM group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P < .01). Spearman correlation analysis showed that CTRP4 concentrations were negatively correlated with BMI, hs-CRP, HOMA-IR, FBG and TG ( r = - 0.430, - 0.453, - 0.371, - 0.361, - 0.506, P < .05), and positively correlated with HDL-c ( r = 0.303, P < .05). Trend χ2 test indicated that with the increase of CTRP4 levels in the population, the risk of T2DM presented a general downward trend ( P < .01). Binary multivariate stepwise logistic regression suggested that serum CTRP4 was an independent impact factor for T2DM and high serum CTRP4 levels were related to the decreased risk of T2DM (P < .05).

Conclusions:

Serum CTRP4 concentrations decrease in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM. Serum CTRP4 levels are negatively associated with the risk of T2DM.
An Exploration of Lingua-Cultures on YouTube: Translation and Assemblages
Authors: Lee Seryun
Published: November 2021

Online platforms allow the instantaneous circulation of media content on a global scale, and geographically fragmented audiences of media content circulated through such platforms engage with the same content at their convenience. Such media distribution in today’s digital culture problematizes the traditional conceptualization of lingua-cultures, which is predetermined based on the concept of nation-states. The aim of this study is to contribute to theorizing the concept of lingua-cultures on the Internet in relation to the role of translation that boosts the mobility of cultural products across national borders. To this end, I draw on the Deleuzian concept of “assemblages” and look into what translation-driven communities can reveal about different language constituencies using an illustrative example of a YouTube vlog with bilingual subtitles. Ultimately, I argue that lingua-cultures in digital media culture can be redefined as constellations of heterogeneous people who display their perceptions, attitudes, and expectations of self and others using a common language, while engaging with media content for various purposes and in different ways.
Improved visualization of the chorda tympani nerve using ultra‐high-resolution computed tomography
Authors: Fujiwara Masahiro , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Kashiwagi Nobuo , Ohta Yumi , Sato Takashi , Nishigaki Megumi , Tomiyama Noriyuki
Published: November 2021

Background

Recognition of the anatomical course of the chorda tympani nerve (CTN) is important for preventing iatrogenic injuries during middle-ear surgery.

Purpose

This study aims to compare visualization of the CTN using two computed tomography (CT) methods: conventional high-resolution CT (C-HRCT) and ultra‐high-resolution CT (U-HRCT).

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective visual assessment of 59 CTNs in normal temporal bones of 54 consecutive patients who underwent both C-HRCT and U-HRCT. After dividing CTN into three anatomical segments (posterior canaliculus, tympanic segment, and anterior canaliculus), two neuroradiologists scored the visualizations on a four-point scale.

Results

On C-HRCT, the visual scores of the posterior canaliculus, tympanic segment, and anterior canaliculus were 3.5 ± 0.7, 1.6 ± 0.6, and 3.1 ± 0.7, respectively. The respective values were significantly higher in all segments on U-HRCT: 3.9 ± 0.2, 2.4 ± 0.6, 3.5 ± 0.6 ( p < 0.01). Although the difference in scores between methods was greatest for the tympanic segment, the visual score on U-HRCT was lower for the tympanic segment than for the anterior and posterior segments ( p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Ultra‐high-resolution CT provides superior visualization of the CTN, especially the tympanic segment.
Can the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cause choroiditis and optic neuropathy?
Authors: Zor Kürşad Ramazan , Yıldırım Biçer Gamze , Tutaş Günaydın Nesrin , Küçük Erkut , Yılmaz Uğur
Published: November 2021

Objectives: We aim to investigate the involvement of the choroid and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in COVID-19 patients using spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2020. 40 patients (23 female and 17 male) with COVID-19 and 42 healthy individuals (26 female and 16 male) were included in the study. The OCT scans were performed 4 weeks after the COVID-19 diagnosis.

Results: In the COVID-19 group, in the right eyes, the mean nasal choroidal thickness was 295.70 ± 7,046 μm ( p = 0.017), mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was 333.25 ± 6,353 μm ( p = 0.003), mean temporal choroidal thickness was 296.63 ± 6,324 μm ( p = 0.039), and mean RNFL was 89.23 ± 1.30 μm ( p = 0.227). In the left eyes, mean nasal choroidal thickness was 287.88 ± 9,033 μm ( p = 0.267), mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was 333.80 ± 9,457 μm ( p = 0.013), mean temporal choroidal thickness was 298.50 ± 9,158 μm ( p = 0.079), and mean RNFL was 89.48 ± 1,289 μm ( p = 0.092). Compared with the control group, the patient group had significant thickening of the choroidal thickness in all quadrants of the right eyes, and significant thickening of the subfoveal choroidal thickness in the left eyes. There was no significant difference in the RNFL thickness between groups ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion: COVID-19 may cause a subclinical involvement in the choroidal layer.
Multi-institution Assessment of the Accuracy of Cardiac Computed Tomography in Preparation for Superior Cavopulmonary Connection
Authors: Nunes Mariana De Oliveira , Overman David M. , Casey Susan A. , Witt Dawn R. , Schmidt Christian W. , Griffin Lindsay , Rigsby Cynthia K. , Han B. Kelly
Published: November 2021

Background

Patients with single ventricle (SV) congenital heart disease (CHD) undergo several interventions in the first years of life. Advanced diagnostics are required for interstage assessment of anatomy, but are associated with significant diagnostic risk. We sought to evaluate image quality, risk, and accuracy of cardiac computed tomography (CCT) for evaluation of anatomy prior to superior cavopulmonary connection (SCPC) compared to surgical findings across 2 institutions.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation of image quality, risk, and accuracy of pre-SCPC CCT was performed at 2 institutions between January 1, 2010 and September 30, 2016.

Results

CCT was performed in 90 SV CHD patients with a median age of 4.03 months (interquartile range [IQR] 3.36, 5.33) prior to SCPC. Image quality was optimal (84%) or good (16%) in all patients, without significant discrepancy compared to surgical findings. 7 patients (8%) required interventional cardiac catheterization subsequent to CCT and before surgical intervention. 49% of scans were performed without sedation, 43% of scans were performed with mild to moderate sedation, and 8% of scans were performed with general anesthesia. The median total procedural dose-length product (DLP) was 18 (IQR 14, 26) mGy*cm, estimating an age adjusted radiation dose of 1.4 millisievert (mSv). One minor (1%) adverse event was reported within 24 h of the CCT. Surgical complications were unrelated to the presurgical findings.

Conclusions

CCT for pre-SCPC evaluation is safe, with excellent accuracy for anatomy at the time of surgical intervention across 2 institutions. In select patients, noninvasive evaluation with CCT may be indicated.
Management of Interrupted Aortic Arch With Associated Anomalies: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Onalan Mehmet A. , Temur Bahar , Aydın Selim , Suzan Dilek , Demir Ibrahim H. , Odemis Ender , Erek Ersin
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) includes a broad spectrum of associated anomalies. In this study, we present our surgical management and patient-specific decisions regarding IAA anomalies with early- and mid-term outcomes.

Methods

The medical records of 25 patients undergoing IAA repair between 2014 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Sixteen patients had type B (64%) interruptions, 7 had type A (28%) interruptions, and 2 had type C (8%) interruptions. Fourteen patients had an isolated ventricular septal defect, and 3 of them had associated left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Other associated anomalies were functional single ventricle (n = 5), Taussig–Bing anomaly (n = 3), aortopulmonary window (n = 1), multiple ventricular septal defects (n = 1), and truncus arteriosus with dextrocardia (n = 1). The initial operation age was 17.2 ± 14 (range: 1 - 60) days.

Results

Single-stage total repair was performed for 15 patients. Six patients underwent aortic arch repair and pulmonary artery banding. Four patients with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction or who were premature underwent the hybrid procedure. The aortic arch repair was performed in 16 cases (64%) by the anterior patch augmentation technique, in 3 cases (12%) by the reverse left subclavian artery flap technique, and in 3 cases (12%) by direct end-to-end anastomosis. Postoperative early mortality occurred in 4 (16%) patients, and sternal closure was delayed in 13 (52%) patients. Three patients who underwent a hybrid procedure due to left ventricular outflow tract obstruction underwent biventricular repair 8 to 13 months later. Eight patients (38%) required reintervention due to arch restenosis during the follow-up period. The mean follow-up was 37.1 ± 21.7 months.

Conclusion

Planning surgical treatment according to the characteristics of the patients and accompanying anomalies may improve the results.
Early and Late Outcomes of Cardiovascular Surgery in Patients With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Authors: Elsisy Mohamed F. , Pochettino Alberto , Dearani Joseph A. , Bower Thomas C. , McBane Robert D. , Graham Gabriel C. , Deyle David R. , Bonnichsen Crystal R. , Stephens Elizabeth H.
Published: November 2021

Background

Cardiovascular surgical outcomes reports are few for vascular type IV of Ehlers- Danlos Syndrome (vEDS) compared to non-vascular types I-III (nEDS).

Methods

To define cardiovascular surgical outcomes among adult patients (≥18 years) with EDS types, a review of our institution's in-house STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database-compliant software and electronic medical records from Mayo Clinic (1993–2019) was performed. Outcomes were compared for vEDS patients and nEDS patients. Demographics, baseline characteristics, operative, in-hospital complications and follow-up vital status were analyzed.

Results

Over the study time frame, 48 EDS patients underwent surgery (mean age 52.6 ± 14.6 years; 48% females). Of these, 17 patients had vEDS and 31 patients had nEDS. Six patients (12.5%) underwent prior sternotomy. Urgent or emergent surgery was performed in 10 patients (20.8%). Aortic (vEDS 76.5% vs. nEDS 16.1%) and mitral procedures (vEDS 11.8% vs. nEDS 48.4%) were the two most common cardiovascular surgeries performed (p < .01 and p = .007, respectively). Cardiopulmonary bypass time (CPB) (165 ± 18 vs. 90 ± 13 min; p = .015) and aortic cross clamp times (140 ± 14 vs. 62 ± 10 min; p < .001) were longer for vEDS patients. There was 1 (2.1%) early and 7 (14.6%) late deaths; 6 among vEDS and 2 among nEDS patients. Survival at 5 (80% vs. 93%), 10 (45% vs. 84%) and 15 years (45% vs. 84%) was lower in patients with vEDS (p = .015 for each comparison).

Conclusion

Cardiovascular surgeries are significantly more complex with longer bypass and cross clamp times for type IV vEDS compared to nEDS patients. Reduced overall survival underscores the complexity and fragility of vEDS patients.
Bioethics Education on Medical Students: Opinions About Ethical Dilemmas
Authors: Martins Vera , Santos Cristina , Ricou Miguel , Bataglia Patrícia , Duarte Ivone
Published: November 2021

Medical education aims to train professionals who are capable of making extremely complex decisions. As part of the medical curriculum, bioethics education could have an important role in promoting moral development and decision-making in medical students. This study aims to determine if, after a Bioethics and Professional Deontology course, medical students would present a change of opinion on three ethical dilemmas. A quantitative and longitudinal study was developed by applying the MCTxt (Moral Competence Test extended), composed of three ethical dilemmas (Worker, doctor, and judge dilemmas), to a sample of 70, fourth year medical students, from a Portuguese medical school. The questionnaire was applied at the beginning and end of a bioethics course, with a 3 month time interval. For this study the opinion scores were analyzed and described using the mean and standard deviation. The comparison of these scores, at both times, were performed using t-tests for paired samples. A significance level of 5% was used. For students who were neutral in the first application, the majority went on to agree or disagree with the performance of the dilemma character, ultimately showing less indecision at the end of bioethics course. The results suggest that, after the bioethics course, students have lower indecision, however the changes were very tenuous. Bioethics education is important to promote more opportunities for reflection and discussion, to stimulate critical judgment, and the ability to make decisions by medical students. Further research could help to better understand this subject.
Teaching Approaches and Profile Analysis: An Exploratory Study With Trainee History Teachers
Authors: Gómez-Carrasco Cosme Jesús , Rodríguez-Medina Jairo , Chaparro-Sainz Álvaro , Monteagudo-Fernández José
Published: November 2021

The objective of this study is to analyze the teaching approaches of trainee history teachers in Spain. A non-experimental quantitative design was employed with data being gathered via a questionnaire with a Likert-type scale (1–5). Six hundred forty-six students of master’s degrees in geography and history teacher training from 22 different universities took part in the study, of whom 358 were men (55.41%) and 280 women (43.34%). The analytical process was performed in four phases. In the first of them, the reliability of the measures was estimated (internal consistency, reliability of the individual indicators, and reliability of the construct). In the second phase, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was carried out on the matrix of polychoric correlations between the items. In the third phase, evidence of convergent and discriminant validity was analyzed by way of a confirmatory factor analysis. In the fourth phase, a hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out in order to verify the presence of possible groups and, finally, to ascertain the differences between groups by way of an inferential analysis (ANOVA and Student’s t). No significant differences were detected in the scoring groups within the Conceptual Change/Student-Focused approach (CCSF subscale) according to the sex of the participants. However, there were significant differences in the Information Transmission Teacher-Focused approach (ITT subscale). A cluster analysis reveals significant differences with regard to the sex of future secondary education history teachers in Spain.
Respiratory Protective Equipment and Facial Hair in Light of COVID-19: Legal and Ethical Dilemmas
Authors: Lakatos Attila
Published: November 2021

Facial hair inhibits the functionality of certain respiratory protective equipment, yet employers have a duty of care to provide protection for their employees against communicable respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. Could individuals be forced to remove their facial hair? How can staff with facial hair be protected from COVID-19? These issues present legal and ethical dilemmas for employers and employees alike regarding the provision and use of respiratory and personal protective equipment under health and safety considerations. This is a law review examining various UK statutory instruments and case law surrounding the use of facial hair and the use of respiratory protection. Facial hair is a hazard when considering respiratory protective equipment provision and use. Unless there is an absolute need requiring the removal of facial hair for any reason, individuals have the right to grow facial hair as they see fit. It is arguable though what an “absolute need” may be, as numerous proportional and reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate facial hair that can mitigate the risks associated with respiratory diseases.
The Effects of Cooperative, Collaborative, and Peer-Tutoring Strategies on English Learners’ Reading and Speaking Proficiencies in an English-Medium Context: A Research Synthesis
Authors: Tang Shifang , Irby Beverly J. , Tong Fuhui , Lara-Alecio Rafael
Published: November 2021

We conducted a research synthesis to examine the impact of cooperative, collaborative, and peer-tutoring strategies on elementary English learners’ (EL) reading and oral proficiencies in studies from the United States. Seven studies were included in the analysis and fully examined regarding the characteristics of sample, intervention, design, and outcome. Effect sizes were reported by the outcome. We found that cooperative/collaborative/peer-tutoring (CCP) strategies boost elementary ELs’ reading comprehension, reading fluency, and phonemic awareness. Ongoing professional development (PD) and coaching help teachers to improve the quality of strategy implementation. The findings indicated that the quality of implementation, the actual amount of time of these strategies are used in the classroom, and the instructional impact of CCP strategies utilization to improve ELs’ English reading and speaking should be the focus of future research.
Measuring Physical Activity in Children With Cochlear Implants Using Self-Reported PAQ-C Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Akin Senkal Ozgul , Kara Eyyup , Senkal Ozan , Yener Haydar Murat
Published: November 2021

Physical inactivity is common during periods of self-isolation, but for children with special needs, there are crucial benefits to be gained from maintaining moderate to vigorous physical activity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to compare the physical activity levels of children with cochlear implants and their typically developed peers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample included 135 children with cochlear implants and 105 typically developed peers. We compared the daily activity levels of the two groups, measured by a 10-item questionnaire and the triangulation method. Results of this study showed that the girls were less active than the boys. Most items had adequate variance, and their means were close to the center of the range of values. The PAQ-C scores for the children with cochlear implants were distributed across a wider range than the scores for the typically developed children. Children with cochlear implants were physically active during school hours but were less active outside school, spending 3 to 6 hours per day using digital media during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children with cochlear implants need to increase their physical activity in and out of school by increasing their level of independence and their ability to adapt to social life. Giving information about physical activity opportunities to parents of children with cochlear implants is an important issue. School presents an opportunity for children to engage in regular physical activity, which is beneficial for their health status.
An Exploration of the Psychological Impact of Hacking Victimization
Authors: Palassis Alexa , Speelman Craig P. , Pooley Julie Ann
Published: November 2021

Cybercrime has rapidly grown in prevalence and potential for harm and disruption for victims. Studies have examined the adverse psychological impact of cybercrime for victims; however, the specific effects for victims of hacking are unexplored. The present study aimed to investigate the psychological impacts of hacking victimization through exploration of the experience of victims of hacking. The study employed an in-depth phenomenological approach to explore the experiences of 11 victims of hacking. Semi-structured interviews were used as a tool for data collection, and thematic analysis of the data revealed four main themes: emotional impact; an increased sense of vulnerability; a sense of violation; and coping strategies. The findings highlight that hacking may have significant consequences for victims, and further, that hacking may represent an intrusion into a victim’s “digital space.” Recommendations are discussed for providing support to victims through measures aimed at increasing victim’s self-efficacy, sense of control over their digital environment, and increasing community awareness about the potential adverse impacts for victims of hacking.
Profiling Organizational Culture: Using Grid-Group Cultural Theory as a Lens to Take a Snapshot of an Organization’s Culture
Authors: Maesschalck Jeroen , Paesen Heidi
Published: November 2021

This article draws from grid-group cultural theory (GGCT) to develop a survey instrument that allows to take an “adequate snapshot” of the culture of an organization. It specifies GGCT’s typology into 15 dimensions, situated in the two-dimensional space defined by the cross-tabulation of the grid and group axes. Those 15 dimensions are operationalized in a questionnaire that is used in two consecutive studies: one in 64 local police forces in Belgium and one in a large ministry of the Belgian federal government. Confirmatory factor analyses largely corroborate the 15-dimensional model. Multidimensional scaling indicates that the 15 dimensions largely take the positions in the two-dimensional space that GGCT would expect them to take. Finally, latent profile analysis identified six cultural profiles (i.e., particular combinations of the dimensions) in the studied work units, showing the potential benefits of a configural approach to the study of organizational culture in public sector organizations.
Exploring Positive School Attributes: Evidence From School Leader and Teacher Perspectives
Authors: Auliah Avinash , Thien Lei Mee , Kho Siaw Hui , Abd Razak Nordin , Jamil Hazri , Ahmad Mohammad Zohir
Published: November 2021

The extent to which school stakeholders perceive positive school attributes remains unclear in the literature. This study seeks to provide an understanding of positive school attributes from the school leaders and teachers’ perspectives in the Malaysian school context. This study employed a qualitative case study research design with 14 informants selected from seven Malaysian secondary schools. The thematic analysis informed six emerging themes: (1) stimulating positive emotion, (2) promoting positive engagement, (3) fostering positive relationships, (4) cultivating positive meaning, (5) nurturing positive accomplishment, and (6) cultivating spirituality in expressing positive school attributes. Fostering positive relationships were specified as (1) teacher-teacher relationship, (2) teacher-student relationship, and (3) student-student relationship. Cultivating spirituality is a newly emerged theme that is added to the unique positive school attributes. These newly added components of the existing PERMA model can trigger further research in positive education studies.
Agricultural Leadership Development Program Participant Personality and Demographic Characteristics: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Lamm Kevan W. , Holder Maddison , Randall Nekeisha L. , Edgar Don W. , Lamm Alexa J.
Published: November 2021

Although personality has been widely studied within the academic literature, there has been little research into the relationship between personality and leadership development programs, particularly within an agricultural context for adult learners. The purpose of this research was to investigate the nature of relationships among ten aspects of the Big Five personality factors and demographic characteristics including: gender, age, organizational level, educational attainment, and geographic region within a sample of adult agricultural leadership development program participants. Results of the study indicate that there are differences between demographic groups relative to specific aspects of personality. Among the ten aspects analyzed, the most statistically significant differences between groups were observed between age groups, while the fewest statistically significant differences were observed in the educational attainment and geographic region groups. Effect sizes were also calculated with gender having the largest observed effect sizes and age having the largest number of statistically significant effect sizes.
Novel Adenosine Deaminase 2 (ADA2) Mutations Associated With Hematological Manifestations
Authors: Albalawi Reem , Hanafy Ehab , Alnafea Haifa , Altowijiry Mohammed , Riyad Shaima , Abufara Fadwa , Albolowi Naif
Published: November 2021

Recent progress in laboratory techniques, particularly, identification of novel disease-causing genes, has led to the detection of different gene mutations that might be implicated in the pathogenesis of different hematological disorders like pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) and neutropenia. An autoinflammatory disorder known as deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) has been recently noticed to present with variable hematologic abnormalities. We report 2 patients who presented with hematologic abnormalities in which 2 ADA2 gene mutations were detected. The first case is a 5-year-old girl who presented with severe PRCA and autoimmune hemolytic anemia without any other manifestation of DADA2 that resulted from a novel CECR1 c.714_738dup, p. (Ala247Glnfs*16) homozygous variant. The second case is a 10-year-old boy, known to have Hodgkin lymphoma and was under follow-up for 6 years; he presented with persistent neutropenia and was discovered to be homozygous for ADA2 c.1447_1451del, p. (Ser483Profs*5). In conclusion, we report two different novels ADA2 variants in two children; the first presented with PRCA and the second presented with persistent neutropenia. This report aims to raise the concerns regarding the use of genetic testing in different hematologic diseases with indefinite etiology, as it will lead to the best therapeutic strategies without the need for unnecessary interventions.
Comparison of 2 Fasciotomes for Treatment of Patients With Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome of the Anterior Leg
Authors: de Bruijn Johan A. , van Zantvoort Aniek P.M. , Hundscheid Henricus P.H. , Hoogeveen Adwin R. , van Eerten Percy , Teijink Joep A.W. , Scheltinga Marc R.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) of the anterior leg compartment (ant-CECS) is frequently treated with a minimally invasive fasciotomy. Several operative techniques and operative devices exist, but none have been compared in a systematic and randomized manner.

Purpose:

To compare efficacy, safety, and postoperative pain of a novel operative device (FascioMax fasciotome) with a widely accepted device created by Due and Nordstrand (Due fasciotome) during a minimally invasive fasciotomy for ant-CECS.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Patients with bilateral isolated ant-CECS between October 2013 and April 2018 underwent a minimally invasive fasciotomy using the FascioMax fasciotome in 1 leg and the Due fasciotome in the contralateral leg in a single operative session. Symptom reduction at 3 to 6 months and >1 year, postoperative pain within the first 2 weeks, peri- and postoperative complications, and ability to regain sports were assessed using diaries, physical examination, and timed questionnaires.

Results:

Included in the study were 50 patients (66% female; median age, 22 years [range, 18-65 years]). No differences between the devices were found in terms of perioperative complications (both had none), minor postoperative complications including hematoma and superficial wound infection (overall complication rate: FascioMax, 8% vs Due, 6%), or reduction of CECS-associated symptoms at rest and during exercise. At long-term follow-up (>1 year), 82% of the patients were able to regain their desired type of sport, and 67% (33/49) were able to exercise at a level that was comparable with or higher than before their CECS-associated symptoms started.

Conclusion:

Both the FascioMax and the Due performed similarly in terms of efficacy, safety, and levels of pain within the first 2 weeks postoperatively.

Registration:

NL4274; Netherlands Trial Register.
Evidence-Based Management and Factors Associated With Return to Play After Acute Hamstring Injury in Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rudisill Samuel S. , Kucharik Michael P. , Varady Nathan H. , Martin Scott D.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Considering the lengthy recovery and high recurrence risk after a hamstring injury, effective rehabilitation and accurate prognosis are fundamental to timely and safe return to play (RTP) for athletes.

Purpose:

To analyze methods of rehabilitation for acute proximal and muscular hamstring injuries and summarize prognostic factors associated with RTP.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

In August 2020, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and SPORTDiscus were queried for studies examining management and factors affecting RTP after acute hamstring injury. Included were randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and case series appraising treatment effects on RTP, reinjury rate, strength, flexibility, hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio, or functional assessment, as well as studies associating clinical and magnetic resonance imaging factors with RTP. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias Tool for Randomized Trials or the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS).

Results:

Of 1289 identified articles, 75 were included. The comparative and noncomparative studies earned MINORS scores of 18.8 ± 1.3 and 11.4 ± 3.4, respectively, and 12 of the 17 randomized controlled trials exhibited low risk of bias. Collectively, studies of muscular injury included younger patients and a greater proportion of male athletes compared with studies of proximal injury. Surgery for proximal hamstring ruptures achieved superior outcomes to nonoperative treatment, whereas physiotherapy incorporating eccentric training, progressive agility, and trunk stabilization restored function and hastened RTP after muscular injuries. Platelet-rich plasma injection for muscular injury yielded inconsistent results. The following initial clinical findings were associated with delayed RTP: greater passive knee extension of the uninjured leg, greater knee extension peak torque angle, biceps femoris injury, greater pain at injury and initial examination, “popping” sound, bruising, and pain on resisted knee flexion. Imaging factors associated with delayed RTP included magnetic resonance imaging-positive injury, longer lesion relative to patient height, greater muscle/tendon involvement, complete central tendon or myotendinous junction rupture, and greater number of muscles injured.

Conclusion:

Surgery enabled earlier RTP and improved strength and flexibility for proximal hamstring injuries, while muscular injuries were effectively managed nonoperatively. Rehabilitation and athlete expectations may be managed by considering several suitable prognostic factors derived from initial clinical and imaging examination.