bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
South Korea’s Defense Posture against the North Korean Nuclear Threat: Dangerous Reluctance
Authors: Park Hwee-Rhak
Published: November 2020

This paper examines South Korea’s defense preparedness against a possible North Korean nuclear attack. It applies three options of nuclear defense: preemptive attack against North Korean nuclear weapons and facilities, interception of airborne North Korean nuclear missiles, and civil defense to reduce casualties from a nuclear explosion. North Korea may have succeeded in developing about 10 nuclear weapons and making them small and light enough to be delivered by its ballistic missiles. It is imperative for South Korea to prepare defenses against a nuclear attack in the case its diplomatic efforts and deterrence measures fail. South Korea needs to be able to conduct a preemptive strike when a North Korean nuclear attack is imminent. It should also build up its ballistic missile defense systems in order to intercept any North Korean nuclear missiles that may survive a preemptive strike. Moreover, South Korea should prepare for its civil defense by constructing blast and/or fallout shelters to help more people survive a possible nuclear explosion.
Three Faces of Japan's Soft Power
Authors: Heng Yee-Kuang
Published: November 2020

After two lost decades of economic stagnation and faced with rising neighbors such as South Korea and China, soft power has been touted by politicians and academics alike as a means for Japan to maintain its global profile and influence. "Soft power" is a concept coined by Harvard professor Joseph Nye to maintain American preponderance in the post-Cold War era, but what does it mean in the Japanese context? This paper suggests that there are three discernible faces to Japanese soft power. First, there is a conventional emphasis on promoting pop cultural assets overseas such as manga (comic books); anime (animated cartoons) and cosplay (costume play). Second,Japan may also seek to project influence by aligning with international norms on freedom of maritime navigation or combating climate change. Third is a somewhat more unconventional use of Japanese military assets in a non-threatening manner to attract others into supporting Tokyo's policies through, for example, providing humanitarian assistance. The paper concludes by evaluating the impact and limitations of this Japanese traid in attaining desired goals through soft power.
Board of Director Diversity and Corporate Performance: The Case of South Korea
Authors: Jun Hannah , Kim Hyojin
Published: November 2020

Recent corporate governance scandals (such as those at Uber) have reemphasized the importance of proper oversight and monitoring to ensure sustainable corporate performance. While the issue of how to improve corporate governance is not a new one, we have seen a resurgence of interest in whether diversity – particularly at the board of director level – improves this oversight function and, ultimately, corporate performance. This paper contributes to the academic discussion on board of director diversity with a focus on gender diversity and introduces Korea as a subject of analysis given that corporate governance remains a key area of concern for the local market and that, despite having had a female president in its relatively short democratic history and launching the WomenCorporateDirectors Korea branch in 2016, it ranks last among OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) member states in terms of female representation on corporate boards. We contribute to the academic debate on the relationship between gender diversity on corporate boards and corporate performance by undertaking a comprehensive literature review on board diversity and corporate performance, introducing data on Korean boards of directors and generating testable hypotheses for future research.
Over-splitting destabilizes the taxonomy of hylaranine frogs: A response to Chandramouli et al. (2020)
Authors: CHAN KIN ONN , ABRAHAM ROBIN K. , SANGUILA MARITES B. , BROWN RAFE M.
Published: November 2020

In a recent article, Chandramouli et al. (2020) re-assessed the systematic position of the hylaranine frog Indosylvirana nicobariensis and proposed a new monotypic genus, Bijurana, for this species. The authors re-examined the type series of specimens and attempted to justify the recognition of a new genus using morphological and phylogenetic data. They concluded that the taxon’s unique phylogenetic position, high genetic divergence (uncorrected p-distance ≥ 13.64% of the 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene), and a unique combination of morphological characters warranted the erection of the new genus.
Helmutneris vadum, a new species of Lumbrineridae (Annelida) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: BORISOVA POLINA , BUDAEVA NATALIYA
Published: November 2020

A new species of Lumbrineridae, Helmutneris vadum n. sp., is described from shallow waters near Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia. The new species differs from two other known species of Helmutneris by having bidentate maxillae III and no ventral limbate chaetae. Sequences of the fragments of COI and 16S rDNA for two specimens including the holotype are deposited in GenBank. A key for three species of Helmutneris known to date is provided.
Welcome back Mr. Rudkin: differentiating Papilio zelicaon and Papilio polyxenes in Southern California (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)
Authors: SHIRAIWA KOJIRO , GRISHIN NICK V.
Published: November 2020

We studied wing pattern characters to distinguish closely related sympatric species Papilio zelicaon Lucas, 1852 and Papilio polyxenes Fabricius, 1775 in Southern California, and developed a morphometric method based on the ventral black postmedian band. Application of this method to the holotype of Papilio [Zolicaon variety] Coloro W. G. Wright, 1905, the name currently applied to the P. polyxenes populations, revealed that it is a P. zelicaon specimen. The name for western US polyxenes subspecies thus becomes Papilio polyxenes rudkini (F. & R. Chermock, 1981), reinstated status, and we place coloro as a junior subjective synonym of P. zelicaon. Furthermore, we sequenced mitochondrial DNA COI barcodes of rudkini and coloro holotypes and compared them with those of polyxenes and zelicaon specimens, confirming rudkini as polyxenes and coloro as zelicaon.
A Revision of the Nearctic Predaceous Midges in the Bezzia (Bezzia) pulverea complex (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: GROGAN, JR. WILLIAM L.
Published: November 2020

This revision of the Nearctic predaceous midges in the Bezzia (Bezzia) pulverea complex (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) recognizes 11 species, seven of which are new species: Bezzia (B.) amblystyla, n. sp., from Maryland and Florida; B. (B.) brunneipedia, n. sp., from Florida; B. (B.) folkersti n. sp., from Florida; B. (B.) huberti, n. sp., from Maryland, Florida, Arkansas and Louisiana; B. (B.) leptostyla, n. sp., from Florida; B. (B.) marylandensis, n. sp., from Maryland; and, B. (B.) titanochela, n. sp., from Texas, Alabama and Florida. Photomicrographs of diagnostic characters of both sexes are included, and a key is provided to adult males and females of species in the Bezzia (B.) pulverea complex. Bezzia (B.) imbifida Dow & Turner is transferred from the B. pulverea complex to the Bezzia (B.) expolita complex.
Effect of Protection Articles of Nanomaterial Combined with Comfort Care on Mental Health of Patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019
Authors: Liu Yantao , Yuan Lita , Shao Wen , Liang Man
Published: November 2020

The outbreak of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) challenges medical systems in our country, and it also causes distress for infected patients. Care is required by patients with COVID-19. Quality care is important for protecting the physical and mental health of patients with COVID-19.
Owing to the extremely infectious nature of COVID-19, patients are more sensitive when it concerns to protective articles. Safe and comfortable protection materials are conducive to the promotion of the physical and mental recovery of patients. Protection articles of nanomaterial (PAN), a
new type of protection article, possesses bactericidal ability, and can help patients in resisting the invasion of external adverse substances. Hence, it is of great significance to probe into the effect of PAN combined with comfort care on the mental health of patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
Comparisons between patients who use PAN and patients who used general articles were conducted in terms of negative emotions, self-efficacy, mental elasticity, coping style, and care evaluation. These comparisons revealed that PAN can greatly reduce patients' anxiety, depression, and negative
emotions, and can also improve patients' self-efficacy and mental elasticity. Patients using PAN and patients using general protection articles were compared in terms of comfortable living, satisfaction with protection, and self-psychological evaluation prior to care. All patients' scores
were improved following care, yet the scores of patients using PAN were significantly higher than those who used general protective articles. Hence, this study suggests that comfort care can effectively improve the mental health of patients. Comfort care along with the usage of PAN possesses
better synergistic promotion ability.
Which Trauma Patients Require Lower Enoxaparin Dosing for Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis?
Authors: Veatch Jessica , Hashim Yassar , Dhillon Navpreet K. , Toscano Samantha , Mason Russell , Lin Ting-Lung , Barmparas Galinos , Ley Eric J.
Published: November 2020

Trauma patients have a high risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) such that an increased enoxaparin dose is necessary to reduce related complications. Given that most trauma patients require an enoxaparin dose of at least 40 mg every 12 hours for VTE prophylaxis, we sought to identify which patients require enoxaparin 30 mg every 12 hours and hypothesized that both weight and low creatinine clearance (CrCl) would more likely determine enoxaparin dosing than age, body mass index (BMI), or body surface area (BSA). Single institution data were collected on trauma patients between August 2014 and February 2018 to compare trauma patients who required enoxaparin 30 mg to those who required ≥40 mg every 12 hours. Of the 245 patients included, 86 (35.1%) required enoxaparin at 30 mg to achieve the goal anti-factor Xa trough level. Factors associated with low dose enoxaparin were older age (59.6 vs. 46.2 years, P ≤ .01) and lower CrCl (81.5 mL/min vs. 93.7 mL/min, P ≤ .01). Weight, BSA, and BMI did not alter the dose of enoxaparin. A regression model determined that only CrCl predicted the need for low dose enoxaparin (adjusted odds ratio .982, 95% CI: .975-.990, P < .01). Although an initial dose of enoxaparin 40 mg is appropriate for most trauma patients, patients with low CrCl should receive 30 mg. Increased age and low weight were not associated with the need for a lower enoxaparin dose.
Systemic Inflammation Indices in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Treated With Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator: Clinical Yield and Utility
Authors: Topcuoglu Mehmet Akif , Pektezel Mehmet Yasir , Yilmaz Ezgi , Arsava Ethem Murat
Published: November 2020

Inflammation indices derived from complete blood counts (CBCs) have been proposed to estimate benefit and risk of intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in acute ischemic stroke. In 165 acute ischemic patients, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were calculated before and 24 hours after IV tPA. The area under receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) curves, and positive and negative likelihood ratios (+LR,−LR) were produced to measure their diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility for tPA effectiveness, hemorrhage risk and third-month prognosis. None of the indices obtained “before” IV-tPA was found to be useful in determining acute and long-term functional efficacy and bleeding risk. Lymphocyte decrease, neutrophil increase, and parallel NLR and SII increase at the 24th-hour were associated with poor functional outcome. However, their clinical utility was not sufficient due to absence of effective thresholds. NLR threshold >5.65 provided ROC-AUC 0.86, sensitivity 71.3%, specificity 65.7%, −LR 0, +LR 3.76, and SII threshold >1781 had ROC-AUC 0.802, sensitivity 58.7%, specificity 72.7%, −LR 0.11, +LR 4.52, corresponding to an acceptable clinical yield. Systemic immune-inflammation index and NLR, but not other CBC-derived inflammatory parameters, have moderate utility as marker of tPA-related symptomatic hemorrhage occurrence.
Agency beliefs are associated with lower health information avoidance
Authors: Orom Heather , Schofield Elizabeth , Kiviniemi Marc T , Waters Erika A , Hay Jennifer L
Published: November 2020

Background:

Avoiding health information is relatively common and is associated with lower knowledge of health risks and lower engagement in protective health behaviour. Health information avoidance likely limits the effectiveness of health communication interventions.

Objective:

To identify beliefs associated with avoiding health information.

Design:

Two cross-sectional studies.

Setting:

Two representative samples of adults residing in the USA.

Method:

We tested whether low health agency beliefs and low perceptions of threat underlie the tendency to avoid diabetes or colorectal cancer health information in two samples.

Results:

An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of our variables indicated that beliefs could be grouped into two sets of constructs that mapped onto agency (locus of control, fate) and two that mapped onto threat perception (dread, perceived risk). Information avoidance was common. In the two samples, 30% and 34% indicated they preferred to avoid information about diabetes and 20% and 19% indicated they preferred to avoid colorectal cancer information. Results were largely consistent across studies and diseases. In final adjusted regression models, beliefs indicating lower health agency were consistently associated with more avoidance. Some threat perception variables (worry about getting the disease and having a family history of the disease) were associated with less avoidance; absolute and comparative perceived risk were not.

Conclusion:

Given that health information avoidance likely undermines a wide range of health communication and self-regulation strategies, future health communication efforts might be advanced by developing intervention approaches that involve enhancing perceived control over health prior to delivering health messages.
Examining Practices of Retaining Black Female Faculty and Staff in Independent Schools
Authors: Cooke Shayna Marie , Odejimi Kristina Bethea
Published: November 2020

K12 Independent schools have historically struggled with attracting and retaining faculty of color within their communities. This paper aims to explore the experiences of faculty of color, specifically Black women, in predominately White institutions and offer practical solutions to creating safe and equitable spaces where these individuals can feel seen, heard, and valued. The research for this paper relies heavily on focus group interviews of Black women in an independent school setting. The following themes emerged from these interviews: Perceptions and Stereotypes, Negative Experiences, Obligation to Others, and Institutional Support. These themes highlighted participants’ personal stories and experiences within various predominantly White institutions across their careers. The startling experiences of these women show how far we still have to go in terms of designing truly inclusive spaces for all faculty to feel that they are valued and welcomed members of the community.
Not too close, not too far: Urbanisation and life satisfaction along the urban hierarchy
Authors: Lenzi Camilla , Perucca Giovanni
Published: November 2020

Empirical evidence on the effect of urbanisation on individual self-reported well-being generally points to a negative effect of urbanisation and city size, at least in most developed economies. This article aims to re-assess this conclusion by claiming that this approach overlooks the fact that a city’s positive externalities may expand well beyond the urban boundaries, as postulated in urban economics theory. Based on survey data on self-reported life satisfaction derived from different waves of Eurobarometer surveys in the period 2005–2010 covering 21 European Union member countries, the article empirically verifies the existence of a positive association between urbanisation and individual well-being, depending on the proximity to settings of higher rank in the urban hierarchy. In particular, it shows that the higher the distance from a city larger than the one of residence of the respondent, the lower the probability of being satisfied with life.
Fast battery capacity estimation using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Li Yihuan , Li Kang , Liu Xuan , Zhang Li
Published: November 2020

Lithium-ion batteries have been widely used in electric vehicles, smart grids and many other applications as energy storage devices, for which the aging assessment is crucial to guarantee their safe and reliable operation. The battery capacity is a popular indicator for assessing the battery aging, however, its accurate estimation is challenging due to a range of time-varying situation-dependent internal and external factors. Traditional simplified models and machine learning tools are difficult to capture these characteristics. As a class of deep neural networks, the convolutional neural network (CNN) is powerful to capture hidden information from a huge amount of input data, making it an ideal tool for battery capacity estimation. This paper proposes a CNN-based battery capacity estimation method, which can accurately estimate the battery capacity using limited available measurements, without resorting to other offline information. Further, the proposed method only requires partial charging segment of voltage, current and temperature curves, making it possible to achieve fast online health monitoring. The partial charging curves have a fixed length of 225 consecutive points and a flexible starting point, thereby short-term charging data of the battery charged from any initial state-of-charge can be used to produce accurate capacity estimation. To employ CNN for capacity estimation using partial charging curves is however not trivial, this paper presents a comprehensive approach covering time series-to-image transformation, data segmentation, and CNN configuration. The CNN-based method is applied to two battery degradation datasets and achieves root mean square errors (RMSEs) of less than 0.0279 Ah (2.54%) and 0.0217 Ah (2.93% ), respectively, outperforming existing machine learning methods.
Observation of Retropharyngeal Fluid Collection in 2 COVID-19 Positive Patients
Authors: Steehler Andrew J. , Ballestas Samir A. , Scarola Danielle , Henriquez Oswaldo A. , Moore Charles E.
Published: November 2020

Our understanding of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is growing; yet, there remains much we do not understand, and unique presentations are abundant. One potential presentation is retropharyngeal edema, defined as fluid in the retropharyngeal space. Multiplanar imaging with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is ideal for characterizing and diagnosing these fluid collections rapidly as possible life-threatening complications may develop (eg, airway obstruction and mediastinitis). Here, we discuss the presentation, imaging identification, treatment, and recovery of retropharyngeal fluid collection in 2 COVID-19 cases. The significance of this article is to suggest conservative management as a viable treatment option for retropharyngeal fluid collection, as opposed to incision and drainage, in the setting of COVID-19.
Risk Factors for Mortality in 220 Patients With COVID-19 in Wuhan, China: A Single-Center, Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhou Shuliang , Mi Sulin , Luo Shuilian , Wang Ying , Ren Bin , Cai Lin , Wu Meng
Published: November 2020

Background:

An outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection occurred in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. To date, the analysis of fatal cases and the risk factors for death have rarely been reported.

Methods:

In this study, 220 adult patients with confirmed and suspected COVID-19 were enrolled. Clinical characteristics, laboratory data, treatments, and complications were compared between 168 survivors and 52 nonsurvivors. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression were used to investigate the risk factors for mortality.

Results:

A total of 220 patients (168 were discharged and 52 died in the hospital) were enrolled in the study. The median age of all patients was 59.5 (47.0-69.0) years, and the median age of patients who died was significantly older than that of patients who survived (70.5 vs 56.0 years, respectively; P < .001). According to multivariate logistic regression, older age (odds ratio: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03-1.15; P = .001), initial Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score >2 (37.4, 9.4-148.0; P = .011), and respiratory rate >24 per minute (10.89, 1.47-80.67; P = .019) were independent risk factors for mortality.

Conclusion:

Clinical and laboratory parameters predicting poor prognosis including older age, baseline SOFA score >2, and respiratory rate >24 per minute were identified.
Development and Validation of the Medication Safety Competence Scale for Nurses
Authors: Park JinKyung , Seomun GyeongAe
Published: November 2020

Nurses are the most important health care personnel for medication safety. A scale to measure nurse medication competency, such as the Medication Safety Competence Scale (MSCS), would move research forward. Preliminary items were developed through a literature review and in-depth interviews. Content validity was established by ten experts. Nurses (n = 607) participated in a survey to evaluate the validity and reliability of the scale. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and correlation analyses were conducted to assess construct, concurrent, and criterion validity. The 36 items and 6 factors were derived with the exploratory factor analysis, which accounted for 63.2% of the variance. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the hypothesized factor structure was a good fit. Criterion and discriminant validity were present. The internal consistency of the MSCS was .97, and the test-retest reliability was .78. The MSCS is a valid and reliable instrument to measure nurses’ medication safety competence.
Laryngeal Leukoplakia: State of the Art Review
Authors: Park Joseph C. , Altman Kenneth W. , Prasad Vyas M. N. , Broadhurst Matthew , Akst Lee M.
Published: November 2020

Objective

This state‐of‐the‐art article reviews the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of vocal fold leukoplakia, with focus on recent advances. It focuses on the clinical challenges that otolaryngologists face balancing both oncological efficacy and functional outcomes in leukoplakia and presents the current philosophies and techniques to consider when managing such patients.

Data Sources

PubMed/MEDLINE.

Review Methods

We conducted a detailed review of publications related to vocal cord and laryngeal leukoplakia, dysplasia, hyperkeratosis, leukoplakia endoscopy, and leukoplakia management focusing specifically on oncologic outcomes, voice preservation, current and emerging diagnosis, and management techniques.

Conclusions

There has been a paradigm shift away from performing “vocal cord stripping” procedures that can cause irreversible hoarseness toward voice preservation surgery while achieving comparable oncologic control. Surgical technical and instrumental developments have been designed to maximally treat superficial disease while preserving underling vibratory mucosa. Recent improvements in histopathological grading systems and advances in biomarker classification may allow for improved oncologic risk stratification. Furthermore, improvements in endoscopic imaging capabilities and contact endoscopy are currently being studied for their potential diagnostic significance.

Implications for Practice

To optimally manage vocal fold leukoplakia, the otolaryngologist should become familiar with the oncologic implications of the disease and the importance of obtaining pathologic diagnosis to rule out malignancy. In addition, the surgeon should maintain surgical techniques and knowledge of available instruments and lasers that can assist in surgical management while prioritizing the preservation of vibratory tissue and voice quality. Finally, the surgeon and the patient should understand the clinical importance of routine endoscopic surveillance.
Eco-Crimes and Ecocide at Sea: Toward a New Blue Criminology
Authors: García Ruiz Ascensión , South Nigel , Brisman Avi
Published: November 2020

This essay adopts an interdisciplinary approach to consider the meaning of “eco-crime” in the aquatic environment and draws on marine science, the study of criminal law and environmental law, and the criminology of environmental harms. It reviews examples of actions and behaviors of concern, such as offences committed by transnational organized crime and the legal and illegal over-exploitation of marine resources, and it discusses responses related to protection, prosecution and punishment, including proposals for an internationally accepted and enforced law of ecocide. One key element of the policy and practice of ending ecocide is the call to prioritize the adoption of technologies that are benign and renewable. Our essay concludes with a description of the “Almadraba” method of fishing to illustrate that there are ways in which the principles of sustainability and restoration can be applied in an ethical and just way in the context of modern fisheries.
The Interpersonal Context of Memory Complaints
Authors: Pearman Ann
Published: November 2020

This mixed-methods study was designed to investigate the interpersonal experience of having memory problems using a community-dwelling sample of 94 adults over the age of 50 ( M age = 72.35, SD = 10.51). Participants were asked a series of open-ended questions about their reactions to memory problems and completed questionnaires about memory, personality, and health. Qualitative findings suggest a few clear patterns of response (e.g., admitting the problem, ignoring the problem) to memory failures. In addition, endorsing avoidance of talking to certain people was related to worry and memory anxiety. Correlations showed subjective memory related to conscientiousness, neuroticism, depression, and worry which replicates previous studies about memory complaints. This study adds to the subjective memory literature by enhancing what we know about what people do when they are confronted with a memory challenge as well as to whom they will or will not speak about their complaints.
Optimizing the Meaningful Engagement of Older Adults With Multimorbidity and Their Caregivers as Research Partners: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Chang Kristina , Markle-Reid Maureen , Valaitis Ruta , McAiney Carrie , Carter Nancy
Published: November 2020

It is widely recognized that the engagement of older adults with multimorbidity and their caregivers as partners in health care research is important and invaluable. The objective of this study was to examine how researchers can best engage and support older adults with multimorbidity and informal friend or family caregivers of older adults with multimorbidity as research partners in health care research teams. The persona-scenario method was used for participants to create fictional stories. These stories were analyzed to shed light on specific strategies that can support older adults and caregivers as partners on health care research teams, such as a patient-centered approach, identifying and addressing barriers to engagement, and clarifying roles and responsibilities on the research team. The results from this study can be used to inform research, policy, and education on supporting older adults with multimorbidity and caregivers of older adults with multimorbidity as research partners.
Effects of Automatic Speech Recognition Software on Pronunciation for Adults With Different Learning Styles
Authors: Evers Katerina , Chen Sufen
Published: November 2020

This study investigated how learning styles (visual/verbal) and the use of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) software affect English as a Second Language adult learners’ improvement during a 12-week course focusing on pronunciation. In the control group (n = 28), the teacher corrected and gave feedback on the adult learners’ pronunciation; experimental group 1 (n = 33) used dictation ASR along with peers’ correction; and experimental group 2 (n = 31) used dictation ASR alone. Their pre- and post-tests on pronunciation in reading tasks and live conversation were analyzed with their learning styles taken into account, using 2-way ANCOVA. The results suggest that learning styles made a significant difference in the pronunciation performance of the reading task in all groups. Visual style learners outperformed verbal style learners in the reading task. The combination of ASR and peer correction yielded the highest improvement in both reading tasks and live conversation.
Toxicological alert: Exposure to glycidyl methacrylate and cancer risk
Authors: Fernandes Bruno Jose Dumêt , Couto Ricardo David
Published: November 2020

Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA; CAS no. 106-91-2) is a chemical monomer used in the manufacture of dental resins, can coatings and polymers. GMA has demonstrated toxicity to the ocular, digestive, respiratory and dermal systems. Human exposure occurs mainly in the workplace, but it can also happen through food. Although there were no available data on carcinogenicity of GMA, carcinogenic potential in the nasal cavity is highly expected. Further studies are needed to assess GMA exposure in humans. This study provides an alert of GMA human exposure and its genotoxic and carcinogenic potential.
Synthesis and characterization of collagen/calcium phosphate scaffolds incorporating antibacterial agent for bone tissue engineering application
Authors: Najafloo Raziyeh , Baheiraei Nafiseh , Imani Rana
Published: November 2020

In the present study, we developed a novel niosomal nanocarrier embedded into a collagen/β- tricalcium phosphate (Col/β-TCP) scaffold for the local delivery of thymol as a natural anti-bacterial reagent. The niosomal Col/β-TCP (N-Col/β-TCP) scaffolds with different weight ratios of β-TCP to Col were prepared by freeze-drying. The antimicrobial activities of the prepared samples against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were assessed by agar diffusion method. The release profile of niosomal thymol from the optimized composite scaffolds showed a sustained profile where 66% of the loaded thymol was released over 30 days. The compressive modulus of niosome added scaffolds with an equal ratio of β-TCP and Col was calculated as 972±1.3KPa. This scaffold showed significantly higher values of cell viability (as evaluated by an MTT assay) against L929 fibroblasts than a scaffold without niosomal thymol after 24 and 72 h. Among synthesized samples, Col/β-TCP1 showed the greatest effectiveness of anti-bacterial activity toward Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with higher activity against Gram-positive ones. The results of this study highlight the potential of niosomal-thymol loaded Col/β-TCP1 scaffold as an anti-bacterial bone substitute for possible osteomyelitis treatment.
Intertextual, action-orientated, political and occasioned constructions of Zimbabwe as a country in crisis
Authors: Hall Laura
Published: November 2020

The notion that textual, verbal and visual representations of places are more or less accurate depictions of reality has been challenged by cultural geographers and discursive psychologists who regard language as constitutive rather than reflective. This paper builds on this work by demonstrating that constructions of Zimbabwe produced by UK residents from Zimbabwe during life history interviews in 2011 appropriated other representations; were action-orientated; had political consequences; and were orientated to the interactional context in which they were produced. More specifically, I show that the interviewees challenged the ‘narrative of the nation’ promoted by the ruling party and their supporters by producing intertextual constructions of Zimbabwe as a country in crisis; attributed blame for the crisis; and accounted for their presence in the UK.
Analysing the impact of the Australian health sector emergency response plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19): A proposed approach
Authors: Buck Tania
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Australia, and our global counterparts, on a steep learning curve and rapid adaptation journey. Understanding the real impact of pandemic response interventions will be crucial to our collective success in this ongoing endeavour. This article will propose and outline an integrated, sequential, mixed methods approach to analysing the impact of Australia’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic across its states and territories. We begin with a brief description of the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). In the second section, the discussion will move on to defining the nature of impact analysis and evaluation and when to use them. The third section outlines considerations relevant to selecting an impact analysis approach as it pertains to infectious disease pandemic response and virus transmission, morbidity and mortality outcomes. The fourth section presents and discusses a conceptual framework for an integrated impact analysis approach, clearly delineating the link between proposed approach, impact analysis questions and the outlined pandemic response considerations.
A Novel Diagnosis Method Based on Methylation Analysis of SHOX2 and Serum Biomarker for Early Stage Lung Cancer
Authors: Huang Wenhai , Huang Hao , Zhang Shuishen , Wang Xueping , Ouyang Juan , Lin Zhichao , Chen Peisong
Published: November 2020

Objectives:

Lung cancer (LC) is often accompanied by significant methylation abnormalities. This study aimed to develop a decision tree (DT) accompanied the stature homeobox 2 gene (SHOX2) / prostaglandin E receptor 4 (PTGER4) gene DNA methylation with traditional tumor marker in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lung nodule.

Methods:

We performed a study with 104 patients enrolled in the LC group and 36 patients in the benign lung diseases group. All the clinical data of these patients were collected through electronic medical record. Total Methylation (TM) status of both SHOX2 and PTGER4 was defined as methylation levels of SHOX2 plus methylation levels of PTGER4. One-way analysis was used to compare the concentrations of serum samples and t-test was used to compare pairwise mean values between groups. Receiver operating curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic value. Furthermore, the strategy was validated in 19 LC patients and 11 patients with benign lung diseases.

Results:

There were significant differences between the concentration of neuron-specific enolase (NSE), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cytokeratin 19 fragments (CYFRA21 -1) and the methylation levels of SHOX2, PTGER4 and TM in lung benign diseases and cancer group. The AUCs of NSE, CEA, CYFRA21 -1, Methylation SHOX2, Methylation PTGER4 and TM were 0.721 (95% CI: 0.627–0.816), 0.753 (95% CI: 0.673–0.833) and 0.778(95% CI: 0.700–0.856), 0.851(0.786-0.916), 0.847(0.780-0.913) and 0.861(0.800-0.922) respectively. We developed a DT model with TM and CYFRA21 -1 used in this study, and the area under the curve (AUC) of DT was 0.921 and the sensitivity up to 0.856. In the validation cohort, the AUC of SHOX2, PTGER4 and TM was also much higher than traditional serum markers.

Conclusions:

Our results indicated that the DT model calculated from the TM and CYFRA21 -1 can accurately classify LC and benign diseases, which showed better diagnostic performance than traditional serum parameter.
Adverse Childhood Experiences Among Sexual Offenders: Associations With Sexual Recidivism Risk and Psychopathology
Authors: Kahn Rachel E. , Jackson Krystine , Keiser Kerry , Ambroziak Gina , Levenson Jill S.
Published: November 2020

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are increasingly recognized as a public health crisis. Cumulative effects of these experiences lead to a wide range of deleterious physical and psychological outcomes. Prior research has identified higher prevalence rates of ACEs and increased criminal behavior in samples of individuals who have committed sexual offenses. In a sample of civilly committed individuals who have committed sexual offenses ( N = 317), we examined the prevalence of ACEs (cumulative scores and the two components of child harm and family dysfunction) and their association with risk for sexual recidivism and adult psychopathology. ACEs were much more prevalent in this sample compared with the general population and to lower risk samples of individuals who had committed sexual offenses. Although ACE scores were unrelated to risk for sexual recidivism, higher ACE scores were associated with increased risk of psychopathology, including anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, substance use disorders, and Antisocial Personality Disorder. ACEs related to family dysfunction were uniquely associated with Alcohol Use Disorder and the presence of a dual diagnosis of a paraphilia and personality disorder. Results suggest that higher risk individuals who commit sexual offenses may have greater need for trauma-informed models of care that recognize the effect of these experiences on their mental health and offense-related behavior.
Excimer laser-assisted phototherapeutic keratectomies combined to EDTA chelation for the treatment of calcific band keratopathy
Authors: Spadea Leopoldo , Giannico Maria Ilaria , Iannaccone Andrea , Pistella Santino
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Calcific band keratopathy (CBK) is a relatively common chronic corneal degeneration and various forms of treatment are mentioned in the literature.

Cases description:

Two patients (89 and 37 yo, respectively) affected by diffuse long-standing CBK in one eye and complaining of ocular pain, foreign body sensation and decreased visual acuity are reported. An ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) application on the ocular surface was performed associated with a customized no-touch transepithelial phototherapeutic corneal remodeling in one patient and a standard phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) in the second patient. Corneal transparency progressively improved in both cases since the early follow-up visits and the cornea became clear 2 weeks after surgery. In both cases, a significant reduction of ocular discomfort was reported.

Conclusions:

Combining EDTA chelation and excimer laser-assisted PTK represents an useful treatment of band keratopathy even in challenging cases and may help regularize corneal surface and improve corneal clarity.
Granulomatous panuveitis associated with Hodgkin lymphoma: A case report with review of the literature
Authors: Alshamrani Abdulaziz A , Alsarhani Waleed K , Aljasser Abdulrahman A , Rubio-Caso Marcos J
Published: November 2020

Background:

Intraocular lymphoma (IOL) is an uncommon ophthalmic malignancy and poses a diagnostic challenge. Uveitis associated with systemic lymphoma (USL) has been predominantly attributed to non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and rarely reported with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in the literature.

Methods:

Case report with review of the literature.

Results:

A 25-year-old healthy male presented with bilateral granulomatous panuveitis including vasculitis and discrete chorioretinal yellowish-white lesions. Macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) of both eyes revealed a disruption of ellipsoid and interdigitation zones over the areas of subretinal lesions as well as a small sub-retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) deposit in one eye. Thorough uveitis workup revealed clavicular, axillary and cervical lymphadenopathy, and biopsy of lymph nodes confirmed the diagnosis of nodular lymphocyte-predominant (NLP) HL. Six months later and after receiving chemotherapy, all symptoms and most of clinical signs resolved.

Conclusions:

Clinical features of USL do not differ between HL and NHL. However, the age of presentation may be much younger in HL. Ocular manifestations can precede systemic HL diagnosis, as shown in our patient. Therefore, USL should be part of the differential diagnosis of panuveitis. Paraneoplastic inflammation is thought be the cause of uveitis associated with HL. The sub-RPE deposit and disruption of ellipsoid and interdigitation zones on OCT have not been documented before as a manifestation of uveitis secondary to HL. In addition, the NLP subtype of HL was reported in only 1 case with uveitis in the literature.
Utilising dialogic corporate web communication: the case of reputational risk management at Tabung Haji
Authors: Nair Ramesh , Arshad Roshayani , Muda Ruhaini
Published: November 2020

Advances in digital technology enable organisations to engage in two-way, dialogic communication for improved connectivity with stakeholders. However, the willingness of organisations to leverage on such forms of communication is questionable, particularly in relation to communicating about a crisis. In this article, we examine the corporate web communication practices of Tabung Haji, a corporation plagued by allegations of financial mismanagement. Drawing on a framework for assessing effective corporate communication, we examined the corporate web disclosure practices of the organisation as manifested in its website and Facebook page. While there was evidence of opportunities for dialogic communication with stakeholders, the analysis revealed that efficient communication was compromised because the organisation continued to practice strategic silencing and selective disclosure of information. As such, relational connectivity was weak, and there appeared to be a reluctance to leverage on text-external features offered by web communication to mitigate reputational risk.
The influence of initial deflection angle on the tribological properties of gray cast iron rings with curve distributed pits under dry sliding
Authors: Sun Shaoni , Long Risheng , Zhang Yimin , Li Manhong
Published: November 2020

This study presents the influence of initial deflection angle (IDA) on the tribological properties of gray cast iron (GCI) rings with curve distributed pits in the radial direction (CDPRD). The thermal behavior of pits textured GCI rings with different initial deflection angles (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°) and fixed deflexional angle of adjacent pits (DAAP, 10°) were researched, through APDL programming. A pin-on-disc wear test rig was used to reveal the anti-wear performance of samples under dry sliding, at a rotating speed of 200 rpm, with a normal load of 70 N. An electronic balance and an optical microscope (OM) were used to obtain their wear losses and worn surfaces, respectively. The results show that: comparing with the smooth GCI ring, there are evident high temperature regions between two adjacent pits groups, called “temperature barrier and separation effect”. Among all textured samples, the von Mise’s stress of IDA45 is the most stable, and its temperature is almost the lowest. The friction coefficient curve and the wear loss of IDA45 are also the lowest, and much lower than the loss of smooth GCI ring, indicating the excellent anti-wear performance. This work can provide a valuable reference for the surface design of journal bearings.
Considerations for minority ethnic young people in multisystemic therapy
Authors: Bunting Aisling , Fox Simone , Adhyaru Jai , Holland Amaryllis
Published: November 2020

Research has indicated that multisystemic therapy (MST) is an effective treatment for youth with antisocial behaviours (Painter & Scannapieco, 2009). This qualitative study explored minority ethnic young peoples’ experiences of MST, focusing on their understanding of their presenting difficulties and aspects of the intervention which facilitated or hindered engagement and change. Seven semi-structured interviews were conducted with London-based young people who had taken part in MST. A constructivist version of grounded theory analysis was employed. Culture-specific theoretical codes emerged; understanding the family culture and the practitioner acting as a cultural broker, consideration of acculturation differences within the family, exploring the young person’s cultural identity and reflecting on cultural differences in the therapeutic relationship. Findings suggest potential advances to MST practice to meet the needs of minority ethnic young people, including the importance of appropriate training and supervision, sensitively working with salient cultural issues such as the impact of acculturation, and consideration of the role of therapist ethnicity and culture.
Having a child without wanting to? Estimates and contributing factors from a population-based survey in Sweden
Authors: Deogan Charlotte , Abrahamsson Klara , Mannheimer Louise , Björkenstam Charlotte
Published: November 2020

Aims:

The aims of the current study were to identify the prevalence of unwanted childbirth (UC), to explore the association with sociodemographic factors and to identify possible contributing factors such as psychosomatic health, contraceptive use, experiences of induced abortion and sexual violence.

Methods:

We used Swedish data from the randomised population-based study SRHR2017 on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), based on self-administered surveys, linked to nationwide registers. The national sample consisted of 14,537 women and men aged between 16 and 84 years. With logistic regression, we examined differences in self-reported experience of UC, stratified by sex, in relation to socio-economic factors, as well as several possible contributing factors.

Results:

Despite advances in SRHR and fertility control, 6% of women and men in Sweden reported UC. This experience tends to be unevenly distributed in the population according to age, country of birth and, to some extent, income and educational attainment. Previous experience of induced abortion, sexual violence and threat from a partner were significantly associated with UC, whereas self-reported good health was protective.

Conclusions:

Mechanisms behind unintended, unplanned, unwanted or mistimed pregnancies are complex. Current results focus on the role of individual factors and personal experiences. In addition, in line with previous understanding, there is a need for adopting a broader socio-ecological perspective on fertility intentions.
Prevalence and predictors of peripheral arterial disease determined by ankle brachial index in diabetes population treated within primary care services in a non-urban area of lower northern Thailand
Authors: Suwannasrisuk Preaw , Sattanon Sarinya , Taburee Watcharaporn , Singkheaw Pantitra , Sowanna Non , Boonprasert Phimnipha , Boonrueng Umpapun , Wong Peerapon
Published: November 2020

In diabetes patients, urban lifestyle has been concerned as one of the risk factors for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The aims of this study were to find out the prevalence and associated risk factors of PAD in type 2 diabetes patients who live in a non-urban community area. A total of 885 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled from six primary care units in the health network centered at Naresuan University Hospital, Phitsanulok, between May and June 2018. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) was performed in all subjects using a vascular screening device. PAD was defined by an ABI value of 0.9 or lesser at least on one leg. The predictors of PAD were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. The prevalence of PAD was 7.2% among 884 evaluable patients. Diabetic neuropathy and a history of macrovascular complications were significant predictors of PAD.