bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Awareness and Stigma of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Undergraduate Students
Authors: Kitchin Jannessa L. , Karlin Nancy J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Social stigma is a barrier for students with autism on college campuses. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between autism knowledge and autism stigma endorsement.

Method

144 college undergraduate students were asked to complete the Autism Stigma and Knowledge Questionnaire as well as a brief demographic questionnaire. The relationship between stigma endorsement and ASD knowledge in the areas of diagnosis and symptoms, etiology, and treatment were evaluated using a multiple linear regression. Two independent-sample t-tests were conducted to investigate group differences between participants who know someone with autism and those who do not as well as between male and female participants.

Results

A significant regression equation was found ( F(3,140) = 51.35, p = .000), with an R2 of .52. While Treatment and Etiology subscale scores significantly predicted Stigma subscale scores, Diagnosis/Symptom subscale score was not. In terms of knowing someone with an autism diagnosis, there was a significant difference in ASD diagnosis and symptom knowledge ( t(142) = 4.16, p = .000), etiology knowledge ( t(142) = 3.51, p = .001), treatment knowledge ( t(62.99) = 3.54, p = .001), and stigma endorsement ( t(142) = 3.03, p = .003). No significant differences were found between male and female participants.

Conclusions

Contrary to past studies, gender was not associated with ASD knowledge or stigma endorsement. This study suggests that an intervention designed to increase ASD knowledge, particularly in the areas of etiology and treatment, and to increase contact with students diagnosed with autism would be effective in reducing ASD stigma.
Challenges in Surveillance for Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome: Active Bacterial Core Surveillance, United States, 2014-2017
Authors: Nanduri Srinivas Acharya , Onukwube Jennifer , Apostol Mirasol , Alden Nisha , Petit Susan , Farley Monica , Harrison Lee H. , Como-Sabetti Kathy , Smelser Chad , Burzlaff Kari , Cieslak Paul , Schaffner William , Van Beneden Chris A.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Routine surveillance for streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), a severe manifestation of invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections, likely underestimates its true incidence. The objective of our study was to evaluate routine identification of STSS in a national surveillance system for invasive GAS infections.

Methods

Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) conducts active population-based surveillance for invasive GAS disease in selected US counties in 10 states. We categorized invasive GAS cases with a diagnosis of STSS made by a physician as STSS–physician and cases that met the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) clinical criteria for STSS based on data in the medical record as STSS–CSTE. We evaluated agreement between the 2 methods for identifying STSS and compared the estimated national incidence of STSS when applying proportions of STSS–CSTE and STSS–physician among invasive GAS cases from this study with national invasive GAS estimates for 2017.

Results

During 2014-2017, of 7572 invasive GAS cases in ABCs, we identified 1094 (14.4%) as STSS–CSTE and 203 (2.7%) as STSS–physician, a 5.3-fold difference. Of 1094 STSS–CSTE cases, we identified only 132 (12.1%) as STSS–physician cases. Agreement between the 2 methods for identifying STSS was low (κ = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.14-0.19). Using ABCs data, we estimated 591 cases of STSS–physician and 3618 cases of STSS–CSTE occurred nationally in 2017.

Conclusions

We found a large difference in estimates of incidence of STSS when applying different surveillance methods and definitions. These results should help with better use of currently available surveillance data to estimate the incidence of STSS and to evaluate disease prevention efforts, in addition to guiding future surveillance efforts for STSS.
Extending the L2 Motivational Self System to the Global EAL Classroom
Authors: Abrar-ul-Hassan Shahid , Nassaji Hossein
Published: May 2021

A growing interest has been witnessed in analysing second language (L2) learner motivation in English as an Additional Language (EAL) instruction around the world. Despite extensive scholarship in this area, revisiting learner motivation is warranted due to some unprecedented developments that impact EAL teaching, such as the prevalence of World Englishes, ethno-linguistically diverse classrooms, and the social as well as situated nature of teaching and learning. The aim of this article is to expand on Dörnyei’s L2 Motivational Self System framework to inform classroom instruction in globally growing EAL teaching. The expansion entails three sociocultural dimensions in the EAL classroom: diversity, inclusivity, and entitlement. This expanded framework can potentially equip EAL educators to better address the demands of a rapidly changing world. Moreover, the framework can also serve as an impetus for learner success in EAL classrooms and the recognition of their individual characteristics, such as self-regulation, autonomy, and agency, which are highly emphasized in postmodern L2 pedagogy.
Comparison of peripherally inserted central catheters and totally implanted venous access devices as chemotherapy delivery routes in oncology patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yun Woo-Sung , Yang Shin-Seok
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to evaluate peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and totally implanted venous access devices (TIVADs) as chemotherapy delivery routes. From May 2016 to April 2019, patients with malignancies who had PICCs or TIVADs inserted for chemotherapy were enrolled. We reviewed the patients’ medical records for information concerning demographics, comorbidities, catheter-related complications, and catheter -service days. All patients included in both groups were also assessed for complication-free catheter survival and completion rates of chemotherapy. A total of 467 catheter insertions (185 PICCs and 282 TIVADs) were included in this study. The PICCs were associated with a higher rate of complication-related catheter removal than TIVADs (hazard ratio, 6.5954; 95% confidence interval, 2.394–18.168; p<0.001). The completion of chemotherapy was observed in 77 (41.6%) patients with PICCs and 128 (45.4%) with TIVADs ( p = 0.442). The mean duration of catheter service-days was shorter for the patients in the PICC group who completed chemotherapy than those in the TIVAD group (101.3 ± 93.2 vs 245.3 ± 115.9, respectively, p < 0.001). Although PICC was an independent risk factor for complication-related catheter removal, there was no difference in the chemotherapy completion rate between the groups. Therefore, PICCs need to be considered preferentially in patients who require a chemotherapy delivery route for short-term chemotherapy.
Association between interleukin-1 alpha rs1800587 polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Huaguo , Wang Yi
Published: May 2021

No consistent results have been reached on the relationship of interleukin-1 (IL-1) rs1800587 polymorphism with the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) so far. Therefore, the current meta-analysis was designed to thoroughly review relevant studies, in order to examine the relationship of IL-1A rs1800587 polymorphism with RA risk. Electronic databases were retrieved for literature regarding the relationship between IL-1A rs1800587 polymorphism and RA vulnerability according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Stata 12.0 software was adopted to examine the enrolled literature. Meanwhile, odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to evaluate the association. A total of seven case-control researches (3267 patients and 2960 healthy controls) were eventually enrolled into the current meta-analysis. Our data indicated no correlation of IL-1A rs1800587 polymorphism with RA risk (TT vs CC: OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.73–1.11; TC vs CC: OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.78–1.34; Dominant model: OR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.80–1.35; Recessive model: OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 0.74–1.12). Similarly, no association was found in subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity. Our findings indicated no relationship between IL-1A rs1800587 polymorphism and RA vulnerability.
Evaluation of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on clinical characteristics and psychological status in internet consultation respondents
Authors: Ouyang Han , Wen Jian , Gu Wenyong , Shen Huaying , Song Kai
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 is a sudden, infectious disease that can be life-threatening and may cause people to feel panic and anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and psychological status of a specific population using an internet consultation platform during the outbreak of COVID-19. The questionnaire survey included questions regarding basic information (e.g. area, sex, age, occupation, and education level), clinical characteristics, and cognitive and psychological status concerning COVID-19 from January 31, 2020 to March 31, 2020. There were 277 patients (43.49%) with three or more symptoms, 121 (12.11%) with a clinical questionnaire score ≥8, and 6.81% who lived in Hubei in the previous 14 days. Of the respondents, 4.9% had contact fever or were confirmed to have COVID-19 in the previous 14 days. The respondents were mostly aware that COVID-19 can be transmitted from person to person and via the respiratory tract, but awareness of general susceptibility and specific symptoms of COVID-19 was low. Multivariate analysis showed that urban residents, clerk/students and higher education groups were well aware of COVID-19. Regarding mental health, the anxiety score of the respondents was 7.12 ± 2.32, and the proportion of anxiety was 54.15%. Younger women were more likely to have anxiety when they experienced positive symptoms. Individuals with a Hubei residence history and those who had contact with an individual with a fever or were confirmed patients in the previous 14 days were more likely to have moderate or severe anxiety. The COVID-19-related knowledge of the respondents was generally good but still could have been improved. Their psychological status was also affected by the pandemic. The internet consultation platform played a positive role in spreading pandemic-related information, providing medical help and psychological counseling, and strengthening early warning to the potential high-risk population.
Behavior of bladder-type inflatable anchors in sand: Physical modeling
Authors: Lichang Wang , Meng Xu , Wenxiang Peng , Wei Long , Keh-Jian Shou , Ziqiang Zhu , Liang Zhang , Bo Yuan , Bayless Richard
Published: May 2021

This paper describes an investigation into the performance and pull-out capacity of a bladder-type inflatable anchor. The inflatable anchor is a type of support member used in foundation pit support engineering. Based on improvements and innovations, the multi-bladder-type inflatable anchor consists of two or more hydraulically inflated rubber membranes that are embedded in unconsolidated earth and then inflated to provide pull-out capacity. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of inflation pressure, embedment depth, number of bladders, bladder length, and rubber film thickness on the pull-out capacity and displacement of the inflatable anchor. The tests were carried out in a cylindrical steel test chamber filled with medium coarse sand. The pull-out behavior of the bladder-type inflatable anchor and the five variables was investigated, and the benchmark values for all tests are determined by similarity ratio. Compared with the single bladder inflatable anchor, under the same conditions, the ultimate pull-out capacity of the two bladder-type inflatable anchor is 1.2 times higher, with ultimate displacement only 37.5% of the former, the ultimate pull-out capacity of the three bladder-type inflatable anchor is 1.7 times higher, with ultimate displacement only 32.3% of the former. The two bladder-type inflatable anchor is superior to the single bladder inflatable anchor and the multi-bladder-type has higher ultimate pull-out capacity and greater stiffness. The inflation pressure and the rubber film thickness have a significant influence on the bearing capacity. The number of bladders effectively controls the ultimate displacement.
A virtual multi-disciplinary meeting is a cost-effective method of triaging referrals to a regional musculoskeletal oncology service
Authors: Alanie Omer MHF , Mahendra Ashish , Mackinnon Mairi , McCleery Mark , Nicholas Christopher , Gupta Sanjay
Published: May 2021

Background and aims

In 2010, a virtual sarcoma referral model was implemented, which aims to provide a centralised multidisciplinary team (MDT) to provide rapid advice, avoiding unnecessary appointments and providing a streamlined service. The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of this screening tool in reducing the service burden and expediting patient journey.

Methods and results

All referrals made to a single tertiary referral sarcoma unit from January 2010 to December 2018 were extracted from a prospective database. Only 26.0% events discussed required review directly. 30.3% were discharged back to referrer. 16.5% required further investigations. 22.5% required a biopsy prior to review. There was a reduction in the rate of patients reviewed at the sarcoma clinic, and a higher discharge rate from the MDT in 2018 versus 2010 (p < 0.001). This gives a potential cost saving of 670,700 GBP over the 9 year period.

Conclusion

An MDT meeting which triages referrals is cost-effective at reducing unnecessary referrals. This can limit unnecessary exposure of patients who may have an underlying diagnosis of cancer to a high-risk environment, and reduces burden on services as it copes with increasing demands during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Islamic practices in Belo Horizonte: Adaptations and choices in a bastion of Brazilian traditionalism
Authors: De Castro Cristina Maria , Caixeta Igor Gonçalves
Published: May 2021

This article aims to analyse sociologically the adaptations Islamic religiosity has been undergoing in Minas Gerais state, one of the most conservative states of Brazil and a bastion of Catholicism. In order to understand the consequences of the cultural negotiation in the practise of a religion that is considered to be ‘foreign’, and to what extent this process is guided and intermediated by Muslim leaders or defined by ‘individual’ decisions of believers, we analyse four important points addressed by Islamic normativity: Islamic clothing, prayers, halal food, and marriage. This research draws on 18 months of participant observation and interviews. We contend that community members, especially women, have a revived and rigorous religious practise, sometimes exceeding the demands of the Sheikh, not only due to the influence of global conservative religious movements, but also because of an elective affinity between the conservatism of Minas Gerais and traditional Islamic values concerning family and gender.
Reconciling state promises and practices: Constitutional promises and discrimination against religious minorities
Authors: Finke Roger , Mataic Dane R
Published: May 2021

Research on religious freedom has found a vast chasm between constitutional promises and state practices, with constitutional promises being a poor predictor of the state’s support of religious freedom. This research changes the focus from religious freedom to religious equality. We propose that constitutional promises of religious equality will be associated with less discrimination against minority religions and we explore the relationships governance and the promises of religious equality hold with religious discrimination. We find that promises of religious equality are associated with less discrimination. When exploring the interactions between promises of equality and our governance measures, we find constitutional promises of religious equality largely erase the differences in religious discrimination between countries with and without free elections and an independent judiciary. Yet, the reduced discrimination against minority religions does not suggest that the state removes restrictions on minority religions, only that they are equal with other religions.
Drag Performers’ Perspectives on the Mainstreaming of British Drag: Towards a Sociology of Contemporary Drag
Authors: McCormack Mark , Wignall Liam
Published: May 2021

Drag performance has entered mainstream British culture and is gaining unprecedented appreciation and recognition, yet no sociological accounts of this transformation exist. Using an inductive analysis of in-depth interviews with 25 drag performers, alongside netnography of media and other public data, this article develops a sociological understanding of the mainstreaming of drag. There are two clear reasons for the success of drag. First, there is a pull towards drag: it is now seen as a viable career opportunity where performers receive fame rather than social stigma in a more inclusive social zeitgeist, even though the reality is more complex. Second, there is a push away from other creative and performing arts because heteronormative perspectives persist through typecasting and a continued professional stigma associated with drag. In calling for a sociology of drag, future avenues for research on contemporary drag are discussed, alongside the need for the sociology of cultural and creative industries to incorporate sexuality as both a subject and analytic lens.
Flammability, morphological and mechanical properties of sugar palm fiber/polyester yarn-reinforced epoxy hybrid biocomposites with magnesium hydroxide flame retardant filler
Authors: Suriani MJ , Sapuan SM , Ruzaidi CM , Nair DS , Ilyas RA
Published: May 2021

This paper aims to study the surface morphology, flammability and tensile properties of sugar palm fiber (SPF) hybrid with polyester (PET) yarn-reinforced epoxy composite with the addition of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) as a flame retardant. The composites were prepared by hybridized epoxy and Mg(OH)2/PET with different amounts of SPF contents (0%, 20%, 35% and 50%) using the cold press method. Then these composites were tested by horizontal burning analysis, tensile strength testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The specimen with 35% SPF (Epoxy/PET/SPF-35) with the incorporation of Mg(OH)2 as a flame retardant showed the lowest burning rate of 13.25 mm/min. The flame took a longer time to propagate along with the Epoxy/PET/SPF-35 specimen and at the same time producing char. Epoxy/PET/SPF-35 also had the highest tensile strength of 9.69 MPa. Tensile properties of the SPF hybrid with PET yarn (SPF/PET)-reinforced epoxy composite was decreased at 50% SPF content due to the lack of interfacial bonding between the fibers and matrix. Surface morphology analysis through SEM showed uniform distribution of the SPF and matrix with less adhesion, which increased the flammability and reduced the tensile properties of the hybrid polymeric composites. These composites have potential to be utilized in various applications, such as automotive components, building materials and in the aerospace industry.
Integration of multivariate control charts and the decision tree classifier to determine the faults of the quality characteristic(s) of a melt spinning machine used in polypropylene fiber manufacturing. Part II: The application of multivariate control charts and the decision tree classifier to determine the faults of quality characteristic(s)
Authors: Kuo Chung-Feng Jeffrey , Huang Chang-Chiun , Yang Cheng-Han , Chen Sung-Hua
Published: May 2021

In this study, a multivariate statistical process control was used to analyze the abnormal samples derived from the deviation of optimum processing parameters. The experimental samples derived from the optimum processing parameters were applied as the optimal historical data to determine the control limit, and then the T2 value was obtained from Hotelling's T2 method. If the T2 value exceeds the control limit, the corresponding sample is considered as abnormal. After that, the Runger, Alt and Montgomery method is used to decompose the abnormal T2 value. Then, each quality characteristic value can be obtained and the corresponding decision tree classifier can be implemented. To improve the classification accuracy, we classify the decision tree classifier into single–double identification, single-factor abnormality and double-factor abnormality. For the individual classification test, the result showed that the accuracy of single–double identification was 98.6%, the single-factor abnormality classification was 100% and the double-factor abnormality classification was 96.0%. For the combination classification test, we can get a 98.6% accuracy rate for the single–double identification, 98.3% accuracy rate for the single-factor abnormality classification and 95.3% accuracy rate for the double-factor abnormality classification. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the proposed methods in this study can effectively identify abnormal samples and establish a fault processing parameter diagnosis system for melt spinning machines.
Effect of montmorillonite on the oxidative stability of polyphenylene sulfide fibers prepared by melt spinning
Authors: Xing Jian , Dai Shunhua , Chen Zhong , Wang Yongkang , Zhang Zhenghua , Wang Guohe
Published: May 2021

Masterbatches of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS)/organic montmorillonite (MMT) composites were produced via melt blending. A self-made spinning equipment was then used to produce the PPS/organic MMT composite fibers by melt spinning directly from the masterbatches. X-ray diffractometer and transmission electron microscope were used to examine the dispersibility of organic MMT. The morphology, tensile property, crystallization behavior, and oxidative stability of PPS fibers were investigated. The results indicated that organic MMT could be uniformly distributed in the PPS matrix to form a mixed dispersion of intercalated and exfoliated structure and influence the longitudinal surface morphology of fibers to become rough. The roughness of composite fibers surface was proportional to the content of organic MMT. The organic MMT nanolayers could act as the heterogeneous nucleating agents to improve the crystallization, and the crystallity of composite fibers increased with the increase of organic MMT content. The breaking strength of composite fibers first increased and then decreased by increasing the amount of organic MMT. After the oxidation treatment, the breaking strength of neat PPS fibers and composite fibers declined, but the degree of breaking strength loss for composite fibers is lower than that of neat PPS fibers. The dynamic oxidation induction temperature of composite fibers also showed a significant increase by adding organic MMT. Moreover, the addition of organic MMT could limit the chemical combination of element sulfur and oxygen, retard the generation of sulfoxide groups, and induce the conversion of sulfur atoms from C-S bond to sulfone for improving oxidative stability.
Seoul’s nocturnal urbanism: An emergent night-time economy of substitute driving and fast deliveries
Authors: Yun Jieheerah
Published: May 2021

Seoul has undergone a very rapid urbanisation and modernisation process, particularly in the years since the Korean War, as the city became part of the global capitalist system. Examining night-time mobility in today’s Seoul, this article seeks to contribute to the recent scholarly attention given to night-time economies and related new spatial practices. In particular, it considers the night-time substitute driver services (or daeri-gisa) and fast grocery delivery, along with their spatial practices related to the urban built environment of Seoul. After examining statistical and ethnographic data on substitute drivers and grocery deliverers, I conclude that while the influence of external factors in global capitalism cannot be denied, the thriving night-time driver/delivery services in Seoul are also shaped by local urban conditions including intricate public transportation, a frequent ‘company night out culture’ and the predominantly vertical organisation of residential space.
Moving down the urban hierarchy: Turning point of China’s internal migration caused by age structure and hukou system
Authors: Mu Xiaoyan , Yeh Anthony Gar-On , Zhang Xiaohu , Wang Jiejing , Lin Jian
Published: May 2021

Internal migration is critically important in China, where the fertility rate is declining and international immigration is under strict control. This study explores the massive population movement in China, examines the migration pattern of non- hukou migrants, 2010–2015 and 2014–2015 migration patterns through the urban hierarchy of the urban system using migration trajectories derived from the 2015 One Percent Population Sample Survey. Results reveal an emerging reversal from a predominantly upward pattern (e.g. most of the net flows move to high-level cities) to a downward one (e.g. from super-large/extra-large cities to large cities) in the recent migration trend. Regional disparities are significant. An upward and eastward tendency still dominates in the western, central and northeastern regions, whereas a downward and decentralised tendency has been initiated in the eastern region. The causes for the structural change include common factors found in developed countries, such as the influence of age and life courses. The age structure of China’s population caused by the ‘one-child’ policy weakened the upward momentum and led to a strengthening downward trend in the current migration pattern. The contextual and institutional factor hukou also has a significant effect on people’s migration directions. Hukou attracts people to move up or down the hierarchy to their registered place or where they can acquire registration. The characteristics of registered migrants reflect the different criteria of cities in granting hukou.
Legacy participation and the buried history of racialised spaces: Hypermodern revitalisation in Rio de Janeiro’s port area
Authors: Friendly Abigail , Pimentel Walker Ana Paula
Published: May 2021

Scholars have documented how financial capital has produced displacement driven by hypermodern urban spaces characterised by luxury and exclusivity. In this article we highlight how hypermodern public–private partnerships (PPPs) often re-write history, creating a futuristic global city image. Our case study of Porto Maravilha’s PPP reviews a dualistic narrative in the context of changes in Rio de Janeiro in preparation for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. Porto Maravilha aimed to position Rio de Janeiro as a centre of global competition and capital. However, this narrative re-framed the history of the transatlantic slave trade through discursive tactics that diluted and undermined the brutality of slavery in Rio’s port. Furthermore, this hypermodern PPP reinforced the post-abolition discriminatory urban planning policies that dislodged Africans and Afro-Brazilians from their places of residence, work and culture in the port district. The result is the erasure of the experiences of Black Brazilians in the port area for touristic consumption, selling the city on the world stage. Given this contradiction, we develop the concept of ‘legacy participation’ to secure the rights of Afro-Brazilians and their organisations to make decisions about their own territory.
Readiness of In-service Teachers Toward a Blended Learning Approach as a Learning Pedagogy in the Post-COVID-19 Era
Authors: Saboowala Rabiya , Manghirmalani Mishra Pooja
Published: May 2021

The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has traumatized the entire world. COVID-19 has prompted experts to rethink the suitable pedagogies of teaching–learning that will prove to be sustainable with the global health crises going on. Blended learning is one of the models proposed by various educationalists and research scholars that appears to be a viable and best-fit solution for educational institutes for at least a period of a few months postpandemic. This study investigates the readiness of in-service teachers considering them as learners toward blended learning and its six dimensions. The results indicated that there existed a correlation among the six dimensions of blended learning while considering the readiness of in-service teachers toward blended learning. In addition, the results indicated that both male and female teachers and teachers who have and have not attended/conducted webinars/lectures/Faculty Development Programs online have had no difference in their readiness toward blended learning.
An Improved Two-stage Randomized Response Model for Estimating the Proportion of Sensitive Attribute
Authors: Narjis Ghulam , Shabbir Javid
Published: May 2021

The randomized response technique (RRT) is an effective method designed to obtain the stigmatized information from respondents while assuring the privacy. In this study, we propose a new two-stage RRT model to estimate the prevalence of sensitive attribute ([Formula: see text]). A simulation study shows that the empirical mean and variance of proposed estimator are close to corresponding theoretical values. The utility of proposed two-stage RRT model under stratification is also explored. An efficiency comparison between proposed two-stage RRT model and some existing RRT models is carried out numerically under simple and stratified random sampling.
Clinical profile and predictors of severity in paediatric scrub typhus with pulmonary involvement
Authors: Narayanasamy Dinesh Kumar , Babu Thirunavukkarasu Arun , Mathiyalagen Prakash
Published: May 2021

Pulmonary involvement is common in children with scrub typhus. Our paper outlines the clinical characteristics of pulmonary involvement and analyses the predictors of its severity. All scrub typhus serology-positive (optical density >0.5) children with pulmonary symptoms were included. Of 506 serology-positive scrub typhus cases, 256 (50.5%) had pulmonary symptoms, of whom 50 (9.8%) were severe. These severe cases were compared with non-severe cases. Interstitial pneumonitis was the commonest chest radiographic finding. Logistic regression analysis identified ‘fever clearance time’ >48 h, facial puffiness, maculopapular rash and anaemia to be significantly associated with severe pulmonary involvement.
Fabrication of micro/nano hydrophobic surfaces by a soft molding method using polyurethane-based elastomer
Authors: Murat Eroğlu , Devrim Parmak Şam Ebru
Published: May 2021

In this research, a stretchable and non-sticky hydrophobic surface is developed using flexible polyurethane-based elastomer Vytaflex 20A. The hierarchical roughness of rose petals was replicated by soft molding method to achieve hydrophobicity. The morphological properties, wettability properties and mechanical properties of replicated micro/nanostructures were characterized. The replicated surface exhibited a similar micro/nanostructure to that of rose petal. Rose petal and replicated surface were highly hydrophobic and their static water contact angles (θ ≈ 124°) are nearly equal. Contact angle hysteresis of the produced surface was measured (10°) to be lower significantly than that of the fresh rose petal (50°). The proposed surface is also highly stretchable having an elongation value of approximately % 700. Such surfaces can be a great candidate for providing easy to clean ability to deformable elastomer products.
Troop Crime in Peacetime: Criminality and Accountability of U.S. Troops Worldwide During the Cold War
Authors: Efrat Asif
Published: May 2021

U.S. forces abroad have often faced complaints about crimes committed by troops, yet we lack systematic quantitative information on such crimes. Based on newly discovered data compiled by the Army, this article presents a comprehensive and detailed picture of American troops’ criminal activity worldwide during the Cold War (1954–1970). The data show that troops engaged in significant criminality, with a particularly high rate of violent crime—homicide, rape, and robbery—and a relatively low rate of property crime. Host countries treated offending troops leniently: Prison sentences were rare, and they averaged less than 2 years in duration. The data presented here hold far-reaching implications for our understanding of the relations between U.S. forces and host countries and the legacy of U.S. military deployments.
The Impact of Strengths-Based Assessment Education on Undergraduate Students’ Knowledge of Disorders and Mental Illness Stigma
Authors: Owens Rhea L. , Heaslip Sean , Thombre Meara
Published: May 2021

Background:

While abnormal psychology courses have traditionally focused on psychopathology, there are several benefits to adopting a strengths-based approach.

Objective:

This study examined the teaching of a strengths-based assessment approach (the DICE-PM Model), compared to teaching as usual, in an undergraduate abnormal psychology course.

Method:

Two sections of an abnormal psychology course were taught a strengths-based assessment approach while two sections were taught as usual. All participants completed measures of knowledge of psychological disorders and mental illness stigma at the beginning and end of the semester.

Results:

Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge of disorders and a significant decrease in mental illness stigma with the exception of one category assessed (recovery), generally with small effect sizes. Those in the strengths group, compared to the control, showed a significantly greater decrease in mental illness stigma involving anxiety related to others with mental illness, though also with a small effect.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest strengths-based assessment education does not compromise the instruction of psychological disorders and is equivalent to a traditional abnormal psychology course in reducing mental illness stigma.

Teaching Implications:

Such an approach may be beneficial early in students’ education to reduce mental illness stigma and promote comprehensive assessment practices.
Effects of Supine and Prone Positions on Nasal Patency in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Chang Geng-He , Hsu Cheng-Ming , Huang Ethan I. , Tsai Hsin-Yi , Wang Yun-Ting , Tsai Ming-Shao , Chang Pey-Jium , Tsai Yao-Te
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

Supine position reduces nasal patency compared with that in the sitting position; however, data on the effects of prone position on nasal patency is lacking.

Methods:

We assessed the nasal patency of 30 healthy individuals without upper respiratory tract disorders by using visual analog scale (VAS) score and acoustic rhinometry in 7 positions: sitting; frontal, right, and left supine; and frontal, right, and left prone.

Results:

According to the VAS scores, compared with that in the sitting position, both the supine and prone positions significantly increased subjective nasal obstruction ( P < .001). The prone position had a more significant effect than did the supine position ( P = .017). The results of minimal cross-sectional area measured through acoustic rhinometry demonstrated that both the supine and prone positions reduced the nasal patency significantly, but without significant differences between the effects of prone and supine positions ( P = .794).

Conclusion:

This is the first study to elucidate that the prone position can significantly reduce the nasal patency in healthy individuals through subjective and objective assessments.

Level of Evidence:

IV
A Novel Use of Coblation in the Treatment of Tracheal Tumors
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Juan , Qiu Xiaojian , Zhang Jie
Published: May 2021

Radiofrequency coblation is a new method of electrosurgical intervention. Most recently, its use has been reported in the treatment of laryngotracheal pathology. However, studies on coblation for tracheal tumors have not been reported. In this article, we described a novel use of coblation technology, in which a new type of airway-specific wand was used to ablate tracheal benign or malignant tumors in 3 cases. The results suggest the possibility of usage of coablation in the treatment of tracheal tumors. More studies that are larger and have longer follow-up are needed to further evaluate the use of this technique in the treatment of tracheal tumors.
Presentation of External Ear Rosai-Dorfman Disease With Laryngeal Involvement
Authors: Kobayashi Kenji R. , Hajiyev Yusif , Fuller Maren Y. , Orman Gunes , Lambert Elton M.
Published: May 2021

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare benign systemic histiocytic proliferation characterized by massive lymph node enlargement and sometimes associated with extranodal involvement. Even though it is considered to be benign, death can occur depending on the extent and location. Our case highlights a primary extranodal site of the right pinna with extension through the Eustachian tube to the subglottis. A previously healthy 15-year-old female presented with 1-year right pinna swelling, slowly enlarging and becoming more bothersome. An incisional biopsy was performed on the ear along with S100 staining yielding a diagnosis. After multidisciplinary case discussion, clofarabine monotherapy and systemic therapy for Langerhans cell histiocytosis has started. Rosai-Dorfman disease can be a general disorder, often affecting the lymph nodes. Unlike a nodal disease, extranodal disease could involve any site on the patient’s anatomy. Head and neck lesions are the most common extranodal lesions. Rosai-Dorfman disease is self-limited in more than 20% of the cases with spontaneous regression without intervention; 70% of the patients have noticeable symptoms and vital organ involvement requiring treatments such as surgery, steroids, radiation, and chemotherapy. In our case, the patient had wide involvement and presented without any serious breathing difficulties; we decided to start with monotherapy with chemotherapy and systematic glucocorticoid treatment.
Strategic Risk and Lobbying: Investigating Lobbying Breadth as Risk Management
Authors: Abdurakhmonov Mirzokhidjon , Ridge Jason W. , Hill Aaron D. , Loncarich Holly
Published: May 2021

Despite many studies investigating how lobbying expenditures enhance performance outcomes, limited attention has been given to understanding the underlying mechanisms driving firm lobbying behaviors—and, particularly, where firms target their lobbying expenditures. We argue lobbying breadth serves as a risk management strategy to both hedge against possible government intrusion and minimize disapproval of firm actions from government officials. As such, we posit firms’ strategic risk will positively relate to breadth of lobbying firms’ target. Further, if lobbying breadth serves as risk management strategy, then other aspects that affect decisions about the amount of risk protection a firm may need should also affect this relationship. We argue that CEOs’ ownership and firms’ political uncertainty may exacerbate exposure from firm risk taking to government actions, thus strengthening the insurance relationship. Similarly, we argue available slack, as a form of internal insurance against government actions, will weaken the relationship between strategic risk taking and lobbying breadth. We find support for most of our arguments in a sample of U. S. manufacturing firms. This research extends understanding of lobbying beyond the predominant focus on expenditures and securing beneficial outcomes. Exploring how lobbying breadth serves an important risk management role also offers insights into firm nonmarket strategy.
A recommendation-based reading list system prototype for learning and resource management
Authors: Chowdhury Gobinda , Koya Kushwanth , Bugaje Mariam
Published: May 2021

A reading list is a list of reading items recommended by an academic to assist students’ acquisition of knowledge for a specific subject. Subsequently, the libraries of higher education institutions collect and assemble reading lists according to specific courses and offer the students the reading list service. However, the reading list is created based on localised intelligence, restricted to the academic’s knowledge of their field, semantics, experience and awareness of developments. This investigation aims to present the views and comments of academics, and library staff, on an envisaged aggregated reading list service, which aggregates recommended reading items from various higher education institutions. This being the aim, we build a prototype, which aggregates reading lists from different universities and showcase it to 19 academics and library staff in various higher education institutions to capture their views, comments and any recommendations. In the process, we also showcase the feasibility of collecting and aggregating reading lists, in addition to understanding the process of reading lists creation at their respective higher education institutions. The prototype successfully showcases the creation of ranked lists of reading items, authors, topics, modules and courses. Academics and library staff indicated that aggregated lists would collectively benefit the academic community. Consequently, recommendations in the form of process implementations and technological applications are made to overcome and successfully implement the proposed aggregated reading list service. This proof-of-concept demonstrates potential benefits for the academic community and identifies further challenges to overcome in order to scale it up to the implementation stage.
An integrative framework of information as both objective and subjective
Authors: Jarrahi Mohammad Hossein , Ma Yuanye , Goray Cami
Published: May 2021

We present a model of information that integrates two competing perspectives of information by emulating the Chinese philosophy of yin-yang. The model embraces the two key dimensions of information that exist harmoniously: information as (1) objective and veridical representations in the world (information as object) and (2) socially constructed interpretations that are a result of contextual influences (information as subject). We argue that these two facets of information cocreate information as a unified system and complement one another through two processes, which we denote as forming and informing. While the information literature has historically treated these objective and subjective identities of information as incompatible, we argue that they are mutually relevant and that our understanding of one actually enhances our understanding of the other.
Reifying Contemporary Versions of Liquified Racism: Black Representation in Competitive Swimming
Authors: Peavy Anthony C. , Shearer Emilee T.
Published: May 2021

Throughout history, water as a tool for racialized oppression has been in constant evolution. From utilizing water as a passage to transport slaves, to using fire hoses as a form of punishment toward Black people, liquified racism is a concept we coined to represent past and present racial discrimination through the use of water. In this paper, we conducted a critical content analysis of the USA swim team and the swim team pages of the top ten Division I men’s and women’s college swimming programs to uncover how liquified racism is prominent within these contexts. Findings suggest that Blackness is racialized, tokenized, and perpetually silenced on swimming websites. We argue that Black individuals lacking representation in this sport, along with discourse surrounding competitive swimming, ultimately promotes whiteness, racial hierarchies, and an illusion of postracism.
Otologic Manifestations of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Tiffany , Ashman Peter E. , Bojrab Dennis I. , Johnson Andrew P. , Benson Brian , Hong Robert S. , Svider Peter F.
Published: May 2021

Objective

To perform a systematic review to investigate common otologic manifestations of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, the incidence of these findings, methods for diagnosis, as well as medical and surgical management

Data Sources

PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library.

Review Methods

A search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library for all articles published between 1963 to 2020 was performed with variations and combinations of the following search terms: Langerhans cell histiocytosis, eosinophilic granuloma, Letterer‐Siwe, Hand‐Schüller‐Christian, otitis, otologic, ear. A review of the references of all included articles was also conducted.

Results

Sixty‐two articles encompassing 631 patients met inclusion criteria. Otologic symptoms at presentation were found in 246 (39%) patients in the reported studies with 48% reporting bilaterality. The mean age was 14.8 years with a male predominance (64%). The most common otologic presenting symptom was otorrhea (46%). A majority had the multisystem variant (52%). The most common treatment modalities were chemotherapy (52%), followed by surgery (50%), systemic steroids (45%), and radiotherapy (31%). Surgery was performed in 75.8% with unisystem involvement and in 50.6% with multisystem involvement. The most effective treatments included radiotherapy (56% success rate, 17% of treated patients), systemic steroids (44% success, 20% treated), chemotherapy (41% success, 21% treated), and surgical modalities (36% success, 19% treated).

Conclusions

Otologic manifestations that occur with the multisystem variant or are at high risk for central nervous system involvement necessitate systemic treatment. For unifocal lesions, surgery is recommended. Lastly, radiotherapy should be reserved for extensive lesions involving vital structures or presenting in older patients.
Vein Graft Tympanoplasty: How a Transiently Used Graft Material Transformed Middle Ear Surgery
Authors: Smith Blaine D. , Martin Hannah L. , Francis Howard W. , Cunningham Calhoun D.
Published: May 2021

The inception of medial grafting as a technique for tympanic membrane repair was a critical milestone in the history of otology. John Shea introduced the medial graft technique and the use of vein grafts for tympanoplasty in 1960 after realizing that the vein grafts that he used to repair the oval window after stapedectomy could also be utilized to repair tympanic membrane perforations. At the time, tympanoplasty often utilized skin grafts, which required placement of the graft lateral to the tympanic membrane annulus. Placement of the graft medial to the tympanic membrane annulus allowed for more efficient surgery and avoided the complications associated with lateral grafting, such as blunting and lateralization. The introduction of vein grafts in tympanoplasty prompted a fundamental shift in technique from lateral to medial grafting, paving the way for decades of innovation in tympanoplasty.
Factor Structure of the Scales for Assessing Emotional Disturbance – 3 Rating Scale for Students Identified With Emotional Disturbance
Authors: Lambert Matthew C. , Cullinan Douglas , Epstein Michael H. , Martin Jodie
Published: May 2021

This study examined the internal structure of the Scales for Assessing Emotional Disturbance-3 Rating Scale (RS), a teacher-completed RS developed to measure emotional disturbance (ED). As defined in U.S. law and regulations, ED involves five characteristics or patterns of behavioral and emotional maladaptation. RS data obtained on a sample of students with ED were used to examine validity evidence based on the internal structure of the assessment. Of particular interest was the extent to which multivariate factors derived from the RS data conform to the five characteristics of ED stated in the definition. Results indicate that the RS data fit a 5-factor model reasonably well. A subsequent bifactor analysis identified a considerable proportion of common variance across factors, suggesting the presence of a strong general ED factor, two distinct group factors (Inability to Learn and Inappropriate Behavior), and three weak group factors. The findings provided evidence of the validity of the SAED-3 RS based on internal structure and pointed to support for use of the RS in contributing to the process of determining whether a student qualifies for the ED education disability. Implications for improved research on the nature of ED and how students with ED can be better served are discussed.