bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiotherapy in prostate cancer after kidney transplant in 6 cases
Authors: Detti Beatrice , Stocchi Giulia , Mariotti Matteo , Sardaro Angela , Francolini Giulio , Allegra Andrea G. , Roghi Manuele , Maragna Virginia , Teriaca Maria A. , Livi Lorenzo
Published: May 2021

Background:

Patients who received a kidney transplant (KT) are described in literature as a group with a higher incidence of malignant neoplasms compared to the general population. Cancer development after KT has become a major issue, as a remarkable percentage of patients are diagnosed with cancer. Treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) is a challenging issue that has been discussed by many authors over the years, but evidence is sparse and often includes conflicting reports. Among the therapeutic options for PCa in these patients, prostate irradiation represents a valuable alternative to surgery or other systemic therapies, as RTRs are often ineligible for these treatments.

Objective:

To report six cases treated at our institution between 1998 and 2017 and discuss the available literature.

Methods:

Patients’ characteristics were reported along with biochemical status at diagnosis, type of immunosuppressive treatment, radiation therapy technique, and dose to transplanted kidney.

Results:

Overall, prostate irradiation was delivered respecting the dose constraints and patients showed good tolerance with no reports of acute or late transplanted kidney injury.

Conclusions:

Our experience confirms that prostate radiotherapy for RTRs is feasible and effective and represents a valid option that should be considered by the multidisciplinary team.
The phantoms of the opera—Stress offstage and stress onstage
Authors: Cui Anja-Xiaoxing , Motamed Yeganeh Negin , Sviatchenko Olga , Leavitt Thea , McKee Taylor , Guthier Christina , Hermiston Nancy , Boyd Lara
Published: May 2021

During opera performance singers deliver vocally demanding roles, follow a conductor, portray emotions of a musical work, act, dance, and engage with costumes, sets and props before an audience. Hence, opera performance is a stressful experience. This study examined different types of stress experiences by measuring the trajectories of 10 opera trainees’ heart rate variability (HRV) during two performances, covering onstage and offstage periods. We explored connections between HRV, self-reported stress measures, and expert-rated difficulty of the performed roles. We discovered that opera trainees had lower HRV and thus experienced greater physiological stress, while onstage compared to offstage periods. In contrast, when asked about performance specific stress, opera trainees self-reported that they felt more nervous when they were offstage. This disconnect between physiological measurement and psychological self-assessment suggests that there are two relevant types of stress for opera performance: psychological stress, which is felt more keenly offstage, and physiological stress, which is greater onstage. Patterns of association between HRV and self-reported measures suggest that HRV is linked to general (not performance-specific) stress. Patterns between self-reported measures suggest that music performance anxiety relates to trait anxiety. Our results indicate specific targets for possible interventions for stress management in opera singers.
Investigating the Preferences of Local Residents toward a Proposed Bus Network Redesign in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Authors: Ziedan Abubakr , Crossland Cassidy , Brakewood Candace , Pugliese Philip , Ooi Harrison
Published: May 2021

Many transit agencies are considering or implementing bus network redesigns. Considering this growing trend, this study investigates the preferences of local residents for a proposed bus network redesign in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The study uses survey data collected by the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority and its partners as part of a bus network redesign planning process. Using the survey data, three logit models are estimated to explore preferences between different bus network redesign philosophies, transit network improvements, and willingness to pay for proposed transit improvements and expansion. There are three main findings. First, respondents who ride the bus prefer access to more places over frequent bus service, whereas non-riders prefer more frequent transit service. Second, the models suggest that younger generations are more supportive of transit improvements than older age groups. Third, people living near bus routes and those with higher income levels are more willing to pay for proposed transit improvements. The findings of this study should inform transit agencies that are considering or are in the process of redesigning their bus networks.
Newspapers and political participation: The relationship between ballot rolloff and local newspaper circulation
Authors: Chapp Christopher , Aehl Peter
Published: May 2021

Although declining newspaper circulation has important political consequences, less is known about how this decline affects local elections. We address this gap, pairing evidence of legislative ballot rolloff with data on news circulation. Results suggest that newspapers play a role in whether voters leave a portion of their ballot blank. This relationship is particularly acute in noncompetitive races, suggesting that the absence of newspapers is most important when other democratic institutions are less robust.
Journalism’s visual construction of place in environmental coverage
Authors: Lough Kyser , Ashe Ivy
Published: May 2021

This study builds on our understanding of how visual journalism is used with environmental reporting to create a sense of place and understanding. Although most American photojournalism tends to favor close-up photos with people, environmental coverage leans opposite: sweeping landscape photos devoid of people. However, our content analysis of wire and non-wire environmental photos on U.S. newspaper front pages shows support that person-focused feature imagery is being used more, though mostly at an informational level.
Circadian Interactomics: How Research Into Protein-Protein Interactions Beyond the Core Clock Has Influenced the Model of Circadian Timekeeping
Authors: Mosier Alexander E. , Hurley Jennifer M.
Published: May 2021

The circadian clock is the broadly conserved, protein-based, timekeeping mechanism that synchronizes biology to the Earth’s 24-h light-dark cycle. Studies of the mechanisms of circadian timekeeping have placed great focus on the role that individual protein-protein interactions play in the creation of the timekeeping loop. However, research has shown that clock proteins most commonly act as part of large macromolecular protein complexes to facilitate circadian control over physiology. The formation of these complexes has led to the large-scale study of the proteins that comprise these complexes, termed here “circadian interactomics.” Circadian interactomic studies of the macromolecular protein complexes that comprise the circadian clock have uncovered many basic principles of circadian timekeeping as well as mechanisms of circadian control over cellular physiology. In this review, we examine the wealth of knowledge accumulated using circadian interactomics approaches to investigate the macromolecular complexes of the core circadian clock, including insights into the core mechanisms that impart circadian timing and the clock’s regulation of many physiological processes. We examine data acquired from the investigation of the macromolecular complexes centered on both the activating and repressing arm of the circadian clock and from many circadian model organisms.
Exploring the Intersection of Isolated-CNS Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis and Pediatric Chronic Lymphocytic Inflammation With Pontine Perivascular Enhancement Responsive to Steroids
Authors: Debinski Carly , Goergen Stacy , McLean Catriona , Buckland Michael E. , Kumar Beena , Tiller Georgina , Cole Theresa , Ojaimi Samar , Fahey Michael
Published: May 2021

CLIPPERS (chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids) is an extremely rare neurologic inflammatory condition. Fewer than 10 pediatric cases have been described.

Debate persists as to whether it is a distinct disease or a clinical, radiologic, and histologic phenotype evolving into another disorder. We propose that CLIPPERS may be a clinical manifestation of an underlying state of immune-dysregulation.

We describe the case of the youngest known report of CLIPPERS, an 18-month-old infant from Melbourne, Australia. Reviewing the literature for all reported pediatric cases, we identified that robust investigation and whole exome sequencing was underutilized and proposed diagnostic criteria were frequently unmet. Particular focus should be paid to genes known to cause familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), with the CLIPPERS phenotype manifesting as a form of isolated central nervous system (CNS)-HLH in some patients. Curative treatment options such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be appropriate for some patients and should be considered early.
Autophagy and glycolysis independently attenuate silibinin-induced apoptosis in human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 and Hep3B cells
Authors: Yang J , Sun Y , Xu F , Liu W , Hayashi T , Mizuno K , Hattori S , Fujisaki H , Ikejima T
Published: May 2021

Purpose:

The mechanism of cytotoxicity of silibinin on two human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines, HepG2 (p53 wild-type) and Hep3B cells (p53 null), is examined in relation with the induction of autophagy and phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK).

Materials and Methods:

Levels of apoptosis in relation to the levels of autophagy and those of glycolysis-related proteins, glucose transporter 1/4 (Glut1/4) and hexokinase-II (HK2), in HepG2 and Hep3B cells were examined.

Results:

Silibinin-induced apoptosis was incomplete for HCC cell death in that up-regulated autophagy and/or reduced level of glycolysis, which are induced by silibinin treatment, antagonized silibinin-induced apoptosis. Inhibition of autophagy with 3-methyl adenine (3MA) or blocking of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation with Compound C (CC) enhanced silibinin-induced apoptosis. The results confirm that AMPK involved in autophagy as well as in glycolysis remaining with silibinin is responsible for attenuation of silibinin-induced apoptosis. Blocking of AMPK or autophagy contributes to the enhancement of silibinin’s cytotoxicity to HepG2 and Hep3B cells.

Conclusion:

This study shows that incomplete apoptosis of HCC by silibinin treatment becomes complete by repression of autophagy and/or glycolysis.
The Developmental & Molecular Requirements for Ensuring that Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Hair Follicle Bulge Stem Cells Have Acquired Competence for Hair Follicle Generation Following Transplantation
Authors: Ibrahim Michel R. , Medhat Walid , El-Fakahany Hasan , Abdel-Raouf Hamza , Snyder Evan Y.
Published: May 2021

When using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to achieve hair follicle (HF) replacement, we found it best to emulate the earliest fundamental developmental processes of gastrulation, ectodermal lineage commitment, and dermogenesis. Viewing hiPSCs as a model of the epiblast, we exploited insights from mapping the dynamic up- and down-regulation of the developmental molecules that determine HF lineage in order to ascertain the precise differentiation stage and molecular requirements for grafting HF-generating progenitors. To yield an integrin-dependent lineage like the HF in vivo, we show that hiPSC derivatives should co-express, just prior to transplantation, the following combination of markers: integrins α6 and β1 and the glycoprotein CD200 on their surface; and, intracellularly, the epithelial marker keratin 18 and the hair follicle bulge stem cell (HFBSC)-defining molecules transcription factor P63 and the keratins 15 and 19. If the degree of trichogenic responsiveness indicated by the presence of these molecules is not achieved (they peak on Days 11-18 of the protocol), HF generation is not possible. Conversely, if differentiation of the cells is allowed to proceed beyond the transient intermediate progenitor state represented by the HFBSC, and instead cascades to their becoming keratin 14+ keratin 5+ CD200– keratinocytes (Day 25), HF generation is equally impossible. We make the developmental case for transplanting at Day 16-18 of differentiation—the point at which the hiPSCs have lost pluripotency, have attained optimal expression of HFBSC markers, have not yet experienced downregulation of key integrins and surface glycoproteins, have not yet started expressing keratinocyte-associated molecules, and have sufficient proliferative capacity to allow a well-populated graft. This panel of markers may be used for isolating (by cytometry) HF-generating derivatives away from cell types unsuited for this therapy as well as for identifying trichogenic drugs.
Long-Term Observation and Sequencing Analysis of SKPs-Derived Corneal Endothelial Cell-Like Cells for Treating Corneal Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Shen Lin , Sun Peng , Du Liqun , Zhu Jing , Ju Chengqun , Guo Hui , Wu Xinyi
Published: May 2021

Corneal endothelial dysfunction is a principal cause of visual deficiency. Corneal transplantation is the most effective treatment for corneal endothelial dysfunction. However, a severe shortage of available donor corneas or human corneal endothelial cells (HCECs) remains a global challenge. Previously, we acquired corneal endothelial cell-like cells (CEC-like cells) derived from human skin-derived precursors (SKPs). CEC-like cells were injected into rabbit and monkey corneal endothelial dysfunction models and exerted excellent therapeutic effect. In this study, we prolonged the clinical observation in the monkey experiment for 2 years. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing were carried out to confirm the existence of CEC-like cells. Histological examinations were carried out to show the corneal morphology. Further transcriptome sequencing was also carried out on HCEC, CEC-like cells before transplantation and after transplantation. We found that the monkeys cornea remained transparent and normal thickness. The total endothelial cell density decreased gradually, but tended to be stable and remained in a normal range during 2-year observation. The CEC-like cells persist during observation and could adapt to the microenvironment after transplantation. The gene expression pattern of CEC-like cells was similar to HCEC and changed slightly after transplantation. In conclusion, this study presented a brand-new insight into CEC-like cells and further provided a promising prospect of cell-based therapy for corneal endothelial dysfunction. The renewable cell source, novel derivation method and simple treatment strategy may be clinically applied in regenerative medicine in the future.
Acupuncture stimulation at HT7 as a non-pharmacological therapy for sleep disorder caused by caffeine administration in rats
Authors: Seo Su Yeon , Moon Ji-Young , Kang Suk-Yun , Kwon O Sang , Bang Se Kyun , Choi Kwang-Ho , Ryu Yeonhee
Published: May 2021

Objectives:

Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders and is difficult to completely treat because of the undesirable side effects of hypnotics. The present study was designed to investigate the hypnotic effect of acupuncture stimulation at HT7 on caffeine-induced sleep disorders and locomotor activity in rats. We also evaluated neuronal activity changes in the arousal region of the basal forebrain.

Methods:

Rats received intraperitoneal injections of caffeine, and then electroencephalogram power spectrum analysis and locomotor activity measurements were performed. Stimulation at HT7 was performed using a mechanical acupuncture instrument (MAI) before caffeine injection, and its effects on caffeine-induced changes in sleep architecture, locomotor activity and c-Fos expression were examined.

Results:

Caffeine injection (7.5 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease in slow-wave sleep and an increase in wake time compared with saline injection. Caffeine injection also increased locomotor activity and c-Fos expression in the medial septum–vertical limb of the diagonal band of Broca (MS-VDB), one of the arousal regions of the basal forebrain. Stimulation at HT7 with the MAI alleviated the caffeine-induced sleep disturbance and the increase in locomotor activity. In addition, MAI treatment at HT7, compared with treatment at a location not corresponding to any traditional acupuncture point, reduced the caffeine-induced increase in c-Fos expression.

Conclusion:

These results indicate that the hypnotic effect of HT7 acupuncture stimulation on caffeine-induced insomnia was associated with suppression of neuronal activity in the basal forebrain.
Effects of natural hard shell particles on physical, chemical, mechanical and thermal properties of composites
Authors: Çelik Yahya Hışman , Çelik Kadir Serdar , Kilickap Erol
Published: May 2021

Shelled herbal foods are widely consumed. The evaluation of the shells of these foods is important due to their features such as low cost, ease of recycling and environmental friendliness. In this study, hazelnut shell (HS), pistachio shell (PS), and apricot kernel shell (AKS) were brought to powder particles by grinding to dimensions of 300–425 µm. Some of the powder particles were converted into ash at 900°C. The amounts of cellulose, ash, humidity, and metal in these particles via chemical analyses were determined, while their structural properties via X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses. Composite materials were produced by adding 15 wt.% to the polyester matrix material from these powder particles and ashes. Compression strength, hardness, specific weight, and thermal conductivity of these composites were analyzed. The lowest and highest humidity, ash, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin ratios in powders showed differences depending on the type of powders. The amount of Sn and K in the HS, PS, and AKS powders were close to each other, while the amount of Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Si was higher in AKS powder. The reinforcement adding to the polyester increased the compression strength, hardness, specific weight and thermal conductivity properties.
Is industrial relations reform the road to recovery in monopsonistic labour markets?
Authors: Peetz David
Published: May 2021

This article considers the national industrial relations policy aspects of the economic recovery agenda in Australia, in the context of the theory of monopsonistic competition, employment and productivity. This framework acknowledges the employer ability to exercise discretion in the setting of wages. The proposed reforms were unlikely to lead to any increase in economic growth through higher labour productivity or employment. Proposed agendas in enterprise bargaining, greenfields agreements and award simplification (as well as union regulation), would principally have reduced labour costs and incomes. In many circumstances, allowing employers to offer lower wages may lead to fewer filled jobs, higher labour turnover and absenteeism and lower employment. The incentive on employers to improve labour productivity may fall. Proposals to more energetically punish wage theft may have had the opposite effects, but these were abandoned by the government despite support from the other parties. In the end, the only part of the reform agenda to pass Parliament concerned changes to the definition and treatment of casual employees, but casual employment grew strongly before the Bill took effect, the crisis the Bill was meant to solve eased before the Bill was passed, and even if successful the changes would have done little to boost labour productivity.
Optimizing the InterRAI Assessment Tool in Care Planning Processes for Long-Term Residents: A Scoping Review
Authors: Iduye Steve , Risling Tracie , McKibbon Shelley , Iduye Damilola
Published: May 2021

The aim of this review was to chart and report on existing literature that discusses how the interRAI assessment tool drives care-planning processes for residents in long-term-care settings. This scoping review was informed by the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guideline. Relevant studies were obtained from databases search of CINAHL (EBSCO), MEDLINE (Ovid), PsycINFO (EBSCO), Academic Search Premier (EBSCO), Embase (Elsevier), ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Database (ProQuest), Sociological Abstracts (ProQuest), and Social Services Abstracts (ProQuest). Of the 17 included studies, five (29.4%) addressed interRAI’s minimum dataset component as a clinical data-collection tool; five (29.4%) addressed interRAI’s assessment scales and its clinical-assessment protocols as viable health-assessment tools; four (23.5%) considered interRAI’s assessment scales in terms of whether this tool is capable of predicting residents’ health risks; one (5.9%) addressed the effects of interRAI’s care plans on residents’ health outcomes; and the remaining two studies (11.8%) used interRAI’s quality-indicator function for both the performance of and improvements in the quality of care. The scoping review finds that there is no substantial evidence that supports the implementation of interRAI care plans for consistent health outcomes.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Coping Strategies: A Cross-sectional Study for Identifying Psychological Alarms and Factors Related to Coping in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Selim Abeer , Saad Salem Samah , Albasher Noura , Bakrmom Ghadah , Alanzi Samar , Jradi Hoda
Published: May 2021

Psychological alarms including severity of pain, functional impairment, depression, and impaired coping strategies have been correlated with (IBS); however, these attributes, particularly coping strategies, have not been well studied. The aim of this study was to assess psychological alarms, life stressors, and coping strategies of adults diagnosed with IBS. A total of 806 participants completed a self-administered survey consisting of socio-demographic data and life stressors, the Rome IV criteria to diagnose IBS, the Psychological Alarm Questionnaire, and the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ 24). IBS diagnosis was established among 372 (46.15%) participants. Anxiety (OR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.35–2.45), severe pain (OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.42–2.63), financial life stressors (OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.33–2.40), and coping strategies such as reinterpretation (OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.39–2.68) and diversion (OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.05–3.89) were all significantly and independently associated with IBS diagnosis. Giving the chronic nature of IBS, future research should focus on coping as a potential treatment goal for IBS patients.
Informal Caregiver Support Policies Change Use of Vocational Assistance Services for Individuals With Disabilities
Authors: Shepherd-Banigan Megan , Smith Valerie A. , Stechuchak Karen M. , Van Houtven Courtney H.
Published: May 2021

Support policies for caregivers improves care-recipient access to care and effects may generalize to nonhealth services. Using administrative data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans <55 years, we assessed the association between enrollment in a VA caregiver support program and veteran use of vocational assistance services: the post-9/11 GI Bill, VA vocational rehabilitation and employment (VR&E), and supported employment. We applied instrumental variables to Cox proportional hazards models. Caregiver enrollment in the program increased veteran supported employment use (hazard ratio = 1.35, 95% confidence interval [1.14, 1.53]), decreased VR&E use (hazard ratio = 0.84, 95% confidence interval [0.76, 0.92]), and had no effect on the post-9/11 GI Bill. Caregiver support policies could increase access to some vocational assistance for individuals with disabilities, particularly supported employment, which is integrated into health care. Limited coordination between health and employment sectors and misaligned incentives may have inhibited effects for the post-9/11 GI Bill and VR&E.
Indigenous-led environmental research in Aotearoa New Zealand: beyond a transdisciplinary model for best practice, empowerment and action
Authors: Moewaka Barnes Helen , Harmsworth Garth , Tipa Gail , Henwood Wendy , McCreanor Tim
Published: May 2021

Complex multidimensional challenges have prompted a transformational shift towards holistic research integration with knowledge systems differing from conventional science. Embracing diverse ontological and epistemological approaches through new styles of collaboration, dialogue and practice enables durable solutions and desired outcomes. As societal and global issues become more urgent, complex and challenging, recognition of the intersection of the environment with economic, social, cultural and political dynamics means transdisciplinary approaches are advancing. Integrative, collaborative methodologies are central to indigenous-led research, providing insights for Western science. We describe characteristics of transdisciplinary research from the international literature and explore related kaupapa Māori (Māori theory and practice) approaches. Location-specific, indigenous-led environmental case studies from Aotearoa New Zealand show how they are transcendent of the transdisciplinary approaches they encompass. We demonstrate research beyond transdisciplinarity, modelling engagement, power sharing and collective action through integrative, collaborative endeavours across knowledge systems and praxis, stretching the development of transdisciplinary research everywhere.
Intercultural education and early childhood: strengthening knowledge based on Indigenous communities and territory
Authors: Becerra-Lubies Rukmini
Published: May 2021

Intercultural education in Chile has focused on early childhood for more than a decade. Different measures have been implemented to strength an intercultural approach in preschools. The most outstanding has been the connection of intercultural preschools with Indigenous communities. However, these educational policies have not been accompanied by adequate resources and teacher preparation, resulting in significant shortcomings in the collaboration between Indigenous communities and preschools. To address the relevance of Mapuche (People of the Land; Indigenous inhabitants of south-central Chile and southwestern Argentina; speakers of Mapudungun) communities in intercultural preschools, this study created and implemented a pilot initiative. Using a decolonial and critical pedagogy-of-place approach, the main findings show that educators began considering Mapuche communities beyond families, discussed the role of urban Mapuche communities, and improved ethical practices to work with Indigenous communities. These findings lead me to propose recommendations in reference to policies and teacher education.
Against management: Auto-critique
Authors: Parker Martin
Published: May 2021

In this review I consider the 20 years that have passed since the publication of my book Against Management. I begin by locating it in the context of the expanding business schools of the UK in the 1990s, and the growth of CMS in north western Europe. After positioning the book within its time, and noting that the book is now simultaneously highly cited and irrelevant, I then explore the arguments I made in the final chapter. If the book is of interest for the next two decades, it because it gestures towards the importance of alternative forms of organization, which I continue to maintain are not reducible to ‘management’. Given the intensifying crises of climate, ecology, inequality and democracy, developing alternatives must be understood as the historical task of CMS within the business school and I propose a ten-point manifesto in support of that commitment.
Are misinformation, antiscientific claims, and conspiracy theories for political extremists?
Authors: Enders Adam M. , Uscinski Joseph E.
Published: May 2021

Extremist political groups, especially “extreme” Republicans and conservatives, are increasingly charged with believing misinformation, antiscientific claims, and conspiracy theories to a greater extent than moderates and those on the political left by both a burgeoning scholarly literature and popular press accounts. However, previous investigations of the relationship between political orientations and alternative beliefs have been limited in their operationalization of those beliefs and political extremity. We build on existing literature by examining the relationships between partisan and nonpartisan conspiracy beliefs and symbolic and operational forms of political extremity. Using two large, nationally representative samples of Americans, we find that ideological extremity predicts alternative beliefs only when the beliefs in question are partisan in nature and the measure of ideology is identity-based. Moreover, we find that operational ideological extremism is negatively related to nonpartisan conspiracy beliefs. Our findings help reconcile discrepant findings regarding the relationship between political orientations and conspiracy beliefs.
Trust in science increases conservative support for social distancing
Authors: Koetke Jonah , Schumann Karina , Porter Tenelle
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates adherence to scientifically supported prevention strategies, such as social distancing. Although most Americans support social distancing, a subset of conservatives reject the scientific consensus on this matter. We explored why some conservatives reject social distancing, focusing on how trust in science contributes to ideological differences in social distancing intentions. In two studies, we replicated recent research demonstrating that conservatives report lower support for social distancing compared to liberals. However, in Study 1 we found support for a moderating role of trust in science, such that conservatives reported stronger intentions to socially distance when they had high trust in science. In Study 2, we enhanced trust in messaging about social distancing – and in turn, social distancing intentions among conservatives – by having the messages come from a Republican (vs. unidentified) government official. These studies provide insight into how we can increase adherence to public health recommendations regarding COVID-19.
Right-wing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation predict rejection of science and scientists
Authors: Kerr John R. , Wilson Marc S.
Published: May 2021

Previous research has highlighted how ideological factors such as political self-identification, religiosity and conspiracy thinking influence our beliefs about scientific issues such as climate change and vaccination. Across three studies (combined N = 9,022) we expand on this line of inquiry to show for the first time that the ideological attitudes relating to authoritarianism and group-based dominance predict disagreement with the scientific consensus in several scientific domains. We show these effects are almost entirely mediated by varying combinations of ideological (political ideology, religiosity, free-market endorsement, conspiracy thinking) and science-specific (scientific knowledge, trust in scientists) constructs, depending on the scientific issue in question. Importantly, a general distrust of science and scientists emerges as the most consistent mediator across different scientific domains. We find that, consistent with previous research, the ideological roots of rejection of science vary across scientific issues. However, we also show that these roots may share a common origin in ideological attitudes regarding authority and equality.
Effects of maximum particle size of coarse aggregates and steel fiber contents on the mechanical properties and impact resistance of recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Xia DongTao , Xie ShaoJun , Fu Min , Zhu Feng
Published: May 2021

Fiber reinforced recycled aggregate concrete has become a new type of green concrete material. The maximum particle size of coarse aggregates and steel fiber contents affect the mechanical properties and impact resistance of recycled aggregate concrete. However, such studies are rare in literature. The present paper shortens the gap through experimental study. A total of 144 specimens of 12 kinds of concrete mixtures were tested, which adopted different steel fiber volume admixtures (0%, 0.8%, 1.0%, 1.2%) and recycled coarse aggregates in different maximum particle sizes (9.5, 19, 31.5 mm) replacing 30% natural coarse aggregate. The compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and impact resistance of the 12 concrete mixtures were tested. The results showed that the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and impact resistance of recycled aggregate concrete increased first and then decreased with the increase of the maximum particle size. The recycled aggregate concrete with the maximum particle size of 19 mm had the highest mechanical properties and impact resistance. Besides, with the increase of steel fiber content, the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and impact resistance of recycled aggregate concrete showed an increasing trend. Considering a large amount of experimental data and the coupling effect of steel fiber contents and the maximum particle size of coarse aggregates, the Weibull distribution function was introduced to analyze the impact test results and predict the number of resistance to impact under different failure probabilities. The results showed that the number of blows of the recycled aggregate concrete followed a two-parameter Weibull distribution, and the estimated value of the number of resistance to impact for failure increased with the increase of the failure probability.
Study on human-induced vibration of a cable-stayed bridge without backstays located in abrupt valley
Authors: Wu Yanru , Li Junxin , Sun Qing
Published: May 2021

This research aims to assess the pedestrian comfort and to control human-induced vibration of an arch tower cable-stayed bridge without backstays located in canyon. Dynamic simulations of human-induced vibration were carried out with a mode-by-mode approach, and the results indicated that a total of seven lateral and vertical modes of the bridge may suffer from excessive vibrations at the design crowd density. Based on the periodic walking force, the structure response under pedestrian loads was evaluated performing dynamic analyses with two Finite Element models of the footbridge. A single tuned mass damper (STMD) control system was developed for control of human-induced vibration, which consisted of four tuned mass dampers mounted on the mid-span of bridge to enhance damping ratios of lively modes. The results indicate that the maximum acceleration for the first-order lateral and second-order vertical vibration at the design crowd density exceed the associated threshold values referring to the comfort level 1 (CL1) Criteria. The critical pedestrian number of lateral dynamic instability estimated by the Dallard’s empirical formula is much smaller than the dynamic design pedestrian number; and the Dallard’s empirical formula is applicable to estimate the critical pedestrian number of lateral dynamic instability for this bridge by comparing with Pedroe Inês footbridge. The damping ratios for both the vertical and lateral modes increase appreciably after installing the tuned mass dampers and no evidence of large-amplitude vibrations has been observed, leading to the realization of satisfactory comfort levels, which can provide reference for vibration reduction design of this kind of bridge.
Unethical but not illegal: Revisiting brown envelope journalism practice in Kuwait
Authors: Onyebadi Uche , Alajmi Fawaz
Published: May 2021

Ethical journalism repudiates the practice of brown envelope solicitation or the acceptance of any form of gifts that might influence news sourcing, production and publication. The authors of the present study therefore revisited their earlier inquiry (2014) on brown envelope journalism practice in Kuwait to determine if the situation has changed or relatively remained the same. Results from the present study mirror the findings in the previous inquiry in the conceptualization of ethics by journalists in Kuwait, the use of part-time journalists in the country, the lack of measures by editors and supervisors to stamp out this form of journalism and discipline erring reporters, and the journalists’ view that it was up to individual reporters to accept or reject brown envelopes in the course of duty. The authors contend that primary responsibility to curtail this behaviour falls on editors and supervisors in media houses as well as the journalists themselves and their association. Survey and interview instruments were used in this study.
Welsh dental trainees’ confidence and competence in completing orthodontic assessments and referrals
Authors: Foster-Thomas Emma , Curtis Jacob , Eckhardt Charlotte , Atkin Philip
Published: May 2021

Objective:

To improve the confidence and competence of newly qualified dentists in Wales in undertaking orthodontic assessments and making orthodontic referrals.

Design:

Quality improvement project.

Setting:

Study days arranged by the Wales Deanery.

Participants:

The 2018–2019 cohort of dental foundation trainees (DFTs) and dental core trainees (DCTs) in Wales.

Methods:

Data were collected prospectively between January and February 2019 utilising a 20-item questionnaire based around knowledge and clinical ability in orthodontic assessment and referrals (Stage 1). In May 2019, the trainees were provided with an e-learning package tailored to the results of the clinical questions and the feedback received in Stage 1. After this, trainees repeated the questionnaire with a simplified Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN; Stage 2).

Results:

There was increased self-reported confidence in ‘conducting orthodontic assessments’ from 67% to 95% and ‘competence in completing orthodontic referrals’ from 81% to 92%. At baseline, this cohort were only able to correctly determine dental age and orthodontic treatment need for 40.7% (mean) of the presented linical cases. Following the teaching intervention, this was improved with an average of 70.9% of clinical cases answered correctly.

Conclusion:

Despite the noted improvement in the self-reported confidence and competence in undertaking orthodontic assessments and referrals in this cohort, there is still room for improvement. Hands-on orthodontic experience during dental training improved the self-reported confidence and competence with assessments and referrals. The results of this quality improvement project emphasise the need for regular continuing professional development in the field of orthodontics to maintain competence in utilising IOTN and referring appropriately.
‘It is stressful, almost every hour…’: Experiences of caring for people living with dementia in Kenya—An interpretive phenomenological approach
Authors: Mwendwa Purity , Mutunga Elizabeth , Kroll Thilo , De Brún Aoife
Published: May 2021

Introduction

As chronic conditions such as dementia become increasingly prevalent, the role of caregivers will become ever more critical. In the East African region, little is known about the experiences of caring for people living with dementia. This study aims to describe the views of being a caregiver, including day-to-day responsibilities and duties, determine the impact of caregiving and understand participants’ experiences of supports available or required to facilitate caring for a person living with dementia in Kenya.

Methods

This was a qualitative study that employed an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach. We used convenience sampling to identify study participants in three counties in Kenya. Participants were main caregivers for the family and hence included both families and paid caregivers. We recruited 10 caregivers to participate in the study (9 females and 1 male). Data were analysed manually following the IPA approach.

Results

Three main themes emerged from the analysis: the personal experience of caregiving, supports to assist with caregiving and the perceived unmet care needs. The challenges experienced varied based on the support available to the caregiver, the number of years in the caregiving role and knowledge and skills related to providing care.

Conclusion

Our study shows that caring for a person living with dementia is an arduous experience, requiring significant mental and physical effort. The study highlights a general lack of knowledge and awareness of dementia among families, healthcare professionals and the general public. Training programmes for caregivers, including dementia care skills, educating healthcare practitioners and organising public awareness programmes to understand and accept dementia are urgently needed.
‘Good administration’ and the ‘Good’: The normative foundation for the protection of legitimate expectations
Authors: Chng Kenny
Published: May 2021

An idea that has gained significant traction in both case law and academic commentary as a justification for the protection of legitimate expectations is the concept of ‘good administration’. Going beyond the usual criticisms of the concept’s ambiguity, this article aims to highlight an additional set of difficulties with the invocation of ‘good administration’ as the normative justification for the doctrine. This article’s central argument is that the concept of ‘good’ invoked by the idea of ‘good administration’ inevitably falls to be substantiated by a particular conception of what the ‘good’ requires as a matter of political philosophy. And given that there are multiple competing conceptions of what ‘good’ law and government are, this magnifies the challenges of coming to a landing on the precise content of ‘good administration’. This article will illustrate that the various formulations of the normative foundation of the doctrine track closely with four different conceptions of ‘good’ law and government and will explore the implications of this diagnosis for the formulation of the proper justification for the protection of legitimate expectations.
Recycling of crystalline silicon photovoltaic solar panel waste to modified composite products
Authors: Kokul S Ram , Bhowmik Shantanu
Published: May 2021

This investigation highlights effective technology to convert crystalline silicon photovoltaic solar panel waste to composite products. The main problem with recycling photovoltaic modules is to economically separate and extract the materials in the laminated structure. This investigation was attempted to recycle c-Si photovoltaic modules using an unconventional method in which the cumbersome process of separating the materials in the module is avoided altogether. The aluminium frame, outer glass and junction box are removed mechanically and the rest of the c-Si PV module waste is powdered and blended with recycled polypropylene (PP) and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) each to make compression moulded tiles. A total of six compression moulded tiles were made. Three tiles from each base material blended in three blend ratios (0%, 10% and 20%) with the powdered PV module waste. The tensile strengths of the tiles were tested and compared. The results prove that tiles made with recycled PP as a base material show very low tensile strength. However, recycled tiles made by blending with LDPE show appreciable tensile strength of more than 8 MPa. These tiles may be used to make furniture.
Necrotizing Fasciitis Occurred in the Lymphedematous leg
Authors: Hara Hisako , Mihara Makoto , Todokoro Takeshi
Published: May 2021

Lymphedema is a chronic edema that sometimes occurs after treatment of gynecologic cancer, and cellulitis often occurs concomitantly with lymphedema. On the other hand, necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a relatively rare, but life-threatening disease. The symptoms in cellulitis and NF are very similar. In this case report, we describe a case in which the diagnosis of NF in a lymphedematous limb was difficult. A 70-year-old woman had secondary lymphedema in bilateral legs and consulted our department. On the first day of lymphedema therapy, the patient complained of vomiting, diarrhea, and fever (37.7 °C) without local fever in the legs. She was diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis. On the next day, swelling and pain in her left leg occurred and her blood pressure was 59/44 mmHg. She was diagnosed with cellulitis accompanied by lower limb lymphedema and septic shock. On the second day, blisters appeared on the left leg, and computed tomography showed NF. We performed debridement under general anesthesia and her vital signs improved postoperatively. Streptococcus agalactiae (B) was detected in blood culture, and we administered bixillin and clindamycin. Postoperatively, necrosis in the skin and fat around the left ankle gradually spread, and it took 5 months to complete epithelialization. The diagnosis was more difficult than usual NF because patients with lymphedema often experience cellulitis. Clinicians should always think of NF to avoid mortality due to delayed treatment. This case report was approved by the institutional ethics committee.
Cost optimization of sodium hypochlorite bleaching washing for denim by combining ensemble of surrogates with particle swarm optimization
Authors: Xu Jie , Liu Feng , He Zhenglei , Zhang Zongao , Li Sheng
Published: May 2021

Sodium hypochlorite bleaching washing process has been broadly carried out in denim garment industrial production. However, the quantitative relationships between process variables and bleaching performances have not been illustrated explicitly. Hence, it is impractical to determine values of the variables that can achieve the optimal production cost while satisfying the requirements of customers. This paper proposes an optimization methodology by combining ensemble of surrogates (ESs) with particle swarm optimization (PSO) to optimize production cost of chlorine bleaching for denim. The methodology starts from the data collections by conducting a Taguchi L25 (56) orthogonal experiment with the process variables and metrics for evaluating bleaching performances. Based on the data, the quantitative relationships are separately constructed by using RBFNN, SVR, RF and ensemble of them. Then, accuracies of the surrogates are evaluated and it proves that the ESs outperforms the others. Later, the production cost optimization model is proposed and PSO is utilized to solve it, while a case study is given to depict the optimization process and verify the effectiveness of the proposed hybrid ESs-PSO approach. Overall, the ESs-PSO approach shows great capability of optimizing production cost of sodium hypochlorite bleaching washing for denim.
Considerations for Hand Surgery in Patients With Scleroderma
Authors: Brown Chelsea R. , Crouser Nisha J. , Speeckaert Amy L.
Published: May 2021

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma, SSc) is an autoimmune disease that causes significant dysfunction to multiple organ systems, including the musculoskeletal system. It poses significant challenges to the hand surgeon, including calcinosis, ischemic changes, Raynaud phenomenon, tendinopathies, synovitis, and joint contractures. Patients with SSc also suffer from multiorgan dysfunction, which makes them high-risk surgical patients. The hand surgeon must understand the pathophysiology, treatment strategies, and special operative considerations required in this population to avoid complications and help maintain or improve hand function.