bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are incumbent banks bygones in the face of digital transformation?
Authors: Krasonikolakis Ioannis , Tsarbopoulos Michalis , Eng Teck-Yong
Published: October 2020

Digital transformation has received considerable scholarly attention in areas of management, business, information systems, information technology and marketing. In particular, retail banks have been at the forefront of technological revolution characterized by rapid deployment and innovation of digital services, exponential pace of change and innovative breakthroughs that alter conventional banking practice. However, the term digital transformation is often misunderstood as a straightforward deployment of the latest information communication technologies. In practice, technological investments entail not only risk but also require an understanding of the relationship between technological, organizational culture and institutional change within certain boundaries of regulatory framework. Digital transformation is far from simple, certain or predictable and likely to be disruptive or transformative with immutable impacts upon associated organizational outcomes related to technical capabilities and behaviours. The present study attempts to explore and develop a framework for understanding digital transformation by examining the development, deployment and use of digital technologies in retail banking. Within a social informatics perspective, this study examines the effects of digital technologies on retail banks operations, structure and capabilities of those who deploy, implement and use it. Using a grounded theory approach, the study explores theoretical constructs by reviewing the literature and analysing primary field data including data from retail banks and interviews with senior professionals. The findings provide the pitfalls and successful approaches towards the digital transformation journey. This includes the ordinary dilemmas that the managers face to deliver the projects at hand.
Classics revisited: “Mammals on mountaintops: nonequilibrium insular biology” (The American Naturalist, 105: 467–478, 1971), by James H. Brown
Authors: Pansing Elizabeth R
Published: October 2020

James H. Brown’s “Mammals on mountaintops: nonequilibrium insular biogeography,” published in 1971 in The American Naturalist, documented distributional patterns of small mammal species in the mountaintop islands of the Great Basin, USA. Distributional patterns suggested that this island-like system was not in equilibrium and represented some of the first evidence contradicting the seminal Theory of Island Biogeography. Brown’s findings suggested that ecological and historical mechanisms were integral to community assembly and maintenance in island-like systems, broadening the focus of research related to biogeographical patterns in islands. The work further highlighted the importance of species traits on distributional patterns. Here, I review the paper and its contributions.
Outcomes After Isolated Acute Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Are Inferior in Patients With an Associated Anterolateral Ligament Injury
Authors: Sobrado Marcel Faraco , Giglio Pedro Nogueira , Bonadio Marcelo Batista , Helito Paulo Victor Partezani , Guimarães Tales Mollica , Pécora José Ricardo , Gobbi Riccardo Gomes , Helito Camilo Partezani
Published: October 2020

Background:

Isolated reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) does not reestablish the normal knee biomechanics in cases of associated injuries to the anterolateral structures. Studies evaluating the potential clinical effect of anterolateral ligament (ALL) injury on the treatment of ACL injuries are necessary to validate the findings of biomechanical studies.

Purpose:

To evaluate the clinical outcomes and failure rate of ACL reconstruction in patients with and without ALL injury diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A prospective cohort of patients with acute ACL injury was divided into 2 groups based on the presence (ALL group) or absence (no-ALL group) of ALL injury on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans. Both groups underwent anatomic reconstruction of the ACL with autologous hamstring tendon grafts. The Lysholm and subjective IKDC scores (International Knee Documentation Committee), KT-1000 arthrometer and pivot-shift test results, reconstruction failure rate, incidence of contralateral ACL injury, presence of associated meniscal injury, and presence of knee hyperextension were evaluated.

Results:

A total of 182 patients were evaluated. Postoperative mean ± SD follow-up was 33.6 ± 7.1 and 36.1 ± 8.1 months for the ALL and no-ALL groups, respectively. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of age, sex, knee hyperextension, duration of injury before reconstruction, follow-up time, or associated meniscal injuries. In the preoperative evaluation, the pivot-shift grade was similar, and the ALL group had worse KT-1000 arthrometer values (7.9 ± 1.2 mm vs 7.2 ± 1.1 mm; P < .001). In the postoperative evaluation, patients in the no-ALL group had a lower reconstruction failure rate (10.2% vs 1.4%; P = .029) and better clinical outcomes according to the IKDC subjective (85.5 ± 10.7 vs 89.1 ± 6.6; P = .035) and Lysholm scores (85.9 ± 10.1 vs 92.0 ± 6.3; P < .001). There was no postoperative difference in the KT-1000 or pivot-shift results.

Conclusion:

Combined ACL and ALL injuries were associated with significantly less favorable outcomes than were isolated ACL injuries at a minimum follow-up of 2 years after ACL reconstruction. Patients with concomitant ALL injury showed a higher rerupture rate and worse functional scores.
Can We Identify Why Athletes Fail to Return to Sport After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Weber Alexander E. , Bolia Ioanna K. , Mayfield Cory K. , Ihn Hansel , Kang Hyunwoo P. , Bedi Asheesh , Nho Shane Jay , Philippon Marc J.
Published: October 2020

Background:

No previous systematic review has focused on the athletes who fail to return to sport after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS).

Purpose:

To review the literature on the athletes who fail to return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS to determine the rate of nonreturning athletes and explore the reasons for their inability to return to sport after arthroscopic FAI surgery.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods:

Three electronic databases were searched for eligible articles. Two reviewers independently screened the titles, abstracts, and full-text articles using prespecified criteria. Eligible articles were those that clearly stated the rate of athletes who did not return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS. Data collected were the rate of patients who did not return to sport, the level of competition (high level, recreational, or mixed), the type of sport, comments on patients who did not return to sport, the rate of subsequent hip surgeries (total hip replacement or revision hip arthroscopy) in nonreturning athletes, and the reported reason for not returning to sport. A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis.

Results:

Twenty studies were eligible for inclusion, and 1093 athletes were analyzed. The weighted rate of athletes who did not return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS was 12.1% (95% CI, 7.7-17.4). Only 2 studies (2/20;10%) reported the age of the athletes who did not return, while sex was reported in 3 studies (3/20;15%). The estimated proportion of athletes who did not return to sport because of hip-related issues was significantly greater than the percentage of athletes who did not return for reasons unrelated to their hip (74.3% vs 22.3%; P < .0001). Persistent hip pain was the most commonly reported factor (52/110 patients; 47.2%) associated with failure to return to sport. Whether the nonreturning athletes underwent any subsequent hip procedure after hip arthroscopy for FAIS was reported in only 4 out of 20 studies (20%). There was evidence of publication bias and study heterogeneity.

Conclusion:

The estimated rate of athletes who did not return to sport after hip arthroscopy for FAIS was 12%, with the majority of athletes being unable to return because of persistent hip pain. There is a severe lack of evidence on the athlete characteristics and clinical course of the nonreturning athletes, and the rate of subsequent hip procedures is unknown. The outcomes and reasons for athletes not returning to sport should be reported in detail to improve patient care.
A Hybrid Transtibial Technique Combines the Advantages of Anteromedial Portal and Transtibial Approaches: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Trofa David P. , Saltzman Bryan M. , Corpus Keith T. , Connor Patrick M. , Fleischli James E. , Piasecki Dana P.
Published: October 2020

Background:

The anteromedial (AM) portal and transtibial (TT) approaches are 2 common anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) femoral tunnel drilling techniques, each with unique benefits and disadvantages. A hybrid TT (HTT) technique using medial portal guidance of a flexible TT guide wire has recently been described that may combine the strengths of both the AM portal and the TT approaches.

Hypothesis:

The HTT technique will achieve anatomic femoral tunnel apertures similar to the AM portal technique, with improved femoral tunnel length and orientation.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 30 consecutive patients with primary ACL tears were randomized to undergo the TT, AM portal, or HTT technique for femoral tunnel positioning at the time of reconstruction. All patients underwent 3-dimensional computed tomography of the operative knee at 6 weeks postoperatively. Femoral and tibial tunnel aperture positions and tunnel lengths, as well as graft bending angles in the sagittal and coronal planes, were measured.

Results:

Tibial tunnel lengths and aperture positions were identical between the 3 groups. The AM portal and HTT techniques achieved identical femoral aperture positions in regard to both height ( P = .629) and depth ( P = .582). By contrast, compared with the AM portal and HTT techniques, femoral apertures created with the TT technique were significantly higher ( P < .001 and P < .001, respectively) and shallower ( P = .014 and P = .022, respectively) in the notch. The mean femoral tunnel length varied significantly between the groups, measuring 35.2, 41.6, and 54.1 mm for the AM portal, HTT, and TT groups, respectively ( P < .001). Last, there was no difference between the mean coronal ( P = .190) and sagittal ( P = .358) graft bending angles between the TT and HTT groups. By contrast, compared with the TT and HTT techniques, femoral tunnels created with the AM portal technique were significantly more angulated in the coronal plane (17.7° [ P < .001] and 12.5° [ P = .006], respectively) and sagittal plane (13.5° [ P < .001] and 10.5° [ P = .013], respectively).

Conclusion:

This prospective randomized controlled trial found that the HTT technique achieved femoral aperture positions equally as anatomic as the AM portal technique but produced longer, less angulated femoral tunnels, which may help reduce graft strain and mismatch. As such, this hybrid approach may represent a beneficial combination of both the TT and the AM portal techniques.

Registration:

NCT02795247 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier)
Postoperative Subchondral Bone Marrow Lesion Is Associated With Graft Extrusion After Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Song Ju-Ho , Bin Seong-Il , Kim Jong-Min , Lee Bum-Sik
Published: October 2020

Background:

Adverse effects of graft extrusion after meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) are difficult to assess and can be determined only in the long term using a simple radiograph. Recently, subchondral bone marrow lesions (BMLs) detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans have been used to evaluate the outcomes or prognoses of various knee surgeries. However, whether subchondral BMLs on MRI scans reflect the effects of allograft extrusion remains unclear.

Hypothesis:

Subchondral BML in the lateral compartment of the knee joint on postoperative MRI scans would be associated with graft extrusion after lateral MAT.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Overall, 170 patients with lateral MAT between 2008 and 2013 were classified into extrusion (≥3 mm) and nonextrusion (<3 mm) groups based on findings on MRI scans obtained 3 to 6 months postoperatively. Subchondral BMLs in the lateral compartment were evaluated on the latest MRI scans. To exclude any bone marrow signal changes other than those caused by allograft extrusion, the latest MRI scans were compared with those obtained 3 to 6 months postoperatively. Only subchondral BMLs that occurred after that time point were counted. The association between allograft extrusion and subchondral BML was assessed using chi-square analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to control other related factors, including age, sex, body mass index, time from previous meniscectomy, alignment, and cartilage status at the time of MAT. Clinical outcomes according to subchondral BML were evaluated using the Lysholm score.

Results:

Of the 170 patients, 20 (11.8%) had subchondral BML on the latest MRI scans at a mean 53.6 ± 31.2 months postoperatively, with 14 and 6 patients in the extrusion and nonextrusion groups, respectively. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association between allograft extrusion and subchondral BMLs ( P = .025). Logistic regression analysis showed that extrusion and age were significant factors associated with subchondral BML ( P = .011 and .004, respectively). However, no differences were observed in the Lysholm scores in accordance with the subchondral BML ( P = .248).

Conclusion:

Subchondral BMLs on postoperative MRI scans were associated with graft extrusion after lateral MAT. However, there was no difference in clinical outcomes according to subchondral BML.
Association Between Albumin Level and Mortality Among Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Padkins Mitchell , Breen Thomas , Anavekar Nandan , Barsness Gregory , Kashani Kianoush , Jentzer Jacob C.
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

To study the effect of hypoalbuminemia on short- and long-term mortality in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) patients.

Methods:

We reviewed 12,418 unique CICU patients from 2007 to 2018. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as an admission albumin level <3.5 g/dL. Predictors of hospital mortality were identified using multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

We included 2,680 patients (22%) with a measured admission albumin level. The median age was 68 (39% females). Admission diagnoses included acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, cardiac arrest, and cardiogenic shock. The median albumin level was 3.4 g/dL and 55% of patients had hypoalbuminemia. Hospital mortality occurred in 16%, and patients with hypoalbuminemia had higher hospital mortality (21% vs. 9%, adjusted OR 2.64, 95% CI 2.09-3.34, p < 0.001). Albumin level was inversely associated with hospital mortality (adjusted OR 0.60 per 1 g/dL higher albumin level, 95% CI 0.47-0.75, p <0.001), with a stepwise increase in the hospital mortality at lower albumin levels. Post-discharge mortality was higher in hospital survivors with hypoalbuminemia, and increased as a function of lower albumin levels.

Conclusion:

Hypoalbuminemia is common in CICU patients and associated with higher short- and long-term mortality. Progressively lower serum albumin was incrementally associated with higher hospital and post-discharge mortality.
Impact of grinding wheel specification on surface integrity and residual stress when grinding Inconel 718
Authors: Curtis David , Krain Holger , Winder Andrew , Novovic Donka
Published: October 2020

The grinding process is often maligned by grinding burn; which refers to many unwanted effects, including residual stress formation. This paper presents an overview of the role of grinding wheel technologies in the surface response and residual stress formation of thin section Inconel 718. Using production standard equipment, conventional abrasive vitrified, and super abrasive electroplated wheel technologies were evaluated in initial comparative trials. Results revealed the dominant residual stress profiles, which manifested as measurable distortion and the thermo-mechanical impact of grinding, such as softening. Following this, a parametric study was carried out using cubic boron nitride super abrasive electroplated wheels to investigate the interaction of grinding parameters on the generated output. It was shown that at increased grinding aggressions, tensile stress regimes increased resulting in increased distortion magnitudes. The study highlights the importance of assessing residual stress formation when manipulating both wheel technologies and grinding parameters. It is envisaged that with additional assessment, a route to an engineered residual stress profile might be achieved.
Does Posture Influence the Stroop Effect?
Authors: Caron Emilie E. , Reynolds Michael G. , Ralph Brandon C. W. , Carriere Jonathan S. A. , Besner Derek , Smilek Daniel
Published: October 2020

Rosenbaum, Mama, and Algom (2017) reported that participants who completed the Stroop task (i.e., name the hue of a color word when the hue and word meaning are congruent or incongruent) showed a smaller Stroop effect (i.e., the difference in response times between congruent and incongruent trials) when they performed the task standing than when sitting. We report five attempted replications (analyzed sample sizes: N = 108, N = 108, N = 98, N = 78, and N = 51, respectively) of Rosenbaum et al.’s findings, which were conducted in two institutions. All experiments yielded the standard Stroop effect, but we failed to detect any consistent effect of posture (sitting vs. standing) on the magnitude of the Stroop effect. Taken together, the results suggest that posture does not influence the magnitude of the Stroop effect to the extent that was previously suggested.
Cerebral artery dissection secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome: A report of two cases and a literature review
Authors: Iseki Tatou , Yamashita Yuri , Ueno Yuji , Hira Kenichiro , Miyamoto Nobukazu , Yamashiro Kazuo , Tsunemi Taiji , Teranishi Kosuke , Yatomi Kenji , Nakajima Sho , Kijima Chikage , Oishi Hidenori , Hattori Nobutaka
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by thromboembolic events, including ischemic stroke or complications in pregnancy, and the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Cervical artery dissection (CAD) is not an uncommon cause of stroke in young adults. The concomitant presence of APS and CAD is extremely rare.

Methods

Two cases with APS who developed acute ischemic strokes related to CAD are reported. A comprehensive systematic literature search using the PubMed database was also conducted.

Results

In Case 1, a 36-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and had been repeatedly positive for lupus anticoagulant tests developed an ischemic stroke caused by a vertebral artery dissection (VAD). After admission, she had a recurrent ischemic stroke, followed by considerable changes in steno-occlusive lesions of the vertebrobasilar artery system. In Case 2, a 36-year-old man developed multiple brain infarcts due to bilateral VAD with aneurysmal formations and associated with pulmonary embolism. The anticardiolipin antibody titer was repeatedly elevated after stroke. The literature review identified 8 patients with CAD associated with APS, involving the internal carotid artery in 6 patients and the middle cerebral artery and vertebral artery in 1 patient each. The patients were predominantly young and female, infrequently had atherosclerotic vascular risk factors, and were positive for various antiphospholipid antibodies.

Conclusions

The current report described two rare cases of ischemic stroke caused by CAD secondary to APS, along with a review of the literature; the patients displayed characteristic clinical manifestations, implying specific mechanisms for cerebral artery disorders secondary to APS.
ABC Training: A New Theory-Based Form of Cognitive-Bias Modification to Foster Automatization of Alternative Choices in the Treatment of Addiction and Related Disorders
Authors: Wiers Reinout W. , Van Dessel Pieter , Köpetz Catalina
Published: October 2020

Recent years have seen a surge in the popularity of interventions that target common distortions in thinking (cognitive-bias modification, or CBM). Although there is evidence of their effectiveness as add-ons to regular treatment in alcohol addiction, the effects are typically small, and recent findings from lab studies have called into question the dominant theoretical underpinnings of CBM. We provide a novel theoretical approach in terms of automatic inferences that integrates previous findings and suggests ways to improve CBM into ABC training. In ABC training, patients are trained in the context of personally relevant antecedents (A) to make behavioral choices (B) that accord with patients’ health goals in light of their consequences (C). We discuss preliminary evidence suggesting that ABC training might be a useful tool in the treatment of addictions and related disorders.
Pepys’s plague: How the reaction of the individual, society and the medical profession to the Great Plague of 1665 is similar to our experience of Covid-19
Authors: Mosli-Lynch Conor , O'Shaughnessy Nicholas
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The celebrated diarist Samuel Pepys kept a detailed diary of exceptional candour throughout the years of The Great Plague of 1665, in which he recorded his own observations as well as the reactions of society and the medical profession to this unprecedented event. In this paper we examine his diaries at the time of the plague, as well as in the proceeding years and consider how the experiences of Pepys are similar to our own experiences of the 2020 Coronavirus Epidemic. Method: We examined the entire diaries of Samuel Pepys from 1664 to 1670, as well as supplementary source material, looking for all references to The Great Plague. Results and Conclusion: Though written over 350 years ago the diaries paint a very co-orientated response of society to The Plague. Accurate official statistics were available weekly, isolation was imposed and the government made provision for ‘pest houses' to be set up. Pepys is grateful to the doctors who remain in London but critical of the majority who flee the city. Pepys's own reactions, which progress from fear of contracting the disease to fear for his business interests, mirror today's reaction to The 2020 Coronavirus Epidemic.
The five games of Mr Edgar Allan Poe: A study of strategic thought in ‘The Purloined Letter’
Authors: Read Daniel
Published: October 2020

This paper investigates strategic thinking in the fictional world of Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘The Purloined Letter’. This short story has been rightly celebrated for its explicit analysis of strategic reasoning in which players attempt to outwit one another, which involves accounting for how they are all attempting to outwit one another. I differ from previous analyses by examining how the actors can often be wrong in their explicit analysis and consider the strategic actions they take rather than those they claim to take. Using elementary game theory, I describe the five games (and suggest a sixth) that make up the strategic heart of the story. These include games of signalling, screening, negotiation, revenge and a unique game called the ‘pincer’. I consider how literary sources like ‘The Purloined Letter’ can provide insights into the applicability of strategic analysis in the ‘real world’.
Two degree of freedom vibration based electromagnetic energy harvester for bridge health monitoring system
Authors: Masood Ahmad Muhammad , Ullah Khan Farid
Published: October 2020

This paper presents an electromagnetic energy harvester to extract low frequency and low acceleration vibration energy available in a bridge environment. The developed harvester is a multi-mode oscillator with dual electromagnetic transduction mechanisms. The harvester consists of two cantilever beams. The first cantilever beam is split into two equal pieces along its length and the second beam placed in between them coming back to the fixed end and attached at outer end to the first beam. This way instead of a long conventional cantilever beam a compact harvester is fabricated. Two magnets as proof masses are attached to each free end of the beam making it a two degree of freedom system (2-DOF). The magnets are positioned to oscillate inside hand wound coils during operation. An analytical model was developed and COMSOL multiphysics was used to simulate the mode shapes of the harvester. The mathematical model was simulated for open circuit voltage in MATLAB and showed closely matching results with the experimental values. The harvester is characterized in lab for its performance under sinusoidal vibrations at low frequency (3 Hz–15 Hz) and low acceleration (0.01–0.09 g) levels. The 2-DOF harvester has two resonant frequencies of 4.4 Hz and 5.5 Hz and a volume of 333 cm3. It produces maximum voltage of 0.6 V at first resonance on coil-1 and maximum voltage of 1.2 V on coil-2 at second resonance at 0.09 g. At acceleration of 0.09 g the harvester produced 2.51 mW at first resonant frequency and 10.7 mW at second resonance. Moreover, the AC output voltage of the harvester is rectified to DC voltage by a three-stage Cockcroft-Walton multiplier type circuit. The DC power output at 0.05 g was 0.939 mW at first resonance and 0.956 mW at second resonance while maximum voltages of 5.4 V on coil-1 and 4 V on coil-2 were produced.
How to Determine the Order of Authorship for Social Work Research
Authors: Cheung Monit , Leung Patrick , Leung Carol A. , Chan T. M. Simon , Zhou Shu
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

Coauthorship is a means for assessing each contributor’s effort on a joint publication. This study aims to identify methods to determine publication coauthorship for crediting effort and order.

Method:

The research team searched for a framework to affirm the decision-making process when preparing for a coauthored publication by analyzing existing literature and published guidelines in authorship determination.

Results:

Four coauthorship principles—fairness, accountability, transparency, and effort (FATE)—were described with guidelines. The FATE framework helped the team develop a checklist for scholars to document their research productivity in collaborative projects. Examples of questions were derived from the framework to stimulate educational discussions and collaborative research ideas.

Discussion:

The coauthorship checklist could provide support for mentors to evaluate their protégés’ performance. Further research is needed to justify its application for initiating conversations about coauthorship. Operational guidelines should also be developed to prevent biases in reporting effort contributions.
Teaching Scenario Planning in Sustainability Courses: The Creative Play Method
Authors: Wade Belinda , Piccinini Tomas
Published: October 2020

Sustainability management is rapidly progressing from an operational task to a strategic imperative one as environmental and social concerns shape the business environment. Scenario planning is increasingly being used by companies and governments to explore the potential impact of future challenges. Applied in a management education context scenario planning offers teachers of sustainability a tool through which they can promote creativity while developing student knowledge, skills, and abilities, preparing them for work in an increasingly dynamic market environment. Within this article, an instructional innovation is presented as a two-stage workshop designed as an experiential exercise to promote creativity and generate scenarios linked to sustainability. The first stage of the workshop utilizes LEGO to generate creativity before the second stage builds on these creative foundations guiding student teams through the construction of scenarios around sustainability challenges. An evaluation is presented for the instructional innovation reporting its success in producing skills in creative thinking within cohorts of postgraduate students at a major Australian university.
Using Online Class Preparedness Tools to Improve Student Performance: The Benefit of “All-In” Engagement
Authors: Francescucci Anthony , Kellershohn Julie , Pyle Martin A.
Published: October 2020

Contemporary instructors face a growing paradox: pedagogical research espouses the benefits of interactive learning, yet, due to funding pressures, large class sizes challenge their ability to implement these practices. The present research investigates how digital solutions, specifically an online adaptive reading technology (OART), can mitigate these divergent forces. The OART is a self-paced software solution that mimics an offline textbook with functionality (e.g., quizzes, progress indicators) that adapts to student needs and facilitates class preparation in an interactive manner. Drawing on empirical evidence from a multiclass field study, the findings indicate that the technology improves student perceptions of engagement with the course and their academic performance. Notably, however, these benefits primarily arise when students take an “all-in” approach, and complete the material in its entirety, even when compared with students who completed most of the material. These findings offer both theoretical and practical implications for key stakeholders.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Early Intervention: Perceptions of Family-Centered Practice
Authors: Stewart Victoria , Slattery Maddy , McKee Jen
Published: October 2020

This cross-sectional quantitative study investigated parents’ perceptions of the quality of family-centered practice in an early intervention service for young children who are deaf or hard of hearing through the use of the Measures of Processes of Care (MPOC-56). The results indicated that the majority of families accessing the service were satisfied with the family-centered practices they were receiving. Consistent with previous studies in different disability settings, families were least satisfied with the provision of general information regarding the child’s disability, identifying further access to unbiased information and resources is needed. This highlighted a tension in the role of organizations operating within individualized funding models in regard to who is responsible for the dissemination of reliable and evidence-based general information. As the MPOC-56 has not been used in deaf or hard of hearing populations previously, this study found it was an appropriate measure for caregiver perceptions of family-centered practice within this population.
Support for the Death Penalty Reinstatement as a Protest Attitude: The Role of Political Trust
Authors: Peshkopia Ridvan , Trahan Adam
Published: October 2020

We argue that support for the reinstatement of capital punishment might reflect protest against an untrustworthy judicial system, framing this as a protest attitude. We test our argument with data from a probability sample of 2,366 respondents in Albania collected in 2015 via a cell phone random digit dialing technique. We found that respondents’ support for the reinstatement of the death penalty is associated with lack of trust in the country’s judiciary but not necessarily respondents prioritizing the war on crime. Also, we found that skepticism toward European Union (EU) membership conditionality as a drive for the country’s democratization is a good predictor of support for the reinstatement of the death penalty, but there is no evidence that respondents related their support for the country’s EU membership with support for capital punishment.
Context and Validation of the Subjective Underemployment Scale Among Turkish Employees
Authors: Buyukgoze-Kavas Aysenur , Allan Blake A. , Turan Merve , Kirazci Furkan
Published: October 2020

The purpose of the current study was to validate the Turkish version of the Subjective Underemployment Scales (SUS; Allan et al., 2017), a recently developed measure aimed at assessing the six components of underemployment: pay, status, field, hours, involuntary temporary work, and poverty wage employment. The proposed six-factor structure of the SUS was empirically supported among a diverse group of Turkish employees (211 female, 190 male with a mean age of 32.31; ranging from 20 to 63). Consistent with the original study, a six-factor correlational model produced better fit indices than single factor, higher order, and bifactor model. A series of multigroup confirmatory factor analyses provided evidence for configural, metric, and scalar invariance of the SUS, suggesting that the structure of the Turkish version of the scale was equivalent across gender, income, and social class groups. The results of the correlational analyses supported validity by significant positive correlations with measures of overqualification and withdrawal intentions and significant negative correlations with measures of job satisfaction, pay satisfaction, and meaningful work. The results of the study indicated the Turkish version of the SUS (T-SUS) provided a valid and reliable assessment of underemployment among Turkish employees. Also, findings of the present study help to gain an understanding of subjective underemployment experiences of Turkish employees and provide a framework for practitioners; employers, researchers, and policymakers to determine potential need for improvement through components of underemployment.
On the Implementation of Computerized Adaptive Observations for Psychological Assessment
Authors: Granziol Umberto , Brancaccio Andrea , Pizziconi Giulia , Spangaro Marco , Gentili Federica , Bosia Marta , Gregori Eleonora , Luperini Chiara , Pavan Chiara , Santarelli Valeria , Cavallaro Roberto , Cremonese Carla , Favaro Angela , Rossi Alessandro , Vidotto Giulio , Spoto Andrea
Published: October 2020

The use of observational tools in psychological assessment has decreased in recent years, mainly due to its personnel and time costs, and researchers have not explored methodological innovations like adaptive algorithms in observational assessment. In the present study, we introduce the behavior-driven observation procedure to develop, test, and implement observational adaptive instruments. In Study 1, we use a preexisting observational checklist to evaluate nonverbal behaviors related to psychotic symptoms and to specify the adaptive algorithm’s model. We fit the model to observational data collected from 114 participants. The results support the model’s goodness of fit. In Study 2, we use the estimated model parameters to calibrate the adaptive procedure and test the algorithm for accuracy and efficiency in adaptively reconstructing 58 nonadaptively collected response patterns. The results show the algorithm’s good accuracy and efficiency, with a 40% average reduction in the number of administered items. In Study 3, we used real raters to test the adaptive checklist built with behavior-driven observation. The results indicate adequate intrarater agreement and good consistency of the observed response patterns. In conclusion, the results support the possibility of using behavior-driven observation to create accurate and affordable (in terms of resources) observational assessment tools.
Variation in Value-Based Outcome Measures Among Assisted Living Communities Served by a Home-Based Primary Care Practice During COVID-19
Authors: Mills William R. , Buccola Janet M. , Roosa Jamie , Lemin Lisa , Cappelli Lynn , Schraer Belinda
Published: October 2020

We aimed to determine the hospitalization rate and average days spent at home in a population of assisted living (AL) residents served by a home-based primary care (HBPC) practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. We provided on-site HBPC to 1,699 AL residents and calculated hospitalization rate and days spent at home. The AL population had a mean age of 84 ± 10 years and 73% were female. The mean hospitalization rate was 449 admissions per 1,000 per year, and there was wide variation among AL communities. AL residents spent a mean of 358 days at home per year, and the average days spent at home varied during the COVID-19 pandemic. Use of these measures may help AL articulate its value proposition by enabling seniors with complex health needs to live in community settings for as many days as possible.
Therapeutic effects of various renin angiotensin modulators on hyperglycemia-induced cataract formation in Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Shree Jaya , Choudhary Rajesh , Bodakhe Surendra H
Published: October 2020

Objects:

Our previous research work reported the beneficial effects of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for the treatment of diabetes associated cataract which was induced by streptozotocin (STZ). The current study, evaluated the effects of topical administration of various renin angiotensin modulators on STZ-induced cataracts in rats.

Methods:

Single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered in the rats to induce diabetes. Animals were divided into normal and diabetic rats. Normal rats were administered with single dose of sodium citrate buffer (0.1 M, 10ml/kg, i.p.). Diabetic animals were divided into various treatment groups, each group contains six animals and received aliskiren, olmesartan, enalapril, and angiotensin 1–7 at a dose of 0.5% w/v topically on the cornea of the eye for a period of 8 weeks. During experimental protocol morphology of the eyes and lenticular opacity were monitored. Animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks of drug treatment, and various cataractogenic biochemical parameters were assessed.

Results:

Topical administrations with aliskiren, enalapril, olmesartan, and angiotensin 1–7 showed non-significant alterations in the blood glucose level, but significantly decreased lenticular opacity, restored antioxidant level, restored MDA level and Nitrite content, and decreased the onset of cataract formation.

Conclusion:

Overall, our findings suggest that topical treatment with renin angiotensin modulators delayed the onset of diabetes-induced cataract formation.
Altered brain network function during attention-modulated visual processing in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Veréb Dániel , Tóth Eszter , Bozsik Bence , Király András , Szabó Nikoletta , Kincses Bálint , Kocsis Krisztián , Faragó Péter , László Vécsei , Bencsik Krisztina , Klivényi Péter , Kincses Zsigmond Tamás
Published: October 2020

Background:

Multiple sclerosis may damage cognitive performance in several domains, including attention. Although attention network deficits were described during rest, studies that investigate their function during task performance are scarce.

Objective:

To investigate connectivity within and between task-related networks in multiple sclerosis during a visual attention task as a function of cognitive performance.

Methods:

A total of 23 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients and 29 healthy controls underwent task-functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans using a visual attention paradigm on a 3T scanner. Scans were analysed using tensor-independent component analysis (TICA). Functional connectivity was calculated within and between components. We assessed cognitive function with the Brief International Cognitive Assessment for MS (BICAMS) battery.

Results:

TICA extracted components related to visual processing, attention, executive function and the default-mode network. Subject scores of visual/attention-related and executive components were greater in healthy controls ( p < 0.032, p < 0.023). Connectivity between visual/attention-related and default-mode components was higher in patients ( p < 0.043), correlating with Brief Visuospatial Memory Test–Revised (BVMT-R) scores ( R = −0.48, p < 0.036). Patients showed reduced connectivity between the right intraparietal sulcus (rIPS) and frontal eye field (rFEF), and bilateral frontal eye fields ( p < 0.012, p < 0.003). Reduced rIPS-rFEF connectivity came with lower Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT)/BVMT-R scores in patients ( R = 0.53, p < 0.02, R = 0.46, p < 0.049).

Conclusion:

Attention-related networks show altered connectivity during task performance in RRMS patients, scaling with cognitive disability.
Theorising medical psychotherapy: Therapeutic practice between professionalisation and deprofessionalisation
Authors: Flick Sabine
Published: October 2020

Psychotherapists in mental health institutions as a professional group are part of the medical system, and from this perspective, as representing an occupation that serves the public health interests, as well as those of the individual seeking help. Despite the different existing therapeutic approaches and diverse forms of therapy deriving from these approaches critical theories, however, consider psychotherapy as a profession with a specific jurisdictional claim and own highly specific interests. In contrast to most of the recent discussion around therapy culture, in this article, I argue that sociology and social theory could benefit from an understanding of psychotherapy as a profession with a separate logic and claim for jurisdiction for mental health. Moreover, I present some general trends showing that, regarding psychotherapy, we face a concurrence of a professionalisation, and simultaneously, an already ongoing deprofessionalisation. To develop my argument, I first discuss the perspectives of sociology of the psychotherapy professions. Second, I present the potential lack of professionalism in four dimensions. Third, I discuss possible tendencies of deprofessionalisation. Finally, I conclude by pointing out the importance of theorising the psychotherapy professions for medical sociology.
Do we know the effects of colorectal cancer screening? A short communication on selective uptake and differential effects of colorectal cancer screening in Scandinavia
Authors: Pallesen Anna Vera Jørring , Herrstedt Jørn , Westendorp Rudi G.J. , Mortensen Laust Hvas , Kristiansen Maria
Published: October 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) contributes extensively to the overall cancer burden, with substantial and increasing social inequality in both incidence and survival. In several countries, this social inequality in incidence and survival has been increasing over time, and the increase is expected to continue. To overcome this, it is advised to implement nationwide CRC screening programmes, as these are effective in detecting possible signs of CRC, hence identifying earlier-stage cancer and reducing mortality. However, little is known about the distribution of these effects across population groups. It is possible that the outcomes of CRC screening are not equally distributed among participants, but rather that the screening programme serves some population groups better than others. The aim of this short communication based on published data is to describe the status of selective uptake according to sociodemographic and economic factors in CRC screening in Scandinavia. Furthermore, we raise questions that need to be addressed in future research in order to grasp the full effects of the screening programme and ultimately to ensure high uptake as well as participation in subsequent diagnostic procedures across population groups.
Differences in environmental perception of gender and sleep quality in self-regulating sleep thermal environment
Authors: Cao Ting , Lian Zhiwei , Du Heng , Miyazaki Ryota , Bao Jianke
Published: October 2020

This study was to explore gender differences in response to subjective comfortable thermal environment by performing human experiments in summer. A total of six discontinuous conditions for self-regulating ambient temperature were designed with five males and five females. Sleep onset latency and slow wave sleep, from the physiological indices of electroencephalograph, electromyography and electrooculography, measure sleep quality objectively. Results indicate that gender differences in subjective temperature preferences, thermal sensation and sleep quality are reflected by temperature or temperature intervals. In particular, women have a significantly higher temperature range than men. Meanwhile, the temperature sections of males and females corresponding to thermal sensation and sleep quality are summarized under the same thermal resistance. Moreover, the results of temperature difference between men and women on thermal perception and sleep quality showed that the temperature difference of subjective sleep quality coincides with the objective one, but greater than the subjective thermal perception results implying that a greater discrepancy between males and females in sleep thermal physiological needs than during their awake.
Dynamic performance analysis and parameters perturbation study of inerter–spring–damper suspension for heavy vehicle
Authors: Yang Xiaofeng , Yan Long , Shen Yujie , Li Hongchang , Liu Yanling
Published: October 2020

Inerter, a new type of mass element, can increase the inertia of motion between two endpoints. In order to study the dynamic inertia effect of inerter–spring–damper suspension for heavy vehicle on ride comfort and road friendliness, the inerter–spring–damper suspension is applied and its mechanism is studied. This paper establishes a half vehicle model of inerter–spring–damper suspension for heavy vehicle. The parameters of inerter–spring–damper suspension for heavy vehicle are optimized by multi-objective genetic algorithm and system simulations are carried out. The parametric influence of different spring stiffness, damping coefficient, inertance, and load on suspension performance is also studied. The simulation results demonstrate that the centroid acceleration and pitch angular acceleration are improved by 24.90% and 23.54%, respectively, and the comprehensive road damage coefficient is reduced by 4.05%. The results illustrate that the inerter–spring–damper suspension can decrease the vertical vibration of vehicle suspension especially in low frequency and reduce the road damage. The analyses of suspension parameters perturbation reveal their different effect laws of the different wheels on vehicle ride comfort and road friendliness, which provide a theoretical basis for setting parameters of inerter–spring–damper suspension.
The tracked society: Interdisciplinary approaches on online tracking
Authors: König René , Uphues Steffen , Vogt Verena , Kolany-Raiser Barbara
Published: October 2020

Online tracking in its various forms is a backbone of digitalization that has sparked hopes and fears alike: It opens up new opportunities for users and businesses as it enables individually targeted content. At the same time, the encompassing tracking of often unaware and ill-informed users and the opaque practices of data procession has alarmed critics from multiple sides. How can we better understand but also proactively and constructively shape the emerging Tracked Society? Our special issues seek to shed light on these questions from various perspectives and disciplines. In this introduction, we give a brief overview of the topic in general and our special issue in particular.