bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Emergence of Phenomenological Psychology in the United States
Authors: Churchill Scott D. , Aanstoos Christopher M. , Morley James
Published: December 2021

This essay strives to bring together the institutional history of phenomenological psychology within the American academy from the middle of the 20th century to the current moment. Although phenomenological psychology has always been a dynamically international and interdisciplinary movement, the scope of this essay is limited to the different ways in which this new field expressed itself in certain psychology departments and educational institutions across the United States. After presenting this institutional history, and some (but certainly not all) individual contributors, a brief commentary is offered.
Imagination as Crisis: Spinoza on the Naturalisation and Denaturalisation of Capitalist Relations
Authors: Piekarska Anna , Krzeski Jakub
Published: December 2021

Many current Marxist debates point to a crisis of imagination as a challenge to emancipatory thoughts and actions. The naturalisation of the capitalist mode of production within the production of subjectivity is among the chief reasons behind this state of affairs. This article contributes to the debate by focusing on the notion of imagination, marked by a deep ambivalence capable of both naturalising and denaturalising social relations constitutive of the established order. Such an understanding of imagination is constructed from within the framework of historical materialism, and it draws on Spinoza and Marx, taking advantage of the similarities between the two with respect to the constitution of the subject. From this stems an investigation into the imagination as a material force that partakes both in subjection and liberation. This is further demonstrated in regard to juridical forms of subjectivation and the possibility of subverting these forms through imagination.
Racism and Religious Intolerance: A Critical Analysis of the Coloniality of Brazilian Christianity
Authors: Barreto Raimundo C.
Published: December 2021

This article examines the persistence of religious intolerance experienced by practitioners of Afro-Brazilian religions. Drawing from recent reports and historical resources on religious intolerance, it approaches religious diversity in Brazil from a decolonial perspective, pointing to the contradiction between the image of Brazil as a place where religious change and plurality occurs with minimal conflict and the painful reality experienced by practitioners of Afro-Brazilian religions. Picturing religious intolerance and racism as two faces of the same coin, it argues that both must be resisted. The article concludes with a call for a religious-racial literacy which is intercultural in nature and promises a path to overcome the insidious persistence of racism and religious intolerance. Such a way forward, however, demands a de-centering of Brazilian Christianity, despite its religious majority status, in favor of an epistemic humility which gives full consideration to the knowledge, memories, and lived experience of Afro-Brazilian religious practitioners.
A mixed methods study examining perceptions by service-users of their involuntary admission in relation to levels of insight
Authors: Smyth Siobhan , McFarland John , McGuiness David , Summerville Sarah , Bainbridge Emma , Hallahan Brian , Higgins Agnes , Casey Dympna , Murphy Kathy , McDonald Colm
Published: December 2021

Background:

Poor insight is associated with negative attitudes to involuntary admission and care in qualitative studies.

Aims:

The current paper aims to examine and compare retrospective qualitative perceptions of service-users in relation to their involuntary admission with their levels of clinical insight, using a mixed methods approach.

Methods:

Forty two participants were assessed 3 months after the revocation of their involuntary admission. Each provided qualitative data relating to their perceptions of the coercive care process, which was analysed using content analysis, along with a quantitative measurement of insight, the Schedule for the Assessment of Insight-Expanded (SAI-E). Employing a mixed methods design and incorporating NVivo matrix coding queries, the datasets were merged to enable qualitative themes to be identified against the quantitative data.

Results:

Differences were observed between those with high and low insight in terms of their understanding of the need for treatment, their levels of arousal at the time of admission and how they perceived the compassion of health professionals. Certain negative perceptions of care appeared more universal and were common across those with high and low insight.

Conclusion:

Some negative perceptions of coercive practices appear linked to inherent elements of psychotic illness such as unawareness of illness. Individuals with higher levels of insight tended to perceive their involuntary admission and receiving a diagnosis as beneficial. Negative views that persist amongst service users with high insight levels can highlight areas for successful service improvement, including increased emphasis on non-pharmacotherapy based supports during the coercive care process.
Progressive muscle weakness and amyotrophy during pregnancy as the first manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Wang Liu , Wang Dan , Ruan Yuyi , Chen Xionghui , Chen Wei , Li Zhijian , Wang Xin
Published: December 2021

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a common autoimmune disease involving multiple systems. Clinical involvement of the central and peripheral nervous systems is not unusual, but peripheral neuropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy is uncommon. Our study aimed to illustrate the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus combined with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, and to aid in the identification of peripheral neuropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods:

This article reports a case of systemic lupus erythematosus with onset in pregnancy, with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy as the first manifestation. We then analyze the identification of common peripheral neuropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus in detail, based on a literature review of confirmed cases of systemic lupus erythematosus combined with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

Results:

A 34-year-old woman presented progressive muscle weakness and muscular atrophy in the extremities during pregnancy, 3 years previously. At 4 months after onset, she had completely lost the ability to hold objects and walk, and had slight numbness in the limbs, without paresthesia. Her condition was misdiagnosed as “motor neuron disease” at the time. Three years after onset, her condition was revisited because of nephrotic syndrome, and she was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome and peripheral nerve injury caused by systemic lupus erythematosus. After immunosuppressive treatment with corticosteroids and intravenous cyclophosphamide, her symptoms of muscle weakness were markedly improved. This article summarizes the characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus combined with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy that have been reported in the literature, from the aspects of morbidity, disease progression, nerve injury, laboratory examinations, and treatment response.

Conclusions:

Our identification of a common peripheral neuropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus will help to improve clinicians’ understanding of various peripheral neuropathies in systemic lupus erythematosus. It will also aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of such patients, thus improving their long-term prognosis.
Training coping skills and coping with stress self-efficacy for successful daily functioning and improved clinical status in patients with psychosis: A randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Godoy Izquierdo Débora , Vázquez Pérez María Luisa , Lara Moreno Raquel , Godoy García Juan F
Published: December 2021

Due to the symptom diversity and pervasive function impairments (e.g. in perception, cognition, language, affect, behavior, daily and social functioning and sense of self), recurrent relapses, elevated disability, high rates of (co)morbidity, heightened premature mortality and high burden of care of psychotic disorders, psychosocial interventions are part of patients' standard care. There is growing evidence on the relevance of self-efficacy for well-being and functioning among these patients, but specific coping with stress self-efficacy has rarely been investigated. This study explored the outcomes of an intervention for the improvement of coping resources based on training in coping skills and coping with stress self-efficacy. Fourteen adult volunteers with schizophrenia ( n = 12) or schizoaffective disorder ( n = 2) were matched in clinical and sociodemographic characteristics and randomly assigned to the study groups. The intervention group received the training—with 15 twice per week sessions (8 weeks)—along with their pharmacological therapy; the control group received their prescribed drug therapy. Participants completed self-reports on coping with stress self-efficacy, perceived successful daily functioning based on coping skills and clinical status (Expanded Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale). Trained patients showed a significant increase in coping with stress self-efficacy and reported greater successful functioning status, and significant improvements in their clinical status were also observed. All these enhancements remained at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. The intervention condition interacted with coping with stress self-efficacy and perceived coping functioning in explaining improvements in clinical status: in the treatment group, greater coping with stress self-efficacy translated into enhanced daily functioning, and this improvement predicted better clinical status. These findings stress the relevance of promoting coping resources in psychotic disorders and provide preliminary evidence for the potential benefits of coping with stress self-efficacy.
Extra-peritoneal Laparoscopic Resection of Benign Prostate Adenoma >150 CC with preservation of posterior wall of prostatic urethra: Dundee Technique and early outcomes
Authors: Clements Hollie A , Nabi Ghulam
Published: December 2021

Background

There are limited options for men with large benign prostates (>150cc) and bladder outflow obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Management options include surgery (open or minimal access) and endoscopic procedures. There is a paucity of literature on outcomes for prostates >150cc.

Methods

In this case series we describe a step-by-step, illustrated, modified extra-peritoneal technique of laparoscopic prostatectomy with preservation of the posterior prostatic urethra. This involves creation of extra-peritoneal space, transverse incision of prostate capsule, progressive adenoma dissection, resection, and closure of the capsule.

Results

Ten patients underwent this procedure between 2015 and 2019. The mean age was 72.4 years and mean prostate size was 215.5cc. Mean procedure duration was 200 min and there were no intraoperative complications. Most patients were discharged on postoperative day 1. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 120 ml with no patient requiring blood transfusion. At follow up (mean 37 months) no patients had residual symptoms of BPH.

Conclusion

We describe a novel extraperitoneal laparoscopic technique for benign prostates of >150cc with very good outcomes. The transferability of this technique to centres with laparoscopic expertise at minimal extra cost and future adaptability in the robotic setting are some of the advantages of this technique.
The future of global health is inclusive and anti-racist
Authors: Pigeolet Manon , Al-wahdani Batool , El Omrani Omnia , Enabulele Osahon , Walumbe Rispah , Senkubuge Flavia , Alayande Barnabas , Maki Lwando , Meara John G. , Park Kee B.
Published: December 2021

In global health, a discipline with a racist and colonial history, white supremacy, white privilege and racism are still present today. 1 Although many believe we are witnessing a resurgence of racism in global health, because of a recent rise of extreme right comments and racism in the community and online 2 , 3 . In reality racism has always been an inherent aspect of global health and its predecessors: tropical health and international health by prioritizing the health issues of the colonizers over those of the native populations. 4 As such, we are rather bearing witness to long standing issues that have been persistently overlooked. There is a need for a paradigm shift to enable true authentic leadership that promotes the values of our shared humanity.
Protestantism, the Middle East and Europe: A Hundred Years of Action Chrétienne en Orient
Authors: Murre-van den Berg Heleen
Published: December 2021

Introduction to collection of papers by group of scholars and ACO missionaries brought together to discuss the developments within the ACO over the past hundred years during a conference that was organised by Dr Wilbert van Saane of Haigazian University (Beirut) in January 2021. I will briefly summarise what strikes me as characteristic of the ACO on the basis of these articles, and conclude with a discussion of how this may contribute to further reflection in Mission Studies and World Christianity
Refractory primary extramedullary plasmacytoma in kidney: a case report
Authors: Niu Wenjie , Zhang Lili , Wu Yuhai , Li Kai , Sun Lixia , Ji Hong , Zhang Bing
Published: December 2021

Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a rare plasma cell neoplasm, with the majority (80–90% of cases) occurring in the upper aerodigestive tract. To our best knowledge, primary EMP from renal tissues is extremely rare. Herein, the diagnosis and treatment of a refractory primary EMP with renal involvement in a 53-year-old male patient is reported. The patient received radical nephrectomy followed by radiotherapy, and showed relapse 3 months after treatment. The cancer cells were sensitive to subsequent chemotherapy, however, the patient died of infection associated with the disease after almost 3.5 years following first presentation.
Risk factors associated with hospitalization owing to COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in Palestine
Authors: Hamdan May , Badrasawi Manal , Zidan Souzan , Sayarah Asma , Zahra Lamia Abu , Dana Shahd , Almasry Tasneem
Published: December 2021

Objectives

We aimed to identify the risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated hospitalization to provide evidence for improved clinical care of patients with COVID-19 infection.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 300 participants. The collected data comprised sociodemographic data, lifestyle habits, physical activity, medical history, anthropometric measurements, COVID-19-related symptoms, dietary habits prior to and after COVID-19 infection, and psychological status.

Results

Fifty-nine participants were hospitalized. Fever, dry cough, joint pain, chills, diarrhea, and shortness of breath were significantly associated with hospitalization owing to COVID-19. Adults with obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases had higher rates of hospitalization. The findings also showed that residential area and age were related to COVID-19 hospitalization. Furthermore, our analysis revealed that certain dietary habits were associated with hospitalization rates.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed that older age, urban residence, illiteracy, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and symptoms of loss of smell and sneezing elevated the risk of hospitalization among patients with COVID-19 infection. Patients with a higher risk of hospitalization may benefit from targeted therapeutic and preventive interventions.
The value of sonographic quantitative parameters in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome in the Vietnamese population
Authors: Vo Nhu Quynh , Nguyen Thi Hieu Dung , Nguyen Duy Duan , Le Trong Binh , Le Nghi Thanh Nhan , Nguyen Thanh Thao
Published: December 2021

Objective

To examine the value of ultrasound (US) in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in the Vietnamese population.

Methods

This prospective cross-sectional study involved 42 wrists of 25 patients with idiopathic CTS evaluated by US. In addition, 38 wrists of 22 healthy volunteers were included as the control group.

Results

Significant differences in the median nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) at different levels were found between patients with CTS and controls. Using a cut-off value of 9.5 mm2 for the median nerve CSA at the pisiform (p-CSA), US had a sensitivity and specificity of 95.2% and 97.4%, respectively, for the diagnosis of CTS. Area under the curve analysis revealed a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 95.4%, respectively, for the prediction of severe CTS using a p-CSA of >15.5 mm2.

Conclusions

The median nerve CSA is a highly accurate parameter in the diagnosis of CTS. We recommend using a p-CSA of >9.5 mm2 as a diagnostic criterion for CTS and a p-CSA of >15.5 mm2 as a marker for severe CTS in the Vietnamese population. Research Registry number: 7261
The biographic and professional influences on adoption and fostering panel members’ recommendation-making
Authors: Weekes Arlene
Published: December 2021

In the UK, decisions to approve adoptive parents and foster carers and authorise adoptions rest with specialist panels. While their formal role and function are clear, there is concern that their composition and the biographies and background characteristics of members could introduce bias and influence the decisions made. This article examines the validity of these criticisms with findings from a study of eight agencies, 15 panels and 22 members. It was found that the panel system achieves its aims in terms of having a representative constitution and providing considered recommendations in a timely manner to senior managers, but that individual biography affects panel members in carrying out their role to an unexpectedly high degree, possibly leading to flawed decisions. Actions to remedy this problem, at both an individual and group level, are suggested.
Influence of the characteristics of paper mill sludges on their anaerobic digestion
Authors: Courtois Noemie , Pochard Isabelle , Remery Marielle , Hihn Jean-Yves , Tourneret Laurent
Published: December 2021

The objective of this study was to characterise the anaerobic degradation of three paper mill waste water treatment residues in the shape of sludges and to correlate this anaerobic digestion to the physico-chemical characteristics of the paper sludges. After a deep characterisation of each paper sludge in their initial stage, several parameters were analysed on each paper sludge in mesophilic conditions for 40–50 days: pH, conductivity, chemical oxygen demand, total organic acids and organic fibres degradation. A special care was taken to identify and quantify the volatile fatty acids (VFAs) produced by the digestion using gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer. The results showed that in paper sludges, cellulose mainly degrades over time while the degradation of the other fibres (hemicellulose and lignin) is limited. Consequently, the greater the cellulose content in a paper sludge, the greater the digestion and formation of VFAs. However, not all the cellulose degrades because of a shielding effect of lignin on cellulose, and a pH buffering effect of the calcium carbonate present in the paper sludges limits the hydrolysis-acidogenesis step of the anaerobic digestion. Finally, the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) investigations showed that acetic acid is the main VFA produced by the anaerobic digestion of paper sludges. This work helps predicting paper mill sludge evolution in the purpose of using them in circular economy.
Neuroradiological Mimics of Periventricular Leukomalacia
Authors: Reddy Nihaal , Doyle Mary , Hanagandi Prasad , Taranath Ajay , Dahmoush Hisham , Krishnan Pradeep , Oztekin Ozgur , Boltshauser Eugen , Shroff Manohar , Mankad Kshitij
Published: December 2021

Aim:

Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a term reserved to describe white matter injury in the premature brain. In this review article, the authors highlight the common and rare pathologies mimicking the chronic stage of PVL and propose practical clinico-radiological criteria that would aid in diagnosis and management.

Methods and Results:

The authors first describe the typical brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) features of PVL. Based on their clinical presentation, pathologic entities and their neuroimaging findings were clustered into distinct categories. Three clinical subgroups were identified: healthy children, children with stable/nonprogressive neurological disorder, and those with progressive neurological disorder. The neuroradiological discriminators are described in each subgroup with relevant differential diagnoses. The mimics were broadly classified into normal variants, acquired, and inherited disorders.

Conclusions:

The term “PVL” should be used appropriately as it reflects its pathomechanism. The phrase “white matter injury of prematurity” or “brain injury of prematurity” is more specific. Discrepancies in imaging and clinical presentation must be tread with caution and warrant further investigations to exclude other possibilities.
Effectiveness of laddered embossed structure in a locking compression plate for biodegradable orthopaedic implants
Authors: Chandra Girish , Pandey Ajay
Published: December 2021

Locking compression plate (LCP) has conventionally been the most extensively employed plate in internal fixation bone implants used in orthopaedic applications. LCP is usually made up of non-biodegradable materials that have a higher mechanical capability. Biodegradable materials, by and large, have less mechanical strength at the point of implantation and lose strength even more after a few months of continuous degradation in the physiological environment. To attain the adequate mechanical capability of a biodegradable bone implant plate, LCP has been modified by adding laddered – type semicircular filleted embossed structure. This improved design may be named as laddered embossed locking compression plate (LELCP). It is likely to provide additional mechanical strength with the most eligible biodegradable material, namely, Mg-alloy, even after continuous degradation that results in diminished thickness. For mechanical validation and comparison of LELCP made up of Mg-alloy, four-point bending test (4PBT) and axial compressive test (ACT) have been performed on LELCP, LCP and continuously degraded LELCP (CD-LELCP) with the aid of finite element method (FEM) for the assembly of bone segments, plate and screw segments. LELCP, when subjected to the above mentioned two tests, has been observed to provide 26% and 10.4% lower equivalent stress, respectively, than LCP without degradation. It is also observed mechanically safe and capable of up to 2 and 6 months of continuous degradation (uniform reduction in thickness) for 4PBT and ACT, respectively. These results have also been found reasonably accurate through real-time surgical simulations by approaching the most optimal mesh. According to these improved mechanical performance parameters, LELCP may be used or considered as a viable biodegradable implant plate option in the future after real life or in vivo validation.
Will You Protect Me or Make the Situation Worse?: Teachers’ Responses to School Violence Against Students With Disabilities
Authors: Njelesani Janet , Lai Jenny , Gigante Cecilia M. , Trelles Jessica
Published: December 2021

School violence is a global public health epidemic, with students with disabilities at a significantly greater risk than their non-disabled peers. Students with disabilities are more vulnerable to school violence from peers, teachers, and school staff due to stereotypes and prejudice. Teachers are pivotal in preventing violence and intervening, but literature on the role that teachers play in responding to disability-based violence is limited. Guided by the social–ecological framework of bullying, this qualitative study explored educators’ responses to school violence against students with disabilities in Zambia. Data generation included document review, interviews, and focus groups with 33 teachers and 12 parents, and child-friendly methods with 90 students with disabilities. Findings illuminated that students with disabilities are less safe in schools. Teachers are not responding to violence seen or heard about due to stigmatizing beliefs and cultural norms surrounding disability and violence, with students with disabilities blamed for the violence and the response being their burden. Students with disabilities felt protected by special education teachers; however, disability-based stigma did not end with the student. By association, special education teachers were experiencing stigma from other teachers and were discouraged to respond. This stigma undermined the support special education teachers could provide to decrease school violence. Findings provide direction so teachers can respond to school violence in prosocial ways that create an environment where students with disabilities feel safe.
Standpoint Epistemology and Nursing Science
Authors: Reed Pamela G.
Published: December 2021

In this article, I propose that engagement in nursing practice affords an epistemic advantage and should be included in defining nursing science and as a warrant for scientific knowledge. I appeal to standpoint epistemology, a philosophical theory, to support my proposal. A new conception of objectivity, which aligns with the contemporary practice of science and standpoint theory, is discussed. The article presents a preliminary theory of nursing standpoint theory that explains epistemic advantage of a practicing nurse. Open questions about nursing science conclude the article.
Toward a “Standard Model” of Early Language Learning
Authors: Kachergis George , Marchman Virginia A. , Frank Michael C.
Published: December 2021

A standard model is a theoretical framework that synthesizes observables into a quantitative consensus. Have researchers made progress toward this kind of synthesis for children’s early language learning? Many computational models of early vocabulary learning assume that individual words are learned through an accumulation of environmental input. This assumption is also implicit in empirical work that emphasizes links between language input and learning outcomes. However, models have typically focused on average performance, whereas empirical work has focused on variability. To model individual variability, we relate the tradition of research on accumulator models to item response theory models from psychometrics. This formal connection reveals that currently available data sets do not allow researchers to test the resulting models fully, illustrating a critical need for theory to contribute to shaping new data collection and creating and testing an eventual standard model.
Why Students Should Be Taught Differently: Learner Characteristics, Learning Styles and Simulation Performance
Authors: Kulkarni Bindu , Banerjee Ranjan , Raghunathan Rajasekaran
Published: December 2021

Background

Business simulation as an instructional tool helps in developing integrative thinking and decision making skills. It is being taught to audiences who differ considerably in age, work experience (learner characteristics) and learning styles. The use of simulations is likely to grow further with advancements in internet technology and the fact that simulations are very amenable to remote modes of instruction.

Aim

This study aims to assess how learner characteristics and learning styles impact business simulation performance. It further assesses the combined effect of learner characteristics and learning styles on performance in business simulations, we specifically consider the manner in which learning styles moderate the impact of learner characteristics (age) on simulation performance.

Method

The study was conducted with 605 students of full time MBA and executive MBA programs with age group varying from 21 years to 53 years. They were taught using the same business simulation by CAPSIM. The learning styles were measured using Felder-Solomon’s instrument ‘Index of learning style’. Regression analysis was conducted with predictor variables of learner characteristics and learning styles and outcome variable of simulation performance. The moderating effect of specific learning styles on learner characteristics was identified.

Results

The findings indicate that age is a significant predictor of simulation performance (younger, tech savvy students do better). Also, the use of reflective learning style enables better performance in business simulations. Older students are able to draw on experience and benefit more from reflective learning, for business simulations which involve integration across functions.

Conclusion

The study enhances our conceptual understanding of the factors enabling performance in business simulations and provides specific direction on how instructors must adapt facilitation approaches for different age groups of participants. Reflection is important for learning with business simulations; hence, the reflective learning style should be encouraged particularly among older students.
A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies Investigating the Association Between Early Life Maternal Depression and Offspring ADHD
Authors: Tucker James R. D. , Hobson Christopher W.
Published: December 2021

Objective:

The systematic review sought to understand the relationship between maternal depression and later ADHD in children.

Method:

Three databases were used to identify the studies (Medline, Web of Science and PsychInfo) resulting in 1,223 studies being screened and 14 articles being included in the review.

Results:

The majority of studies ( N = 11) reported a significant relationship between maternal depression (across both prenatal and postnatal periods) and ADHD symptoms in children. This relationship remained significant when temperament, or past ADHD symptoms were controlled for. Several methodological issues were identified including; overreliance on maternal report and parental ADHD not being accounted for in most studies.

Conclusion:

The review adds to the literature regarding the temporal relationship between maternal depression and the development of ADHD in children, and thus supports the case for improving access to mental health services for mothers as a preventative strategy in the development of child psychopathology.
Isolated Hallucination as a Consequence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a 10-year-old Child
Authors: Pleszkó Apollónia , Pauleczki Annamária , Óvári Ignác , Óvári József , Hauser Péter
Published: December 2021

Spectrum of childhood symptoms caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-2) infection is widening. In contrast to adulthood, where psychiatric disorders caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection are widely known, recognition of such cases in childhood is still quite rare. Recurrent isolated hallucinations caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection in the absence of other neuropsychiatric symptoms are not yet described in this age group. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed as a cause of recurrent isolated hallucinations in a 10-year-old child, which have most likely disappeared as a consequence of corticosteroid treatment. SARS-CoV-2 infection should also be considered in case of an otherwise healthy child with emerging psychiatric symptoms, which may be cured by corticosteroids.
‘This is not what I signed up for’ – Danish prison officers’ attitudes towards more punitive penal policies
Authors: Damsa Dorina
Published: December 2021

A humane approach to punishment has been integral to the work of the Danish Prisons and Probation Service. However, Danish penal policy has recently taken a punitive turn. What happens when punitive policies are adopted by a penal regime built on a humane approach to punishment? To address this question, this article focuses on prison officers at Vestre prison and how they adapt to punitive political decisions and prison policies. The increased focus on security in Danish prisons is considered, together with limitations set on welfare services available to non-citizen prisoners. Examination of officers’ subjectivities at Vestre prison shows that punitive penal policies have produced an environment fraught with tensions that affect prison work, institutional culture, and the officers’ professional identity. These findings also raise questions about the shifting nature of Danish penal power.
Introduction to the special issue on existence theory
Authors: Baert Patrick , Morgan Marcus , Ushiyama Rin
Published: December 2021

After exploring the main tenets of existence theory and the affinities between this theory and other philosophical traditions, this introduction lists the central points of each contribution to this special issue. In what follows, we provide a brief synopsis of the critical commentaries by David Inglis, Simon Susen, Robin Wagner-Pacifici, Bryan S. Turner, William Outhwaite, and Thomas Kemple.
Physical layer security in cognitive NOMA sensor networks with full-duplex technique
Authors: Shang Zhihui , Zhang Tao , Tao Liwei , Xiang Zhongwu , Yang Weiwei
Published: December 2021

This article studies the physical layer security in a downlink full-duplex cognitive non-orthogonal multiple access sensor networks (FD-C-NOMA). Compared with the existing works, this article proposes a FD-C-NOMA transmission scheme with a primary user (PU) and secondary user (SU) sensor nodes in the presence of an eavesdropper. The zero-forcing beamforming design problems of FD operation are investigated subject to the practical secrecy rate and the quality of services of PU. To characterize the security reliability trade-off of the FD-C-NOMA scheme, we first derive the closed-form expressions of connection outage probability (COP), the secrecy outage probability (SOP), and effective secrecy throughput (EST) of each SU in the NOMA networks. Then the impacts of the system parameters on the COP, SOP, and EST are investigated to evaluate the security and reliability in the FD-C-NOMA networks. Furthermore, in order to further verify the security and reliability of our considered network, an OMA scheme of FD operation is provided in the simulation for the purpose of comparison. Results demonstrate that the NOMA-based cognitive sensor networks of FD operation outperforms the OMA system in terms of EST. Finally, simulations are performed to validate the accuracy of our analysis results of the proposed scheme.
Sexual Harassment of Students at Institutions of Higher Education: Variations in Students’ Experiences, Knowledge, and Perceptions Across Institutions
Authors: Klein L. B. , Stoner Marie C. D. , Bhushan Nivedita L. , Mulholland Grace E. , Fisher Bonnie S. , Kupper Lawrence L. , Alam Ishrat Z. , Martin Sandra L.
Published: December 2021

Attention to sexual misconduct has focused on acquaintance rape, leaving a need for research on less highly recognizable forms of harm. We estimated institution of higher education (IHE)-specific prevalence of yellow zone sexual harassment (SH) among students at 27 IHEs. We then examined SH and perceived risk of sexual assault/misconduct, knowledge regarding policies/resources, and perceptions of sexual misconduct response. Between 37.1% and 55.7% of students experienced SH. Harassed students were much more likely than non-harassed students to feel at risk for sexual misconduct and to have negative views of sexual misconduct response. Implications for research, policy, and prevention/response are discussed.
Mechanical properties and durability assessment of nylon fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete
Authors: Ahmad Jawad , Zaid Osama , Aslam Fahid , Martínez-García Rebeca , Alharthi Yasir M. , Hechmi EI Ouni Mohamed , Tufail Rana Faisal , Sharaky Ibrahim A.
Published: December 2021

The higher paste volume in Self Compacting Concrete (SCC) makes it susceptible to have a higher creep coefficient and cracking and has brittle nature. This brittle nature of concrete is unacceptable for any construction industry. The addition of fibers is one of the most prevalent methods to enhance the ductile and tensile behavior of concrete. Fibers reduce the cracking phenomena and improve the energy absorption capacity of the structure. Conversely, the addition of fibers has a negative impact on the workability of fresh concrete. In this research work, a detailed investigation of the influence of Nylon fibers (NFs) on fresh properties, durability, and mechanical properties of SCC was carried out. NFs were added into concrete mixes in a proportion of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% by weight of cement to achieve the research objectives. Durability assessment of modified SCC having Nylon fibers was performed using water absorption, permeability, carbonation resistance, and acid attack resistant. Mechanical tests (compressive and tensile) were conducted for modified as well as control mix. Test results indicate that the passing and filling ability decreased while segregation and bleeding resistance increased with NFs. Furthermore, test results showed a significant increase in strength up to 1.5% addition of nylon fibers and then strength decreases gradually. Durability parameters were significantly improved with the incorporation of NFs relative to the control mix. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of using nylon fibers in self-compacting concrete with improved durability and mechanical properties.
Towards accurate and simple morphometric sex differentiation in Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciata nestlings: Interpopulation variations and influence of growth conditions
Authors: Redondo-Gómez Daniel , Bautista Jesús , Gil-Sánchez José María , Parés Francesc , Hernández-Matías Antonio , Resano-Mayor Jaime , Real Joan , Pacteau Christian , Madero Agustín , Moleón Marcos
Published: December 2021

Morphometric methods of sex differentiation may be cheap, simple, quick, and reliable alternatives to molecular approaches. However, there are still important uncertainties regarding the use of morphometric methods in birds, particularly regarding their applicability to different populations and environmental conditions. Between 2004 and 2019, we sampled 245 Bonelli´s Eagle Aquila fasciata nestlings, 197 from nests in Catalonia (northeastern Spain) and Andalusia (southeastern Spain) and 56 that were partially or totally raised in captivity. Our objective was to develop morphometry-based sexing methods for Bonelli’s Eagle nestlings that can be applied in situ to different subpopulations and growth conditions. We recorded up to nine measures related to nestling body mass, bill, tarsus, and claw length. Tail and wing length were used to control for the age of nestlings, and all individuals were sexed genetically. We found important morphometric differences between the two natural subpopulations. According to our discriminant analyses, body mass and claw length were the most discriminant variables, both in wild and captivity conditions. Differences between sexes were more prominent during the flight feathers’ growing period. Feeding ad libitum in captivity conditions led to larger nestlings and reduced between-sexes differences. We provide different models for sexing Bonelli’s Eagle nestlings that can be applied according to the studied geographic location, growth conditions (wild versus captive), and balance between accuracy and simplicity. Overall, our findings highlight that extrapolating sex discriminant functions to different subpopulations and growth conditions may be risky.
A 10-fold and greater increase in D-dimer at admission in COVID-19 patients is highly predictive of pulmonary embolism in a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Perera Adrian , Chowdary Pratima , Johnson James , Lamb Lucy , Drebes Anja , Mir Naheed , Sood Tara
Published: December 2021

Background:

COVID-19 patients present with both elevated D-dimer and a higher incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE). This single-centre retrospective observational study investigated the prevalence of early PE in COVID-19 patients and its relation to D-dimer at presentation.

Methods:

The study included 1038 COVID-19-positive patients, with 1222 emergency department (ED) attendances over 11 weeks (16 March to 31 May 2020). Computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) for PE was performed in 123 patients within 48 h of ED presentation, of whom 118 had D-dimer results. The remaining 875 attendances had D-dimer performed.

Results:

CTPA performed in 11.8% of patients within 48 h of ED presentation confirmed PE in 37.4% (46/123). Thrombosis was observed at all levels of pulmonary vasculature with and without right ventricular strain. In the CTPA cohort, patients with PE had significantly higher D-dimer, prothrombin time, C-reactive protein, troponin, total bilirubin, neutrophils, white cell count and lower albumin compared with non-PE patients. However, there was no difference in the median duration of inpatient stay or mortality. A receiver operator curve analysis demonstrated that D-dimer could discriminate between PE and non-PE COVID-19 patients (area under the curve of 0.79, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, 43% ( n = 62/145) of patients with D-dimer >5000 ng/ml had CTPA with PE confirmed in 61% ( n = 38/62), that is, 26% of >5000 ng/ml cohort. The sensitivity and specificity were related to D-dimer level; cutoffs of 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 ng/ml, respectively, had a sensitivity of 93%, 90%, 90% and 86%, and a specificity of 38%, 54%, 59% and 68%, and if implemented, an additional 229, 141, 106 and 83 CTPAs would be required.

Conclusion:

Our data suggested an increased PE prevalence in COVID-19 patients attending ED with an elevated D-dimer, and patients with levels >5000 ng/ml might benefit from CTPA to exclude concomitant PE.
Predictors of self-monitoring of blood glucose among noninsulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes in a primary care setting in Hong Kong: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mak Wing-hang , Lau Rebecca Wing-man
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

The current study aimed to examine the relationship between patient characteristics (internal psychological, external psychological, internal physical, external physical, and educational) and self-monitoring of blood glucose among noninsulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes in a local primary care setting.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study, in which data were collected by a structured questionnaire. Correlational and multivariate multiple regression analyses were performed. Three hundred seventy-four noninsulin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes were eligible and completed the questionnaire in August 2019. The response rate was 93.5%. The respondents’ self-reported self-monitoring of blood glucose adherence was the main outcome measure.

Results:

In predicting self-monitoring of blood glucose adherence, the current regression model accounted for 12.3% of the variance (Adjusted R2 = 0.123, p < 0.05), with internal psychological factors and educational factors being significant. External psychological factors, external physical factors, and internal physical factors were found to be statistically nonsignificant.

Conclusion:

The findings highlighted the facilitating role of internal psychological factors and educational factors in SMBG adherence in noninsulin-treated type 2 diabetic patients. Among these factors, the education aspect was relatively strongly associated with increased SMBG adherence. With adequate patient education on diabetes and SMBG, the increased literacy would possibly strengthen patients’ internal psychological factors and motivate them to uptake SMBG practice. Implications from the current findings suggested that further research on different SMBG parameters is warranted to fill the knowledge gap in structuring an individualized and targeted SMBG protocol for better diabetic care.
Protocol of a feasibility trial for an online group parenting intervention with an integrated mental health component for parent refugees and asylum-seekers in the United Kingdom: (LTP + EMDR G-TEP)
Authors: Kaptan Safa Kemal , Varese Filippo , Yilmaz Betul , Andriopoulou Panoraia , Husain Nusrat
Published: December 2021

Objectives:

Conflicts expose families to a range of factors that could have a negative impact upon parental mental health which in turn leads to poor growth and development of children. Early support can improve parental mental health and parenting behaviours but currently, there is a lack of evidence on parenting interventions for forcibly displaced populations. This study aims to deliver an online parenting intervention with a mental health component for refugee and asylum-seeker parents to evaluate its feasibility and acceptability.

Methods:

This is a single-arm trial without a control group. The trial aims to recruit 14 refugee and asylum-seeker parents into an Online Learning Through Play and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (LTP + EMDR G-TEP). The intervention will be delivered by trained research team members using online platforms.

Results:

The participants’ sense of parenting competence, symptoms of traumatic stress, anxiety and depression will be measured at baseline and post-intervention. Semi-structured interviews at post-intervention will also be conducted.

Discussion:

This study will assess the feasibility and inform the design of a future randomized controlled trial which aims to evaluate the effectiveness of LTP + EMDR G-TEP intervention for parent refugees and asylum-seekers with young children.
Factors Influencing Malaysian Preschool Teachers’ Use of the English Language as a Medium of Instruction
Authors: Goh Pauline Swee Choo , Luen Loy Chee
Published: December 2021

This study investigated Malaysian preschool teachers’ self-efficacy and attitudes toward the use of the English language as a medium of instruction (EMI) and proposed a model of how different variables were related to their use of English in the classrooms. In order to obtain a broad picture of the nature and scope of preschool teachers’ use of EMI, a survey study was undertaken. The research instrument was a questionnaire that was distributed to randomly-selected preschool teachers throughout Malaysia. The process of modeling was based on the empirical data and a theoretical model that was constructed on the basis of the two theoretical aspects, that is self-efficacy and attitudes-behavior relation. The theoretical model served as a bridge between the abstractions from theory and the development of the model. The model suggested that strong self-efficacy influenced preschool teachers’ use of English to teach. In addition, the model also indicated that those preschool teachers with positive attitudes also felt self-efficacious in using English to teach and negative attitudes had the opposite effect. Those preschool teachers who had a positive attitude that teaching using English would be useful for the children perceived that they had greater ability toward handling classroom management issues. In addition, they believed too, that they were confident to use appropriate assessment tasks in the classroom when English was used as the medium of instruction. It would appear that self-efficacy and attitudes were mutually related to preschool teachers’ use of English to teach.