bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisión Bibliográfica: El ASMR como posible estrategia para el bienestar emocional.
Authors: Magaña Pardo María , Macho Rivero María del Mar
Published: April 2021

En la actualidad muchas personas encuentran en internet un aliado esencial al cual recurren en búsqueda de soluciones que mejoren su malestar psicológico. Debido a ello en los últimos años ha surgido una experiencia usada cada vez por más personas para intentar disminuir los sentimientos emocionales negativos derivados del estrés o la ansiedad. Se trata del ASMR, un fenómeno en el que a través de diferentes sonidos, se experimenta sensación de calma gracias a un “hormigueo” agradable que comienza en la coronilla y se extiende por todo el cuerpo. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es saber los beneficios que el ASMR puede aportar a personas con trastornos psicológico. Los estudios consultados muestran que la visualización de vídeos con contenido de ASMR producen un efecto relajante y calmante. Además, se estableció que existe una respuesta fisiológica que demuestra que el ASMR es una experiencia emocional compleja que ayuda a la relajación. Así, el ASMR podría resultar efectivo para aliviar una variedad de problemas de salud mental. Como conclusión podemos establecer que el ASMR es eficaz en la relajación y la tranquilidad y presenta una base fisiológica demostrable, lo cual proporciona cierta credibilidad a dicha experiencia.
Creating a Collective Identity in The Digital Age: The Perspective of Behavioural Economics
Authors: Młyńczyk Łukasz
Published: April 2021

This paper comprises four related parts. The first part presents hypotheses regarding the forms of creating a collective identity in the age of digitization and the adopted theoretical assumptions, including conceptualization of concepts. The concept of Daniel Kahneman’s thinking systems is quoted, which was used to analyse the presented phenomenon in relation to the political decisionmaking process. The second section is a presentation of the research problem as a concept that is equivalent to the category of behavioural economics. Next, we explain the pattern of the transition from the left-wing identity policy to its right-wing response. The final part represents an analysis of the Internet collective identity in relation to political risk and profit, while the epilogue presents the political implications of the use of collective identity by measurement tools and consulting entities managing the flow, collection and compilation of data.
Somebody Else’s Problem as a Practice in the Identity Discourse
Authors: Marciniak Ewa Marta
Published: April 2021

The article presents the characteristics of various types of collective identities: hard, programmatic, soft, pluralistic, and proposes an outline of the concept of reflective identity as essential for democratic public discourse. Moreover, the practice of invalidation in the public discourse has been analyzed. Articulated invalidation and silent invalidation have been articulated as two communicative practices and their characteristics. The article presents the social and psychological reasons for invalidation as a practice of public discourse.
Product Lines and Price Discrimination in Markets with Information Frictions
Authors: Fabra Natalia , Montero Juan-Pablo
Published: April 2021

A well-known principle in economics is that firms differentiate their product offerings in order to relax competition. However, in this paper we show that information frictions can invalidate this principle. We build a duopolistic competition model of second-degree price discrimination with information frictions in which (i) an equilibrium always exists with overlapping product qualities, whereas (ii) an equilibrium with nonoverlapping product qualities exists only if both information frictions and the cost of providing high quality are sufficiently small. As a consequence, reasons other than an attempt to soften competition should explain why firms in some cases carry nonoverlapping product lines.

This paper was accepted by Matthew Shum, marketing.
Microfoundations of R&D Alliance Formation: The Interplay of Scientist Mobility and the Cooperative Context of Collaboration
Authors: Devarakonda Ramakrishna , Pavićević Stevo , Reuer Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2021

Alliance research emphasizes that firms can access research and development (R&D) collaboration opportunities when they enjoy relational or geographic embeddedness with potential partners. However, how can firms that are not embedded with prospective partners establish alliances? We emphasize the microfoundations of R&D alliance formation and propose that scientist mobility is an important substitutive mechanism that helps foster collaboration opportunities between firms that are poorly embedded. Specifically, we posit and show that in high-tech industries, scientist mobility is more facilitative for R&D alliance formation when potential partners lack relational ties between them or are not geographically colocated. Our findings demonstrate how incorporation of the competitive labor market context and its interplay with the cooperative context significantly changes the insights of a fundamental research stream emphasizing the importance of the cooperative context for alliance formation.
Developing Moodle-based e-learning on the topic of logarithm for the tenth-grade students of SMA N 1 Sewon
Authors: Hasanah Nor , Khasanah Uswatun
Published: April 2021

The development of technology and communication has an impact on all aspects of life, including in the learning process using media. This study aims to develop e-learning platform by using Moodle on logarithmic material for ten grader students of SMA Negeri 1 Sewon. This development research uses the ADDIE model. The subjects of this study were learning material expert, learning media expert, and 10 grader students of SMA Negeri 1 Sewon. Data collection techniques were carried out by interviews, questionnaires, and observations. The data analysis techniques were conducted by converting qualitative data into quantitative data using a Likert scale. The results obtained from experts in the material included in the feasible category, the results obtained by media experts included in the feasible category, and the results of student assessment obtained as a feasible category. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the learning media developed can be used in the process of learning mathematics.
Development of test instruments to measure high level thinking ability of two linear variable equations system
Authors: Prabowo Anggit , Puspa Puspa , Setyawan Fariz
Published: April 2021

This study aims to develop a test instrument to measure the high-level thinking ability of the two-variable linear equation system material. This research is a Research and Development using the ADDIE development model consisting of steps of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The test subjects in this study were students of class VIII of SMP Negeri 3 Payung. The instruments used in this study were validation sheets and documentation. Data collection techniques through expert judgment and tests. This research has succeeded in developing a test instrument to measure the high-level thinking ability of two-variable linear equations system material. The test developed consists of 10 multiple choice items and 5 description items that have been declared valid by expert judgment. The trial results show from the difficulty index analysis of multiple-choice questions was obtained as much as 1 item in the easy category, 9 questions in the moderate category, the analysis of the difficulty index for the essay obtained by 2 items in the medium category, 3 questions in the difficult category. In the analysis of discriminant index of multiple-choice questions, there were 1 question in the bad category, 3 questions with enough categories, and 6 questions in the good category. In the analysis of the difference in power, 2 questions were categorized as bad, 1 question was categorized as sufficient, 2 questions were categorized as good. Based on the analysis of the function of the distractor, it was found that 1 question was not functioning properly, 9 questions were functioning properly. Finally, from the reliability analysis, it was obtained 0.73 for multiple choice questions and 0.716 for essay questions with high reliability interpretation.
Gestão colaborativa e gestão de risco: um estudo sobre capacidades complementares
Authors: Vivaldini Mauro
Published: April 2021

A gestão de risco e a gestão colaborativa sinalizam complementaridades e contribuem para a mitigação de riscos e a redução das incertezas na cadeia de suprimentos. Esta pesquisa explora essas duas abordagens na intenção de responder se tal afirmação pode ser aplicada em operações de food- service. Realizou-se um estudo exploratório com 13 empresas pertencentes a mesma cadeia de suprimentos. Com base em aspectos de convergência entre as abordagens foram estabelecidas cinco proposições, as quais foram avaliadas na pesquisa de campo com 34 profissionais. Para a análise dos dados utilizou-se estatística descritiva e teste estatístico pareado. Resultados destacaram que as questões relacionadas as perdas comprometem a inserção da gestão de risco na gestão colaborativa, e incorpora fracamente a mitigação e as incertezas.
Principles and related strategies for spinal cord injury research partnership approaches: a qualitative study
Authors: Hoekstra Femke , Gainforth Heather L. , _ _
Published: April 2021

Background:

Conducting and/or disseminating research in partnership with potential research users is a popular approach to conducting useful and relevant research. Despite calls for guidance to support these research partnerships, evidence-based tools and resources remain limited.

Aims and objectives:

This study aimed to explore principles and related strategies for conducting and/or disseminating spinal cord injury (SCI) research in partnership with the SCI community, in order to gain insight into ways to support SCI research partnerships.

This qualitative study included ten semi-structured interviews with SCI research partnership champions. The interviews focused on participants’ experiences with SCI research projects that are conducted or disseminated in partnership, and related principles and strategies to work in research partnerships.

Participants mainly talked about principles related to: (1) the relationship between researchers and research users (for example, respect each other, avoid tokenism); (2) co-production of knowledge (for example, research user engagement early and throughout); and (3) meaningful engagement (for example, allowing flexibility). Examples of related strategies included attending collaborative conferences, research user engagement in refinement of research questions, training in research methods, and hiring people with SCI as part of the research team.

Key conclusions:

This qualitative study presents research partnership principles (norms) and related strategies (observable actions). This study can provide guidance for other researchers and research users who want to engage in (SCI) research partnerships. The findings of this study could be used to inform the development of evidence-based tools and resources to support future research partnerships.
Digital technologies and the violent surveillance of nonbinary gender
Authors: Shelton Jama , Kroehle Kel , Clark Emilie K. , Seelman Kristie , Dodd SJ
Published: April 2021

The enforcement of the gender binary is a root cause of gender-based violence (GBV) for trans people. Disrupting GBV requires that we ensure that ‘gender’ is not presumed synonymous with White cisgender womanhood. Transfeminists suggest that attaining gender equity requires confronting all forms of oppression that police people and their bodies, including White supremacy, colonialism and capitalism (Silva and Ornat, 2016; Simpkins, 2016). Part of this project, we argue, includes confronting the structures of GBV embedded within digital technologies that are increasingly part of our everyday lives. Informed by transfeminist theory (Koyama, 2003; Stryker and Bettcher, 2016; Simpkins, 2016; Weerawardhana, 2018), we interrogate the ways in which digital technologies naturalise and reinforce GBV against bodies marked as divergent. We examine the subtler ways that digital technology can fortify binary gender as a mechanism of power and control. We highlight how gendered forms of data violence cannot be disentangled from digital technologies that surveil, police or punish on the basis of race, nationhood and citizenship, particularly in relation to predictive policing practices. We conclude with recommendations to guide technological development to reduce the violence enacted upon trans people and those whose gender presentations transgress society’s normative criteria for what constitutes a compliant (read: appropriately gendered) citizen.
Group velocity of light in biaxial crystals
Authors: Wang Pengqian
Published: April 2021

Based on the wave vector surface, we have derived the analytical expressions for the group velocity of light traveling in an optically biaxial crystal in an arbitrary direction. Our formulas are in terms of either the wave vector direction or the ray direction. An axis dispersion vector is introduced to specify the rotation of the dielectric frame in monoclinic and triclinic crystals, which is found to be responsible for the asymmetry of the group velocity surfaces of these two crystal systems when compared to their phase and ray velocity surfaces. Our formulas confirm that the group velocity of light in a nondissipative medium equals the ratio between the Poynting vector and the total energy density of the electromagnetic field. The group index of light is found to be decomposable into three parts: the ray index, the group index due to principal refractive index dispersion, and that due to axis dispersion. Numerical calculations are performed for the group velocity of light in

S
n

2

P

2

S

6

crystal at 550 nm wavelength. Our results show that the dispersion of the principal refractive indices has a considerable contribution to the group index.
Application of terahertz spectroscopy on monitoring crystallization and isomerization of azobenzene
Authors: Ren Guanhua , Zhou Lu , Chen Ligang , Liu Liyuan , Zhang Jianbing , Zhao Hongwei , Han Jiaguang
Published: April 2021

Terahertz spectroscopy provides a powerful and informative link between infrared spectroscopy and microwave spectroscopy, and is now beginning to make its transition from initial development to broader use by chemists, materials scientists and biologists. In this study, utilizing terahertz spectroscopy we monitored the crystallization and isomerization of azobenzene. In flash-frozen trans-azobenzene solutions, the processes of crystallization and phase transition were observed. A new phase has been experimentally confirmed to exist stably at low temperatures. The results on gradual-frozen experiment indicate that the formation of the observed new phase is determined by the cooling rate. Besides, based on the distinctive spectral features of the isomers, the thermal- and photo-induced isomerization processes of azobenzene were investigated. This work presents that the terahertz spectroscopy has a great potential to study the phase transitions and crystallization of liquid samples under different freezing conditions.
Compact multi-functional frequency-selective absorber based on customizable impedance films
Authors: Lin Menglan , Yi Jianjia , Chen Xiaoming , Jiang Zhi Hao , Zhu Lina , Qi Peihan , Burokur Shah Nawaz
Published: April 2021

Multi-functional metamaterial absorbers have attracted considerable attention for applications in the microwave frequency regime. In this paper, we report the design, fabrication, and characterization of frequency-selective absorbers, which exhibit substantial absorption property within a pre-defined frequency band, while at the same time behaving as a highly transparent screen in another targeted frequency band. The proposed designs consist of a symmetrically patterned indium tin oxide film acting as an absorbing layer, two dielectric substrates, and a cross-slot metal sheet frequency selective surface playing the role of a transmitting layer. In order to validate the functionalities of the designed absorbers, equivalent circuit models, full-wave numerical simulations and measurements are presented. The measured results, in good agreement with the numerical ones, show that the proposed designs realize 80% broadband absorption over the desired frequency range and possess a transparent window in a higher or lower frequency band for a wide range of incidence angles up to 60°. These performances suggest that the proposed designs are promising candidates for multi-functional scattering control and communication applications.
Scattering of light by ZnO nanorod arrays
Authors: Pereyra C. J. , Campo L. , Navarrete-Astorga E. , Cuevas A. , Romero R. , Ariosa D. , Henríquez R. , Muñoz E. , Martín F. , Ramos-Barrado J. R. , Dalchiele E. A. , Marotti R. E.
Published: April 2021

The optical properties of ZnO nanorod (NR) arrays were investigated by optical total transmittance (TT) and diffuse reflectance (DR) spectroscopy in the visible region. The NRs were grown electrochemically in a three-electrode cell over a glass/fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate. The mean length, radius, and density of NR samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The results were correlated with the observed optical properties. Since light scattering for these NR arrays is highly dependent on their morphology, therefore, a model for light scattering based in the Mie theory for cylinders was implemented to understand the observed spectra. The mean scattering and extinction cross sections were calculated from the morphology of the samples. They were used to fit the DR spectra. From the fittings, the TT spectra of the samples could be calculated. A good agreement with the experimental results was obtained. This indicates that the implemented model represents well the observed scattering phenomena.
Bacterial persisters are a stochastically formed subpopulation of low-energy cells
Authors: Manuse Sylvie , Shan Yue , Canas-Duarte Silvia J. , Bakshi Somenath , Sun Wei-Sheng , Mori Hirotada , Paulsson Johan , Lewis Kim
Published: April 2021

Persisters represent a small subpopulation of non- or slow-growing bacterial cells that are tolerant to killing by antibiotics. Despite their prominent role in the recalcitrance of chronic infections to antibiotic therapy, the mechanism of their formation has remained elusive. We show that sorted cells of Escherichia coli with low levels of energy-generating enzymes are better able to survive antibiotic killing. Using microfluidics time-lapse microscopy and a fluorescent reporter for in vivo ATP measurements, we find that a subpopulation of cells with a low level of ATP survives killing by ampicillin. We propose that these low ATP cells are formed stochastically as a result of fluctuations in the abundance of energy-generating components. These findings point to a general “low energy” mechanism of persister formation.
Cover versions as an impact indicator in popular music: A quantitative network analysis
Authors: Ortega José Luis
Published: April 2021

In contemporary popular music, covering or adapting previous songs signals a tribute or reworking of popular hits, which implies acknowledgement of the original musicians. This connection can be interpreted as a form of musical impact among artists. A network graph with more than 106k artists and 855k cover versions extracted from the web site SecondHandSongs was created. The objective is to explore the shape of this network, identify the most relevant artists according to different impact measurements and to visualize connections between music genres. This analysis is done from a longitudinal perspective with the aim of understanding how cover versions can inform us about the history of the contemporary popular music. Results show that the number of covers by artist is skewed distributed, diminishing gradually since the 1950s. Different network metrics have allowed to identify the most covered (weighted indegree), the most influential (PageRank) and the most crossover artists (weighted betweenness centrality). The network graph also shows that genre affinity is the main criterion for covering songs between artists, language being the second. Remakes from other genres reflect that Jazz and Pop/Rock are the most influential because they emerge stronger and form the core of their respective sub-networks. Cover songs describe two cycles. In a first phase from 1900s to 1950s, dominated by Jazz and Vocal artists, the covers are more frequent and associated with the notion of reworking (e.g. jazz standards); in a second stage, since the 1950s, when the Pop/Rock emerges, cover songs are less common and seen as tribute.
Detection and genetic characterization of "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomacaque" infection among long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) in Thailand using broad-range nested polymerase chain reaction assay
Authors: Sricharern Wanat , Kaewchot Supakarn , Kaewmongkol Sarawan , Inthong Natnaree , Jarudecha Thitichai , Rucksaken Rucksak , Mangkit Bandid , Wichianchot Sakulchit , Inpankaew Tawin
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim: Hemoplasmas are defined as small, epicellular parasitic bacteria that can infect the red blood cells of several mammalian species. Diseases caused by these bacteria range from asymptomatic infections to acute hemolytic anemia. However, data on hemoplasmas in non-human primates in Thailand remain to be limited. Therefore, this study aims to determine the occurrence and genetic diversity of hemoplasmas among long-tailed macaques in Thailand.

Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 339 long-tailed macaques in three provinces of Thailand. DNA was then extracted from the blood samples and tested for hemoplasma using broad-range nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on the 16S rRNA gene. PCR-positive samples were sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis for species identification was conducted.

Results: In total, 38 (11.2%) out of the 339 samples were found to be positive for hemoplasmas, based on the broad-range nested PCR assay of the 16S rRNA gene. The 16S rRNA sequences of Mycoplasma spp. were highly similar (98-99% identity) to "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemomacaque." Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis using maximum likelihood demonstrated that the sequences were located in the same cluster of "Ca. M. haemomacaque."

Conclusion: The detection of hemoplasmas among long-tailed macaques in Thailand is reported. Genetic characterization confirmed that these hemoplasmas are closely related to "Ca. M. haemomacaque." These results indicate that long-tailed macaques in several locations in Thailand may be infected and serve as reservoirs for this parasite.
A státuszhierarchia hatása a csoport teljesítményére
Authors: Takács Sándor
Published: April 2021

A tanulmány a csoporton belüli státuszhierarchia kialakulásának és szerepének különböző értelmezéseit, magyarázatait mutatja be a csoportdinamika, szociológia és közgazdaságtan határmezsgyéjén mozogva, középpontban a státusz és teljesítmény viszonyának (az ún. Máté-effektus) kérdésével. A cikk rámutat a különböző értelmezési lehetőségek (privilégium, reputáció, hatalom és legitimitás) és a Mérei-féle többszempontú szociogram közötti párhuzamokra. Az elméleti összefoglalás végén sor kerül egy játékelméleti magyarázatra épülő tipológia bemutatására, melynek fő üzenete, hogy a szituációs feltételeknek megfelelően eltérő típusú státuszhierarchiák lehetnek hatékonyak. Jelentős külső és belső változások idején a csoport alkalmazkodásának elakadása a változás és stabilitás kettős követelményének való megfelelés nehézségeire vezethető vissza, ami a közhiedelemmel ellentétben nem csak a státuszhierarchia megmerevedésében ölthet testet (bár ez eléggé tipikus megnyilvánulási formája). A cikk ezt az értelmezési keretet esettanulmányos módszerrel finomítja tovább két különböző csoportszituációban végrehajtott, a státuszhierarchiára irányuló szervezetfejlesztési beavatkozás elemzése alapján. A cikk végén vezetőknek szóló gyakorlati javaslatok is megfogalmazásra kerülnek.
A szervezet interpretatív megközelítése
Authors: Gelei András
Published: April 2021

Az interpretatív elmélet a főáramot jelentő funkcionalista szervezetközelítések egyik legfontosabb alternatívája. Bár a szerző lényeges célnak tekinti, hogy a tudományos célú szervezetvizsgálatokban hazánkban is szemléletváltás következzék be, nagy veszélynek tartja ezen alternatív megközelítések félreértését. Jelen tanulmány fő célja ezért az interpretatív szervezetközelítés tudományelméleti alapjainak megvilágítása, illetve illusztratív példákon keresztül az elmélet szervezeti relevanciájának bemutatása, és a megközelítés hozzákötése a kvalitatív szervezetkutatáshoz.
Milyen eszközökkel javítható egy vállalat versenyképessége? Elemzés és ötletek a MÁV ZRT. Személyszállítási Üzletágának (SZÜ) működése alapján
Authors: Vörös Zsuzsanna
Published: April 2021

A vasúti szállítás megtartásában, fejlesztésében a vasútvállalatoknak fel kell készülniük arra, hogy hatékony, lehetőleg nyereséges üzletmenetet alakítsanak ki. Ehhez tanulmányozniuk kell a vasúti folyamatokat, elemezniük kell hol, melyik tevékenységeknél keletkeznek a bevételt meghaladó költségek. Ezek után a vállalati érdek azt kívánja, hogy a veszteséges tevékenységeket szüntessék meg, szervezzék át vagy ki. A szerző dolgozatában a magyar vasúttársaság számara néhány kitörési pontot mutat be. Természetesen nagyon sok további lehetőség is van, amelyek segíthetnének a modernizációban. Ami biztosan nem visz előbbre, az a tétlenség, a változatlanság, a szervezet állandó átalakítása a folyamatok merevsége mellett, a hibás benchmarking.
Határon átívelő akvizíciós és fúziós tranzakciók sikerességét meghatározó tényezők vizsgálata
Authors: Balogh Csaba
Published: April 2021

A tőkeerős magyar vállalatok az utóbbi időben, hasonlóan a külföldi multinacionális vállalatokhoz, egyre gyakrabban vesznek részt határon átívelő akvizíciós vagy fúziós tranzakcióban. Az akvizíciók és fúziók sláger jellegét ugyanakkor beárnyékolják a tanácsadók és a gazdasági sajtó által hivatkozott kutatások és felmérések eredményei, melyek szerint a megvalósított tranzakciók körülbelül 80%-a kudarccal végződik és pusztán csak 20%-a sikeres. Jelen kutatás a határon átívelő akvizíciós vagy fúziós tranzakciók sikerességére alkalmas vizsgálati rendszer felvázolásával, valamint előrejelzési célokra is alkalmas, többváltozós matematikai-statisztikai eljárásokból összeállított modellrendszer révén igyekszik segítséget nyújtani az ilyen jellegű tranzakciókat tervező vállalatoknak.
A self-adaptive prescription dose optimization algorithm for radiotherapy
Authors: Yin Chuou , Yang Peng , Zhang Shengyuan , Gu Shaoxian , Wang Ningyu , Cui Fengjie , Hu Jinyou , Li Xia , Wu Zhangwen , Gou Chengjun
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate an implementation method and the results of a voxel-based self-adaptive prescription dose optimization algorithm for intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

Materials and methods

The self-adaptive prescription dose optimization algorithm used a quadratic objective function, and the optimization engine was implemented using the molecular dynamics. In the iterative optimization process, the optimization prescription dose changed with the relationship between the initial prescription dose and the calculated dose. If the calculated dose satisfied the initial prescription dose, the optimization prescription dose was equal to the calculated dose; otherwise, the optimization prescription dose was equal to the initial prescription dose. We assessed the performance of the self-adaptive prescription dose optimization algorithm with two cases: a mock head and neck case and a breast case. Isodose lines, dose–volume histogram, and dosimetric parameters were compared between the conventional molecular dynamics optimization algorithm and the self-adaptive prescription dose optimization algorithm.

Results

The self-adaptive prescription dose optimization algorithm produces the different optimization results compared with the conventional molecular dynamics optimization algorithm. For the mock head and neck case, the planning target volume (PTV) dose uniformity improves, and the dose to organs at risk is reduced, ranging from 1 to 4%. For the breast case, the use of self-adaptive prescription dose optimization algorithm also leads to improvements in the dose distribution, with the dose to organs at risk almost unchanged.

Conclusion

The self-adaptive prescription dose optimization algorithm can generate an ideal clinical plan more effectively, and it could be integrated into a treatment planning system after more cases are studied.
Concussions in Ice Hockey: Is it Time to Worry?
Authors: Amin Khizer
Published: April 2021

Recent events have highlighted the issue of concussions in sports, particularly in ice hockey. A concussion is an injury to the brain caused by acceleration forces imparted on the brain. Symptoms vary in severity from confusion and minor headaches to loss of consciousness and amnesia. Concussions are a common sports injury that have been associated with neurological and psychiatric impairment, and second-impact syndrome may even lead to death. The serious nature of these injuries has evoked calls from the scientific community to make hockey a safer game by modifying current rules and regulations. This Critical Review summarizes recent research on concussions and discusses the implications in the context of sports.
Dr. Richard Heinzl: At the Forefront of Global Healthcare
Authors: Sorouri Kimia
Published: April 2021

Dr. Richard Heinzl is a McMaster Medical School alumni. He also studied at Harvard and Oxford University, where he received Master degrees in Public Health and Science, respectively. Dr. Heinzl was connected to McMaster University prior to becoming a student himself as his father, Rudy Heinzl, was the Dean of Student Affairs for 11 years. Dr. Heinzl founded the Canadian chapter of Médicins Sans Frontières only a year after graduating from Medical School. When he is not abroad practicing medicine or performing research, Dr. Heinzl often returns to McMaster to share his immense knowledge and life experiences. His most recent presentation at McMaster on October 19th was organized by the Medical School community. During this presentation, Dr. Heinzl shared key aspects of a health plan he is constructing for the Kalinago people of Dominica.
Hacking the brain: Gene therapy as a tool to combat epilepsy
Authors: Ng Maxwell , Bilimoria Krish , Brar Karanbir , Pandey Nikesh
Published: April 2021

Hacking the brain: Gene therapy as a tool to combat epilepsy
Introduction
Authors: Cui Edward , Xie Jim
Published: April 2021

Issue Introduction
IWCH Abstracts
Authors: Jaswal Harpreet , Soper Alice , Ladha Raisa
Published: April 2021

IWCH Abstracts
MedBulletin
Authors: Zhang Yiming , Godkhindi Parnika , Zeng Aisling , Hui Du Jia
Published: April 2021

MedBulletin
Early exposure to community service learning in the medical curriculum: A model for orientation week introduction
Authors: Endres Kaitlin
Published: April 2021

Community service learning programs in pre-clerkship medical education are increasingly recognized as important in creating physicians who recognize the effects of one’s environment on their health and further strive to advocate for these patients to receive access to social programs that can improve their outcomes. The University of Ottawa Aesculapian Society recognized that an excellent method for providing early exposure to service opportunities in one’s new community is through Orientation Weeks. Prior to this year, no Orientation Week across Ontario had a philanthropy focus. Philanthropy in most students’ eyes refers to monetary donation. Understandably, Orientation Week directors continuously make the decision that asking medical students to donate money during the first week of one of many financially demanding yeas is unrealistic. Ottawa decided to incorporate philanthropy into our Orientation Week in the more inclusive form of community service, allowing students to donate their time, rather than donating their money. In addition to ensuring that philanthropy still has the opportunity to be a fundamental component of bonding during Medical School Orientation Weeks, as it does at the Undergraduate degree level, our initiative also served to facilitate early exposure to the various organizations students could complete their community service learning placements with later in their first year. Here we present our model, uO-Serves (“uOttawa-Serves”) of an Orientation Week philanthropy initiative of time-based community service in hopes that other Medical Schools will consider implementing a similar initiative within their Orientation Weeks
Novel evidence depicting adverse long-term outcomes linked to tonsillectomy: a spotlight on overtreatment
Authors: Hariharan Nikhil Nair , Patel Kashyap
Published: April 2021

Tonsillectomies (TEs) are the first line of treatment when patients present with recurrent tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscesses or obstructive sleep apnea. Though TEs have modest efficacy, they remain a common pediatric surgery in Canada. TEs are now viewed as a prophylactic measure used to prevent tonsil-related diseases. Simultaneously, there is a lack of evidence-based decision-making when recommending TEs, leading to overtreatment. Novel findings indicate that pediatric TE patients have an increased risk of complications and poor long-term outcomes including respiratory, infectious, and allergic disorders. A need for alternatives to TEs is evident; less invasive interventions with fewer perioperative complications and lifelong morbidities warrant further research. To prevent unnecessary adverse outcomes, healthcare providers should opt for more selective and evidence-based TE recommendations. Meanwhile, it is also imperative that physicians clearly communicate the potential quality of life implications associated with TEs. Healthcare and social mores surrounding TEs need to change towards a more evidence-based practice that focuses on improving patients’ quality of life. This commentary examines the current role of TEs, their long-term outcomes, and the implications of overtreatment.
A case of concurrent Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease and Neuropsychiatric Lupus in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Overlap Syndrome
Authors: Campbell Tessa , Auer Iwona , Martin Liam
Published: April 2021

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a rare, self-limited, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy and fever. An association has been made between the presence of this disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. We describe a unique case of a 31 year old female with a previous diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus overlap syndrome who presented with severe headache and subsequently developed altered level of consciousness and seizures. She underwent an extensive assessment which included investigations for an infectious cause, numerous imaging studies, a lymph node biopsy, a bone marrow biopsy, and a brain biopsy resulting in a final diagnosis of concurrent Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease and lupus-associated encephalitis. In these overlap patients, neurological involvement is usually mild. In contrast, our patient presented with severe neuropsychiatric involvement eventually requiring ICU admission. This case highlights the difficulty of diagnosing and managing neuropsychiatric lupus in these complex overlap patients. Early recognition is important to avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful interventions and treatments.
critical role of astrogenesis and neurodevelopment in Fragile X Syndrome and Rett Syndrome
Authors: Oliveria John Paul , Li Zhuo Jun
Published: April 2021

Astrocytes play an important role in the development of functional neural circuits in the brain. They are responsible for coordinating synapse formation and function, axon guidance, and ensuring neuronal survival. Normal astrogenesis begins during late gestation. Neural stem cells (NSCs) become primarily gliogenic and differentiate to become astrocyte precursors. Through local proliferation and functional maturation, the precursors develop into mature astrocytes, which can either be fibrous or protoplasmic. Astrogenesis is regulated by both cell intrinsic programs and cell extrinsic cues. Intrinsic chromatin changes, such as demethylation of astrocyte-specific genes, allows the NSCs to become responsive to astrocyte-inducing exogenous cues. These cues involve a collaboration of multiple pathways, namely the Notch pathway, the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway, interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling, and the Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway. Together, they allow for normal astrogenesis to occur. However, disruption to these pathways lead to abnormal astrocyte development and results in pathologies such as the Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and Rett Syndrome (RS). Both neurodevelopmental disorders are a result of genetic mutations that causes either transcriptional silence or transcriptional activation at inappropriate stages during development. These genetic mutations result in depressed astrocyte function in FXS, and the overexcitement of astrocytes in RS. The current hypothesis under investigation is that altered gene transcription during neurodevelopment disrupts astrogenesis, and subsequently, the behavior and function of mature astrocytes in the brain. Future research should focus on understanding the timing of the transition from neurogenesis to astrogenesis and identifying astrocyte-specific markers that are critical to its function in neurodevelopment.
The Natural History of Medical Waste
Authors: Xia Yu Fei
Published: April 2021

As per publication guidelines we did not write an abstract for our commentary.
Atypical euthyroid presentation of Steroid Responsive Encephalopathy with Associated Thyroiditis
Authors: Bhogadi Vineeth , Kelly-Wiggins Arlene
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Steroid-responsive encephalopathy with associated thyroiditis (SREAT) is an autoimmune disease associated with antithyroid antibodies. Its clinical features are variable, ranging from sudden focal neurologic deficits to progressive sub-acute cognitive decline and thus, can mimic a host of other neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Case Presentation

We present the case of a previously healthy 62-year-old female with rapid onset neurocognitive and functional decline. EEG and MRI findings were consistent with an encephalopathy of unknown origin. Serologic findings revealed elevated antithyroid antibodies but were otherwise insignificant.

Conclusion

Steroid-responsive encephalopathy with associated thyroiditis is typically a diagnosis of exclusion but should always be considered in cases of encephalopathy of unknown origin. The disorder is often underdiagnosed due to its variable presentation and poorly understood pathophysiology, but prognosis can be significantly improved with greater physician awareness and prompt management with corticosteroids.
Float or sink: a solution to the resident burn-out crisis?
Authors: Luo Candice , Hu George , Chen Tony
Published: April 2021

Introduction

As medical students, we were always told that medicine is a tough road. The training is gruelling with endless hours of studying, patient care, and considerable sacrifices in our personal lives. Many came into this profession ready for long hours and difficult training. However, until residency, it is tough to envision what the experience really entails. 

Recently, a debate erupted in the Medical Twitter universe when Dr. Colleen Farrell, an Internal Medicine resident at Bellevue Hospital in New York, wrote a tweet decrying 27-hour resident call shifts as inhumane. Dr. Farrell argued that residents and staff physicians deserve protection against harsh working hours and conditions on par with workers in unionized professions. For instance, the Ontario Nurses Association closely regulates how long nurses can work in a given day with the minimal time nurses must receive for breaks1. The ensuing debate saw numerous residents and staff physicians joining the conversation on either side of the argument. Many physicians argued that extended call shifts are a necessary part of resident training which equips residents to work effectively and independently in future demanding roles. On the other hand, many suggest that the lack of adequate rest and humane working hours leaves residents ill-prepared to make decisions and may hinder patient care. In the end, Dr. Farrell received heavy backlash that led to her taking a break from Twitter.

But what does the research say? Does reducing working hours improve resident wellness and patient safety? What is the impact on resident education? Can there be a way to balance resident wellness with competency and quality of care?
Universal Vaccines against Influenza Viruses: Overview of the Past, Present, and Prospective
Authors: Agung Yonathan , Stacey Hannah , D'Agostino Michael , Zhang Ali
Published: April 2021

Influenza is a common disease caused by influenza virus infections. There are an estimated 3 to 5 million annual cases of severe illness and 290 000 to 650 000 respiratory deaths caused by influenza virus infections worldwide (1). Transmission can occur in three ways: direct contact with an infected person, through fomites, or by inhaling aerosolized infectious particles (2). Systemic manifestations of uncomplicated influenza include fever, fatigue, and headaches, and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection including sore throat, nasal discharge, and non-productive cough (3). Although antiviral drugs are available to treat influenza, vaccination remains the best way to prevent infection. This article will provide an overview of influenza virus biology, as well as current methods and those in development to treat and prevent influenza.
Ceteris Paribus: An Epistemological Error with Ethical Consequences
Authors: Arsenault Chris
Published: April 2021

Herein I call into question a common epistemological justification for placebo controls, and thereby problematize the use of placebo in many modern clinical trials. I demonstrate both the ethical harm and epistemic inferiority of placebo controls in certain knowledge contexts, arguing the standard of care should be the more acceptable comparator for novel treatments in such contexts.
geospatial analysis of pertussis and its risk factors in southern Ontario from 2005–2016
Authors: Elghamudi Taha Abdulhakim , Berke Olaf
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a bacterial respiratory tract infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis affects more than 48 million people worldwide annually, most of whom are under the age of 5.

Hypothesis & Objectives: The hypothesis being investigated is that pertussis incidence, between 2005 and 2016, is not equally distributed across public health units in southern Ontario. We aim to identify disease cluster locations and associate geospatial fluctuations in incidence rates with putative risk factors.

Materials and Methods: Data was sourced from Public Health Ontario on pertussis incidence in southern Ontario for all ages, specifically for each public health unit’s geographical area. A choropleth map was generated using data smoothed by empirical Bayesian estimation in a spatial analysis context. Following the creation of an incidence map for southern Ontario, the spatial scan test was applied to elucidate the existence of any disease clusters at a public health unit level. Moran’s I was used to determine whether there was evidence of any spatial dependence in pertussis incidence. Finally, putative risk factors were assessed in Poisson regression models and spatial Poisson regression models as potential predictor variables.

Results and Discussion: The flexible spatial scan test identified three spatial clusters where incidence rates of pertussis were higher than expected. A spatial Poisson regression model was fit that included predictor variables of socioeconomic status and population density. For every 100 people/km2 increase in population density there was a significant 6% increase in pertussis incidence (p=0.03). Interestingly, vaccination rates were not found to be predictive of pertussis incidence nor did the variable improve the model. This epidemiological study identifies where pertussis incidence is clustered and what variables it is associated with, both of which are valuable for public health purposes and as a reference for future research into pertussis.
Non-invasive technologies in assisting high-risk parturient women: nurse-midwives’ perceptionss
Authors: Ares Lana Priscila Meneses , Prata Juliana Amaral , Progianti Jane Marcia , Pereira Adriana Lenho de Figueiredo , Mouta Ricardo José Oliveira , Amorim Luísa Belém , Gioia Laura Greco
Published: April 2021

Objective: to know nurse-midwives’ perceptions about factors related with the use of non-invasive care technologies in the care of high-risk parturient women. Methods: qualitative study, with 10 nurse-midwives from the obstetric center of a high-risk maternity hospital in a university hospital. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews and subjected to content analysis. Results: prenatal care with a focus on female autonomy, the availability of specific materials and the sector’s infrastructure are facilitating factors. Work overload, the devaluation of nurse-midwives’ knowledge by some medical professionals and the lack of institutional support for teamwork are limiting factors. Conclusion: the factors referred to show the need to boost collaborative work in assisting high obstetric risk, encourage the use of non-invasive care technologies and improve nurses’ working conditions.
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Pseudonyms. Insertion by F. M. Dostoevsky in the Feuilleton by N. N. Strakhov
Authors: Zakharova Olga
Published: April 2021

Identification of pseudonyms is one of the key tasks of attribution of many articles in the Vremya and Epokha magazines, and the Grazhdanin weekly. I. F. Masanov's article on Dostoevsky in the authoritative Dictionary of Pseudonyms contains errors and repetitions. Fyodor Dostoevsky signed his literary works with his personal name: Fyodor Dostoevsky, F. M. Dostoevsky, or, more often, F. Dostoevsky. On the contrary, the writer preferred to work as a journalist anonymously, more rarely — under pseudonyms. The range of Fyodor Dostoevsky's pseudonyms should be clarified. It is necessary to exclude “N. N.” from the list of pseudonyms, remove repeat “—y, M.” и “M. —y”, leave Dostoevsky's personal pseudonym “Zuboskalov” and add a new pseudonym “Ch. Komitetskiy”. The insert in the “Chronicler's notes” article is not the proper basis to make N. N. Strahov's pseudonym “Letopisets” (Epokha. 1865. № 1) a collective one or assign it to Dostoevsky. Most of Dostoevsky's pseudonyms are of an occasional nature, they are isolated and random. The names and surnames of real persons (M. Dostoevsky, A. Poretsky) in the role of his pseudonyms are accidental. As a result of critical analysis, it was established that in his literary and journalistic activities Dostoevsky used both regular (“F. D.”), (“D.”), (“Ed.”) and isolated pseudonyms “Zuboskal”, “Zuboskalov”, “N. N.”, “M. —y”, “Ch. Komitetskiy”, “Drug Kuzmy Prutkova” (“Friend of Kuzma Prutkov”). At this time, their range can be limited to this list. The appendix to the article contains an insert attributed to Dostoevsky in N. N. Strakhov's feuilleton «Notes of the Chronicler» from the January issue of the «Epoch» for 1865.