bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Assessment of the Relationship of SNAP and Anemia Among School-Aged Children and Adolescents Living in Households With Food Insecurity
Authors: Adeyemi Oluwaseun J. , Stullken Julia D. , Baah Emmanuel G. , Olagbemiro Neema , Huber Larissa R.
Published: February 2022

Children in food-insecure households have an increased risk of anemia. Participation in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) has several benefits. However, it is unknown if it ameliorates anemia among school-aged children and adolescents living in food-insecure households. This study aims to assess the association of SNAP participation and anemia among children and adolescents living in households experiencing food insecurity. The sample population (n = 1635), aged 6 to 18 years, were pooled from the 2003–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The exposure of interest was self-reported household SNAP participation. The outcome variable was the presence or absence of anemia, classified using the blood hematocrit concentration values. Survey weighted logistic regression was performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) of the association between participation in SNAP and anemia in food-insecure children. We found that over 80% of anemic children and adolescents, living in food-insecure households, participated in SNAP, while 63% of non-anemic children and adolescents, living in food-insecure households participated in SNAP ( p = .007). Among children living in food-insecure households, SNAP participants had 3-fold increased odds of anemia compared to those who do not participate in SNAP, after adjusting for confounders (OR = 3.33, 95% CI: 1.25–8.88). In this study, SNAP participation was associated with increased odds of anemia in children and adolescents living in food-insecure households. Additional research is needed to assess if these unexpected findings are related to the adequacy of SNAP, affordability, and accessibility to healthy foods, or the household and individual food preferences in food-insecure households.
The fragmenting occupation of labour inspection and the degradation of regulatory and enforcement work inside the British state
Authors: Mustchin Stephen , Martínez Lucio Miguel
Published: February 2022

While union presence and joint regulation of work and employment has declined, the state maintains a key role in directly regulating employment standards in areas including health and safety, minimum wage enforcement and subcontracting. Based on an empirical study of enforcement agencies in Britain, this article argues that the nature of regulatory work and its reshaping by both exogenous and endogenous pressures ultimately influences the impact of regulation itself and how it is enforced. Major shifts in the skills, knowledge and networks critical to the nature of labour inspection work parallel developments within the workplaces they are responsible for regulating.
Marijuana Policy Bundles in the American States Over Time and Their Impact on the Use of Marijuana and Other Drugs
Authors: Neeley Grant W. , Richardson Lilliard E.
Published: February 2022

American states have used different approaches in adoption of cannabis policies and continue to modify those policies after approval. States also differ in how long it takes to implement such policies, and this influences the availability of legal marijuana. Such policy differences and implementation timelines could influence usage of marijuana and other illicit drugs by adolescents, young adults, and older adults. We develop an original coding scheme for marijuana legalization policies by classifying policy bundles characterized by three views of marijuana: as a pharmaceutical; as a permissive drug, or as a state fiscal revenue source. We test the impact of state legal marijuana policy characteristics on age group rates of marijuana use with panel regression models including control variables and fixed effects for 2000–2019. This design moves beyond a dichotomous construct of marijuana legalization and accounts for the dynamic adaptation of policies beyond their initial adoption. States with a higher pharmaceutical score experienced lower marijuana usage rates for adolescents and young adults while states with a permissive approach or fiscal approach experienced higher rates of marijuana use for all age groups. We find no consistent spillover effect of the pharmaceutical or permissive marijuana policy bundles on other illicit drug use for any age group, but fiscal bundles show some association with greater illicit drug use for adults. These more nuanced measures better reflect state policies as implemented and provide more clarity of the policy impact on target populations’ marijuana usage.
Inclusion of digital records in the archives and records management curricula in a comprehensive open distance e-learning environment
Authors: Ngoepe Mpho , Jacobs Lorette , Mojapelo Makutla
Published: February 2022

Recent developments in the knowledge economy impact on the archival profession globally. Key components of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), such as blockchain technology and artificial intelligence are influencing the manner and context in which digital records in organisations are managed. This has necessitated the University of South Africa, a comprehensive open distance e-learning institution (CODeL), through the Department of Information Science, to evaluate and recurriculate its postgraduate programme in archives and records management. The key aim of this recurriculation was to ensure alignment with international trends and practices in digital records management practices. The revised programme offers graduates an opportunity to keep abreast with various technological and digital records discipline-related developments with reference to knowledge and information governance, data curatorship and management, as well as archival diplomatics and digital records forensics. This qualitative study used literature review, as well as personal experiences to explore the revision of an archives and records management curriculum in a CODeL environment to make it relevant to technological transformations unique to the 4IR. In our analysis, we recommend the inclusion of computational archival science in the responsive curriculum, to enable graduates to acquire skills in the application of technological tools, methods and resources pertaining to digital records processing, analysis, storage, long-term preservation, and access. The focus of the recurriculation was to improve the efficiency, productivity, and precision in support of appraisal, arrangement and description, preservation, and access towards enhanced digital records management practices. The study also reports on the framework for team approach in the development of the programme, as well as elements of transformation to reflect Africanisation in the curriculum.
The association between varicocele and other vascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Di , Luo Quanhai , Fan Wenji , Chen Changsheng , liu Gang
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study is aimed to evaluate the association between varicocele and other vascular diseases through a systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Material and methods

We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science for studies that reported varicocele and other vascular diseases published before 30 June 2021. The meta-analysis was performed by Revman V.5.2 to calculate the pooled odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Subsequently, the impact of publication bias was evaluated, and sensitivity analysis as performed to assess our results’ robustness.

Results

In total, seven case–control studies, including 803 varicocele cases and 727 controls, were included. Our meta-analysis results showed that the varicocele patients had a higher risk of saphenofemoral insufficiency when compared with the control group (odds ratio [OR]: 2.80; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 2.03, 3.84; p < 0.00001). Additionally, varicocele patients also had a higher risk of lower extremity venous insufficiency when compared with the control group (OR: 2.34; 95% CI: 1.58, 3.47; p < 0.0001). However, there was no statistical difference in hemorrhoid risk between both groups (OR: 1.13; 95% CI: 0.28, 4.59; p = 0.87).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that varicocele patients have higher risk of saphenofemoral and lower extremity venous insufficiencies but not the risk of hemorrhoids.
Blockchain: From Bitcoin to the Internet of Value and beyond
Authors: Lacity Mary C
Published: February 2022

Information Systems (IS) scholars have made significant contributions to blockchain knowledge since blockchain technologies were first implemented in 2009 with the launch of Bitcoin. The overarching espoused aim of blockchain technologies is the decentralization of power over the Internet. Peer-to-peer payments were the first applications, followed by platforms for decentralized applications, decentralized autonomous organizations, and, more recently, self-sovereign identity, decentralized finance, nonfungible tokens, and metaverses. JIT invited Mary Lacity, director of the Blockchain Center of Excellence at the University of Arkansas, to provide an overview of the major innovations, explain how early enterprise adopters are using these innovations, and where these technologies might be headed. This paper, formatted as a conversation, hopes to inspire more IS scholars to engage in this rapidly evolving area.
Beehive wind turbine: A new design for electric power generation in urban and semi-urban zones
Authors: Monzamodeth Román-Sedano A , Nicolás Iván Román-Roldán , Bernardo Hernández-Morales , Osvaldo Flores , Fermín Castillo , Bernardo Campillo
Published: February 2022

A new wind turbine design for domestic use in urban and semi-urban areas has been studied to examine their implementation and efficiency. In this work, the development of a wind turbine, based on the beehive shape is proposed for possible domestic implementation in urban and semi-urban zones. A first prototype is presented and results of testing it in a mobile assembly are reported. The wind turbine was designed using CAD and to compute the air flow pressure distribution on the blades and assess the mechanical response of the turbine, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and static structural simulations were performed. The CFD results showed pressure on all the wind turbine blades and a small pressure increase in the cavities generated by the beehive arrangement. On the other hand, the prototype was manufactured using a 3D printer and tested under working conditions on a mobile assembly in urban and semi-urban routes (freeway and highway, respectively). The revolutions per minute of the turbine and the relative wind velocity were measured and employed for structural simulations. The results demonstrated that the proposed beehive wind turbine is able to operate on urban and semi-urban areas.

[Formula: see text]
Effect of Fine Aggregate Particle Size on Physical, Mechanical, and Durability Properties of Ultra-High Performance Concrete
Authors: Mohammad Hasan Tawsif , Allena Srinivas , Sharma Yashovardhan , Yeluri Meghana
Published: February 2022

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) mixtures are typically developed using fine aggregate with a maximum size of 600 μm. From a sustainability point of view, use of larger size fine aggregate particles in UHPC mixtures should be investigated to reduce labor costs associated with sieving, to reduce wastage of sand, and to improve sustainability. This experimental research investigates the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of UHPC incorporating coarser fine aggregates with maximum particle size of 4.75 mm replacing fine sand. Both plain and fiber reinforced UHPC mixtures were developed with a target static flow of 200 mm (8 in.) and target compressive strength of 120 MPa (17,000 pounds per square inch). Three different curing regimens were investigated: moist curing, warm bath curing at 90°C, and heat curing at 90°C. Compressive and split tensile strengths, permeable porosity, and rapid chloride permeability tests were performed to study the effect of coarser fine aggregate sizes on these UHPC properties. Increasing the maximum fine aggregate particle size range did not affect the workability, compressive strength, permeable porosity, or chloride ion ingress; however, a limited decrease in split tensile strength was observed. A change in aggregate size may have a very large impact on fiber dispersion, embedment, and crack bridging. The experimental results highlight the potential of coarser fine aggregate used in UHPC.
Alternative Horizontal Markings along Curved Exit Ramp Terminals to Improve Driver-Safety-Related Performance
Authors: Raimondo Giorgia , Lioi Alessandra , Hazoor Abrar , Portera Alberto , Tefa Luca , Bassani Marco
Published: February 2022

Previous investigation has revealed that diverging maneuvers along curved terminals lead to a deterioration in the longitudinal and transversal performances of drivers with respect to linear ones. As a countermeasure, innovative horizontal markings (HMs) may be used to compel drivers to drive more prudently and maintain better vehicle control. In this driving simulation study, the behavioral effects of alternative HMs along curved exit ramp terminals were investigated. Forty-eight voluntary participants drove along randomly assigned exit ramp terminals, the design of which involved combinations of the following input variables: (i) horizontal markings (standard HM1, with internal lane bands HM2, with external zebra stripes HM3); (ii) lighting conditions (day and night); (iii) traffic flow in the motorway (1,000 passenger cars per hour pc/h and 3,000 pc/h), and (iv) ramp terminal connection type (continuous and reverse). Longitudinal (i.e., speed) and transversal (i.e., lateral position and diverging abscissa) behavioral data were collected. HM2 leads to greater improvements in the level of road safety thanks to better longitudinal and transversal driver behavior. However, drivers did delay their exit from the motorway with respect to the baseline condition (HM1) independent of the connection type. No relevant improvements were observed with HM3, apart from speed reductions at the end of the terminal and more centered trajectories when approaching the ramp. Results also show that drivers tended to enter the reverse terminal later than the continuous one (where drivers correctly used the taper), thus revealing that the use of the innovative HMs was not able to compensate for this inappropriate behavior adopted along reverse terminals.
Optimization Models for Snowplow Routes and Depot Locations: A Real-World Implementation
Authors: Xu Shuoyan , Wu Mingjian , Kwon Tae J. , Perchanok Max
Published: February 2022

This study developed a series of strategies to reassess the service level of winter road maintenance (WRM) operations on the road network in Perth County, Ontario, Canada. These strategies include rearranging plow routes by sharing the material storage yards and optimizing their numbers and locations while considering operational and legislative constraints such as total circuit time, operating speeds, and the number of available trucks. A methodological framework was then formulated and solved by tackling four practical, yet challenging, tasks in a sequential manner. The first task was to identify existing plow routes and construct a detailed GIS database that was later used for benchmarking the current WRM operations. The second task involved the optimization of existing plow routes, while the third task focused on the optimization of plow routes and depot locations by amalgamating WRM operations of different municipalities within Perth County. The final task was to conduct a clean slate optimization to see the benefits of combining depots and route sharing. The optimization models developed were implemented to transform the existing maintenance operations networks to an optimized, integrated, and unified network of routes, with improved land use utilization for road maintenance yards. The framework then captured the impact of the service order of maintenance routes and arranged routing priority efficiently using the tabu search algorithm. The findings also revealed that, by sharing depots, the county could retire three depots and eight trucks while still meeting legislative requirements, thereby suggesting the potential for substantial monetary savings.
Who with suspected prostate cancer can benefit from Proclarix after multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging?
Authors: Morote Juan , Campistol Miriam , Regis Lucas , Celma Anna , de Torres Inés , Semidey Maria E. , Roche Sarai , Mast Richard , Santamaria Anna , Planas Jacques , Trilla Enrique
Published: February 2022

Proclarix is a new blood-based test to assess the likelihood of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) defined as >2 grade group. In this study, we analyzed whether Proclarix and PSA density (PSAD) could improve the selection of candidates for prostate biopsy after multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI). Proclarix and PSAD were assessed in 567 consecutive men with suspected PCa in whom pre-biopsy 3 Tesla mpMRI, scoring with Prostate Imaging-Report and Data System (PI-RADS) v.2, and guided and/or systematic biopsies were performed. Proclarix and PSAD thresholds having csPCa sensitivity over 90% were found at 10% and 0.07 ng/(mL*cm3), respectively. Among 100 men with negative mpMRI (PI-RADS <3), csPCa was detected in 6 cases, which would have been undetected if systematic biopsies were avoided. However, Proclarix suggested performing a biopsy on 70% of men with negative mpMRI. In contrast, PSAD only detected 50% of csPCa and required 71% of prostate biopsies. In 169 men with PI-RADS 3, Proclarix avoided 21.3% of prostate biopsies and detected all 25 cases of csPCa, while PSAD avoided 26.3% of biopsies, but missed 16% of csPCa. In 190 men with PI-RADS 4 and 108 with PI-RADS 5, Proclarix avoided 12.1% and 5.6% of prostate biopsies, but missed 4.8% and 1% of csPCa, respectively. PSAD avoided 18.4% and 9.3% of biopsies, but missed 11.4% and 4.2% csPCa, respectively. We conclude that Proclarix outperformed PSAD in the selection of candidates for prostate biopsy, especially in men with PI-RADS <3.
Urban/Rural Digital Divide Exists in Older Adults: Does It Vary by Racial/Ethnic Groups?
Authors: Choi Eun Young , Kanthawala Shaheen , Kim Young Sun , Lee Hee Yun
Published: February 2022

Despite the overall increase in older adults’ internet use, the digital divide within older Americans remains substantial, particularly for those in rural areas and with racial/ethnic minority backgrounds. The current study examines how one’s residential area and racial/ethnicity relate to internet access, both singularly and in concert. Data were from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study. The sample consisted of 17,372 Americans aged 50 and above. Logistic regression analyses were performed to test the direct effects of residence and race/ethnicity and their interaction effects on internet use. The odds of internet use were significantly lower for older adults living in suburban and rural residences as well as for Black and Hispanic individuals. Furthermore, rural living reduced the probability of using the internet more for Blacks than Whites. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to narrow the digital divide, with particular attention required for older Blacks in rural communities.
Integration of Prostate Biopsy Results with Pre-Biopsy Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings Improves Local Staging of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Caglic Iztok , Sushentsev Nikita , Shah Nimish , Warren Anne Y. , Lamb Benjamin W. , Barrett Tristan
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To assess the added value of histological information for local staging of prostate cancer (PCa) by comparing the accuracy of multiparametric MRI alone (mpMRI) and mpMRI with biopsy Gleason grade (mpMRI+Bx). Methods: 133 consecutive patients who underwent preoperative 3T-MRI and subsequent radical prostatectomy for PCa were included in this single-centre retrospective study. mpMRI imaging was reviewed independently by two uroradiologists for the presence of extracapsular extension (ECE) and seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) on a 5-point Likert scale. For second reads, the radiologists received results of targeted fused MR/US biopsy (mpMRI+Bx) prior to re-staging. Results: The median patient age was 63 years (interquartile range (IQR) 58-67 years) and median PSA was 6.5 ng/mL (IQR 5.0-10.0 ng/mL). Extracapsular extension was present in 85/133 (63.9%) patients and SVI was present in 22/133 (16.5%) patients. For ECE prediction, mpMRI showed sensitivity and specificity of 63.5% and 81.3%, respectively, compared to 77.7% and 81.3% achieved by mpMRI+Bx. At an optimal cut-off value of Likert score ≥ 3, areas under the curves (AUCs) was .85 for mpMRI+Bx and .78 for mpMRI, P < .01. For SVI prediction, AUC was .95 for mpMRI+Bx compared to .92 for mpMRI; P = .20. Inter-reader agreement for ECE and SVI prediction was substantial for mpMRI (k range, .78-.79) and mpMRI+Bx (k range, .74-.79). Conclusions: MpMRI+Bx showed superior diagnostic performance with an increased sensitivity for ECE prediction but no significant difference for SVI prediction. Inter-reader agreement was substantial for both protocols. Integration of biopsy information adds value when staging prostate mpMRI.
Feminist Except for Palestine: Where Are Feminist Social Workers on Palestine?
Authors: Shalhoub-Kevorkian Nadera , Wahab Stéphanie , Al-Issa Ferdoos Abed-Rabo
Published: February 2022

Despite international social work commitments to social justice, human dignity, and individual worth, feminist social work remains silent on Palestine. Israeli settler colonial violence pushes us to revisit our responsibilities to stand against colonized militarism. We insist that collective liberation is a feminist ethical constant, a political bosom for decolonization, a compass for critical feminist social work. In this article, we extend previously made claims that Palestine is a feminist issue by highlighting four moral imperatives: 1) persistent sumud, (2) gendered impacts of Zionism's settler colonial violence, 3) commitments to justice and liberation, and 4) feminist praxis of narrating violence.
Technology as a Social Companion? An Exploration of Individual and Product-Related Factors of Anthropomorphism
Authors: Christoforakos Lara , Diefenbach Sarah
Published: February 2022

From chatbots that simulate human conversation to cleaning robots with anthropomorphic appearance, humanlike designed technologies become increasingly present in our society. A growing strand of research focuses on psychological factors and motivations influencing anthropomorphism, that is, the attribution of human characteristics to non-human agents and objects. For example, studies have shown that feeling lonely can come along with attributing anthropomorphic qualities to objects; others imply that anthropomorphism might influence individuals’ social needs in return. Such an interrelation could have great societal impact, if, for example, interacting with humanlike technology would reduce the need for interpersonal interaction. Yet, the interrelation between anthropomorphism and social needs has not been studied systematically and individual as well as situational preconditions of anthropomorphism have not been specified. The present research investigates the interrelation between anthropomorphism and social needs on the example of interacting with a smartphone and highlights possible preconditions by means of two experimental studies using a 2 × 2-between-subjects-design, varying social exclusion and anthropomorphism. Our first study ( N = 159) showed an overall positive correlation between the willingness to socialize and perceived anthropomorphism. Our second study ( N = 236) highlighted that this relationship is especially pronounced for individuals with a high tendency to anthropomorphize, given that the product supports a humanlike perception through its appearance and design cues. In sum, results support an interrelation between social needs and anthropomorphism but also stress individual and contextual strengthening factors. Limitations, theoretical, and practical implications are discussed.
Pharmacists’ Knowledge and Perceptions of Health Literacy
Authors: Murphy Pilar Z. , Jester Ashton P.
Published: February 2022

Background: Health literacy is defined as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information needed to make appropriate health decisions. A review of literature revealed few studies that examined pharmacist’s knowledge of health literacy. Methods: The Pharmacist Professional Health Literacy Survey was distributed to a convenience sampling of community pharmacists in medically underserved counties of Southwest Georgia. Results: Of 75 pharmacists contacted, 39 completed the survey and were used in the evaluation. Most respondents reported no health literacy training and had never assessed health literacy with a validated questionnaire. More than half of the participants cited lack of knowledge about low health literacy as a major barrier to implementing health literacy screening for their patients. Time and cost were identified as major barriers to participating in health literacy training programs. Conclusion: Most pharmacists from this area had little exposure to evaluating health literacy. Pharmacy education postgraduate programs and continuing education training programs around this topic will heighten health literacy knowledge for the pharmacy profession. There is a need for a quick, easy to use, and effective tool for pharmacists to recognize and assess health literacy in patients.
Personalized highway pilot assist considering leading vehicle’s lateral behaviors
Authors: Li Daofei , Liu Ao
Published: February 2022

Highway pilot assist has become the front line of competition in advanced driver assistance systems. The increasing requirements on safety and user acceptance are calling for personalization in the development process of such systems. Inspired by a finding on drivers’ car-following preferences on lateral direction, a personalized highway pilot assist algorithm is proposed, which consists of an Intelligent Driver Model (IDM) based speed control model and a novel lane-keeping model considering the leading vehicle’s lateral movement. A simulated driving experiment is conducted to analyze drivers’ gaze and lane-keeping behaviors in free-driving and following driving scenario. Drivers are clustered into two driving style groups referring to their driving behaviors affected by the leading vehicle, and then the personalization parameters for every specific subject driver are optimized. The proposed algorithm is validated through driver-in-the-loop experiment based on a moving-base simulator. Results show that, compared with the un-personalized algorithms, the personalized highway pilot algorithm can significantly reduce the mental workload and improve user acceptance of the assist functions.
Data-driven trajectory-tracking in automated parking system via iterative learning compensation and model predictive control
Authors: Song Shaoyu , Zhang Shukai
Published: February 2022

Automated parking system (APS) that explicitly considers the time efficiency of the motion has received large amounts of attention in recent years. Trajectory planning module in these APS delivered parking trajectory, which was expected to be precisely tracked by tracking module. However, the reference points of frequently used trackers were selected in the spatial domain, resulting in significant trajectory tracking errors with temporal information. In this paper, a tracking control method called ILC-MPC, which combined model predictive control (MPC) and iterative learning control (ILC), was proposed to improve the spatiotemporal tracking accuracy of the autonomous vehicle. ILC was utilized for longitudinal compensation using the error signal between historical and expected speed. Accordingly, the error model in the longitudinal direction was simplified to decrease the number of decision variables in MPC. Simulation experiments using CarSim were carried out to compare the proposed method with open-loop control, linear quadratic regulator (LQR), and pure MPC that had a similar computing time with ILC-MPC. ILC-MPC converged in a few iterations of the learning process and achieved the highest tracking accuracy in spatiotemporal domain among the mentioned methods.
A quantitative comparison of plantar soft tissue strainability distribution and homogeneity between ulcerated and non-ulcerated patients using ultrasound strain elastography
Authors: Patwari Mayank , Chatzistergos Panagiotis , Sundar Lakshmi , Chockalingam Nachiappan , Ramachandran Ambadi , Naemi Roozbeh
Published: February 2022

The primary objective of this study was to develop a method that allows accurate quantification of plantar soft tissue stiffness distribution and homogeneity. The secondary aim of this study was to investigate if the differences in soft tissue stiffness distribution and homogeneity can be detected between ulcerated and non-ulcerated foot. Novel measures of individual pixel stiffness, named as quantitative strainability (QS) and relative strainability (RS) were developed. Strain Elastography data obtained from 39 (nine with active diabetic foot ulcers) patients with diabetic neuropathy. The patients with active diabetic foot ulcer had wound in parts of the foot other than the first metatarsal head and the heel where the elastography measures were conducted. RS was used to measure changes and gradients in the stiffness distribution of plantar soft tissues in participants with and without active diabetic foot ulcer. The plantar soft tissue homogeneity in superior-inferior direction in the left forefoot was found to be significantly ( p < 0.05) higher in ulcerated group compared to non-ulcerated group. The assessment of homogeneity showed potentials to further explain the nature of the change in tissue that can increase internal stress. This can have implications in assessing the vulnerability to plantar soft tissue damage and ulceration in diabetes.
Memoirs of women-in-conflict: Ugandan ex-combatants and the production of knowledge on security and peacebuilding
Authors: Curtis Devon EA , Ebila Florence , Martin de Almagro Maria
Published: February 2022

The limitations of conventional accounts of security and peacebuilding drawing upon the ‘expert’ knowledge of military elites, policymakers and civil society representatives have been widely recognized. This has led security and peacebuilding policymakers, including through the United Nations Women, Peace and Security agenda, to search for alternative forms of knowledge, such as memoirs, photographs or oral histories, that better reflect lived experiences within local communities. Building on existing work on memoirs as knowledge production artefacts and on feminist security studies, this article demystifies experiential security knowledge through an analysis of three memoirs written by women ex-combatants in Uganda. We argue that while the memoirs offer complex and contradictory narratives about women ex-combatants, they are also the products of transnational mediated processes, whereby the interests of power translate complex narratives into consolidated representations and sturdy tropes of the abducted African woman ex-combatant. This means that although the three memoirs provide some hints as to transformative ways of thinking about security and peace, and offer dynamic accounts of personal experiences, they also reflect the politics of dominant representational practices.
Preparation and characterization of soybean oil/polydimethylsiloxane hybrid bioepoxy resin and its application in antitermite coating
Authors: Kusumkar Vipul , Singh Pratiksha , Yemul Omprakash
Published: February 2022

A soybean oil and polydimethylsiloxane-based hybrid bioepoxy resin (HSB) has been prepared by reacting epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and epoxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (EPDMS). The two components were crosslinked using citric acid in solution. The prepared hybrid (HSB) was characterized using infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). The surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX); thermal behavior of neat bioepoxy was explored using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The blend (HSB) was examined for their anti-termite activity. The possible applications of this hybrid material were tested by coating on paper as well as wooden plates, and their coating properties were studied.
Career Development in Highly Sex-typed Postsecondary Vocational Technical Education Programs: A Social Cognitive Analysis
Authors: Sevilla Maria Paola , Snodgrass Rangel Virginia
Published: February 2022

Using social cognitive career theory (SCCT), we examined the career development of students in sex-typed postsecondary Vocational Technical Education (VTE) programs in the Chilean context. We assessed the moderating effects of students’ socioeconomic background, sex, membership to the sex-atypical group, and the intersection of these attributes across SCCT measures and the model’s predicted relationships. The results showed that students in sex-atypical careers, particularly low-income students, perceived supports and barriers differently, and that supports and barriers have different effects on self-efficacy and outcome beliefs. We also found differences between female and male students in these careers path, which suggests that the former face more challenges. However, we also found that their career development process unfolds similarly, suggesting that strategies designed to support these groups may be equally helpful for female and male students. We discuss the findings in light of prior literature and offer practical implications for VTE institutions.
Epidermal growth factor receptor-Mutated Non-small-cell Lung Cancer with Intracranial Progressions and Stable Extracranial Diseases Benefit from Osimertinib Regardless of T790M Mutational Status
Authors: Liao Jun , Huang Yihua , Gan Jiadi , Pang Lanlan , Ali Wael A. S. , Yang Yunpeng , Chen Likun , Zhang Li , Fang Wenfeng
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Osimertinib has exhibited promising central nervous system (CNS) efficacy in Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. In real-world clinical practice, patients would turn to plasma genotyping or take osimertinib blindly after CNS progression on previous tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, the efficacy of osimertinib in those patients according to their T790M mutational status has not been explored.

Materials and methods

Twenty-five patients who received osimertinib due to intracranial progressions with stable extracranial diseases after early-generation EGFR-TKI treatment were collected from 1032 EGFR-mutated NSCLC. Plasma samples were analyzed for EGFR mutations using next-generation sequencing (NGS) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

Among the 25 patients, 17 patients took plasma genotyping before osimertinib treatment with 8 patients EGFR T790M mutation-positive and the rest started osimertinib blindly. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 8.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.12-9.94) and median intracranial PFS (iPFS) was 14.4 months (95% CI: 7.27-21.59) for the total population. No statistical difference was found in PFS and iPFS among patients with different EGFR T790M mutational statuses. Intracranial disease control rate (DCR) was 100.0% for 14 patients with evaluable intracranial lesions despite different T790M mutational statuses. DCR for extracranial lesions and overall lesions were 100.0%, 66.7%, and 87.5% for patients with T790M, no T790M, and unknown T790M mutational status, respectively.

Conclusion

For EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients with only intracranial progressions after previous TKI treatments, osimertinib is a promising treatment option regardless of T790M mutational status from plasma genotyping.
Safety and Efficacy Evaluation of Antithrombotic Therapy with Rivaroxaban and Clopidogrel After PCI in Chinese Patients
Authors: Bai Long , Yang Xiao-hong , Zhou Ya-qing , Cui Xiao-ran , Fu Ling-zhi , Zhang Ji-dong
Published: February 2022

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and safety of the antithrombotic therapy using the oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban and clopidogrel in Chinese patients with acute coronary syndrome complicated with atrial fibrillation after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods

A total of 100 patients were selected. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: the treatment group (rivaroxaban group) received a therapy of rivaroxaban and clopidogrel. The control group (warfarin group) receivied a combined treatment of warfarin, clopidogrel, and aspirin. The primary outcome endpoint was evaluated based on the adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events within 12 months.

Results

A total of 8 (8.00%) main adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events occurred during the 12 months of follow-up, including 5 (9.80%) in the warfarin group and 3 (6.10%) in the rivaroxaban group. The risk of having main adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in the two groups was comparable (P = 0.479). A total of 9 patients (9.00%) were found to have bleeding events, among which 8 patients (15.7%) were in the warfarin group, whereas only 1 patient (2.00%) was in the rivaroxaban group. Therefore, the risk of bleeding in the warfarin group was significantly higher than that in the rivaroxaban group (P = 0.047).

Conclusions

In Chinese patients with acute coronary syndrome complicated with atrial fibrillation, the efficacy of the dual therapy of oral anticoagulant rivaroxaban plus clopidogrel after percutaneous coronary intervention was similar to that of the traditional triple therapy combined with warfarin, aspirin and clopidogrel, but it has a better safety property, which has potential to widely apply to antithrombotic therapy after PCI
“There Is Always an Excuse to Blame the Girl”: Perspectives on Sexual Harassment at a Jordanian University
Authors: Bergenfeld Irina , Clark Cari Jo , Sandhu Seema , Yount Kathryn M. , Essaid Aida A. , Sajdi Jude , Abu Taleb Rand , Robbin Zoe , Batayeh Brian , Zwooqar Ahad , Spencer Rachael A.
Published: February 2022

Sexual harassment (SH), defined as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, presents a global public health issue and a barrier to empowerment for women and girls. To understand the perceived causes of SH in the Jordanian university context, we conducted focus groups ( n = 6) and participatory data collection with students ( n = 317) and interviews with staff and administrators ( n = 5) at a public university. These data identified norms governing men's and women's behavior, institutional climate and policies, tribal conservatism and protection of perpetrators, and early socialization as underlying SH. Campus-based interventions should adopt approaches aimed at multiple levels of the social ecology.
Lipegfilgrastim may cause hyperleukocytosis
Authors: Hannarici Zekeriya , Yılmaz Ali , Buyukbayram Mehmet Emin , Turhan Aykut , Tekin Salim Başol , Bilici Mehmet
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF) are utilized both in the treatment and prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Lipegfilgrastim is a long-acting G-CSF. Albeit it provides ease of administration compared to short-acting GCSFs, some lipegfilgrastim-related adverse events may occur. Bone pain, widespread body pain, and feeling of fever are among common adverse effects, while rare but more serious adverse effects such as leukocytosis, spleen rupture, interstitial pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, capillary leak syndrome, hypokalemia, and glomerulonephritis may occur as well.

Case report

We reported a case of hyperleukocytosis that developed due to prophylactic administration of lipegfilgrastim following the first course of neoadjuvant pertuzumab (840–420 mg), trastuzumab (8–6mg/kg), and docetaxel (75 mg/m2) in a 45-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of breast invasive ductal carcinoma. The patient, who presented with weakness, loss of appetite, and oral intake disorder, had elevated white blood cell (WBC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and uric acid levels in her test results. Peripheral smear (PS) had a left shift.

Management and outcome

Intravenous 0.9% NaCl and peroral allopurinol were started to be administered to the patient. On the ninth day of hospitalization, the patient's clinical manifestation improved, and her WBC, LDH, uric acid, and PS returned to normal. Besides, the progression to tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) was prevented by appropriate hydration and allopurinol treatment. In subsequent chemotherapies (CTs), lipegfilgrastim was discontinued and filgrastim was started. The patient whose hyperleukocytosis did not recur was operated on following neoadjuvant CT. The patient's routine follow-up continues without any problems.

Discussion

Although lipegfilgrastim-induced hyperleukocytosis has not been reported in the literature, it should be borne in mind that hyperleukocytosis and related complications may occur, as in our case.
Effect of peripheral intravenous catheter type and material on therapy failure in a neonatal population
Authors: van Rens Matheus FPT , Hugill Kevin , Mahmah Mohamad Adnan , Francia Airene LV , van Loon Fredericus HJ
Published: February 2022

Background:

In neonatal settings vascular access devices are essential for treatment. However, their use is not without risks. The design and materials of peripheral vascular access devices have been evaluated amongst adult populations, but contemporary studies in neonatal settings are scant.

Purpose/outcome measures:

This research describes the prevalence of peripheral intravenous catheter failure related to three different catheter types with the intent to identify modifiable risks that might be used to evaluate device efficacy, innovate neonatal practice, and support future policy developments.

Method and setting:

This was a retrospective observational analysis of routinely collected anonymized intravenous therapy related data. The study was carried out at the tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (112 beds) of the Women’s Wellness and Research Center of Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.

Participants:

Neonates who were admitted to the unit requiring intravenous treatment wherefore peripheral intravenous cannulation was indicated, were included in this study.

Results:

The use of different type of catheters resulted in significantly less therapy failures as phlebitis and increased dwell time, compared with the control groups. This remains significant after adjusting for age at insertion, gestational age, birth weight, and catheter type.

Conclusions:

The study’s findings are in accord with international literature concerning adult and pediatric patients concerning the superiority of PUR over PTFE catheters with respect to the risk of phlebitis and longer dwell times. However, the risk of failure of therapy did not differ between catheters. This finding is reassuring and supports practitioner judgment when selecting peripheral catheter devices.
Effect of galvanic vestibular stimulation on axial symptoms in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Kataoka Hiroshi , Okada Yohei , Kiriyama Takao , Kita Yorihiro , Nakamura Junji , Shomoto Koji , Sugie Kazuma
Published: February 2022

Postural imbalance, abnormal axial posture, and axial rigidity are the characteristic features of Parkinson’s disease (PD), and they are referred to as axial symptoms. The symptoms are difficult to manage since they are often resistant to both L-DOPA and deep brain stimulation. Hence, other treatments that can improve Parkinsonian axial symptoms without adverse effects are required. Vestibular dysfunction occurs in PD since neuropathological changes and reflex abnormalities are involved in the vestibular nucleus complex. Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS), which activates the vestibular system, is a noninvasive method. This review aimed to assess the clinical effect of GVS on axial symptoms in PD. To date, studies on the effects of GVS on postural instability, anterior bending posture, lateral bending posture, and trunk rigidity and akinesia in PD had yielded interesting data, and none of the patients presented with severe adverse events, and the others had mild reactions. GVS indicated a possible novel therapy. However, most included a small number of patients, and the sample sizes were not similar in some studies that included controls. In addition, there was only one randomized controlled clinical trial, and it did not perform an objective evaluation of axial symptoms. In this type of research, vestibular contributions to balance should be distinguished from others such as proprioceptive inputs or nonmotor symptoms of PD.
Tissue damage detected by quantitative gradient echo MRI correlates with clinical progression in non-relapsing progressive MS
Authors: Xiang Biao , Brier Matthew R , Kanthamneni Manasa , Wen Jie , Snyder Abraham Z , Yablonskiy Dmitriy A , Cross Anne H
Published: February 2022

Background:

Imaging biomarkers of progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) are needed. Quantitative gradient recalled echo (qGRE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluates microstructural tissue damage in MS.

Objective:

To evaluate qGRE-derived R2t* as an imaging biomarker of MS progression compared with atrophy and lesion burden.

Methods:

Twenty-three non-relapsing progressive MS (PMS), 22 relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), and 18 healthy control participants underwent standard MS physical and cognitive neurological assessments and imaging with qGRE, FLAIR, and MPRAGE at 3T. PMS subjects were tested clinically and imaged every 9 months over 45 months. Imaging measures included lesion burden, atrophy, and R2t* in cortical gray matter (GM), deep GM, and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). Longitudinal analysis of clinical performance and imaging biomarkers in PMS subjects was conducted via linear models with subject as repeated, within-subject factor. Relationship between imaging biomarkers and clinical scores was assessed by Spearman rank correlation.

Results:

R2t* reductions correlated with neurological impairment cross-sectionally and longitudinally. PMS patients with clinically defined disease progression ( N = 13) showed faster decrease of R2t* in NAWM and deep GM compared with the clinically stable PMS group ( N = 10). Importantly, tissue damage measured by R2t* outperformed lesion burden and atrophy as a biomarker of progression during the study period.

Conclusion:

qGRE-derived R2t* is a potential imaging biomarker of MS progression.