bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of an intensive multi-disciplinary STEM enrichment program on underrepresented minority student success
Authors: Ghazzawi Dina , Pattison Donna Lynn , Horn Catherine , Hardy John , Brown Beverly
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study examines the impact of participation in a STEM Enrichment Summer Bridge Program, funded by the NSF Houston-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, on undergraduate student success outcomes, particularly for under-represented students.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses propensity score matching and logistic regression analysis to examine the effects of participation in the STEM enrichment program on graduation and retention in STEM after matching on baseline socio-demographic and pre-college characteristics.

Findings

The analysis found that program participation had a significant effect on increasing both the graduation rates and retention of under-represented minority students in STEM fields. In addition, results indicated that program participation had a particularly strong impact for Pell-eligible students in terms of course grades.

Research limitations/implications

Data obtained for this study were limited to a single Hispanic-serving/Asian-serving institution, and therefore are not necessarily representative of the graduation and retention trends of the larger population of underrepresented minority (URM) students across the nation.

Originality/value

This study uniquely adds to the existing body of literature surrounding the retention of URM students in STEM fields by accounting for baseline variables, such as pre-college academic achievement and socio-demographic characteristics, that could lead to bias in estimating results. Specifically, this study addresses limitations of previous studies by comparing participants and non-participants of the STEM enrichment program who are matched on a selection of baseline characteristics.
The lived experience of UK health communication professionals during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Gregory Anne , Nichols Bill , Underwood John M.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This research explores approaches to, impacts of and reflections on the Covid-19 pandemic for professional communicators in the English National Health Service. It was undertaken in order to understand and analyse their lived experience and make recommendations for improving future system-wide performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the work pressure and additional commitments that communication practitioners have when working in crisis, the researchers chose a single data collection method. Qualitative and quantitative data collection was undertaken using an extensive self-completion survey instrument.

Findings

Ten distinct themes covering four time phases: crisis preparedness, entering the crisis, pandemic peak and post “first-wave” are discussed. They examine crisis readiness, to shifts in priorities and communication approaches to system-wide leadership and integration and the re-positioning of communication as a central player in pandemics.

Practical implications

The research outlines a number of areas for improvement along with practical recommendations for actions in the health system in readiness for future pandemics.

Originality/value

This is the first time the lived experience of communicators working through a pandemic at all levels in a national health system has been researched in the public relations literature.
Effect of a purpose in life program on the wellness of Southern Thai adolescents
Authors: Balthip Karnsunaphat , Pasri Pimpanit , Suwanphahu Bunrome , McSherry Wilfred , Kritpracha Charuwan
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The study aimed to examine the effect of a purpose in life (PIL) program on the wellness of Thai adolescents.

Design/methodology/approach

Two schools located in municipalities in southern Thailand were selected by simple random sampling. Students from each school were randomly allocated to either an experimental group (n = 35) or a control group (n = 32). The experimental group received the PIL program for 16 weeks. The control group received the routine education program. Participants' wellness was measured using the Wellness Scale (WS). The WS was validated for content validity by five Thai experts and tested for reliability with 30 junior high school students, yielding the Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.84. The differences in the mean score of wellness across time were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.

Findings

The mean scores of wellness of the experimental group and the control group were statistically significantly different across time (p < 0.001). Post hoc tests in the experimental group showed a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of wellness between Week 1 and Week 16, Week 1 and Week 20 and Week 16 and Week 20 (p < 0.05). In the control group, the results showed a statistically significant difference in the mean scores of wellness between Week 1 and Week 20 and Week 16 and Week 20 (p < 0.05).

Originality/value

The PIL program, originally developed within a Thai context and focused on the spiritual dimension, was effective in enhancing the wellness of Thai adolescents.
Developing an interpersonal communication material for primary health-care workers for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases: experience from a case in Manila, Philippines
Authors: Guevarra Jonathan P. , Zuñiga Yves Miel H. , Uezono Deinzel R. , Go John Juliard L. , Granada Carmela N. , Manese Dolores T.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe the systematic process in developing an interpersonal communication material for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the City of Manila, Philippines.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic process in the development of an interpersonal communication material is presented. The seven steps in the process included mapping of available health communication materials, needs identification, development of the material, pretesting, finalization, printing/production and orientation on the use of the material.

Findings

The process followed an iterative, multistakeholder approach in order to ensure that all important insights are obtained and that the final material is contextualized, easily communicated and culturally appropriate. It is important to consider context and culture on top of the methodology in order to ensure development of appropriate interpersonal communication material. It is also important that the experience of the primary health-care workers on the use of the interpersonal communication material is properly documented for future reference, through both quantitative and qualitative evaluations.

Originality/value

The seven-step systematic process utilized can be used as a model in developing health communication materials in the field of health promotion and education.
Does intellectual capital impact firms' capital structure? Exploring the role of firm risk and profitability
Authors: D'Amato A.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between intellectual capital and firm capital structure by exploring whether firm profitability and risk are drivers of this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a comprehensive data set of Italian firms over the 2008–2017 period, this paper examines whether intellectual capital affects firm financial leverage. Moreover, it analyzes whether firm profitability and risk mediate the abovementioned relationship. Financial leverage is measured by the debt/equity ratio. Intellectual capital is measured via the value-added intellectual coefficient approach.

Findings

The findings show that firms with a high level of intellectual capital have lower financial leverage and are more profitable and riskier than firms with a low level of intellectual capital. Furthermore, this study finds that firm profitability and risk mediate the relationship between intellectual capital and financial leverage. Thus, the higher profitability and risk of intellectual capital-intensive firms help explain their lower financial leverage.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have several implications. From a theoretical standpoint, the paper presents and tests a mediating model of the relationship between intellectual capital and financial leverage and its underlying processes. In terms of the more general managerial implications, the results provide managers with a clear interpretation of the relationship between intellectual capital and financial leverage and point to the need to strengthen the capital structure of intangible-intensive firms.

Originality/value

Through a mediation framework, this study provides empirical evidence on the relationship between intellectual capital and firm financial leverage by exploring the underlying mechanisms behind that relationship, which is a novel approach in the literature.
Multiple large shareholders and bank stability: the case of MENA banks
Authors: Boussaada Rim
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how multiple large shareholders individually and interactively influence Middle East and North Africa (MENA) bank stability.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical framework is based on a generalized dynamic two-step system and utilizes the method of moments estimation to analyze a panel dataset of 532 bank-year observations over the 2004–2017 period.

Findings

The estimation results show that large shareholders are crucial in explaining the differences in bank stability among MENA banks. Specifically, the first- and second-largest shareholders exacerbate bank instability. However, we found that the third-largest shareholder enhances bank stability. Additionally, the coalition between the two largest shareholders increases the moral hazard problem in MENA banks and significantly decreases stability. Meanwhile, the interaction between the three largest shareholders is associated with a control contestability problem, which impels better bank stability. The results support the dispersion effect of multiple large shareholders in MENA countries.

Originality/value

The role of large shareholders in corporate governance is widely recognized. However, very little is known about the role and the real impact that multiple large shareholders may have on the banking sector. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this work is the first to analyze the relationship between multiple large shareholders and bank stability in the MENA region.
Entrepreneurs' personal network usage and the performance of young firms: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Alnahedh Mishari , Alrashdan Abdullatif
Published: April 2021

Purpose

While most extant research focused on different dimensions of the entrepreneurs’ social network such as the size and quality of the network, the focus of this paper is on the extent to which entrepreneurs utilize their personal network with suppliers, competitors, customers, and government officials to support the operations of their ventures. This paper also takes into account the effects of industry level determinants that can influence the relationship between entrepreneurs’ personal network usage and young firms’ performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs confirmatory factor analysis and moderated hierarchical multiple regressions on a sample of 246 young firms in Kuwait.

Findings

The results indicate that entrepreneurs' personal network usage is positively associated with young firms' performance. The results also reveal that industry dynamism strengthens this relationship, while in hostile industries the relationship between network usage and young firms' performance becomes weaker.

Originality/value

The present study provides insights into how the extent of utilization of an entrepreneur's personal network affects the firm's performance. Furthermore, by unpacking how industry dynamism and industry hostility influence the entrepreneurs' ability to reap benefits from their personal networks, this paper enriches the research on the role of industry factors in the performance of young firms.
Inclusive school leadership: Examining the experiences of Canadian school principals in supporting students with special education needs
Authors: Sider Steve , Maich Kimberly , Morvan Jhonel , Villella Mélissa , Ling Paul , Repp Chantelle
Published: April 2021

As school systems strive to support students with special education needs in inclusive schools, there has been a persistent lack of scholarly literature that addresses the ways in which school principals are engaged in this process. This article is a response to this gap and aims to examine the question: What types of experiences do school principals identify as formational in their support of students with special education needs and fostering inclusive schools? Based on the analysis of data collected from 285 school principals from six provinces in Canada, four key themes are identified including: relationships, modelling behaviours, communication and principal isolation and lack of preparation. These themes are examined with consideration for how to support principals’ professional leadership in fostering inclusive schools. As a result, this article’s significance is in its examination of the experiences of principals and how these influence their leadership practice for supporting students with special education needs and fostering inclusive schools.
Cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside and cisplatin inhibit proliferation and downregulate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Li Xu , Zhao Jin , Yan Tingcai , Mu Jingjing , Lin Yang , Chen Jing , Deng Haotian , Meng Xianjun
Published: April 2021

Natural compounds have been increasingly investigated as substances enhancing the effect of drugs and reducing drug‐related adverse reactions. The objective of this study was to determine how a combination of cisplatin (DDP) with cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (C3G) affected malignancy features of cervical cancer cells. The results demonstrated that the proliferation of HeLa cells treated with 5 µg/ml DDP, 400 µg/ml C3G, or a combination of both (5 µg/ml DDP and 400 µg/ml C3G) was inhibited by 17.43%, 34.98%, and 63.38%, respectively. The IC50 values for DDP and the DDP/C3G combination treatments in HeLa cells were 18.53 and 6.435 µg/ml, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that treatment with DDP, C3G, or the combination induced G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HeLa cells. Furthermore, after treatment, cyclin D1 and Bcl‐2 levels decreased; Bax, cleaved caspase‐3, p53, and TIMP‐1 were activated; and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway was modulated. These anticancer effects were enhanced in cells treated with the combination of DDP and C3G compared to those treated with DDP or C3G alone. Our study indicates that C3G increases the antitumor activity of DDP, suggesting a potential strategy to reduce adverse effects associated with chemotherapy in cervical cancer.

Practical Application

Natural biologically active food ingredients are suggested to have a potential to enhance the effect of chemotherapy in cancer. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the literature because it revealed, for the first time, that C3G could increase the antitumor activity of DDP, suggesting a potential strategy to reduce adverse effects associated with chemotherapy in cervical cancer.
Characteristics of Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis complicated with calcinosis
Authors: Takagi Kae , Kawamoto Manabu , Higuchi Tomoaki , Tochimoto Akiko , Hirose Hikaru , Harigai Masayoshi , Kawaguchi Yasushi
Published: April 2021

Aim

Calcinosis is often observed in systemic sclerosis (SSc), but its pathogenesis remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the association of clinical features with calcinosis in patients with SSc.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed analyzing 416 SSc patients from our SSc database. We examined the clinical features with relation to calcinosis and SSc.

Results

Calcinosis was observed in 24.0% of patients with SSc. The group with calcinosis comprised more female patients (P < 0.05) and diffuse cutaneous types (P < 0.001) than the group without calcinosis. Complications of Raynaud's phenomenon (P < 0.05), nail fold bleeding (NFB) (P < 0.001), peripheral bone resorption (P < 0.001), myositis (P < 0.001), and pulmonary hypertension (P < 0.05) were more frequently observed in patients with calcinosis compared with those without calcinosis. The group with calcinosis had a higher modified Rodnan total skin‐thickness score (mRSS) than the group without calcinosis (P < 0.001). The factors that affected calcinosis in multivariable analysis were peripheral bone resorption (partial correlation coefficient 0.46, 34%), anti‐Scl‐70 antibody (partial correlation coefficient 0.29, 20%), diffuse type (partial correlation coefficient 0.34, 16%) and NFB (partial correlation coefficient 0.23, 11.2%).

Conclusions

Calcinosis in SSc is associated with Raynaud's phenomenon, NFB, and pulmonary hypertension, so peripheral circulatory insufficiency seems to be one of the causes of calcinosis. Furthermore, as it is related to mRSS and the diffuse cutaneous type, common factors related to skin fibrosis are considered to be involved.
Caremark Compliance for the Next Twenty‐Five Years
Authors: Bird Robert C.
Published: April 2021

One of the most influential cases in corporate governance is In re Caremark International Inc. Derivative Litigation (Caremark). In 1996, Caremark imposed a novel duty on boards of directors to make a good faith attempt to implement and exercise oversight over obligations leading to liability. Breach of this minimal duty has been difficult for plaintiffs to plead and prove, and the case law is littered with dismissed Caremark lawsuits. As Caremark's reign reaches a quarter‐century, however, its duties are primed to evolve. Two cases, Marchand v. Barnhill and In re Clovis Oncology, Inc. Derivative Litigation, took the rare step of allowing Caremark claims to survive motions to dismiss. These cases signal a new understanding of Caremark obligating boards not merely to attempt oversight, but to ensure proactively that such oversight is effective. This subtle but significant change in board duties is one to which the academic literature should respond. This article first reviews the Marchand and Clovis cases and argues that these cases hold significance for the future of Caremark claims. Second, this article studies client advisories from law firms and other sources that evaluate the Clovis and Marchand cases. It finds that while these advisories offer useful tactical responses, they lack strategic advice that would benefit boards over the long term. Filling the gap, this article presents long‐term strategic advice for boards not only to meet Caremark duties but also to thrive as exemplars of good governance and ethical leadership for the next twenty‐five years.
Is staging breast magnetic resonance imaging prompted upgrade to mastectomy appropriate?
Authors: Jayaratne Thilina , Huang Yang Yang , Jacques Angela , Dhillon Ravinder , Porter Gareth , Bose Sharmistha , Bourke Anita , Dessauvagie Ben , Lo Glen
Published: April 2021

Background

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) use for surgical staging is increasing, though remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of MRI in surgical decision‐making to determine if mastectomy prompted by MRI was appropriate.

Methods

A single‐centre observational study in Perth, Western Australia, with the inclusion of all preoperative and postoperative studies (e.g. involved margins after breast‐conserving surgery) undergoing staging breast MRI from 1 January 2015 to 26 August 2019. A standard protocol using gadolinium contrast was used. The reference standard was postoperative histopathology or, for studies without additional surgery after MRI following breast‐conserving surgery, the next and subsequent annual screening episodes. By reviewing the final histopathology, the medical case notes and multidisciplinary team decision process, we evaluated whether the reported MRI disease extent was accurate in prompting an appropriate upgrade to mastectomy. Outcomes are reported with descriptive statistics.

Results

Of 130 cancers staged with MRI; seven were excluded as information was incomplete, 104 were performed preoperatively and 19 postoperatively. The majority (60%) staged lobular carcinoma (invasive 59%, in situ 1%) compared to ductal carcinoma (invasive 31%, in situ 8%). For preoperative MRI, half (54% – 56/104) underwent subsequent mastectomy. Of these, MRI prompted mastectomy in 45% (25/56), all appropriate for disease extent. In the postoperative staging group, two mastectomies were performed, one planned before imaging, the other prompted when MRI diagnosed residual disease and confirmed on histopathology. No false‐negative staging MRI was identified.

Conclusions

In our cohort, MRI prompted an upgrade to mastectomy in 21% (26/123), appropriate for cancer extent.
Monitoring relative blood volume changes during hemodialysis: Impact of the priming procedure
Authors: Pstras Leszek , Waniewski Jacek , Lindholm Bengt
Published: April 2021

The monitoring of relative blood volume (RBV) changes during hemodialysis is increasingly used to evaluate the effect of dialyzer ultrafiltration on intravascular volume to guide the removal of excess fluid in a manner that maintains hemodynamic stability of the patient. RBV monitoring is typically based on an optical or acoustic sensor placed in the arterial blood line that measures a marker of hemoconcentration, such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, or total blood protein. However, the accuracy of RBV monitors and the impact of their clinical use remain the subject of ongoing debate. Here, we show that, depending on the procedure of filling the extracorporeal circuit with the patient's blood at the beginning of the dialysis session, the indications of an RBV monitor may be misleading as to the actual changes of the intravascular volume. When the blood is first pumped into the dialyzer, the priming fluid (saline) that fills the circuit may be either infused into the patient or disposed of to a drain bag. In the latter case, the intravascular volume is suddenly reduced, which is not accounted for by RBV monitors that track only the subsequent reductions in blood volume due to dialyzer ultrafiltration. We analyzed this general aspect of RBV monitoring using model‐based simulations and showed quantitatively how RBV changes calculated using hematocrit differ depending on the priming procedure.
Computational methods for parametric evaluation of the biventricular mechanics of direct cardiac compression
Authors: Aranda‐Michel Edgar , Waldman Lewis K. , Trumble Dennis R.
Published: April 2021

Despite the increasing incidence of heart failure, advancements in mechanical circulatory support have become minimal. A new type of mechanical circulatory support, direct cardiac compression, is a novel support paradigm that involves a soft deformable cup around the ventricles, compressing it during systole. No group has yet investigated the biomechanical consequences of such an approach. This article uses a multiscale cardiac simulation software to create a patient‐specific beating heart dilated cardiomyopathy model. Left and right ventricle (LV and RV) forces are applied parametrically, to a maximum of 2.9 and 0.46 kPa on each ventricle, respectively. Compression increased the ejection fraction in the left and right ventricles from 15.3% and 27.4% to 24.8% and 38.7%, respectively. During applied compression, the LV freewall thickening increased while the RV decreased; this was found to be due to a change in the balance of the preload and afterload in the freewalls. Principal strain renderings demonstrated strain concentrations on the anterior and posterior LV freewall. Strains in these regions were found to exponentially increase after 0.75 normalized LV force was applied. Component analysis of these strains illuminated a shift in the dominating strain from transmural to cross fiber once 0.75 normalized LV force is exceeded. An optimization plot was created by nondimensionalizing the stroke volume and maximum principal strain for each compression profile, selecting five potential compression schemes. This work demonstrates not only the importance of a computational approach to direct cardiac compression but a framework for tailoring compression profiles to patients.
Successful laparoscopic resection of gastric lymphangioma under the intraoperative guidance of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging: A case report
Authors: Umino Ryosuke , Urabe Masayuki , Ohkura Yu , Haruta Shusuke , Ueno Masaki , Udagawa Harushi
Published: April 2021

Gastric lymphangioma (GLA) is an extremely rare tumor without an established therapeutic strategy. Surgical resection is considered the mainstay of treatment, although there is a high risk of local recurrence if negative margins are not achieved. A 51‐year‐old man underwent routine abdominal ultrasonography, which incidentally detected a 20‐mm tumor adjacent to the lesser curvature of the stomach. GLA was suspected based on its polycystic appearance. After a 16‐month monitoring period, laparoscopic resection was performed because of tumor growth and involvement of the left gastric artery. Intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) navigation system revealed lymphatic drainage from the tumor, which we used to help determine the optimal excision line and minimize the loss of gastric volume. Pathological examination confirmed complete resection with negative margins and supported a diagnosis of lymphangioma. We performed laparoscopic radical resection of GLA under guidance from intraoperative ICG fluorescence imaging, which allowed us to maximize residual gastric volume.
Statin‐boosted cellular uptake and endosomal escape of penetratin due to reduced membrane dipole potential
Authors: Batta Gyula , Kárpáti Levente , Henrique Gabriela Fulaneto , Tóth Gabriella , Tarapcsák Szabolcs , Kovacs Tamas , Zakany Florina , Mándity István M. , Nagy Peter
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose

Cell penetrating peptides are promising tools for delivery of cargo into cells, but factors limiting or facilitating their cellular uptake are largely unknown. We set out to study the effect of the biophysical properties of the cell membrane on the uptake of penetratin, a cell penetrating peptide.

Experimental Approach

Using labelling with pH‐insensitive and pH‐sensitive dyes, the kinetics of cellular uptake and endo‐lysosomal escape of penetratin were studied by flow cytometry.

Key Results

We report that escape of penetratin from acidic endo‐lysosomal compartments is retarded compared with its total cellular uptake. The membrane dipole potential, known to alter transmembrane transport of charged molecules, is shown to be negatively correlated with the concentration of penetratin in the cytoplasmic compartment. Treatment of cells with therapeutically relevant concentrations of atorvastatin, an inhibitor of HMG‐CoA reductase and cholesterol synthesis, significantly increased endosomal escape of penetratin in two different cell types. This effect of atorvastatin correlated with its ability to decrease the membrane dipole potential.

Conclusion and Implications

These results highlight the importance of the dipole potential in regulating cellular uptake of cell penetrating peptides and suggest a clinically relevant way of boosting this process.
Re‐examining the implications of COVID‐19 on the Canadian dairy and poultry sectors
Authors: Weersink Alfons , von Massow Michael , McDougall Brendan , Bannon Nicholas
Published: April 2021

The dairy and poultry sectors responded quickly to the initial adjustments in the quantity and nature of food products forced by the shuttering of the hospitality sector and the subsequent switch to buying food from grocery stores. In addition, these sectors were less affected by the labor availability and health issues from COVID‐19 (coronavirus disease‐2019) that plagued others, such as red meat processors. While the overall impacts were less than most other parts of the agri‐food system, some elements of supply managed products, particularly poultry processors, have experienced a reduction in returns and are still adjusting to the new demand and supply situation. The extent of the impact is correlated with the degree to which the supply chain further upstream was connected to the downstream hospitality sector.
Prognostic value of nerve ultrasonography: A prospective multicenter study on the natural history of chronic inflammatory neuropathies
Authors: Telleman Johan A. , Herraets Ingrid J. T. , Goedee Hendrik Stephan , van Eijk Ruben P. A. , Verhamme Camiel , Eftimov Filip , Lieba‐Samal Doris , Asseldonk Jan Thies van , van den Berg Leonard H. , van der Pol Willem Ludo , Visser Leo H.
Published: April 2021

Background and objective

Nerve ultrasound is a promising new tool in chronic inflammatory neuropathies. The aim of this study was to determine its prognostic value in a prospective multicenter cohort study including incident and prevalent patients with CIDP and MMN.

Methods

We enrolled 126 patients with CIDP, and 72 with MMN; 71 were treatment‐naive. Patients with chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP; n = 35) were considered as disease controls. Standardized neurological examination, questionnaires, and nerve ultrasonography were obtained at time of inclusion and 1‐year follow‐up. Nerve size development over time and correlation between nerve size and clinical outcome measures were determined using linear mixed effects models.

Results

Nerve size development over time was heterogeneous. Only in MMN was there a correlation between C5 nerve root size and deterioration of grip strength (−1.3 kPa/mm2 (95% confidence interval [CI] −2.3 to −0.2). No other significant correlations between nerve size and clinical outcome measures were found. In MMN, presence of nerve enlargement at inclusion predicted deterioration of grip strength, and MMN patients with enlargement confined to the brachial plexus seemed to have more favorable outcomes. No other predictive effects of sonographic nerve size were found.

Conclusions

The present study indicates that the natural course of nerve size development in CIDP and MMN is heterogeneous, and that the prognostic value of sonographic nerve enlargement is limited. It had some predictive effect in patients with MMN. Further research in specific subgroups of chronic inflammatory neuropathy is necessary to determine the usefulness of nerve ultrasonography after the diagnostic phase.
Cultural Adaptation of Group Parenting Programs: Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Best Practices
Authors: Schilling Samantha , Mebane Alexander , Perreira Krista M.
Published: April 2021

Group parenting programs based on cognitive‐behavioral and social learning principles are effective in improving child behavior problems and positive parenting. However, most programs target non‐Hispanic, White, English‐speaking families and are largely inaccessible to a growing Hispanic and non‐White population in the United States. We sought to examine the extent to which researchers have culturally adapted group parenting programs by conducting a systematic review of the literature. We identified 41 articles on 23 distinct culturally adapted programs. Most cultural adaptations focused on language translation and staffing, with less focus on modification of concepts and methods, and on optimizing the fit between the target cultural group and the program goals. Only one of the adapted programs engaged a framework to systematically record and publish the adaptation process. Fewer than half of the culturally adapted programs were rigorously evaluated. Additional investment in cultural adaptation and subsequent evaluation of parenting programs is critical to meet the needs of all US families.
Motion‐triggered laser photography reveals fine‐scale activity patterns for burrowing crayfish
Authors: Bearden Rebecca A. , Tompkins Emily M. , Huryn Alexander D.
Published: April 2021

Burrowing crayfish represent 15% of total crayfish species and 32% of imperilled species. Few life history studies exist for these species and more information is needed regarding their ecology, population status, distribution, and biogeography for effective conservation efforts. Challenges to gaining such information include sampling difficulty and small sample sizes. Collection efforts may be more efficient if activity patterns can be identified for species of interest. The goal of our study was to assess specific environmental indicators of burrowing crayfish activity patterns.

We evaluated activity patterns of two primary burrowing crayfish species, Lacunicambarus erythrodactylus (Simon & Morris, Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash., 127, 2014, 572) and Procambarus holifieldi (Schuster, Taylor, & Adams, Zootaxa, 4021, 2015, 1) using laser‐triggered digital photography for one‐year periods in the Bogue Chitto Creek floodplain, Dallas County, Alabama, U.S.A. We predicted that activity would be related to time of day, season, groundwater depth, and precipitation.

Activity by L. erythrodactylus covaried significantly with time of day, daylength, groundwater temperature, and relative air temperature, while activity by P. holifieldi covaried with time of day, season, groundwater temperature, and relative air temperature. Additionally, burrow chimney construction by P. holifieldi covaried with daylength, groundwater temperature, relative air temperature, and precipitation.

Out‐of‐burrow activity for both species was greatest at night and during periods of relatively cool groundwater temperatures and relatively warm air temperatures, which may be linked to thermal regulation behaviour. The probability of chimney construction by P. holifieldi increased with increasing daylength and decreasing precipitation and was highest during periods of cool groundwater temperatures and air temperatures. A distinct lull in activity from October through March for both species was likely to be the result of reproductive behaviours such as period of egg production and incubation within burrows.

Identifying peak out‐of‐burrow activity periods for burrowing crayfish will allow collection efforts to be focused on periods of greatest activity, thereby facilitating the study of burrowing crayfish behaviour.
Adjustable iron‐containing SiBCN ceramics with high‐temperature microwave absorption and anti‐oxidation properties
Authors: Song Yan , Jin Shuo , Hu Ketao , Du Yuzhang , Liang Jin , Kong Jie
Published: April 2021

Quaternary siliconboron carbonitride (SiBCN) ceramics show excellent high‐temperature stability and oxidation resistance, indicating great potential as high‐temperature electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbing materials. In this contribution, an efficient and facile method was developed to prepare bulk iron‐containing SiBCN (Fe–SiBCN) ceramics with remarkable EM wave absorption at high temperature by pyrolyzing boron and iron containing precursors (PSZV‐B–Fe). The introduction of boron and iron not only improves the high‐temperature stability but also influences the complex permittivity and EM wave absorption. The minimum reflection coefficient (RCmin) is −61.05 dB, and the effective bandwidth absorption (EAB) is 3.35 GHz (9.05–12.4 GHz). The RCmin will be decreased to −52.3 dB at 600°C as well as the EAB covers more than 67% of the X band (2.8 GHz). The high‐temperature stable Fe–SiBCN ceramics with adjustable dielectric properties can be utilized as high‐performance EM wave‐absorbing materials in high‐temperature and harsh environments.
Negative pressure wound therapy for surgical site infections: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gao Junru , Wang Yunyun , Song Jingyu , Li Ze , Ren Jianan , Wang Peige
Published: April 2021

Objective

Negative pressure wound therapy is one of the most common treatments for infected wounds. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to compare the efficacy of negative pressure wound therapy with conventional treatment methods in the treatment of surgical site infection.

Design

This study is registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews.

Data Sources

The Pubmed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched.

Methods

The systematic review was searched by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses method. All trials reporting the use of negative pressure wound therapy for surgical site infection treatment were included regardless of surgery type. The primary outcome measure was wound healing. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, medical costs, adverse events, and reoperation rates. Results are presented with 95% confidence intervals and report estimates as odds ratios. Heterogeneity was determined through theI2test, withI2 > 50% indicating substantial heterogeneity andp < .10 significance. The search was performed on 10 March 2020.

Results

We identified 13 eligible trial comparisons, of which 2 were randomized controlled trials and 11 cohort study. Negative pressure wound therapy in surgical site infection (SSI) patients significantly increased wound healing rate, accelerated wound healing time, increased daily wound healing area, reduced hospital stay, and reduced adverse events. However, negative pressure wound therapy was associated with increased medical costs.

Conclusion

Negative pressure wound therapy may be more effective for the treatment of surgical site infection relative to conventional debridement, dressings and other treatments. However, further high‐quality randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the most optimal application of negative pressure wound therapy.

Impact.

Negative pressure wound therapy is the best treatment strategy for surgical site infection. This study can improve medical practitioners’ awareness of negative pressure wound therapy for surgical site infection, promoting the development of relevant randomized controlled trials.
Multidimensional family development theory: A reconceptualization of family development
Authors: Scott Crapo J. , Bradford Kay
Published: April 2021

As one of the first true family theories, family development theory helps explain competing and complimentary development among family members. However, assumptions of universality and other limitations have reduced its usefulness. We propose multidimensional family development theory, a reconceptualization that includes modifications to increase utility and usability for researchers and practitioners alike. From previously composite stages, we derive four dimensions of development: personal, vocational, couple, and generative. We discuss each dimension, the relationship of dimensions within individuals, and how the dimensions exert reciprocal influence individually and across the entire family. Mechanisms for the development of the individual and family are put forth. Roles and stages are discussed within the context of the developmental dimensions. The role and influence of culture is explicated. Links between process and diversity in terms of development are posited. We discuss how the theory can be applied in research and clinical settings.
Inventory Management, Dealers' Connections, and Prices in Over‐the‐Counter Markets
Authors: COLLIARD JEAN‐EDOUARD , FOUCAULT THIERRY , HOFFMANN PETER
Published: April 2021

We propose a new model of trading in over‐the‐counter markets. Dealers accumulate inventories by trading with end‐investors and trade among each other to reduce their inventory holding costs. Core dealers use a more efficient trading technology than peripheral dealers, who are heterogeneously connected to core dealers and trade with each other bilaterally. Connectedness affects prices and allocations if and only if the peripheral dealers' aggregate inventory position differs from zero. Price dispersion increases in the size of this position. The model generates new predictions about the effects of dealers' connectedness and dealers' aggregate inventories on prices.
A survey of Japanese interns to prepare for mandatory clinical training in obstetrics and gynecology
Authors: Onodera Yohei , Matoba Yusuke , Suemitsu Tokumasa , Shinagawa Manaka , Sugita Yosuke , Mayama Michinori , Banno Kouji , Yanaihara Nozomu , Komatsu Hiroaki , Shozu Makio , Watari Hidemichi
Published: April 2021

Aim

Obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) training became compulsory for Japanese physician interns from April 2020 to improve medical competence in treating women's diseases. This study aims to understand the Ob/Gyn training needs of postgraduate year 1–2 physicians (interns) and thereby improve training efficiency.

Methods

This study was administered to interns at Ob/Gyn training facilities from December 2019 to February 2020. An original questionnaire was used to evaluate their assessment of training needs. In analyses, interns were categorized according to whether they were willing to major in Ob/Gyn.

Results

Of the 1154 participants, 163 (14.1%) would major in Ob/Gyn (Ob/Gyn applicants) and 967 (83.8%) would not (non‐Ob/Gyn applicants). At the time of the survey, 634 (54.9%) had rotated in Ob/Gyn, 253 (21.9%) planned to rotate, and 267 (23.1%) chose not to rotate. The two most favorable training experiences were “experience in surgical procedures” (81/141, 57.4%) and “wide treatment areas covered by Ob/Gyn” (78/141, 55.3%) among the Ob/Gyn applicants, and “specificity of women's treatment” (308/488, 63.1%) among the non‐Ob/Gyn applicants.

Conclusions

Ob/Gyn applicants and non‐Ob/Gyn applicants differed in their assessment of Ob/Gyn rotations. It is crucial to provide medical training based on interns' needs to improve their skills for treating female patients.
Stakeholder Management & The Value of Human‐Centred Corporate Objectives
Authors: Parmar Bidhan (Bobby) L. , Wicks Andrew C. , Freeman R. Edward
Published: April 2021

We appreciate the opportunity to revisit the conversation about corporate objectives by responding to Goranvoa and Ryan’s (2021) paper, which focuses on the trends that impact shareholders and their relationship with firms. We structure our response to the authors in the following way: First, we argue that the governance challenges raised by Goranova and Ryan, in so far as they impact firms, make a case for stakeholder management. Second, we point out two shareholder‐centric trends the authors fail to describe, which also support stakeholder management. In the third section, we respond directly to the authors’ claim that competitive advantage is a more useful focus for the corporate objective by 1) noting that the authors utilize a strawman conceptualization of stakeholder theory in their argument, 2) detailing the existing strategy literature that connects competitive advantage and stakeholder relationships, and 3) arguing that competitive advantage is not sufficient, it needs to be augmented with a stakeholder focused cooperative advantage. Together, our response to the authors and the larger stakeholder perspective on corporate objectives offer a much‐needed human‐centric lens on how people coordinate their actions to create and trade value.
Effect of Air‐Particle Abrasion Protocol and Primer on The Topography and Bond Strength of a High‐Translucent Zirconia Ceramic
Authors: Khanlar Leila Nasiry , Takagaki Tomohiro , Abdou Ahmed , Inokoshi Masanao , Ikeda Masaomi , Takahashi Akifumi , Yoshihara Kumiko , Nagaoka Noriyuki , Nikaido Toru , Blatz Markus B. , Tagami Junji
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To evaluate effect of air‐particle abrasion protocol and primer on surface topography and bond strength of resin cement to high‐translucent zirconia ceramics.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred disk‐shaped high‐translucent zirconia specimens of 5Y‐PSZ were prepared. The specimens were assigned to 5 groups in terms of particle type and air‐particle abrasion pressure: (1) control, (2) alumina with 0.2 MPa‐air pressure [AB‐0.2], (3) alumina with 0.4 MPa‐air pressure [AB‐0.4], (4) glass beads with 0.2 MPa‐air pressure [GB‐0.2], and (5) glass beads with 0.4 MPa‐air pressure [GB‐0.4]. Two different primers 1% MDP (Experimental) and MDP‐silane primer (Clearfil Ceramic Primer Plus) was also tested. Stainless steel rods were bonded to the 5Y‐PSZ specimens with PANAVIA V5. For each group, the tensile bond strength (TBS) was measured after 24‐hour water storage (n = 10) and after 5000 thermal‐cycling (n = 10) at crosshead speed of 2 mm/min. The data were statistically analyzed using Weibull analysis. Surface roughness (Sa) was measured using a 3D‐Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope (n = 5) and analyzed by t‐test with Bonferroni correction. Surface topography using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface elemental analysis using energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDX), and cross‐section SEM at the interface with composite cement were also investigated.

Results

In MDP‐silane groups, the highest TBS was observed in AB‐0.4 after 24 hours and GB‐0.4 after thermal‐cycling (p < 0.05). In MDP groups, AB groups resulted in the significantly higher TBS than GB groups (p < 0.05). AB‐0.4 group showed the highest Sa value compared to all groups (p < 0.005), meanwhile GB groups did not show different Sa compared to control (p > 0.005).

Conclusion

Air‐abrasion with different particle and blasting pressure can improve bonding to zirconia with proper primer selection. Particularly, glass beads abrasion followed by MDP‐silane primer and alumina abrasion followed by MDP primer alone provided stable bond strength of resin cement to high‐translucent zirconia after aging. High‐translucent zirconia abraded with glass beads achieves a desirable bonding performance without creating surface microcracks which may hinder zirconia's mechanical properties.
Determiners are phrases
Authors: Pupa Francesco
Published: April 2021

It is generally thought that definite determiners exclusively mark nouns as definite. In several languages, however, definite determiners may modify both nouns and verbs. As I will argue, the existence of these “multi‐functional” elements suggests that determiners are in fact phrases. This syntactic move has a philosophical payoff. Among other things, it allows us to cast Donnellan's distinction as an ordinary consequence of the context‐invariant compositional semantics of natural language, not as a matter of contextual manipulation or lexical ambiguity. Multi‐functional determiners show us that Donnellan's distinction is,contraDonnellan, a matter of grammar.
Xylem vessel‐specific SND5 and its homologs regulate secondary wall biosynthesis through activating secondary wall NAC binding elements
Authors: Zhong Ruiqin , Lee Chanhui , Haghighat Marziyeh , Ye Zheng‐Hua
Published: April 2021

Secondary cell wall biosynthesis has been shown to be regulated by a suite of transcription factors. Here, we identified a new xylem vessel‐specific NAC domain transcription factor, secondary wall‐associated NAC domain protein5 (SND5), in Arabidopsis thaliana and studied its role in regulating secondary wall biosynthesis.

We showed that the expression of SND5 and its close homolog, SND4/ANAC075, was specifically associated with secondary wall‐containing cells and dominant repression of their functions severely reduced secondary wall thickening in these cells. Overexpression of SND4/5 as well as their homologs SND2/3 fused with the activation domain of the viral protein VP16 led to ectopic secondary wall deposition in cells that are normally parenchymatous. SND2/3/4/5 regulated the expression of the same downstream target genes as do the secondary wall NAC master switches (SWNs) by binding to and activating the secondary wall NAC binding elements (SNBEs).

Furthermore, we demonstrated that the poplar (Populus trichocarpa) orthologs of SND2/3/4/5 also activated SNBEs and regulated secondary wall biosynthesis during wood formation.

Together, these findings indicate that SND2/3/4/5 and their poplar orthologs regulate the expression of secondary wall‐associated genes through activating SNBEs and they are positioned at an upper level in the SWN‐mediated transcriptional network.