bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Very young age of onset in trigemino-autonomic cephalalgias – case report and review of the literature
Authors: Evers Stefan , Summ Oliver , Frese Achim
Published: July 2020

Background

Trigemino-autonomic cephalalgias are very rare disorders and even rarer in children and adolescents. We report the onset of paroxysmal hemicrania in a very young girl and reviewed the scientific literature for similar cases.

Findings

We describe the case of a 1.6-year-old girl with left-sided headache attacks fulfilling the criteria of paroxysmal hemicrania including prompt responsiveness to indomethacin. In addition, we detected at least two children for every trigemino-autonomic cephalalgias subtype with an age of under 7 years at the onset of the trigemino-autonomic cephalalgias. Remarkable features were a vast majority of chronic course from onset on and left-sided attacks.

Conclusion

Although very rare, trigemino-autonomic cephalalgias can occur even in very young children under the age of 6 years. This should be known in neuropaediatrics.
Use of Ultrasound to Determine Changes in Diaphragm Mechanics During A Spontaneous Breathing Trial
Authors: Whebell Stephen , Sane Sunil , Naidu Sumant , White Hayden
Published: July 2020

Objective:

Assess change in ultrasound measures of diaphragm mechanics over the course of a 30-minute spontaneous breathing trial (SBT).

Design:

Prospective observational study.

Setting:

Single intensive care unit (Logan Hospital, Queensland, Australia), patients recruited from August 2016 to April 2018.

Participants:

Eligible patients were over the age of 18 years, ventilated for >24 hours, and planned to undergo an SBT. In total, 129 patients were screened.

Main outcome measures:

Ultrasound measures taken at 5 and 30 minutes during SBT: diaphragmatic excursion (DE), diaphragmatic thickening fraction (DTF), and diaphragmatic contraction speed (DCS). Diaphragmatic rapid shallow breathing index (DRSBI) was calculated using DE/respiratory rate. The presence of diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD) was also determined using DTF < 30%, DE < 11 mm, or DRSBI > 1.6.

Results:

Eighteen patients had ultrasound measures during an SBT. Four were unable to have DTF visualized. There was no significant change in DTF (n = 14, 32.41 ± 32.21 vs 23.19 ± 17.42, P = .33) or DE (n = 18, 1.72 ± 0.63 vs 1.66 ± 0.59, P = .63) over time. Diaphragmatic contraction speed increased over time (n = 18, 2.21 ± 1.25 vs 2.67 ± 1.61, P = .007). Diaphragmatic rapid shallow breathing index worsened over time (n = 18, 1.65 ± 1.02 vs 2.08 ± 1.51, P = .03). There was no significant change in the presence of DD. Diaphragmatic dysfunction by DTF 8/14 versus 10/14, by DE 4/18 versus 3/18, and by DRSBI 7/18 versus 9/18. No patients failed SBT and one patient failed extubation.

Conclusions:

Diaphragmatic mechanics may change over the course of an SBT. Further research is required to determine the clinical implications of these changes and the optimal timing of diaphragmatic ultrasound to predict weaning outcome. Diaphragmatic ultrasound may be less feasible than the published data suggest.
The impact of leadership on the professional development of teachers in complementary schools
Authors: Souza Ana , Arthur Linet
Published: July 2020

Leadership in complementary schools is an under-researched area. This article aims to address this gap in the literature by reporting on a study which focused on Brazilian complementary schools in the United Kingdom. Distributed leadership was initially adopted as a theoretical framework to analyse the relationship between leadership style and professional development provision. The data were collected via an online questionnaire and individual semi-structured interviews with leaders, as well as focus group interviews with teachers and teaching assistants. We report here on one of the schools and argue that the contextual constraints in which it operates led to high levels of collaboration between leaders, teachers and teaching assistants. Consequently, a Community of Practice (CoP) has developed. We discuss the benefits this CoP brings to the school and suggest that conscious efforts be made to cultivate this social unit of learning to ensure the professional development of teachers in complementary schools.
Ethnicity in Electoral Politics in Ghana: Colonial Legacies and the Constitution as Determinants
Authors: Sefa-Nyarko Clement
Published: July 2020

This paper assesses political allegiances in Ghana, positioning its ethno-political divide into the historical contexts of institutional design and colonialism in Africa. It argues that whilst the colonial policy of Indirect Rule solidified ethnicity in Africa, post-colonial governments used it differently, with varying effects on institutional design and state-building. In concert with other constitutional provisions, Ghana’s Article 55 of 1992 Constitution has curtailed extreme ethnic politics through the limit it places on ethnicity in party politics. Whilst outlawing ethnicity in politics, the constitution provides other depoliticised outlets for expressing diversity, especially through decentralisation and legitimisation of chieftaincy institutions. Despite these safeguarding provisions, the Asantes and Ewes have consistently taken entrenched political positions since 1992, and this article explicates some of the drivers using longitudinal election results. It draws on institutional design complexities in multi-ethnic societies in Africa to propose lessons and convey implications for Ghana’s Fourth Republic Constitution.
Pharmacokinetic Considerations in Amputees
Authors: Elbarbry Fawzy , Nguyen Van , Kawaguchi-Suzuki Marina
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to review the currently available assessment tools for measuring renal function, body weight, and body surface area in the amputee population.

Methods:

PubMed and Web of Science were searched using the following key terms: amputation, dose adjustment, and estimation of body weight. Articles published in languages other than English were excluded from the search.

Results:

Despite the increasing prevalence of amputations, there is little literature available that discusses its impact on the patient and how these physiological changes can affect pharmacokinetics. Very little information is available to guide dose adjustment in this patient population. This article discusses several factors to consider when determining optimum dosing regimens in patients with different levels of amputations.

Conclusion:

This article will evaluate the applicability of methods mentioned in existing literature for measuring changes in renal function, body weight, and body surface area in amputees.
Loneliness and Health: The Moderating Effect of Cross-Cultural Individualism/Collectivism
Authors: Beller Johannes , Wagner Adina
Published: July 2020

Objectives: The adverse health effects of loneliness are well documented, but less is known about cultural moderators of this relationship. Contributing to the literature, we examined whether cross-cultural differences in individualism moderate the effect of loneliness on health. Methods: We used population-based longitudinal data of 14 countries ( N = 40,797), as provided by the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe data. Multilevel regression analyses were employed. Moderating effects were analyzed for multiple health outcomes: activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, grip strength, life satisfaction, depression, memory performance, verbal fluency, and numeracy. Results: Cultural individualism significantly moderated the effect of loneliness on health regarding most health outcomes. In general, the effect of loneliness on health became stronger in less individualistic/more collectivistic countries. Discussion: Cultural individualism proved to be one important moderator of the loneliness–health relationship. As previous studies mostly used samples from highly individualistic countries, the current literature might severely underestimate the global public health burden of loneliness.
Kinematic modeling and parameter identification for a heavy gantry-type automated fiber placement machine considering gravity deformation
Authors: Wu Jianbo , Cheng Liang , Bi Yunbo , Li Jiangxiong , Ke Yinglin
Published: July 2020

Automated fiber placement machine is the key equipment for low-cost and automated manufacturing of high-performance carbon composite materials. In order to meet the required position accuracy of fiber placement, this paper focuses on the kinematic modeling and parameter identification of the automated fiber placement machine. A kinematic model taking account of geometric deviations is established firstly. Since joint interfaces are the main origin of gravity deformation in a machine tool, an elastic beam deformation model is introduced to represent the joint interface, and then the former kinematic model is modified by analytical expressions of the gravity deformation for each joint interface. Based on the measurement data and the Levenberg-Marquardt optimization method, the parameter identification of the kinematic model is realized, and main issues such as measurement data selection, objective function definition are discussed. Finally, a kinematic calibration experiment is performed, and the experimental results verify the feasibility and validity of the modeling method. The position errors in Z direction of the automated fiber placement machine are effectively reduced by over 80%, which suggests that the proposed method reduces the effect of the gravity deformation and improves the accuracy of the automated fiber placement machine.
Post-stall flight dynamics of commercial transport aircraft configuration: A nonlinear bifurcation analysis and validation
Authors: Cen Fei , Li Qing , Liu Zhitao , Zhang Lei , Jiang Yong
Published: July 2020

Loss-of-control has become the largest fatal accident category for worldwide commercial jet accidents, and any initiative aimed at preventing such events requires an understanding of the fundamental aircraft behavior, especially the flight dynamics at post-stall region at which loss-of-control usually occurred. A series of low-speed static and dynamic wind tunnel tests of the Common Research Model over a large angle of attack/sideslip envelope was conducted and a non-linear aerodynamic model was developed. The bifurcation analysis, complemented by time-history simulation was used to understand the post-stall flight dynamics and the numerical analysis results were preliminary validated by wind tunnel virtual flight test. Several representative post-stall behaviors for the transport aircraft have been identified, including departure, periodic oscillation, post-stall gyration and steep spiral, etc. Furthermore, the predicted periodic oscillation in pitch motion has been perfectly duplicated in wind tunnel virtual flight test. The approach used in this work shows a promising way to uncover the flight dynamics of transport aircraft at extreme and loss-of-control flight conditions, as well as to apply to nonlinear unsteady aerodynamics modeling and validation, flight accident investigation, advanced flight control law design or studying initiative for loss-of-control prevention or mitigation.
Bayesian quantile nonhomogeneous hidden Markov models
Authors: Liu Hefei , Song Xinyuan , Tang Yanlin , Zhang Baoxue
Published: July 2020

Hidden Markov models are useful in simultaneously analyzing a longitudinal observation process and its dynamic transition. Existing hidden Markov models focus on mean regression for the longitudinal response. However, the tails of the response distribution are as important as the center in many substantive studies. We propose a quantile hidden Markov model to provide a systematic method to examine the entire conditional distribution of the response given the hidden state and potential covariates. Instead of considering homogeneous hidden Markov models, which assume that the probabilities of between-state transitions are independent of subject- and time-specific characteristics, we allow the transition probabilities to depend on exogenous covariates, thereby yielding nonhomogeneous Markov chains and making the proposed model more flexible than its homogeneous counterpart. We develop a Bayesian approach coupled with efficient Markov chain Monte Carlo methods for statistical inference. Simulations are conducted to assess the empirical performance of the proposed method. The proposed methodology is applied to a cocaine use study to provide new insights into the prevention of cocaine use.
Investigation of crack repair using piezoelectric material under thermo-mechanical loading
Authors: Kumar Ritesh , Singh Akhilendra , Tiwari Mayank
Published: July 2020

This article presents an experimental investigation of repair of a crack in a structure using piezoelectric material under thermo-mechanical loading environment. The cyclic mechanical load is applied on a plate with a straight and angular crack under uniform temperature environment. Two cases have been considered for the repair of crack under (a) mechanical loading and (b) thermo-mechanical loading environment. A piezoelectric sensor is utilized to measure voltage. The measured voltage is used to calculate the stress intensity factor in passive and active modes. The effect of a single and double piezoelectric patch in the repair of the plate is investigated. The double piezoelectric patch is found to be more effective as compared to single patch when placed symmetrically offset from the crack. An optimal value of voltage and phase difference is evaluated for most effective crack repair. Location of the piezoelectric patch is varied with respect to crack location, and best-suited position for effective crack repair is proposed. The viability of piezoelectric used for repair under thermo-mechanical loading is discussed. The active mode of repair by piezoelectric is found to be effective under thermo-mechanical loading environment.
Comparison of two uncoupled ductile damage initiation models applied to DP900 steel sheet under various loading paths
Authors: Tuo Zhiyu , Yue Zhenming , Zhuang Xincun , Min Xinrui , Badreddine Houssem , Qiu Liangyu , Gao Jun
Published: July 2020

Accurate prediction of the fracture occurrence of high strength materials is always the hot spot in the research field of metal-forming process. Appropriate material model is the key issue which can accurately describe the mechanical forming behavior under different forming conditions. However, advanced fully coupled damage/behavior models are heavy to use by engineers and have a high cost in term of calculation consuming time. In this paper, a simple uncoupled damage approach, designed to be easy to use for engineers and accurate as well, is investigated. Two uncoupled damage models, which consider the effect of the Lode angle and the hydrostatic pressure, combing three typical hardening rules, are selected and applied to the damage prediction of DP900 dual-phase steel. The hardening properties and forming limit strains under different loading paths of DP900 are investigated and studied throughout a variety of mechanical experiments, including the uniaxial tensile test, the pre-notched tensile tests with three notched radii, and the butterfly tests. Finally, the prediction accuracy of the used models for DP900 is compared and discussed.
Rural Industrialization and Environmental Governance Challenges in the Red River Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Dang Trung D. , Tran Thong A.
Published: July 2020

This article examines factors and root causes of dilemma and environmental governance challenges in the Red River Delta of Vietnam. Since the Renovation ( Đổi Mới) period, there has been an accelerating growth of craft villages and industrial clusters in rural areas. While these processes contribute to creating jobs, increasing rural income, and assuaging rural–urban migration pressures, little attention is devoted to environmental effects they have caused at the village level. Drawing on case studies in the Red River Delta and desk reviews, this study suggests that rural industrialization has witnessed rapid expansion of craft villages and intense market competition among them, leading to environmental pollution and resource depletion. Although the Vietnamese government has issued directives and environmental laws to regulate and control environmental pollution, the situations remain unabated. This study calls for sound environmental policies to sustain the operation of craft villages while ensuring the effective governance of rural industrialization.
Simplifying and Facilitating Comprehension: The “as if” Heuristic and Its Implications for Psychological Science
Authors: Keren Gideon , Breugelmans Seger M.
Published: July 2020

Simplicity is a fundamental tenet of cognition intended to cope with a complex and intricate world. Based on the writings of the German philosopher Hans Vaihinger, this article introduces a wide-ranging simplification scheme denoted the “as if” heuristic. Following this heuristic, much of our productive and constructive thoughts about the world, specifically in science, are based on idealized fictitious assumptions. Although descriptions of the world as portrayed by psychological models and theories may contain fictitious elements (antithetical or at least indifferent to the search for truth), they afford a simplification tool that facilitates our comprehension of a complex and obscured world. Numerous examples from the psychological literature in which the “as if” heuristic is apparent are presented. Specifically, we analyze the implications of exploiting the heuristic for the development of psychological constructs, theory building, and the foundations of psychological measurement. While highlighting the gains acquired from the use of the “as if” heuristic, we also discuss its possible pitfalls if not properly used.
Evaluation of Cell Proliferation in Rat Mammary Glands Is Not Predictive of the Carcinogenic Potential of Insulin In Vivo
Authors: Jensen Vivi Flou Hjorth , Brinck Peter R. , Nowak Jette , Thorup Inger , Sjögren Ingrid , Mølck Anne-Marie
Published: July 2020

For nonclinical safety-assessment of insulin analogues in vivo, mitogenic effects are compared to that of human insulin. Besides histopathologic evaluation, this usually includes assessment of cell proliferation (CP) in mammary glands. Insulin analogue X10 is recommended as positive control, due to its known carcinogenic effect in rat mammary glands. Here, we discuss the mitogenic effect of insulin in vivo and use of X10 as positive control. We present results from 4 nonclinical rat studies evaluating effects of repeated dosing with insulin detemir (≤26 weeks) or degludec (52 weeks) in mammary glands. Studies included human insulin-dosed groups as comparators, CP, and histopathologic evaluation. One study included an X10-dosed group (26 weeks), another ≤3 weeks of dosing with X10 or human insulin evaluating effects of these comparators. Neither human insulin, insulin detemir, degludec, nor X10 induced mammary tumors or increased CP in the studies. The CP marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen varied within/between studies and was not correlated with the remaining markers or CP fluctuations during estrous cycle, whereas the other CP markers, Ki-67 and 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU), correlated with estrous cycle changes and each other. In conclusion, we propose that the mitogenic effect of insulin in rat mammary glands is weak in vivo. Cell proliferation evaluation in nonclinical safety assessment studies is not predictive of the carcinogenic potential of insulin, thus, the value of including this end point is debatable. Moreover, X10 is not recommended as positive control, due to lack of proliferative effects. Typical CP markers vary greatly in quality, BrdU seemingly most reliable.
Exploring the Multiple Benefits of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in Tourism for Climate Risks and Destination Well-Being
Authors: Loehr Johanna , Becken Susanne , Nalau Johanna , Mackey Brendan
Published: July 2020

Tourism is strongly interlinked with the natural and social environment, in particular in destinations around the Pacific. These environments are vulnerable to climate change which impacts on the social–ecological system of destinations. Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) uses ecosystems to manage the risks of climate change. However, a gap remains in understanding how the tourism sector can use EbA to create destination-wide benefits. The destination EbA framework presented here aims to address this gap by focusing on well-being and climate risk reduction. The framework is applied to a Pacific case study site, Tanna Island in Vanuatu, by drawing on primary qualitative data. Results highlight that EbA offers an approach for the tourism sector to create holistic benefits to destinations. Several constraints to successful implementation, and how these may be overcome, are identified. The article contributes by providing a framework for other destinations which aim to create benefits through tourism.
Treatment Components and Participant Characteristics Associated With Outcomes in Self-Monitoring Interventions
Authors: Bruhn Allison , Gilmour Allison , Rila Ashley , Van Camp Alyssa , Sheaffer Amanda , Hancock Eleanor , Fernando Josephine , Wehby Joseph
Published: July 2020

Self-monitoring is one of the most widely used and widely researched strategies for improving student behavior. However, specific research-based guidance about how to design effective self-monitoring interventions and to whom they should be delivered does not yet exist. To this end, we examined how various treatment components and participant characteristics moderated response to self-monitoring interventions. We included 66 single-case studies on academic engagement and 21 single-case studies on disruptive behavior. These studies included 290 participants with challenging behavior, 183 of whom had a disability. After extracting raw data from original studies, we analyzed data using multilevel modeling for each dependent variable (i.e., academic engagement, disruptive behavior). Across both dependent variables, student age and educational setting impacted treatment effects, as did the inclusion of goal-setting, feedback, and reinforcement. Based on our findings, we describe implications related to designing self-monitoring interventions. We also discuss limitations and future directions.
Diabetes is not a risk factor for myocardial infarction in patients without coronary artery disease: A study from the Western Denmark Heart Registry
Authors: Gyldenkerne Christine , Olesen Kevin KW , Thrane Pernille G , Madsen Morten , Thim Troels , Würtz Morten , Jensen Lisette O , Raungaard Bent , Poulsen Per L , Bøtker Hans E , Maeng Michael
Published: July 2020

Background:

Diabetes is considered a risk factor for myocardial infarction. However, we have previously found that diabetes was not a short-term risk factor for myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease.

Methods:

We conducted a cohort study of patients undergoing coronary angiography from 2003 to 2012 and followed them by cross-linking Danish health registries. Patients were stratified according to coronary artery disease and diabetes. Endpoints included myocardial infarction, cardiac death, all-cause death and coronary revascularization.

Results:

86,202 patients were included in total (diabetes: n = 12,652). Median follow-up was 8.8 years. Using patients with neither coronary artery disease nor diabetes as reference (cumulative myocardial infarction incidence 2.6%), the risk of myocardial infarction was low and not substantially increased for patients with diabetes alone (3.2%; hazard ratio 1.202, 95% confidence interval 0.996−1.451), was increased for patients with coronary artery disease alone (9.3%; hazard ratio 2.75, 95% confidence interval 2.52−3.01) and was highest for patients with both coronary artery disease and diabetes (12.3%; hazard ratio 3.79, 95% confidence interval 3.43−4.20). Similar associations were observed for cardiac death and coronary revascularization.

Conclusion:

Diabetes patients without coronary artery disease by coronary angiography have a low risk of myocardial infarction, not substantially increased compared to patients with neither coronary artery disease nor diabetes. In the presence of coronary artery disease, however, diabetes increases the risk of myocardial infarction.
Health Coaching as an Intervention for Picky Eaters
Authors: Matthews Simon
Published: July 2020

Although childhood “picky eating” or “fussy eating” or “food neophobia” is well established as a subject of research, commentary, and treatment guidelines, there is very little published research exploring the origins and basis of adult food neophobia, much less its treatment. Existing treatment guidelines for picky eating tend to focus on cognitive behavioral interventions. The consequences of picky eating, although not extensively researched, include inadequate nutrition and weight management difficulties—both significant contributors to the worldwide disease burden. Health coaching has a focus on personal choice, reflection on previous successes and current strengths, as well as identification of a personal health vision and achievable goals. As such, it may play a useful role in supporting behavioral change in adult picky eaters. A structured intervention, rooted in health coaching skills and culinary medicine aimed at supporting such change, is proposed.
Modernist architects and the age of extremes in Eastern Europe, 1920-1950: Introduction
Authors: Kohlrausch Martin , Bocharnikova Daria
Published: July 2020

This article demonstrates the social and political impact of modernist architects in Europe’s age of extremes beyond the narrower confines of architecture. In East Central Europe with its ideological tensions, massive socio-political ruptures and eventually the establishment of communist regimes, architects’ social visions and the states’ aspirations led to intense interactions as well as strong controversies. In order to unravel these, we stress the relevance of modernism as a belief and knowledge system. In so doing we point to often unacknowledged continuities between the interwar and the immediate post-war period thus re-politicising the work of modernist architects as a project of worldmaking in the context of competing ideologies and sociotechnical imaginaries.
Effectiveness of a dedicated small bowel neoplasia screening program by capsule endoscopy in Lynch syndrome: 5 years results from a tertiary care center
Authors: Perrod Guillaume , Samaha Elia , Perez-Cuadrado-Robles Enrique , Berger Arthur , Benosman Hedi , Khater Sherine , Vienne Ariane , Cuenod Charles-André , Zaanan Aziz , Laurent-Puig Pierre , Rahmi Gabriel , Cellier Christophe
Published: July 2020

Background and aims:

The role of small bowel neoplasia (SBN) screening in asymptomatic patients with Lynch syndrome (LS) is uncertain. The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of screening by capsule endoscopy (CE) in these patients.

Methods:

This study was an observational, analytical, and retrospective single-center study within the PRED-IdF network. All consecutive asymptomatic patients older than 35 years-old with confirmed LS and no personal history of SBN who started the screening from 2010–2015 were included. The baseline screening and 24 months follow-up were performed by CE. The CE diagnostic yield (positive tumor or polyp) and accuracy, using the follow-up as gold standard, were evaluated.

Results:

A total of 150 patients underwent the SBN screening program and 135 (52.7 ± 11.2 years-old, 37.8% male) met the inclusion criteria. The baseline CE diagnostic yield was 4.4% (3 polyps, 3 tumors) and the proximal small bowel was the most common location ( n = 4, 66.7%). In total, 87 patients underwent follow-up and the diagnostic yield was 4.6%. Four patients were considered positive at follow-up (2 adenomas, 2 adenocarcinomas). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of CE were 60%, 100%, 100%, 96.9%, and 97%, respectively.

Conclusions:

CE is an accurate procedure for baseline screening of SBN in LS patients and may be efficient for follow-up procedures. However, the optimal starting age of screening and intervals of follow-up must be clarified.
Nests built on power lines: Nest-site selection by long-tailed broadbills (Psarisomus dalhousiae) in Nonggang of Guangxi, China
Authors: Zhou Bo , Feng Changzhang , Liang Wei
Published: July 2020

The quality of breeding habitat may directly affect the survival and development of progeny. Therefore, the selection of a suitable nest-site is an important factor affecting the reproductive success of birds. The most important reason for a bird’s reproductive failure is nest predation. Predation may cause birds to change their nest-sites and even nest morphology. Here we investigated the nest-site characteristics by long-tailed broadbills ( Psarisomus dalhousiae) in Nonggang, Guangxi, southwestern China. Our results showed that long-tailed broadbills in Nonggang mainly build their nests on power lines (88.5%) and nest-site selection was mainly affected by predation pressure and food resources. At the same time, nest-site concealment was trade-off against predator avoidance. This anti-predator strategy effectively utilizes human infrastructure.
Resisting International Election Observation Through Election Visit Programmes: The Case of Malaysia
Authors: Ismail Muhamad Takiyuddin , Mohd Noor Norazam
Published: July 2020

Malaysia has not invited International Election Monitoring Organisations (IEMOs) for any of its general elections (GEs) since 1990 and so is numbered among those states that defy this international norm. Although the elections under the Barisan Nasional (BN) regime displayed a wide variety of manipulative practices, the BN was able, due to its position as a semi-authoritarian nature, its strategic importance and its lack of dependence on foreign aid, to successfully resist demands for the presence of IEMOs. The prospects for IEMOs has been further reduced, since the GE 2013, by the Election Commission’s “election visit programme” (EVP), adopted to compensate for the absence of IEMOs. Following Malaysia’s historic GE 2018, a widespread consensus has developed that though Malaysia should not abandon its own EVP programme, it should readopt this international norm by inviting IEMOs. This is especially needed considering the amateurish state of domestic election monitoring in Malaysia.
I, Posthuman: A Deliberately Provocative Title
Authors: Wilde Poppy
Published: July 2020

In this paper, I explore the use of posthumanism as a theoretical framework for autoethnography and show the methodological tensions of combining these approaches. A posthuman subjectivity rejects notions of the liberal human subject and anthropocentrism by recognizing the entanglement of humanity. Acknowledging a posthuman subjectivity means taking account of our constantly intra-connected and transient relationship with our environment and others within it, both human and nonhuman . On the other hand, authoethnographic approaches to research propose self-reflection and personal experience as the basis on which new theoretical insight can be gained. From a critical perspective, Herbrechter argues that “[t]he very idea of autobiography relies on a subject (or a narrator) who is capable of remembering, interpreting and identifying with his or her life story”. Using a posthumanist framework through autoethnographic research means that the “I” is precarious at best; so how and why can we utilize it to explore such a phenomenon as the posthuman? This paper argues that such tensions provide insights into the formation of subjectivity, where “I” is both fallacy and necessity. It explores this methodological tension through an 18-month autoethnographic project that explores my own experiences of gameplay in the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) World of Warcraft (WoW). Using fieldnotes collected during this period, I discuss what a posthuman perspective can bring to an account of my relationship with my avatar, Etyme.
Effects of linagliptin on left ventricular DYsfunction in patients with type 2 DiAbetes and concentric left ventricular geometry: results of the DYDA 2 trial
Authors: Cioffi Giovanni , Giorda Carlo Bruno , Lucci Donata , Nada Elisa , Ognibeni Federica , Mancusi Costantino , Latini Roberto , Maggioni Aldo P ,   the DYDA 2 investigators
Published: July 2020

Aims

To evaluate the effect of linagliptin on left ventricular systolic function beyond glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods and results

A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel-group study, was performed (the DYDA 2 trial). Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and asymptomatic impaired left ventricular systolic function were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive for 48 weeks either linagliptin 5 mg daily or placebo, in addition to their diabetes therapy. Eligibility criteria were age 40 years and older, haemoglobin A1c 8.0% or less (≤64 mmol/mol), no history of cardiac disease, concentric left ventricular geometry (relative wall thickness ≥0.42), impaired left ventricular systolic function defined as midwall fractional shortening 15% or less at baseline echocardiography. The primary end point was the modification of midwall fractional shortening over time. The main secondary objectives were changes in diastolic and/or in longitudinal left ventricular systolic function as measured by tissue Doppler echocardiography. One hundred and eighty-eight patients were enrolled, predominantly men with typical insulin-resistance comorbidities. At baseline, mean midwall fractional shortening was 13.3%±2.5. At final evaluation, 88 linagliptin patients and 86 placebo patients were compared: midwall fractional shortening increased from 13.29 to 13.82 (+4.1%) in the linagliptin group, from 13.58 to 13.84 in the placebo group (+1.8%, analysis of covariance P = 0.86), corresponding to a 2.3-fold higher increase in linagliptin than the placebo group, although non-statistically significant. Also, changes in diastolic and longitudinal left ventricular systolic function did not differ between the groups. Serious adverse events or linagliptin/placebo permanent discontinuation occurred in very few cases and in the same percentage between the groups.

Conclusions

In the DYDA 2 patients the addition of linagliptin to stable diabetes therapy was safe and provided a modest non-significant increase in left ventricular systolic function measured as midwall fractional shortening.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrial.gov (ID NCT02851745)
Use of complementary and alternative medicine and low quality of life associate with the need for psychological and psychotherapeutic interventions in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kutschera Maximilian , Waldhör Thomas , Gröchenig Hans Peter , Haas Thomas , Wenzl Heimo , Steiner Pius , Koch Robert , Feichtenschlager Thomas , Eckhardt Gerald , Mayer Andreas , Kirchgatterer Andreas , Ludwiczek Othmar , Platzer Reingard , Papay Pavol , Gartner Johanna , Fuchssteiner Harry , Peters Paul‐Gerhard , Reicht Gerhard , Moser Gabriele , Dejaco Clemens , Vogelsang Harald , Primas Christian , Novacek Gottfried , Miehsler Wolfgang ,   Austrian IBD Study Group
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) suffer from various symptoms, impairing their quality of life and often affecting psychosocial issues. This may lead to the need for additional psychological care. This study investigated patients' subjective need for integrated psychosomatic support and psychotherapy and indicators for it.

Materials and methods

This is a cross‐sectional multicentre study in Austrian IBD patients who were in routine care at 18 IBD outpatient clinics. Patients filled in an anonymous, validated questionnaire (Assessment of the Demand for Additional Psychological Treatment Questionnaire [ADAPT]) assessing the need for psychological care. The ADAPT gives two separate scores: the need for integrated psychosomatic support and for psychotherapy. In addition, health‐related quality of life and the use of complementary and alternative medicine as well as clinical and socio‐demographic variables were queried. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to estimate the effect of the previously mentioned variables on the need for additional psychological care.

Results

Of 1286 patients, 29.7% expressed a need for additional psychological care, 19.6% expressed a need for integrated psychosomatic support and 20.2% expressed a need for psychotherapy. In the multivariable analysis, the two strongest indicators for the need for both types of psychological care were the use of complementary and alternative medicine (for integrated psychosomatic support: odds ratio = 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.13–2.39, p = 0.010; for psychotherapy: odds ratio = 1.74, 95% confidence interval 1.20–2.53, p = 0.004), and a low health‐related quality of life score (for integrated psychosomatic support: odds ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval 0.94–0.96, p < 0.001; for psychotherapy: odds ratio = 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.94–0.97, p < 0.001).

Discussion

About 30% of the Austrian IBD patients expressed a need for integrated psychosomatic support and/or psychotherapy. The most important indicators for this need were the use of complementary and alternative medicine and low quality of life.
Gastroesophageal reflux after per‐oral endoscopic myotomy is frequently asymptomatic, but leads to more severe esophagitis: A case‐control study
Authors: Karyampudi Arun , Nabi Zaheer , Ramchandani Mohan , Darisetty Santosh , Goud Rajesh , Chavan Radhika , Kalapala Rakesh , Rao Guduru Venkat , Reddy Duvvur Nageshwar
Published: July 2020

Background and aim

The incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is high after per‐oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). GERD after POEM may be qualitatively different from GERD in patients without motility disorders. In this study, we aimed to analyze and compare different aspects of GERD between patients with post‐POEM GERD and nonachalasia GERD.

Methods

The data of patients with GERD after POEM (January 2018 to June 2019) were compared with that of a control group (nonachalasia GERD group), which included patients presenting with typical reflux symptoms without associated major motility disorders. Patients with lower esophageal sphincter pressure lower than 10 mmHg were excluded from the study. GERD was evaluated at 3 months after POEM. Esophageal acid exposure time higher than 4.2% was used to define GERD. The primary outcome of the study was comparison of GERD‐related quality of life and reflux symptom severity between the two groups. In addition, the severity of erosive esophagitis and reflux‐symptom association were also recorded in the two groups.

Results

A total of 100 patients were included in the study, with 50 patients in each group (post‐POEM GERD vs. controls). The baseline parameters were comparable between the two groups. Median interquartile range of GERD‐related quality of life score was significantly lower in the post‐POEM group (11 [0–23.3] versus 34 [24–44]; p < 0.001). The post‐POEM GERD group had significantly lower median heartburn (6.0 [0–16.3] versus 15.5 [7.5–24.8]; p = 0.001) and regurgitation scores (0 [0–6.0] versus 20.0 [12.3–25.0]; p < 0.001). Erosive esophagitis was more frequent in the post‐POEM group (28 [56%] versus 10 [20.4%], p = 0.001). Only three (6%) patients in the post‐POEM group had a positive reflux‐symptom association as compared with 28 (56%) patients in the control group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In selected patients with pH positive GERD after POEM, the symptoms are milder and reflux‐symptom association is poor in spite of more severe esophagitis as compared with controls.
Big Data: From modern fears to enlightened and vigilant embrace of new beginnings
Authors: Dewandre Nicole
Published: July 2020

In The Black Box Society, Frank Pasquale develops a critique of asymmetrical power: corporations’ secrecy is highly valued by legal orders, but persons’ privacy is continually invaded by these corporations. This response proceeds in three stages. I first highlight important contributions of The Black Box Society to our understanding of political and legal relationships between persons and corporations. I then critique a key metaphor in the book (the one-way mirror, Pasquale’s image of asymmetrical surveillance), and the role of transparency and ‘watchdogging’ in its primary policy prescriptions. I then propose ‘relational selfhood’ as an important new way of theorizing interdependence in an era of artificial intelligence and Big Data, and promoting optimal policies in these spheres.
External Loop Recorders: Primary Care Placement Is Noninferior to Hospital-Based Cardiac Unit
Authors: Callum Kara J. , Hall Lynn , Jack Sharon , Farman Colin , Rushworth Gordon F. , Leslie Stephen J.
Published: July 2020

Introduction: External loop recorders (ELRs) are recommended for the investigation of syncope and palpitations. This study aimed to compare rates of arrhythmia detection between primary care (PC) and hospital-based cardiac unit (HBCU) fitted ELRs. Methods: Data were captured from January to December 2015. Twenty-eight general practitioner practices and 1 hospital took part. Patients were divided into those with ELR fitted in PC or HBCU. All ELR data were analyzed by a cardiac physiologist. Results: A total of 560 ELR recordings were analyzed; 219 (PC) versus 341 (HBCU). There was no difference between the baseline characteristics (all Ps > .05). The predominant indication for ELR in each group were palpitations; between-group variation was observed for syncope ( P = .0004). There were no significant between-group differences in the number of recordings per patient; however, PC group wore the ELR for less time (median 7 days vs median 14 days; P < .0001). There were no differences in arrhythmia detection between PC- and HBCU-fitted ELRs (16.2% [n = 39] vs 21.7% [n = 74], respectively; P = .28). PC placement of ELRs was highest in very remote rural communities ( P = .005) and correlated with distance from HBCU ( r = 0.39; P = .04). Conclusions: This study showed no difference in detection of arrhythmias between PC and HBCU fitted ELRs. This suggests adequate ELR recording can be completed by suitably trained staff in PC. Furthermore, ELRs were fitted for less time in PC without an adverse effect on diagnostic yield. ELR usage increased with increasing distance from the specialist center and rurality suggesting improved local access to arrhythmia detection services.
The Role of Skin Color in Latino Social Networks: Color Homophily in Sending and Receiving Societies
Authors: Roth Wendy D. , Marin Alexandra
Published: July 2020

How does skin color shape the social networks and integration pathways of phenotypically diverse immigrant groups? Focusing on Dominicans and Puerto Ricans, groups with considerable diversity across the Black-White color line, the authors explore whether migrants to the United States have greater color homophily in their primary social networks than nonmigrants in the sending societies. The authors analyze egocentric network data, including unique skin color measures for both 114 respondents and 1,702 alters. They test hypotheses derived from ethnic unifier theory and color line racialization theory. The data show evidence of color homophily among Dominicans but suggest that these patterns may be imported from the sending society rather than fostered by the U.S. context. Furthermore, the authors find that migrants’ skin color is associated with having ties to White or Black Americans but with different patterns for each ethnic group. The authors discuss the implications of these findings for economic mobility and U.S. racial hierarchies.
Other People’s Money: CSR Goes to the Movies
Authors: McArdle John F. , de Koning Alice J.
Published: July 2020

We review the film Other People’s Money as a teaching tool for introducing concepts of corporate social responsibility and board governance. The film’s climactic shareholder meeting contains two vivid examples of stakeholder theory and shareholder primacy illustrated through the competing election speeches made by the lead characters. Our article provides step-by-step instructions for how to use the film to explore these concepts and discusses ways to enhance student competency in this area.
What does success mean for autistic men? A narrative exploration of self-determination
Authors: Webster Amanda A , Garvis Susanne
Published: July 2020

Background

Studies involving autistic adults have often focused on negative outcomes and quality of life ratings.

Aims

This study provides a different viewpoint by examining the perspectives of autistic men who consider themselves to be successful.

Methods

Data were gathered from 10 men who shared their experiences and perceptions regarding their journey to achieve success. Self-determination theory provided a useful lens for examining the men’s narratives and understanding the factors that led to their success.

Results

Analysis of interviews revealed four main themes: (1) being my own self, (2) a competent professional, (3) solving problems in a neurotypical world, and (4) relating and connecting. These themes reflect the men’s perception of their own self-determination including their autonomy, competence, and relatedness with others.

Conclusions

The men’s sense of success was derived from their ability to achieve competence in their work, act without help or influence from others and demonstrate a high level of self-awareness and self-reflection. Despite this, many continued to experience difficulty in the social areas of their lives. Implications: These findings suggest that self-determination theory may present an alternative and more positive means of enacting support programs for autistic individuals, and males in particular.
For “a no-state yet to come”: Palestinian urban place-making in Kufr Aqab, Jerusalem
Authors: Abu Hatoum Nayrouz
Published: July 2020

This article explores Palestinians’ place-making in Jerusalem under the constant threat of displacement and dispossession. I center my focus on Kufr Aqab, a neighborhood that was cut off from Jerusalem by the construction of Wall in 2003 while remaining inside the borders of the city’s municipality. After 1967 Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the borders of Jerusalem’s municipality expanded and Kufr Aqab village was annexed as a neighborhood inside Jerusalem’s newly formed borders. Since its occupation, a matrix of displacement and dispossession consisting of policies and practices was put in place to oversee the domination of the Palestinians in the city. In my research, I explore the possibilities of reconceptualizing Palestinian urban spaces and place-making in Kufr Aqab between the gap in settler-colonial governance and the Palestinian future of no-state. I show how the urban space emulates a camp-like space that I describe as an “affective infrastructure” of a camp. Being on the Israeli settler-colonial frontier, I argue that Kufr Aqab dwellers are kept suspended in time in a liminal zone between the ghost of displaceability from the Israeli state and in a deep suspension of no-state. I conclude by suggesting that the case of Kufr Aqab speaks to the space-making, displacement, and statelessness of the present as well as futurity of the West Bank (and East Jerusalem), where the future of the Palestinian state is far from being seen in the horizon and debilitated sovereignty is exercised on a limited scale in fragmented territories of governance.