bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short- and Mid-Term Loose Mix Conditioning Protocols for Asphalt Overlay Balanced Mix Design and Quality Control and Quality Acceptance
Authors: Zhou Fujie , Mogawer Walaa , Steger Richard
Published: April 2022

Many aspects of balanced mix design (BMD) and performance-related quality control and quality acceptance (QC/QA) testing depend heavily on how the asphalt mixes are conditioned. There is, therefore, a critical need for practical loose mix conditioning protocols. The main objective of this study was to establish practical loose mix condition protocols for both the BMD and QC/QA phases. To develop these protocols, this paper reviewed the field performance and pavement lives of more than 200 test sections around the United States and found most of these test sections were 50-mm thick asphalt overlays where cracking is evident in 1 to 4 years. Based on this finding, the paper developed two conditioning protocols for asphalt overlays: short-term and mid-term. The short-term conditioning is intended for volumetric design, BMD rutting performance test, and QC/QA testing at asphalt plants, while the mid-term conditioning is mainly for BMD cracking performance test. A series of IDEAL cracking tests were then conducted with 13 mixes and the test results confirmed the validity of the mid-term conditioning protocol. It was also found that conditioning time affected mix cracking resistance significantly. The longer the conditioning time, the poorer the cracking resistance. When conditioned too long, the normalized cracking resistance difference among various mixes diminished. For asphalt mix composition, binder source (or quality) and asphalt absorption are two significant factors affecting the normalized cracking resistance of asphalt mixes; in contrast, mix type, asphalt binder content, and the use of rejuvenator had insignificant influence.
Determining Variables That Influence the Operation and Safety of Median Openings in Close Proximity to Signalized Intersections
Authors: Maryam Mousavi Seyedeh , Dixon Karen K. , Fitzpatrick Kay
Published: April 2022

An effective access management technique can improve both traffic safety and operation along a roadway corridor while maintaining a reasonable level of access to the adjacent properties. Even though raised medians enhance traffic operation and safety by minimizing the number of turning movements at mid-block locations, they shift the potential turning maneuvers to the nearby intersections. Moreover, raised medians have negative economic impacts on the adjacent business owners. Therefore, providing a median opening along a corridor should be evaluated as a trade-off between the gains and losses and installed where the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks. There is no guideline available that specifically focuses on a median opening in the proximity of a signalized intersection. Therefore, this paper evaluated the safety and operation of the median openings nearby signalized intersections as well as determining the variables that influence the performance of the median openings. The results indicated that the minimum required distance from a median opening to its adjacent signalized intersection is influenced by the number of conflicting driveways, median opening type, and the number of arterial lanes. Moreover, the safety at a median opening is dependent on the median opening type, the number of arterial lanes, and average daily traffic. The results could help transportation agencies to analyze how installing a median opening nearby a signalized intersection affects both traffic safety and operation.
Arrival-Based Backpressure Traffic Signal Control
Authors: Gao Hang , Zhang H. Michael
Published: April 2022

Fluctuations in arrival rates significantly affect the performance of traffic signal controls. In this paper, we propose an arrival-based distributed control algorithm based on the backpressure control framework, and show that this arrival-based backpressure (ABP) algorithm preserves the attractive features of backpressure control, including queue mitigation and global stability. Moreover, numerical results show that the ABP algorithm outperforms the fixed, actuated, and original backpressure signal controllers in low, medium, and heavy loading demand levels in increasing throughput, reducing queue length and waiting time.The benefits are evident under periodic traffic scenarios.
Safety and Operational Effectiveness of Protected Only Versus Protected/Permitted Left-Turn Signal Phase
Authors: Asaduzzaman Md , Thapa Raju , Codjoe Julius A.
Published: April 2022

Roadway intersection fatalities account for around 24% of total traffic fatalities each year, with left-turning vehicles associated with most of these crashes. To manage left-turning movements, various left-turn signal phases like protected only (PO), protected/permitted left-turn (PPLT), and flashing yellow arrow (FYA) are currently in use. However, their overall effectiveness has not been well established. The paper evaluates the safety and operational effectiveness of PO over PPLT left-turn signal phase using sample intersections from Louisiana. A total of 151 signalized intersections with uniform left-turn signal phases at all of their approaches were selected. Crash data recorded over five years at those intersections comprising a total of 13,278 crashes, including 1,275 left-turn crashes, were collected. A crash modification factor (CMF) was developed using the negative binomial model (NBM) to assess the safety benefits of PO over PPLT. The Highway Capacity Manual 6th Edition (HCM 6) control delay field measurement technique was used for the operational analysis. The study first developed CMFs for total crashes and only left-turn crashes at various severity levels. CMF of PO over PPLT revealed that PO significantly reduced all severity levels of left-turn crashes by more than 50%, however, it was only able to reduce injury and fatal total crashes. Second, the study found average control delay at PO (50.69 s/vehicle) significantly higher than at PPLT (46.04 s/vehicle). The difference in delay was only significant during the morning peak hour. Overall, from both safety and operation perspectives, the results indicate that PO performs better than PPLT.
Naïve Bayes-Based Transition Model for Short-Term Metro Passenger Flow Prediction under Planned Events
Authors: Zhao Yangyang , Ma Zhenliang
Published: April 2022

Short-term passenger flow prediction under planned events is important to reduce passenger delay and ensure operational safety in metro systems. However, most studies make predictions under normal conditions. The study proposes a naïve Bayes transition model for short-term passenger flow prediction under planned events. The target prediction scenario identification is modeled as a binary classification problem using naïve Bayes. The sub-models are developed using gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) and deep learning (DL) models for normal and planned event scenarios with predictor variables tailored to different passenger demand patterns. The sub-predictor from GBDT or DL is selected based on the inferred prediction scenario. The case study uses automatic fare collection (AFC) data of Shanghai and Hong Kong metro systems. The results show that the proposed model outperforms other representative individual and fusion models. The results also highlight the effectiveness of the predictive transition mechanism between the normal and planned events and also the event information representation.
Effect of Nutrition Interventions Before and/or During Early Pregnancy on Low Birth Weight in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kuma Melesse Niguse , Tamiru Dessalegn , Beressa Girma , Belachew Tefera
Published: April 2022

Background:

This review aimed at synthesizing evidence on the effectiveness of nutritional interventions that were carried out before and/or during early pregnancy versus the control groups on reducing the risk of low weight at birth in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods:

We have searched on MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CINAHL, HINARI, and Cochrane Library of systematic review databases for published articles in English language from 2010 to 2021 years. For unpublished studies, we searched on Google scholar. Randomized controlled trial studies of nutritional interventions carried out before/or during early pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa to improve low birth weight were considered. The data were extracted and pooled using the Joanna Briggs Institute software. The effect size was calculated using fixed-effect models. Mantel-Haenszel method was used to calculate the relative risk with their respective 95% CI. Heterogeneity was assessed using the standard chi-square and I 2 tests.

Results:

Seven studies were included in the review with a total of 5934 participants. Three types of nutritional interventions were identified: iron supplementations, lipid-based supplementations, and nutritional education and counseling. We have identified only one intervention started during preconception. The meta-analysis showed that none of the identified nutrition interventions had a statistically significant effect on low birth weight.

Conclusions:

Based on the review evidence, nutritional interventions before and/or during early pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa had no significant effect on low birth weight. However, since our evidence was derived from a small number of trials and participants, a large-scale randomized controlled trials review might be required to elucidate the finding.
Moderating Role of Physical Fitness in the Association Between TV Time and Adiposity Parameters in Adolescents
Authors: da Costa Náthalie , Silveira João F. de C. , Schneiders Letícia de B. , Sehn Ana P. , Reuter Éboni M. , Hobkirk James P. , Carroll Sean , Reuter Cézane P.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To identify whether physical fitness (PF) components play a moderating role in the relationship between TV time and adiposity levels.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Few studies have examined if different PF levels modify the association between TV time and adiposity in adolescents. Studies often focus on the isolated relationships between obesity and TV time, or obesity and PF levels.

Subjects

1071 adolescents (617 girls), aged 12 to 17 years.

Measures

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), abdominal muscular endurance, and lower limb strength were evaluated using the protocols of the Projeto Esporte Brasil fitness testing battery. TV time was obtained using a self-reported questionnaire. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were also assessed. Moderation analyses were conducted through multiple linear regression models with the following associations tested in different models: PF components, TV time, and interaction (PF component x TV time) with adiposity parameters (BMI and WC);

Results

A significant interaction term was found for CRF and TV time in the association with both WC (β: −.005; 95% CI: −.009; −.001; P = .012) and BMI (β: −.002; 95% CI: −.004; −.001; P = .009).

Conclusion

CRF moderates the relationship between TV time and adiposity measures in this cross-sectional analysis. These data support strategies looking at increasing physical activity levels to improve CRF and avoid the development of excess abdominal obesity and excess weight.
Off-Label Use of Ceftazidime-Avibactam in a Premature Infant With Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Nascimento Allan da S. , Passaro Marcos F. , Silva Priscilla S. de S. , Rodriguez Sérgio F. , Martins Marilene K. , Oliveira Stefane Cristina P. , Moriel Patricia , Visacri Marília B.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacterial infections in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a major public health threat. Ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) provides a new option for treating infections caused by most beta-lactamase- and carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria in infants older than three months. However, treatment options are extremely limited, with no safety data available for preterm neonates. Here, we describe our experience regarding the safety and efficacy of off-label use of CAZ-AVI in a NICU in Brazil. Summary: We report a case of a premature infant (born at 29 weeks gestational age) treated with CAZ-AVI due to a bloodstream infection caused by MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion: Treatment with CAZ-AVI was safe and effective in our patient.
Religious Involvement and Sleep Among Older African Americans
Authors: Nguyen Ann W. , Taylor Harry Owen , Lincoln Karen D. , Wang Fei , Hamler Tyrone , Mitchell Uchechi A.
Published: April 2022

Objective: This study sought to determine whether religious involvement is associated with sleep quality in a nationally representative sample of older African Americans. Methods: The analytic sample included African American respondents aged 55+ from the National Survey of American Life-Reinterview ( N = 459). Religious involvement variables included service attendance, reading religious texts, watching religious television programs, listening to religious radio programs, prayer, and subjective religiosity. Sleep outcomes were restless sleep and sleep satisfaction. Multiple linear regression analysis was used. Results: Watching religious television programs was associated with more restless sleep. Respondents who attended religious services less than once a year, at least once a week, or nearly every day reported greater sleep satisfaction than respondents who never attended religious services. Subjective religiosity was associated with lower sleep satisfaction. Discussion: The findings demonstrate the importance of examining a variety of religious involvement domains, which could point to different explanatory pathways between religious involvement and sleep.
Work-Related Stress, Psychosocial Resources, and Insomnia Symptoms Among Older Black Workers
Authors: Frazier Cleothia , Brown Tyson H.
Published: April 2022

Objectives: To examine the association between work-related stress (job lock and job stress appraisal) and insomnia symptoms among older Black workers, as well as the extent to which psychosocial resources (mastery, social support, and religious involvement) mediate or moderate this association. Methods: This study uses Ordinary Least Squares regression analysis and data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) on Black workers aged 51 and older ( N = 924). Results: Job lock due to financial reasons and job stress appraisal are associated with increased insomnia symptoms among older Black workers. Religious attendance buffers the harmful effects of financial job lock on sleep quality, while religiosity exacerbates the effects of job stress on insomnia symptoms. Discussion: Taken together, findings underscore the utility of the Stress Process Model for understanding diverse stress and sleep experiences in later life. Furthermore, findings have the potential to inform efficacious policies for reducing work-related stress and mitigating its harmful consequences.
Contemporary Research on Older Black Americans, a Special Issue of Journal of Aging and Health in Honor of the Life and Legacy of James S. Jackson
Authors: Taylor Robert Joseph
Published: April 2022

This special issue of the Journal of Aging and Health honors the memory of James Jackson by elevating his many research contributions to the physical and mental health of older Black Americans. The articles focus on the central problems and questions that James Jackson addressed throughout his illustrious career. All articles in the special issue focus on older Black Americans and include at least one of the following elements: (1) articles based on the National Survey of American Life, the data set for which James Jackson was the Principal Investigator; (2) articles that utilize the Environmental Affordances Model which was developed by James Jackson; (3) articles that include the Everyday Discrimination scale which was originally published by David Williams, James Jackson, and colleagues; (4) and articles based on the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), the data set for which James Jackson served as Editor for a special issue of The Gerontologist.
Compliance to Public Health Advisory amid COVID-19 Scare: The Communication Conundrum and Public Health Ethics
Authors: Purohit Neetu , Mehta Seema , Hossain Md M.
Published: April 2022

Discussion of ethics in the public health arena has primarily focused on the practices of public health doctors and professionals. The community could not get the required attention in terms of their role in compliance with the communication in the form of public health advisory in times of public health crisis. Even though public health is the societal approach to protecting and promoting health, ethics in public health have prioritised behaviours of and moral dilemmas faced by public health professionals only. Leaving out the community’s responsibility makes the entire gamut of public health efforts incomplete and deficient. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, non-compliance to the public health advisory raised an important aspect of expectation of ethical behaviour by the community and what could facilitate and hinder compliance of ethical behaviour ensuring the safety of self and others. Public health ought to consider the community as not only an important but also responsible stakeholder in its pursuit of promotion of health and prevention of disease.
Out-of-pocket Health Spending in Jammu and Kashmir: Evidence from 68th Round of National Sample Survey
Authors: Owais Saeed , Khan Javaid Iqbal , Majeed Mehak
Published: April 2022

Around 60.6% of health expenditure in India originates from private spending or out-of-pocket expenditure. Such large health spending has a tendency to sink sizeable number of people into poverty and deepen the already poor into more appalling conditions. This article makes an attempt to study the impact of health expenditure on poverty levels in the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) region of India using micro-level data (68th round of National Sample Survey Organisation [NSSO]). First, a region-wise poverty profile is estimated, then, poverty deepening and incidence of catastrophic health expenditure is measured. Finally, socio-economic determinants of catastrophic health expenditure are estimated using logit and probit models. The results show that the poverty levels further increase by around 2% (estimated 185,000 individuals) on account of out-of-pocket health expenditure. Also, poverty gap increases, deepening the economic distress of the poor people. The highest gap is observed in most vulnerable areas, such as hilly and geographically disadvantageous regions. An estimated 9.6% of population in J&K spends catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditure and 2.6% spend more than their capacity to pay. Married, higher per capita expenditure groups, and socially weaker sections exhibit increased probability of experiencing health catastrophe while as higher levels of education decreases this likelihood.
India and Nuclear Disarmament: A Quest Rooted in National Security Considerations
Authors: Patil Sameer , Vishwanathan Arun
Published: April 2022

India has been a long-time supporter of nuclear disarmament. Much before other countries supported these measures, India had proposed universal nuclear disarmament, a nuclear test ban treaty as well as a freeze on the production of fissile material. Opinion is however divided on India’s approach and rationale behind pursuing disarmament. Some call it utopian while others describe it as a pragmatic approach that suited India’s national security needs at that time. India has always had a peculiar relationship with the nuclear non-proliferation regimes. India stressed disarmament as a solution for nuclear proliferation and has viewed nuclear disarmament as enhancing its security interests. This article divides India’s advocacy of global nuclear disarmament into six phases beginning from India’s independence in 1947 to the current period when two parallel tracks have emerged in India’s nuclear diplomacy—one track has continued with its traditional advocacy of universal nuclear disarmament, while the second track where it has engaged with the prevailing non-proliferation regime. India’s nuclear disarmament diplomacy has moved away from moral and ethical considerations to highlighting national security considerations. It is no longer anchored on the ‘disarmament or no disarmament’ question as the traditional disarmament advocacy of India often posed. Instead, the current Indian diplomacy is focused on the emerging rules and frameworks of governance in international security matters and how India can be part of it—multilaterally or through coalition of like-minded partners.
Dialoguing With Images: An Expressive Arts Method for Health Research
Authors: West Christina H. , Dusome Debra L. , Winsor Joanne , Winther Klippenstein Andrea , Rallison Lillian B.
Published: April 2022

Despite the increasing integration of arts-based methods within qualitative research, few expressive arts methods have been studied to understand their process, rationale and impact on the inquiry process. We conducted a grounded theory study on family experiences of paediatric HSCT where we simultaneously adapted and studied a ‘dialoguing with images’ (DI) expressive arts process as method. Fifteen family members participated in two interviews, drew an image and were guided through the DI method. We articulate the social process shared by researchers, participants and the images as they co-constructed knowledge through the DI method. The four distinct phases of the method include: 1) containing the imaginative space within an outer and inner frame, 2) creating an embodied image: image work is an expressive, generative process, 3) a shared, participatory aesthetic interpretation and 4) crystallizing stories of illness. The findings are grounded in expressive arts theory and philosophy, hermeneutics and analytical art psychotherapy theory.
Coping Orientation of Academic Community in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Multi-Country Survey Study
Authors: Zandi Saeid , Ahmadi Fereshteh , Cetrez Önver A. , Akhavan Sharareh
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we have mapped the coping methods used to address the coronavirus pandemic by members of the academic community. We conducted an anonymous survey of a convenient sample of 674 faculty/staff members and students from September to December 2020. A modified version of the RCOPE scale was used for data collection. The results indicate that both religious and existential coping methods were used by respondents. The study also indicates that even though 71% of informants believed in God or another religious figure, 61% reported that they had tried to gain control of the situation directly without the help of God or another religious figure. The ranking of the coping strategies used indicates that the first five methods used by informants were all non-religious coping methods (i.e., secular existential coping methods): regarding life as a part of a greater whole, regarding nature as an important resource, listening to the sound of surrounding nature, being alone and contemplating, and walking/engaging in any activities outdoors giving a spiritual feeling. Our results contribute to the new area of research on academic community's coping with pandemic-related stress and challenges.
Targeted Molecular Strategies for Genetic Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Emerging Lessons from Dravet Syndrome
Authors: Lersch Robert , Jannadi Rawan , Grosse Leonie , Wagner Matias , Schneider Marius Frederik , von Stülpnagel Celina , Heinen Florian , Potschka Heidrun , Borggraefe Ingo
Published: April 2022

Dravet syndrome is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy mostly caused by heterozygous mutation of the SCN1A gene encoding the voltage-gated sodium channel α subunit Nav1.1. Multiple seizure types, cognitive deterioration, behavioral disturbances, ataxia, and sudden unexpected death associated with epilepsy are a hallmark of the disease. Recently approved antiseizure medications such as fenfluramine and cannabidiol have been shown to reduce seizure burden. However, patients with Dravet syndrome are still medically refractory in the majority of cases, and there is a high demand for new therapies aiming to improve behavioral and cognitive outcome. Drug-repurposing approaches for SCN1A-related Dravet syndrome are currently under investigation (i.e., lorcaserin, clemizole, and ataluren). New therapeutic concepts also arise from the field of precision medicine by upregulating functional SCN1A or by activating Nav1.1. These include antisense nucleotides directed against the nonproductive transcript of SCN1A with the poison exon 20N and against an inhibitory noncoding antisense RNA of SCN1A. Gene therapy approaches such as adeno-associated virus–based upregulation of SCN1A using a transcriptional activator (ETX101) or CRISPR/dCas technologies show promising results in preclinical studies. Although these new treatment concepts still need further clinical research, they offer great potential for precise and disease modifying treatment of Dravet syndrome.
Personal and Contextual Factors to the Successful Implementation of a Family Nursing Approach in Oncology Care
Authors: Alfaro-Díaz Cristina , Esandi Nuria , Canga-Armayor Navidad , Idoia Pardavila-Belio Miren , Pueyo-Garrigues María , Canga-Armayor Ana
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ attitudes and beliefs about the importance of families in nursing care, as well as the barriers and facilitators within the clinical context that influence the implementation offamily nursing in an in-patient oncology service. A cross-sectional study design, incorporating quantitative and qualitative measurements, was used with a sample of nurses in Spain from an oncology service (N = 39). In general, oncology nurses reported positive attitudes and beliefs about the importance of family in nursing care. However, they did not effectively involve the family in their daily clinical practice. This was due to the nurses’ lack of clinical skills and competence to work with families as well as contextual factors such as the lack of time and workload that acted as barriers to the implementation of family-oriented care. This study identified areas of improvement that are needed to promote the effective and sustainable implementation of family nursing knowledge in clinical practice settings.
Verification Upon Exposure to COVID-19 Misinformation: Predictors, Outcomes, and the Mediating Role of Verification
Authors: Sun Yanqing
Published: April 2022

This study proposes a theory-oriented model that examines the predictors and outcomes of people’s verification of COVID-19 misinformation. Using an online experiment with 400 U.S. adults, this study showed that those who believed that others might be influenced by misinformation and that such influence had serious consequences for others as well as those with a higher level of fear and anxiety were more likely to perform institutional verification by using search engines, prestigious medical sites, or fact-checking sites. The intention to conduct institutional verification increased individuals’ efficacy beliefs regarding correcting misinformation, which motivated them to correct misinformation on social media.
“Girmit Root and Pacific Shoot”: An Indo-Fijian Autobiographical Poetic Narrative for Constructing, Deconstructing and Reconstructing the Girmit Story
Authors: Singh Neelam
Published: April 2022

This article draws from the narratives through oral story telling of my great grandmother’s experience during Girmit. It aims to preserve the past and present for future generations in a creative manner. Narrative and poetic inquiry has been used to bond the Girmit root and the Pacific shoot. Inspiration from Teresia Teaiwa’s (1968–2017) efforts which emphasized creative practice as a path to drawing out and deepening one’s knowledge guided this article. Data, presented as poems, express and communicate the stories pertaining to Girmit and its descendants. Present curriculum should seize opportunities to cultivate the usage of narratives and poetry to create a creative curriculum. This article, hopes that the poems could be used in the curriculum to construct, deconstruct and reconstruct the colonial mind-sets. It is written from my heart to the many hearts who, like me, are still in search for answers and insights of being and belonging to the diasporic/Hybrid identity.
Bridging Imagination Gaps on the Path to Purchase with Augmented Reality: Field and Experimental Evidence
Authors: Hilken Tim , Heller Jonas , Keeling Debbie I. , Chylinski Mathew , Mahr Dominik , de Ruyter Ko
Published: April 2022

Many firms use augmented reality (AR) that projects lifelike product holograms into the physical environment to assist customers in bridging so-called “imagination gaps,” which can arise on their path to purchase. However, research has not yet studied whether and how AR might help customers address two pertinent sources of such imagination gaps: (1) increased cognitive load when evaluating multiple products together (e.g., in a bundle) and (2) extended physical distance to the point-of-sale (e.g., out-of-store, at home). Building on mental imagery theorizing, we explain how AR supports customers in bridging these gaps, and, through a series of field and experimental studies, we evidence effects on customer purchase intentions and behavior. Specifically, we show that AR-generated imagery of bundled (versus individual) products enhances intended and actual purchases at the point-of-sale. Furthermore, when deployed at distant points in the purchase funnel (out-of-store, at-home), AR increases purchases through improved self-projection, which we describe as the psychological mechanism customers use to mentally bridge distance to the point-of-sale. We qualify this mediating mechanism through an important moderating process, where the effect of AR-generated imagery on self-projection is suppressed for customers with a holistic (versus analytic) thinking style.
Tips to optimize digital education in ophthalmology: Results from ESASO survey
Authors: Ferrara Mariantonia , Romano Vito , Iovino Claudio , Kadhim Mustafa R , van Dijk Elon HC , Boon Camiel JF , Grassi Piergiacomo , Demirel Sibel , Cartes Cristian , Romano Mario R , Agarwal Aniruddha , Aiello Francesco , Amed Aseef , Amoroso Francesca , Angi Martina , Au Adrian , Bali Ernesto , Chandra Aman , Cennamo Gilda , Cennamo Michela , Coassin Marco , Di Zazzo Antonio , Coco Giulia , D'Alterio Francesco Maria , Del Turco Claudia , La Spina Carlo , Dell'Omo Roberto , Napolitano Pasquale , Fiore Tito , Govetto Andrea , Malachkova Nataliia , Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Matarazzo Francesco , McGowan Gerard , Reibaldi Michele , Rejdak Robert , Reyes-Delfino Catherine Dianne , Rocha-de-Lossada Carlos , Romano Davide , Romano Francesca , Rombetto Luca , Rossi Tommaso , Scorcia Vincenzo , Steel David , Toro Mario , Valldeperas Xavier , Vallejo-Garcia Jose L , Vavvas Demetrios , Vaiano Agostino S , Zur Dinah
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To identify audience and faculty preferences to optimize digital education sessions in ophthalmology.

Methods

We distributed an online survey to ophthalmology trainees and specialists worldwide. The survey investigated respondents’ preferences on various findings of hypothetical digital educational sessions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact probability and ANOVA tests.

Results

The survey was completed by 655 respondents, from 53 different countries. According to most respondents, the optimal duration and timeframe for a valuable digital education session would be 30–60 min, without a break (52%), in the evening time-slot (6-8 p.m.) (45%) of a weekday (Monday-Thursday) (46%), regardless of age ( p-value = 0.84, 0.39, 0.89, respectively) and job position ( p-value = 0.31, 0.29, 0.08, respectively). The availability of webinars and recorded surgical videos/clinical cases, associated with live discussion, represented the most important opportunity of digital educational channels for 46% and 42% of respondents, respectively.

Conclusion

Appropriate planning of timing and structure of digital educational ophthalmology sessions may optimize their effectiveness. Using multiple e-learning formats may be helpful to ensure the continuity of learning activities, also in view of a long-term replacement of traditional in-person education.
Platelet-rich plasma and macular hole surgery: A clue to their mode of action and the influence of anti-platelet agents
Authors: D’Alterio Francesco Maria , Ferrara Mariantonia , Bagnall Alan , Talks Kate L , Hillier Roxane J
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To present a case of refractory full-thickness macular hole (FTMH), in which autologous platelet-rich plasma (aPRP) was used on two consecutive occasions, and associated with successful closure only after complete cessation of anti-platelet therapy.

Methods

Interventional case report.

Results

A 63-year-old male with Alport syndrome underwent pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling and gas for a large FTMH. The patient was on systemic anti-platelet agents for coronary disease. Post-operatively, the FTMH remained open and repeated surgery, augmented with aPRP, was performed. Although a thick pre-retinal coagulum was evident on optical coherence tomography on day one post-surgery, the second surgery failed. Ultimately, successful aPRP-augmented surgical closure of the FTMH was achieved only after complete cessation of systemic anti-platelet agents.

Conclusion

Appropriate management of anti-platelet therapy may be relevant when planning aPRP use, though further large-scale studies are needed to assess the precise effect of anti-platelet therapy on the efficacy of aPRP, and to confirm the potential role of aPRP in patients with Alport syndrome.
Transcriptome Analysis of MYB Genes and Patterns of Anthocyanin Accumulation During Seed Development in Wheat
Authors: Flores Paulina Calderon , Yoon Jin Seok , Kim Dae Yeon , Seo Yong Weon
Published: April 2022

Plants accumulate key metabolites as a response of biotic/abiotic stress conditions. In seed coats, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and chlorophylls can be found. They have been associated as important antioxidants that affect germination. In wheat, anthocyanins can impart the seed coat color which have been recognized as health-promoting nutrients. Transcription factors act as master regulators of cellular processes. Transcription complexes such as MYB-bHLH-WD40 (MBW) regulate the expression of multiple target genes in various plant species. In this study, the spatiotemporal accumulation of seed coat pigments in different developmental stages (10, 20, 30, and 40 days after pollination) was analyzed using cryo-cuts. Moreover, the accumulation of phenolic, anthocyanin, and chlorophyll contents was quantified, and the expression of flavonoid biosynthetic genes was evaluated. Finally, transcriptome analysis was performed to analyze putative MYB genes related to seed coat color, followed by further characterization of putative genes. TaTCL2, an MYB gene, was cloned and sequenced. It was determined that TaTCL2 contains a SANT domain, which is often present in proteins participating in the response to anthocyanin accumulation. Moreover, TaTCL2 transcript levels were shown to be influenced by anthocyanin accumulation during grain development. Interaction network analysis showed interactions with GL2 (HD-ZIP IV), EGL3 (bHLH), and TTG1 (WD40). The findings of this study elucidate the mechanisms underlying color formation in Triticum aestivum L. seed coats.
Associations between children’s diagnosed mental disorders and educational achievements in Sweden
Authors: Bortes Cristian , Nilsson Karina , Strandh Mattias
Published: April 2022

Aims:

To examine associations between multiple clinically diagnosed mental disorders among children in Sweden and educational achievements at the end of ninth grade.

Methods:

Data from Swedish administrative registers were utilised. Diagnoses of specific mental disorders (unipolar depression, mood, anxiety, obsessive compulsive, eating, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) were used as exposure variables. Educational achievements were assessed in terms of teacher-assigned school grades and eligibility for upper secondary education. The sample comprised 266,664 individuals (49% females) born in 2000 to 2002 who were alive and resident in Sweden in 2017. Exposed and unexposed individuals were compared in terms of outcome variables by fitting linear and logistic regression models.

Results:

The results revealed negative associations between all the examined mental disorders and educational achievements, except for positive associations between eating disorders and grades among female students. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was the most strongly associated disorder in terms of non-successful completion of compulsory education, among both male and female students (odds ratio (OR): 3.58 (95% confidence interval (CI), 3.42 to 3.74) and 4.31 (95% CI, 4.07 to 4.57), respectively). This was followed by unipolar depression among males (OR: 2.92 (95% CI, 2.60 to 3.28)) and anxiety disorder among females (OR: 2.68 (95% CI, 2.49 to 2.88)). Obsessive compulsive disorder had the weakest negative association with educational achievements among both males (OR: 1.48 (95% CI, 1.01 to 2.17)) and females (OR: 1.38 (95% CI, 1.11 to 1.72)).

Conclusions:

Specific diagnosed mental disorders have varying, largely disadvantageous, associations with educational achievements of students in Sweden that differ between males and females.
Fantasising gender with the J. Peterman Owner's Manual
Authors: Pollak Alec
Published: April 2022

This article offers an exposition of the J. Peterman Company's Owner's Manual, a mock-vintage clothing catalogue that promises customers ‘things that make their lives the way they wish they were’. Written in dramatic, long-form prose and illustrated in watercolour – both uncommon in today's mail-order fashion industry – the Owner's Manual is at once appalling for its misogyny and enticing for its nostalgia. This article argues that the Owner's Manual and its enduring success confound existing paradigms for interpreting both fashion media and the body's gendered relationship to attire. Are the Manual's millions of subscribers beset by false consciousness, imagining themselves into an oppressive sex/gender field and endorsing the catalogue's misogyny with their desire? The Manual is not fully intelligible within either structuralist or phenomenological interpretive modes – fashion theory's two most prevalent schools of thought – but, rather, begets an interpretive paradigm that forces us to reconcile individuals’ desires for, and identification into, historically mediated gender performance with the fact of individuals’ dignity, agency and autonomy. I argue that the Owner's Manual achieves this reconciliation by foregrounding sartorial objects, rather than individuals, as the bearers of gender fantasy and by demonstrating how these objects, laden with historical associations, have detached from the highly gendered contexts of their origins while nevertheless retaining aspects of their original semiotic potencies.
Beyond instrumental support: Mobile application use by family caregivers of persons living with dementia
Authors: Wang Angel H. , Newman Kristine , Martin Lori Schindel , Lapum Jennifer
Published: April 2022

In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in technology use in dementia caregiving, particularly the use of mobile applications (apps) which are highly accessible, cost-effective and intuitive. Yet, little is known about the experiences of family caregivers of persons living with dementia who use apps to support caregiving activities. This is of particular concern given that limited understandings of the user experience in designing technology have often led to end-users experiencing barriers in technology adoption and use. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, the purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of family caregivers of persons living with dementia on using apps in their caregiving roles. A purposive sample of five family caregivers in Ontario, Canada participated in two interviews each, with the second interview informed by photo-elicitation methods. Thematic analysis of the collected data revealed a central overarching theme, Connecting to support through apps in my, your and our lives, which explicated how apps played an important role in the lives of the caregiver, the care recipient and both together as a dyad. Three core themes also emerged: Adapting apps to meet individual needs of the dyad, Minimising the impact of the condition on the person and the family and Determining the effectiveness of apps. The findings highlighted that the value of apps extends beyond their mere functionality and their ability to help with care provision as they are also able to promote richer interpersonal connections, enhance personhood and sustain family routines. This research advances our understanding of the impact of app use in caregiving and provides direction for future research, policy, education, practice and app development.
Implementation of a 2-for-1 Price Incentive for Fruits and Vegetables in a Grocery Retail Setting
Authors: Franckle R. L. , Boulos R. J. , Thorndike A. N. , Moran A. J. , Khandpur N. , Blue D. , Greene J. , Block J. P. , Rimm E. B. , Polacsek M.
Published: April 2022

Background and Purpose

There is growing interest in expanding healthy eating interventions in the retail setting. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the implementation of a successful 2-for-1 price incentive for fruits and vegetables (F&V), including frozen and canned, that took place in partnership with a large chain grocery retailer in Maine. Intervention Approach. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) pilot study was conducted in 2015–2016, followed by a larger RCT in 2016–2017, to assess whether a supermarket double-dollar F&V incentive increased purchases of these items.

Evaluation Methods

A convergent, parallel mixed-methods design was used to examine barriers and facilitators to implementing the interventions, using six implementation outcomes: acceptability, adoption, appropriateness, feasibility, implementation fidelity, and perceived cost.

Results

The intervention was deemed highly acceptable, appropriate, and feasible by shoppers, retailers, and researchers. The F&V discount had a high rate of initial adoption. There was a moderate degree of fidelity, which improved over time based on lessons learned from the pilot and applied to the subsequent RCT. Specific costs associated with implementation from the research perspective are reported. Implications for Practice, Policy, and Research. Partnerships between academic researchers and retailers can be an effective model for improving healthful purchases among shoppers. These findings are relevant for investigators, public health advocates, and retailers interested in implementing similar grocery retail-based interventions.
Comparative Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Diabetic Foot Infection Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) or Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus (MSSA)
Authors: Álvaro-Afonso Francisco Javier , García-Morales Esther , López-Moral Mateo , Alou-Cervera Luis , Molines-Barroso Raúl , Lázaro-Martínez José Luis
Published: April 2022

Few studies have addressed the interaction of specific pathogens with clinical outcomes in patients with diabetic foot infection (DFI). Our study aim was to compare the clinical outcomes among patients with DFI caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with cases caused by methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). We gathered the data of 75 consecutive patients admitted at specialized outpatients diabetic with mild or moderate DFI in which S. aureus was isolated from bone or soft tissue specimens in pure or as a part of the polymicrobial culture. Patients were divided into two groups: those with MRSA infection and those with MSSA infection. Patients with MRSA diabetic foot infections were significantly associated with male gender (86% vs. 64%, P = .029), higher SINBAD Classification Score (3.6 ± 0.99 points vs. 2.8 ± 1.06 points, P = .001), longer mean wound evolution [17.8 (3;29.5) weeks versus 9.1 (1;12) weeks, P = .008], bone involvement [18 (50%) versus 9 (23.1%), P = .015] and longer mean healing time [18.2(8;28) weeks versus 9.1 (1;12) weeks, P = .008]. In addition, male gender (OR 8.81, 95% CI 2.00-38.84) and SINBAD Classification Score (OR 2.70, 1.46-5.00) were identified as independent risk factors for MRSA DFI. Significant differences in the number of surgical procedures to resolve infection [15 (41.7%) versus 13 (33.3%), P = .456] or in the mean healing time after surgical treatment [10.5 weeks (6.7;16.5) versus 6.1 weeks (3;8.7), P = .068] were not observed among groups, suggesting that when treatment is based on early and surgical debridement, MRSA infections are not associated with worse prognosis. In conclusion MRSA DFI has importance in clinical outcomes such as time to healing. We propose that recent lines of research regarding the genetic virulence of strains of S. aureus could provide new insights into our results.
The Development of Marching Band Traditions at Historically Black Colleges and Universities: The Human Jukebox versus the Sonic Boom of the South
Authors: Milburn Claire
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the development of marching band traditions at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as told through the rivalry between Southern University (SU) and Jackson State University (JSU). I interviewed directors from SU, including Lawrence Jackson, Nathan Haymer, and Kedric Taylor. Directors from JSU included Dowell Taylor, Lewis Liddell, and Lowell Hollinger. Paul Adams directed at both schools, David Ware is an HBCU bands researcher, and Julian White directed at Florida A&M University (FAMU). I found traditions established through the intense rivalry between SU and JSU. Interviewees agree that a desire to outplay and outperform the other band is a major factor. This study highlights similarities between HBCU bands and New Orleans-style “second line” brass bands, which were historically driven by a competitive edge. Narrations revealed combinations of happenstance and careful planning that birthed traditions such as the famed pre-game “zero quarter” and post-game “fifth quarter” rituals that are now commonplace at HBCU football games. Directors discussed how these traditions changed with improved video sharing. Fans now demand more music, more shock factor, and flawlessness. This competitive environment forged unique traditions which can inform modern music educators about the important and complex role of competition in performance.
Fracturing the Black Nucleus: Reflections on School Desegregation in Texas Through the Lens of Black Orchestra Students
Authors: Jones Tzefira R. , Chappell Elizabeth
Published: April 2022

Desegregation in the south had many goals, among them was creating equitable opportunities for students in schools. Much of the literature on desegregation efforts are focused on general education and little research has been done on the effects it had on school orchestra programs. Orchestra programs in Texas schools have had a historically strong presence, but opportunities for Black string players had been rare and limited by segregation. It wasn’t until 1963 that Black students could participate in Texas All-State ensembles and 1968 before school ensemble competitions were integrated. Newspaper articles, archives, and voices of individuals that lived through these experiences were examined to gain a better understanding of what occurred during the time of desegregation in Texas schools. The predominantly Black orchestra program at Dunbar High School in Lubbock thrived despite segregation; however, it would later struggle to recover after integration plans were enacted. In an effort to satisfy desegregation laws, Black students and teachers were bussed to white schools dissolving the Black nucleus that contributed to their previous success. A historical examination of Texas string orchestra programs, competitions, and lived experiences of Black stakeholders revealed issues surrounding representation and the importance of strong role models in music.