bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends of concerns from diagnosis in patients with advanced lung cancer and their family caregivers: A 2-year longitudinal study
Authors: Sato Takashi , Fujisawa Daisuke , Arai Daisuke , Nakachi Ichiro , Takeuchi Mari , Nukaga Shigenari , Kobayashi Keigo , Ikemura Shinnosuke , Terai Hideki , Yasuda Hiroyuki , Kawada Ichiro , Sato Yasunori , Satomi Ryosuke , Takahashi Saeko , Hashiguchi Mizuha Haraguchi , Nakamura Morio , Oyamada Yoshitaka , Terashima Takeshi , Sayama Koichi , Saito Fumitake , Sakamaki Fumio , Inoue Takashi , Naoki Katsuhiko , Fukunaga Koichi , Soejima Kenzo
Published: March 2021

Background:

Both advanced cancer patients and their family caregivers experience distress and have a range of concerns after cancer diagnosis. However, longitudinal studies on this topic have been lacking.

Aim:

To investigate concerns in both patients with advanced lung cancer and their family caregivers longitudinally from diagnosis.

Design:

A multi-center prospective questionnaire-based study.

Setting/participants:

We recruited patients with newly diagnosed advanced lung cancer and their family caregivers at 16 hospitals in Japan. We prospectively assessed the prevalence of their concerns using the Concerns Checklist and investigated the associations between their concerns and mental status as well as quality of life until 24 months after diagnosis.

Results:

A total of 248 patients and their 232 family caregivers were enrolled. The prevalence of serious concerns was highest at diagnosis (patients: 68.3%, family caregivers: 65.3%). The most common serious concern was concern about the future in both groups at diagnosis (38.2% and 40.5%, respectively) and this remained high in prevalence over time, while the high prevalence of concern about lack of information improved 3 months after diagnosis in both groups. Approximately one-third of patient-family caregiver dyads had discrepant reports of serious concerns. The presence of serious concerns was significantly associated with anxiety and depression continuously in both groups.

Conclusions:

The majority of advanced lung cancer patients and their family caregivers have serious concerns from diagnosis, which is associated with their psychological distress. The spectrum of concerns alters over the disease trajectory, warranting efficient tailored care and support for both groups immediately after diagnosis.
Pattern and Predictors of Tobacco Use Among Undergraduates in Three Tertiary Institutions in North-Western Nigeria
Authors: Ibrahim Muhammed Sani , Sabitu Kabir , Olorukooba Abdulhakeem Abayomi , Muhammad Nuru Suleiman , Abubakar Aisha A. , Asuke Sunday
Published: March 2021

Background

Tobacco use is associated with medical, social and economic problems. There is paucity of data on tobacco use among undergraduates in northern Nigeria. This study assessed pattern and predictors of tobacco use among undergraduates in Zaria, North-western Nigeria.

Method

It was a cross-sectional study of undergraduates in three tertiary institutions. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 1,080 undergraduates. Data was collected using a questionnaire adapted from Global Adult Tobacco Survey and Global Youth Tobacco Survey. Bi-variate analysis was used to identify independent variables showing statistically significant association with current tobacco use. These were entered into step-wise logistic regression.

Results

Their median age was 24 years (range:15–47). Prevalence of current tobacco use was 27.0%. About 58.7% smoked tobacco daily and 40.0% used smokeless tobacco daily. Commonest places where tobacco was used were off campus accommodation (30.2%), social center (30.2%) and bar or club (28.1%). Predictors of tobacco use were being a male [2.64(1.82–3.84)], married [2.33(1.49–3.70)], experiencing tobacco promotional activity [1.56(1.12–2.17)], willing to use promotional objects [2.06(1.35–3.14)], using of promotional objects [2.74(1.90–3.96)], and exposure to secondhand smoke [14.10(4.16–47.81)]. Predictors of non-use of tobacco were spending two years or less awaiting university admission [0.65 (0.46–0.91)], parents currently together [0.48(0.33–0.69)], and supporting ban on tobacco [0.34 (0.23–0.48)].

Conclusion

Prevalence of tobacco use and expenditure on tobacco were high. University authorities should commence programs to identify tobacco users and encourage cessation. The findings also highlight the need to establish effective tobacco surveillance system that includes students of tertiary institutions.
Global Saccadic Eye Movements Characterise Artists’ Visual Attention While Drawing
Authors: Park Suhyun , Wiliams Louis , Chamberlain Rebecca
Published: March 2021

Previous research has shown that artists employ flexible attentional strategies during offline perceptual tasks. The current study explored visual processing online, by tracking the eye movements of artists and non-artists (n=65) while they produced representational drawings of photographic stimuli. The findings revealed that it is possible to differentiate artists from non-artists on the basis of the relative amount of global-to-local saccadic eye movements they make when looking at the target stimulus while drawing, but not in a preparatory free viewing phase. Results indicated that these differences in eye movements are not specifically related to representational drawing ability, and may be a feature of artistic ability more broadly. This eye movement analysis technique may be used in future research to characterise the dynamics of attentional shifts in eye movements while artists are carrying out a range of artistic tasks.
Ilizarov bone transport to treat infected nonunion of long bones: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xie Jiang , Zhao Guobin , Yasheng Tayierjiang , Chen Hongtao , Amuti Nuermaimaiti , Maimaitirexiati Muhetaer , Yibulayinmu Abulaitijiang , Cao Mingyu , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: March 2021

Objective

To examine the efficacy and safety of Ilizarov bone transport in the treatment of infected nonunion of long bones.

Methods

Patients who underwent Ilizarov bone transport for treatment of bone nonunion with chronic osteomyelitis in the three largest regional orthopedic trauma centers in China from July 2013 to July 2018 were retrospectively examined. Treatment results were evaluated with Paley’s criteria for bone healing and functional assessment.

Results

In total, 189 patients were treated during the study period. The study population comprised 135 male and 54 female patients with an average age of 37.5 years (range, 11–61 years). The patients were followed up for at least 24 months. According to Paley’s criteria for bone healing and functional assessment, the bone healing results were excellent in 115 (61%) patients, good in 31 (16%), fair in 21 (11%), and poor in 22 (12%). The functional evaluation results were excellent in 76 (40%) patients, good in 65 (34%), fair in 22 (11%), poor in 26 (14%).

Conclusion

Infected nonunion of long bones can be effectively and safely treated with Ilizarov bone transport.
Intratumoral T-Lymphocyte Subsets in Canine Oral Melanoma and Their Association With Clinical and Histopathological Parameters
Authors: Yasumaru Cassia C. , Xavier José Guilherme , Strefezzi Ricardo De Francisco , Salles-Gomes Cristina O. Massoco
Published: March 2021

Canine oral melanoma is a common, aggressive tumor with limited treatment options. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are important in antitumor immunity. This study used histopathology and immunophenotyping by flow cytometry to evaluate the presence and distribution of TILs in canine oral melanoma, including the frequency of CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and regulatory T cells. Fifty samples of oral melanoma from 45 dogs that did not receive treatment prior to surgery were included in the study. The distribution of TILs in the tissue (brisk, nonbrisk, and absent) was evaluated in 48 samples. Twenty-eight (58%) samples had a brisk distribution pattern, 10 (21%) samples had a nonbrisk pattern, and 10 (21%) samples had an absent TIL pattern. Comparing the histological evaluation and the immunophenotyping data, it was observed that samples with a brisk TIL pattern had a higher frequency of CD8+ T lymphocytes ( P = .05) and a lower frequency of CD4+/CD25+/FoxP3+ Tregs ( P = .03), compared to the samples with nonbrisk and absent infiltrate patterns. Patients with a higher survival rate had higher TIL scores ( P = .002), a brisk or nonbrisk TIL pattern ( P = .001), and an increased frequency of CD8+ T lymphocytes infiltrating the tumor ( P = .003). Our analysis suggests that the evaluation of TILs in canine oral melanoma is relevant to predict tumor aggressiveness and patient prognosis.
Self-correction in science: The diagnostic and integrative motives for replication
Authors: Peterson David , Panofsky Aaron
Published: March 2021

A series of failed replications and frauds have raised questions regarding self-correction in science. Metascientific activists have advocated policies that incentivize replications and make them more diagnostically potent. We argue that current debates, as well as research in science and technology studies, have paid little heed to a key dimension of replication practice. Although it sometimes serves a diagnostic function, replication is commonly motivated by a practical desire to extend research interests. The resulting replication, which we label ‘integrative’, is characterized by a pragmatic flexibility toward protocols. The goal is to appropriate what is useful, not test for truth. Within many experimental cultures, however, integrative replications can produce replications of ambiguous diagnostic power. Based on interviews with 60 members of the Board of Reviewing Editors for the journal Science, we show how the interplay between the diagnostic and integrative motives for replication differs between fields and produces different cultures of replication. We offer six theses that aim to put science and technology studies and science activism into dialog to show why effective reforms will need to confront issues of disciplinary difference.
The effect of short selling on volatility and jumps
Authors: Ho Glenn Kit Foong , Treepongkaruna Sirimon , Wee Marvin , Padungsaksawasdi Chaiyuth
Published: March 2021

The evidence is mixed regarding the role of short sellers on stock market efficiency, with the majority of studies assessing short selling activities during abnormal market conditions. This study investigates the effect of short selling on stock volatility during normal market conditions in the Australian stock market using various proxies for volatility and trading activities. While short volume does not supplant the number of trades in the volume and volatility relationship, our results suggest that short selling has some incremental positive effects on volatility. Overall, our vector autoregression (VAR) analysis suggests that trading by short sellers increases volatility even during normal market conditions.

JEL Classification: G10, G12, G13
Consistent Three-Dimensional Elasto-Plastic Model to Study Unsaturated Soil Behavior with Considerations of Coupled Hydro-Mechanical Hysteresis
Authors: Riad Beshoy , Zhang Xiong
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a consistent three-dimensional elasto-plastic model to study unsaturated soil behavior with consideration of coupled hydro-mechanical hysteresis. The model was first formulated under isotropic conditions with special consideration to the non-linearity of the hydraulic behavior. Only one yield curve is used to represent the yielding of both mechanical and hydraulic behaviors (i.e., the occurrence of plastic water content changes and mechanical strains). Later, the model is extended to general three-dimensional stress conditions. It was formulated in a way that a smooth transition between the saturated and unsaturated soil states is guaranteed. The model provides consistent predictions for different soil phases that is considered a significant limitation in many existing models. One of the characteristic features of the proposed model is the ability to represent the hydro-mechanical coupling during shearing. Moreover, the model is able to represent the degree of saturation increase or decrease during shearing that is closely related to the soil’s contractive or dilative behavior, respectively. The model is validated through the prediction of several hydro-mechanical behavioral features. The paper also compares the model predictions with published experimental results performed under different loading conditions. The response of the model is satisfactory in relation to both mechanical and hydraulic behaviors.
Pavement Distress and Debris Detection using a Mobile Mapping System with 2D Profiler LiDAR
Authors: Ravi Radhika , Bullock Darcy , Habib Ayman
Published: March 2021

Regular pavement monitoring over highways and airport runways is vital for public agencies to ensure the safe riding of vehicles and aircrafts. Highways are mostly subject to cracking and potholes along with a few instances of debris around construction work zones. Airports are also concerned with debris but have much lower tolerance for the presence of foreign object debris (FOD) that could possibly damage the aircraft. LiDAR is rapidly emerging in a variety of mobile mapping systems (MMS) and will likely be integrated into many transportation vehicles over the next decade for pavement inspection. This paper proposes a unique algorithm for pavement surface inspection with the help of MMS driven at highway speeds. The study analyzed LiDAR data acquired for 8 mi of highway collected at approximately 55 to 60 mph. This study indicates that an adequately designed MMS along with the proposed algorithm can efficiently detect pavement anomalies as small as 2 cm in the form of cracking, potholes, surface debris, or any combination of these. This is more than sufficient for highways, where debris such as ladders and tires are an order of magnitude larger. For evaluating the effectiveness of detecting smaller airport FOD, a validation dataset was created by driving the MMS at 15 mph adjacent to a debris field of 50 sample pieces of FOD collected from an airport. The study found that 100% of the FOD items larger than 2 cm in size (12 out of 50 samples) were detected successfully at 15 mph. Both datasets suggest that MMS LiDAR is sufficient for pavement inspection and as sensor fidelity increases, even small FOD will be able to be detected with the algorithm proposed in this paper.
Lichen sclerosis–induced long segment anterior urethral stricture: The early outcome of one-stage repair using dorsolateral onlay buccal mucosa graft
Authors: Fathi Atef , Mohamed Omar , Mahmoud Osama , Alsagheer Gamal A , Reyad Ahmed M , Hasan Ahmed M , Abdelrazek Mostafa , Saber-Khalaf Mohammed
Published: March 2021

Background:

Substitution urethroplasty using buccal mucosal grafts can be performed by several approaches including ventral onlay graft, dorsal onlay graft, or ventral urethrotomy with dorsal inlay graft. Our study aims to evaluate the surgical outcome of dorsolateral buccal mucosal graft for long segment anterior urethral stricture >6 cm in patients with Lichen sclerosus (LS).

Methods:

A retrospective study included patients who underwent repair for long segment anterior urethral stricture >6 cm due to LS between January 2013 and April 2019. All patients were followed-up at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively and then yearly by clinical symptoms, uroflowmetry, and calculation of post-void residual urine volume. Retrograde urethrogram was requested for patients with voiding symptoms or decreased maximum flow rate. Stricture recurrence that required subsequent urethrotomy or urethroplasty was considered failure. The success rate and surgical complications were collected and analyzed.

Results:

Thirty patients were identified. The median age (range) was 39 (25–61) years and a median (range) stricture length was 8 (6–14) cm. Most of postoperative complications were of minor degree. The success rate at median follow-up of 15 (12–24) months was 86.5%. The median maximum flow rate increased significantly from 6 (2–11) ml/s preoperatively to 18 (range: 6–23) ml/s at the 6th month ( p value < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Dorsolateral buccal mucosal grafts urethroplasty for long anterior urethral stricture caused by LS has a high success rate and low risk of complications including stricture recurrence.
Evolution of Infantile Spasms to Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: What Is There to Know?
Authors: Nelson Julie A. , Demarest Scott , Thomas Jake , Juarez-Colunga Elizabeth , Knupp Kelly G.
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Children with infantile spasms may develop Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The diagnostic criteria for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome are vague, and many experts use varying combinations of the following criteria for diagnosis: paroxysmal fast activity on electroencephalography (EEG), slow spike and wave on EEG, developmental delay, multiple seizure types, and nocturnal tonic seizures. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in a high-risk cohort of children with a history of infantile spasms and the characteristics of infantile spasms that were associated with the diagnosis of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Methods:

Children with infantile spasms who were diagnosed and treated at Children’s Hospital Colorado between 2012 and 2018 were included. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome was defined as having 3 of 5 of the following characteristics: paroxysmal fast activity, slow spike and wave, current developmental delay, multiple seizure types, or tonic seizures. Descriptive statistics were performed using median and interquartile range. Univariable analysis was performed with Pearson chi-square, Fisher exact, or the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results:

Ninety-seven children met inclusion criteria, and 36% (35/97) met criteria for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Developmental delay and history of seizures prior to the onset of infantile spasms were identified as risk factors for the development of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome ( P = .003) as was poor response to first treatment for spasms ( P = .004). Children with an unknown etiology of infantile spasms were less likely to develop Lennox-Gastaut syndrome ( P = .019). Eighty percent (28/35) of the children who met Lennox-Gastaut syndrome criteria lacked a documented diagnosis.

Conclusions:

Thirty-six percent of children with infantile spasms met criteria for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Risk factors for development of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome were developmental delay and seizures prior to the onset of infantile spasms and poor response to first treatment for infantile spasms. Children with an unknown etiology of infantile spasms were less likely to develop Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Eighty percent of the children who met our criteria were not given a documented diagnosis of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which highlights the fact that many children may not be receiving a diagnosis of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. We recommend establishing clear guidelines for the diagnosis of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome to ensure that the diagnosis is being made accurately.
The Social Paradox of Citizen Denunciation: Informing Practices in Modern Poland
Authors: Arcimowicz Jolanta , Bieńko Mariola , Łaciak Beata
Published: March 2021

Within sociological literature, including that which analyses systemic changes in the countries of the former Eastern Bloc, denunciation is one of the least studied issues, both empirically and theoretically. In Poland after the political transformation, as well as in other post-communist countries, the problem of dealing with the security service and secret police informers and collaborators has not gone away. News media report a rapidly growing number of denunciations directed to various institutions and administrative offices, and legal regulations regarding denunciations have also appeared. In public discourse, denunciation and whistleblowing are increasingly often equated. Encouragement to inform about aberrations, confronted with the consequences that whistleblowers face, shows the legal and social vacuum around the institution of whistleblowing in Poland. This article, in response to questions about the modern social image of denunciation, is based on analysis of in-depth individual interviews conducted during 2015–2017 with children, adults, and administrative officials in three Polish cities. The results show that both children and adults treat denunciation as a form of harming others, though they do differentiate their moral judgments depending on the delator’s intention, but they rarely attribute any motive other than personal gain to whistleblowers’ actions. Finally, the existing administrative acquiescence and institutional support for denunciation are sometimes interpreted in terms of the weakness of democracy, immaturity of civic society, and the legacy of a totalitarian state.
Neuroticism and satisfaction in romantic relationships: A systematic investigation of intra- and interpersonal processes with a longitudinal approach
Authors: Kreuzer Marianne , Gollwitzer Mario
Published: March 2021

Relationship satisfaction—the degree to which a close relationship is perceived as rewarding and satisfying by both partners—is reliably predicted by both partners’ neuroticism, but the psychological mechanisms underlying this effect are not sufficiently well understood. By analyzing several cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes simultaneously, the current longitudinal study looked at how both partners’ neuroticism affects their respective (and mutual) relationship satisfaction both on an intra- and on an interpersonal level. Dyadic data from 2090 heterosexual couples from the “Pairfam” study were analyzed with Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Models (APIMeM). Results support the assumption that neuroticism reliably predicts cognitive, emotional, and behavioral variables, which, in turn, predict both partners’ relationship satisfaction. Importantly, cognitive processes play a particularly important role both on an interpersonal as well as on an intrapersonal level. These findings help to shed light on the maladaptive cognitive, emotional, and behavioral processes underlying the effect of neuroticism on relationship satisfaction.
Emergence of an agriculture innovation system in Rwanda: Stakeholders and policies as points of departure
Authors: Yongabo Parfait , Göktepe-Hultén Devrim
Published: March 2021

The concept of an innovation system is used to understand how innovation contributes to economic growth. However, innovation systems do not evolve evenly in different parts of the world. This paper contributes to the ongoing debate on the emergence of innovation systems in the context of developing countries. It uses the Rwandan case, where agriculture is a dominant socio-economic sector with high innovation potential. It explores how stakeholder interactions and policies contribute to the emergence of an agriculture innovation system in Rwanda. Based on interviews with relevant stakeholders and a review of policy documents, the authors use the Triple Helix model to analyze interactions among stakeholders. They also explore the policymaking approaches used to formulate policy instruments and how these policy instruments contribute to the promotion of innovation activities. The study shows that stakeholder interactions and policies are important factors in providing the preconditions for innovation performance. There is a clear expression of interest and commitment to promote innovation activities in different policy instruments. Nevertheless, further strategic issues, such as evidence-based policymaking, institutional capacity building, better allocation of resources and platforms for promoting collaboration among stakeholders, need to be improved in order to build a functioning agriculture innovation system in Rwanda.
Energy and exergy analyses of coconut drying in a solar tunnel drier
Authors: Ayyappan S , Selvakumar M , Muthukannan  , Karunaraja  , Ram Kumar T
Published: March 2021

This paper presents energy and exergy analyses of solar drying of coconuts in a hemispherical solar tunnel drier. Coconuts were dried from an initial moisture content of about 55% (w.b.) to 7% (w.b.) in the solar tunnel drier in 60 hrs whereas the open sun drying process takes 153 hrs for reducing the moisture content to the same level. The drying experiments were conducted at a mass flow rate of 7.25 kg/s with an average air velocity of 0.1 m/s. Using the first law of thermodynamics, energy analysis was carried out to estimate the amount of energy received by the solar tunnel drier and the ratios of energy utilization. However, exergy analysis was accomplished to determine the exergy loss and exergy efficiency by applying the second law of thermodynamics. Energy utilization, energy utilization ratio, exergy inflow and exergy loss in the drier were studied and these values are found to be increased with increasing solar radiation. The exergy inflow and exergy loss in the drier varied between 0.194 kJ/s–8.18 kJ/s and 0.085 kJ/s–5.377 kJ/s respectively. The exergy efficiency of the drier varied between 23.6%–53%.
Gastrodin protects against high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte toxicity via GSK-3β-mediated nuclear translocation of Nrf2
Authors: Dong Z , Bian L , Wang Y-L , Sun L-M
Published: March 2021

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the major complications of diabetes that causes mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients. Gastrodin (GSTD) is a bioactive phenolic glucoside component of an ancient Chinese herb Tianma (Gastrodia elata Bl.), which is widely used for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases by ancient Chinese. Up to now, whether GSTD has a beneficial effect on DCM is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of GSTD on high glucose-induced injury in H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes and HL-1 mouse cardiomyocytes, and its underlying mechanisms. High glucose (33 mM) treatment caused cardiomyocyte toxicity, oxidative stress and apoptosis in both H9c2 and HL-1 cells. Under both normal (5.5 mM glucose) and high glucose conditions, GSTD showed protective effect against high glucose-induced cytotoxicity and promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in a concentration and time-dependent manner in H9c2 and HL-1 cells. Knockdown of Nrf2 expression using siRNA specifically targeting Nrf2 attenuated the protective effect of GSTD. Furthermore, GSTD promoted the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 via activating glycogen synthase kinse-3β (GSK-3β) signaling pathway. 4-benzyl, 2-methyl, 1, 2, 4-thiadiazolidine, 3, 5 dione (TDZD-8), an inhibitor of GSK-3β, inhibited the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 induced by GSTD, and attenuated the protective effect of GSTD as Nrf2 knockdown did. In summary, GSTD could protect against high glucose-induced cardiomyocyte toxicity via GSK-3β-mediated nuclear translocation of Nrf2.
Socially Distanced or Socially Connected? Well-being through ICT Usage among the Indian Elderly during COVID-19
Authors: Bakshi Trisha , Bhattacharyya Asmita
Published: March 2021

The ageing of the national population along with the rapid diffusion of technological innovations necessitate it to turn our attention to the significance of considering the adoption of technology by the Indian elderly. The impact of social distancing and the role of technology on the everyday lives of the older people during the pandemic remain under-researched. The public health crisis created by COVID-19 has deepened the roots of digital divide by digitally marginalizing older people especially in the developing nations who often lack awareness, access and training to use technology. This study captures the success stories, ordeals or challenges faced by the older people in coping with social distancing measures through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Results of the qualitative in-depth interviews conducted on 30 professionals aged at least 60 years, residing in a metropolitan city in eastern India show that as the participants feel isolated, they reconfigure their traditional norms of face-to-face social interaction and rely upon their touchscreens and keyboards to continue everyday interaction, to work from home, access information and avail ‘essential services’. Apart from focusing on their impetus to adopt ICT, the study highlights the blocks in active usage of ICT namely attitudinal barriers, prior negative experience, concerns over cyber security, complicated technical instructions and lack of supportive learning environment. In order to create a technologically inclusive society for the older people, it is essential to cater to their unique needs and design elderly friendly technologies.
Cost-Effectiveness of Population-Based Tobacco Control Interventions on the Health Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Duyen Thuy , Luong Khue Ngoc , Phan Hai Thi , Tran Anh Tuan , Dao Son The , Poudel Ak Narayan , Hoang Thang Manh , Do Vuong Van , Le Dat Minh , Pham Giang Huong , Nguyen Linh Thuy , Duong Anh Tu , Hoang Minh Van
Published: March 2021

This study sought to assess the cost-effectiveness of population-based tobacco control interventions, which included health promotion and education, smoke-free models, cessation programs, warning on package, marketing bans, and raising tax. Standardized activity-based costing ingredient approach was applied with the provider perspective to calculate interventions cost from 2013 to 2017. The potential health impacts of the aforementioned interventions were calculated through a Microsoft Excel-based modeling adapted from Higashi et al and Ngalesoni et al. All six population-based tobacco control interventions were highly cost-effective with ranges from 1405 VND (Vietnamese Dong) to 135 560 VND per DALY (disability-adjusted life year) averted. It was identified that raising cigarette taxes and applying health warnings on tobacco packages are the most favorable, cost-effective interventions. The results from this study provide a robust message that calls for increased attention and efforts in developing an appropriate policy agenda, which jointly integrates both political and community-based interventions, to maximize intervention impact on tobacco use.
The development of Europol’s external relations: Towards supranationalism?
Authors: Léonard Sarah , Kaunert Christian
Published: March 2021

This article examines the extent to which, if any, the development of Europol’s external relations over time has contributed to the integration of EU policing and criminal justice. More precisely, with reference to the academic debates on ‘intergovernmentalism’ and ‘supranationalism’, it examines the extent to and the ways in which the growth in Europol’s external relations has indicated a move away from intergovernmentalism towards more supranationalism in the EU’s policing and criminal justice cooperation. It does so by systematically examining the development of Europol’s external relations over time using a continuum ranging from ‘intergovernmentalism’ to ‘supranationalism’ as ideal-types, whilst arguing for not reducing supranationalism to the ‘Community method’. The article shows that the balance between intergovernmental and supranational features in the governance of Europol’s external relations has changed over time as the latter have been gradually reinforced. Starting from a position close to the intergovernmental pole of the continuum, Europol has moved significantly towards the supranational pole in its external relations, especially after the Europol Regulation began to apply in 2017.
How and why do MNCs communicate their corporate social responsibility in developing countries? Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Roy Taposh Kumar , Quazi Ali
Published: March 2021

A growing body of literature is devoted to understanding the drivers of companies’ corporate social responsibility strategies in developing countries. However, little is known about how institutions and stakeholders located at both international and local levels collectively shape the corporate social responsibility communication of MNC subsidiaries in their host countries. Drawing upon the framework proposed by Lee, this study addresses this gap in the context of Bangladesh. A series of semi-structured interviews as well as secondary data from annual reports and company websites are used to identify the roles that parent companies, international institutions and international stakeholders play in shaping local subsidiary corporate social responsibility communication. Contrary to the expectations derived from the literature, the findings show that despite the presence of institutional voids and limited pressure from local stakeholders, MNC subsidiaries engage in corporate social responsibility activities and employ corporate social responsibility communication, albeit instrumentally, in order to acquire business benefits.
Secular stagnation and core-periphery uneven development in post-crisis eurozone
Authors: Botta Alberto , Tippet Benjamin
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we analyse secular stagnation in the eurozone. We adopt a core-periphery perspective and analyse whether the 2007–2008 financial crisis triggered off diverging dynamics in the growth potential of core and peripheral eurozone countries. We find that secular stagnation affects the whole eurozone but is a much more serious concern in the periphery. Among the components of potential GDP, the NAIRU in particular has diverged since 2008. We find that the increase in the NAIRU is strongly related to demand-side factors such as investment demand and the fiscal policy stance, as well as to the technological level of the economy. Labour market institutions seem to play a relatively minor role, which may also change depending on the level of technological development of an economy. In line with these findings, we argue that reforms in the eurozone should focus on levelling out the core-periphery technological gap via industrial policy, and on the creation of homogenous financial and macroeconomic conditions among member countries, rather than on the generalized deregulation of labour markets.
General Music to Overcome Challenging Times
Authors: Varner Edward
Published: March 2021

Teachers and students are experiencing significant stress and uncertainty this year amid a global pandemic and violent, racially charged, political and civil unrest. It seems fair to say that all of us, students and teachers alike, have navigated a shared traumatic experience. Strong emotions and divisiveness can make normal life feel uncontrollable, even high-risk. The purpose of this column is to provide a germane awareness for teachers to help them better align with social and emotional learning objectives and create trauma-sensitive general music learning environments during these challenging times. It is, after all, our responsibility as caring, professional educators to create safe, predictable settings for children to be, learn, and grow. This can be achieved by awareness and commitment to the creation of social and emotional learning informed/trauma-sensitive general music learning environments in which each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.
Identifying “What Matters Most” to Men in Botswana to Promote Resistance to HIV-Related Stigma
Authors: Misra Supriya , Mehta Haitisha T. , Eschliman Evan L. , Rampa Shathani , Poku Ohemaa B. , Wang Wei-Qian , Ho-Foster Ari R. , Mosepele Mosepele , Becker Timothy D. , Entaile Patlo , Arscott-Mills Tonya , Opondo Phillip R. , Blank Michael B. , Yang Lawrence H.
Published: March 2021

Despite a comprehensive national program of free HIV services, men living with HIV in Botswana participate at lower rates and have worse outcomes than women. Directed content analysis of five focus groups ( n = 38) and 50 in-depth interviews with men and women with known and unknown HIV status in Gaborone, Botswana in 2017 used the “what matters most” (WMM) and “structural vulnerability” frameworks to examine how the most valued cultural aspects of manhood interact with HIV-related stigma. WMM for manhood in Botswana included fulfilling male responsibilities by being a capable provider and maintaining social status. Being identified with HIV threatened WMM, which fear of employment discrimination could further exacerbate. Our findings indicate how cultural and structural forces interact to worsen or mitigate HIV-related stigma for urban men in Botswana. These threats to manhood deter HIV testing and treatment, but interventions could capitalize on cultural capabilities for manhood to promote stigma resistance.
Aesthetic Enhancement of the Vermilion Using Dermofat Graft in Patients With Cleft Lip Deformity
Authors: Chung Kyung Hoon , deLeeuw Karel A. , Lin Hsiu-Hsia , Lo Lun-Jou
Published: March 2021

Background:

There is an increasing patient expectation for better esthetics, manifesting through anatomical harmony, projection, and volume of the upper lip relative to the lower lip, in patients with cleft deformity. The aim of this study is to investigate the outcome of vermilion augmentation using autologous dermofat graft (DFG) to enhance the lip using both quantitative and qualitative assessment.

Methods:

Patients with secondary cleft lip deformity who received the surgical treatment in our institution from 2015 to 2018 were recruited. Panel assessment was performed on standardized preoperative and postoperative digital photographs. A patient questionnaire was used for the reported outcome. Image processing and analyses were applied to measure the lip change. Statistical analyses were performed.

Results:

A total of 91 patients were included. The mean age at operation was 22.7 years, and postoperative follow-up was 3.6 years. There were no complications in the study group. The panel assessment showed significant improvement ( P < .00001) on upper lip vermilion in both frontal and lateral profile views. Ninety-five percent of patients reported improvement of the upper lip projection and volume. Quantitative image analysis showed an increase in the upper lip vermilion ratio in 97% of the cases in frontal views and improvement of the vermilion projection in 87% of the cases in the superimposed lateral views.

Conclusions:

The use of DFG is an effective and reproducible method for vermilion augmentation and aesthetic enhancement in patients presenting with upper lip insufficiency relative to the lower lip.
Intraoral Digital Impression for Speech Aid/Obturator in Children: Report of 2 Cases
Authors: Abreu Amara , Lima Maria Helena , Hatten Eric , Klein Laura , Levy-Bercowski Daniel
Published: March 2021

Cleft patients may develop an abnormal opening (fistula) between the oral and the nasal cavities. Surgical repair minimizes the adverse effect on speech and feeding. However, an obturator prosthesis is a nonsurgical approach to help close the communication. The purpose of the case report presented is to show the clinical use of an intraoral digital impression in the fabrication of obturator/speech aid appliances in children with cleft lip and palate deformity. Minimal adjustments were needed, and patients and caregivers responded positively. Prostheses demonstrated good stability and retention at delivery. The use of digital technology seems to have several benefits as an alternative method for capturing impressions, especially in young children with cleft lip and palate deformity.
Factors Relating to College Football Players’ Conformity to Traditional Masculine Norms
Authors: Walsh J. Andy , Blom Lindsey C. , Bolin Jocelyn , Bowman Sharon
Published: March 2021

Conforming to masculine norms can lead to depression and anxiety in men. Athletic identity may affect conformity to masculine norms, specifically in college football players. This study explored the relationships among conformity to masculine norms, athletic identity, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being in 110 male college football players. The main findings convey as football players’ conformity to masculine norms increase, their athletic identity increases while their personal growth, life satisfaction and positive relationships decrease. This was specifically true for the areas of conformity to norms related to sexual relationships, winning, and emotional control/expression; as conformity scores to these norms increased, experiences with positive relationships and personal growth decreased. Furthermore, athletes who played football longer and older were less likely to conform to the norms around emotional control, than athletes with less football experience or younger in age. No group differences were found.
The Relationship Between Career Adaptability and Job-Search Self-Efficacy of Graduates: The Bifactor Approach
Authors: Matijaš Marijana , Seršić Darja Maslić
Published: March 2021

Career adaptability is an important resource for dealing with career transitions such as the transition from university to work. Previous research emphasized the importance of focusing on career adapt-abilities instead only on general career adaptability. The aim of this research was to investigate whether career adaptability can be conceptualized as a bifactor model and whether general and specific dimensions of career adaptability have a relationship with job-search self-efficacy of graduates. In an online cross-sectional study, 667 graduates completed the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale and Job Search Skill and Confidence Scale. The CFA analysis showed that the bifactor model of career adaptability had a good fit where general factor explained most of the items’ variance. The SEM analysis revealed that general career adaptability and the specific factor of confidence positively correlated with job-search and interview performance self-efficacy. Control only correlated with interview performance self-efficacy. Neither concern nor curiosity showed a significant relationship with job-search and interview performance self-efficacy.
Expressing social justice within Indigenous research: a reflection on process and affirmation
Authors: Ohajunwa Chioma , Mji Gubela
Published: March 2021

In this article, we reflect on the process of the implementation of enacted social justice through the concepts of conscious affirmation and informed compassion, within the methodological processes utilized when carrying out a qualitative research study in a South African Indigenous community. The enactment of social justice during the study conceptualization and implementation process is evidenced by ensuring the conformity of the research processes to relevant and culturally congruent approaches as endorsed by the participants and context. We further reflect on the challenges and benefits experienced in this process while arguing for the relevance of exploring the use of conscious affirmation and informed compassion to support an enacted social justice process for research within African Indigenous communities.
Dyslipidemia Increases the Risk of Severe COVID-19: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression
Authors: Atmosudigdo Indriwanto Sakidjan , Lim Michael Anthonius , Radi Basuni , Henrina Joshua , Yonas Emir , Vania Rachel , Pranata Raymond
Published: March 2021

Objective:

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether dyslipidemia affects the mortality and severity of COVID-19, we also aimed to evaluate whether other comorbidities influence the association.

Methods:

A systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, and EuropePMC was performed on 8 October 2020. This study’s main outcome is a poor composite outcome, comprising of mortality and severe COVID-19.

Results:

There were 9 studies with 3663 patients. The prevalence of dyslipidemia in this pooled analysis was 18% (4%-32%). Dyslipidemia was associated with increased composite poor outcome (RR 1.39 [1.02, 1.88], P = .010; I2: 56.7%, P = .018). Subgroup analysis showed that dyslipidemia was associated with severe COVID-19 (RR 1.39 [1.03, 1.87], P = .008; I2: 57.4%, P = .029). Meta-regression showed that the association between dyslipidemia and poor outcome varies by age (coefficient: −0.04, P = .033), male gender (coefficient: −0.03, P = .042), and hypertension (coefficient: −0.02, P = .033), but not diabetes (coefficient: −0.24, P = .135) and cardiovascular diseases (coefficient: −0.01, P = .506). Inverted funnel-plot was relatively symmetrical. Egger’s test indicates that the pooled analysis was not statistically significant for small-study effects ( P = .206).

Conclusion:

Dyslipidemia potentially increases mortality and severity of COVID-19. The association was stronger in patients with older age, male, and hypertension. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42020213491
Free improvisation in choral settings: An ecological perspective
Authors: Siljamäki Eeva
Published: March 2021

This instrumental case study explores and theorizes on the educational potential and value of free collaborative vocal improvisation, a process that enables equal access to music regardless of musical skills. The focus of the article is on the musical activities of an adult choir in Finland that applied tenets from improvisational theatre to facilitate the social and musical processes of free improvisation. This study applies an ecological perspective to understand how improvisation can offer asylum—a physical or conceptual safe space within which an individual can flourish socially and musically—and explore how it is sought, constructed, and supported, and what opportunities it can afford to those participating in it. The analysis shows how the participants used various techniques for seeking asylum, both in and away from their shared social space, when they encountered the inherent discomforts of improvisation. Depending on the social ecology of each situation, the musicking activities provided the participants with the resources to construct both social and musical agency as well as experiences in playful collaborative musical learning and wellbeing. The present study calls for an ecological framework for music education and improvisation that supports musicking in a safe and playful learning environment with a focus on social processes, and which could be considered the starting point for music education at all ages.
Moonwalking together: Tracing Redditors’ digital memory work on Michael Jackson
Authors: Valle Marc Esteve Del , Smit Rik
Published: March 2021

This article investigates the memory work concerning Michael Jackson on Reddit. By means of their posts, comments, and replies, people contributing to this site – Redditors – enter into a process we call mnemonic stabilization. This is a collaborative process in which networked individuals share their memories about, in this case, Michael Jackson. We argue that this process resembles Jackson’s dance technique called moonwalking: Redditors seem to go back in time, but they continually alter how Jackson is remembered and forgotten, depending on the (personal) context of the present and an imagined future. These theoretical observations are assessed empirically by a content analysis of comments and replies ( N = 917) posted on the subreddit /r/MichaelJackson between June 25, 2009, and December 31, 2018. This revealed that most posts with a mnemonic dimension focus on personal memories of Michael Jackson’s music, performances, and (perceived) positive characteristics, rather than on how he should be remembered. These findings can be partially explained by Reddit’s socio-technical infrastructure.