bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuing professional development for physical education teachers in Europe
Authors: Tannehill Deborah , Demirhan Giyasettin , Čaplová Petra , Avsar Züleyha
Published: June 2020

This paper reports on an investigation examining provision of physical education continuing professional development (CPD) in European countries undertaken to identify the types of practices being employed. We begin by providing a brief overview of what we currently know about CPD internationally in general education and physical education. Data are reported to reflect Parker and Patton’s (2017) key characteristics of CPD that highlight effective CPD, summarise current trends and issues in physical education, and are intended to serve as a guide to how teachers learn and how they might be better served in that learning in these European countries. Studying current practices in CPD provision identified in this study provided modest insight to inform teacher education programmes and CPD providers on the current status of physical education CPD currently being employed in Europe. We propose these findings might inform international and comparative education with respect to CPD and set the foundation for physical education colleagues in Europe to develop a CPD network where endeavours such as sharing of CPD practices, engaging in discussion of those practices, and the design of collaborative research on such CPD practices are based.
Implementation of the fire beam element method into OpenSees for the analysis of structures in fire
Authors: Volkmann Janeke F , Walls Richard S , de Koker Nico
Published: June 2020

The fire beam element method is a tool for structural fire analyses that simplifies a structure into a skeletal frame consisting of only beam and column elements. It considers a shifting neutral axis of each beam element, which is updated throughout an analysis. This method was implemented in the OpenSees software environment by adding two subclasses: one for the fire beam element added to the element class, and one for the member section, in which the neutral axis is iteratively adjusted for non-uniform temperature profiles. To validate the implemented model, three benchmark case studies were sourced from literature: (1) a heated cantilever beam with an analytical solution, (2) a steel beam in a furnace with high axial and bending forces and (3) a two-dimensional steel frame in a fire with complex behaviour such as non-linear heating, restraint and buckling. For (1) the fire beam element predicts deformations identical to an analytical solution. For (2) the fire beam element method simulates deformations with good accuracy across the entire time domain relative to experimental data, and simulations in the literature using Vulcan, although with experimental deflections typically being underestimated. For (3) fire beam element predictions are compared to experimental data and models developed in CEFICOSS, ABAQUS, SAFIR and LS-DYNA. Trends are typically accurately captured, with percentage differences varying. Runaway failure is predicted with 2 min of experimental data. A sensitivity analysis of the fire beam element model on mesh size of elements and fibres showed the runtime to be more sensitive to the number of elements than the number of fibres per element.
Modeling of energy transfer and parameter effects on it of a vibrator-ground system
Authors: Li Gang , Qi Wen , Huang Zhiqiang , Tao Zhifei , Li Guo , Hu Xiaobo
Published: June 2020

The amount of energy transferred to the ground truly represents the performance of the seismic vibrator. So, it is crucial to investigate the transfer of energy in the vibrator-ground system and how parameters affect it. For this purpose, a model of vibrator-ground system considering frequency change is developed based on half-space theory, and methods of calculating energy transfer is innovatively proposed. Results show that the total energy done by the hydraulic force on the vibrator-ground system in the frequency band of 3–200 Hz is 3.156×105 J, and 9.11% of the energy is transferred to the ground. In addition, effects of structural parameters and soil parameters on energy transfer are carried out. It is concluded that lightweight reaction mass can significantly increase the total energy, but heavier reaction mass generates more ground energy. Baseplate with small mass not only helps the vibrator to transmit energy uniformly but also generates more ground energy above 100 Hz. Larger baseplate area can improve the baseplate-ground interaction to transfer more energy to the ground. For the effects of soil on energy transfer, the ground energy in low-frequency band is mainly dominated by soil elastic modulus, and both elastic modulus and density of soil have great effects on energy transferred to ground at high frequencies.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s International Early Learning and Child Well-being Study: The scores are in!
Authors: Moss Peter , Urban Mathias
Published: June 2020

This is the fourth colloquium for Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s International Early Learning and Child Well-being Study, and marks the recent publication by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development of reports on the first round of this study. In it, the authors discuss what the results tell us, what they do not and what might come next. They conclude by supporting the need for comparative studies of early childhood education, but argue that the International Early Learning and Child Well-being Study is not the way to go.
How neocolonialism and globalization affect the early childhood workforce in Nepal and Kenya
Authors: Nganga Lydiah , Madrid Akpovo Samara , Thapa Sapna , Mwangi Agnes Muthoni
Published: June 2020

Research shows that modern forms of colonization are vested with globalizing discourses which include early childhood education, gender, and curriculum policies and practices that are Euro-western based. In this collaborative qualitative study, four ethnographic researchers—two who conduct research in Nepal and two who conduct research in Kenya—explored the influence of globalization and neocolonialism on the work lives of early childhood teachers. Data was drawn from three long-term, in-depth ethnographic projects over a period of 6 to 13 years. The methods of data collection consisted of participant observation, field notes, class observations, individual interviews, and focus groups. This article reports on the findings from focus groups and uses a constant comparative method to analyze the data. Three common themes emerged from the analysis of the two data sets: Euro-western dominance; gendered positioning; and teacher resilience. The teachers used Euro-western language (i.e. English) as a key indicator of quality. The findings revealed that early childhood teachers experienced pressure from parents to conform to Euro-western standards, especially the use of English, thus alienating local languages. Teaching young children continued to be positioned as “women’s work,” resulting in low pay for early childhood education teachers and a lack of professionalism within the field. Although the themes of Euro-western standards and gendered discourses were frequent within the data, the theme of resilience was also found. The teachers displayed perseverance by using various coping mechanisms to counter the lack of resources and deprecated status of early childhood education as women’s work.
Toward a routine-based view of interfirm rivalry
Authors: Luoma Jukka , Laamanen Tomi , Lamberg Juha-Antti
Published: June 2020

Although organizational routines have attracted increasing attention in strategy and organization research, they have received surprisingly limited attention in competitive dynamics scholarship. Our essay seeks to advance a routine-based view of interfirm rivalry by bridging the competitive dynamics and routine literatures. We put forward a conceptual model of the routine-based view of interfirm rivalry that is centered on “competitive action routines.” The model clarifies the roles that managers play in driving a firm’s competitive behavior, challenges the assumption of routine-based rigidity in competitive behavior, and adds nuance to our understanding of managerial cognition in competitive dynamics. Moreover, the routine-based view offers new insights regarding the awareness-motivation-capability framework, and amplifies previous calls to broaden the methodological repertoire of competitive dynamics research.
Clinical Efficacy of HiPorfin Photodynamic Therapy for Advanced Obstructive Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Zeng Ruifang , Liu Chen , Li Libo , Cai Xiaojun , Chen Run , Li Zhiwen
Published: June 2020

Objective:

To explore the clinical efficacy of HiPorfin photodynamic therapy for advanced esophageal cancer and evaluate its impact on survival.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 32 patients with advanced obstructive esophageal cancer at our institution from September 2013 to December 2016. HiPorfin was infused as the photosensitizer at a dose of 5 mg/kg, and after 48 hours, 630-nm laser irradiation was subsequently performed through an optical fiber that passed through the biopsy channel of a flexible endoscope.

Results:

The effectiveness rate was 78.1% (25/32), and the significant efficacy rate was 56.3% (18/32). The dysphagia score decreased from 3.43 ± 0.73 to 1.79 ± 0.53 ( P < .05). There was no grade 3 or more toxicity. The median overall survival was estimated to be 16 months. Univariate analysis showed higher overall survival with a Karnofsky Performance Status score ≥80 compared with a Karnofsky Performance Status score <80 (hazard ratio: 2.626; 95% CI: 1.091-6.322; P = .024). Overall survival was higher in patients who had received radiation therapy than in patients who did not receive radiation therapy (hazard ratio: 3.574; 95% CI: 1.501-8.510; P = .002).

Conclusion:

Photodynamic therapy is an effective method for advanced esophageal cancer. The side effects are mild, and the short-term effect is good, especially in the relief of dysphagia. Photodynamic therapy can prolong the survival of patients with advanced esophageal cancer, and the Karnofsky Performance Status score and previous radiation therapy have a significant effect on the overall survival.
A Polyphenol-Rich Extract From Muscadine Grapes Inhibits Triple-Negative Breast Tumor Growth
Authors: Collard Marianne , Gallagher Patricia E. , Tallant E. Ann
Published: June 2020

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that tends to affect young women and has a high propensity to metastasize. No targeted treatments are available for this type of breast cancer due to a lack of estrogen or progesterone receptors or overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 overexpression. Currently, patients have no therapeutic options once standard of care is complete, indicating a need for safe and effective therapies to slow or prevent the progression of TNBC to metastatic disease. Studies showed that isolated polyphenols or polyphenol-rich muscadine grape extracts polyphenols inhibit the proliferation of various cancer cells including breast cancer. A proprietary muscadine grape extract (MGE) was administered to nude mice with human MDA-MB-231 TNBC atumors for 4 weeks to determine the effect of the extract on tumor growth. MGE decreased tumor volume in association with a reduction in the proliferative markers Ki67 and cyclin D1. To determine the molecular mechanisms for the MGE-induced reduction in tumor growth, mouse 4T1, MDA-MB-231, or human BT-549 TNBC cells were treated with MGE, and various signaling pathways were investigated. MGE reduced c-Met, differentially abrogated ERK/MAPK and AKT signaling, and decreased a downstream targets of ERK/MAPK and AKT pathways, cyclin D1. Cyclin D1 reduction was associated with retinoblastoma activation and cell cycle arrest in MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells. MGE-regulated molecular signaling pathways were functionally associated with a dose-dependent reduction in cell proliferation. The pluripotency of MGE and high index of safety and tolerability suggest that the extract may serve as a therapeutic to reduce TNBC progression to metastatic disease.
Racial Inequality in Psychological Research: Trends of the Past and Recommendations for the Future
Authors: Roberts Steven O. , Bareket-Shavit Carmelle , Dollins Forrest A. , Goldie Peter D. , Mortenson Elizabeth
Published: June 2020

Race plays an important role in how people think, develop, and behave. In the current article, we queried more than 26,000 empirical articles published between 1974 and 2018 in top-tier cognitive, developmental, and social psychology journals to document how often psychological research acknowledges this reality and to examine whether people who edit, write, and participate in the research are systematically connected. We note several findings. First, across the past five decades, psychological publications that highlight race have been rare, and although they have increased in developmental and social psychology, they have remained virtually nonexistent in cognitive psychology. Second, most publications have been edited by White editors, under which there have been significantly fewer publications that highlight race. Third, many of the publications that highlight race have been written by White authors who employed significantly fewer participants of color. In many cases, we document variation as a function of area and decade. We argue that systemic inequality exists within psychological research and that systemic changes are needed to ensure that psychological research benefits from diversity in editing, writing, and participation. To this end, and in the spirit of the field’s recent emphasis on metascience, we offer recommendations for journals and authors.
Provision of acute medicine services for pregnant women in UK hospitals: Data from the Society for Acute Medicine Benchmarking Audit 2019
Authors: Atkin Catherine , Prinja Paarul , Banerjee Anita , Holland Mark , Lasserson Dan
Published: June 2020

Background

Medical problems during pregnancy are the leading cause of maternal mortality in the UK. Pregnant women often present through acute services to the medical team, requiring timely access to appropriate services, physicians trained to manage medical problems in pregnancy, with locally agreed guidance available.

Methods

Data were collected through the Society for Acute Medicine Benchmarking Audit, a national audit of service delivery and patient care in acute medicine over a 24 hour period.

Results

One hundred and thirty hospitals participated: 5.5% had an acute medicine consultant trained in obstetric medicine, and 38% of hospitals had a named lead for maternal medicine. This was not related to hospital size (p = 0.313). Sixty-four units had local guidelines for medical problems in pregnancy; 43% had a local guideline for venous thromboembolism in pregnancy. Centres with a named lead had more guidelines (p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Current provision of services within acute medicine for pregnant women does not meet national recommendations.
The Evolution of Human Vocal Emotion
Authors: Bryant Gregory A.
Published: June 2020

Vocal affect is a subcomponent of emotion programs that coordinate a variety of physiological and psychological systems. Emotional vocalizations comprise a suite of vocal behaviors shaped by evolution to solve adaptive social communication problems. The acoustic forms of vocal emotions are often explicable with reference to the communicative functions they serve. An adaptationist approach to vocal emotions requires that we distinguish between evolved signals and byproduct cues, and understand vocal affect as a collection of multiple strategic communicative systems subject to the evolutionary dynamics described by signaling theory. We should expect variability across disparate societies in vocal emotion according to culturally evolved pragmatic rules, and universals in vocal production and perception to the extent that form–function relationships are present.
Bilio-pancreatic endoscopy during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bove Vincenzo , Schepis Tommaso , Boškoski Ivo , Landi Rosario , Orlandini Beatrice , Pontecorvi Valerio , Familiari Pietro , Tringali Andrea , Perri Vincenzo , Costamagna Guido
Published: June 2020

On 31 December 2019, the WHO China Country Office was informed of cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology detected in Wuhan (Hubei Province of China). In January 2020, a new coronavirus named SARS-CoV2 was isolated and, since that time, SARS-CoV2 related disease (COVID-19) rapidly spread all over the world becoming pandemic in March 2020. The COVID-19 outbreak dramatically affected the public-health and the health-care facilities organization. Bilio-pancreatic endoscopy is considered a high-risk procedure for cross-contamination and, even though it is not directly involved in COVID-19 diagnosis and management, its reorganization is crucial to guarantee high standards of care minimizing the risk of SARS-CoV2 transmission among patients and health-care providers. Bilio-pancreatic endoscopic procedures often require a short physical distance between the endoscopist and the patient for a long period of time, a frequent exchange of devices, the involvement of a large number of personnel, the use of complex endoscopes difficult to reprocess. On this basis, endoscopic units should take precautions with adjusted management of bilio-pancreatic endoscopy. The aim of this article is to discuss the approach to bilio-pancreatic endoscopy in the COVID-19 era with focus on diagnostic algorithms, indications, management of the endoscopic room, proper use of Personal Protective Equipment and correct reprocessing of instrumentation.
Intensive immunosuppression followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the treatment of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lycke Jan , Lenhoff Stig
Published: June 2020

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) to treat multiple sclerosis (MS) has mostly been used in devastating cases as the last option to stop further neurological deterioration. However, evidence from several retrospective clinical trials indicates that young, less disabled patients with highly inflammatory active MS are the most likely to benefit from AHSCT, and after moving from high-intensity to nonmyeloablative procedures the tolerability of AHSCT has increased and its associated risk and mortality have declined considerably. Recent meta-analyses and randomized clinical trials show that AHSCT is more effective than currently approved disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), with suppression of disease activity in 70–90% of patients and long-term cessation of disease activity in two-thirds of treated patients. The rationale for AHSCT is to eliminate autoimmunity and achieve immune resetting by intense immunosuppression followed by infusion of autologous hematopoietic stem cells. Similar effects on the immune system have been suggested for cladribine and alemtuzumab treatment and, together with AHSCT, they constitute the induction or immune-reconstitution therapies for MS. Although, further randomized controlled trials of AHSCT for MS are needed, it has become clear that improved patient selection and lower intensity conditioning regimens have reduced AHSCT associated risks and mortality and strengthened the position of AHSCT among other DMTs. Do we have enough experience and scientific support for AHSCT in MS to move from an exclusive treatment for aggressive, treatment-resistant MS and acquire broader indications, similar to other effective DMTs?
Leveraging Active Learning Pedagogy in a Scaffolded Approach: Reconceptualizing Instructional Leadership Learning
Authors: Salisbury Jason D. , Irby Decoteau J.
Published: June 2020

This article investigates how the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) redesigned its three-course instructional leadership strand to operate as a continuous three-semester learning experience that sequenced and emphasized an active learning pedagogy. This accounting elaborates the design and use of this pedagogy to support aspirant leaders in progressing through a continuum of knowers, assessors, and demonstrators of instructional leadership practice. Finally, we discuss the tensions that emerged from this approach to instructional leadership learning.
Injection of Steroid in Nasal Polyps: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hansen Maria B. , Alanin Mikkel C.
Published: June 2020

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common chronic condition classically divided into two phenotypes according to the presence or absence of nasal polyps. The effects of both medical and surgical treatment are often temporary, encouraging research into new treatment options.

Methods

We performed a systematic review related to dosages, effects, side effects, and safety of intrapolyp steroid injection in patients with nasal polyps. We identified five studies with a total of 386 patients and 2490 intrapolyp steroid injections.

Results

Treatment with intrapolyp steroid injection leads to a decrease in the Total Nasal Polyps Score (TNPS), Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), and Lund-Mackay Score. The dosage regimens vary from 10 to 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide. Only two cases of temporary visual complications were reported.

Conclusion

This review found that intrapolyp steroid injection may be an effective and safe treatment for patients with nasal polyps. However, there exist no large, randomized, clinical trials. We found no association between dose and effect, or dose and the risk of visual complications.
High strain rate and low temperature effects on the compressive behaviour of concrete
Authors: MacLean Thomas J , Lloyd Alan
Published: June 2020

Temperature and strain rate are important factors when considering the mechanical properties of engineering materials, as they can greatly influence the material behaviour. The research presented here is an experimental investigation to determine the effects of low temperatures and high strain rates on the compressive behaviour of concrete. The primary purpose of the research is the development of experimental stress–strain relationships under these conditions, as this is a largely unexplored research topic. Thirty-five 101.6 mm × 203.2 mm concrete cylinders were tested in uniaxial compression at the University of New Brunswick. The specimens were loaded either under static conditions or dynamically with an average strain rate of approximately 1 s−1, while being exposed to temperatures from 20°C to −70°C to simulate extreme climatic temperature and those attainable within industrial storage facilities. The compression strain of the specimens was obtained using digital image correlation. The mechanical properties studied were the compressive strength, strain associated with the peak stress and general stress–strain behaviour due to the increased strain rate and temperature variations.
Mapping COVID-19: How web-based maps contribute to the infodemic
Authors: Mooney Peter , Juhász Levente
Published: June 2020

A proliferation of web-based maps have appeared depicting many different aspects of the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). In this commentary, we consider the usage of web-based mapping during the COVID-19 pandemic and argue that web maps have been widely misused for delivering public information on this fast moving, epidemiologically complex, and geographically unbounded process.
Medicine lines and COVID-19: Indigenous geographies of imagined bordering
Authors: Leonard Kelsey
Published: June 2020

In response to COVID-19, this commentary explores the disproportionate impacts that the pandemic is having on Indigenous nations of Turtle Island (North America) and the rendering of Indigenous borders as sites of compassionate community care. I argue that settler colonialism during COVID-19 is enacted through travel and second-home escapism of urban elites.
(Dis)embeddedness and (de)commodification: COVID-19, Uber, and the unravelling logics of the gig economy
Authors: Katta Srujana , Badger Adam , Graham Mark , Howson Kelle , Ustek-Spilda Funda , Bertolini Alessio
Published: June 2020

The ride-hailing giant Uber has long circumvented labour regulations and commodified its drivers’ labour by existing at the conjuncture of multiple geographies – being simultaneously embedded and disembedded from the places where it operates. In this commentary, we argue that the COVID-19 pandemic has destabilised Uber’s ‘conjunctural’ existence and forced the company to become more embedded in the locations where it operates, bringing about a – perhaps temporary – turn towards the decommodification of its drivers’ labour.
A geospatial infodemic: Mapping Twitter conspiracy theories of COVID-19
Authors: Stephens Monica
Published: June 2020

Conspiracy theories have proliferated during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide an explanation for uncontrollable circumstances. Most conspiratorial explanations often ascribe disease to foreigners or as a result of deliberate actions. Through mapping retweets that attribute COVID-19 to a bioweapon or a lab in China, I examine the geography behind a metonymic conspiracy theory.
Impact of SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic on pulmonary hypertension out‐patient clinics in Germany: a multi‐centre study
Authors: Yogeswaran Athiththan , Gall Henning , Tello Khodr , Grünig Ekkehard , Xanthouli Panagiota , Ewert Ralf , Kamp Jan C. , Olsson Karen M. , Wißmüller Max , Rosenkranz Stephan , Klose Hans , Harbaum Lars , Lange Tobias J. , Opitz Christian F. , Waelde Andrea , Milger Katrin , Sommer Natascha , Seeger Werner , Ghofrani Hossein Ardeschir , Richter Manuel J.
Published: June 2020

Pulmonary hypertension is frequently underdiagnosed, and referral is delayed with subsequent impact on outcomes. During the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, restrictions on daily life and changes in hospitals' daily routine care were introduced in Germany. This multi‐centre study provides evidence for a negative influence of these restrictions on patient care in pulmonary hypertension expert referral centres.
A possible increase in liver enzymes due to amlodipine: A case report
Authors: Varghese Ginny , Madi Lama , Ghannam Muna , Saad Rafaat
Published: June 2020

Amlodipine is a commonly prescribed antihypertensive drug, well tolerated and has rarely been attributed as a cause for elevated liver enzymes. Here, we present a 47-year-old male patient known to be hypertensive and admitted to our rehabilitation facility after an acute stroke. During his stay, amlodipine was started in addition to other antihypertensive medications to control his blood pressure. His liver transaminases after 4 days (notably alanine aminotransferase) were found to be markedly elevated. After reviewing the medications and investigating probable causes, amlodipine was suspended. After 5 days of suspending amlodipine, the transaminases started to trend downward. The Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale and the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method were performed to assess causality in this suspected idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury case. Both the scores denoted a probable amlodipine-induced liver injury. Previous case reports related to amlodipine-induced liver injury are mentioned and presented in the table below. In conclusion, amlodipine, though not well known to be hepatotoxic, can induce liver enzyme elevations in an idiosyncratic manner.
“Visual Affluence” in Social Photography: Applicability of Image Segmentation as a Visually Oriented Approach to Study Instagram Hashtags
Authors: Rathnayake Chamil , Ntalla Irida
Published: June 2020

The aim of the study is to examine the applicability of image segmentation—identification of objects/regions by partitioning images—to examine online social photography. We argue that the need for a meaning-independent reading of online social photography within social markers, such as hashtags, arises due to two characteristics of social photography: (1) internal incongruence resulting from user-driven construction and (2) variability of content in terms of visual attributes, such as color combinations, brightness, and details in backgrounds. We suggest visual affluence—plenitude of visual stimuli, such as objects and surfaces containing a variety of color regions, present in visual imagery—as a basis for classifying visual content and image segmentation as a technique to measure affluence. We demonstrate that images containing objects with complex texture and background patterns are more affluent, while images that include blurry backgrounds are less affluent than others. Moreover, images that contain letters and dark, single-color backgrounds are less affluent than images that include subtle shades. Mann–Whitney U test results for ten pairs of hashtags showed that eight pairs had significant differences in visual affluence. The proposed measure can be used to encourage a “visually oriented” turn in online social photography research that can benefit from hybrid methods that are able to extrapolate micro-level findings to macro-level effects.
Poetry in motion: Qualitative analysis, I-poems and disabled cyclists
Authors: Inckle Kay
Published: June 2020

In this article, I present three I-poems from a larger research project in which I explore the health, identity and social impacts of cycling for people with physical disabilities. I used I-poems as a means of kick-starting an in-depth, multi-perspective engagement with my interview transcripts after struggling to formulate insightful and productive thematic analysis. For me, this research project is something of a departure from my normal research processes and practices as it is taking place in partnership with a voluntary organisation. This organisation facilitated the recruitment of the research participants and had specific inputs into the research questions as well as maintaining ongoing interests in the research findings. My usual research tends to be much less structured and much more exploratory and messy than this. And yet, for me, this messiness facilitates insight and creative engagement which is intensely productive in terms of both findings and outputs – often via the use of creative methods. Therefore, as much as I have enjoyed conducting the research for this project and liaising with the organisation and meeting the participants, I struggled to find my ‘researcher mojo’ when working with the transcripts. In this context, I-poems became a creative stimulant for productive engagement with the transcripts and deepening my critical and reflective insights into the data.
Clinical Outcome of Mid-Length Proximal Femoral Nail for Patients With Trochanteric Hip Fractures: Preliminary Investigation in a Japanese Cohort of Patients More Than 70 Years Old
Authors: Matsumura Tomohiro , Takahashi Tsuneari , Nakashima Mitsuharu , Nibe Yoshiya , Takeshita Katsushi
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

The TFN-ADVANCED Proximal Femoral Nailing System (TFNA) 235 mm (DePuySynthes) and Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA)-II 240 mm (DePuySynthes) were developed to obtain better stability for patients with trochanteric hip fractures without increasing surgical time and amount of blood loss. However, there are currently no studies concerning clinical and radiological outcomes of patients treated using these proximal femoral nails (PFNs) that have been performed in the Japanese population. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical outcomes associated with 235 to 240 mm PFNs for Japanese patients >70 years old with trochanteric hip fractures who could walk independently before the injury.

Materials and Methods:

This study involved a retrospective analysis of data on trochanteric hip fracture patients who had undergone internal fixation from March 2016 to June 2018. The inclusion criteria were patients >70 years old with trochanteric hip fractures who could walk independently before the injury and were followed up for ≥3 months after surgery. Initially, 124 patients were identified, but 33 of these were excluded because other implants were used for internal fixation. Of the remaining 91 patients in whom PFNs were used at the time of internal fixation who were included for the perioperative evaluation, 66 patients followed up for ≥3 months were included in the clinical evaluations.

Results:

The average surgical time was 56.8 ± 19.6 minutes (range, 23-123 minutes). The average blood loss was 89 ± 41 mL (range, 0-245 mL). The union rate was 98%.

Discussion:

There were no cases of nail jamming, and all nails were successfully inserted below the end of the distal isthmus without additional reaming to dilate the canal.

Conclusions:

Proximal femoral nails were a useful implant in Japanese elderly patients with trochanteric hip fractures and gave comparable clinical outcomes despite the femoral length being short and occurrence of intensive bowing.
Public Voices Muted in Economic News: A Content Analysis of Public and Elite Sources in South Korean Newspapers
Authors: Baek Kanghui , Lee Na Yeon
Published: June 2020

This study explores the extent to which public and elite sources are used in economic news. A content analysis of the economic coverage of three major South Korean national newspapers published between 1994 and 2014 found that elite sources were more prominent in South Korean economic news. More important, although public sources increased slightly in the economic news over three time periods (1994, 2004, and 2014) within a period of 20 years, they were still less common than elite sources in daily life–oriented economic news. This study suggests that the lack of coverage that cites public sources may not reflect the interests and perspectives of the general public (the nonelites).
Influence of Learning Objects of Graphics Architecture on Motivation
Authors: Melian-Melian Juan A. , Martin-Gutierrez Jorge
Published: June 2020

The proactive role of university students demands that teaching staff engage in attempts at motivating students to make greater efforts at building knowledge by providing them with resources that facilitate learning. This paper provides details of a study that has involved designing and building Learning Objects (LOs) for Architectural Graphic Expression and inserting them into a university degree as a teaching aid to study their influence on student motivation. Findings show that the use of LOs in Architectural Graphic Expression produces significant improvement in students’ intrinsic goal orientation, which is fundamental to the development of deeper learning.
The Mediating Effect of Customer Satisfaction on the Relationship Between Electronic Banking Service Quality and Customer Purchase Intention: Evidence From the Qatar Banking Sector
Authors: Khatoon Sadia , Zhengliang Xu , Hussain Hamid
Published: June 2020

This study investigates the relationship between the dimensions of electronic (E)-banking service quality and customer purchasing intentions with the mediating role of customer satisfaction. Data were collected from employees and customers, working in different banks of Qatar through a validated closed-ended questionnaire from a sample of 235. Correlation analysis and regression analysis were implied to the obtained data to test the study hypothesis, and the report provided accurate results as per our expectations. The results of the study indicate that reliability, efficiency, responsiveness, communication, security, and privacy have a significant and positive impact on customer purchasing intentions. Customer purchasing intentions are significantly increased when the customers are satisfied with E-banking service quality. The mediating role of customer satisfaction was established for E-banking service quality and customer purchase intentions. Customer satisfaction tested as a mediator has shown a partial impact on the relationship between information technology (IT), E-banking service quality, and customer purchasing intentions. This study has significantly contributed to the area of research primarily within the domain of behavioral finance. The study also provides significant implications for academicians and practitioners.
Baclofen Toxicity in Children With Acute Kidney Injury: Case Reports and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mishaal Ram A. , Lanphear Nancy E. , Armarnik Erez , van Rensburg Esias R. , Matsell Douglas G.
Published: June 2020

Baclofen is a medication used for tone management in cerebral palsy. Although it acts mainly at the spinal cord level, it can cause central nervous system adverse reactions at higher doses. Baclofen is mainly eliminated by renal excretion and there have been reports on adverse events when used in adults with renal impairment; however, there are no consensus guidelines as to the dose adjustments required due to renal impairment. The authors describe 2 children with acute kidney injury (AKI) and systemic side effects with initiation of oral baclofen, which was started for treatment of dystonia/spasticity in the recovery phase of their kidney injury. Following the initiation of the drug, they both had decreased level of consciousness and respiratory difficulties, which warranted discontinuation of the drug. These cases highlight the need for reduced initial dose, slow titration, and close monitoring when initiating baclofen treatment in children with AKI.
Hidden geographies of the ‘Mediterranean migration crisis’
Authors: Squire Vicki
Published: June 2020

This article explores the hidden geographies of what has been widely referred to as the ‘Mediterranean migration crisis’ of 2015 and 2016. Specifically, it draws on a large-scale analysis of migratory testimonies from across the central and eastern Mediterranean routes, in order to explore the claims or demands posed to European policy-makers by people on the move. Reflecting on the idea that migration forms a subversive political act that disrupts spatialised inequalities and longer histories of power and violence, the article sets out the argument advanced by scholars of the autonomy of migration approach that migration forms a ‘social movement’ involving subjective acts of escape. It makes the case for a move beyond an abstract account of migration as a social movement, to emphasise the importance of an analysis that unpacks the concrete ways in which multiple ‘nonmovements’ expose the hidden geographies of the so-called ‘crisis’. In so doing, it draws attention to two specific ways in which migration forms a political act. First, the article highlights anti-colonial acts that contest the spatialised inequalities of global migration along with longer-standing historical dynamics of exploitation and dispossession that these implicate. Second, it highlights anti-war acts that reject securitised responses to cross-border migration along with longer-standing spatial and historical dynamics of masculinist violence. While imperceptibility remains a critical dimension of many migratory acts, the article concludes that paying attention to the perceptible claims to justice that subversive political acts of migration involve is crucial in understanding the distinct transformations put into motion by people on the move.
Enhancement of the adsorption properties of two natural bentonites by ion exchange: equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamic study
Authors: Boukhemkhem Ali , Pizarro Alejandro H. , Molina Carmen B.
Published: June 2020

In this investigation, Maghnia (Ma) and Mostaganem (Ms) bentonite clays, mined from west Algeria, with no prior affinity for anionic dyes, were modified by simple ion exchange with aqueous Fe3+ solutions, followed by calcination at 500°C. The resulting materials, Fe-Ma and Fe-Ms, respectively, were employed as adsorbents for methyl orange. The starting materials and the two adsorbents were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area and X-ray fluorescence and by determining the point of zero charge. The effects of various variables, such as initial dye concentration, contact time, adsorbent dose, initial pH and adsorption temperature, were studied. The kinetics were well described by the pseudo-second-order model and the mechanism was determined from the intraparticle diffusion model, while corresponding isotherms fitted better to the Freundlich model. Thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption process was endothermic, spontaneous and physical in nature, accompanied by an increase of entropy.
Noninfectious pulmonary complications of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Haider Samran , Durairajan Navin , Soubani Ayman O.
Published: June 2020

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an established treatment for a variety of malignant and nonmalignant conditions. Pulmonary complications, both infectious and noninfectious, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients who undergo HSCT. Recent advances in prophylaxis and treatment of infectious complications has increased the significance of noninfectious pulmonary conditions. Acute lung injury associated with idiopathic pneumonia syndrome remains a major acute complication with high morbidity and mortality. On the other hand, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome is the most challenging chronic pulmonary complication facing clinicians who are taking care of allogeneic HSCT recipients. Other noninfectious pulmonary complications following HSCT are less frequent. This review provides a clinical update of the incidence, risk factors, pathogenesis, clinical characteristics and management of the main noninfectious pulmonary complications following HSCT.
Explaining the variation in the attained power of a stepped-wedge trial with unequal cluster sizes
Authors: Ouyang Yongdong , Karim Mohammad Ehsanul , Gustafson Paul , Field Thalia S. , Wong Hubert
Published: June 2020

Background

In a cross-sectional stepped-wedge trial with unequal cluster sizes, attained power in the trial depends on the realized allocation of the clusters. This attained power may differ from the expected power calculated using standard formulae by averaging the attained powers over all allocations the randomization algorithm can generate. We investigated the effect of design factors and allocation characteristics on attained power and developed models to predict attained power based on allocation characteristics.

Method

Based on data simulated and analyzed using linear mixed-effects models, we evaluated the distribution of attained powers under different scenarios with varying intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the responses, coefficient of variation (CV) of the cluster sizes, number of cluster-size groups, distributions of group sizes, and number of clusters. We explored the relationship between attained power and two allocation characteristics: the individual-level correlation between treatment status and time period, and the absolute treatment group imbalance. When computational time was excessive due to a scenario having a large number of possible allocations, we developed regression models to predict attained power using the treatment-vs-time period correlation and absolute treatment group imbalance as predictors.

Results

The risk of attained power falling more than 5% below the expected or nominal power decreased as the ICC or number of clusters increased and as the CV decreased. Attained power was strongly affected by the treatment-vs-time period correlation. The absolute treatment group imbalance had much less impact on attained power. The attained power for any allocation was predicted accurately using a logistic regression model with the treatment-vs-time period correlation and the absolute treatment group imbalance as predictors.

Conclusion

In a stepped-wedge trial with unequal cluster sizes, the risk that randomization yields an allocation with inadequate attained power depends on the ICC, the CV of the cluster sizes, and number of clusters. To reduce the computational burden of simulating attained power for allocations, the attained power can be predicted via regression modeling. Trial designers can reduce the risk of low attained power by restricting the randomization algorithm to avoid allocations with large treatment-vs-time period correlations.
Including non-concurrent control patients in the analysis of platform trials: is it worth it?
Authors: Lee Kim May , Wason James
Published: June 2020

Background

Platform trials allow adding new experimental treatments to an on-going trial. This feature is attractive to practitioners due to improved efficiency. Nevertheless, the operating characteristics of a trial that adds arms have not been well-studied. One controversy is whether just the concurrent control data (i.e. of patients who are recruited after a new arm is added) should be used in the analysis of the newly added treatment(s), or all control data (i.e. non-concurrent and concurrent).

Methods

We investigate the benefits and drawbacks of using non-concurrent control data within a two-stage setting. We perform simulation studies to explore the impact of a linear and a step trend on the inference of the trial. We compare several analysis approaches when one includes all the control data or only concurrent control data in the analysis of the newly added treatment.

Results

When there is a positive trend and all the control data are used, the marginal power of rejecting the corresponding hypothesis and the type one error rate can be higher than the nominal value. A model-based approach adjusting for a stage effect is equivalent to using concurrent control data; an adjustment with a linear term may not guarantee valid inference when there is a non-linear trend.

Conclusions

If strict error rate control is required then non-concurrent control data should not be used; otherwise it may be beneficial if the trend is sufficiently small. On the other hand, the root mean squared error of the estimated treatment effect can be improved through using non-concurrent control data.
Permanent iodine-125 brachytherapy for patients with progressive or recurrent high-grade gliomas
Authors: Wang Congxiao , Liu Shifeng , Peng Lijing , Zhang Kaixian , Li Wei , Zhang Hao , Luan Ying , Li Peishun , Hu Xiaokun
Published: June 2020

Background

The prognosis of patients with progressive or recurrent high-grade gliomas (HGGs) after surgery remains poor. Iodine-125 brachytherapy is emerging as a salvage method for the treatment of gliomas. This study aimed to investigate whether permanent iodine-125 brachytherapy could be used as an effective therapeutic method even without radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy for progressive or recurrent HGG after gross total resection.

Methods

Between March 2004 and August 2016, 58 patients with progressive or recurrent HGG after gross total resection were included in this study. Twenty-nine patients underwent radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy and then permanent iodine-125 brachytherapy (SRCI group). Twenty-nine patients underwent permanent iodine-125 brachytherapy alone (SI group). Follow-up was carried out at 1, 3, and 6 months and then at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years after iodine-125 implantation. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), procedure-related complications and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Results

No procedure-related fatal events happened. The temporary morbidity rate was 11.9%. The median OS and PFS for patients in the SI group were 22 and 8 months compared with 21 and 7 months in the SRCI group. No significant differences were found. Age and Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Age, KPS and histology were independent prognostic factors for PFS.

Conclusions

Permanent iodine-125 brachytherapy could be used as an effective therapeutic method even without radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy for progressive or recurrent HGG after gross total resection.