bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research and practice of online emergency teaching based on electronic information technology under the influence of COVID-19
Authors: Zhao Ya , Tang Yongfang , Liu Fang , Peng Zhiyong , Kong Jie , Huang Juan , Tong Zhuozhuang
Published: February 2021

The new crown pneumonia (COVID-19) epidemic in 2020 has spread globally, causing schools around the world to stop routine teaching. Educational institutions in various countries have adopted online teaching methods in response to this crisis. This research, carried out in Human Institute of Information Technology with a number of teachers and students as its subjects, sets out to give statistical analysis upon the students' selections of online teaching platforms as well as their evaluations of online teaching. At the same time, based on the online teaching practice of “Building Structure”, a certain quantity of research upon the online teaching practice is completed among the students who began their college studies in engineering cost in the year of 2018. According to all these studies, it is evident that multiple factors such as teachers' ages, professions, and the features of various online teaching platforms, can determine which one is used by different individuals. The evaluation results suggest that online teaching is necessary under the impact of the epidemic despite the fact that students may face a series of problems for lack of self-control and other possible reasons. Through practice, an innovative teaching and evaluation method can partially solve the problems found in online teaching and provide useful ideas for creating higher quality teaching on the Internet.
Experimental investigation on bond strength between BFRP bars and concrete under freeze-thaw cycles
Authors: Wu Xiao-Yong , Zhou Kai , Yuan Xiao-Lu , Zhu Yong-Shuai , Fan Pei , Xiong Qi-Long
Published: February 2021

To investigate the bond strength between BFRP bars and concrete under freezing and thawing cycles, a total of 36 specimens for freezing and thawing cycles tests and center pull-out tests were carried out with different times of freezing and thawing cycles (0, 10, 20, and 40 times) and different concrete strength grades (C30, C35, and C40). The results of this study showed that the specimens without freezing and thawing cycle (0 times) and specimens of C30 with freeze-thaw for 40 times were pulled out, and the remaining specimens were split. With the increase of the concrete strength grade, the debonding strength increases gradually and the ultimate bond strength does not increase in proportion. The debonding strength of BFRP bars and concrete decreases gradually with the times of freezing and thawing cycles. The ultimate bond strength and peak slip indicated a trend of increasing and then decreasing with the increasing times of freezing and thawing, while the peak slip of specimens of C30 with 40 times freeze-thaw increases slightly.
Tagore’s exploration of Hindu identity in Gora
Authors: Dutta Ashim
Published: February 2021

Published between 1907 and 1910, Rabindranath Tagore’s novel Gora reflects its author’s evolving cultural, political, and ideological views in the first decade of the twentieth century. This period was significant not only for Tagore’s engagement in and disenchantment with the Swadeshi movement, but also in terms of his critical assessment of the viability of a Hindu cultural-national identity for India. Reading the novel in the light of some of his relevant writings in and around the 1900s, this essay puts Tagore’s exploration of Hindu identity into perspective in order to distinguish it from the exclusionary Hindutva ideologies later promoted and popularized in Indian politics. Using a dialogic method in the novel, Tagore pits a limited, divisive, and communalist Hindu ideology against an open, liberal, and alternative Hindu selfhood for India which is compatible with the universal-humanist perspective propounded at the end. Despite endorsing the latter perspective, Tagore nevertheless reveals his concerns and uncertainties about the position of minority communities and outsiders within that holistic paradigm of Indian identity.
Foulweather Friends: Violence and Third Party Support in Self-Determination Conflicts
Authors: Huddleston R. Joseph
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates how violence in self-determination conflicts influences bilateral foreign policy. I argue that a general preference for international stability causes third parties to support self-determination groups when violence reaches high levels, when they gain territorial control, and when major powers officially recognize. In these conditions, third parties perceive a stable new status quo to be nigh: unrecognized statehood. Ongoing instability encourages foreign policy that encourages the development of the de facto state, even when third parties have no intention of recognizing them as states. Importantly, I also show that targeting civilians erodes third-party support of the perpetrating side. I demonstrate these relationships using a latent variable model of international sovereignty of aspiring states, built on bilateral military, diplomatic, and economic exchange data. My model and tests provide new insight into how aspiring state actors become increasingly eligible for recognition through the tacit support of third-party states.
Flexibility and Firmness in Crisis Bargaining
Authors: Danilovic Vesna , Clare Joe
Published: February 2021

Our study compares the efficacy of mixed bargaining strategies to strict coercion or accommodation. While mixed strategies can be approached from different conceptual angles, we focus on flexible and/or firm postures as signaling properties of bargaining. In our theory and empirical analysis, we show that the combination of firmness with flexibility on both sides, without necessarily scripted rules as in tit-for-tat, leads to peaceful resolution without unilateral concessions. Its opposite, resolute firmness is unlikely to make the opponent yield, as assumed in influential literature of the traditional canon. If anything, war is most likely when both sides opt for it. We provide the theoretical rationale for these expectations, which are validated in our empirical analysis of the ICB crisis dataset for the 1918 to 2015 period. Our study also points to the bargaining process as a potential causal mechanism between democracy and peace, and therefore has relevant implications for several research strands.
Cultural History, Ritual and Performance: George L. Mosse in Context
Authors: Burke Peter
Published: February 2021

George L. Mosse took a ‘cultural turn’ in the latter part of his career, but still early enough to make a pioneering contribution to the study of political culture and in particular what he called political ‘liturgy’, including marches, processions, and practices of commemoration. He adapted to the study of nationalism in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries the approach to the history of ritual developed by historians of medieval and early modern Europe, among them his friend Ernst Kantorowicz. More recently, the concept of ritual, whether religious or secular, has been criticized by some cultural historians on the grounds that it implies a fixed ‘script’ in situations that were actually marked by fluidity and improvisation. In this respect cultural historians have been part of a wider trend that includes sociologists and anthropologists as well as theatre scholars and has been institutionalized as Performance Studies. Some recent studies of contemporary nationalism in Tanzania, Venezuela and elsewhere have adopted this perspective, emphasizing that the same performance may have different meanings for different sections of the audience. It is only to be regretted that Mosse did not live long enough to respond to these studies and that their authors seem unaware of his work.
The social aspects of genome editing: publics as stakeholders, populations and participants in animal research
Authors: Davies Gail , Gorman Richard , McGlacken Renelle , Peres Sara
Published: February 2021

The application of genome editing to animal research connects to a wide variety of policy concerns and public conversations. We suggest focusing narrowly on public opinion of genome editing is to overlook the range of positions from which people are brought into relationships with animal research through these technologies. In this paper, we explore three key roles that publics are playing in the development of genome editing techniques applied to animals in biomedical research. First, publics are positioned by surveys and focus groups as stakeholders with opinions that matter to the development of research technologies. Learning lessons from controversies over genetically modified food in Europe, these methods are used to identify problems in science–society relations that need to be managed. Second, people are recruited into research projects through participating in biobanks and providing data, where their contributions are encouraged by appeals to the public good and maintained by public confidence. Thirdly, patients are increasingly taking positions within research governance, as lay reviewers on funding panels, where their expertise helps align research priorities and practices with public expectations of research. These plural publics do not easily aggregate into a simple or singular public opinion on genome editing. We conclude by suggesting more attention is needed to the multiple roles that different publics expect – and are expected – to play in the future development of genomic technologies.
Base editing and prime editing in laboratory animals
Authors: Caso Federico , Davies Benjamin
Published: February 2021

Genome editing by programmable RNA-dependent Cas endonucleases has revolutionised the field of genome engineering, achieving targeted genomic change at unprecedented efficiencies with considerable application in laboratory animal research. Despite its ease of use and wide application, there remain concerns about the precision of this technology and a number of unpredictable consequences have been reported, mostly resulting from the DNA double-strand break (DSB) that conventional CRISPR editing induces. In order to improve editing precision, several iterations of the technology been developed over the years. Base editing is one of most successful developments, allowing for single base conversions but without the need for a DSB. Cytosine and adenine base editing are now established as reliable methods to achieve precise genome editing in animal research studies. Both cytosine and adenine base editors have been applied successfully to the editing of zygotes, resulting in the generation of animal models. Similarly, both base editors have achieved precise editing of point mutations in somatic cells, facilitating the development of gene therapy approaches. Despite rapid progress in optimising these tools, base editing can address only a subset of possible base conversions within a relatively narrow window and larger genomic manipulations are not possible. The recent development of prime editing, originally defined as a simple ‘search and replace’ editing tool, may help address these limitations and could widen the range of genome manipulations possible. Preliminary reports of prime editing in animals are being published, and this new technology may allow significant advancements for laboratory animal research.
Third molar maturity index and legal age in different ethnic populations: Accuracy of Cameriere’s method
Authors: De Micco Francesco , Martino Federica , Velandia Palacio Luz Andrea , Cingolani Mariano , Campobasso Carlo Pietro
Published: February 2021

Molar development is widely accepted as a reliable indicator of chronological age in a forensic context. A quantitative method for age estimation has been proposed by Cameriere et al. based on the relationship between chronological age and the third molar maturity index (I3M), which is the ratio between the two apical pulp widths and the total tooth length. Cameriere’s cut off value of 0.08 was found to be a reliable tool in assessing the threshold of 18 years of age. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the I3M in different ethnic populations focusing on its specificity (subjects correctly classified as <18 years based on I3M >0.08) and sensitivity (subjects correctly classified as ≥18 years based on I3M <0.08). A review of 22 scientific articles was performed, representing data from panoramic radiographs of 12,286 individuals (5723 males and 6563 females) from all over the world, including some ethnical subgroups. The I3M showed an overall sensitivity for both sexes ranging from 51.8% to 93.4% and a specificity ranging from 86.2% to 100%. The proportion of correctly classified individuals ranged from 74% to 95%. These results can be useful to refer the age estimation with the margin of error of subjects correctly classified as minors (specificity) or adults (sensitivity), according to sex, ethnicity and geographical distribution. The I3M can be considered a suitable method for estimating adulthood in forensic settings, regardless of sex. However, ethnic group can affect the accuracy.
High-dose benzodiazepine dependence among health-care professionals: A neglected phenomenon
Authors: Morbioli Laura , Lugoboni Fabio
Published: February 2021

Chronic use of benzodiazepines (BDZs) is a widespread phenomenon which can lead to side effects such as tolerance, dependence and cognitive impairment, as well as resulting in accidents at work. High-dose BDZ dependence (HD-BDZ) is little studied, and it is mainly attributed to major psychiatric disorders and polydrug abuse. To date, few studies have investigated HD-BDZ among active workers, with none among health-care professionals (HPs). Tapering from high doses of BDZs can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. The Addiction Unit of the University Hospital in Verona uses a protocol based on flumazenil slow infusion (FLU-SI), the safest and most effective treatment for HD-BDZ. Since 2003, 1281 patients have been detoxified from long-term use of high doses of BDZ using FLU-SI. The sample includes 139 (10.8%) HPs. Mean daily doses were 336 mg diazepam equivalent among HPs and 365 mg diazepam equivalent among non-HPs (no statistically significant difference). HPs are at higher risk of sleep disorders and work-related stress. Most of these HPs experience difficulties at work due to cognitive impairment, but they are often afraid of the potential legal implications and too ashamed to ask for help. It is important to study the prevalence of HD-BDZ among HPs and to investigate the impact on their working skills and working eligibility.
Sudden death in a 39-year-old woman due to three-vessel coronary artery disease: A case report and literature review
Authors: Vermiglio Elisa , Bortoletto Elena , Brunelli Matteo , Sipala Stefania , De Leo Domenico
Published: February 2021

Coronary atherosclerosis may be underestimated in previously asymptomatic and apparently healthy young people, although it has been reported in various epidemiological studies. Between 7% and 21% of sudden cardiac deaths in previously asymptomatic people aged <45 years are due to three-vessel coronary artery disease. So, clinical services need to vigilant for this condition. We report a single case of sudden death in a young woman who was affected by three-vessel coronary artery disease. This 39-year-old woman attended an emergency department for non-specific chest pain. After a brief observation period, in the absence of signs of an acute myocardial event, she self-discharged. However, she died suddenly the next day. The subsequent autopsy did not show significant pathological findings, although macroscopic examination of the heart revealed critical three-vessel coronary artery disease. Standard histological examination confirmed an atheromatous plaque obstructing >75% of the lumen of the anterior descending artery, complicated by haemorrhagic phenomena, with diffuse calcified and sub-totally occluded atherosclerotic plaques in the other vascular sections, without ischaemic signs of the cardiomyocytes or fibrosis. When young people present with chest pain, they must be carefully evaluated. Risks need to be clearly explained, particularly when self-discharge is requested.
Dental age estimation: Demirjian’s versus the other methods in different populations. A literature review
Authors: De Donno Antonio , Angrisani Carmelinda , Mele Federica , Introna Francesco , Santoro Valeria
Published: February 2021

Age estimation is an important issue in forensic anthropology and odontology, since it is applied to both the living and the dead. Studies have shown that assessing tooth development using radiological methods is a reliable way to estimate age, especially in children. Demirjian’s method is the most widely used estimation method for dental age evaluation. Over the years, many methods have been developed in order to asses which one predicts more accurately the age. In the literature, many populations were examined with these different methods and discordant results are described. This review aims to evaluate the studies in which Demirjian’s method was compared with Willems’, Cameriere’s, Nolla’s, Smith’s, Haavikko’s and Chaillet’s methods in order to estimate the most accurate dental age estimation method in different populations. Using the methodology described in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis statement, the authors conducted a review of existing literature using three databases: PubMed, Google Scholar and Google Scopus.
Mortality in Prisons: The Experience of the Bureau of Legal Medicine of Milan (Italy) (1993–2017)
Authors: Gentile Guendalina , Nicolazzo Marta , Bianchi Rachele , Bailo Paolo , Boracchi Michele , Tambuzzi Stefano , Zoja Riccardo
Published: February 2021

We undertook a retrospective analysis of deaths that took place in prisons in Milan between 1993 and 2017, by identifying cases from a total of 24,101 autopsies that were performed at the Section of Forensic Medicine of the University of Milan. From the archives of this institution, we found 227 autopsy reports relating to deaths that had taken place in one of Milan’s three detention facilities. These deaths were divided into two types: natural deaths ( n=135; 59.5%) and violent deaths ( n=92; 40.5%). The groups have different characteristics: while natural deaths mostly resulted from cardiovascular diseases, suicides were mainly the result of hanging. Further, people who died by suicide often had a history of psychiatric disease and/or drug abuse, and over a quarter of them had previous suicide attempts and/or had declared suicidal intentions. This study confirms the need for good quality healthcare services for prisoners, given that they remain a population at high risk of early death.
Complex and complicated suicides in Friuli (1993–2017)
Authors: Simonit Francesco , Sciarappa Orazio Elia , Bassan Fabio , Scorretti Carlo , Giudici Fabiola , Desinan Lorenzo
Published: February 2021

Complex suicides involve more than one suicide method. According to the intention of the victim, they are classified as ‘planned’ when the use of more than one suicide technique has been previously devised by the victim and ‘unplanned’ when the first method turns out to be too painful or insufficient to cause death, and the individual then resorts to other means of suicide. Complicated suicide, on the other hand, is a term that was introduced by Töro and Pollak, in which a failed act of suicide is followed by traumatisation, which has a fatal outcome. This type of death must be distinguished from complex suicides. From a sample of 1160 fatalities (837 males) between 1993 and 2017, we identified 20 (1.72%) cases of complex suicide and three (0.26%) cases of complicated suicide. We considered age, sex, psychiatric history, previous suicide attempts, suicide methods and eventual secondary traumatisation. We also compared planned and unplanned complex suicides. The results show a higher number of planned complex suicides (16 vs. 4), a prevalence of males ( n = 17) and adults (median age = 48 years, range 21–74 range). Plastic bag suffocation and gas inhalation ( n = 8) were the most commonly used methods. Firearms ( n = 4) were used exclusively by males in planned complex suicides. Wrist and forearm cuts ( n = 5) were found in four unplanned and one planned complex suicides, and all of the cases with known previous suicidal attempts ( n = 3) involved planned complex suicides. Complicated suicides concerned three male victims in two failed attempts of hanging and an unforeseen carbon monoxide intoxication following a non-fatal gunshot to the mouth, confirming the rarity of these fatalities.
Violence against women in heterosexual couples: A review of psychological and medico-legal considerations
Authors: Tullio Valeria , Lanzarone Antonietta , Scalici Edoardo , Vella Marco , Argo Antonina , Zerbo Stefania
Published: February 2021

Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) is the most pervasive violation of women’s rights worldwide, causing devastating lifelong damage. Victims can suffer physical, emotional or mental health problems, and experience detrimental effects in social, psychological and relational health with their families, especially children. Due to the complexity regarding violence against women in heterosexual couples, it is important to make a clear distinction between psychological and physical mistreatment, which also includes psychological violence. This differentiation is important in determining different emotional and psychological aspects of mistreatment in order to understand the reasons why some women stay in such relationships and to explain the personality profiles of victims and perpetrators. In this short narrative review, we have combined perspectives of depth psychology and attachment theory from studies on trauma, traumatic bonds and the perpetrator/victim complex in gender violence. We have also considered the growing literature on IPVAW as it relates to the medico-legal field. Our search strategy included intimate partner violence, attachment styles, risk factors and the victim/perpetrator relationship. Distinguishing the different types of IPVAW is a necessary step in understanding the complexity, causes, correlations and consequences of this issue. Above all, it enables the implementation of effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Philemon and Baucis deaths: A case of two siblings and state of the art
Authors: Tettamanti Camilla , Bonsignore Alessandro , Vallega Bernucci Du Tremoul Luca , De Stefano Francesco , Ventura Francesco
Published: February 2021

The simultaneous discovery of two corpses at the same scene obliges the forensic pathologist to consider many circumstances. First, the hypothesis of homicide/crime has to be investigated. However, when the circumstances, autopsy, histological data and toxicological and biochemical analyses suggest a natural cause of death, Philemon and Baucis syndrome should be considered. While a few cases of Philemon and Baucis deaths involving couples of spouses have been reported in the literature, only one paper describes the simultaneous deaths of two siblings. The case presented here concerns the death of two siblings who were found in an advanced stage of decomposition in their apartment, which had been allocated to them by social services. The victims were known to be living in conditions of social and economic deprivation and to be suffering from psychiatric disorders. The first suspected cause of death was malnutrition. However, this was excluded by complete autopsy, histological studies and, especially, biochemical investigations, which excluded starvation ketoacidosis. Moreover, no evidence of trauma or poisoning was found in either of the bodies. Despite the advanced stage of decomposition, one of the bodies presented with histological signs of myocardial sclerosis, left ventricular hypertrophy and contraction band necrosis, suggesting that the mechanism of death involved a fatal arrhythmia. The circumstances and the post-mortem findings were highly suggestive of Philemon and Baucis syndrome.
Morphological cardiac changes in electrocution deaths: A literature review
Authors: Favia Matteo , Mele Federica , Introna Francesco , De Donno Antonio
Published: February 2021

Electrical injury may lead to damage to the conducting tissue, myocardial changes and even sudden cardiac death. Victims of low-voltage electrocution may have no electric marks, burns or other signs typical of electrical injuries. In these cases, the absence of other specific findings could make the identification of the cause of death very difficult. A broad spectrum of cardiac changes in cases of electrocution has been described in the literature, including the break-up of myocardial fibres, cardiomyolysis, haemorrhagic areas, the separation of myofibres and alternating hypercontracted–hyperdistended myocytes. All the described alterations, however, cannot be exclusively attributed to electrocution, since no specific morphological cardiac findings have so far been identified in electrocution. However, a few histological patterns recur, and their knowledge may be important for the forensic pathologist. This literature review describes the main pathological patterns observed in cases of fatal electrocution based on a literature search carried out up to September 2019 in the databases PubMed and Scopus. The search criteria included the keywords for cardiac lesions and electrocution. On the grounds of the literature data, a list of major and minor diagnostic markers for the passage of the electrical current through the heart tissue was created.
Acute aortic syndrome and radiology liability in Italy: Case reports and medico-legal considerations
Authors: Roccuzzo Salvatore , Mondello Cristina , Salamone Ignazio , Gualniera Patrizia , Sapienza Daniela , Scurria Serena , Asmundo Alessio
Published: February 2021

The trend for medical malpractice claims has increased in recent years, both in the USA and in Europe. Although diagnostic radiology is not considered a high-risk field, malpractice claims in this area follow this general trend. The most common legal action taken against radiologists includes failure to diagnose, poor communication between physicians, failure to supervise technologists properly and improper procedures. Recently, the Italian Civil Supreme Court delivered a judgment (Cass. Civ., N.10158-18) regarding the liability of radiologists, stating that in radiological practice, a correct and timely execution of the diagnostic investigation is required. By contrast, the same judgment states that requesting further clinical consultations and/or the execution of in-depth diagnostic examinations are not within their duties. Considering this judgment, we report two cases of radiologist malpractice and related responsibility for negligent conduct regarding the diagnosis of thoracic aortic dissection and the prevention and management of acute aortic syndrome.
Policies and practice in the disclosure of medical error: Insights from leading countries to address the issue in Italy
Authors: Busetti Federico , Baffoni Giacomo , Tocco Tussardi Ilaria , Raniero Dario , Turrina Stefania , De Leo Domenico
Published: February 2021

The relationship between physician and patient has undergone profound changes in recent years. Patients increasingly insist on being thoroughly informed with detailed information about treatments and procedures suggested for their best care. This is also due to the growing suspicion towards doctors and the health-care system in general. Therefore, it is no longer possible to hide a medical error. To satisfy the request for honesty and safety of patients and society, it is necessary to enhance the skills and tools that physicians can use when disclosing and explaining an error to the patient. All modern codes of medical conduct acknowledge the importance of strengthening communication between physician and patient, which is the only way to save a relationship under constant threat of rupture and to improve the quality and safety of the treatment. The disclosure and explanation of the error has become not only an ethical duty but also a prudent way of avoiding negligence lawsuits. In this context, in 2013, Germany approved a law known as Patientenrechtegesetz, which we consider a good compromise between patient expectations and the need for doctors to work without the constant fear of being sued for malpractice. This work seeks to provide an overview of the most important issues pertaining to disclosure of medical error and of practice in other countries, with the aim of offering a contribution to the debate on this subject in Italy.
Sex Differences in the Romantic Relationships of Same-Gender Couples: The Role of Visibility Management
Authors: Song Chao , Buysse Ann , Zhang Wei-Hong , Lasser Jon , Dewaele Alexis
Published: February 2021

Although internalized homonegativity (IH) in lesbian, gay, or bisexual people (LGBs) predicts adverse relationship satisfaction, this association has typically only been examined on an individual level. Moreover, studies often ignore potential mechanisms that underlie sex differences. One of these mechanisms is related to visibility management (i.e., the careful, planned decisions about whether or not to disclose one’s sexual orientation). Therefore, in this study we investigate dyadic sex-specific associations between IH, visibility management, and relationship satisfaction. Our sample includes 254 LGB couples (139 female and 115 male same-gender dyads) in Flanders, Belgium. Data were analyzed with the Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model (APIMeM). Results indicated that there were small to medium significant correlations among IH, visibility management, and relationship satisfaction. We also found support for mediated actor effects: individuals low in IH maintain less restrictive visibility management strategies. These in turn lead to higher relationship satisfaction, but only in female same-gender couples. Our findings contribute to the understanding of mechanisms that underlie the harmful effects of sexual minority stressors for same-gender relationship satisfaction.
Fewer US Adolescents Playing Football and Public Health: A Review of Measures to Improve Safety and an Analysis of Gaps in the Literature
Authors: Macy Jonathan T. , Kercher Kyle , Steinfeldt Jesse A. , Kawata Keisuke
Published: February 2021

Physical activity during adolescence is associated with positive health outcomes, yet only 26% of US middle and high school students report daily physical activity. Moreover, the number of high school students playing a sport is declining, with the largest decline in football. One reason for this decline in playing football may be increased attention to the risk of head injury. For public health, the decline is alarming because football offers a physical activity opportunity for millions of young people every year. In response, efforts have been made to institute measures to enhance the safety of football. The objective of this topical review was to review these measures and the data supporting their effectiveness. We conducted a search of scientific literature supplemented by a web search to identify safety measures. We used the Indiana University library electronic database, PubMed, and web browser searches with specific search terms. In addition to peer-reviewed studies, we searched news stories and reports from sport-related organizations. We summarized the measures and evaluations of effectiveness and categorized the measures by type (game rules, practice guidelines, equipment innovations, strategic initiatives) and target age group (elementary/middle school, high school, college, professional). We found that attempts are being made to improve the safety of football at all levels. However, many measures lack scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Therefore, researchers need to systematically evaluate safety measures. By implementing evidence-based interventions, we can balance the public health risk of playing football versus the public health risk of continued declines in participation.
The Relationships Between State Health Department Practitioners’ Perceptions of Organizational Supports and Evidence-Based Decision-Making Skills
Authors: Mazzucca Stephanie , Jacob Rebekah R. , Valko Cheryl A. , Macchi Marti , Brownson Ross C.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Evidence-based decision making (EBDM) allows public health practitioners to implement effective programs and policies fitting the preferences of their communities. To engage in EBDM, practitioners must have skills themselves, their agencies must engage in administrative evidence-based practices (A-EBPs), and leaders must encourage the use of EBDM. We conducted this longitudinal study to quantify perceptions of individual EBDM skills and A-EBPs, as well as the longitudinal associations between the 2.

Methods

An online survey completed among US state health department practitioners in 2016 and 2018 assessed perceptions of respondents’ skills in EBDM and A-EBPs. We used χ2 tests, t tests, and linear regressions to quantify changes over time, differences by demographic characteristics, and longitudinal associations between individual skills and A-EBPs among respondents who completed both surveys (N = 336).

Results

Means of most individual EBDM skills and A-EBPs did not change significantly from 2016 to 2018. We found significant positive associations between changes in A-EBPs and changes in EBDM skill gaps: for example, a 1-point increase in the relationships and partnerships score was associated with a narrowing of the EBDM skill gap (β estimate = 0.38; 95% CI, 0.15-0.61). At both time points, perceived skills and A-EBPs related to financial practices were low.

Conclusions

Findings from this study can guide the development and dissemination of initiatives designed to simultaneously improve individual and organizational capacity for EBDM in public health settings. Future studies should focus on types of strategies most effective to build capacity in particular types of agencies and practitioners, to ultimately improve public health practice.
Plasma-exposed TiO2 nanoparticles on polyethylene terephthalate matrix surface and its effects on the durable hydrophobic coating
Authors: Siddig Eshraga AA , Zhang Yu , Yang Baojing , Wang Tianshu , Shi Jianjun , Guo Ying , Xu Yu , Zhang Jing
Published: February 2021

Commercial dull polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric treated by radio frequency (13.56 MHz) plasma and further coated with perfluoroalkyl methacrylate copolymer C6 displays much highly durable hydrophobicity and oleophobicity. The as-prepared fabric exhibited a water contact angle above 170°, a water spray rating of 80 (ISO 3), and oil resistance ratings of B and C separately for different oil composition grades after 10 washing cycles, which were two levels higher than the untreated and C6-coated PET[TiO2] fabric. The organic component PET was more prone to etching than TiO2, which created a waviness structure and exposed prominent TiO2 nanoparticles on the PET fiber surface. The relative atom ratio O and Ti increased through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. This result indicates that the exposure of TiO2 and the introduction of reactive polar groups such as O=C-O on the fiber surface contributed to react with C6 and improved the washing durability. In general, such coating technology may provide a simple benign technique for constructing materials with physicochemical properties.
Design and electromechanical properties of three-layer fabric-based pressure sensor
Authors: Fan Ruibing , Chen Ge , Pei Zeguang
Published: February 2021

In this study, we developed a three-layer fabric-based pressure sensor and analyzed the structural factors and design parameters that affect its electromechanical properties. The sensor has a three-layer fabric and angle interlocking structure, which enhance its structural stability, sensing capability, and durability. Based on the factors that affect the sensing properties of the fabric sensor, 12 fabric sensors were designed. The electromechanical properties of these sensors were analyzed by adjusting the warp density and material of the three-layer fabric structure, as well as the weft yarn type of the dielectric layer. The curve showing the efficiency of the fabric sensor was divided into three zones, namely, elastic, yield, and crush, to investigate the frequency-response properties, linear variation range, sensitivity, and stability of the fabric sensor. The results indicated that the warp density and warp and weft yarn types of the dielectric layer of the sensor affected the capacitance change rate and sensitivity. The effects of the weft yarn type of the dielectric layer on the electromechanical properties of the fabric sensor were complex. Additionally, the woven and angle interlocking structures of the three-layer fabric sensor contributed to the electrical stability and durability of the sensor. In the design of a multilayer flexible fabric sensor, the appropriate warp density, as well as the warp and weft materials, should be considered to ensure its linearity, sensitivity, and repeatability.
Chitosan–gelatin enhanced antibacterial and biological properties of PLA and PGA braided threads for juvenile pseudomyopia treatment
Authors: Fu Shaoju , Zhang Peihua
Published: February 2021

Polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolide acid (PGA) have been the most widely used biomedical materials in the acupoint catgut-embedding therapy (ACET) fields. However, a lack of antibacterial and biological properties is a definite obstacle that hinders its further application in juvenile pseudomyopia treatment. Here, four different kinds of PLA and PGA threads were fabricated, and were then modified using chitosan–gelatin coating method. Afterwards, PLA and PGA braided threads were fully characterized with respect to structure, mechanical and biological properties. The results showed that the surface roughness of PLA and PGA had been greatly improved; FT-IR analysis proved the existence of chitosan and gelatin molecules, the modified PLA (M-PLA-a = 87.1° ± 1.5°, M-PLA-b = 83.5° ± 1.4°) had smaller contact angle values than that of non-modified PLA (PLA-a = 108.6° ± 2.6°, PLA-b = 116.2° ± 3.1°), and that of the modified PGA (M-PGA-a = 79.3° ± 3.2°, M-PGA-b = 73.8° ± 1.8°) was smaller compared with that of the non-modified PGA (PGA-a = 98.2° ± 1.7°, PGA-b = 83.5° ± 1.4°). Based on the mechanical testing results, the tensile property and flexibility of samples increased slightly, and their swelling behavior also increased correspondingly. All the prepared samples exhibited non-toxicity with cell viability of more than 75%, and samples M-PGA-b presented the largest cell attachment ratios. In sum, this work exhibited great potential in the ACET application for juvenile pseudomyopia treatment.
A highly stretchable, easily processed and robust metal wire-containing woven fabric with strain-enhanced electromagnetic shielding effectiveness
Authors: Wang Yong , Gordon Stuart , Yu Weidong , Wang Zongqian
Published: February 2021

Textiles that contain integrated conducting components are drawing attention for their ability to mitigate electromagnetic radiation pollution. Maintaining effective and robust electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) under different modes, e.g. stretching, bending and washing, is of importance in protecting humans and information-sensitive electronic devices from exposure to electromagnetic interference. In this work, a weft-stretchable, conductive fabric (W-SCF) was specially manufactured for electromagnetic shielding characterization by integrating stainless steel filament (SSF) in the weft direction. The results demonstrate that our as-prepared W-SCF was effective for shielding purpose with its EMSE dependent on the orientation of the SSF within the fabric structure. Specular reflection caused by the close arrangement of the SSF and the lower electrical resistance of the fabric on per unit area basis were responsible for the enhanced shielding properties when the fabric was stretched. Furthermore, using the fabric in a 90°/90° laminated form improved the EMSE values compared with a single layer and a 0°/90° laminated versions. Importantly, the W-SCF exhibited resistance to 10 laundering cycles, 20 stretching cycles (at 25% extension), 50 bending cycles and 100 abrasion cycles, demonstrating its robustness and durability. This work is believed to take a new step in development of reliable and advance shielding materials for special protective application.
Antecedents and Outcomes of Resident Empowerment through Tourism
Authors: Aleshinloye Kayode D. , Woosnam Kyle Maurice , Tasci Asli D. A. , Ramkissoon Haywantee
Published: February 2021

Even though empowerment is a frequently mentioned keyword in resident attitude studies, the relationship network of this concept is rather vague. It is critical to understand the factors that influence empowerment, and factors that empowerment influences in return. Therefore, the current study modeled residents’ data from the top tourism destination in the United States—Orlando, Florida. Data from 415 residents were analyzed using partial least squares–structural equation modeling on SmartPLS to test the effects of residents’ involvement and economic benefits from tourism on their psychological, social and political empowerment, and thus the quality of life, and ultimately, place attachment. Findings revealed that psychological empowerment is the most significant dimension of resident empowerment influencing both place dependence and place identity, suggesting that residents hold special values for their place. Managerial and theoretical implications, along with limitations (in light of the project occurring pre-COVID-19) and future research opportunities are discussed.
How to “Read” a Destination from Images? Machine Learning and Network Methods for DMOs’ Image Projection and Photo Evaluation
Authors: He Zeya , Deng Ning , Li Xiang (Robert) , Gu Huimin
Published: February 2021

Online photos can reflect tourists’ received destination image and be used to project destination image by destination marketing organizations (DMOs). Studies have identified a gap between projected and received images, highlighting the difficulty DMOs face when selecting content to project the “right” image. Taking an audience-driven perspective, this study analyzed information from user-generated content (UGC) to guide the selection of organization-generated content (OGC) on social media. Using a machine learning algorithm, we extracted connected cognitive and affective elements of received and projected images from UGC and OGC. The elements and their relationships retrieved from UGC were then used to construct a semantic network. The network informs the core–periphery structural information of each element and guides DMOs’ image projection and content selection. Studies with two independent samples demonstrated that an OGC photo whose projected images matched consumers’ central impressions, particularly affective ones, could induce higher online engagement.
Bleeding Borders and Enemies Within: How Newsmagazine Covers Portrayed Drugs of Abuse, 1979–2019
Authors: Denham Bryan , Cacciatore Stacy , Caves Michael
Published: February 2021

This study examined how the covers of three newsmagazines, Time, Newsweek, and U.S. News & World Report, portrayed drugs of abuse between 1979 and 2019. Findings showed consistency with extant research suggesting that a rigid focus on supply has resulted in a vilification of Latino traffickers from Central and South America. We also saw differences in how newsmagazines portrayed powder cocaine and crack cocaine and observed patterns of “White washing” opioid abuse. Implications and recommendations for future research are provided.
How Does Restorative Justice Work? A Qualitative Metasynthesis
Authors: Suzuki Masahiro , Yuan Xiaoyu
Published: February 2021

A systematic effort to answer in what ways and contexts the claims of restorative justice (RJ) prove persuasive is lacking. We address this gap through a metasynthesis of qualitative studies. Drawing on 26 studies identified through the systematic literature search, we identified three overarching themes to understand “how RJ works”: (1) opportunities for humanization, learning, and putting emotions of victims and individuals who committed a crime at the center of conflict-solving, (2) support networks and mechanisms for communication, and (3) life-changing journey enshrined in healing. We develop a line of argument showing how the micro-, meso-, and macro-elements of RJ interact with each other. While offering reflections on the limitations of existing literature around this key issue, we conclude with implications for advancing research of RJ.
Reconciling Femininities and Female Masculinities: Women’s Premarital Experiences of Breast-Binding in the Maoist Era
Authors: Jiao Lin
Published: February 2021

The scholarly literature portrays Mao’s China as a font of gender-neutral ideals and masculine heroines, such as the “iron girl.” Although there have been few studies on breast-binding in the Maoist era, there is ample evidence it was practiced by many women. This article questions whether “defeminization,” “gender erasure,” or “gender-neutral” interpretations sufficiently explain the practice of breast-binding and women’s bodily experiences in Mao-era China. Through the analysis of in-depth interviews, periodical articles, and memoirs, this article finds that the gender-neutral framework often oversimplifies and homogenizes women’s diverse experiences. It instead argues that during the Mao era women’s bodily experiences were multifaceted and can only be understood through the reconciliation of the contradictory concepts of “femininities” and “female masculinities.” By exploring women’s silent practice of breast-binding in Mao’s China, this article yields new insight into the study of women and gender.
The Corporate Governance of Environmental Sustainability: A Review and Proposal for More Integrated Research
Authors: Aguilera Ruth V. , Aragón-Correa J. Alberto , Marano Valentina , Tashman Peter A.
Published: February 2021

As corporations’ environmental impact comes under greater scrutiny by global financial, regulatory, and societal stakeholders, management scholars have increasingly focused on the role of corporate governance as a tool for driving environmental initiatives. Still, we lack a comprehensive and systematic understanding of this emergent body of inquiry and a holistic agenda for future research. To address this gap, our integrative framework relates the key corporate governance actors to environmental sustainability outcomes from the extant literature and highlights its main methodological approaches and theoretical arguments. Our framework provides a critical analysis of what we know and points to the knowledge gaps around owners, boards of directors, CEOs, top management teams, and employees as corporate governance actors. We then highlight limitations in the existing literature as significant opportunities for further research to resolve its ambiguous conceptualizations of environmental sustainability constructs, various methodological and theoretical challenges, incomplete engagement with the global dimension of environmental sustainability, and limited analysis of how corporate governance actors may interact to shape environmental sustainability outcomes. We conclude by proposing novel approaches for addressing these issues, which we believe could generate a better way forward on studying the corporate governance of environmental sustainability.