bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gaining Confidence, Experience, and Knowledge as Researchers among Undergraduate Sociology Students
Authors: Medley-Rath Stephanie , Morgan Rebekah
Published: August 2021

Advanced undergraduate students struggle with executing complete research projects that involve data collection and analysis. Research indicates that engaging in undergraduate research is a high-impact practice. The American Sociological Association recommends that sociology majors engage in research beyond their research methods and statistics courses. We used a pre-/post-assessment model across three semesters in all upper-level undergraduate sociology courses at our institution. The assessment measured confidence, knowledge, and experience with research methods. Fifty-eight students completed at least one pre-/post-assessment pair. Of those, 27 students completed two pre-/post-assessments. No students completed three pre-/post-assessments. We find that experience and confidence had statistically significant increases at each survey point. Knowledge increased but was statistically significant for only two groups: the full sample on the first post-assessment (N = 58) and the students with two assessment pairs on their second post-assessment (N = 27) who participated across two semesters.
Promoting Rehabilitation Among Youth on Probation: An Examination of Strengths as Specific Responsivity Factors
Authors: Finseth Sonia , Peterson-Badali Michele , Brown Shelley L. , Skilling Tracey A.
Published: August 2021

Despite calls for strength-focused approaches in juvenile justice, there is little research on the role of strengths in probation case management. This is one of the first studies to examine whether strengths function as specific responsivity factors as proposed by the risk–need–responsivity model, through mediating and moderating effects, and findings lend preliminary support to this conceptualization. In a sample of 261 justice-involved youth, the relationship between strengths and recidivism was found to be partially mediated by the service-to-needs match rate, even while controlling for risk—suggesting that strengths have an important indirect effect on recidivism through their impact on youth’s engagement in and completion of services. Strengths, however, did not moderate the relationship between service-to-needs match and reoffending, suggesting that appropriately matched services are essential irrespective of a youth’s strength profile. Research corroborating these findings and examining the feasibility of front-line use of strengths information is warranted.
CCBD’s Position on Eliminating the Use of Seclusion in Educational Settings
Authors: Freeman Jennifer , Peterson Reece , Kern Lee , Mathur Sarup R. , Barber Brian , Power Mara , Perea Madison
Published: August 2021

This document provides recommendations of the Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders (CCBD) regarding the use of seclusion in schools. It updates the CCBD’s position on this topic first published in 2009 and includes (a) key definitions, (b) a summary of problems with the use of seclusion, (c) strategies to eliminate the use of seclusion, (d) a summary of law and policy related to seclusion, (e) a summary of research on seclusion, (f) a declaration of principles, and (g) recommendations regarding the elimination of seclusion in educational settings. A parallel document provides recommendations related to the use of physical restraint procedures in educational settings, which is often associated with the use of seclusion procedures.
A study on fabrication of nanocomposite polyethylene foam through extrusion foaming procedure
Authors: Rostami Milad , Azdast Taher , Hasanzadeh Rezgar , Moradian Milad
Published: August 2021

Foaming a polymer not only turns it into a lightweight material but also gives some special properties to it. However, the most important issue is controlling the foaming process to achieve a desirable structure with high cell density and low relative density. In the present study, the extrusion foaming process of polyethylene was studied through stepwise amendments. An innovative extrusion system was designed and implemented to produce extrusion foams under different material and process conditions using N2 as blowing agent. In the first step, the final cooling condition was investigated. The air-cooling condition led to a higher cell density/lower cell size compared to the water-cooling condition although a higher relative density was obtained. In the second step, the effects of the addition of talc and the synergetic effect of talc/nanoclay at different contents were investigated in detail. The hybrid of talc/nanoclay had a noticeably improving effect on the cellular structure. In the third step, the effects of processing parameters including the die temperature and screw speed were studied on the foam properties. Finally, up to 49.4% decrease in the relative density of samples was observed, also cell densities up to 2.5 × 104 cell/cm3 and cell sizes as small as 280 µm were achieved.
Family functioning and coping strategies in families of people with visual impairment
Authors: Quintero Francisco Javier , Del Carmen Amaris María , Villalba Karen , Pacheco Rosa Amelia
Published: August 2021

This article attempts to determine the relationship that exists between family functioning and the family coping strategies used by families of people with visual impairment while responding to this non-normative life event. The method used was a transversal correlational design that is part of a PhD research study called “An Analytical Model of Functional Relationships of the Fatalistic Attitude, Family Life Quality and Its Incidence in Functioning, Coping and Vital Events in Families of People With Visual Impairment.” The instruments F-COPES (Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scale) and FACES-III (Family Adaptation and Cohesion Scale) were applied, and among the findings, it was established that there exist meaningful relationships between cohesion and internal strategies used by the families to face visual impairment. This report also establishes new perspectives for practitioners regarding the guidelines for rehabilitation practices and public policy designs for inclusion.
Does Internet development affect urban-rural income gap in China? An empirical investigation at provincial level
Authors: Wang Meiling , Yin Zihui , Pang Silu , Li Zilian
Published: August 2021

This study aims to examine the impact of Internet development on the urban-rural income gap in China. By using a provincial level panel dataset comprising 31 of China’s provinces, it analyzes and compares the effects of the eastern, central, and western regions over the period of 2005–2016. The results show that Internet development aggravates the gap in the central region much more than that in the eastern and western regions. The trade openness expands the urban-rural income gap only in the eastern region. Urbanization reduces the urban-rural income gap in the western region more than that in the eastern and central regions. Additionally, the regional economic development level also reduces the urban-rural income gap in central region more than that in the eastern region. FDI reduces the urban-rural income gap only in the central region. Additionally, while the urban-rural income gap can widen further by Internet development with trade openness, it can be decreased if Internet development is combined with FDI and urbanization. To reduce urban-rural income gap, the government should accelerate the construction of Internet according to regional differences.
Economic analysis of the ‘Take Charge’ intervention for people following stroke: Results from a randomised trial
Authors: Te Ao Braden , Harwood Matire , Fu Vivian , Weatherall Mark , McPherson Kathryn , Taylor William J , McRae Anna , Thomson Tom , Gommans John , Green Geoff , Ranta Annemarei , Hanger Carl , Riley Judith , McNaughton Harry
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To undertake an economic analysis of the Take Charge intervention as part of the Taking Charge after Stroke (TaCAS) study.

Design:

An open, parallel-group, randomised trial comparing active and control interventions with blinded outcome assessment

Setting:

Community.

Participants:

Adults ( n = 400) discharged to community, non-institutional living following acute stroke.

Interventions:

The Take Charge intervention, a strengths based, self-directed rehabilitation intervention, in two doses (one or two sessions), and a control intervention (no Take Charge sessions).

Measures:

The cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) saved for the period between randomisation (always post hospital discharge) and 12 months following acute stroke. QALYs were calculated from the EuroQol-5D-5L. Costs of stroke-related and non-health care were obtained by questionnaire, hospital records and the New Zealand Ministry of Health.

Results:

One-year post hospital discharge cost of care was mean (95% CI) $US4706 (3758–6014) for the Take Charge intervention group and $6118 (4350–8005) for control, mean (95% CI) difference $ −1412 (−3553 to +729). Health utility scores were mean (95% CI) 0.75 (0.73–0.77) for Take Charge and 0.71 (0.67–0.75) for control, mean (95% CI) difference 0.04 (0.0–0.08). Cost per QALY gained for the Take Charge intervention was $US −35,296 (=£ −25,524, € −30,019). Sensitivity analyses confirm Take Charge is cost-effective, even at a very low willingness-to-pay threshold. With a threshold of $US5000 per QALY, the probability that Take Charge is cost-effective is 99%.

Conclusion:

Take Charge is cost-effective and probably cost saving.
Association of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease with cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Lee Woo-Jin , Jung Keun-Hwa , Ryu Hyunjin , Oh Kook-Hwan , Kim Jeong-Min , Lee Soon-Tae , Park Kyung-Il , Chu Kon , Jung Ki-Young , Kim Manho , Lee Sang Kun
Published: August 2021

Cilia dysfunction in autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) may impair the integrity of glymphatic system and be implicated in the progression of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD), although the link between the two diseases has not been investigated. We evaluated the association of ADPKD pathology with SVD pattern and severity. Overall, 304 individuals in an ADPKD (chronic kidney disease stage ≤4 and age ≥50 years) cohort and their age, sex, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)-matched controls were retrospectively included. ADPKD severity was classified into 1 A-B, 1 C, and 1 D-E, according to age and height-adjusted total kidney volume. SVD parameters included white-matter hyperintensity (WMH) severity scale, enlarged perivascular space (ePVS) score, and degree of lacunes or cerebral microbleeds (CMBs). After adjustments for age, sex, eGFR, and cerebrovascular risk factor parameters, ADPKD was associated with higher ePVS scores ( P < 0.001), but not with the WMH severity or degree of lacunes or CMBs. In the ADPKD subgroup, higher ADPKD severity class was associated with higher ePVS scores ( P < 0.001), WMH severity ( P = 0.003), and degree of lacunes ( P = 0.002). ADPKD associated cilia dysfunction may induce chronic cerebral glymphatic system dysfunction, which may contribute to the specific progression of ePVS compared with other SVD markers.
Evaluation of single bolus, dual-echo dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI protocols in brain tumor patients
Authors: Stokes Ashley M , Bergamino Maurizio , Alhilali Lea , Hu Leland S , Karis John P , Baxter Leslie C , Bell Laura C , Quarles C Chad
Published: August 2021

Relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) obtained from dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC) MRI is adversely impacted by contrast agent leakage in brain tumors. Using simulations, we previously demonstrated that multi-echo DSC-MRI protocols provide improvements in contrast agent dosing, pulse sequence flexibility, and rCBV accuracy. The purpose of this study is to assess the in-vivo performance of dual-echo acquisitions in patients with brain tumors (n = 59). To verify pulse sequence flexibility, four single-dose dual-echo acquisitions were tested with variations in contrast agent dose, flip angle, and repetition time, and the resulting dual-echo rCBV was compared to standard single-echo rCBV obtained with preload (double-dose). Dual-echo rCBV was comparable to standard double-dose single-echo protocols (mean (standard deviation) tumor rCBV 2.17 (1.28) vs. 2.06 (1.20), respectively). High rCBV similarity was observed (CCC = 0.96), which was maintained across both flip angle (CCC = 0.98) and repetition time (CCC = 0.96) permutations, demonstrating that dual-echo acquisitions provide flexibility in acquisition parameters. Furthermore, a single dual-echo acquisition was shown to enable quantification of both perfusion and permeability metrics. In conclusion, single-dose dual-echo acquisitions provide similar rCBV to standard double-dose single-echo acquisitions, suggesting contrast agent dose can be reduced while providing significant pulse sequence flexibility and complementary tumor perfusion and permeability metrics.
Profound changes in cerebrospinal fluid proteome and metabolic profile are associated with congenital hydrocephalus
Authors: Requena-Jimenez Alicia , Nabiuni Mohammad , Miyan Jaleel A
Published: August 2021

The aetiology of congenital hydrocephalus (cHC) has yet to be resolved. cHC manifests late in rodent gestation, and by 18–22 weeks in human fetuses, coinciding with the start of the major phase of cerebral cortex development. Previously we found that cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulation is associated with compositional changes, folate metabolic impairment and consequential arrest in cortical development. Here, we report a proteomics study on hydrocephalic and normal rat CSF using LC-MSMS and a metabolic pathway analysis to determine the major changes in metabolic and signalling pathways. Non-targeted analysis revealed a proteome transformation across embryonic days 17–20, with the largest changes between day 19 and 20. This provides evidence for a physiological shift in CSF composition and identifies some of the molecular mechanisms unleashed during the onset of cHC. Top molecular regulators that may control the shift in the CSF metabolic signature are also predicted, with potential key biomarkers proposed for early detection of these changes that might be used to develop targeted early therapies for this condition. This study confirms previous findings of a folate metabolic imbalance as well as providing more in depth metabolic analysis and understanding of cHC CSF.
‘Responsible, effective and caring’: Gay Health Action, AIDS Activism and Sexual Health in the Republic of Ireland, 1985–1989
Authors: Kilgannon David
Published: August 2021

This article explores the role and impact of Gay Health Action (GHA), a voluntary AIDS organisation that operated in the Republic of Ireland between 1985 and 1989. Drawing on their publications and media engagement, it argues that GHA played a significant role in educating the general public about AIDS, while this group also challenged ideas about sexual health and dispelled negative stereotypes associated with homosexuality. In doing so, the activities of GHA begin to outline the initial public response to HIV/AIDS during the 1980s, while also contributing towards an emergent body of research on the changing nature of Irish society during the late-twentieth century. It suggests ways in which attitudes to the gay community were evolving and highlights the need for further research on AIDS, examinations of which can contribute towards the emergent histories of social change and health policy in this period.
Stone Pavement Analysis using Building Information Modeling
Authors: Antonio Biancardo Salvatore , Oreto Cristina , Viscione Nunzio , Russo Francesca , Ausiello Gigliola , Dell’Acqua Gianluca
Published: August 2021

The growing need to recover and digitally represent heritage infrastructure has led to the challenge of choosing different Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms that will be used to manage the implementation of the semi-automatic design and reconstruction processes of reverse engineering modeling. The approach to the integrated management of information derived through Heritage-BIM (H-BIM) has been applied to Via del Duomo, one of the main roads in the old town of Naples, Italy. During preliminary inspections of the construction site it was possible to acquire geometric features and pavement/subgrade information, as well as to conduct a photographic survey, with 1,618 photographs collected. Subsequently, the acquired data were processed, using different BIM-based tools, to obtain the 3D mesh; objects were then converted from pure graphic solids into parametric entities by proposing a specific algorithm. Then a library, with the inclusion of all the possible stone paving package alternatives, including all the structural and stress-deforming characteristics such as Young Modulus (E), Poisson coefficient (n), and Safety factor (SF), was created. In this way, it is possible to associate to the generic element the optimal pavement package solution, depending on different construction contexts. As preliminary result, a dynamic model that updates its information package and modifies the output of the analysis every time the data worksheet is integrated with new collected results is proposed for further pavement management operations evaluation.
Aging Without Children in Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Century Rural Estonia
Authors: Lust Kersti
Published: August 2021

This article explores living arrangements and both informal and formal support for the elderly who had no surviving children in the Russian Baltic province of Livland from 1850 to 1905. The article examines with whom the elderly who had no spouse and descendants to rely on lived out their twilight years; whether there were differences between the farmers and farm laborers; the role of poor relief, and whether adoption served well to ensure upkeep in old age.
Dynamic abuse testing of airbag system for passenger car under vehicle-road conditions and identification method for high-risk triggering items
Authors: Li Zhaokai , She Guangfei , Zuo Wenjie
Published: August 2021

Determination of the triggering conditions for automobile airbags is a complex problem because vehicles often run under transient conditions due to the dynamic influence from varying road conditions. The research into malfunctions of automobile airbags is an important and challenging topic. In this work, the peak acceleration and moving window integration algorithms were used to obtain the high-risk abuse items from a test matrix that consisted of 111 items which were under multiple road environment excitation, including condition categories for typical roads, curb striking, potholes and drains, and roadblocks. A novel multi-channel data reduction method and improved clustering method based on abuse probability sorting were proposed, and based on the specific characteristic constraints for the automobile airbag malfunction test results, by construction of a false triggering probability model and discussion of the weight factors of the two algorithms, importance rankings for the high-risk false action items were realized based on the relative probability. Finally, 53 high-risk abuse items were identified from a large set of 111 test items through 10-channel acceleration sensors. After analysis and comparison of the test condition details, conclusions of high-risk items are drawn with regard to the vehicle-road excitation that affects airbag abuse. The consistency of the identification results with the Chinese national standard verifies the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Design and analysis of a new frame-foot wall-climbing robot
Authors: Huo Ping , Xu Yangyang , Yu Jiangtao , Wang Yazhou
Published: August 2021

This paper designs and develops a new type of frame-foot wall-climbing robot structure. According to the bionic principle, a new parallel telescopic leg structure is proposed, and the 3D design of the overall structure of the wall-climbing robot is completed. Secondly, the kinematics analysis of the robot is carried out, and the forward and inverse solution models of the leg structure position are completed to verify the feasibility of the leg structure stability. Based on the polynomial motion equations, the robot motion planning and gait design are established, and the speed and acceleration change graphs of the leg structure slider are obtained, which avoids the rigid impact between the parts, and realizes the alternate adsorption and continuous movement of the robot legs, which the rationality of the legs structure design and the stability of the movement are verified. Through simulation and experimental results, it is shown that during the robot’s movement, the leg structure can adjust the step distance and step height according to obstacles, so as to achieve the expected obstacle crossing goal. The leg structure is adjusted according to the working environment to ensure that the fuselage and the working surface are always kept parallel to improve the stability of the overall structure.
The Depiction of ‘Orthodoxy’ in Post-Soviet Space: How Vladimir Putin Uses the Church in His Anti-Western Campaign
Authors: Amarasinghe Punsara
Published: August 2021

This article seeks to examine Russia’s recent interest in uplifting the status of Orthodox church as a pivotal factor in the state. Most importantly, the position of Orthodox Church has grown rapidly during Putin’s administration as a solacing factor to fill the gap emerging from the fall of the Soviet Union. The sixteenth-century doctrine propounded by Filofei called ‘Third Rome’, which profoundly portrayed Moscow as the last sanctuary for Eastern Christianity and the nineteenth-century nationalist mantra of ‘Orthodoxy, Nationality, and Autocracy’, is rejuvenated under Putin as the new ideological path to move away from the Western influence. Specifically, it is an evident factor that ideological movement that rigidly denies Russia’s hobnobbing with the Liberal West is rather intensified after the Crimean crisis in 2014. Under this situation, Putin’s usage of Orthodoxy and Russia’s spiritual legacy stands as a direct political tool, expressing Russia’s uniqueness of the global affairs. This article will critically examine the historical trajectory of the Orthodox Church in Russia as an indicator of its distinctiveness.
Three varieties of Authoritarian Neoliberalism: Rule by the experts, the people, the leader
Authors: Gallo Ernesto
Published: August 2021

Neoliberalism and authoritarianism are intimately connected, as is demonstrated by the existence of a growing body of literature on ‘authoritarian neoliberalism’. This article provides a taxonomy of authoritarian neoliberalism and claims that it appears in three varieties – technocracy, populist nationalism, and traditional authoritarianism. Also, it proposes both an overview of the varieties and an analysis of three states as case studies. States are investigated as actors which strongly contribute to the neoliberal project amidst a more complex process of multilocalized and variegated neoliberalizations, which have to be incorporated into the comparative research. First, Italy is studied as a consolidated Western democracy which has been often governed by technocrats, independent, non-party professionals who have recurrently been in power since the 1990s, and within the frame of an increasingly technocratic European Union. Second, the paper concentrates on Hungary, a semi-peripheral Central European country which has become an epitome of a populist nationalism with increasingly authoritarian traits. Third, the paper focuses on Kazakhstan, a former Soviet Union republic with no significant experience of liberal democracy before independence, and a key example of the ‘traditional authoritarian’ variety. The three varieties, however, are sometimes combined and coexisting, and their evolution will be decisive for the future of capitalism and liberal democracy.
On the Front Lines: The Impact of Managerialism on the New York City Addiction Treatment Workforce
Authors: Lewiskin Jocelyn , Abramovitz Mimi , Zelnick Jennifer
Published: August 2021

Since the mid-1970s, neoliberal policies have relied on privatization and other tactics to down-size the state, transforming human service organizations in the process. The impact of this approach, also known as managerialism, has not been examined in addiction treatment, where the opioid epidemic has intensified the need for services. Using qualitative semi-structured interviews, we explore how managerialism has affected the workforce, service delivery, and the quality of care in New York City addiction treatment programs. Front-line and managerial staff identified threats to working conditions, including high caseloads and productivity demands; threats to service quality including standardization of practice, loss of professional discretion and serving only those most likely to succeed; and threats to worker well-being marked by stress, burn-out, and low morale. The contradictions between the goals of managerialism and addiction treatment threaten the ability to meet the needs of people struggling with addiction.
The Lived Experience of a Newly Diagnosed Older Person With HIV in Ukraine
Authors: Allen Amy , Zaviryukha Irina , Kiriazova Tetiana , Shenoi Sheela , Rozanova Julia
Published: August 2021

Low- and middle-income countries are home to 80% of older people with HIV (OPWH). Ukrainian OPWH experience higher mortality and decreased antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation than younger patients, but there is little data examining OPWH’s perspectives around new diagnosis and impact on care. In this study, we examined accounts of 30 newly diagnosed OPWH in Ukraine, exploring challenges faced in the peri-diagnosis period. Themes emerged representing the longitudinal coping process: OPWH (1) viewed themselves as low risk before diagnosis; (2) experienced HIV diagnosis as a traumatic event challenging their self-image; (3) used disclosure to seek support among a small circle of family, friends, or health care providers; (4) avoided disclosure to outsiders including primary care providers for fears of stigma and breaches in confidentiality; (5) viewed age as an asset; and (6) used HIV diagnosis as starting point for growth. These findings highlight the need for age-specific programming to increase HIV knowledge and coping, increase screening, and improve long-term planning.
Time to Seek Care and Hospital Length of Stay Among Older Adults With Acute Coronary Syndrome During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hayajneh Audai A. , Rababa Mohammad , Al-Rawashedeh Sami
Published: August 2021

The prevalence of prehospital delay is high among older adults with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The current study aimed to examine the associated factors of prehospital delay among patients with ACS during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 300 older adults with ACS admitted to the emergency department in Jordan. Data were collected from June 1 to September 1, 2020. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to explore the predictors of prehospital delay. Being widowed, educational level, pain intensity, the gradual onset of ACS symptoms, symptoms lasting for more than 30 minutes, patients’ feeling anxious about their ACS symptoms, patients’ perceiving their symptoms to be particularly dangerous, history of myocardial infarction (MI), and mode of transportation were associated with the time taken before seeking emergency care. Significant predictors of time to seek help were chief complaint of chest pain or palpitations, abrupt onset of symptoms, the associated symptom of vertigo, and a higher number of chronic illnesses; they explained about 17.9% of the variance in the time to seek care. The average time to seek care among patients with ACS during the COVID-19 pandemic was found to be longer than the average time reported by studies conducted prior the pandemic. Improved understanding of the associations between prehospital delay is crucial for optimal ACS patient outcomes under the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Simultaneous Fat Injection for Nasal Contouring in Orthognathic Patients
Authors: Lonic Daniel , Hsiao Yen-Chang , Huang Jung-Ju , Chang Chun-Shin , Chen Jyh-Ping , Heidekrueger Paul I. , Kehrer Andreas , Prantl Lukas , Lo Lun-Jou , Chen Yu-Ray
Published: August 2021

Background:

Augmentation rhinoplasty with autologous fat grafting is a useful procedure to meet the demand for facial harmonization in the Asian population. We used this procedure during orthognathic surgery to address inadequate dorsum projection. This prospective study was conducted to determine the fat retention rate in patients undergoing simultaneous autologous fat injection augmentation rhinoplasty and orthognathic surgery.

Methods:

Nineteen patients were treated with simultaneous bimaxillary orthognathic surgery and autologous fat grafting of the nasal dorsum and tip. The paired t test was used to compare the nasal volumes before and at least 6 months after surgery measured by 3-dimensional computer tomography scans. All measurements were performed twice by the same evaluator at least 2 weeks apart for intrarater consistency.

Results:

Seventeen patients completed the study. The volume means before and after surgery were 22.3 ± 4.6 cm3 and 23.3 ± 4.7 cm3, respectively, with a mean difference of 1.0 ± 0.3 cm3 ( P < .001). The mean retention rate was calculated to be 50.5% ± 7.0% (range: 40.5%-64.7%). Intrarater consistency was high with a Cronbach α of .97 ( P < .001) and .98 ( P < .001), respectively.

Conclusion:

This prospective study provides objective graft retention measurements for fat injection augmentation rhinoplasty combined with orthognathic surgery. All patients were satisfied with the results and no complications or additional morbidity was noted in the postoperative course. We consider this procedure to be a safe, reliable, and powerful adjunct to improve the aesthetic results of orthognathic surgery.
Interdigital vs Transarticular Lateral Release With Scarf Osteotomy
Authors: Hartenbach Florian , Höger Brigitta , Kristen Karl-Heinz , Trnka Hans-Jörg
Published: August 2021

Background:

We compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the interdigital approach vs the medial transarticular approach for lateral release combined with scarf osteotomy.

Methods:

Seventy-seven feet with moderate to severe hallux valgus underwent scarf osteotomy and lateral soft tissue release, using an interdigital approach (n = 36) vs medial transarticular approach (n = 41). The clinical measurements (range of motion, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society [AOFAS] score) and radiographic data were evaluated preoperatively and at final follow-up (93-124 months postoperatively). Additionally, the numeric pain rating scale and Foot and Ankle Outcome score [FAOS] were assessed postoperatively.

Results:

The AOFAS score improved from 60 (q1 = 54, q3 = 70) to 93 (q1 = 85, q3 = 98) in the transarticular group, and from 59 (q1 = 50, q3 = 64) to 95 (q1 = 85, q3 = 100) in the interdigital group. The hallux valgus angle improved from 35.7±6.5 degrees to 15.5±7.6 degrees in the transarticular group, and from 36.0±6.8 degrees to 12.9±13.0 degrees in the interdigital group. The intermetatarsal angle improved from 16.5±2.5 degrees to 6.5±2.7 degrees within the transarticular group and from 17.2±2.5 degrees to 7.3±4.3 degrees in the interdigital group. None of the clinical or radiographic parameters showed any significant differences between the treatment groups.

Conclusion:

Comparison of outcomes between the interdigital approach and the transarticular approach for lateral soft-tissue release with scarf osteotomy are equally successful. The transarticular approach can thus be considered safe and effective, with the additional benefits of just one scar as opposed to 2.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, therapeutic.
Cheek-midface lifting with lateral canthoplasy for the repair of complex iatrogenic lower eyelid ectropion
Authors: Kopecký Adam , Rokohl Alexander C , Wawer Matos Philomena A , Němčanský Jan , Heindl Ludwig M
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

To assess the efficiency and safety of cheek-midface lifting for the ophthalmoplastic reconstructive surgical repair of cicatricial lower eyelid malpositions after previously failed surgery.

Methods:

In two ophthalmoplastic clinics, 14 eyelids of 13 patients underwent transconjunctival cheek-midface lifting. In a retrospective audit, changes in margin-reflex distance 2 (MRD2), snap-back test, the position of the eyelid after surgery including improving of the presurgical scleral show, the overall patient’s satisfaction as well as complications after surgery were recorded.

Results:

Following transconjunctival cheek-midface lifting, there was a significant improvement of MRD2, snap-back test, and the scleral show ( p < 0.001, respectively). However, in three patients the scleral show persisted despite improved MRD2. All patients were satisfied with the results of the surgery. No post-surgical long-term complications were developed.

Conclusion:

Cheek-midface lifting can be a useful technique in severe cicatricial lower eyelid ectropion after previously failed surgery and is a safe and effective reconstructive method for ophthalmic surgeons with good cosmetical results and little postoperative long-term complications.
Excellent mid-term outcomes with a hemispheric titanium porous-coated acetabular component for total hip arthroplasty: 7–10 year follow-up
Authors: Yeroushalmi David , Singh Vivek , Maher Nolan , Gabor Jonathan A , Zuckerman Joseph D , Schwarzkopf Ran
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Third-generation hemispheric, titanium porous-coated (HTPC) acetabular cups have been shown to achieve good biologic fixation through enhanced porous ingrowth surfaces. They also allow for a wide range of bearing options, including polyethylene, dual-mobility, and ceramic liners. The purpose of the study is to review the mid-term clinical outcomes an HTPC acetabular cup with a minimum of 7-year follow-up.

Methods:

A retrospective, observational study was conducted on all consecutive patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) with an HTCP acetabular cup at an urban, tertiary referral centre. Descriptive statistics were used describe baseline patient characteristics. Outcomes collected included postoperative complications, survival free of reoperations, and presence of osteolysis at latest imaging follow-up. Implant survival was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

Results:

118 cases (114 primary, 4 revision) underwent THA with the HTCP acetabular cup at an average follow-up of 8.16 ± 0.85 years (range 7.02–10.28 years). Mean patient age at the time of surgery was 61.29 ± 12.04 years. All cases utilised a high-molecular-weight polyethylene (HMWPE) liner. None of the acetabular cups showed loosening or migration at the latest follow-up. There were 2 revisions in our study, 1 for abductor mechanism disruption and 1 due to surgical site infection where the acetabular cup was revised. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis for all-cause revision at 7 and 10-year follow-up showed a survival rate of 99.1% (95% confidence interval, 94.1–99.9%). Survivorship analysis for aseptic acetabular revision at 10-year follow-up showed a survival rate of 100%.

Conclusions:

At long-term follow-up, no radiologic and minimal clinical complications were identified in this series. The HTPC acetabular cup system, used in conjunction with a HMWPE liner, demonstrates excellent outcomes and survivorship when compared to earlier mid-term studies published in the literature.
The alt-right digital migration: A heterogeneous engineering approach to social media platform branding
Authors: Kor-Sins Ryan
Published: August 2021

In recent years, social media platforms such as Twitter have removed users that espouse alt-right narratives of White nationalism and xenophobia from their platforms. This mass removal has caused alt-right users to migrate in droves to alternative social media sites, such as Gab. This migration reflects the “platform branding” of these social media platforms which dictates users’ choices of where to migrate based on the affordances and culture of a given site. Using heterogeneous engineering, this article analyzes the contextual history, language, and technological affordances of Twitter, Reddit, and Gab. The article finds that Twitter’s focus on politics and civil conversation is unhospitable to alt-right content. Reddit’s somewhat neutral positioning and decentralized moderation system make alt-right content possible but unpopular. Finally, Gab provides a haven to alt-right beliefs, constructing its platform around “free speech” and alt-right extremism. Platforms embody holistic brand images through contextual, linguistic, and technological features.
Social exclusion and conflict in a rural tourism community: A case study from Likeng Village, China
Authors: Guo Hua , Jordan Evan J.
Published: August 2021

Social exclusion is a dynamic process in which an individual or a group becomes isolated from an organization or community and deprived of their due rights and entitlements. This study analyzed a case of social exclusion and tourism conflict in Likeng village, Wuyuan, a rural Chinese community that is economically reliant on the tourism industry. Thematic analysis of interviews with 15 Likeng villagers across two time periods (2010 and 2016) revealed that residents experienced various dimensions of social exclusion. A lack of opportunities for effective participation in economic opportunities, political decisions, and community relationships related to the development of tourism in the community were key features of social exclusion, eventually leading to conflict. Linkages between local problems, policies, and community life should be established and opportunities for meaningful resident input in tourism development decision making should be utilized in order to decrease social exclusion and conflict.
A multicomponent psychosocial intervention among people with early-stage dementia involving physical exercise, cognitive stimulation therapy, psychoeducation and counselling: Results from a mixed-methods study
Authors: Skov Sofie S , Nielsen Maj Britt D , Krølner Rikke F , Øksnebjerg Laila , Rønbøl Lauridsen Sigurd M
Published: August 2021

Background

There is increasing awareness of the benefits of both physical and psychosocial interventions to empower and benefit people with dementia and their caregivers. However, the potential additional benefits of combining physical and psychosocial interventions have only been sparsely explored. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the acceptability and potential impact of a multicomponent intervention comprising physical exercise, cognitive stimulation therapy (CST), psychoeducation and counselling for people with early-stage dementia.

Design

A 15-week multicomponent group-based intervention was offered to people with early-stage dementia in Denmark ( N = 44). A mixed-methods design combining interviews, observations, tests of cognitive and physical functioning and an interviewer-assisted questionnaire on quality of life was applied to (1) investigate acceptability of the intervention, including whether people with dementia and their caregivers found the intervention meaningful and (2) to explore and assess changes in participants’ physical and cognitive functioning and quality of life. The study was conducted between June 2018 and August 2019.

Results

The pilot study demonstrated that the multicomponent intervention was acceptable for people with early-stage dementia and their caregivers. Test results did not show significant changes in measures of participants’ physical and cognitive functioning or quality of life. However, qualitative data revealed that participants perceived the intervention as meaningful and found that it had a positive influence on their physical and social well-being. In addition, interaction and support from peers and staff members was considered important and rewarding.

Conclusion

This multicomponent intervention constitutes a meaningful and beneficial activity for people with early-stage dementia and their caregivers. It provides an opportunity to engage in social interactions with peers and experience professional support. The study also underlines the importance of providing prolonged and sustainable interventions for people with dementia to maintain personal and social benefits.
Student and tutor perceptions of the pedagogical potential and challenges of design jury as an assessment method
Authors: Yorgancıoğlu Derya , Tunalı Sevinç , Çetinel Meltem
Published: August 2021

This article examines the pedagogical potential and challenges of the design jury as an assessment method from the perceptions of the tutor/jury member and the design students. It aims to gain an understanding of the factors that create opportunities for, and barriers to, the promotion of learning in the design jury. It inquires the possible contributions of the jury into formative evaluation processes in design education. The results show that (1) the communication modalities, and (2) the evaluation criteria influence the way tutors and students perceive design jury as a pedagogical method. While the hierarchy between the jury member and the student creates a barrier to constructive feedback, a balance between formative and summative evaluations is essential in the design jury. Transparency of evaluation criteria decreases design students’ concern for grade. The design jury could also serve for formative evaluation. A student-centred approach to design jury engenders experiences of deep learning.
Resisting the global neoliberal economy
Authors: Nuti Alasia
Published: August 2021

As a Western citizen, am I responsible for the serious injustices, such as sweatshop labour, characterising our global economy? Benjamin McKean’s terrific new book, Disorienting Neoliberalism: Global Justice and the Outer Limit of Freedom, shows why this is a misleading question – one that will not properly orient us in relation to the neoliberal economy. McKean argues that we need to recognise that we are unfree under unjust transnational economic institutions and thus we have a shared interest in resisting neoliberalism. This means that we should become disposed to heed the calls for solidarity by others across the world whose freedom is also impaired by neoliberal institutions. McKean’s book offers a powerful and persuasive new account of global (in)justice and solidarity; it is an inspiring call to arms for egalitarian theorists. Although I will raise two friendly critical observations about McKean’s argument, I recognise that this book is a major contribution to international political theory and that it sets a superb example of how to combine scholarly rigour with what might be called activist theorising.
What is a deliberative system? A tale of two ontologies
Authors: Bevir Mark , Chan Kai Yui Samuel
Published: August 2021

Deliberative systems theorists have not explained what a deliberative system is. There are two problems here for deliberative systems theory: an empirical problem of boundaries (how to delineate the content of a deliberative system) and a normative problem of evaluation (how to evaluate the deliberation within a deliberative system). We argue that an adequate response to these problems requires a clear ontology. The existing literature suggests two coherent but mutually exclusive ontologies. A functionalist ontology postulates self-sustaining deliberative systems with their own functional goals and logics independent of human intentionality. In contrast, an interpretive ontology conceives of deliberative systems as the products of the beliefs and actions of the actors in the relevant practices—deliberative systems derive from human intentionality. We conclude by showing how these conflicting ontologies lead to different empirical and normative agendas.
Associations of Physical Activity and Exercise with Health-related Outcomes in Patients with Melanoma During and After Treatment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Crosby Brendan J. , Lopez Pedro , Galvão Daniel A. , Newton Robert U. , Taaffe Dennis R. , Meniawy Tarek M. , Warburton Lydia , Khattak Muhammad A. , Gray Elin S. , Singh Favil
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

Although exercise medicine is recommended to counter treatment-related side-effects and improve health-related outcomes of patients affected by different cancers, no specific recommendations exist for patients with melanoma. As a result, we systematically examined the current evidence regarding the effects of physical activity and exercise on objectively-measured and patient-reported outcomes among patients with melanoma.

Methods:

Searches were conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases. This review included published data involving physical activity or exercise and objectively-measured or patient-reported outcomes of patients with cutaneous melanoma. The quality of included studies was assessed using the McMaster University Critical Appraisal Tool for Quantitative Studies.

Results:

Six studies including 882 patients with melanoma were included. Studies presented heterogeneity of design with 2 cross-sectional surveys, 2 retrospective analyses, and 2 non-randomized intervention trials. No statistically significant change in quality of life, fatigue, physical function, cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, psychological distress, cognitive function, or treatment-related side-effects were attributable to physical activity or exercise. Importantly, physical activity or exercise during melanoma treatment or into survivorship did not adversely impact patients/survivors.

Conclusion:

In summary, physical activity or exercise did not adversely impact quality of life, objectively-measured or patient-reported outcomes in patients with melanoma. In addition, there is a paucity of quality studies examining the effects of physical activity or exercise on patients with melanoma throughout the cancer care continuum.