bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tourism and Foreign Direct Investment Inflows in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ravinthirakumaran K. , Selvanathan E. A. , Selvanathan S. , Singh T.
Published: August 2019

This article examines the relationship between tourism and foreign direct investment (FDI) and the factors that enhance tourism in Sri Lanka using data over the years 1978–2015, under a vector autoregressive framework. The results reveal that there is a significant long-run equilibrium relationship between tourism, and a number of variables such as FDI, exchange rate, tourism price and civil war of the country. The results also reveal that there exist unidirectional causal relationships from FDI to tourism and tourism price to tourism, in both the long run and the short run. In light of this finding, it is recommended that Sri Lanka should introduce policies that would increase FDI inflows into the tourism industry and maintain a competitive tourism price to attract more tourist arrivals.

JEL: C32, F19, F41, O53
The effect of the delay between injury and surgery on mortality, morbidity, and complications in craniospinal gunshot wounding
Authors: Sertbaş İdris , Karatay Mete
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The effect of the surgical approach and the duration between the trauma and surgery on the complications, morbidity, and mortality in cranial and spinal penetrating gunshot injuries are investigated.

Methods

Evaluation of 63 patients from the Libyan civil war who were referred to the İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital neurosurgery clinic for the treatment and surgery between 2015 and 2017.

Results

Complications such as meningitis, superficial infection, and abscess developed in 31% of the patients who underwent surgery within the initial 24 h, 58% of the patients who underwent surgery between 24 and 72 h and in all patients who underwent surgery after 72 h. While an improvement was seen in all 14 patients who had preoperative paresis and underwent surgery within 24 h or between 24 and 72 h, only one of the six patients who had paresis and underwent surgery after 72 h improved. One of the patients who underwent surgery within 24 h, three of those who underwent surgery between 24 and 72 h, and four of those who underwent surgery after 72 h died.

Conclusion

The complications, morbidity, and mortality increase with a prolonged duration between the injury and surgery after craniospinal gunshot wounding.
Abundance or crisis? Transformations in the media ecology of Swedish cultural journalism over four decades
Authors: Widholm Andreas , Riegert Kristina , Roosvall Anna
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study is to map and scrutinize developments within Swedish cultural journalism, with a particular focus on transformations in genres, text types and thematic repertoires. Drawing on a constructed week sample from press, television and radio during four decades (1985, 1995, 2005, 2015), we address three aspects of ‘the crisis discourse’ of cultural journalism: (1) the potential decline in cultural coverage due to economic cutbacks and downsized cultural desks; (2) cultural journalism’s perceived ‘quality crisis’ connected to transformations of thematic repertoires; and (3) the alleged decline of cultural expertise related to changes in cultural journalism’s generic structures. The study makes a unique contribution to cultural journalism scholarship by identifying media-specific differences and complementary relationships between media forms, building on media ecology and genre theory. In contrast to the crisis discourse, results show that cultural journalism has expanded significantly through popularization and thematic and generic diversification, but the transformations are different in press, radio and television due to differing role positions in the larger media ecosystem. In addition, some parts of the cultural journalism media ecology appear to be endangered.
The effect of advanced ignition system on gasoline low temperature combustion
Authors: Yun Hanho , Idicheria Cherian , Najt Paul
Published: August 2019

Engines operating in low temperature combustion during positive valve overlap operation offer significant benefits of high fuel economy over the low temperature combustion during negative valve overlap operation. Significant efficiency improvement was achieved by the increased gamma and lower pumping loss. However, NOx emissions were increased due to reliance on the flame-induced combustion. In this study, the corona ignition system was evaluated to reduce NOx emissions during positive valve overlap operation while maintaining the benefit of efficiency gain. The tests were performed in a 2.2-L multi-cylinder engine. The results show that the ignition delay is always shorter with the corona ignition system than with the spark plug. The corona ignition system is able to support stable combustion (coefficient of variation of indicated mean effective pressure <3%) in a lower load during positive valve overlap operation than the spark plug, which gives us additional efficiency benefit. Since the corona ignition system promotes simultaneous ignition of the mixture at multiple locations in the combustion chamber as opposed to ignition being limited to the spark gap channel, the dependence of the flame burn for stable combustion during positive valve overlap operation minimizes, which leads to lower NOx emissions over the spark plug.
More open borders for those left behind
Authors: Tebble Adam James
Published: August 2019

Including the interests of those migrants leave behind in debates about migration and justice is a strategy which theorists who are sceptical of open borders have made use of, most notably in brain drain critiques of emigration. In rejecting this view, and in invoking an epistemic conception of liberalism, I claim that not only can the interests of those left behind be appealed to by defenders of more open borders. For at least two reasons such interests should be included. First, more open borders have a unique role to play in addressing the interests of those left behind via the transformative economic effects of remittances and the state signalling mechanism that migrant and remittance flows provide, both for wealthier states as they dispense foreign aid and for poorer states as they implement national development programmes. Second, more open borders are also compelling for those who are sceptical of immigration insofar as they help them identify the obligations of justice they may owe to the world’s poor and how these are best discharged; obligations whose fulfilment lessens the pressure to migrate from poorer to wealthier states over the long term.
Everything in place: peace and harmony in an overcrowded home
Authors: Errázuriz Tomás
Published: August 2019

Discourses on storage and clutter have become central issues in contemporary domestic space. The anxiety caused by accumulation and disorder are directly related to the progressive entry of goods into homes. Now, what happens in the case of some elderly homeowners whose lifestyles have changed little over the past decades and have a much different relationship to current consumer culture and domestic accumulation? Based on an auto-ethnographic approach, this visual essay looks at the home the author’s grandparents have built throughout their life. It argues that, although the house is full of objects that have been accumulating over the decades, these objects can hardly be catalogued as stuff. Material and symbolic stability are favoured by the reduced traffic of objects entering and leaving the house and the importance of care and maintenance practices but, overall, by the ability of the house to provide a specific and differentiated place for each object.
Looking beyond the stars: A description of text mining technique to extract latent dimensions from online product reviews
Authors: Situmeang Frederik , de Boer Nelleke , Zhang Austin
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the marketing literature and practice by describing a research methodology to identify latent dimensions of customer satisfaction in product reviews, and examining the relationship between these attributes and customer satisfaction. Previous research in product reviews has largely relied only on quantitative ratings, either stars or review score. Advanced techniques for text mining provide the opportunity to extract meaning from customer online reviews. By analyzing 51,110 online reviews for 1,610 restaurants via latent Dirichlet allocation, this study uncovers 30 latent dimensions that are determinants of customer satisfaction. Furthermore, this study developed measurements of sentiment and innovativeness as moderators of the effect of these latent attributes to satisfaction.
Power in research relationships: Engaging mothers with learning difficulties in a parenting programme evaluation
Authors: Tarleton Beth , Heslop Pauline
Published: August 2019

There are significant ethical considerations when engaging with the participants of a service evaluation study. These include the potential impact of the findings of the evaluation on the lives of those in receipt of the service. The importance of researcher reflexivity in these circumstances is vital. This paper describes one researcher’s reflections about their own engagement with participants of an evaluation of a parenting course. The potential contributors to the evaluation of the course, that are the focus of this paper, were 18 mothers with learning difficulties. All had been referred to the course because of concerns about their parenting capacity or the welfare of their child. The power dynamics in the interactions between the researcher and the participants existed on a number of levels. The starting point was an asymmetrical power relation with the researcher defining the scope, content and conduct of the evaluation. Efforts to engage with the participants included trying to remodel some of this power and minimise the distance and separateness between each party. The parents too had some power, by using the interviews as a therapeutic space, providing socially desirable accounts or ultimately jeopardising the evaluation of the programme by refusing to participate. In this unique context, the power relationships were dynamic and inter-linked, feeling like a dance between active agents within the negotiations. Elements of Tew’s (2006) conceptual framework of ‘productive’ and ‘limiting’ modes of power were both in evidence and likely to have influenced the findings of the evaluation.
An ensemble decision tree methodology for remaining useful life prediction of spur gears under natural pitting progression
Authors: Kundu Pradeep , Darpe Ashish K , Kulkarni Makarand S
Published: August 2019

This article presents an ensemble decision tree–based random forest regression methodology for remaining useful life prediction of spur gears subjected to pitting failure mode. The random forest regression methodology does not require an elaborate statistics background knowledge and has an inbuilt health indicator selection capability compared to other existing data-driven remaining useful life prediction approaches. A correlation coefficient parameter based on the residual vibration signal is used for monitoring and detecting the pitting progression in spur gears. The effectiveness of the correlation coefficient of the residual vibration signal is assessed over the other existing health indicators for pitting fault progression. To show the inbuilt best health indicator selection capability of the random forest regression model, initially, eight indicators (existing seven and the correlation coefficient of the residual vibration signal) were used for model training. In addition, the effect of fusing the vibration sensor data from multiple positions on the gearbox on prediction accuracy of the random forest regression model is also evaluated. The accuracy in the remaining useful life prediction is found to increase after fusing the correlation coefficient of the residual vibration signal based health indicator derived from the accelerometers located at multiple positions on the gearbox in comparison to data from a single accelerometer. Furthermore, the accuracy of the proposed methodology is tested and proven using five accelerated run-to-failure experimental data collected from the specially built test rig.
Faculty Views on College Student Mental Health: Implications for Retention and Student Success
Authors: Kalkbrenner Michael T. , Jolley Amber L. , Hays Danica G.
Published: August 2019

Faculty members play key roles in successful college student retention and degree completion. In recent years, investigators in a variety of higher education disciplines identified numerous factors associated with improving retention and graduation rates, including college student mental health. Faculty members play vital roles in supporting college student mental health, including recognizing and referring students to resources. In this phenomenological study, researchers investigated the lived experiences of faculty members who had active lived experiences with supporting college student mental health. A structural description included five emergent themes, which support and extend the extant literature surrounding the utility of faculty members for supporting college student mental health and retention.
Approach toward a thermodynamic analysis on the drying and curing process of textile reinforcements for construction applications as a basis for continuous process control and optimization
Authors: Hahn Lars , Hong Shichen , Treppe Konrad , Zuben Martin von , Rittner Steffen , Beckmann Michael , Cherif Chokri
Published: August 2019

The development of energy-efficient textile manufacturing procedures is a crucial factor for cost reduction, potentially leading to the further establishment of technical textiles for industrial applications. In the textile sector, drying processes are responsible for the largest share of the total energy demand required by the manufacturing process. The performed investigations reveal that this fact also applies to infrared-based drying and curing procedures involved in the manufacturing of textile reinforcing structures for construction applications. The relationship between the temperature of the coated textile grid-like structure during drying and curing and infrared emitter power was analyzed and optimized. In addition, a thermodynamic concept was developed to replace the iterative setting of production parameters, such as infrared emitter power and machine speed. Thus, measurable process control parameters were identified that decisively influence the drying and curing process of textile reinforcements. The results of these investigations form the basis for procedural improvements (optimization variables: energy, time, and quality) as well as for the continuous monitoring of the drying and hardening process of textile reinforcements.
Doctor, Snitch, and Weasel: Narrative Family Therapy With a Child Suffering From Encopresis and Enuresis
Authors: Fife Stephen T. , Hawkins Lindsey G.
Published: August 2019

Children who experience enuresis and encopresis can face many difficulties, including social isolation, shame, embarrassment, anxiety, and depression. Due to the prevalence of enuresis and encopresis, it is essential for mental health professionals to understand the common symptoms and available treatment options for enuresis and encopresis, particularly to assist parents struggling to help their children overcome these challenges. Despite this need, there is very little clinical literature that incorporates a systemic approach for families who have a child diagnosed with enuresis and encopresis. Furthermore, common treatment approaches may unwittingly reinforce children’s perception that these problems are rooted in their identity. In an effort to address these concerns, the present case study aims to illustrate how a narrative therapy approach was utilized to effectively treat a child with enuresis and encopresis. Narrative therapy can uniquely assist children and their parents by helping them externalize the problem, overcome the problem-saturated view of their lives, and create new experiences where the problem is nonexistent.
Teaching for Transformation: Master of Social Work Students Identify Teaching Approaches That Made a Difference
Authors: Damianakis Thecla , Barrett Betty , Archer-Kuhn Beth , Samson Patricia , Matin Sumaiya , Ahern Christine
Published: August 2019

Transformative learning captures the process by which students engage in their learning, experience a change in perspective, of themselves or society, and then enact their new understanding. The purpose of this 4-year, four-cohort study was to identify the transformative learning experiences of Master of Social Work students and specific student engagement strategies they felt made a difference in preparing them for professional practice. Six focus groups ( n = 40) were conducted using established focus group methodology. All focus groups were audio recorded, professionally transcribed verbatim, and subject to qualitative content analysis. Students identified six themes in student engagement strategies that facilitated their transformative learning, including transformative aspects of the curriculum, experiences with peers, qualities in their relationships with faculty that fostered critical reflection, a sense of identity, and mentoring. This study will help educators better identify teaching strategies to engage students in their personal and professional transformative learning.
Iterative learning contouring controller based on trajectory generation with linearly interpolated contour error estimation and Bézier reposition trajectory for computerized numerical control machine tool feed drive systems
Authors: Hendrawan Yogi Muldani , Simba Kenneth Renny , Uchiyama Naoki
Published: August 2019

In industrial applications, highly accurate mechanical components are generally required to produce advanced mechanical and mechatronic systems. In machining mechanical components, contour error represents the product shape quality directly, and therefore it must be considered in controller design. Although most existing contouring controllers are based on feedback control and estimated contour error, it is generally difficult to replace the feedback controller in commercial computerized numerical control machines. This article proposes an embedded iterative learning contouring controller by considering the linearly interpolated contour error compensation and Bézier reposition trajectory, which can be applied in computerized numerical control machines currently in use without any modification of their original feedback controllers. While the linearly interpolated contour error compensation enhances tracking performance by compensating the reference input with an actual value, the Bézier reposition trajectory enables smooth velocity transitions between discrete points in the reference trajectory. For performance analysis, the proposed controller was implemented in a commercial three-axis computerized numerical control machine and several experiments were conducted based on typical three-dimensional sharp-corner and half-circular trajectories. Experimental results showed that the proposed controller could reduce the maximum and mean contour errors by 45.11% and 54.48% on average, compared to embedded iterative learning contouring controller with estimated contour error. By comparing to embedded iterative learning contouring controller with linearly interpolated contour error compensation, the maximum and mean contour errors are reduced to 20.54% and 26.92%, respectively.
Hyperbaric oxygen promotes mitophagy by activating CaMKKβ/AMPK signal pathway in rats of neuropathic pain
Authors: Kun Liu , Lu Li , Yongda Liu , Xingyue Li , Guang Han
Published: August 2019

Neuropathic pain is a kind of chronic intractable disease. HBO explored the involvement of mitophagy which is associated with energy metabolism by AMPK. CaMKKβ/AMPK signaling pathway may involve in mitophagy process. We randomly divided mice into four groups: C, S, CCI, and CCI + HBO group. Pain-related behaviors were evaluated using mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency analysis. Western blot was employed to assess expression of CaMKKβ, pAMPK, AMPK, NIX, BNIP3, and Drp1. Spinal cord was observed under the electron microscope. Immunofluorescence changes in NeuN and CaMKKβ or AMPK were examined. AMPK inhibitor compound C (CC) and CaMKKβ inhibitor STO609 were administrated prior to CCI, respectively. The changes in behaviors and Western blot are examined. HBO upregulated CaMKKβ and pAMPKα expression. NeuN and CaMKKβ were colocalizated in immunofluorescence. HBO can elevate the pain-related behaviors significantly, while it was downregulated by CC or STO609. HBO upregulated NIX, BNIP3, and Drp1 expressive level more significantly than those in CCI group. However, expression was reduced when CC or STO609 were administered. Electron microscopic examination showed that mitophagy was upregulated after HBO treatment. This phenomenon was not observed when CC or STO609 were administered. Our findings suggest that CaMKKβ/AMPK pathway maybe a potential signal pathway on analgesic mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen via mitophagy.
Acid-induced intermolecular [3+2] cycloaddition/oxidation to synthesize polysubstituted benzo[f]isoindole-4,9-diones
Authors: Lin Zhang-qi , Li Chao-dong , Li Yu-jin , Zhang Yong-jian , Zhou Zi-chun , Ye Qing , Gao Jian-rong
Published: August 2019

A novel one-pot 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition/oxidation reaction of 1,4-quinones, aromatic aldehydes, and N-substituted amino esters to construct polysubstituted benzo[ f]isoindole-4,9-diones induced by benzoic acid is reported. Based on optimized reaction conditions, various polysubstituted benzo[ f]isoindole-4,9-diones derivatives are obtained in moderate yields. This straightforward methodology employs mild reaction conditions, a green oxidant, and readily available starting materials. Notably, a wide range of substrates is tolerated.
Treatment interventions for hand fractures and joint injuries: a scoping review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mousoulis Christos , Thomas Kim , Leighton Paul , Deshmukh Sandeep , Grindlay Douglas , Karantana Alexia
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study was to identify and assess all existing randomized studies on treatment interventions for hand fractures and joint injuries, to inform practice and plan future research. PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE and Embase were searched. We identified 78 randomized controlled trials published over 35 years, covering seven anatomical areas of the hand. We report on sources of bias, sample size, follow-up length and retention, outcome measures and reporting. In terms of interventions studied, the trials were extremely heterogeneous, so it is difficult to draw conclusions on individual treatments. The published randomized controlled clinical trial evidence for hand fractures and joint injuries is narrow in scope and of generally low methodological quality. Mapping provides a useful resource and stepping-stone for planning further research. There is a need for high-quality, collaborative research to guide management of a wider range of common hand injuries.
The Construction of Indigenous Language Rights in Peru: A Language Regime Approach
Authors: Rousseau Stéphanie , Dargent Eduardo
Published: August 2019

From the 1990s onwards, many Latin American states have adopted constitutional reforms that recognise indigenous peoples’ rights. In this article, we address a much less studied aspect, the emergence of new language rights. Based on field research and process tracing, we study the case of Peru where indigenous language rights were created in the absence of ethnic parties and with a relatively weak indigenous movement. We argue that the country moved slowly away from a monolingual language regime towards the recognition of indigenous languages as official languages and the creation of language rights. We identify key moments of state transformation in the 1970s, the 1990s, and the 2000s as linked to successive building blocks in the creation of a multi-lingual language regime. In particular, the decentralisation reforms of the 2000s created new opportunities for subnational actors to further develop these rights in different regions of the country. We exemplify these dynamics by looking into the adoption of language rights in the regions of Cuzco and Ayacucho.
Quantifying and Exploring Elementary School Excellence Gaps Across Schools and Time
Authors: Rambo-Hernandez Karen E. , Peters Scott J. , Plucker Jonathan A.
Published: August 2019

Despite considerable reform activity surrounding K-12 education over the past 20 years, racial and socioeconomic disparities among students who achieve at advanced levels have received little attention. This study examined how excellence gaps, defined as differences in performance at the 90th percentile of subgroups, change over time and their potential antecedents. We analyzed Measure of Academic Progress achievement data in reading and mathematics from a cohort of approximately 60,000 students from third to fifth grade in 742 elementary schools. Multilevel modeling results indicate that Black/Hispanic and White/Asian excellence gaps were relatively stable in reading. However, excellence gaps in mathematics increased during the school year and across time, and higher achieving schools demonstrated larger excellence gaps than lower achieving schools.
Contribution of Epithelial Cell Dysfunction to the Pathogenesis of Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Wynne Michael , Atkinson Carl , Schlosser Rodney J. , Mulligan Jennifer K.
Published: August 2019

Background

In the past, the airway epithelium was thought to be primarily an inert physical barrier. We now know that the upper airway epithelium plays a critical role in both innate and adaptive immunity, and that epithelial dysfunction is strongly associated with inflammatory airway disease. The pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis is poorly understood, but growing evidence supports a key role for the airway epithelium in the pathophysiology of the disease.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to explore our current understanding of how dysfunction in human sinonasal epithelial cells (HSNECs) contributes to the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and to examine how current and developing therapies affect epithelial cell functions.

Methods

A literature review of papers published in English pertaining to epithelial cell dysfunction in patients with CRSwNP was performed using the PubMed database. The search utilized combinations of the following key words: sinusitis, polyps, epithelium, pathophysiology, barrier function, dendritic cells, eosinophils, T cells, complement, mucociliary clearance, vitamin D, cytokines, chemokines, taste receptors, steroids, saline, and therapy.

Results

HSNEC mucociliary clearance, barrier function, secretion of cytokines, influence on dendritic cells, influence on T-cells, regulation of eosinophils, vitamin D metabolism, complement production, and taste receptor function are altered in patients with CRSwNP and contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. Current therapies utilized to manage CRSwNP counteract the effects of HSNEC dysfunction and relieve key symptoms of the disease.

Conclusion

HSNECs are key players in both innate and adaptive immunity, and altered epithelial functions are closely intertwined with the pathogenesis of CRSwNP. Our review supports further investigation of altered HSNEC function in patients with CRSwNP and supports development of novel epithelial-targeted therapies for its management.
Insights into novel emerging epigenetic drugs in myeloid malignancies
Authors: Chandhok Namrata S. , Prebet Thomas
Published: August 2019

Epigenetics has been defined as ‘a stably heritable phenotype resulting from changes in a chromosome without alterations in the DNA sequence’ and several epigenetic regulators are recurrently mutated in hematological malignancies. Epigenetic modifications include changes such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA associated gene silencing. Transcriptional regulation, chromosome stability, DNA replication and DNA repair are all controlled by these modifications. Mutations in genes encoding epigenetic modifiers are a frequent occurrence in hematologic malignancies and important in both the initiation and progression of cancer. Epigenetic modifications are also frequently reversible, allowing excellent opportunities for therapeutic intervention. The goal of epigenetic therapies is to reverse epigenetic dysregulation, restore the epigenetic balance, and revert malignant cells to a more normal condition. The role of epigenetic therapies thus far is most established in hematologic malignancies, with several agents already approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. In this review, we discuss pharmacological agents targeting epigenetic regulators.
Compliance to dietary guidelines on fruit and vegetable intake and prevalence of hypertension among Vietnamese adults, 2015
Authors: Nguyen Sang Minh , Tran Huong Thi Thanh , Tran Bao Quoc , Van Hoang Minh , Truong Bac Dinh , Nguyen Lam Tuan , Tran Phu Dac , Lai Truong Duc , Van Tran Thuan , Shu Xiao-Ou
Published: August 2019

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Western dietary guidelines on fruit and vegetable intake are associated with blood pressure parameters and hypertension among Vietnamese adults.

Methods

Participants included 1384 women and 1049 men aged 18–69 years from the 2015 Vietnam national survey on risk factors of non-communicable diseases. Associations between dietary intake score based on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) guidelines and World Health Organization recommendations on fruit and vegetable consumption and blood pressure parameters and hypertension were evaluated by multivariate regression analyses.

Results

Approximately 17.0% and 40.1% of participants met the respective definitions of hypertension according to Joint National Committee 7 (JNC7) and 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Hypertension Guideline. Highest tertiles of DASH scores for fruit intake were significantly associated with increased blood pressure parameters, particularly in women. Hypertension was associated with DASH score for fruit intake with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for tertiles 2–3 versus tertile 1: 1.31 (0.98, 1.76) and 1.43 (1.05, 1.93) for JNC7; 1.26 (1.01, 1.58) and 1.31 (1.04, 1.66) for 2017 ACC/AHA guideline (all p-trend <0.05). No association with blood pressure parameters and hypertension was observed for DASH score for vegetable intake and meeting World Health Organization recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake.

Conclusion

We found an unexpected positive association between DASH score for fruit intake and blood pressure parameters and hypertension among Vietnamese adults. More research is needed in this population to understand the relationship between vegetable and fruit intake with hypertension before a firm conclusion and recommendation are made.
Understanding Public Response to Air Quality Using Tweet Analysis
Authors: Gurajala Supraja , Dhaniyala Suresh , Matthews Jeanna N.
Published: August 2019

Poor air quality is recognized as a major risk factor for human health globally. Critical to addressing this important public-health issue is the effective dissemination of air quality data, information about adverse health effects, and the necessary mitigation measures. However, recent studies have shown that even when public get data on air quality and understand its importance, people do not necessarily take actions to protect their health or exhibit pro-environmental behaviors to address the problem. Most existing studies on public attitude and response to air quality are based on offline studies, with a limited number of survey participants and over a limited number of geographical locations. For a larger survey size and a wider set of locations, we collected Twitter data for a period of nearly 2 years and analyzed these data for three major cities: Paris, London, and New Delhi. We identify the three hashtags in each city that best correlate the frequency of tweets with local air quality. Using tweets with these hashtags, we determined that people’s response to air quality across all three cities was nearly identical when considering relative changes in air pollution. Using machine-learning algorithms, we determined that health concerns dominated public response when air quality degraded, with the strongest increase in concern being in New Delhi, where pollution levels are the highest among the three cities studied. The public call for political solutions when air quality worsens is consistent with similar findings with offline surveys in other cities. We also conducted an unsupervised learning analysis to extract topics from tweets in Delhi and studied their evolution over time and with changing air quality. Our analysis helped extract relevant words or features associated with different air quality–related topics such as air pollution policy and health. Also, the topic modeling analysis revealed niche topics associated with sporadic air quality events, such as fireworks during festivals and the air quality impact on an outdoor sport event. Our approach shows that a tweet-based analysis can enable social scientists to probe and survey public response to events such as air quality in a timely fashion and help policy makers respond appropriately.
Examining the Relationship Between the Multicultural Self-Efficacy, Empathy, and Training of School Counselors and Their Knowledge and Skills Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness
Authors: Camp Ami , Foxx Sejal Parikh , Flowers Claudia
Published: August 2019

Homelessness remains a national concern impacting the lives of many individuals and families. We examined the relationships among participating school counselors’ self-reported multicultural self-efficacy, empathy, training, and knowledge and skills supporting students experiencing homelessness. Results of a three-stage hierarchical multiple regression indicated that the most significant predictors of school counselors’ knowledge and skills were training and multicultural self-efficacy, respectively. We present implications for training programs, counselor educators, and practicing school counselors.
Complication Risk in Primary and Revision Minimally Invasive Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Comparable Alternative to Conventional Open Techniques?
Authors: Bortz Cole , Alas Haddy , Segreto Frank , Horn Samantha R. , Varlotta Christopher , Brown Avery E. , Pierce Katherine E. , Ge David H. , Vasquez-Montes Dennis , Lafage Virginie , Lafage Renaud , Fischer Charla R. , Gerling Michael C. , Protopsaltis Themistocles S. , Buckland Aaron J. , Sciubba Daniel M. , De La Garza-Ramos Rafael , Passias Peter G.
Published: August 2019

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study of prospective patients undergoing minimally invasive lumbar fusion at a single academic institution.

Objective:

To assess differences in perioperative outcomes between primary and revision MIS (minimally invasive surgical) lumbar interbody fusion patients and compare with those undergoing corresponding open procedures.

Methods:

Patients ≥18 years old undergoing lumbar interbody fusion were grouped by surgical technique: MIS or open. Patients within each group were propensity score matched for comorbidities and levels fused. Patient demographics, surgical factors, and perioperative complication incidences were compared between primary and revision cases using means comparison tests, as appropriate.

Results:

Of the 214 lumbar interbody fusion patients included after propensity score matching, 44 (21%) cases were MIS, and 170 (79%) were open. For MIS patients, there were no significant differences between primary and revision cases in estimated blood loss (EBL; 344 vs 299 cm3, P = .682); however, primary cases had longer operative times (301 vs 246 minutes, P = .029). There were no differences in length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit LOS, readmission, and intraoperative or postoperative complications (all P > .05). For open patients, there were no differences between primary and revision cases in EBL ( P > .05), although revisions had longer operative times (331 vs 278 minutes, P = .018) and more postoperative complications (61.7% vs 23.8%, P < .001). MIS revision procedures were shorter than open revisions (182 vs 213 minutes, P = .197) with significantly less EBL (294 vs 965 cm3, P < .001), shorter inpatient and intensive care unit LOS, and fewer postoperative complications (all P < .05).

Conclusions:

Clinical outcomes of revision MIS lumbar interbody fusion were similar to those of primary surgery. Additionally, MIS techniques were associated with less EBL, shorter LOS, and fewer perioperative complications than corresponding open revisions.
Fatty degeneration and wnt10b expression in the supraspinatus muscle after surgical repair of torn rotator cuff tendon
Authors: Kuwahara Yoshiyuki , Kishimoto Koshi N , Itoigawa Yoshiaki , Okuno Hiroshi , Hatta Taku , Matsuzawa Gaku , Itoi Eiji
Published: August 2019

Purpose:

In the torn rotator cuff muscles, decreased expression of wnt10b prior to elevation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) has previously been reported. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the expression profiles of these adipogenesis-related genes after rotator cuff detachment and reattachment in a rabbit model.

Methods:

We investigated gene expression profiles of PPARγ, C/EBPα, and wnt10b in different parts of rabbit supraspinatus (SSP) muscle after tendon detachment ( n = 6 for each time point). In addition, we assessed expression of the same genes after SSP reattachment with different intervals from initial detachment ( n = 6). Fatty degeneration of the SSP muscle was examined by Oil red-O staining. Gene expression profiles were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

After SSP detachment, Oil red-O-positive oil deposits increased after 3 weeks. In the SSP reattachment model, numerous Oil red-O-positive cells were present at 5-week reattachment, following 2- and 3-week detachment. PPARγ and C/EBPα messenger ribonucleic acid expression exhibited a significant increase at 2 and 3 weeks after SSP detachment and remained increased at 5-week reattachment after 2- and 3-week detachment. A decreased expression of wnt10b was observed from 1 week after SSP detachment. Expression of wnt10b was recovered not in the central area of the SSP muscle but in the periphery after reattachment. Adipogenic change was not observed when SSP tendon was reattached after 1-week detachment.

Conclusions:

These results may suggest that once the adipogenic transcription factors, PPARγ and C/EBPα, were elevated, repair surgery after rotator cuff tear could not prevent the emergence of fat in the SSP muscle.
Positive-pressure ventilation attenuates subarachnoid-pleural fistula after thoracic spinal surgery: A report of two cases
Authors: Kono Mamoru , Koda Masao , Abe Tetsuya , Miura Kousei , Nagashima Katsuya , Fujii Kengo , Kumagai Hiroshi , Noguchi Hiroshi , Funayama Toru , Furuya Takeo , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: August 2019

Background:

Dural tear and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is known to be a complication of anterior thoracic spine surgery. If dural tear occurs on the ventral side of dura in combination with a pleural injury, it potentially becomes a subarachnoid-pleural fistula. The pressure gradient permits continuous flow of CSF from the subarachnoid space into the cavum thorax, resulting in an intractable subarachnoid-pleural fistula. We report two cases of successfully treated subarachnoid-pleural fistula using noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NPPV).

Methods:

Two patients, a 52-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman, underwent anterior thoracic spine surgery to treat thoracic myelopathy caused by spinal tumor and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. During surgery, dural tear and CSF leakage to the cavum thorax due to perforation of the dura was observed. We treated with polyglycolic acid sheet (Neovel®) in combination with fibrin glue; a suction drainage tube was placed at the subfascial level and the wound was drained with negative pressure. However, after removal of the drainage tube, subarachnoid-pleural fistula was proven. We applied NPPV to the patients.

Results:

We used the application of NPPV for 2 weeks in the first patient and 1 week in the second patient. In both of them, subarachnoid-pleural fistula was attenuated without apparent adverse events.

Conclusion:

NPPV is noninvasive and potentially useful therapy to attenuate subarachnoid-pleural fistula after thoracic spinal surgery.
Clinical Tests Can Be Used to Screen for Second Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in Younger Patients Who Return to Sport
Authors: Webster Kate E. , Feller Julian A.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Younger athletes have high rates of second anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Return-to-sport criteria have been proposed to enable athletes to make a safe return, but they frequently lack validation. It is unclear whether commonly recorded clinical measures can help to identify high-risk athletes.

Purpose:

To explore the association between commonly recorded clinical outcome measures and second ACL injury in a young, active patient group.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Included in this study were 329 athletes (200 males, 129 females) younger than 20 years at the time of first primary ACL reconstruction surgery who had subsequently returned to sport participation. Clinical examination included range of knee motion (passive flexion and extension deficits), instrumented anterior knee laxity, and single- and triple-crossover hop for distance. Patients also completed the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee form. All measures were collected prospectively at a 12-month postoperative clinical review. Patients were evaluated for a minimum 3 years to determine the incidence of subsequent ACL injury.

Results:

A total of 95 patients (29%) sustained a second ACL injury following clinical assessment and return to sport. There were 50 graft ruptures and 45 contralateral ACL injuries. Patients with a flexion deficit of 5° had over 2 times the odds of sustaining a graft rupture (odds ratio, 2.3; P < .05), and patients with a side-to-side difference in anterior knee laxity of 3 mm or greater had over 2 times the odds of sustaining a contralateral ACL injury (odds ratio, 2.4; P < .05). Overall, 29% (94 of 329) of patients met the threshold for satisfactory function on all 6 clinical measures; these patients had a 33% reduction in the risk of sustaining a second ACL injury ( P = .05) as compared with those who did not meet all clinical thresholds.

Conclusion:

Clinical measures of knee flexion and stability may have utility to screen for and identify patients who are at greater risk for a second ACL injury in an already high-risk group (ie, age and activity level).
The Role of Public Skepticism and Distrust in the Process of CSR Communication
Authors: Kim Sora , Rim Hyejoon
Published: August 2019

Through a cross-sectional online survey, this study examines the moderated mediation model of public skepticism toward organizational altruism and public distrust of CSR messages in the process of corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication. Focusing solely on CSR communication elements rather than CSR practice, this study sheds light on the significant role that effective CSR communication elements play in attenuating public skepticism and further inducing positive public evaluations of an organization. Our results suggest that skepticism toward altruism is significantly reduced by the six effective CSR communication elements—CSR informativeness, transparency, objectivity, consistency, personal relevance, and a less promotional tone. In turn, an organization is able to restore the publics’ positive evaluation of it. Although this study confirms the moderating role of public distrust in the process, it also reveals this moderating role to move in an unexpected direction. That is, the positive effects of effective CSR communication elements are much greater for people who have stronger distrust of CSR messages than those with less distrust. This indicates that public distrust of CSR messages (developed over time) may be overcome with quality CSR communication.
“Going to Lunch”: The Role of Catch Phrases and Language in Constructing a Heteronormative Leadership Culture
Authors: Mungaray Kimberly R. , Curtin Nancy J.
Published: August 2019

This study examines raw focus group data from a previous case study that demonstrated the existence of a heteronormative leadership paradigm, personified in the heteronormative ideal leader who is strong, agentic, charismatic, and typically White and male. The current study corroborated the findings from the previous case study, which contributes to even more profound meaning for the current study’s conclusions. For this study, the second author independently analyzed the data using a methodology that combines elements of discourse analysis and conversation analysis to identify what organizational cultural and identity messages are communicated by focus group participants. Through this methodological framework, the researchers found that catch phrases and language were used to construct personal and organizational identities integral to a heteronormative leadership culture despite the organization’s stated and intended dedication to being a “pro-woman” firm.
Hacking the pipes: Hydro-political currents in a Nairobi housing estate
Authors: Schramm Sophie , Ibrahim Basil
Published: August 2019

Nairobi’s water supply reflects broader dynamics of urban resource distribution, politics and power relations. Continuous disinvestment into the city’s large technological system of water supply has contributed to extreme water shortages in some parts of the city, while residents in other parts have enjoyed unrestricted access to the resource largely since the colonial period. Also, recent water sector reforms that focus less on technological networks and artefacts than on water governance have not alleviated the highly uneven distribution of water in the city. This is the context for our investigation of variegated technopolitics of water pressure management by different actors in one specific settlement: Nyayo Highrise estate. This middle-class housing estate has suffered extreme water shortages in the past decade. We start our investigation from a perspective of technology as a space of possibility – infrastructural networks and artefacts as well as related mobile technologies are not stable or fixed results of past planning decisions, but they are affected by, and at the same time shape, the ways in which people exert social and political pressure (or not). We analyse the manifold ways in which urban actors try to access, negotiate and change the city’s water flows, be it through manipulating the network of water pipes, through the provision of decentralized technologies, or through activism and public protest. We argue that this is an important intervention into current debates on African urbanisms, because it demonstrates how technology and infrastructure are spaces of possibility that may work towards emancipation and repression at the same time.