bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas and Aerosol Contributions to Extreme Temperature Changes during 1951–2015
Authors: Seong Min-Gyu , Min Seung-Ki , Kim Yeon-Hee , Zhang Xuebin , Sun Ying
Published: November 2020

This study conducted a detection and attribution analysis of the observed global and regional changes in extreme temperatures during 1951–2015. HadEX3 observations were compared with multimodel simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) using an optimal fingerprinting technique. Annual maximum daily maximum and minimum temperatures (TXx and TNx; warm extremes) and annual minimum daily maximum and minimum temperatures (TXn and TNn; cold extremes) over land were analyzed considering global, continental, and subcontinental scales. Response patterns (fingerprints) of extreme temperatures to anthropogenic (ANT), greenhouse gases (GHG), aerosols (AA), and natural (NAT) forcings were obtained from CMIP6 forced simulations. The internal variability ranges were estimated from preindustrial control simulations. A two-signal detection analysis where the observations are regressed onto ANT and NAT fingerprints simultaneously reveals that ANT signals are robustly detected in separation from NAT over global and all continental domains (North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania) for most of the extreme indices. ANT signals are also detected over many subcontinental regions, particularly for warm extremes (more than 60% of 33 subregions). A three-signal detection analysis that considers GHG, AA, and NAT fingerprints simultaneously demonstrates that GHG signals are detected in isolation from other external forcings over global, continental, and several subcontinental domains especially for warm extremes, explaining most of the observed warming. Moreover, AA influences are detected for warm extremes over Europe and Asia, indicating significant offsetting cooling contributions. Overall, human influences are detected more frequently, compared to previous studies, particularly for cold extremes, due to the extended period and the improved spatial coverage of observations.
Comparison of Single-Port Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Hernioplasty Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Totally Extraperitoneal Hernioplasty
Authors: Fang Chu-Wen , Chiu Allen W. , Huang Steven Kuan-Hua
Published: November 2020

Background

To evaluate the safety and outcomes of single-port laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (SPLTEP) and conventional laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (CLTEP) hernioplasty.

Methods

Retrospectively, we collected patients who underwent a laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal approach. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) male patients aged >20 years, (2) untreated hernia, and (3) American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≤3. The exclusion criteria included: (1) additional procedures received during surgery, (2) inguinoscrotal hernia, (3) ASA score >3, (4) previous lower abdominal surgery, (5) bleeding disorders, and (6) incarcerated, obstructed, strangulated, or recurrent inguinal hernias. Patients were classified into SPLTEP and CLTEP groups. The demographics, body mass index (BMI), ASA score, comorbidities, blood loss, operation time, postoperative length of stay (LOS)/complications, hernia recurrence, visual analog scale (VAS), and postoperative analgesic requirements were collected for analysis.

Results

A total of 246 patients were enrolled. There were 103 patients in the SPLTEP group and 143 patients in the CLTEP group. The mean age was 56.1 ± 16.2 years versus 57.9 ± 15.1 years. There were no significances in demographics, BMI, ASA score, comorbidities, blood loss, operation time, postoperative LOS/complications, and hernia recurrence. The SPLTEP group had a shorter postoperative LOS, lower VAS at 18 hours postoperation, and a reduced amount of 24-hour postoperative analgesics.

Conclusion

SPLTEP hernioplasty is as safe as the CLTEP procedure. In addition, the SPLTEP group had a shorter LOS and a lower VAS score and required less postoperative analgesics. Further studies may focus on long-term complications, hernia recurrence, and chronic pain in these 2 groups.
Employment and suicidal rates during economic recession: A country-targeted integrative review
Authors: Kamekis Apostolos , Rachiotis George , Markaki Adelais , Samara Vasiliki , Symvoulakis Emmanouil K.
Published: November 2020

Background:

The economic crisis’ effects on suicide rates for countries undergoing or exiting austerity measures have been widely debated. This integrative review aimed to identify, appraise, and synthesize available evidence of employment status effect on suicide mortality rates in Greece during the recent economic recession period.

Methods:

A literature review of studies evaluating suicides in the general Greek population, as well as across age and gender groups, in relation to employment during the economic crisis period was performed. PubMed electronic database was searched for relevant articles published in English or Greek language from 2009 up to February 2020. Appraisal was carried out based on the Hierarchy of Evidence Rating System and the GRADE guidelines.

Results:

A total of 24 articles met all inclusion criteria with 20 of them at level IV, 2 at level VII, and 2 at level VIII. A total of 18 studies reported increase of suicide rates during the economic recession period. About 12 studies examined the co-relation between unemployment and suicide rate, with ten studies showing a positive correlation. Moreover, thirteen studies reported data on the effect of gender and age variables on suicide rates.

Conclusion:

Evidence shows that suicide mortality rates in Greece increased after the eruption of economic recession, particularly after the implementation of radical austerity measures (2011–2014). This increase was positively correlated with unemployment and was more prominent among males of working age. Further in depth epidemiological research of regional variations in terms of profile and contributing or enabling factors of suicidal behavior is needed.
The Roles of Perspective Taking, Empathic Concern, and Prosocial Moral Reasoning in the Self-Reported Prosocial Behaviors of Filipino and Turkish Young Adults
Authors: Gülseven Zehra , Kumru Asiye , Carlo Gustavo , de Guzman Maria Rosario
Published: November 2020

Traditional social cognitive model of prosocial development suggests important links between both sociocognitive and socioemotive traits and prosocial behaviors. The present study examined the relations among perspective taking, empathic concern, prosocial moral reasoning, and public, emotional, compliant, and anonymous prosocial behaviors in Filipino and Turkish young adults to test the generalizability of this traditional model. Participants were 257 college students recruited from state universities in Ankara, Turkey (57 women, 83 men; Mage = 19.26 years, SD = 0.63) and Manila, the Philippines (75 women, 42 men; Mage = 18.41 years, SD = 1.44). Results showed that the relations among perspective taking, empathic concern, prosocial moral reasoning, and four types of self-reported prosocial behaviors were robust across two countries and gender. Perspective taking was positively related to empathic concern, which, in turn, was positively related to emotional and compliant prosocial behaviors. Perspective taking was also positively related to prosocial moral reasoning, which, in turn, was positively related to anonymous and negatively related to public prosocial behaviors. Overall, the findings provide support for the generalizability of traditional model of prosocial development and extend our understanding of prosocial behaviors to two non-Western, collectivist-oriented societies.
Artificial Intelligence in Utilitarian vs. Hedonic Contexts: The “Word-of-Machine” Effect
Authors: Longoni Chiara , Cian Luca
Published: November 2020

Rapid development and adoption of AI, machine learning, and natural language processing applications challenge managers and policy makers to harness these transformative technologies. In this context, the authors provide evidence of a novel “word-of-machine” effect, the phenomenon by which utilitarian/hedonic attribute trade-offs determine preference for, or resistance to, AI-based recommendations compared with traditional word of mouth, or human-based recommendations. The word-of-machine effect stems from a lay belief that AI recommenders are more competent than human recommenders in the utilitarian realm and less competent than human recommenders in the hedonic realm. As a consequence, importance or salience of utilitarian attributes determine preference for AI recommenders over human ones, and importance or salience of hedonic attributes determine resistance to AI recommenders over human ones (Studies 1–4). The word-of machine effect is robust to attribute complexity, number of options considered, and transaction costs. The word-of-machine effect reverses for utilitarian goals if a recommendation needs matching to a person’s unique preferences (Study 5) and is eliminated in the case of human–AI hybrid decision making (i.e., augmented rather than artificial intelligence; Study 6). An intervention based on the consider-the-opposite protocol attenuates the word-of-machine effect (Studies 7a–b).
Reviewing the animal literature: how to describe and choose between different types of literature reviews
Authors: Leenaars Cathalijn , Tsaioun Katya , Stafleu Frans , Rooney Kieron , Meijboom Franck , Ritskes-Hoitinga Merel , Bleich André
Published: November 2020

Before starting any (animal) research project, review of the existing literature is good practice. From both the scientific and the ethical perspective, high-quality literature reviews are essential. Literature reviews have many potential advantages besides synthesising the evidence for a research question. First, they can show if a proposed study has already been performed, preventing redundant research. Second, when planning new experiments, reviews can inform the experimental design, thereby increasing the reliability, relevance and efficiency of the study. Third, reviews may even answer research questions using already available data. Multiple definitions of the term literature review co-exist. In this paper, we describe the different steps in the review process, and the risks and benefits of using various methodologies in each step. We then suggest common terminology for different review types: narrative reviews, mapping reviews, scoping reviews, rapid reviews, systematic reviews and umbrella reviews. We recommend which review to select, depending on the research question and available resources. We believe that improved understanding of review methods and terminology will prevent ambiguity and increase appropriate interpretation of the conclusions of reviews.
Circumflex Nuclear Configurations in Yucatecan Spanish as a Supraregional Feature: The Roles of Bilingualism and Gender
Authors: Uth Melanie , Martínez García Nuria
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we study the nuclear configurations of declarative broad focus utterances in Yucatecan Spanish, a Mexican variety spoken in southeast Mexico in contact with Yucatec Maya, from a sociolinguistic perspective. We draw on a corpus of 276 utterances elicited from 16 speakers, eight Maya–Spanish bilinguals (four female/four male) and eight Spanish monolinguals (four female/four male). We particularly concentrate on the roles of bilingualism, gender, and their relationship to local (Hispanic) identity. Although the intonation of Yucatecan Spanish is known to be very different from Central Mexican Spanish, we find in our data a considerable number of contours that Martín Butragueño (2017) refers to as typical “Central Mexican circumflex intonation” (p. 153). What is more, this feature is distributed unevenly among speaker groups in our data. First of all, it is much more frequent in the bilingual than in the monolingual group. We suggest that this is due to the monolinguals’ higher degree of identification with the local Spanish language and culture (whereas the bilingual speakers are more oriented toward the Mayan language and culture and less toward the local Spanish ones; see Uth, 2018b). Secondly, as regards gender, there are many sociolinguistic works that suggest that women tend to be less oriented toward local vernaculars than men. Building on that, we argue that a greater decrease of the supraregional circumflex configuration within the monolingual male group than within the monolingual female is to be expected. However, this hypothesis is not confirmed by our data.
Five thousand years of minimal access surgery: 1990–present: organisational issues and the rise of the robots
Authors: Hargest Rachel
Published: November 2020

The last 30 years have seen a revolution in the provision of minimal access surgery for many conditions, and technological advances are increasing exponentially. Many instruments are superseded by improved versions before the NHS and publicly funded health services can offer widespread coverage. Although we tend to think of minimal access surgery as a modern concept, Parts I and II of this series have shown that there is a 5000-year history to this specialty and our predecessors laid down many principles which still apply today. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, minimal access surgery was driven forward by visionary individuals, often in the face of opposition from colleagues and the medical establishment. However, in the last 30 years, innovation has been driven more in partnerships between healthcare, scientific, financial, educational and charitable organisations. There are far too many individuals involved to detail every contribution here, but this third part of the series will concentrate on some of the important themes in the development of minimal access surgery to its current status.
Five thousand years of minimal access surgery: 3000BC to 1850: early instruments for viewing body cavities
Authors: Hargest Rachel
Published: November 2020

Summary

Surgeons and their patients recognise that one of the major advances in surgical technique over the last 20 years has been the growth of minimal access surgery by means of laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Partnerships with industry have facilitated the development of advanced technical instruments, light sources, recording devices and optics which are almost out of date by the time they are introduced to surgical practice. However, lest we think that technological innovation is entirely a modern concept, we should remember that our predecessors were masters of their craft and able to apply new technologies to surgical practice. The history of minimal access surgery can be traced back to approximately 5000 years ago and this review aims to remind us of the achievements of historical doctors and engineers, as well as bring more modern developments to wider attention.

This review will comprise a three-part series:

Part I 3000BC to 1850 Early instruments for viewing body cavities

Part II 1850 to 1990 Technological developments

Part III 1990 to present Organisational issues and the rise of the robots
Efficiency of scanning and attention to faces in infancy independently predict language development in a multiethnic and bilingual sample of 2-year-olds
Authors: López Pérez David , Tomalski Przemysław , Radkowska Alicja , Ballieux Haiko , Moore Derek G.
Published: November 2020

Efficient visual exploration in infancy is essential for cognitive and language development. It allows infants to participate in social interactions by attending to faces and learning about objects of interest. Visual scanning of scenes depends on a number of factors, and early differences in efficiency are likely contributing to differences in learning and language development during subsequent years. Predicting language development in diverse samples is particularly challenging, as additional multiple sources of variability affect infant performance. In this study, we tested how the complexity of visual scanning in the presence or absence of a face at 6 to 7 months of age is related to language development at 2 years of age in a multiethnic and predominantly bilingual sample from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. We used Recurrence Quantification Analysis to measure the temporal and spatial distribution of fixations recurring in the same area of a visual scene. We found that in the absence of a face the temporal distribution of re-fixations on selected objects of interest (but not all) significantly predicted both receptive and expressive language scores, explaining 16% to 20% of the variance. Also, lower rate of re-fixations recurring in the presence of a face predicted higher receptive language scores, suggesting larger vocabulary in infants that effectively disengage from faces. Altogether, our results suggest that dynamic measures, which quantify the complexity of visual scanning, can reliably and robustly predict language development in highly diverse samples. They suggest that selective attending to objects predicts language independently of attention to faces. As eye-tracking and language assessments were carried out in early intervention centres, our study demonstrates the utility of mobile eye-tracking setups for early detection of risk in attention and language development.
A Matter of Combination? The Influence of Work-family Life Courses on Life Satisfaction at Higher Ages among German Women
Authors: Zimmermann Okka
Published: November 2020

This study analyzed the association between work-family life courses and life satisfaction among 2,542 women aged 60–65 years (born between 1920 and 1957) using German SOEP data and ANOVA models. The results are embedded in a description of the specific role of mothers in Germany (as primary caregivers), different theoretical assumptions (from role theories and theories on cumulative advantages and disadvantages), and prior results (from longitudinal and cross-sectional research). The findings provide strong evidence that motherhood in combination with not working and losing a spouse in middle age is associated with low life satisfaction at higher age. They also show that combining motherhood with continuous part-time work or childlessness with continuous full-time work is positively related to life satisfaction at higher ages. The fact that differences between other patterns are not significant, suggests that only specific combinations of characteristics of work-family life course patterns are associated with well-being at higher ages.
Does an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol affect perioperative surgical outcomes in stage III tubercular empyema? A comparative analysis of 243 patients
Authors: Pulle Mohan Venkatesh , Tiwari Neha , Asaf Belal Bin , Puri Harsh Vardhan , Bishnoi Sukhram , Gopinath Srinivas Kodaganur , Kumar Arvind
Published: November 2020

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols in tuberculous empyema surgery have the potential for improved outcomes, but have not been studied widely. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes after implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in patients undergoing surgery for tubercular empyema.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgery for tuberculous empyema in a dedicated thoracic surgery center from March 2012 to March 2019 was performed. The control group included patients operated on between March 2012 and March 2016. The enhanced recovery after surgery protocol was strictly introduced into our practice from April 2016. The study group included patients operated on between April 2016 and March 2019. All perioperative outcomes were measured, documented, analyzed, and compared between the two groups. There were 166 patients in the control group and 77 in the study group.

Results

Intraoperative blood loss ( p = 0.0001), prolonged air leak ( p = 0.04), chest tube duration ( p = 0.005), and length of stay ( p = 0.003) were significantly reduced in the study group. Overall rates of postoperative complications ( p = 0.04) including wound infection ( p = 0.01) were also significantly lower in the study group.

Conclusions

Implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in patients undergoing surgery for tuberculous empyema is feasible and effective. Application of such a protocol leads to less intraoperative blood loss, shorter hospital stay and duration of chest drainage, and fewer complications. Application of enhanced recovery after surgery protocols are strongly recommended in tubercular empyema surgery.
Low-grade chondrosarcoma mimicking breast cancer
Authors: El Hammoumi Massine Mohammed , Mohammed Bhairis , Ochi Reda El , Oukabli Mohammed , Kabiri El Hassane
Published: November 2020

Chondrosarcomas are rare cartilage-like mesenchymal tumors. Some rib-sited tumors can mimic other common tumors. We present the case of a 24-year-old female with chondrosarcoma of the fourth left rib, mimicking breast cancer. Complete resection with chest wall reconstruction was performed successfully with good prognostic results. Physicians should bear in mind the possibility of a primary chest wall tumor mimicking breast cancer that needs a different therapeutic strategy. Complete surgical resection and chest wall reconstruction is the mainstay of treatment for chondrosarcoma.
Caregiver Burden and Disability in Somatoform Disorder: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Chinneimawi Esther , Nagarajan Padmavathi , Menon Vikas
Published: November 2020

Background:

Very few Indian studies have explored disability among patients with somatoform disorder and the burden experienced by their caregivers. We aimed to assess the levels of disability among patients with somatoform disorder and the levels of burden among their caregivers and compare these parameters against patients with schizophrenia.

Methods:

Participants included adults with a diagnosis of somatoform disorders (F45.0–F 45.9) ( n = 28) or schizophrenia (F20.0–F20.9) ( n = 28) diagnosed as per the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision ( ICD-10), clinical descriptions, and diagnostic guidelines, as well as their caregivers. The WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 and Family Burden Interview Schedule were used to assess patient disability and caregiver burden, respectively. Independent Student’s t-test or chi-square test was used to compare relevant sociodemographic and clinical parameters.

Results:

Out of 56 patients, the mean (±SD) age of the sample was 38.6 (±10.5) years. Females constituted a slender majority of the sample ( n = 29, 51.8%). The mean disability score of patients with somatoform disorders was slightly higher (83.6 ±20.9) than that of patients with schizophrenia (82.3 ±16.7). Similarly, the mean burden score of caregivers of patients with somatoform disorders was nominally higher (18.96 ±9.9) than that of caregivers of patients with schizophrenia (15.7 ±9.7). Neither of these differences approached statistical significance (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Patients with somatoform disorders experience considerable levels of disability, and their caregivers go through various levels of burden in their daily life that is comparable to schizophrenia.
Social Cognition and Neuro-cognition in Patients with Bipolar Disorder, Their First-Degree Relatives and Healthy Controls
Authors: Ganesh Uma Maheswari , Shwetha TS  , Bhandary Rajeshkrishna P
Published: November 2020

Background:

Studies focusing on assessing social cognition deficits in schizophrenia have been expanded to bipolar disorder considering the similarities shared between the two conditions. Existing research has identified significant deficits in social cognitive skills independent of mood states and neurocognitive deficits, which could indicate the potentiality of this domain to be an endophenotype for bipolar disorder.

Methods:

The current study assesses the impairments in social cognition in patients with bipolar disorder and their first degree relatives, simultaneously testing for neurocognition as well, and comparing their performance to healthy controls. Fifty four participants were recruited, with 18 participants in each group. MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery was used to test neurocognition and Social Cognition Rating Tool in Indian Setting was administered for testing social cognition.

Results:

Significant deficits were found in social cognition and neurocognition (at p<.01) in the patient group when compared to both probands and healthy controls but no difference between probands and healthy controls. This finding established impairments in socio-cognitive functioning in remitted patients. Conclusion: The study has identified persistent deficits in social and neuro-cognition despite remission, having significant clinical implications in terms developing remediation programs for social cognition and planning early intervention as social cognition deficits have been identified as potential risk factors.
Psychological Distress, Coping and Perceived Social Support Among Partners of Women with Postpartum Onset Severe Mental Illness (SMI) Admitted to a Mother–Baby Unit
Authors: Pradeepkumar PC , Hamza Ameer , Ragesh G , Ganjekar Sundarnag , Thippeswamy Harish , Chandra Prabha S , Desai Geetha
Published: November 2020

Background:

The presence of a severe mental illness in the mother during the postpartum period may impact the whole family and specifically have an effect on the health of the spouse. The current study aimed to assess psychological distress, coping, and perceived social support of spouses of women with postpartum onset severe mental illness.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used, and 30 spouses of the women admitted to the mother–baby unit (MBU) for psychiatric inpatient care were included in the study. The assessments included sociodemographic details, Kessler psychological distress scale (K10), brief coping orientation to problems experienced scale (brief COPE), and Zimets’ multidimensional scale of perceived social support.

Results:

Around 50% of the spouses experienced severe psychological distress. Nearly 40% of spouses reported poor coping and 56.7% of spouses had moderate social support from family and friends.

Conclusion:

The findings indicate the need to address distress and coping in spouses of women with postpartum onset SMI.
Telerehabilitation in Psychiatry
Authors: Jayarajan Deepak , Sivakumar Thanapal , Torous John B , Thirthalli Jagadisha
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted the usual mechanisms of healthcare delivery and exacerbated symptoms of mental illnesses. Telemedicine has morphed from niche service to essential platform, with newly released guidelines that cover various aspects of tele-mental health delivery. Rehabilitation services, which incorporate a range of psychosocial interventions and liaison services, have been significantly impacted too. They are currently more institute-based than community-based in India. However, recent legislation has mandated that community-based rehabilitation options be available. While a large treatment gap for mental health issues has always existed, telemedicine provides an opportunity to scale services up to minimize this gap. Community-based rehabilitation can be delivered over various platforms, from text to phone to videoconferencing, and various devices. Telemedicine is cost-effective, and enables delivery of services where existing services are inadequate. The recent guidelines allow other healthcare workers to be involved in mental health service delivery. Hence, in addition to direct delivery of services, telerehabilitation can facilitate task-shifting, with mental health professionals mentoring and supervising existing human resources, such as ASHA workers, VRWs, DMHP programme staff, and others.

Tele-rehabilitation also poses challenges - not all needs can be met; access and privacy can be a problem in resource-scarce settings; liaison with existing services is required; and organisations need to plan appropriately and re-allocate resources. Digital access to welfare benefits and interventions must be expanded without disadvantaging those without internet access. Yet, many rehabilitation interventions can be adapted to telemedicine platforms smoothly, and task-shifting can broaden access to care for persons with disability.
Patient’s Perspectives of Telepsychiatry: The Past, Present and Future
Authors: Naik Shalini S , Manjunatha Narayana , Kumar Channaveerachari Naveen , Math Suresh Bada , Moirangthem Sydney
Published: November 2020

Access to mental health care has significant disparities due to treatment gap, more so particularly for the remotely residing, physically vulnerable, aging populations. Adoption of technology will enable more people to receive specialty care addressing distance, transportation and cost-related barriers to treatment engagement from the comfort of home. Telemedicine has been regarded as “electronic personal protective equipment” by reducing the number of physical contacts and risk contamination for patients during COVID-19 crisis. This review aimed to give a broad view of patients’ perception of the use of telepsychiatry in terms of clinical outcome, cost-effectiveness, and solutions to address patients’ challenges with the adoption of technology. Over the years, telepsychiatry, both in synchronous and asynchronous modalities, had shown to improve patients’ adherence to treatment, follow-up rates, and clinical symptoms, overcome stigma and discrimination, and save cost expenses accessing health care with better satisfaction and usability outcomes. Its utility is widespread such as in delivering care emergency evaluation, crisis intervention, conducting neuropsychological assessments, psychotherapy, promoting lifestyle modification, enhancing self-efficacy, and overcoming patients’ linguistic and cultural barriers to care. However, patients’ privacy and confidentiality and psychiatrists’ legal liability remain as matter of major concern in digital platform. To keep up with the pace of technology and patients’ expectations, a more agile approach is essential to develop, improve, and evaluate telepsychiatric interventions.
Examining the link between social capital, knowledge quality, SMEs innovativeness and performance
Authors: Boateng Henry , Visnupriyan Ramanah , Ofori Kwame Simpe , Hinson Robert Ebo
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between some elements of social capital, knowledge quality, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)’ innovativeness and export performance. Data were collected from owners/managers of SME exporters in Ghana. Structural Equation Modeling was used for the data analysis. The results indicate that the elements of social capital facilitate access to quality knowledge which consequently improves SMEs’ innovativeness. The study also shows that SMEs’ innovativeness affects their export performance.
Unequal futures of rural mobility: Challenges for a “Smart Countryside”
Authors: Bosworth Gary , Price Liz , Collison Martin , Fox Charles
Published: November 2020

Current transport strategy in the UK is strongly urban-focused, with assumptions that technological advances in mobility will simply trickle down into rural areas. This article challenges such a view and instead draws on rural development thinking aligned to a “Smart Countryside” which emphasises the need for place-based approaches. Survey and interview methods are employed to develop a framework of rural needs associated with older people, younger people and businesses. This framework is employed to assess a range of mobility innovations that could most effectively address these needs in different rural contexts. In presenting visions of future rural mobility, the article also identifies key infrastructure as well as institutional and financial changes that are required to facilitate the roll-out of new technologies across rural areas.
Sequential metastasis to the liver and pancreas 4 years after gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: a case report
Authors: Yin Shuai , Qin Jiwei , Zhou Qingqing , Zhu Chenchen , Li Yuebo , Wu Dabao , Shen Zhen , Guo Yafei , Zhou Ying , Nashan Björn
Published: November 2020

This case report describes a 43-year-old female initially diagnosed with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia that then experienced metastasis to the liver and then subsequently to the pancreas nearly 4 years after the primary diagnosis. After resection of the body and tail of the pancreas, the postoperative histopathological examination confirmed a placental site trophoblastic tumour that had developed after several cycles of chemotherapy for the original primary tumour and the liver metastases. This type of sequential recurrence of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in the primary site or metastatic sites, such as the liver or pancreas, can be cured by a comprehensive treatment strategy involving surgery and/or salvage chemotherapy and continuous follow-up over a long period, especially for patients with a high-risk status.
Comparison of single-stage and two-stage bilateral video-assisted thoracic surgery
Authors: Lan Lan , Qiu Yuan , Zhang Canzhou , Ma Tongtong , Cen Yanyi
Published: November 2020

Objective

Single-stage sequential bilateral video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) is a controversial procedure. In the present study, we retrospectively compared the outcomes of single-stage and two-stage VATS.

Methods

This study involved patients who underwent single-stage sequential bilateral VATS (SS-VATS group) or two-stage VATS at a 3-month interval (TS-VATS group) for treatment of non-small cell lung cancer from 2010 to 2018. The major outcome was the comparison of intraoperative changes.

Results

The inspiratory peak pressure was higher, the incidences of intraoperative hypoxia and unstable hemodynamics were higher, the surgical time was longer, and the durations of the intensive care unit stay and postoperative hospitalization were longer in the SS-VATS group than in the TS-VATS group. However, the chest tube duration, incidence of postoperative mechanical ventilation, and clinical complications were not different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Compared with two-stage VATS, single-stage sequential bilateral VATS can be performed for successful treatment of bilateral pulmonary lesions with a shorter total time and higher cost-effectiveness in terms of anesthesia and hospitalization but with a higher incidence of intraoperative adverse effects and a longer hospital stay.
Reduced Contrast Sensitivity Function in Central and Peripheral Vision by Disability Glare
Authors: Wu Di , Liu Na , Xu Pengbo , Sun Kewei , Xiao Wei , Li Chenxi
Published: November 2020

Various glares can decrease visual performance and cause discomfort, thus increasing drivers’ risk for traffic accidents in real life. The current study aimed to systematically investigate glare sensitivity in the central and peripheral visual fields by measuring contrast sensitivity function (CSF) under nonglare, steady glare, and transient glare conditions. Nine observers with normal visual acuity in the dominant eye were enrolled. The CSF in central and peripheral vision (the 5° upper left visual field) was measured in a mesopic environment while the stimulus was displayed under three conditions: nonglare, steady glare, and transient glare. An orientation identification task was used to obtain the CSF. After the experiment, the observers were asked to report their level of discomfort in the presence of the glare. The area under the log CSF (AULCSF) and cut-off spatial frequency served as indicators of visual performance. In agreement with previous studies, both steady and transient glare reduced the AULCSF and cut-off frequency. However, the AULCSF and cut-off frequency were reduced more for central vision than for nearly peripheral vision. In addition, the extent of the decreases in the AULCSF and cut-off frequency was greater for steady glare than for transient glare; in contrast, more discomfort was associated with transient glare than steady glare.
A New Ushebti of the Divine Adoratrice Karomama Meritmut G, Identified in the Musée de la Princerie in Verdun (Département Meuse/France)
Authors: Moje Jan
Published: November 2020

This article publishes a newly identified ushebti of the Divine Adoratrice Karomama Meritmut G from her Third Intermediate Period tomb at the Ramesseum, which is now housed in the Musée de la Princerie in Verdun. Furthermore, the recent object history of this statuette is presented.
Investigating joint attention in a guided interaction between a child with ASD and therapists: A pilot eye-tracking study
Authors: Ambrose David , MacKenzie Diane E , Ghanouni Parisa , Neyedli Heather F
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Deficits in joint attention are commonly seen in children with autism spectrum disorder. Research examining joint attention in autism spectrum disorder commonly uses two broad strategies to cue and measure joint attention: behavioral observation and eye tracking. These strategies trade off prioritizing ecological validity vs. gaze measurement accuracy, with a focus on one sacrificing the other. The purpose of this case study was to develop a method to accurately measure gaze position while maintaining an ecologically valid dyadic interaction.

Methods

A child with autism spectrum disorder completed two developmentally appropriate tabletop activities. Each activity was guided by a different occupational therapist who purposefully used a different interaction style with the child. Mobile eye trackers worn by both the child and the therapist recorded the dyadic interactions. Data collection included audio and video recording of interactive behaviors, eye movements and visual fixations in regions of shared interest.

Results

Differences were detected in gaze use and interactive joint attention behaviors between the therapists working with the child and within the child’s respective dyadic interactions.

Conclusions

The proof of concept method maintained both ecological validity and measurement accuracy of therapist–child joint attention. This method has promise to be scaled for larger studies.
Factors affecting hole quality during drilling of natural fiber-reinforced composites: A comprehensive review
Authors: Helmi Abdul Kudus Muhammad , Ratnam Mani Maran , Akil Hazizan Md.
Published: November 2020

In recent years, with greater emphasis on environmental and sustainability aspects of engineering materials, natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) have gained significance in practical applications because of their numerous advantages. Although many researchers have developed NFRPCs using various types of natural fibers and matrix materials, in real-world applications of NFRPCs, secondary operations, such as milling and drilling, are necessary to complete the components or parts assembly. Because the drilling of NFRPCs is different from drilling of metals, there are concentration of studies interested in the aspects of drillability of NFRPCs in order to assess and understand issues related to drilled hole quality in NFRPCs. In this paper, a comprehensive review of factors that affect the drilled hole quality in NFRPCs is presented. Past researches where correlation between the manufacturing methods of NFRPCs and drillability of the composites are reported are reviewed in-depth. The novelty of this review is that it identifies the major factors that affect the quality of the drilled features from a composite manufacturing perspective and provides recommendations for the best NFRPCs manufacturing process to produce drill-friendly composites. The major factors were classified into composite manufacturing factors and drilling parameters factors.
The Lasting Influence of a Peer-led Adolescent Relationship Abuse Prevention Program on Former Peer Leaders’ Relationships, Identities, and Trajectories in Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Johnson Natalie Penhale , Sundaram Mangai A. , Alder Jess , Miller Elizabeth , Ragavan Maya I.
Published: November 2020

Adolescent relationship abuse (ARA) has well-documented detrimental health effects. Adolescence is a window of opportunity to promote development of healthy relationship behaviors. Although peer-led interventions have a history of use in the health education field, there are few rigorously evaluated peer-led interventions targeting ARA. Start Strong leverages peer support by training adolescents to deliver ARA prevention curriculum to younger peers. Although the program has shown positive results in recipients, little is known about the impact on the peer leaders themselves. This qualitative study describes the impact of being an ARA prevention peer leader on former peer leaders’ relationships and trajectories in emerging adulthood. Specific objectives include: (a) how being a peer leader shaped participants’ norms around romantic relationships and ARA, and (b) the impact of participating in a peer leadership program on their emerging adult lives. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with former peer leaders and coded transcripts using thematic analysis. Fourteen former peer leaders aged 18–26 participated. Most participants (99%) identified as Black or Afro-Latinx. Participants described a lasting impact on their relationships, identity formation, future orientation, and professional lives. Participants highlighted the skills they use to avoid unhealthy relationships and help friends and family navigate their relationships. They identified unexpected challenges, including a sense of isolation around how their relationship expectations differ from same-aged peers, and trepidation about dating partners without advanced healthy relationship knowledge. Participants highlighted positive impacts beyond those pertaining to relationships, including their identity development and expanded sense of opportunity. Finally, they identified tangible skills gained from program participation and relevance to their professional paths. This study suggests that peer-led ARA prevention programs have a far-reaching impact on participants’ lives that lasts into adulthood. Future studies may examine how professional development within peer-led interventions can influence future orientation and thus bolster protective factors against ARA.
Prevalence, Patterns, and Determinants of Intimate Partner Violence Experienced by Women Who Are Pregnant in Sanma Province, Vanuatu
Authors: McKelvie Stephanie , Leodoro Basil , Sala Thomas , Tran Thach , Fisher Jane
Published: November 2020

Violence perpetrated by an intimate partner (IPV) is an important human rights and public health problem worldwide and when experienced during pregnancy is of special concern due to the harmful impact on maternal and child health. Women living in Vanuatu, and especially Sanma Province, experience high rates of IPV, however little is known about their experiences of violence when pregnant. The aim was to describe the prevalence, patterns and determinants of IPV among women who are pregnant in Sanma Province, Vanuatu. A cross-sectional survey was used. All healthy adult women attending Northern Provincial Hospital antenatal clinic from late May to late July 2019 were eligible and invited to participate. Psychological, physical and sexual IPV and controlling behaviours were assessed with a modified version of the World Health Organization Violence Against Women Instrument administered as an individual interview. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse prevalence and patterns of IPV and logistic regression models to identify determinants. Of 214 women who expressed interest in participating, 192 women contributed data. Overall 64.2% of women had experienced any IPV during their lifetime and 42.2% had experienced IPV during their current pregnancy. Experience of co-occurrence of violence types was common, and it was more common for IPV to continue than to cease during pregnancy. Factors which increased likelihood of experiencing IPV included being employed, occupying a lower socioeconomic position, having a partner who was unemployed or used alcohol or illicit substances at least once a week. IPV, in all its forms, is a common problem faced by women who are pregnant and living in Vanuatu.
Performing Gender and Political Recognition: Israeli Reform Jewish Life-cycle Rituals
Authors: Ben-Lulu Elazar
Published: November 2020

Anthropologists see life-cycle rituals as a significant way to understand gender roles and identities in religious communities. While in the past, these compulsory rituals involved a significant change in a person’s social status, today many of their traditional features have been transformed. This ethnographic inquiry examines Bat Mitzvah ceremonies (coming of age rituals for girls) in Israeli Reform Jewish congregations. By including new blessings, appropriating masculine religious symbols, and creating new bodily gestures, the feminine life-cycle ritual challenges the traditional Jewish laws and contemporary socio-cultural constructions of the Israeli Jewish community. The exclusion of the Israeli Reform community from mainstream Jewish religion turns this ritual into a subversive act that battles local Jewish Orthodoxy authority. The ceremony is a political performance, which positions the Reform congregations as an activist religious agent for gender equality in the Israeli public space.
What future for school business leadership? Recent change and looming possibilities
Authors: Starr Karen
Published: November 2020

Fundamental widespread changes affecting education’s purposes, policies and practices have had transformational repercussions for school business across the developed world. Subsequently, school business demands and accountabilities continue to escalate in scope and complexity and governments, education authorities and school communities are acknowledging the primacy and imperative of proficient school business leadership. International research chronicling the subsequent rapid professionalisation of school business leaders demonstrates pervasive policy moves that have re-focused school business priorities. Drawing on research conducted in Australia, USA, UK, Canada and New Zealand this article describes recent widespread changes before discussing issues and trends portending future professional adaptation for school business leaders whose work lies at the cross hairs of macro pressures and micro necessities.
Experimental study of surface generating process in tangential ultrasonic vibration assisted grinding for titanium alloys
Authors: Wang Yan , Geng Shuai , Cheng Zizheng , Dong Yinghuai , Yang Shuo , Zhang Xiaofeng , Lin Bin
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a fundamental investigation of the surface generating mechanisms involved in Tangential ultrasonic vibration assisted grinding (TUAG) for Titanium alloys processing. The relationship between ultrasonic vibration, grinding parameters and surface quality is illuminated; the grain paths chasing phenomena is pointed out to describe the surface forming, the surface topography and micro structure are studied and analyzed by a series of experiments. The influence of grain paths overlap and interfere on surface roughness and grinding force are studied respectively. A series of experiments designed by three-variable four-level fractional factorial is used to evaluate the machining performance. The experimental results are employed to clarify the surface features of Titanium alloys fabricated by ultrasonic vibration assisted grinding, in order to explain the interaction effects of the ultrasonic parameters on material removal rate, grinding force and surface quality. Experimental results show that the grinding force of TUAG is less than that of CG. At the spindle speed of 2000rpm, the grinding force in TUAG is 13N less than that in CG, which greatly optimizes the machining process and improves the surface machining quality.