bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L2 grit: Passion and perseverance for second-language learning
Authors: Teimouri Yasser , Plonsky Luke , Tabandeh Farhad
Published: May 2020

As a personality trait, ‘grit’ has been defined as a combination of perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Past research in social psychology has found grit as an important predictor of success across different populations in various academic and non-academic areas. Since successful mastery of a second language (L2) is highly dependent on learners’ sustained effort, the notion of grit and its relationship to language achievement gains immediate relevance in second language acquisition (SLA). The present study introduces the notion of grit and examines its relationship with motivational behaviors and language achievement in a sample of English as a foreign language learners ( n = 191). Toward these ends, a language-specific grit scale was developed and validated to measure L2 learners’ grit. L2 grit was found to be positively related to students’ language learning motivation and achievement above and beyond domain-general grit. Taken together, and consistent with results of past research in social psychology, we propose that L2 grit be considered among other more established individual differences associated with L2 development.
Behaviour of eccentrically loaded prestressed stayed columns with circular hollow sections
Authors: Hyman Peter , Osofero Adelaja Israel
Published: May 2020

The behaviour of axially loaded prestressed stayed columns is a commonly studied area. Despite the fact that load eccentricity in columns is commonplace in practice, the amount of investigation into these systems under eccentric loading is limited. This study employed finite element analysis to investigate the interactive post-buckling behaviour of prestressed stayed columns. Critical imperfection combination with respect to the load carrying capacity was established and a comparison of a planar and a three-dimensional model was carried out to investigate key differences in the models. In this work, it has been shown that the load carrying capacity of eccentrically loaded columns can be significantly reduced when buckling in interactive mode is observed. Furthermore, it was established that increase in eccentricity results in a decrease in load carrying capacity of columns for both planar and three-dimensional models. However, a major difference between the models is the twisting effect exhibited in the three-dimensional model under out-of-plane eccentric loading. This work highlights the importance of carefully designing prestressed stayed columns’ connections to minimise loading eccentricity as it has been shown that the benefit of employing these systems over unstayed columns reduces with increasing load eccentricity.
No association between moist oral snuff (snus) use and oral cancer: pooled analysis of nine prospective observational studies
Authors: Araghi Marzieh , Galanti Maria Rosaria , Lundberg Michael , Liu Zhiwei , Ye Weimin , Lager Anton , Engström Gunnar , Alfredsson Lars , Knutsson Anders , Norberg Margareta , Wennberg Patrik , Lagerros Ylva Trolle , Bellocco Rino , Pedersen Nancy L. , Östergren Per-Olof , Magnusson Cecilia
Published: May 2020

Aims: Worldwide, smokeless-tobacco use is a major risk factor for oral cancer. Evidence regarding the particular association between Swedish snus use and oral cancer is, however, less clear. We used pooled individual data from the Swedish Collaboration on Health Effects of Snus Use to assess the association between snus use and oral cancer. Methods: A total of 418,369 male participants from nine cohort studies were followed up for oral cancer incidence through linkage to health registers. We used shared frailty models with random effects at the study level, to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for confounding factors. Results: During 9,201,647 person-years of observation, 628 men developed oral cancer. Compared to never-snus use, ever-snus use was not associated with oral cancer (adjusted HR 0.90, 95% CI: 0.74, 1.09). There were no clear trends in risk with duration or intensity of snus use, although lower intensity use (⩽ 4 cans/week) was associated with a reduced risk (HR 0.65, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.94). Snus use was not associated with oral cancer among never smokers (HR 0.87, 95% CI: 0.57, 1.32). Conclusions: Swedish snus use does not appear to be implicated in the development of oral cancer in men.
The Norwegian Armed Forces Health Registry conscription board health examinations 1968–2018
Authors: Fadum Elin A. , Strand Leif AA. , Rudvin Inger , Hæreid Mari L. , Borud Einar K.
Published: May 2020

Aim: The aim of the study is to encourage further research initiatives and collaborations based on Norwegian Armed Forces Health Registry (NAFHR) data by presenting basic information on the data contained therein. Methods: We describe how conscription board health examinations (CBHEs) are carried out, how results are recorded in the NAFHR, and the completeness of NAFHR data that are electronically available for research purposes. Results: In December 2018, the NAFHR contained data on nearly 1.5 million Norwegian citizens (95% men) who attended CBHE in 1968–2018 at the age of 17–19 years. The percentage of persons included from each birth cohort has varied as the Armed Forces’ personnel requirements and filing procedures have changed, increasing from 73% of eligible men born in 1950 to 95% of eligible men born in 1960–1991. In 2010 a preselection of candidates was implemented wherefore less than half of men born in 1992–2000 are registered in the NAFHR. Information on aerobic fitness, cognitive general ability, height and weight is registered for approximately 95% of individuals included in the NAFHR. The NAFHR contains more detailed health information for CBHEs that took place as from 1980, and information included from 2011 onwards is the most detailed. Unique, national personal identification numbers may be used to link the NAFHR to other health registries or data sources for public health research. Conclusions: The NAFHR contains CBHE data on the majority of Norwegian men and a substantial number of women born since 1950. NAFHR data represent a valuable resource for research collaborations.
‘We are a neeeew generation’: Early adolescents’ views on news and news literacy
Authors: Tamboer Sanne L , Kleemans Mariska , Daalmans Serena
Published: May 2020

To function as well-informed citizens in democracy, early adolescents (12–16 years old) should become news literate news consumers. In this time of fragmented media use and evolving conceptions of (the importance and relevance of) news, this is not easy. Therefore, this focus group study investigated news consumption and news literacy through the eyes of early adolescents. Results showed that early adolescents have broad definitions of news. Their news consumption is predominantly passive, possibly due to a lack of intrinsic motivation. They see news as important, but often as boring, repetitive and negative, and disconnected from youth. Participants had knowledge of news content and effects, and stressed the importance of reliable news. However, for the majority, this did not translate into critical evaluation of news. For early adolescents, the key factor in becoming more news literate news consumers is motivation. Moving forward, motivation should be better incorporated in both research and practice.
Deep super resolution crack network (SrcNet) for improving computer vision–based automated crack detectability in in situ bridges
Authors: Bae Hyunjin , Jang Keunyoung , An Yun-Kyu
Published: May 2020

This article proposes a new end-to-end deep super-resolution crack network (SrcNet) for improving computer vision–based automated crack detectability. The digital images acquired from large-scale civil infrastructures for crack detection using unmanned robots often suffer from motion blur and lack of pixel resolution, which may degrade the corresponding crack detectability. The proposed SrcNet is able to significantly enhance the crack detectability by augmenting the pixel resolution of the raw digital image through deep learning. SrcNet basically consists of two phases: phase I—deep learning–based super resolution (SR) image generation and phase II—deep learning–based automated crack detection. Once the raw digital images are obtained from a target bridge surface, phase I of SrcNet generates the corresponding SR images to the raw digital images. Then, phase II automatically detects cracks from the generated SR images, making it possible to remarkably improve the crack detectability. SrcNet is experimentally validated using the digital images obtained using a climbing robot and an unmanned aerial vehicle from in situ concrete bridges located in South Korea. The validation test results reveal that the proposed SrcNet shows 24% better crack detectability compared to the crack detection results using the raw digital images.
Implementing Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD in a Context of Ongoing Adversity: A Clinical Case Study
Authors: Booysen Duane D. , Kagee Ashraf
Published: May 2020

Obstacles regarding the implementation of empirically supported treatments (ESTs) for mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) still require further investigation. One notable obstacle is whether persons in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) residing in a context of ongoing adversity would benefit from an EST for PTSD. We reflect on the utility of a brief prolonged exposure intervention at a primary care community-counseling center in South Africa. “Sam,” a 45-year-old, female was assessed at baseline, during treatment, postassessment, and at 3-month follow-up. At the beginning of treatment, Sam had a positive diagnosis for PTSD (PSSI-5 = 55, and cutoff is 23) and at the end of treatment (PSSI-5 = 17), and 3-month follow-up (PSSI-5 = 21), she had a negative diagnosis for PTSD. We reflect on the mediating effects that contextual factors such as gang violence had on the treatment process and the feasibility of implementing ESTs for PTSD in LMICs under conditions of ongoing adversity.
The effect of various Co contents on the microstructure and properties of Ti(C,N)-TiB2-Co cermets prepared in situ via reactive hot pressing
Authors: Zhao Xianrui , Yu Ze , Zuo Dunwen , Li Qintao , Zhang Mengxian , Wang Hongjun , Zhang Qiangyong , Zhu Zhengyu , Chen Yong , Xu Feng
Published: May 2020

Ti(C,N)-TiB2-Co cermets were in situ synthesized, via reactive hot pressing from the Co-Ti-C-BN system, with a Co content ranging from 6 to 22 wt%. The microstructure, relative density, hardness, and fracture toughness of the sintered compacts was investigated by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ceramic densitometry, and Vickers hardness test. The investigations indicate that during hot pressing (compacting pressure = 30 MPa), when the Co content is 14–22 wt%, the metal binder is extruded. Co and Ti are included in the extrudate, breaking the original ratio and deteriorating the properties of the sintered products. As the Co content increases from 6 wt% to 12 wt%, the porosity increases, and the relative density increases from 97.2% to 99.5%. The fracture toughness increases from 6.1 to 6.8 MPa m1/2. The Vickers hardness first increases from 1897 HV10 to the maximum 1960 HV10 and then decreases slightly to 1945 HV10.
Alexander ‘Lippy’ William Lipmann Kessel, from ‘Surgeon at Arms’ to ‘Surgeon of Arms’
Authors: Somford Matthijs P , van den Bekerom Michel PJ
Published: May 2020

Alexander William Lipmann Kessel (1914–1986) was as surgeon connected to the 16th Parachute Field Ambulance Royal Army Medical Corps and as such he was dropped in The Netherlands in September 1944 to care for the wounded during the battle for the Rhine bridge at Arnhem. His military and post military career were inspirational and led to preservation of lives during the war and progress in orthopaedic surgery after the war. In this paper, we discuss his biography and the contributions he made to orthopaedic surgery.
Aspects in the Total Syntheses of Higher Terpenoids Starting From Wieland–Miescher Ketone and Its Derivative: A Review
Authors: Hagiwara Hisahiro
Published: May 2020

Synthetic studies of higher terpenoids starting from Wieland–Miescher ketone since 2012 have been compiled.
The Fit Between Spatial Configuration and Idealized Flows: Mapping Flows in Surgical Facilities as Part of Case Study Visits
Authors: Machry Herminia , Joseph Anjali , Wingler Deborah
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

This study proposes a flow mapping approach for surgical facilities that can be implemented by design teams as a component of case study tours.

Background:

The provision of healthcare services involves simultaneous and closely coupled flows of people, objects, and information, and the efficiency of these flows is influenced by the spatial configuration of the buildings where these services are housed. Many architecture firms conduct case study tours to inform their design process. However, these tours often lack a structured way of documenting different flows and interpreting observations. A structured approach is needed during the design process to understand the impact of spatial configuration on healthcare flows.

Method:

Site tours were conducted at four surgery centers to develop and test an evidence-based flow mapping approach. Idealized flows within surgical facilities were first identified from the literature, followed by the development of a data collection tool aimed at documenting these flows in each case study through a pre-assessment questionnaire, a physical assessment, and interviews with staff.

Results:

The flow mapping tool kit was effective in allowing the design team to systematically understand the physical configuration of surgical flows across case studies. The tool also allowed the team to identify spatial configuration characteristics acting as barriers and facilitators to idealized flows.

Conclusions:

The flow mapping approach was able to provide structure for conducting these short tours more effectively via observations and staff inquiry, enabling design teams to draw more meaningful conclusions from case study tours and conduct comparisons between healthcare facilities visited.
Nursing Informatics and School Nursing: Specialists Wanted
Authors: Bergren Martha Dewey , Maughan Erin D. , VanDenBrink Rachel , Foster Betty (Elizabeth) , Carveth Lynne
Published: May 2020

Hospitals and healthcare systems have nursing informaticists who contribute to quality patient care and safety by managing data and facilitating the use of technology. Schools typically do not employ nurses specifically in positions labeled as nursing informaticists, though the role is critical in the schools. This article highlights the subspecialty of nursing informatics within the school nurse role. Three school nurses will share their use of nursing informatics skills to optimize student health.
Perceptions, Opinions, Beliefs, and Attitudes About Physical Activity and Exercise in Urban-Community-Residing Older Adults
Authors: Harrison Elgloria A. , Lord Lillie Monroe , Asongwed Elmira , Jackson Phronie , Johnson-Largent Tiffany , Jean Baptiste Anne Marie , Harris B. Michelle , Jeffery Tia
Published: May 2020

Background: This research study illustrates the perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes of older adults residing in an urban community as major factors to understanding barriers and motivators in older African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians adults within Washington, DC. Methods: Eight focus group sessions conducted with 58 older adults to determine their understanding of physical activity and exercise, as well as of barriers to, motivators for, and benefits of physical activity and exercise. Results: The results showed that dance was the preferred physical activity and exercise, fixed or limited income were the main barriers, and prolonged life, more energy, and a stronger body were the main benefits. Conclusion: The results will assist in recommendations to policy makers on programs for older adults that will increase physical activity and exercise for local citizens. These interventions are more likely to increase older adults’ ability to remain in their communities and improve their overall health and well-being.
Examining the Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management Program in a Regular Norwegian School Setting: Teacher-Reported Behavior Management Practice, Problem Behavior in Classroom and School Environment, Teacher Self- and Collective Efficacy, and Classroom Climate
Authors: Aasheim Merete , Fossum Sturla , Reedtz Charlotte , Handegård Bjørn Helge , Martinussen Monica
Published: May 2020

In the present study, the Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management (IY TCM) program was implemented as a universal preventive intervention in a regular, lower primary school setting. Outcomes for teacher’s behavior management practice, problem behavior in the classroom and the school environment, teacher self- and collective efficacy, and classroom climate were examined. Using a quasi-experimental pre–post comparison group design, teacher-reported outcomes were compared between 163 teachers in 21 schools who participated in the IY TCM program and 139 teachers from 23 schools who did not participate in the program. No significant main effects of the IY TCM program on teacher-reported outcomes were revealed by linear mixed model analyses. The findings suggest that further evaluation is warranted. Future research should explore the impact of training teachers more consistently (e.g., provision of additional individual coaching outside the Teacher Classroom Management [TCM] sessions) and over a longer period than provided in the present study.
Media Representations as a Form of Stacking: Male and Female Athletes Featured on Men’s Magazine Covers, 1980–2019
Authors: Denham Bryan E.
Published: May 2020

This study analyzed 264 athlete images featured on the covers of nine men’s magazines across a 40-year period, 1980–2019. Among males, who accounted for 227 (81%) of the 264 athletes, African Americans and Latinos each represented 6 sports, most of which involved team competition, while White males represented 21 sports, many of which were individual. Analyses of position stacking in football showed White players in positions considered “central” to contest outcomes and Black athletes assigned to more “peripheral” roles. Among females, nearly all of whom were White, more than one in three participated in professional wrestling or sports entertainment. Other female athletes represented individual sports such as tennis and swimming. Overall, the study concludes that men’s magazines reproduced stacking patterns observed in earlier research.
Does Smoking Affect Short-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes After Lumbar Decompression?
Authors: Goyal Dhruv K. C. , Divi Srikanth N. , Bowles Daniel R. , Mujica Victor E. , Kaye I. David , Kurd Mark F. , Woods Barrett I. , Radcliff Kris E. , Rihn Jeffrey A. , Anderson D. Greg , Hilibrand Alan S. , Kepler Christopher K. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Schroeder Gregory D.
Published: May 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

The goal of this study was to determine how smoking status influences patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) in patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery.

Methods:

Patients undergoing lumbar decompression between 1 to 3 levels at a single-center, academic hospital were retrospectively identified. Patients <18 years old, and those undergoing surgery for infection, trauma, tumor, or revision, with less than 12 months of follow-up were excluded. Patients were divided into 3 groups: (1) never smokers (NSs); (2) current smokers (CSs); and (3) former smokers (FSs). PROMs analyzed included the Physical Component Score and Mental Component Score of the Short Form-12 Health Survey, the Oswestry Disability Index, and Visual Analogue Scale Back and Leg pain scores. One-way ANOVA was used to compare preoperative and postoperative scores between smoking groups, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine whether smoking status predicted change in each outcome score, controlling for factors such as age, sex, body mass index, and other clinical variables. A P value <.05 was considered to be significant.

Results:

A total of 195 patients were included in the final cohort, with 121 (62.1%) patients in the NS group, 22 (11.3%) in the CS group, and 52 (26.6%) in the FS group. There were no significant differences between groups at baseline or postoperatively. Smoking status was also not a significant predictor of change in any outcome scores over time on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that smoking status does not significantly affect short-term complications or outcomes in patients undergoing lumbar decompression surgery.
Does Presence of Foreign Directors Make a Difference? A Case of Indian IPOs
Authors: Handa Rekha
Published: May 2020

In their pursuit to garner resources and support for their IPO, the issuing firms prepare well on all fronts. Corporate governance, specifically board structures, is a critical issue that affects the decision quality and also influences the investors’ psyche. Building on theories of agency, resource dependency and signaling, this article attempts to study the effects of presence of foreign directors on firm-specific and board-related characteristics of IPO issuing firms. Adding to the scant literature on national diversity, this study concludes that foreign directors do signal a firm’s intent of internationalization and contribute to strengthening corporate governance but national diversity does not translate into IPO returns. Exploring a sample of Indian IPOs issued from April 2001 to March 2017, this study finds that presence of foreign directors on the boards brings about differences in governance mechanisms wherein internationalized boards were found to be stronger on governance front. Larger boards, more committees, less number of related directors, better board interlocking were the benefits that manifested from presence of foreign board members. Issue size and issue price of shares at the time of IPO are found to be significantly higher for firms with foreign directors on their boards reflecting better acceptance among the investors.
Acquisition of coronal alignment according to the degree of varus deformity in total knee arthroplasty using computer-assisted navigation
Authors: Song Suk Kyoon , Cho Myung Rae , Lee Seo Ho , Kim Hee Chan , Kang Dae won , Choi Won-Kee
Published: May 2020

Purpose:

We have analyzed the surgical outcomes of primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using computer-assisted navigation that were performed by a single surgeon in terms of postoperative coronal alignment depending on preoperative varus deformity.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective study of patients who have undergone navigated primary TKA from January 2016 through December 2019. Two hundred and fifty-six cases with varus deformity of 10° or less were assigned to group 1, and 216 cases with varus deformity of more than 10° were assigned to group 2. The postoperative mechanical hip–knee–ankle (mHKA) angle was measured from scanograms which were taken preoperatively and 3 months after surgery. The postoperative mHKA angle was targeted to be 0°, and the appropriate range of coronal alignment was set as 0 ± 3°.

Results:

The Pearson correlation showed a significant correlation with the degree of preoperative varus deformity and with the absolute error of postoperative mHKA ( p = 0.01). Among all patients, 64 cases (13.6%) were detected as outliers (mHKA > 0° ± 3°) at 3 months after surgery. Of the 64 cases, 25 cases (9.8%) were affiliated to group 1 and 39 cases (18.1%) were affiliated to group 2. Group 2 showed significantly higher occurrence of outliers than group 1 ( p = 0.01). Multiple variables logistic regression analysis, which analyzed the difference in the occurrence rate of outliers (mHKA > 0° ± 3°), showed that the occurrence rate of group 2 was 2.04 times higher than group 1. After adjusting for patient’s age, gender, and body mass index, the occurrence rate of outliers in group 2 was 2.01 times higher than group 1.

Conclusion:

The benefit of computer-assisted navigation during TKA in obtaining coronal alignment within 0 ± 3° may be lessened when the preoperative varus deformity is severely advanced.
High Rates of Overuse-Related Structural Abnormalities in the Lumbar Spine of Youth Competitive Alpine Skiers: A Cross-sectional MRI Study in 108 Athletes
Authors: Peterhans Loris , Fröhlich Stefan , Stern Christoph , Frey Walter O. , Farshad Mazda , Sutter Reto , Spörri Jörg
Published: May 2020

Background:

Alpine ski racing is known as a sport with unfavorable spinal loads and high rates of back overuse injuries at the elite level. However, little is known about overuse-related structural abnormalities occurring in the spine of youth athletes.

Purpose:

To describe the prevalence of abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in the lumbar spine of youth competitive alpine skiers within the U16 category (under 16 years) with respect to sex, height growth, multifidus size, increasing age, and clinical relevance.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 108 youth competitive alpine skiers aged 13 to 15 years underwent MRI examination of the lumbar spine and measurement of the multifidus cross-sectional area on a 3-T Magnetom Prisma scanner. Complementary assessments included the determination of anthropometrics and biological maturation. Athletes were classified as symptomatic when, pursuant to the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center questionnaire on health problems, at least 1 substantial back overuse–related health problem episode had been registered during the 12 months before the MRI examination.

Results:

Of the analyzed youth skiers, 37.0% presented with ≥1 abnormal MRI finding in the lumbar spine. The most prevalent findings in both sexes were disc degeneration (23.1%), Schmorl nodes (19.4%), end plate changes (10.2%), and pars interarticularis anomalies (10.2%); the pars interarticularis anomalies occurred exclusively in males. A smaller relative lumbar multifidus cross-sectional area was related to more frequent occurrence of disc protrusions ( P = .018; R2 = 0.116) and end plate changes ( P = .024; R2 = 0.096). Overall, the occurrence of abnormal MRI findings in the lumbar spine increased with age ( P = .034; R2 = 0.054). Disc degeneration (particularly disc dehydration and disc protrusion) were significantly more prevalent in symptomatic versus asymptomatic athletes ( P < .05 for all).

Conclusion:

As early as age 15 years or younger, competitive alpine skiers demonstrated distinct overuse-related structural abnormalities in the lumbar spine, with some of them being clinically relevant and restrictive of sports participation. As sex, height growth, multifidus size, and increasing age seem to play an important role for the occurrence of such abnormalities, considering these factors might be essential for prevention.
Academic Achievement and Economic Attainment: Reexamining Associations Between Test Scores and Long-Run Earnings
Authors: Watts Tyler W.
Published: May 2020

The current article reexamines the correlation between achievement test scores and earnings by providing new evidence on the association between academic skills and measures of adult earnings assessed when participants were in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Results suggest that math and reading scores are strong predictors of economic attainment throughout participants’ careers, but these associations may also be sensitive to controls for other characteristics—including measures of the early family environment, general cognitive functioning, and socioemotional skills. Although these associations demonstrate the likely importance of achievement skills in determining labor market productivity, the variability in the achievement-to-earnings correlation suggests that researchers should apply caution when using the correlation to project the long-run effects of educational interventions.
Book review: J.S. Grewal and Indu Banga, A Political Biography of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha (1883–1942): Paramountcy, Patriotism and the Panth
Authors: Tuteja K.L.
Published: May 2020

J.S. Grewal and Indu Banga, A Political Biography of Maharaja Ripudaman Singh of Nabha (1883–1942): Paramountcy, Patriotism and the Panth (New Delhi: Oxford University Press), 2018, xii + 354 pp., ₹1095.
Identifying the Influence of Supervisors on Strengthening Climate and Culture for Creating Value
Authors: Duncan Lucio R. Lescano
Published: May 2020

Most of the studies about value creation have been focused on economic and social value. To create value, it is necessary to have a holistic vision that integrates economical, psychological-social and ethical aspects. Likewise, studies have concentrated on the role of top management through the formulation of new strategies, implementation of new technologies, operational models, etc. The influence of supervisors, the first line of command, has not sufficiently been identified in relation to value creation.

Some studies have analysed climate and culture as important factors for employees’ well-being, satisfaction and engagement but little attention has been paid to creating value. We analysed how supervisors strengthen climate and culture in order to create three types of value: ethical, social and economical.

As value creation is a social event always co-created, we utilized an organizational model to present a holistic view for creating value. We collected data from 129 supervisors of large and medium companies through semi-structured interviews to know their perspectives related to: (a) creating employees’ experiences and (b) sharing corporate values. We identified the influence that supervisors exert in relation to climate experiences and corporate culture values, executed a programme for developing a leadership focused on creating value and applied a survey to verify the results achieved.
From “being at war” to “getting back on your feet”: A qualitative study on experiences of patients with systemic sclerosis treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Spierings Julia , de Bresser Carolijn JM , van Rhijn-Brouwer Femke CC , Pieterse Arwen , Vonk Madelon C , Voskuyl Alexandre E , de Vries-Bouwstra Jeska K , van Laar Jacob M , Kars Marijke C
Published: May 2020

Objectives:

To gain insight into the experiences of patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis during and after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in four university hospitals in the Netherlands. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analyzed.

Results:

Nine male and seven female patients were interviewed, median age 47 years (range: 27–68). Patients mentioned their life was severely disrupted before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and remained unsettled a long time after treatment. Uncertainty because of disease progression, loss of control over health and the sense of time and fear of treatment-related adverse events were common during hospitalization. After hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, patients experienced more physical limitations than they had expected, and recovery took longer and was mentally taxing. Going back to work and finding a new balance in personal relations and social life was complicated. Patients described various strategies to deal with challenges. Family and friends provided essential support, although many experienced a dwindling social circle. Most patients also appreciated peer support. All patients were satisfied with the low threshold for contact with physicians and nurses during hospitalization. However, aftercare focused on medical aspects rather than on psychological well-being and social issues. Moreover, patients would have preferred to be better prepared on what to expect after discharge, and lacked information about self-management, prognosis, optimal recovery, work, sexuality, and family planning.

Conclusion:

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has a major physical and psychological impact on patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. The course of recovery after this intensive therapy was unexpectedly long for some patients and offer of support was far less pro-active post-HSCT compared to pre-HSCT and during HSCT.
A frame of reference for assessing the intensity of exertional dyspnoea during incremental cycle ergometry
Authors: Neder J. Alberto , Berton Danilo C. , Nery Luiz E. , Tan Wan C. , Bourbeau Jean , O'Donnell Denis E.
Published: May 2020

Assessment of dyspnoea severity during incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has long been hampered by the lack of reference ranges as a function of work rate (WR) and ventilation (V′E). This is particularly relevant to cycling, a testing modality which overtaxes the leg muscles leading to a heightened sensation of leg discomfort.

Reference ranges based on dyspnoea percentiles (0–10 Borg scale) at standardised work rates andV′Ewere established in 275 apparently healthy subjects aged 20–85 years (131 men). They were compared with values recorded in a randomly selected “validation” sample (n=451; 224 men). Their usefulness in properly uncovering the severity of exertional dyspnoea were tested in 167 subjects under investigation for chronic dyspnoea (“testing sample”) who terminated CPET due to leg discomfort (86 men).

Iso-work rate and, to a lesser extent, iso-V′Ereference ranges (5th–25th, 25th–50th, 50–75th and 75th–95th percentiles) increased as a function of age, being systematically higher in women (p<0.01). There were no significant differences in percentiles distribution between “reference” and “validation” samples (p>0.05). Submaximal dyspnoea-work rate scores fell within the 75th–95th or >95th percentiles in 108 out of 118 (91.5%) subjects of the “testing” sample who showed physiological abnormalities known to elicit exertional dyspnoea,i.e.ventilatory inefficiency and/or critical inspiratory constraints. In contrast, dyspnoea scores typically fell in the 5th–50th range in subjects without those abnormalities (p<0.001).

This frame of reference might prove useful to uncover the severity of exertional dyspnoea in subjects who otherwise would be labelled as “non-dyspnoeic” while providing mechanistic insights into the genesis of this distressing symptom.
Marker Assisted Forward Breeding to Combine Multiple Biotic-Abiotic Stress Resistance/Tolerance in Rice
Authors: Dixit Shilpi , Singh Uma Maheshwar , Singh Arun Kumar , Alam Shamshad , Venkateshwarlu Challa , Nachimuthu Vishnu Varthini , Yadav Shailesh , Abbai Ragavendran , Selvaraj Ramchander , Devi M. Nagamallika , Ramayya Perumalla Janaki , Badri Jyothi , Ram T. , Lakshmi Jhansi , Lakshmidevi G. , LRK Jai Vidhya , Padmakumari Ayyagari Phani , Laha G. S. , Prasad M. S. , Seetalam Malathi , Singh Vikas Kumar , Kumar Arvind
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background

Unfavorable climatic changes have led to an increased threat of several biotic and abiotic stresses over the past few years. Looking at the massive damage caused by these stresses, we undertook a study to develop high yielding climate-resilient rice, using genes conferring resistance against blast (Pi9), bacterial leaf blight (BLB) (Xa4, xa5, xa13, Xa21), brown planthopper (BPH) (Bph3, Bph17), gall midge (GM) (Gm4, Gm8) and QTLs for drought tolerance (qDTY1.1 and qDTY3.1) through marker-assisted forward breeding (MAFB) approach.

Result

Seven introgression lines (ILs) possessing a combination of seven to ten genes/QTLs for different biotic and abiotic stresses have been developed using marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding method in the background of Swarna with drought QTLs. These ILs were superior to the respective recurrent parent in agronomic performance and also possess preferred grain quality with intermediate to high amylose content (AC) (23–26%). Out of these, three ILs viz., IL1 (Pi9+ Xa4+ xa5+ Xa21+ Bph17+ Gm8+ qDTY1.1+ qDTY3.1), IL6 (Pi9+ Xa4+ xa5+ Xa21+ Bph3+ Bph17+ Gm4+ Gm8+ qDTY1.1+ qDTY3.1) and IL7 (Pi9+ Xa4+ xa5+ Bph3+ Gm4+ qDTY1.1+ qDTY3.1) had shown resistance\tolerance for multiple biotic and abiotic stresses both in the field and glasshouse conditions. Overall, the ILs were high yielding under various stresses and importantly they also performed well in non-stress conditions without any yield penalty.

Conclusion

The current study clearly illustrated the success of MAS in combining tolerance to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses while maintaining higher yield potential and preferred grain quality. Developed ILs with seven to ten genes in the current study showed superiority to recurrent parent Swarna+drought for multiple-biotic stresses (blast, BLB, BPH and GM) together with yield advantages of 1.0 t ha− 1 under drought condition, without adverse effect on grain quality traits under non-stress.
Correction to: Energy efficiency trade‑offs in small to large electric vehicles
Authors: Weiss Martin , Cloos Kira Christina , Helmers Eckard
Published: May 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Tbx2 mediates dorsal patterning and germ layer suppression through inhibition of BMP/GDF and Activin/Nodal signaling
Authors: Reich Shoshana , Kayastha Peter , Teegala Sushma , Weinstein Daniel C.
Published: May 2020

Background

Members of the T-box family of DNA-binding proteins play a prominent role in the differentiation of the three primary germ layers. VegT, Brachyury, and Eomesodermin function as transcriptional activators and, in addition to directly activating the transcription of endoderm- and mesoderm-specific genes, serve as regulators of growth factor signaling during induction of these germ layers. In contrast, the T-box gene, tbx2, is expressed in the embryonic ectoderm, where Tbx2 functions as a transcriptional repressor and inhibits mesendodermal differentiation by the TGFβ ligand Activin. Tbx2 misexpression also promotes dorsal ectodermal fate via inhibition of the BMP branch of the TGFβ signaling network.

Results

Here, we report a physical association between Tbx2 and both Smad1 and Smad2, mediators of BMP and Activin/Nodal signaling, respectively. We perform structure/function analysis of Tbx2 to elucidate the roles of both Tbx2-Smad interaction and Tbx2 DNA-binding in germ layer suppression.

Conclusion

Our studies demonstrate that Tbx2 associates with intracellular mediators of the Activin/Nodal and BMP/GDF pathways. We identify a novel repressor domain within Tbx2, and have determined that Tbx2 DNA-binding activity is required for repression of TGFβ signaling. Finally, our data also point to overlapping yet distinct mechanisms for Tbx2-mediated repression of Activin/Nodal and BMP/GDF signaling.
Transcriptomic comparison of communally reared wild, domesticated and hybrid Atlantic salmon fry under stress and control conditions
Authors: Bicskei Beatrix , Taggart John B. , Bron James E. , Glover Kevin A.
Published: May 2020

Background

Domestication is the process by which organisms become adapted to the human-controlled environment. Since the selection pressures that act upon cultured and natural populations differ, adaptations that favour life in the domesticated environment are unlikely to be advantageous in the wild. Elucidation of the differences between wild and domesticated Atlantic salmon may provide insights into some of the genomic changes occurring during domestication, and, help to predict the evolutionary consequences of farmed salmon escapees interbreeding with wild conspecifics. In this study the transcriptome of the offspring of wild and domesticated Atlantic salmon were compared using a common-garden experiment under standard hatchery conditions and in response to an applied crowding stressor.

Results

Transcriptomic differences between wild and domesticated crosses were largely consistent between the control and stress conditions, and included down-regulation of environmental information processing, immune and nervous system pathways and up-regulation of genetic information processing, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism and digestive and endocrine system pathways in the domesticated fish relative to their wild counterparts, likely reflective of different selection pressures acting in wild and cultured populations. Many stress responsive functions were also shared between crosses and included down-regulation of cellular processes and genetic information processing and up-regulation of some metabolic pathways, lipid and energy in particular. The latter may be indicative of mobilization and reallocation of energy resources in response to stress. However, functional analysis indicated that a number of pathways behave differently between domesticated and wild salmon in response to stress. Reciprocal F1 hybrids permitted investigation of inheritance patterns that govern transcriptomic differences between these genetically divergent crosses. Additivity and maternal dominance accounted for approximately 42 and 25% of all differences under control conditions for both hybrids respectively. However, the inheritance of genes differentially expressed between crosses under stress was less consistent between reciprocal hybrids, potentially reflecting maternal environmental effects.

Conclusion

We conclude that there are transcriptomic differences between the domesticated and wild salmon strains studied here, reflecting the different selection pressures operating on them. Our results indicate that stress may affect certain biological functions differently in wild, domesticated and hybrid crosses and these should be further investigated.
Repeated social defeat promotes persistent inflammatory changes in splenic myeloid cells; decreased expression of β-arrestin-2 (ARRB2) and increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Authors: Rajalingam Dhaksshaginy , Nymoen Ingeborg , Jacobsen Daniel Pitz , Eriksen Mina Baarnes , Dissen Erik , Nielsen Morten Birkeland , Einarsen Ståle Valvatne , Gjerstad Johannes
Published: May 2020

Background

Previous studies suggest that persistent exposure to social stress in mammals may be associated with multiple physiological effects. Here, we examine the effects of social stress in rats, i.e. repeated social defeat, on behavior, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)-axis and immune system.

Methods

A resident-intruder paradigm, where an intruder rat was exposed to social stress by a dominant resident rat for 1 hour each day for 7 consecutive days was used. The day after the last stress exposure in the paradigm the data were analyzed. Variation in social interaction was observed manually, whereas locomotion was analyzed off-line by a purpose-made software. Gene expression in the pituitary gland, adrenal gland and myeloid cells isolated from the spleen was measured by qPCR.

Results

The exposure to social stress induced decreased weight gain and increased locomotion. An increased nuclear receptor subfamily group C number 1 (NR3C1) expression in the pituitary gland was also shown. In myeloid cells harvested from the spleen, we observed decreased expression of the β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) and β-arrestin-2 (ARRB2), but increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Subsequent analyses in the same cells showed that ARRB2 was negatively correlated with IL-6 following the stress exposure.

Conclusion

Our results show that that the experience of social stress in the form of repeated social defeat in rats is a potent stressor that in myeloid cells in the spleen promotes persistent inflammatory changes. Future research is needed to examine whether similar inflammatory changes also can explain the impact of social stress, such as bullying and harassment, among humans.
More that unites us than divides us? A qualitative study of integration of community health and social care services
Authors: Mitchell Claire , Tazzyman Abigail , Howard Susan J. , Hodgson Damian
Published: May 2020

Background

The integration of community health and social care services has been widely promoted nationally as a vital step to improve patient centred care, reduce costs, reduce admissions to hospital and facilitate timely and effective discharge from hospital. The complexities of integration raise questions about the practical challenges of integrating health and care given embedded professional and organisational boundaries in both sectors. We describe how an English city created a single, integrated care partnership, to integrate community health and social care services. This led to the development of 12 integrated neighbourhood teams, combining and co-locating professionals across three separate localities. The aim of this research is to identify the context and the factors enabling and hindering integration from a qualitative process evaluation.

Methods

Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with equal numbers of health and social care staff at strategic and operational level. The data was subjected to thematic analysis.

Results

We describe three key themes: 1) shared vision and leadership; 2) organisational factors; 3) professional workforce factors. We found a clarity of vision and purpose of integration throughout the partnership, but there were challenges related to the introduction of devolved leadership. There were widespread concerns that the specified outcome measures did not capture the complexities of integration. Organisational challenges included a lack of detail around clinical and service delivery planning, tensions around variable human resource practices and barriers to data sharing. A lack of understanding and trust meant professional workforce integration remained a key challenge, although integration was also seen as a potential solution to engender relationship building.

Conclusions

Given the long-term national policy focus on integration this ambitious approach to integrate community health and social care has highlighted implications for leadership, organisational design and inter-professional working. Given the ethos of valuing the local assets of individuals and networks within the new partnership we found the integrated neighbourhood teams could all learn from each other. Many of the challenges of integration could benefit from embracing the inherent capabilities across the integrated neighbourhood teams and localities of this city.
Clients’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators to implementing hepatitis C virus care in homeless shelters
Authors: Masson Carmen L. , Fokuo J. Konadu , Anderson August , Powell Jesse , Zevin Barry , Bush Dylan , Khalili Mandana
Published: May 2020

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly prevalent among homeless persons, yet barriers continue to impede HCV testing and treatment in this population. We studied the experiences of homeless individuals related to accessing HCV care to inform the design of a shelter-based HCV prevention and treatment program.

Methods

Homeless shelter clients (10 women and 10 men) of a large shelter in San Francisco participated in gender segregated focus groups. Focus groups followed a semi-structured interview format, which assessed individual, program/system, and societal-level barriers and facilitators to universal HCV testing and linkage to HCV care. Focus group interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

We identified key barriers to HCV testing and treatment at the individual level (limited knowledge and misconceptions about HCV infection, mistrust of health care providers, co-morbid conditions of substance use, psychiatric and chronic medical conditions), system level (limited advocacy for HCV services by shelter staff), and social level (stigma of homelessness). Individual, system, and social facilitators to HCV care described by participants included internal motivation, financial incentives, prior experiences with rapid HCV testing, and availability of affordable direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment, respectively.

Conclusions

Interrelated individual- and social-level factors were the predominant barriers affecting homeless persons’ decisions to engage in HCV prevention and treatment. Integrated models of care for homeless persons at risk for or living with HCV address many of these factors, and should include interventions to improve patient knowledge of HCV and the availability of effective treatments.