bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining Multidimensional Measuring Instruments for Proximity to Unidimensional Structure Using Latent Variable Modeling
Authors: Raykov Tenko , Bluemke Matthias
Published: July 2020

A widely applicable procedure of examining proximity to unidimensionality for multicomponent measuring instruments with multidimensional structure is discussed. The method is developed within the framework of latent variable modeling and allows one to point and interval estimate an explained variance proportion-based index that may be considered a measure of proximity to unidimensional structure. The approach is readily utilized in educational, behavioral, and social research when it is of interest to evaluate whether a more general structure scale, test, or measuring instrument could be treated as being associated with an approximately unidimensional latent structure for some empirical purposes.
Caring for Children With Life-Limiting Illness in Bloemfontein, South Africa: Challenging the Assumptions of the ‘Good Death’
Authors: Daniels-Howell Callie
Published: July 2020

Theories of good death focused on acceptance, control, and meaning-making inform adult palliative care in high-resource settings. As children’s palliative and hospice care (CPHC) develops in resource-limited settings, critical conceptualisations of a good death for children across these diverse settings are unknown. Assessed against high-resource setting tenets of good death from carer perspectives, results suggest: carer agency is limited; advanced discussion of death does not occur; distress results from multiple burdens; basic survival is prioritised; physical pain is not an emphasised experience; and carers publicly accept death quickly while private grief continues. Hegemonic conceptions of ‘good death’ for children do not occur in contexts where agency is constrained and discussing death is taboo, limiting open discussion, acceptance, and control of dying experiences. Alternate forms of discourse and good death could still occur. Critical, grounded conceptualisations of good death in individual resource-limited settings should occur in advance of CPHC development to effectively relieve expansive suffering in these contexts.
Real estate politicians in India
Authors: Balakrishnan Sai , Pani Narendar
Published: July 2020

This article uses as its entry point the empirical phenomenon of what we call ‘real estate politicians’ in India; that is, politicians whose main source of wealth is real estate. We argue that the rise of real estate politicians is situated within deeper processes of ‘labour voter contradictions’ in low-wage democratic societies of the global south. On the one hand, countries like India largely compete in the global economy based on their cheaper labour costs, but on the other hand, the condition of electoral democracy makes it imperative for politicians to meet the consumption, including housing, needs of their low-wage but electorally mobilised labour voters. As real estate politicians mediate the negotiated access of unorganised and surplus workers to informal land and unauthorised housing, the delinking of housing struggles from labour struggles leaves processes of capitalist agglomeration unchecked. This, we argue, blunts the potential of land struggles to emerge as sites of radical labour politics.
Ethical Climate and Whistleblowing Intentions: Testing the Mediating Roles of Public Service Motivation and Psychological Safety Among Local Government Employees
Authors: Potipiroon Wisanupong , Wongpreedee Achakorn
Published: July 2020

Local governments in several developing countries are plagued with corruption. This study draws attention to the role of organizational ethical climate in promoting whistleblowing intentions among local government employees and asks whether public service motivation (PSM) and perceptions of psychological safety mediate this relationship. Based on survey data of 365 employees in 40 local governments in Thailand, our multilevel analysis confirms that the relationships between ethical climate and internal and external whistleblowing intentions were indirect. In particular, psychological safety was found to play a mediating role at both the individual and organizational levels of analysis, whereas the mediating role of PSM was observed only at the individual level. The findings also revealed the presence of “collective PSM” at the organizational level, which in turn helped to facilitate external whistleblowing intentions. This research unveils the importance of individual- and organization-level factors in the whistleblowing decision-making process.
The prominent value of apparent diffusion coefficient in assessing high-risk factors and prognosis for patients with endometrial carcinoma before treatment
Authors: Quan Quan , Lu Yunfeng , Xuan Beibei , Wu Jingxian , Yin Wanchun , Hua Yi , Chen Rongsheng , Ren Siling , Zhou Shuwei , Zhang Fenfen , Meng Yu , Rao Kunying , Mu Xiaoling
Published: July 2020

Background

To date, there are no consensus methods to evaluate the high-risk factors and prognosis for managing the personalized treatment schedule of patients with endometrial carcinoma (EC) before treatment. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) is regarded as a kind of technique to assess heterogeneity of malignant tumor.

Purpose

To explore the role of ADC value in assessing the high-risk factors and prognosis of EC.

Material and Methods

A retrospective analysis was made on 185 patients with EC who underwent 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Mean ADC (mADC), minimum ADC (minADC), and maximum ADC (maxADC) were measured and compared in different groups.

Results

Among the 185 patients with EC, the mADC and maxADC values in those with high-risk factors (type 2, deep myometrial invasion, and lymph node metastasis) were significantly lower than in those without. According to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the areas under the curve (AUC) were significant for mADC, minADC, and maxADC predicting high-risk factors. Furthermore, the AUCs were significant for mADC and maxADC predicting lymph node metastasis but were not significant for minADC. Patients with lower mADC were associated with worse overall survival and disease-free survival; the opposite was true for patients with higher mADC.

Conclusion

Our study showed that ADC values could be applied to assess the high-risk factors of EC before treatment and might significantly relate to the prognosis of EC. It might contribute to managing initial individualized treatment schedule and improve outcome in patients with EC.
Treating patients with cancer amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: experience of a regional hospital in the Piedmont region in northern Italy
Authors: Garrone Ornella , Denaro Nerina , Ruatta Fiorella , Vanella Paola , Granetto Cristina , Vandone Anna Maria , Occelli Marcella , Cauchi Carolina , Ricci Vincenzo , Fea Elena , Di Costanzo Gianna , Colantonio Ida , Crosetto Nicola , Merlano Marco C.
Published: July 2020

Background:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is posing an unprecedented dilemma to oncologists worldwide, forcing them to decide whether to continue or suspend treatments in order to protect their most vulnerable patients from infection. After the first report from China, the outbreak spread rapidly worldwide. To, date no clear indications on how to treat patients with cancer with COVID-19 infection are available.

Methods:

We report data on 21 patients with cancer referred to a single medical oncology unit of a general hospital from mid-March to April 23, 2020.

Results:

Nine patients were on active cancer therapy during the infection and all stopped medical treatments. Overall 8 patients developed pneumonia and 6 patients died of COVID-19.

Conclusion:

The management of patients with cancer during the pandemic should be carefully balanced and discussed among oncologists and other key professionals involved in the treatment of this vulnerable group of patients, in order to balance the risk of treatment and the risk of infection.
Decision Support Tool for Planning Neighborhood-Scale Deployment of Low-Speed Shared Automated Shuttles
Authors: Zhu Lei , Wang Jinghui , Garikapati Venu , Young Stanley
Published: July 2020

Increasing interest and investment in connected, automated, and electric vehicles as well as mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) concepts are paving the way for the next major transformation in transportation through automated and shared mobility. The initial excitement toward rapid deployment and adoption of automated vehicles (AVs) has subsided, and low-speed automated shuttles are emerging as a more pragmatic pathway for introducing automated mobility in geofenced districts. Such shuttles hold the promise to provide a viable alternative for serving short trips in urban districts with high travel densities. As interest in low-speed automated shuttle systems (to improve urban mobility) increases, the need for tools that can inform communities in relation to benefits or disadvantages of automated shuttle deployments is imminent. However, most of the existing transportation planning and simulation tools are not capable of handling emerging shared automated mobility options. This paper presents a microscopic simulation toolkit that can be used by cities and communities to plan for the deployment of low-speed automated shuttles systems, as well as other shared mobility options. Labeled as the Automated Mobility District modeling and simulation toolkit, the proposed decision support tool intends to help cities evaluate the mobility and sustainability impacts of deploying shared automated vehicles (SAVs) in geofenced regions. This paper describes the toolkit, as well as a sample scenario analysis for the deployment of low-speed automated shuttles in Greenville, South Carolina, U.S. Results from the scenario study demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed simulation toolkit in planning for advanced mobility systems.
Determining If Walkability and Bikeability Indices Reflect Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety
Authors: Osama Ahmed , Albitar Maria , Sayed Tarek , Bigazzi Alexander
Published: July 2020

Walkability and bikeability indices are used to succinctly quantify how conducive an environment is to walking and cycling, often including factors related to comfort and perceived safety. The potential assumption that “walkable” and “bikeable” mean safe for walking and cycling (i.e., the association with objective safety or crash risk) has not yet been examined. This study investigates the association between two widely used measures (walk score and bike score) and pedestrian and cyclist crashes in Vancouver, Canada, to determine whether more walkable and bikeable areas of the city are also safer for walking and biking, after controlling for exposure. Multivariate Bayesian crash models with random and spatial effects are developed for pedestrian–motor-vehicle and cyclist–motor-vehicle crashes in 134 traffic analysis zones using 5 years of crash data with walking, cycling, and motor-vehicle traffic volume controls for exposure. Results indicate that areas of the city with higher walkability and bikeability can be potentially associated with greater pedestrian and cyclist crash risk, respectively, even after controlling for exposure. While the clear answer is that neighborhood walkability and bikeability does not indicate safety for pedestrians and cyclists, questions remain as to whether they should, and if so, how they could be modified to better incorporate objective risk.
GIS-Based Multivariate Spatial Clustering for Traffic Pattern Recognition using Continuous Counting Data
Authors: Hasan Md Mehedi , Oh Jun-Seok
Published: July 2020

Traffic count stations play a key role in measuring roadway characteristics and traffic performance by collecting and monitoring travel behavior and vehicle data. Continuous counting stations (CCSs), which count traffic volumes continuously throughout the year, are used to develop seasonal adjustment factors to convert short-term traffic counts (average daily traffic) to annual average daily traffic (AADT). As data collection is conducted at limited locations, many state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) group the CCSs based on different traffic patterns and estimate the AADT at specific locations by considering seasonal adjustment factors. Computer-based clustering approaches are widely used in grouping continuous traffic data for their accuracy in traffic pattern recognition. However, most of the clustering techniques do not consider the spatial constraints and therefore overlooked the locational proximity and inference from nearby traffic data. In this study, a GIS-based multivariate spatial clustering approach was developed to recognize statewide traffic patterns based on temporal and spatial variables. A total of 12 optimal clusters were automatically computed and labeled based on the proposed clustering algorithm. The proposed clustering approach was compared and validated based on machine learning classifiers. The results showed that it outperformed the traditional Michigan DOT clustering approach and was consistent in nature across different years. The model was applied to estimate the AADT, and good accuracy was detected relative to other approaches. The proposed clustering method offers a new approach to group traffic patterns by simultaneously incorporating proximity and similarity of traffic data.
Task Characteristics as Source of Difficulty and Moderators of the Effect of Time-on-Task in Digital Problem-Solving
Authors: Vörös Zsófia , Kehl Dániel , Rouet Jean-François
Published: July 2020

To be able to solve complex information problems in a digital environment is a key 21st century skill. Technology users usually expect to achieve their goals in a fast and accurate way. However, the actual relationship between time-on-task and task outcome is currently not well understood. We analyzed data from a large-scale international study in which representative samples of adults had to solve more or less complex problems using standard computer applications. Our results indicate that different task characteristics influence the relationship between problem-solving performance and time-on-task in specific ways. Spending more time on a task is more likely to compensate an average problem solver when task complexity can be attributed to intrinsic task and technology drivers than when complexity stems from the cognitive/metacognitive activities belonging to information problem-solving processes per se, especially acquiring and evaluating information. Thus, the interpretation of time-on-task should take the source of difficulty into consideration. Implications for personal and professional development are discussed.
Neighborhood Development Organizations and Neighborhood Disadvantage: Race, Resources, and Inequality in Chicago
Authors: Crubaugh Bryant
Published: July 2020

This article analyzes the relationship between neighborhood development organizations (NDOs) and neighborhood disadvantage in Chicago between 1990 and 2010. NDOs are often seen as interdependent partners with local and state governments in the co-production of social welfare, but not all have equally beneficial effects. Instead, NDOs are associated with lowering rates of disadvantage in majority non-Hispanic White neighborhoods, leaving other neighborhoods behind, especially predominately Black neighborhoods. Organizational resources and residential mobility help explain this inequality. NDOs in majority Black neighborhoods are less likely to have the organizational resources that enable NDOs to affect neighborhood disadvantage. When NDOs are associated with the lowering of neighborhood disadvantage, it is often in neighborhoods with preexisting advantage or high rates of residential mobility. As cities continue to rely on nonprofit organizations such as NDOs for neighborhood development, this research gives a clearer understanding of how this reliance may contribute to perpetuating racial inequalities.
Inter-vehicle distance estimation considering camera attitude angles based on monocular vision
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhang Rui , Hou Shihao
Published: July 2020

Perceiving the distance between vehicles is a crucial issue for advanced driving assistance systems. However, most vision-based distance estimation methods do not consider the influence of the change in camera attitude angles during driving or only use the vanishing point detected by lane lines to correct the pitch angle. This paper proposed an improved pinhole distance estimation model based on the road vanishing point without the lane line information. First, the road vanishing point is detected based on the dominant texture orientation, and the yaw and pitch angles of the camera are estimated. Then, a distance estimation model considering attitude angle compensation is established. Finally, the experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively correct the influence of the camera attitude angle on the distance estimation results.
Cluster analysis for the identification of clinical phenotypes among antiphospholipid antibody-positive patients from the APS ACTION Registry
Authors: Zuily Stéphane , Clerc-Urmès Isabelle , Bauman Cédric , Andrade Danieli , Sciascia Savino , Pengo Vittorio , Tektonidou Maria G , Ugarte Amaia , Gerosa Maria , Michael Belmont H , Zamorano Maria Angeles Aguirre , Fortin Paul , Ji Lanlan , Efthymiou Maria , Cohen Hannah , Branch D Ware , Jesus Guilherme Ramires de , Nalli Cecilia , Petri Michelle , Rodriguez Esther , Cervera Ricard , Knight Jason S , Atsumi Tatsuya , Willis Rohan , Bertolaccini Maria Laura , Vega Joann , Wahl Denis , Erkan Doruk ,   APS ACTION Investigators
Published: July 2020

Objective

This study aimed to use cluster analysis (CA) to identify different clinical phenotypes among antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL)-positive patients.

Methods

The Alliance for Clinical Trials and International Networking (APS ACTION) Registry includes persistently positive aPL of any isotype based on the Sydney antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) classification criteria. We performed CA on the baseline characteristics collected retrospectively at the time of the registry entry of the first 500 patients included in the registry. A total of 30 clinical data points were included in the primary CA to cover the broad spectrum of aPL-positive patients.

Results

A total of 497 patients from international centres were analysed, resulting in three main exclusive clusters: (a) female patients with no other autoimmune diseases but with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and triple-aPL positivity; (b) female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, VTE, aPL nephropathy, thrombocytopaenia, haemolytic anaemia and a positive lupus anticoagulant test; and (c) older men with arterial thrombosis, heart valve disease, livedo, skin ulcers, neurological manifestations and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Conclusions

Based on our hierarchical cluster analysis, we identified different clinical phenotypes of aPL-positive patients discriminated by aPL profile, lupus or CVD risk factors. Our results, while supporting the heterogeneity of aPL-positive patients, also provide a foundation to understand disease mechanisms, create new approaches for APS classification and ultimately develop new management approaches.
Anti-recoverin antibodies indicate fundus abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Li Min , Cheng Gong , Wang Zongyi , Liu Wen , Jin Yuebo , Huang Bo , Wang Yifan , Qu Jinfeng , Shi Guixiu , Su Yin , He Jing , Li Zhanguo
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Lupus fundus abnormalities are a sight-threatening complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its pathogenesis remains to be studied. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical characteristics associated with the presence of anti-recoverin antibodies in patients with SLE, especially those with fundus abnormalities.

Methods

Seventy-six participants were enrolled, including 21 patients with fundus abnormalities (fundus group), 30 patients without fundus abnormalities (non-fundus group) and 25 healthy individuals. Serum anti-recoverin antibody levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and clinical and laboratory data were obtained from medical records.

Results

Compared with the non-fundus group, the fundus group had a higher incidence of hematuria ( p < 0.05). The Systemic Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score in the fundus group was significantly higher than the non-fundus group (21.48 ± 8.06 versus 10.80 ± 5.74, p < 0.001). The levels of serum anti-recoverin antibodies in the fundus group were significantly higher than the non-fundus group ( p = 0.029) or the healthy control group ( p = 0.011). Anti-recoverin-negative and -positive patients differed on a number of clinical parameters, including incidence of fever, rash, antinuclear antibody, anti-dsDNA antibody, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, immunoglobulin G, complement C3 and complement C4. The average SLEDAI score of anti-recoverin-positive patients was significantly higher than anti-recoverin-negative patients (17.73 ± 8.11 versus 12.56 ± 8.37, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Anti-recoverin antibodies were related to higher disease activities in SLE, especially those with fundus abnormalities, suggesting that anti-recoverin antibodies may play an important role in the pathogenesis of fundus abnormalities in SLE.
A Gendered Life Course Explanation of the Exit Decision in the Context of Household Dynamics
Authors: Jayawarna Dilani , Marlow Susan , Swail Janine
Published: July 2020

Using a gendered household analysis, we explore the extent to which operating a business upon a flexible basis at specific times in the life course impacts upon an entrepreneur’s exit from their business. Drawing upon UK data and a discrete-time event history model to conduct a life course analysis, we find women caring for young children are more likely to exit given limited returns related to incompatible demands between the time required to generate sufficient returns and caring demands. Limited returns however, were not significant to continuation rates if a male partner contributed a compensatory household income.
Culture of Safety: Using Policy to Address Traumatic Stress Among the Child Welfare Workforce
Authors: Deaver Abigail Hemenway , Cudney Peter , Gillespie Cassie , Morton Shannon , Strolin-Goltzman Jessica
Published: July 2020

Human services professionals from all fields may be exposed to dangerous and even traumatic experiences while fulfilling their job responsibilities. Despite the data identifying trauma exposure as a workforce problem, the literature focusing on policy and practice interventions is sparse. Using a safety culture framework, this article describes a case example of one statewide public child welfare agency that utilized innovative policies as one driver of a systemic shift toward enhanced safety culture in an attempt to mitigate the effects of trauma exposure among child welfare workers. Practice implications, next steps, and future research are discussed.
Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor: Revisiting Histomorphology and Immunohistochemistry With Analysis of Cyclin D1 Overexpression and MYC Amplification
Authors: Sali Akash Pramod , Epari Sridhar , Nagaraj T. S. , Sahay Ayushi , Chinnaswamy Girish , Shetty Prakash , Moiyadi Aliasgar , Gupta Tejpal
Published: July 2020

Objectives. Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a rare malignant pediatric brain tumor, characterized by inactivation of INI1/hSNF5 gene and loss of its protein. We studied the histomorphological and immunohistochemical spectrum of this tumor including cyclin D1 expression and MYC gene amplification. Methods. Cases with INI1 loss by immunohistochemistry (IHC; from 2005 to 2018) were retrieved, reviewed, and evaluated for cyclin D1 expression by additional IHC and fluorescence in situ hybridization for MYC genes. Results. A total of 66 cases were identified. Age ranged from 1 to 20 years (≤3 years, 44 cases; >3 years, 22). Male to female ratio was 1.7:1. Tumor locations were as follows: posterior fossa: 30; supratentorial: 31; spinal: 5. AT/RT in patient ≤3 years was frequently located in the posterior fossa, composed of primitive embryonal morphology ( P = .02), rarely had ample rhabdoid cells ( P = .05), and had a negative impact on overall survival ( P = .04). The rhabdoid cells was a conspicuous component of posterior fossa tumors compared with the supratentorial ones ( P = .06). The supratentorial tumors ( P = .06), absence of rhabdoid cells ( P = .06), and the presence of immunological divergent differentiation ( P = .11) had a comparatively better outcome. Cyclin D1 overexpression (n = 46) was noted in 32 cases and was frequently seen in the posterior fossa tumors ( P = .02). CMYC (n = 42) amplification was seen in 1 case and the NMYC (n = 42) amplification in none. Conclusion. AT/RT can occur in the noninfantile age group, at nonconventional sites and frequently overexpress cyclin D1. The MYC alterations are almost nonexistent in AT/RT.
Galerkin–Ivanov transformation for nonsmooth modeling of vibro-impacts in continuous structures
Authors: Samukham Surya , Khaderi S. N. , Vyasarayani C. P.
Published: July 2020

This work deals with the modeling of nonsmooth vibro-impact motion of a continuous structure against a rigid distributed obstacle. Galerkin’s approach is used to approximate the solutions of the governing partial differential equations of the structure, which results in a system of ordinary differential equations. When these ordinary differential equations are subjected to unilateral constraints and velocity jump conditions, one must use an event detection algorithm to calculate the time of impact accurately. Event detection in the presence of multiple simultaneous impacts is a computationally demanding task. Ivanov (Ivanov A 1993 “Analytical methods in the theory of vibro-impact systems”. Journal of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics 57(2): pp. 221–236.) proposed a nonsmooth transformation for a vibro-impacting multi-degree-of-freedom system subjected to a single unilateral constraint. This transformation eliminates the unilateral constraints from the problem and, therefore, no event detection is required during numerical integration. This nonsmooth transformation leads to sign function nonlinearities in the equations of motion. However, they can be easily accounted for during numerical integration. Ivanov used his transformation to make analytical calculations for the stability and bifurcations of vibro-impacting motions; however, he did not explore its application for simulating distributed collisions in spatially continuous structures. We adopt Ivanov’s transformation to deal with multiple unilateral constraints in spatially continuous structures. Also, imposing the velocity jump conditions exactly in the modal coordinates is nontrivial and challenging. Therefore, in this work, we use a modal-physical transformation to convert the system from modal to physical coordinates on a spatially discretized grid. We then apply Ivanov’s transformation on the physical system to simulate the vibro-impact motion of the structure. The developed method is demonstrated by modeling the distributed collision of a nonlinear string against a rigid distributed surface. For validation, we compare our results with the well-known penalty approach.
Topography-based customized trans-epithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy for anterior corneal scar removal
Authors: Shetty Rohit , Shroff Rushad , Chhabra Aishwarya , Arora Ritu , Lalgudi Vaitheeswaran Ganesan
Published: July 2020

Purpose:

To report a case of management of a post-LASIK superficial corneal scar using a novel single-step topography-based customized phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK).

Methods:

Surgical technique description.

Results:

Ablation was planned using Schwind Amaris® 1050RS excimer laser as decentered trans-epithelial PTK of 5 mm × 3.5 mm of 75 µm depth exactly over the area of the scar. UDVA, CDVA improved from 20/60 and 20/40 pre-operatively to 20/30 and 20/20p post-operatively. Refractive error improved from −2.5 DC @135 to +0.25 DS/−0.25 DC @75. Regularization of topography and stromal surface on ASOCT was noted with minimal hyperopic shift. Another step of ablation to address induced hyperopia was not required.

Conclusion:

Topography-based customized PTK appears to be an effective novel technique for the management of superficial corneal scars with minimal induced refractive change. This technique holds promise as an alternative in the targeted management of superficial corneal scars, traditionally treated by conventional PTK, without significant ablation of normal tissue.
Conjunctivitis as sole symptom of COVID-19: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Ozturker Zeynep Kayaarasi
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel virus causing an ongoing pandemic in 2020. Although the symptomatic patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 generally show respiratory distress, atypical manifestations such as conjunctivitis are also observed. A series of cases are reported in which reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing on tears had demonstrated the presence of the virus. However, the transmission of the virus through ocular fluids remains unknown.

Case description:

In this case report, the development of conjunctivitis is presented as the sole symptom of a new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in an emergency health care worker. The patient’s first application was to the ophthalmology clinic due to redness, stinging, tearing, and photophobia for one day in the right eye. The patient had no symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, or fatigue. Two days later, the RT-PCR test, blood analysis, and chest computed tomography (CT) were applied to the patient for being in contact with a COVID positive patient. Conjunctival swabs did not identify SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. However, nasopharyngeal swab and blood test confirmed the diagnosis of COVID-19. Chest CT did not show pneumonia.

Conclusion:

This phenomenon shows that conjunctivitis may occur as a sole manifestation of COVID-19 which needs to be carefully evaluated by health care workers and eye care professionals during the pandemic.
Researching educational disadvantage: Concepts emerging from working in/with an Australian school
Authors: Heimans Stephen , Singh Parlo , Barnes Andrew
Published: July 2020

This is a conceptual article arising from, and grounded in, research with a government-funded primary school serving high-poverty communities in Queensland, Australia. It is one response to the last 10 years of participatory research work led by the three authors of this article (the school principal and two academics). In this article, we write about three concepts that have emerged out of our joint work: (1) communities-in-formation, (2) emerging equalities, (3) material participation. We discuss how and why we have undertaken this kind of partnership and conceptual research and offer some suggestions for others who are interested in undertaking similar work.
A review of stress concentration studies on fibre composite panels with holes/cutouts
Authors: Kumar S Anoop , Rajesh R , Pugazhendhi S
Published: July 2020

Composite panels are widely used as structural members due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. In order to reduce further weight, cutouts or notches are introduced in these members. These cutouts also serve utility requirements such as man-holes for purpose of service as well as for passing electric or fuel lines. An aircraft wing rib is a typical example of such a composite panel. Even while composites with holes or cutouts provide great savings in weight compared to metallic structures, the presence of holes itself leads to strength reduction. The reduction in strength is due to the concentration of stress around the vicinity of the hole while the structure is under loading. Different-sized and shaped holes/cut-outs are used in composites structural members, which may serve for different purposes. They, in turn, introduce their own versions of stress concentrations effects in such members leading to weakening of the structure. The stress concentration effect in fibre composites also depends on other factors like fibre orientation, fibre material, matrix material, etc. Loading can also influence stress concentration. This review pursues vast research done in this area and attempts to compare and summarise the diverse findings for designers to obtain a comprehensive concept on stress concentration factor as an effective tool for composite structure design.
Detection and localization of fatigue-induced transverse crack in a rotor shaft using principal component analysis
Authors: Rathna Prasad Sagi , Sekhar AS
Published: July 2020

Rotor shafts subjected to severe operating stresses are prone to develop transverse fatigue cracks at the localized stress raisers. Therefore, the ability to identify and locate the incipient fatigue crack is imperative in order to avoid catastrophic failure. The literature on rotor crack detection discussed the importance of monitoring the steady-state 1X, 2X and 3X harmonic response components of rotors. However, the other rotor faults such as misalignment and unbalance, exhibit similar symptoms. Thus, the main aim is to develop new independent fault-related features which measure the driving principle governing the behaviour of various rotor faults. In this article, the application of principal component analysis–based statistical pattern analysis, as a tool for early detection and localization of fatigue-induced transverse crack in a rotor shaft is investigated. To perform this study, accelerated fatigue experiments are conducted on a customized setup. This developed test rig is novel and unique by itself that facilitates generating a fatigue crack in a shaft, under conditions that mimic a real in-service loading environment of industrial rotors. Unlike conventional methods, noise in the acquired vibration and strain data is denoised via classical principal component analysis method. Time- and frequency-domain statistical features extracted from different vibration and strain sensor signals are used for this study. Damage indices such as Hotelling’s T2-statistic and Q-index are used to detect the presence of the crack. It is observed that irrespective of the sensor location, damage index such as Q-statistic of all the sensors is very effective to detect the presence and time of incipient crack. Partial decomposition contributions method is found to be very effective in identifying the location of the crack. This article provides the most significant vibration-based statistical features, which are sensitive to shaft transverse cracks, for different sensor types and their mounting location. Finally, a new fused health indicator which is highly sensitive to the presence of rotor shaft crack is defined and is found successful when applied to a new experimental data.
Institutional complexity and multiple accountability tensions: A conceptual framework for analyzing school leaders’ interpretation of competing demands
Authors: Dulude Eliane , Milley Peter
Published: July 2020

While many studies on external accountability forms have illustrated the impact on the prevailing conceptions and values about the nature of school organizations, still little is known about the active role of school leaders as sense-makers who deal with conflicting accountability demands. We argue that while multiple external accountability forms driven by policies often manifest in apparently conflicting ways in school organizations, recent findings suggest that some school leaders have come to understand and adapt strategically and reconcile these logics in practice over time. In this article, we seek to highlight the institutional complexity that school leaders face when attempting to make sense of, interpret reconcile and/or counterbalance competing accountability demands from multiple and incompatible logics while considering their schools’ needs and conditions. We develop a conceptual framework that unpacks the intersection of the institutional complexity triggered by multiple institutional logics and school leaders’ sense-making about reform. This framework could illuminate how and why the multiple logics in the institutional environment shape and are being shaped by school leaders’ sense-making in the complex policy implementation processes that lead to different policy outcomes.
The Preliminary Efficacy and Feasibility of Group-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment Program for Incarcerated Smokers
Authors: Valera Pamela , Acuna Nicholas , Vento Ismary
Published: July 2020

Group-based tobacco dependence treatment has been known to help smokers to quit in general adult populations, but the feasibility and efficacy of this type of smoking cessation treatment in correctional settings remain uncertain. A 6-week group-based smoking cessation treatment with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the form of nicotine patches was implemented in seven male prison facilities, in the Northeast, among smokers who were born biologically as male. Exhaled breath carbon monoxide (CO) levels were collected from participants at each session to confirm smoking status. Participants were evaluated at the 1-month post-group treatment follow-up to determine abstinence. Those who were lost to follow-up were recorded as continued smoking and not using NRT nicotine patches. The goal of the study was to explore the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of conducting a smoking cessation treatment program for incarcerated smokers. A total of 350 inmates were screened, 177 inmates were enrolled across the prison sites for the 6-week program, and 102 inmates completed the program. A majority of those enrolled reported that they began smoking when they were between 15 and 19 years of age (44.9%) and were smoking on average for 26 years. Less than half (21.3%) reported ever using electronic cigarettes at baseline and in Session 1,116 individuals who attended reported a median CO level of 18.0 parts per million (ppm). At a 1-month follow-up, 43 individuals reported a median CO level of 5.00 ppm. The study demonstrated preliminary efficacy and feasibility of group-based smoking cessation treatment with NRT nicotine patches in incarcerated smokers.
Bactericidal Activity Study of ZrO2-Ag2O Nanoparticles
Authors: Ayanwale Ayodeji Precious , Ruíz-Baltazar Alvaro de Jesús , Espinoza-Cristóbal León , Reyes-López Simón Yobanny
Published: July 2020

In view of the continuous resistance to antibacterial agents by bacteria and the existing problems of silver nanoparticles as an antibacterial agent, this study reports on the synthesis of pure zirconium oxide, silver oxide, and ZrO2-Ag2O nanoparticles by sol-gel method. The nanoparticles were analyzed and tested for their antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria of Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and gram-negative of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella oxytoca. X-ray diffraction showed the monoclinic ZrO2, cubic Ag2O, and peaks corresponding to ZrO2 and Ag2O in their mixed samples. Scanning electron microscopy showed spherically shaped nanoparticles while dynamic light scattering analysis showed ZrO2 (76 nm), Ag2O (50 nm), and ZrO2-Ag2O samples between 14 and 42 nm. The Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy spectra of ZrO2 gave bands at 480 cm−1 to 750 cm−1 (M-O stretching) with Ag2O at 580 cm−1, while ZrO2-Ag2O samples showed bands at 760 cm−1. The screening by agar diffusion assay revealed a pronounced increase in the antibacterial activity of ZrO2-Ag2O against all the tested bacteria when compared with the pure ZrO2 and Ag2O. The improved antibacterial activity of ZrO2-Ag2O largely results from the chemical stability conferred on it by the ZrO2 as observed from the zeta potential measurement.
Physical Activity and Physical Function in Older Adults Living in a Retirement Community: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Focusing on Self-Rated Health
Authors: Sebastião Emerson , Henert Shaine , Siqueira Vitor Antonio Assis Alves
Published: July 2020

Perceived health is a widely used proxy for measuring individuals’ health status across different populations, including older adults. This measure is commonly reported as a subjective indicator, as a strong predictor of longer-term morbidity and mortality, and as a method to identify high-risk groups with health needs. This study examined differences in physical activity (PA) and physical function (PF) among older adults living in a retirement community located in the Midwest region of the United States as a function of perceived health. Results suggest that older adults perceiving their health as excellent reported significantly higher PA and performed significantly better on PF assessments than those reporting it as good or fair. Programs focusing on increasing PA in older adults living in retirement communities should be considered as potential strategies to enhance the health and health perception of this population.
Pixel asymmetry predicts between-object differences in the object-based compatibility effect
Authors: Azaad Shaheed , Laham Simon M
Published: July 2020

When participants make left/right responses to unimanually graspable objects, response times (RTs) are faster when the responding hand is aligned with the viewed object’s handle. This object-based compatibility effect (CE) is often attributed to motor activation elicited by the object’s afforded grasp. However, some evidence suggests that the object-based CE is an example of spatial CEs, or Simon effects, elicited by the protruding nature of objects’ handles. Moreover, recent work shows that the way in which objects are centred on-screen might attenuate or reverse CEs, perhaps due to differences in pixel asymmetry (the proportion of pixels either side of fixation) between centralities. In this study, we tested whether pixel asymmetry also contributes to between-object variation in object-based CEs. In experiment 1 ( N = 34), we found that between-object differences in asymmetry predicted object-based CEs, such that objects with a greater proportion of pixels to the handle-congruent side of fixation produced larger CEs. In experiment 2 ( N = 35), we presented participants with mug (low asymmetry) and frying pan (high asymmetry) images and found that between-object and within-object (due to stimulus centrality) differences in pixel asymmetry interact to moderate CEs. Base-centred stimuli (centred according to the width of the object’s base) produced conventional CEs, whereas object-centred (centred according to the object’s total width) stimuli produced negative CEs (NCEs). Furthermore, the effect of centrality was smaller for mugs than pans, indicating an interaction between within-object and between-object differences in pixel asymmetry.
Spelling ability influences early letter encoding during reading: Evidence from return-sweep eye movements
Authors: Parker Adam J , Slattery Timothy J
Published: July 2020

In recent years, there has been an increase in research concerning individual differences in readers’ eye movements. However, this body of work is almost exclusively concerned with the reading of single-line texts. While spelling and reading ability have been reported to influence saccade targeting and fixation times during intra-line reading, where upcoming words are available for parafoveal processing, it is unclear how these variables affect fixations adjacent to return-sweeps. We, therefore, examined the influence of spelling and reading ability on return-sweep and corrective saccade parameters for 120 participants engaged in multiline text reading. Less-skilled readers and spellers tended to launch their return-sweeps closer to the end of the line, prefer a viewing location closer to the start of the next, and made more return-sweep undershoot errors. We additionally report several skill-related differences in readers’ fixation durations across multiline texts. Reading ability influenced all fixations except those resulting from return-sweep error. In contrast, spelling ability influenced only those fixations following accurate return-sweeps—where parafoveal processing was not possible prior to fixation. This stands in contrasts to an established body of work where fixation durations are related to reading but not spelling ability. These results indicate that lexical quality shapes the rate at which readers access meaning from the text by enhancing early letter encoding, and influences saccade targeting even in the absence of parafoveal target information.
Grammars of contestation and pluralism: Paulo Freire’s action in Brazil’s periphery and the rise of right-wing discourse on YouTube
Authors: Levy Helton
Published: July 2020

This article examines YouTube videos that feature right-wing discourses from Brazil’s periphery based on perspectives extracted from Paulo Freire’s ideas of action for liberation. The findings from a survey conducted from one year before the 2018 elections until one year later combined with a multimodal discourse analysis have pointed to the formation of a new grammar of contestation that discusses socioeconomic, racial, and gender issues in a discourse identified with the right. The Freirean notion of action helps to enlighten aspects that indicate the rise in critical action and pluralism from the periphery, despite the politics of the right that a few media producers have entertained.
Outcomes after anatomic reconstruction of the radioulnar ligaments for distal radioulnar joint instability
Authors: Frantz Lisa M. , Helsper Elizabeth A. , Morris Harry A. , Hearon Bernard F.
Published: July 2020

This retrospective study investigated the clinical outcomes of patients treated for chronic distal radioulnar joint instability with open anatomic reconstruction of the palmar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments. After the midpoint of a tendon graft is anchored at the ulnar fovea, the two graft limbs traverse the distal radioulnar joint. One limb is woven into the palmar wrist capsule and the other is secured to the dorsal wrist capsule and retinaculum to stabilize the joint. Of 30 patients (31 wrists) treated with this technique, 19 were followed longitudinally for a mean of 10 years (range 3–21). In this long-term cohort, there were statistically significant improvements in ulnar-sided wrist pain on the visual analogue scale and in distal radioulnar joint stability on the dorsopalmar stress test. The modified Mayo Wrist Scores were classified as three excellent, 12 good, three fair and one poor. Of the 30 patients studied, failure occurred in four patients, two from graft rupture and two from distal radioulnar joint arthrosis. We conclude that anatomic reconstruction of the palmar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments is an effective treatment for distal radioulnar joint instability and is associated with high satisfaction and durable outcomes.

Level of evidence: IV
Experimental–theoretical investigation for damage assessment of a reinforced concrete slab under consecutive explosions based on single-degree-of-freedom model
Authors: Sung Seung-Hun , Ji Hun , Chong Jinwung
Published: July 2020

This study performed damage assessment of a reinforced concrete slab subjected to consecutive explosions. To this end, the resistance functions were updated to account for the permanent displacement calculated in the previous step to capture the response of the reinforced concrete slab of the current explosion. In other words, the permanent deformation should be basically evaluated according to the prior explosion. Next, the revised resistance function should be calculated according to damage level. Third, the maximum dynamic responses should be estimated based on the modified single-degree-of-freedom model. Finally, cumulative damages can be evaluated based on the sum of the permanent deformation and the maximum dynamic responses. In order to confirm a feasibility of the proposed single-degree-of-freedom model, a comparative study with the finite element analysis results is carried out under the identical consecutive explosions. Prior to performing the comparative study, the computational model of the target structure is calibrated based on small-scale experimental data to carry out more reliable finite element analysis.