bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between duration of remission, fatigue, depression and health-related quality of life in Italian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Margiotta D P E , Fasano S , Basta F , Pierro L , Riccardi A , Navarini L , Valentini G , Afeltra A
Published: November 2019

Objective

To evaluate the impact of duration of remission on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

We conducted a 5-year retrospective study on two Italian cohorts. Remission was defined as a continuative period of no clinical disease activity, according to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2 K, and a permitted maximum prednisone dose of 5 mg/day. HRQoL was measured using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF36) during the last visit.

Results

We enrolled 136 female SLE patients. During observation, 15 (11%) patients had been in remission for ≥1 and <2 years, 15 (11%) for ≥2 and <3 years, 19 (14%) for ≥3 and <4 years, 9 (7%) for ≥4 and <5 years, and 53 (39%) had been in prolonged remission for ≥5 years. In the multivariate model, considering depression and fatigue as covariates, patients in prolonged remission showed significantly better scores in the physical functioning ( p = 0.039), role physical ( p = 0.029), bodily pain ( p = 0.0057), general health ( p = 0.0033) and social functioning ( p = 0.0085) components of the SF36, compared with those in remission <5 years or unremitted. Subsequent mediation analyses found that these effects were partly influenced by depression.

Conclusion

Lupus remission could improve the HRQoL of SLE patients, particularly when associated with appropriate management of depression and fatigue.
Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development: A Review and Multilevel Causal Mechanism Framework
Authors: Johnson Matthew P. , Schaltegger Stefan
Published: November 2019

Entrepreneurship for sustainable development is a multilevel phenomenon connecting social, environmental and economic dimensions between entrepreneurial processes, market transformations, as well as large-scale societal developments. While previous articles on social, environmental, and sustainable entrepreneurship have advanced our understanding on processes of discovery, creation, and exploitation of sustainability-oriented opportunities, the links between contextual influences on venture development and transformational outcomes at multiple levels are only partially captured in extant frameworks. Drawing out causal mechanisms with a systematic review, this article proposes a multilevel framework for linking mechanisms in existing literature and proposing future research on entrepreneurship for sustainable development.
Intersectional Understandings of On-Time High School Graduation and College Readiness for Traditionally Marginalized High School Students
Authors: Gray-Nicolas Nakia M. , Miranda Chandler P.
Published: November 2019

Conventional definitions of “on-time graduation” and “college readiness” often place the needs of traditionally marginalized students (first-generation, low-income, immigrant and/or students of color) in a deficit light. This multi-case study explores how school leaders at two public high schools are redefining and reframing these policies for their specific student populations. The findings suggest that extending graduation beyond 4 years and using intersectional understandings of college readiness increase traditionally marginalized students’ opportunities to finish high school and pursuing postsecondary education.
Does a Close Relationship With an Adult Reduce the Risk of Juvenile Offending for Youth With a History of Maltreatment?
Authors: Baetz Carly Lyn , Widom Cathy Spatz
Published: November 2019

Social support is frequently cited as a protective factor against juvenile offending. The current study examined whether a close relationship with an adult in childhood decreases the risk for offending among individuals with a history of child maltreatment. This research utilized data from a prospective cohort design study in which children with court-substantiated cases of abuse and neglect and nonmaltreated children matched on age, sex, race, and approximate family social class were followed into adulthood ( N = 1,196). Having a close relationship with an adult did not decrease risk for delinquent behavior or arrest, but a close relationship with a parent was associated with lower risk for delinquent behavior. Surprisingly, adults with no history of maltreatment who reported having a close relationship with a peer or sibling were more likely to report engaging in violent behavior in adolescence. In total, these findings point to the complexity of development and suggest that although a close relationship with an adult can be protective, the mere presence of such a relationship, without inquiry into the type of relationship, is not sufficient.
Uncivil User Comments Increase Users’ Intention to Engage in Corrective Actions and Their Support for Authoritative Restrictive Actions
Authors: Naab Teresa K. , Naab Thorsten , Brandmeier Jonas
Published: November 2019

In an experimental study ( n = 213), we vary the incivility of a user comment below a mock news post on the Facebook page of a German news outlet. We investigate determinants of the users’ intention to engage in corrective actions and their support for restrictions by Facebook and law enforcement. We test an integrated model and find that incivility of a comment affects users’ support for restrictive and intention for corrective actions, whereas the presumed influence of the comment does not have an effect. The users’ commitment to free speech decreases and paternalism increases their support for authoritative restrictions.
Firm Actions to Develop an Ambidextrous Sales Force
Authors: Panagopoulos Nikolaos G. , Rapp Adam , Pimentel Michael A.
Published: November 2019

While research on employee ambidexterity is growing, there is little investigation on what firms can do to enhance their competitiveness in this space. Leveraging a human resource lens, we advance a comprehensive model depicting three firm-level ambidexterities as key performance drivers that can help firms achieve bottom-line outcomes. Specifically, we focus on (1) ambidexterity in skill-enhancing practices (i.e., selection, training), which ensure employees have relevant service-sales knowledge, skills, and abilities; (2) ambidexterity in motivation-enhancing practices (i.e., metrics, incentives), which help motivate employees to perform service-sales activities; and (3) ambidexterity in opportunity-enhancing practices (i.e., data, tools use), which enable employees to perform service-sales activities. Our findings suggest that ambidextrous firms—or those that balance service- and sales-related elements when implementing their systems and processes—enjoy greater sales force and firm financial performance. Finally, we test boundary conditions for these relationships and find that competitive intensity enhances the positive effects of all ambidexterity constructs. We conclude with implications for theory and practice.
Is Seeing Eye to Eye Always Beneficial? How and When (Dis)agreement on Service Climate Influences Store Turnover and Sales Performance
Authors: Tremblay Michel
Published: November 2019

This study examines the effect of (dis)agreement between the employees and their store manager regarding service climate on store-level turnover and subsequently sales performance. In addition, we test the moderating effect of perceived employee fit with customers on these relationships. Using polynomial regression and response surface methodology with data from 753 frontline employees and 125 managers nested in 125 stores, we found that collective turnover is lower when the store manager and the employees both perceive (vertical agreement) that customer service is prioritized at moderate levels. However, turnover is higher when managers and employees do not agree on the level of the service climate (vertical disagreement). The results indicate that the beneficial effect of vertical service climate agreement on turnover was higher when perceived employee-customer fit was high. The detrimental effect of vertical service climate disagreement on turnover was reduced when the strength of employees’ service climate was strong (high horizontal agreement). Furthermore, our examination found that the level of turnover in stores was negatively related to sales performance and that the effect of vertical service climate agreement on sales performance was conditional on the degree of perceived employee-customer fit.
Corneal collagen cross-linking with and without simultaneous intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation: One-year pilot study
Authors: Sharma Indra Prasad , Bakshi Ramendra , Chaudhry Monica
Published: November 2019

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess and compare the visual, refractive, and topographic outcomes of keratoconic eyes treated with corneal collagen cross-linking combined with and without same day intrastromal corneal ring segment over the first 12 months.

Methods:

This prospective randomized study analyzed 38 eyes of 30 consecutive keratoconus patients aged 26.21 ± 6.97 (range = 15–41) years. A total of 20 eyes were treated with collagen cross-linking alone, and 18 eyes underwent collagen cross-linking combined with simultaneous femtosecond laser-assisted intrastromal corneal ring segment. Visual acuity, manifest refraction, and corneal topography (using a rotating Scheimpflug topographer) were assessed and compared between the two groups at baseline, 6, and 12 months.

Results:

On an average follow-up duration of 12.2 ± 0.50 (range = 11–13) months, both collagen cross-linking alone and collagen cross-linking with simultaneous intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation were effective. However, collagen cross-linking plus intrastromal corneal ring segment resulted in an additional improvement of uncorrected distance visual acuity of 0.16 (95% confidence interval = 0.01 to 0.32) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units (p = 0.035), cylindrical power by 1.16 D (95% confidence interval = 0.25 to 2.06, p = 0.014), and spherical equivalent by 1.40 D (95% confidence interval = −2.71 to −0.08, p = 0.038) at 1 year. During the study period, no serious intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted in either group.

Conclusion:

One-year follow-up results suggest that collagen cross-linking with simultaneously combined intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation could yield an additive visual and refractive outcome. The combined procedure is safe and merits consideration for the treatment of progressive keratoconus to achieve better visual rehabilitation.
Professional ambivalence among care workers: The case of doula practice
Authors: Young Christina
Published: November 2019

Doulas are non-medical, privately paid caregivers to women during pregnancy and childbirth, who have entered the maternity care field in recent decades. In a hospital setting, doulas offer women emotional and physical support that supplements clinical care. Drawing on focus groups and interviews with eight doulas working in one Atlantic Canadian city, along with Abbott and Merrabeau’s analysis of the professionalization of ‘caring’ occupations, I consider how doulas navigate the uncertain terrain of their emerging occupation. In general, the work performed by care workers is viewed as an extension of the work women perform in the domestic sphere, for which they are understood to be ‘naturally’ talented. As a result, ‘caring’ occupations need to find ways to emphasize the value of their role and justify the need for adequate pay. While traditional processes of professionalization appear to offer a solution, the credentials associated with being a ‘profession’ – a monopoly over a field and a distinct body of (scientific) knowledge – may not be relevant when evaluating the quality of care provision. I argue that doulas hold ambivalent perspectives towards the nature of their training, the requirements of certification and ‘appropriate’ interactions with clients due to the broader tension between care work and professional ideology.
Predicting collective action tendencies among Filipina domestic workers in Lebanon: Integrating the Social Identity Model of Collective Action and the role of fear
Authors: Adra Aya , Harb Charles , Li Mengyao , Baumert Anna
Published: November 2019

This study examined factors underlying collective action tendencies in a context of severe disadvantage and high repression. Drawing on the Social Identity Model of Collective Action (SIMCA; van Zomeren, Postmes, & Spears, 2008), we tested the roles of group-based anger, participative efficacy, group identity—SIMCA variables—but also fear. Although SIMCA has been widely used in various social contexts, little is known about how well it applies to severely disadvantaged groups in highly repressive situations. In the study of female Filipina domestic workers ( N = 123) in Beirut, Lebanon, results provided partial support for SIMCA, such that identity indirectly and positively predicted collective action intentions via efficacy, but not anger. Importantly, fear modulated the paths from anger and efficacy to collective action intentions. Efficacy and anger positively predicted collective action tendencies among individuals low, but not high, in fear. These findings attest to the importance of studying political actions among underrepresented populations.
Effect of fiber angles on normal- and high-strength concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer tubes under monotonic axial compression
Authors: Zhang Bing , Hu Xia-Min , Zhao Qing , Huang Tao , Zhang Ning-Yuan , Zhang Qian-Biao
Published: November 2019

Concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer tubes are a novel form of composite columns, which are particularly attractive for structural members in harsh environments and seismic regions due to their corrosion resistance and ductile behavior. Over the past two decades, many studies have been conducted on concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer tubes under axial compression, and many stress–strain models have been proposed. However, existing studies mainly focused on concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer tubes with only hoop fibers. In order to investigate the effect of fiber angles (i.e. the fiber angle between the fiber orientation and the longitudinal axis of fiber-reinforced polymer tube), this study conducted axial compression tests of 42 concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer tubes with ±80°, ±60°, or ±45° fiber angles. These concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer tubes were constructed using normal-strength concrete or high-strength concrete. Fiber-reinforced polymer tube thickness was also investigated as an important parameter. In order to clarify the effect of fiber angles on the properties of fiber-reinforced polymer tubes, axial compression tests on 15 short fiber-reinforced polymer tubes and tensile split-disk tests on 75 fiber-reinforced polymer rings were conducted. Experimental results indicate that fiber angles had significant influences on the hoop properties of fiber-reinforced polymer tube; the confinement effect of fiber-reinforced polymer tube and the peak stress of the confined concrete decreased with the decrease of the absolute value of fiber angles, while the ultimate strain of the confined concrete increased with the decrease of the absolute value of fiber angles. Two existing stress–strain models, which were developed mainly on test results of concrete confined by fiber-reinforced polymer tubes with only hoop fibers, are capable of providing reasonably accurate predictions for concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer tubes with ±80° and ±60° fiber angles, but it underestimates the ultimate axial strain of concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer tubes with ±45° fiber angles.
Hybrid basalt/flax fibers reinforced polymer composites and their use in confinement of concrete cylinders
Authors: Xia Yuanyuan , Xian Guijun
Published: November 2019

Flax fiber–reinforced polymer composites were determined to be effective in confinement of concrete cylinders. Flax fibers exhibit strong intrinsic hydrophilic properties and relatively inferior mechanical properties; therefore, combining them with mineral-based natural fiber (i.e. basalt fibers) was proposed. In the present study, unidirectional flax–basalt hybrid fiber reinforced polymer plates and tubes were prepared using a filament-winding process. The mechanical properties of the fiber-reinforced polymer plates and compressive properties of the concrete-filled fiber-reinforced polymer tubes were studied. Compared to those of flax fiber–reinforced polymer, hybrid fiber–reinforced polymers exhibited linear rather than bilinear stress–strain curves and enhanced tensile properties. The lateral–axial relationship of the hybrid fiber reinforced polymer–confined concrete cylinders can be well predicted by the classic model for glass- or carbon-based fiber-reinforced polymer-confined concrete cylinders, however, the axial stress–strain cannot. In addition, the lateral–axial relationship of the hybrid fiber reinforced polymer–confined cylinders depends on the arrangement of the fiber layers.
Signature extraction from the dynamic responses of a bridge subjected to a moving vehicle using complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Xiao Feng , Chen Gang S , Zatar Wael , Hulsey J Leroy
Published: November 2019

Technology that measures bridge responses when a vehicle is crossing over it for structural health monitoring has been under development for approximately a decade. Most of the proposed methods are based on identification of the dynamic characteristics of a bridge such as the natural frequency, the mode shapes, and the damping. Specifically, many time–frequency domain approaches have been used to extract complex spectrum signatures from the complicated vibrations of a bridge due to the interactions of a vehicle with the bridge, which usually involves nonlinear, nonstationary, stochastic, and impact vibrations. In this paper, a method known as complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise is applied for the first time to analyze the acceleration response of a bridge to a moving vehicle, and the purpose is to extract the spectrum signature of the vehicle–bridge response for structural health monitoring. The time–frequency Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT) spectrum of the decomposed mode from complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise is presented. The results are well-correlated with finite element analysis. The advantages of the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise method are demonstrated in comparing the data from conventional methods, including power spectra, spectrograms, scalograms, and empirical mode decomposition.
Nonlinear dynamic analysis of gear-rotor-bearing system equipped with HSFD under hydraulic actuator active control
Authors: Jian Bo-Lin , Chu Li-Ming , Chang Yuh-Ping , Chang-Jian Cai-Wan
Published: November 2019

In this study, the nonlinear dynamic analysis of the hybrid squeeze film damper mounted on a gear-rotor-bearing system is presented. The strong nonlinear oil film force, nonlinear rub-impact force between the rotor and stator, and the gear meshing force are considered in this study. The bifurcation diagrams are plotted using a dimensionless imbalance factor, damping coefficient, and speed ratio as control parameters in this study. The beginning of chaotic motion is identified by phase diagrams, power spectrum, Poincaré maps, bifurcation diagrams, maximum Lyapunov exponent, and the fractal dimension of the system. The numerical results provide useful insights into the design and development of a gear-rotor-bearing system for rotating machinery that operates at high speeds and highly nonlinear conditions. Hybrid squeeze film damper is used to suppress irregular dynamic behaviors and reduce greater amplitude, even if the rotational speed of the rotating machine is higher, which is also confirmed in this study.
Mentoring Vulnerable Youth in One of America’s Most Dangerous Cities: From Violent Streets to University Classrooms
Authors: Tucker Shelby , Meloy Michelle , Napolitano Laura , Storrod Michelle Lyttle , Curtis Kristin
Published: November 2019

Using rich narratives provided by youth, this research examines the holistic role of mentors in the lives of young people coming of age in an impoverished and dangerous context (n = 44). Mentees experienced household adversities (e.g. parental separation, substance abuse, familial incarceration) and community violence (e.g. neighborhood shootings, gangs, and assaults). Mentors provided emotional support, educational support, and protection from harm. In addition, youths experienced mentor versatility. Mentors were perceived as effective in aiding the youths’ resilience and at helping them navigate multiple levels of stressors and criminogenic conditions.
The early modern “creation” of property and its enduring influence
Authors: Olsen Erik J
Published: November 2019

This article redescribes early modern European defenses of private property in terms of a theoretical project of seeking to establish the true or essential nature of property. Most of the scholarly literature has focused on the historical and normative issues relating to the various accounts of original acquisition around which these defenses were organized. However, in my redescription, these so-called “original acquisition stories” appear as methodological devices for an analytic reduction and resolution of property into its fundamental elements and axioms. Through these stories, property is “created” in the form of the classical liberal paradigm of presumptively exclusive, private ownership of material things. The problem is that this project of “creation” is also a project which arbitrarily excludes or marginalizes other forms and systems of property, and especially usufructuary forms of common property. After critically explicating this early modern project of creation, I go on to argue that the classical liberal paradigm and its problems continue to inform property theory and discourse in the late modern era.
Deep-learning-based crack detection with applications for the structural health monitoring of gas turbines
Authors: Mohtasham Khani Mahtab , Vahidnia Sahand , Ghasemzadeh Leila , Ozturk Y Eren , Yuvalaklioglu Mustafa , Akin Selim , Ure Nazim Kemal
Published: November 2019

Gas turbine maintenance requires consistent inspections of cracks and other structural anomalies. The inspections provide information regarding the overall condition of the structures and yield information for estimating structural health and repair costs. Various image processing techniques have been used in the past to address the problem of automated visual crack detection with varying degrees of success. In this work, we propose a novel crack detection framework that utilizes techniques from both classical image processing and deep learning methodologies. The main contribution of this work is demonstrating that applying filters to image data in the pre-processing phase can significantly boost the classification performance of a convolutional neural network–based model. The developed architecture outperforms compared works by yielding a 96.26% classification accuracy on a data set of cracked surface images collected from gas turbines.
Anatomical Differences Between Intact and Ruptured Large Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Spanos Konstantinos , Nana Petroula , Kouvelos George , Mpatzalexis Konstantinos , Matsagkas Miltiadis , Giannoukas Athanasios D.
Published: November 2019

Purpose: To compare different anatomical characteristics between intact and ruptured large abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA >80 mm) with the goal of refining the process of estimating rupture risk. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study involving 62 male patients with large (>80 mm) aneurysms matched for age and smoking produced a 31-patient elective group with a mean maximum aneurysm diameter of 92±9.7 mm and a 31-patient rAAA group (mean maximum aneurysm diameter 95.7±12 mm). Preoperative computed tomography angiography scans were analyzed with a dedicated workstation, and anatomical characteristics of the aortic neck, iliac arteries, and aneurysm were compared in multivariable regression analyses; the outcomes are given as the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The prognostic utility of several characteristics as predictors of rupture occurrence was examined with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: Anatomical characteristics differing significantly between elective and ruptured aneurysms were the infrarenal aortic neck diameters at 5 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm; the neck length and calcification; the common iliac artery (CIA) lengths; the iliac artery indexes; the left CIA and external iliac artery diameters; and the total and true lumen aneurysm volumes. Intraluminal thrombus (ILT) volume did not differ (p=0.76), although its distribution in elective vs ruptured cases did [absent: 0% vs 19%, respectively (p=0.025); circumferential: 61% vs 35%, respectively (p=0.04)]. Total aneurysm volume was higher in rAAA (442±140 mL) vs intact AAA (331±143 mL, p=0.014), while the ILT/total aneurysm volume rate was lower in rAAA (55%) vs intact AAA (70%, p=0.02). Multivariate analysis determined that a shorter left CIA (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.1, p=0.016) and a smaller total aneurysm volume (OR 1.007, CI. 1.001 to 1.014, p=0.016) were associated with intact AAA. After a ROC curve analysis, left CIA length <50 mm demonstrated a lower incidence of rupture (sensitivity 60% and specificity 78%), while total aneurysm volume <380 mL had 60% sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: Large rAAAs seem to have different anatomical characteristics than similarly sized intact AAAs. Large intact AAAs have lower total aneurysm volumes and shorter left CIAs, with higher ILT/aneurysm volume rates.
Resurrecting antiquity: Memories of Medea in the Caribbean
Authors: Scherer Madeleine
Published: November 2019

This article maps out some of the ways in which classical antiquity is remembered in Caribbean theatre. Specifically, it discusses the refiguration of the ancient Medea myths within two plays by Steve Carter and José Triana, Pecong and Medea in the Mirror. In both plays, memories of Medea’s story are interwoven into religious rituals native to the authors’ own environments, whereby echoes of ancient characters, narratives and themes become part of the Caribbean cultural landscape. Through the narrative structure of these staged rituals, as well as the plays’ wider concerns with displacement, gender, class and race, both playwrights draw parallels between antiquity and modern Cuba and Trinidad; parallels in which the plays decontextualise narratives and characters from Graeco-Roman myths to tell stories specific to twentieth-century Caribbean islands. This article therein analyses the competitive framework that exists between memories of the classical, European canon and local Caribbean cultural environments.
New digital threats to media pluralism in the information age
Authors: Parcu Pier Luigi
Published: November 2019

The proliferation of news and information has reached unprecedented levels. Notwithstanding this apparent richness, increasing doubts about the quality and diversity of online news have grown for many years. The article arguments that the threats to quality information and media pluralism essentially come from two sources: the increasing concentration of economic resources into just a few gigantic online platforms/media and the spreading of the disinformation that is favored by the available technological instruments. After having analyzed these threats also in terms of their consequences for the public and democratic debate, the article focuses on the available responses, exploring the necessity of explicit and multidimensional public policies to preserve quality news and media pluralism as public goods that are indispensable to democracy.
Associations Between the Physical Activity Vital Sign and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in High-Risk Youth and Adolescents
Authors: Nelson Vicki R. , Masocol Robert V. , Asif Irfan M.
Published: November 2019

Background:

The physical activity vital sign (PAVS) is a simple, validated tool for assessing physical activity in adults that has not been previously studied in pediatrics.

Hypothesis:

Reported physical activity utilizing the PAVS in pediatric patients should vary according to known associations with physical activity, such as age, sex, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI).

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

All patients within a family medicine residency clinic were assessed via the PAVS from October 1, 2015, to October 31, 2016, including 255 consecutive pediatric patients aged 5 to 18 years. Associations were examined between PAVS, age, sex, blood pressure, and BMI using 1-way analysis of variance.

Results:

The average PAVS reported for youth (5-11 years) was 384.9 ± 218.1 minutes per week, with 69.5% reporting sufficient physical activity (≥300 minutes per week). Adolescents (12-18 years) reported a mean PAVS of 278.3 ± 199.6 minutes per week, with 51.1% reporting sufficient physical activity. Physical activity was lower in older participants ( P < 0.0001) and was higher in male patients ( P < 0.03). Higher BMI was associated with lower PAVS ( P < 0.005), while lower systolic blood pressure was associated with a greater number of days per week of physical activity ( P < 0.005).

Conclusion:

The PAVS successfully identifies accepted associations between age, sex, and BMI in a pediatric population.

Clinical Relevance:

The correlation of the PAVS with age, sex, BMI, and blood pressure may inform future strategies to address and prevent cardiometabolic disease in pediatric patients.
Securitization of refugees in South Asia: Through the prism of Kautilya’s Arthashastra
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Murali
Published: November 2019

The acceptance of refugees and internally displaced persons represents the altruism of the countries of South Asia, which has witnessed the phenomenon of displaced persons since the early 19th century. The refugee phenomenon has a causal nature and will remain for a long time to come. The refugee situation in South Asia since 1947 has also resulted in protracted internal security conditions in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The dual paradigm of refugees for a host country – societal concerns and security issues – can be resolved by adopting the Kautilyan Arthashastra (a treatise written around the turn of 4 BC) model of empowerment and integration for outsiders and his philosophy on securing society both from external and internal threats. Modern thinkers such as Plessner on anthropological behaviour, and critical security theories by Welsh and Booth, corroborate the ideas of Arthashastra. Given the prevailing global perception of refugees, the UNHCR articulation of durable solutions with a multilateral framework of understanding (MFU) among nations is a viable long-term solution. Given the peculiarities of South Asian economies, the article recommends that the long-term answer to the refugee crisis lies in an empowerment model and within the framework of collective decision-making of regional institutions such as BIMSTEC/SAARC for a coordinated and cooperative platform.
Introducing Item Pool Visualization: A method for investigation of concepts in self-reports and psychometric tests
Authors: Dantlgraber Michael , Stieger Stefan , Reips Ulf-Dietrich
Published: November 2019

In this article, we introduce Item Pool Visualization. It is an illustration system that locates items and item pools (scales) from multiple psychological instruments regarding their commonality and distinguishability along several dimensions of nested radar charts. The application of Item Pool Visualization creates illustrations that represent different item pools by different circles that do not overlap. Item Pool Visualization illustrates a comparison of different structural equation models that are estimated with the same data. It combines the advantages of general and correlated factor models when evaluating psychological instruments. Furthermore, in contrast to other visualization methods, Item Pool Visualization provides an empirically driven categorization of psychological constructs and their subconcepts (facets) that is suited to provide professionals with help in comparing psychometric constructs, questionnaires, and selecting tests.
Ninety-Day Readmission in Elective Revision Lumbar Fusion Surgery in the Inpatient Setting
Authors: Hydrick Thomas C. , Rubel Nicolas , Renfree Sean , Lara Nina , Makovicka Justin L. , Arvind Varun , Chang Michael , Chung Andrew
Published: November 2019

Study Design:

Retrospective review.

Objectives:

(1) Identify the 90-day rate of readmission following revision lumbar fusion, (2) identify independent risk factors associated with increased rates of readmission within 90 days, (3) and identify the hospital costs associated with revision lumbar fusion and subsequent readmission within 90 days.

Methods:

Utilizing 2014 data from the Nationwide Readmissions Database, patients undergoing elective revision lumbar fusion were identified. With this sample, multivariate logistic regression was utilized to identify independent predictors of readmission within 90 days. An analysis of total hospital costs was also conducted.

Results:

In 2014, an estimated 14 378 patients underwent elective revision lumbar fusion. The readmission rate at 90 days was 3.1% (n = 446). Diabetes with chronic complications was the only comorbidity found to carry significantly increased odds of readmission. Surgical complications such as deep venous thrombosis, surgical wound disruption, hematoma, and pneumonia (experienced during the index admission) were also independent predictors of readmission. Anterior approaches were associated with increased odds of readmission. The most common related diagnoses on readmission were hardware issues, postoperative infection, and disc herniation. Readmissions were associated with an average of $96 152 in increased hospital costs per patient compared with those not readmitted.

Conclusion:

Relevant patient comorbidities and surgical complications were associated with increased readmission within 90 days. Readmission within 90 days was associated with significant increases in hospital costs.
Death by ‘nature’: The European border regime and the spatial production of slow violence
Authors: Schindel Estela
Published: November 2019

The logic and temporality of the ‘border spectacle’ have dominated public reception of the violence endured by migrants and refugees on their journey to Europe, thus occluding the manifold ways in which daily, silent, slow violence unfolds through the EU border regime. The claim of this essay is that border assemblages are involved in the deployment of spatialized slow violence, especially through what I define as the political production of exposure to the elements. Scholars have shown how geographic and topographic factors are included in the strategies of border control and have become active factors in the policies of deterrence and ‘neo-refoulement’. Building on this work, I elaborate on the mediated agency of the environmental or ‘natural’ forces in the production of border-related violence. This is a violence that expands in space beyond the location of the geographical state border and extends in time beyond the concrete instance of border crossing. Here, sovereign violence operates not only through an unconditional power of death but also through the abandonment and exposure of migrants to the elements and therefore the production of a zone of mere biological survival, while accountability chains are concealed. What in the Western view is understood as ‘nature’ can be produced, mobilized and instrumentalized as an active factor in the infrastructures of border enforcement, producing spatialized forms of slow violence. This operation does not imply, however, that the possibilities of agency and resistance are neglected. Rather, it points to the allegedly neutral dimension of ‘nature’ towards which border struggles are being displaced.
Book review: From Archaeology to Heritage Studies: Reflections from the American Experience
Authors: Chapagain Neel Kamal
Published: November 2019

Phyllis Mauch Messenger and Susan J. Bender, History and Approaches to Heritage Studies. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida Press, 2019, 262 pp., US$95 (hardback), ISBN: 9780813056180.

Phyllis Mauch Messenger and Susan J. Bender, Pedagogy and Practice in Heritage Studies. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida Press, 2019, 236 pp., US$95 (hardback), ISBN: 9780813056142.
Investigating In Vitro Antibacterial Activities of Medicinal Plants Having Folkloric Repute in Ethiopian Traditional Medicine
Authors: Sisay Mekonnen , Bussa Negussie , Gashaw Tigist , Mengistu Getnet
Published: November 2019

Medicinal plants are targeted in the search for new antimicrobial agents. Nowadays, there is an alarmingly increasing antimicrobial resistance to available agents with a very slow development of new antimicrobials. It is, therefore, necessary to extensively search for new agents based on the traditional use of herbal medicines as potential source. The antibacterial activity of 80% methanol extracts of the leaves of Verbena officinalis (Vo-80ME), Myrtus communis (Mc-80ME), and Melilotus elegans (Me-80ME) was tested against 6 bacterial isolates using agar well diffusion technique. In each extract, 3 concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 mg/well were tested for each bacterium. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were also determined. Vo-80ME and Mc-80ME exhibited promising antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with the highest zone of inhibition being 18.67 and 26.16 mm, respectively at concentration of 40 mg/well. Regarding gram-negative bacteria, Vo-80ME exhibited an appreciable activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. Mc-80ME displayed remarkable activity against all isolates including Pseudomonas aeruginosa with the maximum zone of inhibition being 22.83 mm. Me-80ME exhibited better antibacterial activity against E coli, but its secondary metabolites had little or no activity against other gram-negative isolates. The MIC values of Vo-80ME ranged from 0.16 to 4.00 mg/mL. The lowest MIC was observed in Mc-80ME, with the value being 0.032 mg/mL. Mc-80ME had bactericidal activity against all tested bacterial isolates. Mc-80ME showed remarkable zone of inhibitions in all tested bacterial isolates. Besides, Vo-80ME showed good antibacterial activity against S aureus, E coli, and S typhi. Conversely, Me-80ME has shown good activity against E coli only. Generally, M communis L and V officinalis have good MIC and MBC results.
Reduced resting-state brain functional network connectivity and poor regional homogeneity in patients with CADASIL
Authors: Su Jingjing , Ban Shiyu , Wang Mengxing , Hua Fengchun , Wang Liang , Cheng Xin , Tang Yuping , Zhou Houguang , Zhai Yu , Du Xiaoxia , Liu Jianren
Published: November 2019

Background

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) manifests principally as a suite of cognitive impairments, particularly in the executive domain. Executive functioning requires the dynamic coordination of neural activity over large-scale networks. It remains unclear whether changes in resting-state brain functional network connectivity and regional homogeneities (ReHos) underly the mechanisms of executive dysfunction evident in CADASIL patients.

Methods

In this study, 22 CADASIL patients and 44 matched healthy controls underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Independent component analysis (ICA) was used to measure functional brain network connectivity, and ReHos were calculated to evaluate local brain activities. We used seed-based functional connectivity (FC) analyses to determine whether dysfunctional areas (as defined by ReHos) exhibited abnormal FC with other brain areas. Relationships among the mean intra-network connectivity z-scores of dysfunctional areas within functional networks, and cognitive scores were evaluated using Pearson correlation analyses.

Results

Compared to the controls, CADASIL patients exhibited decreased intra-network connectivity within the bilateral lingual gyrus (LG) and the right cuneus (CU) (thus within the visual network [VIN)], and within the right precuneus (Pcu), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and precentral gyrus (thus within the frontal network [FRN]). Compared to the controls, patients also exhibited significantly lower ReHos in the right precuneus and cuneus (Pcu/CU), visual association cortex, calcarine gyri, posterior cingulate, limbic lobe, and weaker FC between the right Pcu/CU and the bilateral parahippocampal gyrus (PHG), and between the right Pcu/CU and the right postcentral gyrus. Notably, the mean connectivity z-scores of the bilateral LG and the right CU within the VIN were positively associated with compromised attention, calculation and delayed recall as revealed by tests of the various cognitive domains explored by the Mini-Mental State Examination.

Conclusions

The decreases in intra-network connectivity within the VIN and FRN and reduced local brain activity in the posterior parietal area suggest that patients with CADASIL may exhibit dysfunctional visuomotor behaviors (a hallmark of executive function), and that all visual information processing, visuomotor planning, and movement execution may be affected.
Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of Metarhizium anisopliae during tick mimicked infection condition
Authors: Sbaraini Nicolau , Bellini Reinaldo , Penteriche Augusto Bartz , Guedes Rafael Lucas Muniz , Garcia Ane Wichine Acosta , Gerber Alexandra Lehmkuhl , Vainstein Marilene Henning , de Vasconcelos Ana Tereza Ribeiro , Schrank Augusto , Staats Charley Christian
Published: November 2019

Background

The Metarhizium genus harbors important entomopathogenic fungi. These species have been widely explored as biological control agents, and strategies to improve the fungal virulence are under investigation. Thus, the interaction between Metarhizium species and susceptible hosts have been explored employing different methods in order to characterize putative virulence determinants. However, the impact of epigenetic modulation on the infection cycle of Metarhizium is still an open topic. Among the different epigenetic modifications, DNA methylation of cytosine bases is an important mechanism to control gene expression in several organisms. To better understand if DNA methylation can govern Metarhizium-host interactions, the genome-wide DNA methylation profile of Metarhizium anisopliae was explored in two conditions: tick mimicked infection and a saprophytic-like control.

Results

Using a genome wide DNA methylation profile based on bisulfite sequencing (BS-Seq), approximately 0.60% of the total cytosines were methylated in saprophytic-like condition, which was lower than the DNA methylation level (0.89%) in tick mimicked infection condition. A total of 670 mRNA genes were found to be putatively methylated, with 390 mRNA genes uniquely methylated in the tick mimicked infection condition. GO terms linked to response to stimuli, cell wall morphogenesis, cytoskeleton morphogenesis and secondary metabolism biosynthesis were over-represented in the tick mimicked infection condition, suggesting that energy metabolism is directed towards the regulation of genes associated with infection. However, recognized virulence determinants known to be expressed at distinct infection steps, such as the destruxin backbone gene and the collagen-like protein gene Mcl1, were found methylated, suggesting that a dynamic pattern of methylation could be found during the infectious process. These results were further endorsed employing RT-qPCR from cultures treated or not with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Azacytidine.

Conclusions

The set of genes here analyzed focused on secondary metabolites associated genes, known to be involved in several processes, including virulence. The BS-Seq pipeline and RT-qPCR analysis employing 5-Azacytidine led to identification of methylated virulence genes in M. anisopliae. The results provided evidences that DNA methylation in M. anisopliae comprises another layer of gene expression regulation, suggesting a main role of DNA methylation regulating putative virulence determinants during M. anisopliae infection cycle.
Isolation, purification and characterization of an ascorbate peroxidase from celery and overexpression of the AgAPX1 gene enhanced ascorbate content and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Jie-Xia , Feng Kai , Duan Ao-Qi , Li Hui , Yang Qing-Qing , Xu Zhi-Sheng , Xiong Ai-Sheng
Published: November 2019

Background

Celery is a widely cultivated vegetable abundant in ascorbate (AsA), a natural plant antioxidant capable of scavenging free radicals generated by abiotic stress in plants. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) is a plant antioxidant enzyme that is important in the synthesis of AsA and scavenging of excess hydrogen peroxide. However, the characteristics and functions of APX in celery remain unclear to date.

Results

In this study, a gene encoding APX was cloned from celery and named AgAPX1. The transcription level of the AgAPX1 gene was significantly upregulated under drought stress. AgAPX1 was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and purified. The predicted molecular mass of rAgAPX1 was 33.16 kDa, which was verified by SDS-PAGE assay. The optimum pH and temperature for rAgAPX1 were 7.0 and 55 °C, respectively. Transgenic Arabidopsis hosting the AgAPX1 gene showed elevated AsA content, antioxidant capacity and drought resistance. Less decrease in net photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, and relative water content contributed to the high survival rate of transgenic Arabidopsis lines after drought.

Conclusions

The characteristics of APX in celery were different from that in other species. The enhanced drought resistance of overexpressing AgAPX1 in Arabidopsis may be achieved by increasing the accumulation of AsA, enhancing the activities of various antioxidant enzymes, and promoting stomatal closure. Our work provides new evidence to understand APX and its response mechanisms to drought stress in celery.
PdWND3A, a wood-associated NAC domain-containing protein, affects lignin biosynthesis and composition in Populus
Authors: Yang Yongil , Yoo Chang Geun , Rottmann William , Winkeler Kimberly A. , Collins Cassandra M. , Gunter Lee E. , Jawdy Sara S. , Yang Xiaohan , Pu Yunqiao , Ragauskas Arthur J. , Tuskan Gerald A. , Chen Jin-Gui
Published: November 2019

Background

Plant secondary cell wall is a renewable feedstock for biofuels and biomaterials production. Arabidopsis VASCULAR-RELATED NAC DOMAIN (VND) has been demonstrated to be a key transcription factor regulating secondary cell wall biosynthesis. However, less is known about its role in the woody species.

Results

Here we report the functional characterization of Populus deltoides WOOD-ASSOCIATED NAC DOMAIN protein 3 (PdWND3A), a sequence homolog of Arabidopsis VND4 and VND5 that are members of transcription factor networks regulating secondary cell wall biosynthesis. PdWND3A was expressed at higher level in the xylem than in other tissues. The stem tissues of transgenic P. deltoides overexpressing PdWND3A (OXPdWND3A) contained more vessel cells than that of wild-type plants. Furthermore, lignin content and lignin monomer syringyl and guaiacyl (S/G) ratio were higher in OXPdWND3A transgenic plants than in wild-type plants. Consistent with these observations, the expression of FERULATE 5-HYDROXYLASE1 (F5H1), encoding an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of sinapyl alcohol (S unit monolignol), was elevated in OXPdWND3A transgenic plants. Saccharification analysis indicated that the rate of sugar release was reduced in the transgenic plants. In addition, OXPdWND3A transgenic plants produced lower amounts of biomass than wild-type plants.

Conclusions

PdWND3A affects lignin biosynthesis and composition and negatively impacts sugar release and biomass production.