bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A surveillance system for urban buried pipeline subject to third-party threats based on fiber optic sensing and convolutional neural network
Authors: Li Suzhen , Peng Renzhu , Liu Zelong
Published: June 2020

Third-party threats, such as construction activities and man-made sabotage, have become the main cause of pipeline accidents in recent years. This article proposes a surveillance system for protecting the buried municipal pipelines from third-party damage based on distributed fiber optic sensing and convolutional neural network (CNN). Due to the ability of detecting very small perturbation, the phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry (φ-OTDR) is employed for distributed vibration measurements along the pipelines. A two-layer classifier based on CNN is developed: one layer is used to discriminate the third-party activities from the environmental disturbance; the other is to determine the specific type of the third-party events. Meanwhile, a time-space matrix is introduced to reduce the false alarm and correct possible errors by taking into account the continuity of the signals in time and space. Field tests are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed surveillance system. The recognition results show that the CNN-based classifiers achieve the accuracy of over 97%, which is 14.8% higher than that of the traditional feature-based machine learning method using random forest (RF) algorithm. It also indicates that the time-space matrix can dramatically reduce the false alarm and enhance the recognition accuracy.
Does overconfidence pay off when things go well? CEO overconfidence, firm performance, and the business cycle
Authors: Reyes Tomas , Vassolo Roberto S , Kausel Edgar E , Torres Diamela Peña , Zhang Stephen
Published: June 2020

We investigate the moderating effect of the business cycle on the positive relationship between CEO overconfidence and firm performance. We propose that the expansion years of the business cycle enhance the positive impact of overconfident CEOs on firms’ performance. However, this effect is reduced during recession periods. We analyze the effect of CEO overconfidence on the Return on Equity of publicly listed US firms from 1992 to 2015, a period that includes the bursting of the dot-com bubble in 2001 and the Great Recession of 2008–2009. The empirical findings support the hypotheses that expansion periods increase the positive relationship between overconfident CEOs and firms’ performance, but this positive effect weakens during recessions.
Career Development and Progression of Early Career Academics in Political Science: A Gendered Perspective
Authors: Briscoe-Palmer Shardia , Mattocks Kate
Published: June 2020

In this article, we examine the career development and progression of Early Career Academics in the discipline of political science in the UK. The primary focus is to explore whether and to what extent career development is gendered. With data from a survey of Early Career Academics as well as semi-structured interviews, the article shares personal experiences of professional development, exposing the challenges women in the profession face, including the gendered aspects of networking and mentoring, as well as broader issues of isolation, exclusion, and discrimination. These challenges are compounded by the structural contexts of UK Higher Education.
A novel method to construct antimicrobial surface by decorating polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous membrane with nanoparticles
Authors: Abedalwafa Mohammed Awad , Zhang Huiru , Mei Qianqian , Li Yan , Wang Fujun
Published: June 2020

In this paper, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibrous membranes (NFMs) were prepared by electrospinning technology. Copper (Cu) or/and zinc (Zn) nanoparticles (NPs) were deposited on the surface of PAN NFMs by spark ablation technology to fabricate a surface structure with antibacterial and hydrophobic properties. The deposition of NPs was controlled using current, voltage, carrier gas flow rate, and load time. The fabricated NFMs were characterized by FE-SEM, EDX, XRD, and water contact angle. Moreover, the antibacterial properties of the fabricated NFMs were studied using the agar-diffusion test method. The results showed that Cu, or/and Zn NPs successfully deposited on the surface of PAN NFMs, which improved the hydrophobicity by increasing the water contact angle from 46° to 128°, 130°, and 136°, respectively. Besides, the Zn@PAN NFMs sample was showed good antibacterial property against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains. Overall, the NPs@PAN NFMs based spark ablation technology might afford an easy-to-operated design pattern for constructing potential materials for water treatment applications.
Combination of Plasma MIF and VCA-IgA Improves the Diagnostic Specificity for Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Xue Ning , Xing Shan , Ma Weiguo , Sheng Jiahe , Huang Zhiliang , Xu Qingxia
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Materials and Methods:

The expression levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines, tumor tissues, and plasma were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry. Plasma Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen was determined by immunoenzymatic techniques.

Results:

Both the messenger RNA and protein expression levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor were upregulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines and nasopharyngeal carcinoma tissues. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor in plasma was significantly elevated in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma compared to Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen–negative and Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen–positive healthy donors. The combination of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen was better for diagnosing nasopharyngeal carcinoma (area under receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.925, 95% CI: 0.898-0.951) than macrophage migration inhibitory factor (area under receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.778, 95% CI: 0.732-0.824) and Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen. Combining macrophage migration inhibitory factor and Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen had higher specificity (82.40% vs 69.96%) and higher positive predictive value (79.17% vs 67.44%) without an obvious reduction in sensitivity (95.25%) compared to Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen alone. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor was highly expressed in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines, whereas it was not associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection. The level of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in plasma was not related to the titer of Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen.

Conclusion:

The combination of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and Epstein-Barr virus viral capsid antigen increases the specificity and positive predictive value of detecting nasopharyngeal carcinoma and improves the diagnostic accuracy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in high-risk individuals.
Feasibility of the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment-BIG Intervention in Stroke
Authors: Proffitt Rachel , Henderson Whitney , Stupps Mikayla , Binder Lisa , Irlmeier Bethany , Knapp Erin
Published: June 2020

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment-BIG (LSVT BIG) has been used in Parkinson’s disease and in two case studies with individuals post-stroke. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary clinical effect of the LSVT BIG program for individuals post-stroke. This study was a waitlist crossover design. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, after 4 weeks, and after crossover. The primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability; clinical outcomes were also assessed. We contacted 888 potential participants. Of the 35% of individuals who were interested in the study, most were ineligible to participate because they lacked transportation to the clinic. Five individuals were eligible and enrolled in the study. All completed 100% of in-clinic sessions. Four participants rated their occupational performance higher after the LSVT BIG intervention. It is feasible to deliver the LSVT BIG in the chronic stroke population. Individuals who complete the protocol demonstrate clinically relevant improvements.
Active and Passive Attentional Processing in Adolescent Suicide Attempters: An Event-Related Potential Study
Authors: Tavakoli Paniz , Boafo Addo , Jerome Emily , Campbell Kenneth
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. Suicidal behavior is associated with impairments in attention. Attention can be directed toward relevant events in the environment either actively, under voluntary control, or passively, by external salient events. The extent to which the risk for suicidal behavior affects active and passive attention is largely unknown.

Methods:

Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while 14 adolescents with acute suicidal behavior and 14 healthy controls performed an auditory 3-stimulus oddball task. The task consisted of standard (80%), target (10%), and novel (10%) stimuli. The participants were instructed to press a button upon presentation of the target. The novel stimuli were unexpected and irrelevant to the target detection task.

Results:

Accuracy of target detection was slightly but significantly reduced in the suicidal group. There were no significant differences in the amplitude of the target-N2 or -P3b between groups. There was a slight, but nonsignificant, increase in the amplitude of the novel-N2 and -P3 in the suicidal group.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to explore both passive and controlled aspects of attention using ERPs in adolescents with acute suicidal behavior. Although there were no significant ERP group differences, this is an important step in identifying objective markers of suicide risk among adolescents.
The study of the validity and reliability of the Occupational Self-Assessment-traditional Chinese version
Authors: Pan Ay-Woan , Chung LyInn , Chen Tsyr-Jang , Hsiung Ping-Chuan
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Health professionals who work in mental healthcare settings need to use standardised, objective instruments; however, it is also extremely important that they maintain a client-focused perspective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the ‘Traditional Chinese version of the Occupational Self-Assessment’ (TC-OSA).

Methods

A total of 593 participants with mental illnesses participated in the study. The data were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis as well as the Rasch measurement model.

Results

The results of our analysis revealed that the TC-OSA encompasses four domains: self-performance (11 items), self-habituation (5 items), self-volition (5 items) and environment (8 items). Most of the items within each domain were found to have a good fit with the Rasch measurement model, whereas the CFA index was found to have a good fit for only three of the domains, the one exception being the environment domain.

Conclusions

We suggest applying the scale in clinical practice to identify the priority of intervention and as a measure for changes in outcomes. Further development and refinement of the environmental domain is guaranteed.
Rapid wavelet construction of multi-resolution fairing for curves and surfaces with any number of control vertices
Authors: Ji Xiao-gang
Published: June 2020

In the field of curves and surfaces fairing, arbitrary resolution wavelet fairing algorithm made wavelet fairing technology widely extended to general curves and surfaces, which are determined by any number of control vertices. Unfortunately, accurate wavelet construction algorithm for general curves and surfaces still has not been perfect now. In this article, a concrete algorithm for reconstruction matrix and wavelet construction was emphatically studied, which would be used in the multi-resolution fairing process for curves and surfaces with any number of control vertices. The essence of this algorithm is to generalize wavelet construction into the solution of null space, which could be solved gradually and rapidly by the procedures of decomposition and simplification of coefficient matrix. Certainly, the related compactly supported wavelets could be constructed efficiently and accurately, too. In the last of the article, a complex curve and a complex surface case were provided to verify the stability, high performance, and robustness of this algorithm.
Intravenous ketorolac is associated with reduced mortality and morbidity after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Nejim Besma , Weaver M Libby , Locham Satinderjit , Al-Nouri Omar , Naazie Isaac N , Malas Mahmoud B
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The role of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in aortic aneurysm disease has been debated. Animal studies demonstrated that intrathecal ketorolac reduces the inflammatory response associated with aortic clamping. However, no human-subject study evaluated this association. Therefore, we sought to explore the effects of ketorolac use in open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Methods

The Premier Healthcare Database (June 2009–March 2015) was inquired to capture patients who underwent open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair for non-ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, identified via International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes. Intravenous ketorolac was coded as any or none. Outcomes were in-hospital mortality, cardiac, respiratory, renal, neurological, and hemorrhagic complications. Multivariable logistic regression coarsened exact matching followed by conditional fixed-effect regression modeling were performed.

Results

A total of 6394 patients were identified (ketorolac: 806; 12.6%). Patients who received ketorolac were younger and less likely to have hypertension (76.1% vs. 79.3%), diabetes mellitus (12.5% vs. 17.4%), or chronic kidney disease (8.3% vs. 21.4%; all p values  ≤  .033). There was no significant difference in medication use including oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and malignant or musculoskeletal diseases. Mortality, respiratory, and renal complications were less prevalent with ketorolac (2.5% vs. 4.9%, 25.2% vs. 34.6%, 10.0% vs. 21.1%; p ≤  .002). Ketorolac was associated with lower adjusted odds for those events: 0.58 (0.36–0.93), 0.53 (0.42–0.68), and 0.72 (0.60–0.86), respectively (all p values  ≤  .025). There was no association with neurological, cardiac, or hemorrhagic complications. The findings were replicated by coarsened exact matching analysis.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated 40% mortality reduction with intravenous ketorolac following open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The survival benefit could be due to its anti-inflammatory and opioid-sparing properties. This is evident by its protective effect against respiratory outcomes. The lack of association with the classical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-related cardiac and hemorrhagic complication could be attributable to the short-term use of ketorolac compared with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs chronic use.
Nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors toward venous thromboembolism prophylaxis: How to do better
Authors: Yan Ting , He Wenxia , Hang Cheng , Qin Lili , Qian Liulan , Jia Zhongzhi , Shi Yixin , Xu Yuhong
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To investigate the cognition of nurses on the control and treatment of venous thromboembolism in China, thereby providing suitable countermeasures for clinical venous thromboembolism prophylaxis and treatment.

Methods

In December 2019, a total of 1121 registered nurses from a university-affiliated hospital were selected to answer the self-designed and electronic questionnaire (Wenquanxing: www.wjx.cn/ ), which was designed to evaluate the nurses’ knowledge (21 items), attitudes (6 items), and behaviors (9 items) toward venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses were conducted for data analysis.

Results

Of the included 1121 nurses, only 55.43% nurses selected 100% correct answer. The influencing factors of knowledge included the department, education, professional ranks, and venous thromboembolism nursing experience. The nurses from ICU department gained the highest score, but the nurses from pediatrics department obtained the lowest score. The nurses with higher education level and professional ranks, and nursing experiences achieved higher scores. The total positive response rate for the attitude-related items was 68.54%. Nurses were primarily concerned about the financial penalty due to the inability to complete the work (49.0%). An increasing workload is the second primary concern of nurses (40.8%). The increasing medical cost, extension of hospital stay, and exacerbation of doctor–patient conflicts were the most serious difficulties involved in venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. The total correct score rate for the behaviors was 56.19%. Nearly half of the nurses could not offer advice for venous thromboembolism patients. The nursing experience, department, and years of work were related to the scores of knowledge-related items (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The overall knowledge level of the nurses was not optimistic. Although their general attitude toward venous thromboembolism prophylaxis was positive, their behaviors were influenced by many factors. Administrators should, therefore, make countermeasures to deal with these problems.
Factors that potentially influence successful weight loss for adults with intellectual disabilities: A qualitative comparison
Authors: Skelly Laura J , Smyth Philomena P , Donnelly Mark P , Leslie Julian C , Leader Geraldine , Simpson Liz , McDowell Claire
Published: June 2020

Background:

People with intellectual disabilities are more at risk of obesity than the general population. Emerging literature indicates that multicomponent interventions are most effective, however, individual results are variable and little research exists as to why this is the case.

Methods:

Focus groups were conducted to explore lived experiences between two groups of adults with intellectual disabilities; an overweight group ( n = 6) and a group identified as successful in losing weight ( n = 6). Similarities and differences were explored across four domains. Transcripts were produced and analysed using Theoretical Thematic Analysis.

Results:

Similarities included service centre supports, basic food knowledge and issues restricting independence. The successful weight loss group had also internalised health messages, engaged with external reinforcement programmes, responded to positive feedback and demonstrated healthier dietary habits.

Conclusion:

Weight management interventions would benefit from understanding the influence that internalisation of health messages, effective reinforcement systems and positive feedback can have on supporting the adoption of healthier habits.
Pregnant trauma patients may be at increased risk of mortality compared to nonpregnant women of reproductive age: trends and outcomes over 10 years at a level I trauma center
Authors: Maxwell Bryan G , Greenlaw Andrea , Smith Wendy J , Barbosa Ronald R , Ropp Kate M , Lundeberg Megan R
Published: June 2020

Background:

Pregnancy has been identified as a risk factor for poor outcomes after traumatic injury, but prior outcome analyses are conflicting and dated. We sought to examine outcomes in a contemporary cohort.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort analysis at a level I trauma center’s institutional registry from 2009 to 2018, with comparison to population-level demographic trends in women of reproductive age and pregnancy prevalence. Unadjusted cohorts of pregnant versus nonpregnant trauma patients were compared. Pregnant patients then were matched on age, mechanism of injury, year, and injury severity score with nonpregnant controls for adjusted analysis with a primary outcome of maternal mortality.

Results:

Despite declining birth and pregnancy rates in the population, pregnant women comprised a stable 5.3% of female trauma patients of reproductive age without decline over the study period (p = 0.53). Compared with nonpregnant women, pregnant trauma patients had a lower injury severity score (1 [1–5] vs 5 [1–10] p < 0.0001) and a shorter length of stay (1 [1–2] vs 1 [1–4] p = 0.04), were less likely to have CT imaging (48.8% vs 67.4%, p < 0.0001) and more likely to be admitted (89.3% vs 79.2%, p = 0.003). Positive toxicology screens were less prevalent in pregnant women, but only for ethanol (5.4% vs 31.4%, p < 0.0001); there was no difference in rates of cannabis, opiates, or cocaine. After matching to adjust for age, year, mechanism of injury, and injury severity score, mortality occurred significantly more frequently in the pregnant cohort (2.1% vs 0.2%, OR = 13.5 [1.39–130.9], p = 0.02).

Conclusion:

Pregnant trauma patients have not declined in our population despite population-level declines in pregnancy. After adjusting for lower injury severity, pregnant women were at substantially greater risk of mortality. This supports ongoing concern for pregnant trauma patients as a vulnerable population. Further efforts should optimize systems of care to maximize the chances of rescue for both mother and fetus.
Comparative study of the effectiveness of a low-pressure hyperbaric oxygen treatment and physical exercise in women with fibromyalgia: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Izquierdo-Alventosa Ruth , Inglés Marta , Cortés-Amador Sara , Gimeno-Mallench Lucia , Sempere-Rubio Núria , Chirivella Javier , Serra-Añó Pilar
Published: June 2020

Background:

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by chronic pain and fatigue, among other manifestations, thus advising interventions that do not aggravate these symptoms. The main purpose of this study is to analyse the effect of low-pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on induced fatigue, pain, endurance and functional capacity, physical performance and cortical excitability when compared with a physical exercise program in women with FM.

Methods:

A total of 49 women with FM took part in this randomized controlled trial. They were randomly allocated to three groups: physical exercise group (PEG, n = 16), low-pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy group (HBG, n = 17) and control group (CG, n = 16). Induced fatigue, perceived pain, pressure pain threshold, endurance and functional capacity, physical performance and cortical excitability were assessed. To analyse the effect of the interventions, two assessments, that is, pre and post intervention, were carried out. Analyses of the data were performed using two-way mixed multivariate analysis of variance.

Results:

The perceived pain and induced fatigue significantly improved only in the HBG ( p < 0.05) as opposed to PEG and CG. Pressure pain threshold, endurance and functional capacity, and physical performance significantly improved for both interventions ( p < 0.05). The cortical excitability (measured with the resting motor threshold) did not improve in any of the treatments ( p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Low-pressure HBOT and physical exercise improve pressure pain threshold, endurance and functional capacity, as well as physical performance. Induced fatigue and perceived pain at rest significantly improved only with low-pressure HBOT.

Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03801109.
An update on serum biomarkers to assess axial spondyloarthritis and to guide treatment decision
Authors: Lorenzin Mariagrazia , Ometto Francesca , Ortolan Augusta , Felicetti Mara , Favero Marta , Doria Andrea , Ramonda Roberta
Published: June 2020

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a group of debilitating, chronic, rheumatic conditions characterized by inflammation and new bone formation, mainly involving the spine and the sacroiliac joints. The lack of biomarkers in axSpA is well known. Despite significant treatment advances in recent years thanks to the introduction of drugs with a new mode of action, such as new biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, no relevant improvement in the identification of disease biomarkers has been achieved. Common parameters, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, which are routinely used to measure systemic inflammation, are the sole markers available to date and are not adequate to assess disease activity in all patients.

The aim of this study is to review the most promising serum biomarkers that may help treatment decision in axSpA via a proper assessment of disease activity and identification of negative prognostic factors.
Why a New Name? The Role of Asset Characteristics and Broad Market Trends in Predicting Brand Affiliation Change in Hotels
Authors: Blengini Isabella , Das Prashant
Published: June 2020

Brand affiliation is a critical choice in the hotel business. The decision to change brand (i.e., “rebranding”) may be determined by asset-level private information as well as publicly known information related to the property. In this article, we focus on nonprivate information, such as property features as well as market and industry performance indicators. Using the semiparametric and parametric hazard models, we show that variables such as hotels’ past record of affiliation changes, age, class, type, and location help predict the likelihood of rebranding. This analysis should increase the ability of industry practitioners to define rebranding risk and to use it as a competitive advantage.
Effects of Cost and Benefit of Prosocial Behavior on Reputation
Authors: Kawamura Yuta , Ohtsubo Yohsuke , Kusumi Takashi
Published: June 2020

Prosocial behavior consists of a cost to the actor and a benefit of others. Previous studies have shown that prosocial actors generally receive positive social evaluations from observers. However, it is unknown how each component of prosocial behavior (i.e., cost and benefit) influences the two dimensions of person perception (i.e., warmth and competence). Thus, three studies investigated the independent effects of cost and benefit on the perceived warmth and competence of the actor. In Study 1, participants read a series of vignettes about a protagonist incurring a cost to benefit another individual and rated the warmth and competence of each protagonist. Although benefit enhanced both perceived warmth and competence, cost enhanced only perceived warmth. Studies 2a and 2b separately manipulated costs and benefits of prosocial behaviors in vignettes and confirmed the results of Study 1. Thus, this study demonstrated the independent effects of cost and benefit on person perception.
The Beauty of the Zero: Replications and Extensions of the Hidden-Zero Effect in Delay Discounting Tasks
Authors: Dang Junhua , Liu Xiaoping , Xiao Shanshan , Mao Lihua , Chan Ka Tung , Li Chaoyu , Lin Meihan , Liu Zanzan , Luo Yanran , Sun Yumingzi , Wu Yu-Hsin , Schiöth Helgi B.
Published: June 2020

Unlike the presentation format in a typical delay discounting task (e.g., “Would you prefer [A] US$4.3 today OR [B] US$7.5 in 22 days?”), Magen et al. inserted a zero to each alternative (e.g., “Would you prefer [A] US$4.3 today and US$0 in 22 days OR [B] US$0 today and US$7.5 in 22 days?”) and found this manipulation effectively reduced delay discounting ( d = .84), which was referred to as the hidden-zero effect. Study 1 was a direct replication of this effect. In Study 2, we tested whether the explicit-zero format could buffer against the detrimental effect of exposure to sexy cues on delay discounting. In Study 3, we explored the mechanism underlying the hidden-zero effect. Taken together, the hidden-zero effect was consistently found across all studies ( N = 2,440) and our internal meta-analysis yielded a medium to large effect size ( d = .52).
Curcumin prevents chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced myocardial injury
Authors: Moulin Sophie , Arnaud Claire , Bouyon Sophie , Pépin Jean-Louis , Godin-Ribuot Diane , Belaidi Elise
Published: June 2020

Background:

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH), the hallmark feature of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, contributes to infarct size enhancement after myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (I/R). Curcumin (Curc), the natural pigment of Curcuma longa, has been demonstrated to be beneficial in the context of myocardial injury. In this study, we assessed the effects of Curc on the maladaptive cardiac response to IH, and particularly on IH-induced hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) expression, oxidative stress, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis.

Methods:

Swiss/SV129 mice were exposed to normoxia or IH (21–5% FiO2, 60 s cycles, 8 h per day, for 21 days) and treated orally with Curc (100 mg kg−1 day−1, oral gavage) or its vehicle. Mice were then either euthanised for heart sampling in order to perform biochemical and histological analysis, or subjected to an in vivo ischemia-reperfusion protocol in order to measure infarct size.

Results:

IH increased nuclear HIF-1α expression and superoxide anion (O2.–) production as well as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) p65, glucose-regulated protein (Grp78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expression. IH also induced apoptosis and increased infarct size after I/R . The IH-induced HIF-1 activation, oxidative stress, inflammation, ER stress and apoptosis were abolished by chronic Curc treatment. Curc also significantly decreased infarct size only in mice exposed to IH.

Conclusion:

Curc prevents IH-induced myocardial cell death signalling. Curc might be used as a combined therapy with continuous positive airway pressure in sleep apnoea patients with high cardiovascular risk.
Bereavement, grief, and consolation: Emotional-affective geographies of loss during COVID-19
Authors: Maddrell Avril
Published: June 2020

COVID-19 has resulted in new global geographies of death ranging from cellular to global scales. These geographies are uneven, reflecting existing inequalities and failures of governance. In addition to death and bereavement, the pandemic has generated varied forms of loss and consolation, as well as negative and positive affective atmospheres, whereby emotions are mobilised and politicised. Understanding these emotional-affective topographies and ‘emotional-viral-loads’ is vital to wellbeing, resilience, and unfolding policy interventions locally and globally.
Sunlight alone is not a disinfectant: Consent and the futility of opening Big Data black boxes (without assistance)
Authors: Obar Jonathan A.
Published: June 2020

In our attempts to achieve privacy and reputation deliverables, advocating for service providers and other data managers to open Big Data black boxes and be more transparent about consent processes, algorithmic details, and data practice is easy. Moving from this call to meaningful forms of transparency, where the Big Data details are available, useful, and manageable is more difficult. Most challenging is moving from that difficult task of meaningful transparency to the seemingly impossible scenario of achieving, consistently and ubiquitously, meaningful forms of consent, where individuals are aware of data practices and implications, understand these realities, and agree to them as well. This commentary unpacks these concerns in the online consent context. It emphasizes that self-governance fallacy pervades current approaches to achieving digital forms of privacy, exemplified by the assertion that transparency and information access alone are enough to help individuals achieve privacy and reputation protections.
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors in Nephrology Practice: A Narrative Review
Authors: Dubrofsky Lisa , Srivastava Anand , Cherney David Z.
Published: June 2020

Purpose of the review:

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are recommended for eligible patients with type 2 diabetes for the secondary prevention of adverse cardiovascular and kidney disease outcomes. Patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease, a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and/or heart failure with reduced ejection fraction should be assessed for the use of these therapies.

Sources of information:

The sources include published clinical trials with SGLT2is, with a focus on cardiovascular safety studies and kidney protection trials.

Methods:

Information was gathered via a review of relevant literature and clinical practice guidelines, incorporated with real-life clinical experience.

Key findings:

Clinicians prescribing these agents must be familiar with the benefits of SGLT2is on cardiovascular and renal endpoints, and with adverse effects of SGLT2is, including mycotic genital infections and diabetic ketoacidosis. Primary care physicians and specialists should know how to adjust antihypertensive, antiglycemic, and diuretic agents. With the results of completed cardiovascular outcome trials and the Canagliflozin and Renal Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes and Nephropathy trial, nephrologists specifically have a unique opportunity to impact the safe, effective, and equitable implementation of SGLT2is into clinical practice.

Limitations:

Further work is needed in specific patient subgroups, including patients with chronic kidney disease stages IV and V, patients with kidney disease but lower levels of albuminuria, and in patients without diabetes.
Entrepreneurial Solidarities: Social Media Collectives and Filipino Digital Platform Workers
Authors: Soriano Cheryll Ruth R. , Cabañes Jason Vincent A.
Published: June 2020

The article examines the role of social media groups for online freelance workers in the Philippines—digital workers obtaining “gigs” from online labor platforms such as Upwork and Onlinejobs.ph—for social facilitation and collective organizing. The article first problematizes labor marginality in the context of online freelance platform workers situated in the middle of competing narratives of precarity and opportunity. We then examine unique forms of solidarity emerging from social media groups formed by these geographically spread digital workers. Drawing from participant observation in online freelance Facebook groups, as well as interviews and focus groups with 31 online freelance workers located in the cities of Manila, Cebu, and Davao, we found that online Filipino freelancers maintain active social interaction and exchange that can be construed as “entrepreneurial solidarities.” These solidarities are characterized by competing discourses of ambiguity, precarity, opportunity, and adaptation that are articulated and visualized through ambient socialities. While we argue that these entrepreneurial solidarities do not reflect a passive and simplistic acceptance of neoliberal discourses about digital labor by digital workers, the solidarities forged in these groups also work to undermine their resistive potential such that these tend to reinforce rather than impose pressure toward critical structural changes that can improve the viability of digital labor conditions.
Social Networks and Supply Chain Management in Fish Trade
Authors: Pedroza-Gutiérrez Carmen , Hernández Juan M.
Published: June 2020

This study aims to construct a theoretical framework to analyze the elements of the network structure and the relationship system within the seafood supply chain. The scope of the investigation is to evaluate how these elements influence the flow of products and the efficiency of the seafood supply chain and why these social interactions can create value and enhance competitive advantage. The model combines the resource- and knowledge-based view and the social network analysis applied to seafood supply chains. To demonstrate the application of the model, two theoretical examples and a real case study of the Mercado del Mar in Guadalajara, Mexico, are used. Primary data are obtained from semi-structured interviews, social network analysis metrics, and qualitative analysis. Findings are based on the analysis of theoretical examples and must be considered with caution. Nevertheless, the observations in the examples and case study provide new arguments to the relationship between the pattern of interrelationship and the efficiency of a supply chain. This study emphasizes the necessity of combining quantitative and qualitative analyses to understand and explain real-life supply networks.
Impact of Interprofessional Primary Care Practice on Patient Outcomes: A Scoping Review
Authors: McCutcheon Livia R. M. , Haines Stuart T. , Valaitis Ruta , Sturpe Deborah A. , Russell Grant , Saleh Ahlam A. , Clauson Kevin A. , Lee Jeannie K.
Published: June 2020

Systematic reviews have provided some insight into the impact of interprofessional collaborative practice on patient outcomes. Despite strong interest in interprofessional collaborative practice, relatively little is known about its impact in primary care settings. This scoping literature review describes the essential elements of an interprofessional primary care practice and explores what is known about its impact on patient care including clinical, humanistic, and economic outcomes. We completed a review of the literature examining the breadth of knowledge related to interprofessional collaborative practice in primary care settings. A search was conducted to identify studies based on predefined criteria. A total of 51 studies met the criteria. A total of 27 studies reported a significantly positive clinical outcome with the interprofessional collaborative practice model, 27 studies reported no difference, and one study reported negative outcome in mortality. A total of 15 studies reported a significantly positive humanistic outcome. There was little to no difference in economic outcomes. This study provides new insights for future research that examines the impact of interprofessional primary care practice.
Royce White, DeMar DeRozan and Media Framing of Mental Health in the NBA
Authors: Cassilo David
Published: June 2020

This study analyzed media framing of two players from the National Basketball Association (NBA), Royce White and DeMar DeRozan, who both publicly addressed their mental health concerns within the last decade. Due to societal stigmas, such a public conversation was once a rarity in the NBA, making their discussion of mental health a worthy area of examination. A media framing analysis of 58 press articles for White and 42 articles for DeRozan revealed six frames for each athlete used to discuss their situation. Despite both being African American athletes playing the same sport, they were covered differently. Analysis discovered that frames for White, a first-year player who wanted changes in the system of how the NBA handled mental health, most commonly focused on him and his specific situation, while frames for DeRozan, an NBA All-Star who positioned himself solely as an advocate, most frequently discussed shedding the stigma of mental health and the increased awareness surrounding the topic. Additionally, while there were frames critical of White, there were no such frames for DeRozan. Still, for both players, this type of coverage humanizes the experience of mental health and leads to important insights about changes in masculinity among athletes.
Fair Go? Indigenous Rugby League Players and the Racial Exclusion of the Australian National Anthem
Authors: Cleland Jamie , Adair Daryl , Parry Keith
Published: June 2020

This article explores the implications of widely publicized national anthem protests by several Indigenous rugby league players in Australia during 2019. With a goal of doing justice to these Indigenous voices (and in this case also their silence), a critical race theory framework was deployed to both listen to and interpret the reasons behind the protests. The data source was online media reports that centered on the perspectives of players and rugby league officials, along with responses to the protests by prominent journalists and politicians via online opinion pieces. The findings indicate that the voices of Indigenous athletes in Australia are important in raising concerns about nationalist rituals and symbols that, by their colonialist nature, subjugate Aboriginal peoples. Importantly, the Indigenous rugby league players were not alone in their campaign. The Recognition in Anthem Project, which began in 2017, indicates that the perspectives of these protesting rugby players were part of a wider discussion about change. The movement for a new national anthem, therefore, was not just isolated to sport, and this appears to have provided the Indigenous rugby players—as social commentators—with atypical influence.
Emerging Job Precariousness: Work Experiences and Expectations of Low-Qualified Young Workers in Switzerland
Authors: Masdonati Jonas , Fedrigo Laurence , Zufferey Robin
Published: June 2020

Based on the notion of decent work and the Psychology of Working Theory, our research aimed to understand the subjective work experiences and anticipations of emerging adults doing precarious jobs in Switzerland. We carried out a consensual qualitative analysis of 15 interviews with Swiss-born and foreign-born low-qualified precarious young workers. Results shed light on sources of dissatisfaction within their jobs, such as unhealthy working conditions and a hostile work atmosphere, and sources of satisfaction at work, such as interesting tasks and fulfilling relationships. Moreover, participants’ career plans were either vague or clearly defined. These results have implications for the design of counseling interventions for emerging adults at risk of, or already experiencing, difficult school-to-work transitions and job insecurity.
The Prevalence of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Spinal Cord Compression on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Smith Sam S. , Stewart Max E. , Davies Benjamin M. , Kotter Mark R. N.
Published: June 2020

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives:

Cervical spinal cord compression (SCC) due to degenerative changes of the spine is a frequent finding on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). While most people remain asymptomatic, a proportion develop symptoms of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). DCM is an often-progressive neurological disease that can cause quadriplegia. The epidemiology of SCC and DCM is poorly understood. We sought to estimate the prevalence of degenerative cervical SCC and DCM from cross-sectional cohorts undergoing MRI.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of MRI reports on human subjects older than 16 years with degenerative SCC. A predetermined search strategy was used to identify relevant literature on MEDLINE. Title and abstract screenings were followed by full text screening. Data was extracted and analyzed by fixed or random-effects models.

Results:

The present search returned 1506 publications. Following our exclusion criteria, 19 studies were included. Subgroup analysis of 3786 individuals estimated the prevalence of asymptomatic SCC in a healthy population as 24.2% with a significantly higher prevalence of SCC in older populations compared with younger populations and American/European populations compared with Asian populations. Subgroup analysis of 1202 individuals estimated the prevalence of DCM in a healthy population as 2.3%.

Conclusions:

We present the first estimates of the prevalence of asymptomatic SCC and DCM. Studies investigating the epidemiology of SCC are heterogeneous in methodology and results. These data indicate the need for more studies into the epidemiology of SCC and DCM performed with consistent methodologies.
Europe’s future depends on perspective not policy
Authors: Kuus Merje
Published: June 2020

Before we can fruitfully discuss what Europe ought to do about its various policy dilemmas, we need to re-examine the lens through which we view these dilemmas. I will highlight two problems with the habitual lens on Europe’s future: firstly, it’s unrealistic emphasis on clarity and coherence and, secondly, its state-centrism and state-envy. I explore the ways in which we can reverse the lens to examine familiar problems from unfamiliar angles.
Artificial intelligence in luminal endoscopy
Authors: Gulati Shraddha , Emmanuel Andrew , Patel Mehul , Williams Sophie , Haji Amyn , Hayee Bu’Hussain , Neumann Helmut
Published: June 2020

Artificial intelligence is a strong focus of interest for global health development. Diagnostic endoscopy is an attractive substrate for artificial intelligence with a real potential to improve patient care through standardisation of endoscopic diagnosis and to serve as an adjunct to enhanced imaging diagnosis. The possibility to amass large data to refine algorithms makes adoption of artificial intelligence into global practice a potential reality. Initial studies in luminal endoscopy involve machine learning and are retrospective. Improvement in diagnostic performance is appreciable through the adoption of deep learning. Research foci in the upper gastrointestinal tract include the diagnosis of neoplasia, including Barrett’s, squamous cell and gastric where prospective and real-time artificial intelligence studies have been completed demonstrating a benefit of artificial intelligence–augmented endoscopy. Deep learning applied to small bowel capsule endoscopy also appears to enhance pathology detection and reduce capsule reading time. Prospective evaluation including the first randomised trial has been performed in the colon, demonstrating improved polyp and adenoma detection rates; however, these appear to be relevant to small polyps. There are potential additional roles of artificial intelligence relevant to improving the quality of endoscopic examinations, training and triaging of referrals. Further large-scale, multicentre and cross-platform validation studies are required for the robust incorporation of artificial intelligence–augmented diagnostic luminal endoscopy into our routine clinical practice.
edTPA: Assisting Rural Special Education Teacher Candidates to Incorporate Self-Regulation Skills in Planning and Instruction
Authors: Rivera Christopher J. , McKissick Bethany , Adams Madison
Published: June 2020

Forty-one states and 928 teacher preparation programs across the United States are using the Teaching Performance Assessment (edTPA) as an evaluation tool to determine teacher readiness and/or meet licensure requirements. Nationwide, pre-service special education teachers struggle to demonstrate proficiency in specific areas of the edTPA (i.e., plan assessments to monitor and support student learning, analyze teaching effectiveness, and incorporate learner feedback into future learning goals). A commonality across these areas is the incorporation of self-determination skills (e.g., self-regulation) into student learning. Assisting pre-service special education teachers to help students become more self-determined may increase these lower scores on the edTPA. More importantly, increasing self-determination is particularly important for students with disabilities in rural areas who often face challenges related to poverty, decreased opportunities for post-school employment, and underemployment due to geographic location and isolation. This article provides a description of how a special education department sought to assist pre-service special educators in embedding self-regulatory behaviors within lesson plans to better promote self-determination for their students in rural communities across eastern North Carolina.
The Challenges of Implementing Temporal Shifts in Temporary Organizations: Implications of a Situated Temporal View
Authors: Vaagaasar Anne Live , Hernes Tor , Dille Therese
Published: June 2020

We apply a situated temporal view to reveal the acute challenge actors face in making changes when their project moves toward its final deadline. A situated temporal view takes account not just of the dwindling time left to change the future but also the lingering past, the combination of which poses particular challenges to organizers. We discuss aspects of temporary organizing that make such temporal shifts challenging: the complex interplay between temporal structures and practices, multiple temporal orientations, and deferred timing of temporal shifts. We suggest ideas for further research to apply a situated temporal view to temporary organizing.