bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of teachers’ information literacy based on information of behavioral data in online learning and teaching platforms: an empirical study of China
Authors: Li Yating , Zhou Chi , Wu Di , Chen Min
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Advances in information technology now permit the recording of massive and diverse process data, thereby making data-driven evaluations possible. This study discusses whether teachers’ information literacy can be evaluated based on their online information behaviors on online learning and teaching platforms (OLTPs).

Design/methodology/approach

First, to evaluate teachers’ information literacy, the process data were combined from teachers on OLTP to describe nine third-level indicators from the richness, diversity, usefulness and timeliness analysis dimensions. Second, propensity score matching (PSM) and difference tests were used to analyze the differences between the performance groups with reduced selection bias. Third, to effectively predict the information literacy score of each teacher, four sets of input variables were used for prediction using supervised learning models.

Findings

The results show that the high-performance group performs better than the low-performance group in 6 indicators. In addition, information-based teaching and behavioral research data can best reflect the level of information literacy. In the future, greater in-depth explorations are needed with richer online information behavioral data and a more effective evaluation model to increase evaluation accuracy.

Originality/value

The evaluation based on online information behaviors has concrete application scenarios, positively correlated results and prediction interpretability. Therefore, information literacy evaluations based on behaviors have great potential and favorable prospects.
Effect of fiber content and fiber orientation on mechanical behavior of fused filament fabricated continuous-glass-fiber-reinforced nylon
Authors: Luke Stephanie S. , Soares David , Marshall Janaye V. , Sheddden James , Keleş Özgür
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Fused filament fabrication of continuous-fiber-reinforced polymers is a promising technique to achieve customized high-performance composites. However, the off-axis tensile strength (TS) and Mode I fracture toughness of fused filament fabricated (FFFed) continuous-glass-fiber-reinforced (CGFR) nylon are unknown. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mechanical and fracture behavior of FFFed CGFR nylon with various fiber content and off-axis fiber alignment.

Design/methodology/approach

Tensile tests were performed on FFFed CGFR-nylon with 9.5, 18.9 and 28.4 fiber vol. %. TS was tested with fiber orientations between 0∘ and 90∘ at 15∘ intervals. Double cantilever beam tests were performed to reveal the Mode I fracture toughness of FFFed composites.

Findings

TS increased with increasing fiber vol. % from 122 MPa at 9.5 vol. % to 291 MPa at 28 vol. %. FFFed nylon with a triangular infill resulted in 37 vol. % porosity and a TS of 12 MPa. Composite samples had 11–12 vol. % porosity. TS decreased by 78% from 291 MPa to 64 MPa for a change in fiber angle θ from 0∘ (parallel to the tensile stress) to 15∘. TS was between 27 and 17 MPa for 300 < θ < 900. Mode I fracture toughness of all the composites were lower than ∼332 J/m2.

Practical implications

Practical applications of FFFed continuous-fiber-reinforced (CFR) nylon should be limited to designs where tensile stresses align within 15∘ of the fiber orientation. Interlayer fracture toughness of FFFed CFR composites should be confirmed for product designs that operate under Mode I loading.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study showing the effects of fiber orientation on the mechanical behavior and effects of the fiber content on the Mode I fracture toughness of FFFed CGFR nylon.
Tracking selves or tracking relationships? Means of measuring time amongst Ethiopian runners
Authors: Crawley Michael
Published: July 2021

GPS watches and digital self‐tracking devices (DSTDs) have been characterized as ‘self‐tracking’ devices, assuming a dyadic relationship between individuals and technologies. Amongst Ethiopian professional runners, such devices have become increasingly sought after, and yet they are embedded in deeper relationships of collaborative work, submission, and authority. They circulate between people, tracking relationships as much as they track selves. I place their use in the context of the discourses and practices of two of the main corporations working with runners in Ethiopia to suggest that the logic of exponential acceleration upon which these corporations rely is contested by Ethiopian runners, who attempt to achieve a synthesis between external scientific knowledge and pre‐existing ideas about energy, risk, and collective work. Whilst DSTDs may offer a tantalizing opportunity to give in to individualistic urges, in fact they crystallize existing tensions in Amhara society between centrifugal desire and duties of care and reciprocity.
The effect of microparticulated whey protein on the characteristics of reduced‐fat cheese and of the corresponding microwave vacuum‐dried cheese puffs and finely ground puffs
Authors: Chudy Sylwia , Makowska Agnieszka , Krzywdzińska‐Bartkowiak Mirosława , Piątek Michał , Henriques Marta , Borges Ana Raquel , Gomes David , Pereira Carlos Dias
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to determine the impact of microparticulated whey protein (MPWP), used as a fat replacer, on the physicochemical and sensory properties of reduced fat, washed curd, cheese and cheese puffs obtained by vacuum microwave drying (VMD). The physicochemical characteristics of finely ground cheese puffs were also evaluated. Reduced‐fat cheese with MPWP addition did not affect most of the characteristics of the cheese and ground puffs. However, its influence on the characteristics of puffs was noted. Reduced‐fat cheese without MPWP has proven to be the best raw material to produce microwave vacuum‐dried puffs. Finally, this research suggests that vacuum microwave drying can be a promising solution for production of cheese puffs and that finely ground puffs can also be used as potential ingredients in food formulations.
The Disciplinary Effect of Social Media: Evidence from Firms' Responses to Glassdoor Reviews
Authors: DUBE SVENJA , ZHU CHENQI
Published: July 2021

We examine how firms respond to the increased workplace transparency due to the coverage on Glassdoor.com, which collects and disseminates reviews on employee satisfaction. Leveraging the staggered timing of first‐time reviews on Glassdoor, we use a difference‐in‐differences design and find that after being reviewed on Glassdoor, firms improve their workplace practices, measured by corporate social responsibility scores on employee relations and diversity. Consistent with firms improving their workplace practices to remain competitive in the labor market, we find that such improvement concentrates in firms with negative initial reviews and with high labor intensity. We also find firms increase disclosures about workplace practices after being reviewed and the increase concentrates in firms with high institutional ownership, consistent with firms providing more disclosures to appease investors. Overall, our findings suggest that the increased workplace transparency through social media has a disciplinary effect on corporate policies.
Evaluating Dutch Leakage Scores in diagnosing anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery
Authors: Malibary Nadim , Saleem Abdulaziz , Almuttawa Abdullah , Delhorme Jean‐Baptiste , Manfredelli Simone , Romain Benoit , Brigand Cecile , Rohr Serge
Published: July 2021

Aim

Anastomotic leakage is a serious complication after colorectal surgery. Different models have been studied in an attempt to detect anastomotic leak (AL) early, in order to reduce its morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of the Dutch Leakage (DULK) and modified DULK scores to detect AL after elective colorectal surgery with colocolic or colorectal anastomosis.

Methods

A total of 101 consecutive patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery with colocolic or colorectal anastomosis were retrospectively reviewed from May 2015 to October 2016. DULK and modified DULK scores were applied for each patient retrospectively. The main outcome measure is to match DULK score results with the clinical diagnosis or exclusion of an anastomotic leakage.

Results

Of the 101 patients who underwent colorectal operations, eight had AL (7.9%), of which three had protective stomas. The DULK score had a sensitivity of 62.5%, specificity of 86.32%, positive predictive value of 27.78% and negative predictive value of 96.39%. Modified DULK score had a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 76.43%, positive predictive value of 21.43% and negative predictive value of 97.26%. The DULK and modified DULK scores were able to detect AL on average 2 and 1.7 days, earlier than the clinical diagnosis, respectively.

Conclusion

The DULK and modified DULK scores were an excellent tool for excluding AL after colorectal surgery. They are easily calculated and do not require sophisticated laboratory or radiological tests. A limitation is that this is a single‐centre study concentrated on evaluating a score with no long‐term outcomes.
Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum: A patient with metal allergy
Authors: Lau Frederick Ho‐chun , Chan Joyce Wing‐yan , Chan Hoi‐ming , Ng Wing‐shun
Published: July 2021

Nuss Procedure, a physical approach with a conformed metal bar placed behind the sternum and anterior to the heart to correct the chest wall deformity, has been used to treat patients with pectus excavatum. Conventionally, stainless steel bars were used. However, stainless steel bars could not be used in patients with metal allergy. We report a case of a 37 year old male with metal allergy on whom we performed Nuss procedure with a titanium bar.
Monitoring frequency of interferon gamma release assay for tuberculosis surveillance following infliximab therapy in patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Yang Qin Yu , Liu Yi Juan , Xu Ye , Zhang Lin , Wang Cheng Dang
Published: July 2021

Objective

To characterize the pattern of positive conversion of interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) during infliximab therapy in China, which has a high burden of tuberculosis.

Methods

Eligible patients with CD who received serial IGRA screening during infliximab therapy from January 2015 to March 2020 were retrospectively included. The positive conversion rate of IGRA and the risk of subsequent tuberculosis of the patients were analyzed.

Results

A total of 128 patients with CD were included, and the median time from the initiation of IFX treatment to positive conversion or the last follow‐up test of IGRA was 43.6 weeks. At baseline 3.9% of the patients were positive for IGRA and received prophylactic anti‐tuberculosis treatment. In the other 123 patients with negative IGRA at baseline, 6.5% had IGRA positive conversion during infliximab treatment, and one (12.5%) who was exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis was diagnosed as having active tuberculosis. The conversion rate at 40 weeks, 2 years and 3 years after treatment were 10.0% (6/60), 2.2% (1/46) and 5.9% (1/17), respectively. Age, sex, history of smoking and alcohol consumption, disease severity (Crohn's disease activity index score) and immunosuppressive therapy were not significantly associated with latent tuberculosis test conversion.

Conclusions

Positive conversion of IGRA occurs early during treatment with infliximab for CD and the monitoring frequency of IGRA should be appropriately increased at the early stage of treatment. Physicians should pay attention to patient's history of tuberculosis exposure and carry out surveillance in a timely fashion.
MRI sliding sign: Using MRI to assess rectouterine mobility in pelvic endometriosis
Authors: Fan Jim , McDonnell Rose , Jacques Angela , Fender Laura , Lo Glen
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Surgical excision of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is complex and associated with morbidity. Diagnostic imaging plays an important role in the preoperative workup. We sought to determine the utility of single sagittal T2‐weighted MRI motion sequence in the preoperative assessment of pelvic mobility in patients with endometriosis.

Methods

An observational study at a single tertiary public referral centre in Australia. Eighty‐one MRI studies from 1 May 2019 to 3 December 2019, were enrolled. Studies were included if they were performed to stage endometriosis, including a T2‐weighted motion series, adequately covering a uterus, cervix and rectum. Fifty‐seven studies met inclusion criteria. The reference standard was a contemporaneous transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) reporting on pelvic organ mobility. Three subspecialist radiologists were then blindly asked to identify, on the cine loop: rectouterine immobility, superficial endometriosis (pelvic bowel adhesions), rectosigmoid Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis (DIE). Fleiss’ Kappa assessed interobserver agreement. Consensus MRI sensitivity and specificity were estimated against the reference standard (TVUS).

Results

Median age was 35 years (range 19–51). Forty‐three cases had a contemporaneous TVUS; 14 reporting a sliding sign, 29 with fixed pelves. Interobserver agreement was ‘substantial’ (k = 0.79) for absent MRI sliding sign and ‘almost perfect’ (k = 0.90) for absence of DIE. Consensus MRI had 90% sensitivity (95% CI 73–98%) for pelvic immobility at TVUS (absent sliding sign). Interobserver agreement and consensus MRI sensitivity were higher for adhesions and immobility than normal findings.

Conclusion

An MRI motion sequence can identify patients with pelvic adhesions and immobility, helping determine surgical difficulty when TVUS is not diagnostic.
Research in business history: From theorising to bizhismetrics
Authors: De Jong Abe
Published: July 2021

Empirical work is dominating business history, with a particular emphasis on case research using rich primary sources. I argue that the field of business history would benefit from a balanced combination of theoretical and empirical work. Restoring this balance requires that business historians build theories using their empirical observations. This approach – theorising – may enrich the field of business history and enhance the impact on related fields. I also argue that testing business history theory requires a broad set of empirical techniques, that is, bizhismetrics.
The Hijab Penalty: Feminist Backlash to Muslim Immigrants
Authors: Choi Donghyun Danny , Poertner Mathias , Sambanis Nicholas
Published: July 2021

Why do native Europeans discriminate against Muslim immigrants? Can shared ideas between natives and immigrants reduce discrimination? We hypothesize that natives' bias against Muslim immigrants is shaped by the belief that Muslims hold conservative attitudes about women's rights and this ideational basis for discrimination is more pronounced among native women. We test this hypothesis in a large‐scale field experiment conducted in 25 cities across Germany, during which 3,797 unknowing bystanders were exposed to brief social encounters with confederates who revealed their ideas regarding gender roles. We find significant discrimination against Muslim women, but this discrimination is eliminated when Muslim women signal that they hold progressive gender attitudes. Through an implicit association test and a follow‐up survey among German adults, we further confirm the centrality of ideational stereotypes in structuring opposition to Muslims. Our findings have important implications for reducing conflict between native–immigrant communities in an era of increased cross‐border migration.
Measuring Attitudes toward Public Spending Using a Multivariate Tax Summary Experiment
Authors: Barnes Lucy , Blumenau Jack , Lauderdale Benjamin E.
Published: July 2021

It is difficult to measure public views on trade‐offs between spending priorities because public understanding of existing government spending is limited and the budgetary problem is complicated. We present a new measurement strategy using a continuous treatment, multivariate choice experiment. The experiment proposes deficit‐neutral bundles of changes in spending and taxation, allowing us to investigate attitudes toward modifications to the existing budget. We then use a structural choice model to estimate public preferences over spending categories and the taxation level, on average and as a function of respondent attributes. In our application, we find that the UK public favors paying more in tax to finance large spending increases across major budget categories, that spending preferences are multidimensional, and that younger people prefer lower levels of taxation and spending than older people.
Corneal immune cell morphometry as an indicator of local and systemic pathology: A review
Authors: Chinnery Holly R. , Zhang Xin Yuan , Wu Ching Yi , Downie Laura E.
Published: July 2021

The corneal epithelium contains a population of resident immune cells commonly referred to as dendritic cells (DCs), or Langerhans cells. A unique advantage of the transparent cornea being situated at the surface of the eye is that these cells can be readily visualised using in vivo confocal microscopy. Over the past decade, interest in the involvement of corneal DCs in a range of ocular and systemic diseases has surged. For most studies, the number of corneal DCs has been the main outcome of interest. However, more recently attention has shifted towards understanding how DC morphology may provide insights into the inflammatory status of the cornea, and in some cases, the health of the peripheral nervous system. In this review, we provide examples of recent methodologies that have been used to classify and measure corneal DC morphology and discuss how this relates to local and systemic inflammatory conditions in humans and rodents.
Base editing‐mediated perturbation of endogenous PKM1/2 splicing facilitates isoform‐specific functional analysis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Lin Jianxiang , Wu Susu , Shen Qingmei , Liu Jie , Huang Shisheng , Peng Guangdun , Qiao Yunbo
Published: July 2021

Objectives

PKM1 and PKM2, which are generated from the alternative splicing of PKM gene, play important roles in tumourigenesis and embryonic development as rate‐limiting enzymes in glycolytic pathway. However, because of the lack of appropriate techniques, the specific functions of the 2 PKM splicing isoforms have not been clarified endogenously yet.

Materials and methods

In this study, we used CRISPR‐based base editors to perturbate the endogenous alternative splicing of PKM by introducing mutations into the splicing junction sites in HCT116 cells and zebrafish embryos. Sanger sequencing, agarose gel electrophoresis and targeted deep sequencing assays were utilized for identifying mutation efficiencies and detecting PKM1/2 splicing isoforms. Cell proliferation assays and RNA‐seq analysis were performed to describe the effects of perturbation of PKM1/2 splicing in tumour cell growth and zebrafish embryo development.

Results

The splicing sites of PKM, a 5’ donor site of GT and a 3’ acceptor site of AG, were efficiently mutated by cytosine base editor (CBE; BE4max) and adenine base editor (ABE; ABEmax‐NG) with guide RNAs (gRNAs) targeting the splicing sites flanking exons 9 and 10 in HCT116 cells and/or zebrafish embryos. The mutations of the 5’ donor sites of GT flanking exons 9 or 10 into GC resulted in specific loss of PKM1 or PKM2 expression as well as the increase in PKM2 or PKM1 respectively. Specific loss of PKM1 promoted cell proliferation of HCT116 cells and upregulated the expression of cell cycle regulators related to DNA replication and cell cycle phase transition. In contrast, specific loss of PKM2 suppressed cell growth of HCT116 cells and resulted in growth retardation of zebrafish. Meanwhile, we found that mutation of PKM1/2 splicing sites also perturbated the expression of non‐canonical PKM isoforms and produced some novel splicing isoforms.

Conclusions

This work proved that CRISPR‐based base editing strategy can be used to disrupt the endogenous alternative splicing of genes of interest to study the function of specific splicing isoforms in vitro and in vivo. It also reminded us to notice some novel or undesirable splicing isoforms by targeting the splicing junction sites using base editors. In sum, we establish a platform to perturbate endogenous RNA splicing for functional investigation or genetic correction of abnormal splicing events in human diseases.
Recognition of prior learning in France: Where have the RPL‐ready applicants gone?
Authors: Werquin Patrick
Published: July 2021

This article analyses results of reforms and revisions of the system for recognition of prior learning outcomes in France (Validation des acquis de l'expérience, VAE), especially from a quantitative perspective. The development of the recognition of prior learning system in France is reviewed and described. The analysis presented focuses on reasons for a decrease in the number of applicants over the previous decade. An important factor is that earlier generations of applicants were better suited and better prepared for recognition of prior learning outcomes and for participating in the VAE system. Applicants are no longer as ready for participating in the VAE process. Provision of supplementary modular learning has not met the need to complete the qualification process and achieve a full qualification for applicants who are not VAE‐ready. The VAE system has been struggling to reach and validate the less VAE‐ready layers of the population seeking or needing a qualification. Therefore, the number of participants in VAE has continued to decrease. Sustained challenges for a further development of the VAE system include a lack of in‐depth guidance, appropriate provision of top‐up modular training, as well as access and scheduling—so that adults can enrol despite occupational and personal constraints. The article concludes by discussing reasons for this decrease in the number of VAE applicants in France and possible ways forward as France moves towards adopting practices for awarding certificates for labour market competences, i.e., certificates that are not in the main National Qualifications Catalogue.
Predicting primary treatment failure using interim FDG‐PET scanning in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Wight Joel , Wai Shin Hnin , Shen Edward , Lee Sze‐Ting , Berlangieri Salvatore , Fancourt Tineke , Hawkes Eliza , Hannah Anthony , Leung Teresa , Chong Geoffrey
Published: July 2021

Interim FDG‐PET (iPET) in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is increasingly practised and used in clinical trials to adapt further therapy. However, the optimum timing and methodology of iPET remains controversial. We retrospectively analysed the iPET results and outcomes of 200 DLBCL patients where FDG‐PET was routinely performed at baseline, after 2 cycles (iPET2) and at completion of chemoimmunotherapy. iPET was also performed after 4 cycles (iPET4) where at iPET2, Deauville score (DS) was ≥4. Scans were assessed by blinded expert lymphoma PET physicians for DS, maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), total metabolic tumour volume (TMTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG). Treatment failure was defined as death, progression or refractory disease. 95.5% of patients received R‐CHOP. No baseline PET parameter was predicted for EFS or OS independent of the NCCN‐IPI. The multivariable analysis at iPET2 showed DS5 (19.5% of cases) predicted treatment failure (HR 6.29, 95% CI 3.01‐13.17, P < .001), but DS4 was equivalent to DS1‐3. At iPET4, ΔSUVmax < 66% predicted treatment failure (HR 5.49, 95% CI 3.03‐9.99, P < .001). By multivariable analysis of all time points, high NCCN‐IPI and DS5 at iPET2 were negative predictors of survival. These findings were independent of novel prognostic markers.
Responses of soil N2O emissions and their abiotic and biotic drivers to altered rainfall regimes and co‐occurring wet N deposition in a semi‐arid grassland
Authors: Shi Yujie , Wang Junfeng , Ao Yunna , Han Jiayu , Guo Zhihan , Liu Xinyuan , Zhang Jinwei , Mu Chunsheng , Le Roux Xavier
Published: July 2021

Global change factors such as changed rainfall regimes and nitrogen (N) deposition contribute to increases in the emission of the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) from the soil. In previous research, N deposition has often been simulated by using a single or a series of N addition events over the course of a year, but wet N deposition actually co‐occurs with rainfall. How soil N2O emissions respond to altered rainfall amount and frequency, wet N deposition, and their interactions is still not fully understood. We designed a three‐factor, fully factorial experiment with factors of rainfall amounts (ambient, −30%) rainfall frequency (ambient, ±50%) and wet N deposition (with/without) co‐occurring with rainfall in semi‐arid grassland mesocosms, and measured N2O emissions and their possible biotic and abiotic drivers. Across all treatments, reduced rainfall amount and N deposition increased soil N2O emissions by 35% and 28%, respectively. A significant interactive effect was observed between rainfall amount and N deposition, and to a lesser extent between rainfall frequency and N deposition. Without N deposition, reduced rainfall amount and altered rainfall frequency indirectly affected soil N2O emissions by changing the abundance of nirK and soil net N mineralization, and the changes in nirK abundance were indirectly driven by soil N availability rather than directly by soil moisture. With N deposition, both the abundance of nirK and the level of soil water‐filled pore space contributed to changes in N2O emissions in response to altered rainfall regimes, and the changes in the abundance of nirK were indirectly driven by plant N uptake and nitrifier (ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria) abundance. Our results imply that unlike wetter grassland ecosystems, reduced precipitation may increase N2O emissions, and N deposition may only slightly increase N2O emissions in arid and semi‐arid N‐limited ecosystems that are dominated by grasses with high soil N uptake capacity.
Earlier winter/spring runoff and snowmelt during warmer winters lead to lower summer chlorophyll‐a in north temperate lakes
Authors: Hrycik Allison R. , Isles Peter D. F. , Adrian Rita , Albright Matthew , Bacon Linda C. , Berger Stella A. , Bhattacharya Ruchi , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Hejzlar Josef , Hetherington Amy Lee , Knoll Lesley B. , Laas Alo , McDonald Cory P. , Merrell Kellie , Nejstgaard Jens C. , Nelson Kirsten , Nõges Peeter , Paterson Andrew M. , Pilla Rachel M. , Robertson Dale M. , Rudstam Lars G. , Rusak James A. , Sadro Steven , Silow Eugene A. , Stockwell Jason D. , Yao Huaxia , Yokota Kiyoko , Pierson Donald C.
Published: July 2021

Winter conditions, such as ice cover and snow accumulation, are changing rapidly at northern latitudes and can have important implications for lake processes. For example, snowmelt in the watershed—a defining feature of lake hydrology because it delivers a large portion of annual nutrient inputs—is becoming earlier. Consequently, earlier and a shorter duration of snowmelt are expected to affect annual phytoplankton biomass. To test this hypothesis, we developed an index of runoff timing based on the date when 50% of cumulative runoff between January 1 and May 31 had occurred. The runoff index was computed using stream discharge for inflows, outflows, or for flows from nearby streams for 41 lakes in Europe and North America. The runoff index was then compared with summer chlorophyll‐a (Chl‐a) concentration (a proxy for phytoplankton biomass) across 5–53 years for each lake. Earlier runoff generally corresponded to lower summer Chl‐a. Furthermore, years with earlier runoff also had lower winter/spring runoff magnitude, more protracted runoff, and earlier ice‐out. We examined several lake characteristics that may regulate the strength of the relationship between runoff timing and summer Chl‐a concentrations; however, our tested covariates had little effect on the relationship. Date of ice‐out was not clearly related to summer Chl‐a concentrations. Our results indicate that ongoing changes in winter conditions may have important consequences for summer phytoplankton biomass and production.
The effect of low‐level laser therapy on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve blocks in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Topçuoğlu Hüseyin Sinan , Akpınar Burak
Published: July 2021

Aim

To evaluate the effect of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) in mandibular molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP).

Methodology

Eighty‐eight patients who were diagnosed with SIP were randomly divided into two groups: the group in which only IANB was applied and the group in which IANB + LLLT was applied. IANB was applied to patients in the control group with 4% articaine. LLLT was applied to the patients in the experimental group in addition to IANB. The pain experienced during the operation was evaluated using a visual analog scale. If the patients reported moderate or severe pain during the treatment, the IANB was defined as unsuccessful. Pearson's chi‐square test was used to analyse anaesthetic success rates.

Results

Whilst the anaesthesia success rate was 34% in the group where only IANB was applied, it was 57% in the group in which LLLT was applied in addition to IANB. There was a significant difference between the groups (p = .032).

Conclusions

The application of LLLT to support IANB in mandibular molar teeth with SIP increased the success of anaesthesia. However, it was insufficient for a complete pulpal anaesthesia.
Clascoterone: a new topical anti‐androgen for acne management
Authors: Santhosh Parvathy , George Mamatha
Published: July 2021

Clascoterone is an androgen receptor inhibitor which has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 12 years of age and older. It competes with androgens, especially dihydrotestosterone, for androgen‐receptor binding and limits their binding, thus inhibiting downstream signaling of pathways involved in the pathogenesis of acne. It inhibits androgen receptor‐regulated gene transcription, and antagonizes lipid and inflammatory cytokine production in a dose‐dependent manner in human primary sebocytes. Clascoterone is commercially available as 1% (10 mg/g) cream. Adverse effects of topical clascoterone are mild and infrequent, and are mostly limited to local skin reactions. Long‐term safety studies have shown an absence of systemic antiandrogenic effects like reduced libido or feminization in male participants. Clascoterone seems a promising topical drug with a novel mechanism of action that could be added to the armamentarium of therapies for acne.
Faking by actual applicants on personality tests: A meta‐analysis of within‐subjects studies
Authors: Hu Jing , Connelly Brian S.
Published: July 2021

Background

Researchers have used within‐subjects designs to assess personality faking in real‐world contexts. However, no research is available to (a) characterize the typical finding from these studies and (b) examine variability across study results.

Aims

The current study was aimed at filling these gaps by meta‐analyzing actual applicants’ responses to personality measurements in high‐stakes contexts versus low‐stakes contexts reported in within‐subjects studies.

Materials & Methods

This meta‐analysis examined 20 within‐subjects applicant–honest studies (where individuals completed an assessment once as applicants and again in a low‐stakes setting).

Results

We found that applicants had moderately higher (more socially desirable) means, slightly reduced variability, and stronger rank‐order consistency in high‐stakes settings. The assessment order moderated the findings; studies with a high‐to‐low order (where the high‐stakes setting was introduced first) showed a stronger faking effect—demonstrated by higher means and weaker rank‐order consistencies—than those in a low‐to‐high order.

Discussion and Conclusion

These findings are consistent with expectations that, relative to low‐stakes situations, individuals tend to exaggerate, in a positive direction, their personality descriptions as job applicants. In addition, assessment order matters when understanding the magnitudes of faking effects.
Research Review: The most effective parenting program content for disruptive child behavior – a network meta‐analysis
Authors: Leijten Patty , Melendez‐Torres G. J. , Gardner Frances
Published: July 2021

Background

Programs to support parents are the recommended strategy to reduce disruptive child behavior problems. Efforts have been made to demonstrate which program components (i.e., clusters of techniques taught) increase program effects, but these methods fail to account for the fact that components rarely operate in isolation. We examine how combinations of components cluster together to form program types and use network meta‐analysis to estimate the relative effects of these program types.

Methods

We updated an existing systematic review of parenting programs for disruptive child behavior and identified 197 randomized trials. We modeled clusters of components in each trial arm and chose the best‐fitting model. We subsequently took 20 draws from the probability distribution of the latent class for each arm, entered each draw into a network meta‐analysis model and combined findings using Rubin’s rules. Combined estimates were bootstrapped to rank the clusters. We estimated main models and separate models for prevention and treatment settings.

Results

A five‐class solution fit the data best: (1) behavior management; (2) behavior management with parental self‐management; (3) behavior management with psychoeducation and relationship enhancement; (4) maximal component loading and (5) no/minimal component loading (i.e. control). In the main model and in treatment settings, all four program types were effective compared to no/minimal components. In prevention settings, only behavior management and behavior management with parental self‐management were effective compared to no/minimal components. Probabilistic ranking showed that overall and in treatment settings, behavior management had the largest chance, and in prevention settings, behavior management with self‐management had the largest chance, of being most effective compared to no/minimal components.

Conclusions

Programs with more focused content seem more likely to yield stronger effects, and different foci may be needed in treatment versus prevention settings. Next steps include identifying individual family differences in optimal program content.
Habitat type and complexity drive fish assemblages in a tropical seascape
Authors: Hall April E. , Kingsford Michael J.
Published: July 2021

Inshore marine seascapes support a diversity of interconnected habitats and are an important focus for biodiversity conservation. This study examines the importance of habitat attributes to fish assemblages across a mosaic of inshore habitats: coral reefs, rocky reefs, macroalgae beds and sand/rubble beds. Fishes and benthic habitats were surveyed at 34 sites around continental islands of the central Great Barrier Reef using baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS). Species richness was influenced foremost by habitat type and also by structural complexity within habitat types. The most speciose assemblages occurred in coral and rocky reef habitats with high structural complexity, provided by the presence of coral bommies/overhangs, boulders and rock crevices. Nonetheless, macroalgae and sand/rubble beds also supported unique species, and therefore contributed to the overall richness of fish assemblages in the seascape. Most trophic groups had positive associations with complexity, which was the most important predictor for abundance of piscivorous fishes and mobile planktivores. There was significant differentiation of fish assemblages among habitats, with the notable exception of coral and rocky reefs. Species assemblages overlapped substantially between coral and rocky reefs, which had 60% common species, despite coral cover being lower on rocky reefs. This suggests that, for many species, rocky and coral substrates can provide equivalent habitat structure, emphasizing the importance of complexity in providing habitat refuges, and highlighting the contribution of rocky reefs to habitat provision within tropical seascapes. The results of this study support an emerging recognition of the collective value of habitat mosaics in inshore marine ecosystems.
Being Known: A Grounded Theory Study of the Meaning of Quality Maternity Care to People of Color in Boston
Authors: Roder‐DeWan Sanam , Baril Nashira , Belanoff Candice M. , Declercq Eugene R. , Langer Ana
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Experiences of people of color with maternity care are understudied but understanding them is important to improving quality and reducing racial disparities in birth outcomes in the United States. This qualitative study explored experiences with maternity care among people of color to describe the meaning of quality maternity care to the cohort and, ultimately, to inform the design of a freestanding birth center in Boston.

Methods

Using a grounded theory design and elements of community‐based participatory research, community activists developing Boston's first freestanding birth center and academics collaborated on this study. Semistructured interviews and focus groups with purposefully sampled people of color were conducted and analyzed using a constant comparative method. Interviewees described their maternity care experiences, ideas about perfect maternity care, and how a freestanding birth center might meet their needs. Open coding, axial coding, and selective coding were used to develop a local theory of what quality care means.

Results

A total of 23 people of color participated in semistructured interviews and focus groups. A core phenomenon arose from the narratives: being known (ie, being seen or heard, or being treated as individuals) during maternity care was an important element of quality care. Contextual factors, including interpersonal and structural racism, power differentials between perinatal care providers and patients, and the bureaucratic nature of hospital‐based maternity care, facilitated negative experiences. People of color did extra work to prevent and mitigate negative experiences, which left them feeling traumatized, regretful, or sad about maternity care. This extra work came in many forms, including cognitive work such as worrying about racism and behavioral changes such as dressing differently to get health care needs met.

Discussion

Being known characterizes quality maternity care among people of color in our sample. Maternity care settings can provide personalized care that helps clients feel known without requiring them to do extra work to achieve this experience.
Cutaneous findings in patients with chronic venous insufficiency
Authors: Kılınç Fadime , Akbaş Ayşe , Şener Sertaç , Hayran Yıldız , Aktaş Akın
Published: July 2021

Background

Venous hypertension causes many different cutaneous findings such as varicosities, telangiectasia, edema, and pigmentation, dermatitis, and venous ulcers on the skin.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the cutaneous signs and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and to examine their contribution to early diagnosis.

Methods

A total of 150 patients were included in the study who applied to the dermatology outpatient clinic and were diagnosed with skin disease related to CVI or had skin findings. Patient's age, gender, complaints, occupation, additional diseases, drug usage, history of prolonged standing and travel, smoking habit, number of pregnancies, history of varicose veins in the family, dermatological diagnosis/findings, and venous Doppler ultrasonography reports were examined retrospectively.

Results

56% of patients were women. Mean age was 56.69 ± 13.6 years. Overall, 82.7% of total patients had at least one skin finding. The most frequent skin findings except varicose veins were insufficiency dermatitis accounted for 32.7% of patients, telangiectasia, and pigmentation which were comprised 25.3%, 19.3% of the total number of patients respectively. In addition to this, 48.7% of patients had itching problems and 32.7% had pain. Moreover, 46% of patients presented superficial vein insufficiency, while 8.7% had deep vein insufficiency. For 47.3% of patients, vein diameter dilation was observed and 11.3% suffered from perforating vein insufficiency. In terms of Clinical‐Etiologic‐Anatomic‐Pathophysiologic (CEAP) classification, scores of 52% of the patients were C3 and lower, while scores of 48% of total patients were C4a and higher.

Conclusions

Early diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous insufficiency could prevent further chronic processes such as venous ulceration which is an advanced CVI finding. Thus, assessing the early skin findings might be important to identify the underlying venous insufficiency disease.
Analysis of factors influencing patch test reactions: Results from a large‐ population‐based study in Chinese
Authors: Li Bingjie , Cheng Ying , Tan Yimei , Wang Fudi , Hu Weiyi , Wang Xuemin , Liu Wei , Krutmann Jean , Wang Sijia , Zou Ying
Published: July 2021

Background

Patch test, as a helpful tool in clinic diagnosis and safety assessment of cosmetics, is affected by many factors.

Objectives

To investigate the influencing factors of patch test reactions in a highly standardized large‐scale dataset of Chinese.

Methods

Patch test data (n = 151,280) from safety assessments of cosmetic products were obtained following internationally standardized patch testing protocols during 2004–2017 in China.

Results

The frequency of patch test reactions was 1.45% (2,191/151,280), with majority of the reactions being “score 1” reactions (also known as doubtful reactions, n = 2,075) and a small number being “score 2” reactions (weak reactions, n = 116). Patch test reactions were 67% more frequent in winter (p < 0.001), associated with temperatures (p < 0.001), rather than relative humidity (P:0.29). The frequency of reactions was higher in men than in women (p:0.001), especially in winter. The risk to develop reactions clearly increased with age in women (p < 0.001), but not in men (p:0.14). In women, the frequency of reactions in the old group (≥50 years old) was 30% more than the young group (<30 years old).

Conclusions

The frequency of patch test reactions to cosmetic products was 1.45% in our large‐scale study. The influencing factors of patch test include season, sex, and age, which should be considered when conducting and interpreting patch testing.
Social norms, agency, and marriage aspirations in Malawi
Authors: Zahra Fatima , Kidman Rachel , Kohler Hans‐Peter
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study evaluates whether community norms, caregiver beliefs, and adolescents' own beliefs and perceptions, focused on early marriage, predict adolescent marriage aspirations in a low‐income context.

Background

The processes that contribute to adolescent marriage aspiration formation have received little attention in low‐income contexts, particularly sub‐Saharan Africa. Understanding how marriage aspirations are formed is important because they are associated with critical education and health outcomes.

Method

Using data that links Malawian adolescents (N = 2089) with their caregivers (N = 1452), gender‐stratified ordered logistic regression models were used to examine key relationships.

Results

Results show that community norms for youngest acceptable marriage age predict when boys want to marry, but there is no conclusive evidence that they predict when girls want to marry. This study also shows that adolescents who believe it is acceptable to marry at an early age are more likely to want to marry early themselves.

Conclusion

Both community norms and adolescents' own beliefs are central to the formation of their marriage aspirations.

Implications

This study recommends that programs incorporate adolescent beliefs and perceptions when designing child marriage interventions and measuring their impact. In addition, theory‐driven measurement of community norms is encouraged to better evaluate their impact on both marriage aspirations and marriage age.
The relational regulation of within‐person variation in personality expression
Authors: Lakey Brian , Hubbard Sultan Ali , Brummans Jessica , Obreiter Amy , Perrin Paul B.
Published: July 2021

There is renewed interest in how people express different levels of personality across situations or times (within‐person variation). However, within‐person studies typically do not focus on the specific relationship partners that are linked to the expression of personality. To remedy this, we applied relational regulation theory (RRT) to the study of within‐person variation. RRT states that specific relationship partners are important social contexts for understanding within‐person variation and describes how people regulate their affect, action and thought through interacting with or thinking about specific partners. In three studies of students (Ns = 136, 349, 110), participants rated their levels of six‐ or five‐factor personality dimensions when with or thinking about different relationship partners. Personality expression was strongly consistent across partners. Yet, in each study, there were also strong effects whereby more extraversion, agreeableness and openness were expressed when with some partners but not others. In each study, when a recipient saw a relationship as supportive, the recipient expressed more extraversion, agreeableness, and openness. Effects for emotionality and conscientiousness were less consistent. Theoretical implications for RRT and within‐person variation in personality were discussed.
Racial differences in primary sclerosing cholangitis mortality is associated with community socioeconomic status
Authors: Are Vijay S. , Vilar‐ Gomez Eduardo , Gromski Mark A. , Akisik Fatih , Lammert Craig , Ghabril Marwan , Chalasani Naga , Vuppalanchi Raj , Nephew Lauren D.
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims

Natural history and outcomes data in PSC are mostly derived from cohorts where Blacks have been underrepresented. It is unknown if there are differences in mortality between Blacks and Whites with PSC.

Methods

PSC patients seen at our institution from June 1988 to Jan 2019 were identified by merging prospective ERCP hepatology‐clinic databases and liver‐transplant registry. Data on race, clinical events, and death was obtained through chart review. Data on community health were collected using indices from county health rankings. Cumulative incidence of death was calculated using liver transplant (LT) as a competing risk.

Results

Of 449 patients, 404 were White and 45 were Black. The median‐duration of follow‐up was 7 years (IQR:3, 13). Black patients were younger at presentation than White patients (36.3 vs 42.5 years., P = .013). Disease severity as indicated by Mayo Risk Score categories (low 27% vs 31%, intermediate 54% vs 49% and high 19% vs 19%, P = .690), comorbidity burden and frequency of cirrhosis (42% vs 35%, P = .411) were similar between Blacks and Whites. Cumulative incidence of liver‐related death, with LT as a competing risk was significantly higher in Blacks compared to Whites (sHR 1.80, 95%CI 1.25, 2.61, P = .002). There was a significant interaction between race and community socioeconomic factors that attenuated the racial difference in mortality (sHR 1.01, 95%CI 0.99, 1.04, P = .345).

Conclusions

Blacks with PSC present at a younger age with a similar disease severity as Whites but have higher liver related mortality that is mediated in part through community health.