bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protecting Against Delinquency in Early Adolescence With Nonverbal Intelligence and Neighborhood Social Capital
Authors: Walters Glenn D.
Published: June 2021

The goal of this study was to test nonverbal intelligence and neighborhood social capital as protective factors against future delinquency in early adolescent youth placed at risk by virtue of their involvement in childhood conduct problems. Analyzing longitudinal data from 3,028 youth (1,565 boys, 1,463 girls) in one cohort of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) and 3,682 youth (1,896 boys, 1,786 girls) in a second cohort of the LSAC, nonverbal intelligence, as measured by the Matrix Reasoning subscale of the WISC-IV, displayed a consistent moderating effect on the conduct problems–future delinquency relationship. According to these results, conduct problems were slightly but significantly less likely to lead to delinquency when nonverbal intelligence was high than when it was low or moderate. By shielding at-risk children from future delinquency, protective factors like high nonverbal intelligence may provide a means by which delinquency can be prevented or reduced.
Ionic and non-ionic intravenous X-ray contrast media: antibacterial agents?
Authors: Mosler Frank , Richter Johannes K , Schindewolf Marc , Mertineit Nando , von Tengg-Kobligk Hendrik , Heverhagen Johannes T , Nöldge Gerd
Published: June 2021

X-ray contrast media have been reported to have inhibitory effects on bacterial growth. Despite its potentially beneficial effect on patients, these features of contrast media have received relatively little attention in the medical literature in the past decades. The aim of this review is to evaluate the literature concerning the bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects of X-ray contrast media, specifically if there is a known difference concerning these effects between ionic and non-ionic contrast media. Systematic literature review was performed for the years of publication between 1911 and 2019. Since the publication of Grossich in 1911, the effect of iodine on the treatment of superficial infections in surgical procedures has been established clinical knowledge. Bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects of ionic X-ray contrast media are well established. However, non-ionic contrast agents have been the subject of little research in this respect. In past decades, the hypothesis emerged in the literature that mainly the concentration of free iodine might be responsible for any bacteriostatic or bactericidal effect of ionic X-ray contrast media. Nowadays, however, only non-ionic contrast media are used. The question regarding the mechanism and magnitude of bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects of these, non-ionic contrast media, could not be answered conclusively from this review. Non-ionic contrast media could be used intentionally when a local antibacterial effect is intended (e.g. in percutaneous abscess drainage), as well as to reduce the overall dose of antibiotics administered to a patient. Thus, this question remains relevant and might constitute the area of future research.
Primary colonic lymphoma: report of two cases and a literature review
Authors: Chen Li , Sun Qing , Chen Engeng , Jin Dongai , Song Zhangfa
Published: June 2021

Primary colonic lymphoma is a very rare malignant tumor with no standard treatment. We report two cases of primary colonic lymphoma successfully treated with surgery and chemotherapy, and chemotherapy alone, respectively. The first case was a 61-year-old woman who presented with abdominal pain of more than 1 month. The patient was diagnosed with a colonic tumor, and immunohistochemical examinations confirmed the initial diagnosis of colonic lymphoma. The patient underwent laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy followed by postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with the cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) regimen, combined with targeted therapy with rituximab (R-CHOP). The second case was a 78-year-old man who presented with a complaint of abdominal distention for more than 1 year. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was definitively diagnosed by immunohistochemical examinations, and the patient underwent systemic chemotherapy with the R-CHOP regimen. Primary colonic lymphoma is a rare type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and the clinical treatment is not standardized, unlike for many other types of lymphoma. Therefore, treatment is mainly based on the patient’s symptoms to determine whether surgery or systemic chemotherapy is appropriate. Rituximab is effective in some patients and may play an important role in the treatment of unresectable or asymptomatic colonic lymphoma.
Within-Person Variability in First Impressions From Faces
Authors: Gogan Taylor , Beaudry Jennifer , Oldmeadow Julian
Published: June 2021

Perceptions of an individual can change dramatically across different images of their face. Questions remain as to whether some traits are more sensitive to image variability than others. To investigate this issue, we constructed a database of 340 naturalistic images consisting of 20 photos of 17 individuals. In this preregistered study, 95 participants rated all 340 images on one of three traits: trustworthiness, dominance, or attractiveness. Across images, participants’ trustworthiness ratings tended to vary more than dominance, which in turn varied more than attractiveness; however, the relative differences between traits depended on the identity in question. Importantly, despite the variability in ratings within identities, there were substantial differences between individuals, suggesting that these trait judgements are based to some degree on relatively invariant facial characteristics. We found greater between-identity variability for attractiveness judgements compared to trustworthiness and dominance. Future research should further investigate the extent to which each trait dimension is tied to the identity of the faces.
Factors Affecting Auditory Estimates of Virtual Room Size: Effects of Stimulus, Level, and Reverberation
Authors: Kolarik Andrew J. , Moore Brian C. J. , Cirstea Silvia , Aggius-Vella Elena , Gori Monica , Campus Claudio , Pardhan Shahina
Published: June 2021

When vision is unavailable, auditory level and reverberation cues provide important spatial information regarding the environment, such as the size of a room. We investigated how room-size estimates were affected by stimulus type, level, and reverberation. In Experiment 1, 15 blindfolded participants estimated room size after performing a distance bisection task in virtual rooms that were either anechoic (with level cues only) or reverberant (with level and reverberation cues) with a relatively short reverberation time of T60 = 400 milliseconds. Speech, noise, or clicks were presented at distances between 1.9 and 7.1 m. The reverberant room was judged to be significantly larger than the anechoic room ( p <  .05) for all stimuli. In Experiment 2, only the reverberant room was used and the overall level of all sounds was equalized, so only reverberation cues were available. Ten blindfolded participants took part. Room-size estimates were significantly larger for speech than for clicks or noise. The results show that when level and reverberation cues are present, reverberation increases judged room size. Even relatively weak reverberation cues provide room-size information, which could potentially be used by blind or visually impaired individuals encountering novel rooms.
Correlation of Infrazygomatic Bone Thickness With Cervical Vertebrae Maturation Stages
Authors: Krishnakumaran Mahalakshmi , Krishnan Balaji , Raman Rajesh , Rangarajan Sumanth , Preethi G. , Chinnasamy Anandadevi
Published: June 2021

Anchorage is one of the most important consideration in the field of orthodontics to achieve a desired tooth movement. In order to eliminate the undesirable side effects such as anchorage loss, skeletal anchorage systems such as mini-implants have been introduced in orthodontics.

Aim:

To evaluate the bone thickness of the infrazygomatic crest in different cervical vertebrae maturation index (CVMI) and to compare it between male and female subjects, by using cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) imaging.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted using CBCT images of 60 patients in the age group of 8–25 years. Cervical vertebra maturation was analyzed using Hassel–Farmann index and divided into 6 groups (n = 10/group). The infrazygomatic crest was divided into horizontal and vertical planes. The horizontal plane passed through the most inferior border of the zygomatic process of maxilla and the vertical plane passed through the most anterior point of the infratemporal fossa parallel to midsagittal plane. Five parallel lines were drawn at 2 mm interval in both horizontal and vertical planes (HB+2, HB+4, HB+6, HB+8, and HB+10) (V-2, V-4, V-6, V-8, and V-10). The bone thickness was measured at the point of intersection of these lines.

Results:

According to Kruskal–Wallis analysis, statistically significant difference in infrazygomatic crest (IZC) bone thickness was seen in various CVMI stages ( P = .001). Maximum bone thickness was 11 mm and minimum bone thickness was 1 mm. No significant difference was observed between male and female populations.

Conclusion:

Thus, the superolateral area in infrazygomatic crest is the most appropriate site for miniscrew insertion in all age groups.
When funding fails: Planetary exploration at NASA in an era of austerity, 1967–1976
Authors: Reinecke David
Published: June 2021

We can learn most about how science funding works when it stops working. Like moments of breakdown surfacing the inner workings of infrastructure, periodic fiscal crises reveal the social life of science funds at the level of everyday practice. Through a case study of NASA-funded planetary science in an era of austerity, the article explores how scientists navigate uncertain funding environments and articulate financially defensible projects. Examining the development of the Mariner 10 mission to Venus and Mercury in the aftermath of a significant downturn in science support, the article offers a middle path between the macro-politics of government funding and the micro-politics of doing science. In shaping how the mission was conceived and later operated, Mariner 10’s cost-driven paradigm translated the austerity of the period into the projectized work of robotic spaceflight missions.
The Gray Pains of Imprisonment: Examining the Perceptions of Confinement among a Sample of Sexagenarians and Septuagenarians
Authors: Leigey Margaret E. , Aday Ronald H.
Published: June 2021

While the overall United States prison population has decreased over the last 10 years, the number of sentenced individuals above the age of 50 nearly doubled during the same period. The focus of this study, the pains of imprisonment experienced by the aging, is an under-researched area in the prison literature. Results from a sample of 134 male participants of True Grit, a structured living program for older prisoners, indicate strong agreement among sexagenarians, among septuagenarians, and between them. Previous studies of the pains of imprisonment found similar evaluations of the most and least difficult aspects of incarceration. While different instruments were used, collectively these studies suggest some commonality in the greatest hardships and least problematic aspects of incarceration. Policy implications derived from the present research are considered.
Novel approaches to fitting and implanting finger and nail prosthetics
Authors: Elsheikh Mogeeb Elrahman Abduelrahman Ahmed , Horowitz Max E , Vandersea James , Giladi Aviram M
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

This work presents unique designs for prosthetic restoration of the distal finger. We first discuss fitting a prosthetic nail in order to restore the cosmetic deficit caused by partial or complete nail injury. This concept is inspired from snap fit and lanced sheet metal technology. We also discuss new approaches to designing and fitting a full fingertip prosthetic with a special suspension and a socket for more complete cosmetic fingertip restoration.

Methods:

The designs utilize the compliance and higher strain level of hinges to fit the prosthesis with either the residual nail or to the distal-most aspect of the amputated fingertip. These techniques require preparation of the residual nail to match the fabricated nails well as design of a snap fit nail prosthetic. The socket and suspension design of the full fingertip prosthetic is formed with a spring shape and has an open end to allow proper molding, fit, and suspension.

Results:

The introduced approaches simplify the assembly steps and propose unique, cosmetically appropriate, and potentially less irritating prosthetic options compared to what has been previously used. The socket of the finger has an ability to expand and can be worn on any stump size.

Conclusion:

Low cost, fewer parts, ease of assembly and user friendly are the main attributes of the introduced designs. Future work to finalize these designs and trial them in humans is needed.
An elderly male with lower urinary tract symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic: Extraperitoneal perforation of bladder diverticulum
Authors: Sharma Amit , Biswal Deepak , Sharma Satyadeo , Roy Siddhant
Published: June 2021

Case:

We present a case of spontaneous extra-peritoneal rupture of an acquired diverticulum an elderly male with symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction who presented in emergency with acute abdomen.

Outcome:

The acute phase was managed conservatively with bladder drainage and intravenous antibiotics. He recently underwent Transurethral Resection of Prostate. He is asymptomatic on follow-up.

Conclusions:

Acquired bladder diverticulum are rare in adults and are mostly seen in patients with high pressure bladder due to bladder outlet obstruction. Atraumatic extraperitoneal ruptures of diverticulum are uncommonly reported.
Mother Phubbing and Adolescent Loneliness: A Mediation Model of Mother–Adolescent Communication and Perceived Mother Acceptance
Authors: Wang Pengcheng , Zhao Meng , Li Biao , Wang Xingchao , Xie Xiaochun , Geng Jingyu , Nie Jia , Zeng Pan , Mao Ningning
Published: June 2021

Phubbing is a new form of neglect, and recent studies have examined the effects of parental phubbing on adolescent psychological development. The aim of this study was to explore whether there would be a significant correlation between mother phubbing (Mphubbing) and loneliness and whether mother–adolescent communication (MAC) and perceived mother acceptance (PMA) would sequentially mediate the relation between Mphubbing and adolescent loneliness. Our study included 3,293 senior high school students from China who completed measurements regarding demographic variables, Mphubbing, MAC, PMA, and loneliness. The sequential mediation model of MAC and PMA in the relationship between Mphubbing and loneliness was analyzed to verify all possible paths in this study. Taking the demographic variables as covariables, the results indicated that (1) Mphubbing was positively correlated with loneliness in adolescents and (2) MAC and PMA mediated the relationship between Mphubbing and adolescent loneliness sequentially. Our study highlights the potential mediating mechanisms between Mphubbing and adolescent loneliness, which has important implications for the theoretical and practical of adolescent loneliness in the age of mobiles.
Experimental investigation into the basic application of force and position control for human-machine team lifting operations in manufacturing
Authors: Longhurst William R , Prue Killian , Gaither Bryan
Published: June 2021

In manual material handling operations associated with manufacturing, often a two-person team lifts a container. The labor intensive task of lifting a container could be improved by replacing the two-person team with a human-machine team. It is hypothesized that a human-machine team could behave similarly to a two-person team when lifting a container. To test this hypothesis, the presented research experimentally investigated the application of force and position control to a machine that was working collaboratively with a human to lift a constructed container. A basic experimental approach to lifting and control was undertaken at a benchtop scale to evaluate the results for proof-of-concept and further development. For the experimental setup presented, the results show that a combined force and position control architecture delivered better lifting performance as compared to standalone force or position control. It was concluded that the combined force and position control strategy created better team behavior for the machine as it worked collaboratively with the human to lift a constructed container. The advantage of the control approach presented is its simplicity and its ability to be retrofitted to existing equipment. The novelty of the control approach lies within the way the force and position errors from independent controllers are combined into a single command signal with no priority given to either force or position.
The design and development of a diesel engine electromechanical EGR cooling system based on machine learning-genetic algorithm prediction models to reduce emission and fuel consumption
Authors: Kaleli Alirıza , Akolaş Halil İbrahim
Published: June 2021

Data-driven modelling techniques have recently been used in the development of engine design and control systems for defining the engine in-cylinder complex combustion process. The aim of this investigation is to improve exhaust emissions and fuel consumption by designing an electromechanical exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooling system consisting of an electric water pump and fan unlike conventional systems. To determine the effects of the EGR ratio and the temperature of the exhaust gas entering the intake manifold on the diesel engine parameters of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emission and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), four learning (ML) algorithms were adapted according to statistical evaluation criteria such as root mean squared error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), mean squared error (MSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). The hyper parameters of the selected best model among four learning algorithms were determined by using grid search method. The results showed that the Gaussian process regression model (GPR) outperformed other ML models according to success error prediction of NOx and BSFC. Then, performance of the designed electromechanical EGR cooling system was analyzed under global driving conditions, the New European driving cycle (NEDC), and the world-wide harmonized light duty test procedure (WLTP). In these test cycles, global optimization was utilized with the GPR model as the objective function based on minimizing NOx and BSFC. Consequently, this study demonstrates the potential of the proposed system based on ML-GA to reduce NOx and BSFC by achieving reductions of 13.7%(NEDC)–9.98%(WLTP) and 2.61%(NEDC)–2.07%(WLTP) in NEDC and WLTP conditions, respectively compared to the conventional EGR cooling approach.
Rotationally symmetric flow of Cu-Al2O3/water hybrid nanofluid over a heated porous boundary
Authors: Tahira Sahreen , Mustafa M , Mushtaq Ammar
Published: June 2021

This paper endeavours to provide an analysis for nanofluid boundary layer that develops beneath a generalized vortex flow subjected to viscous dissipation effects. Tangential flow high above the disk is assumed to vary with radial distance [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text]. Hybrid nanofluid comprises alumina-[Formula: see text] and copper-[Formula: see text] nanoparticles with water as base liquid. A generalized version of von Kármán relations proposed in a recent paper is opted to present self-similar solutions. In presence of viscous dissipation term, self-similar solutions are possible only when temperature difference is proportional to [Formula: see text]. Otherwise, the solutions are only locally similar. Present model reduces to two special situations namely rigid body rotation [Formula: see text] and potential vortex [Formula: see text]. It is perceived that inclusion of nanoparticles markedly affects the boundary layer development under the prescribed vortex flow, and the associated heat transfer process. Also, viscous dissipation term has important implications on the resulting heat transfer process.
Asymmetric Hedonic Contrast: Pain Is More Contrast Dependent Than Pleasure
Authors: Voichek Guy , Novemsky Nathan
Published: June 2021

Research has shown that hedonic-contrast effects are a ubiquitous and important phenomenon. In eight studies ( N = 4,999) and four supplemental studies ( N = 1,809), we found that hedonic-contrast effects were stronger for negative outcomes than for positive outcomes. This asymmetric-contrast effect held for both anticipated and experienced affect. The effect makes risks that include gains and losses more attractive in the presence of high reference points because contrast diminishes the hedonic impact of losses more than gains. We demonstrated that the effect occurs because people are generally more attentive to reference points when evaluating negative outcomes, so drawing attention to reference points eliminates the asymmetric-contrast effect.
Molecular perspective concerning fluoride and arsenic mediated disorders on epididymal maturation of spermatozoa: A concise review
Authors: Pal Priyankar , Biswas Sagnik , Mukhopadhyay Prabir Kumar
Published: June 2021

Epididymis is a complex tubular structure of male reproductive system where spermatozoa undergo maturation and gain the fertilizing ability. Epididymal pseudostratified columnar epithelium with different cell types play imperative role by their secretory properties and enrich the luminal microenvironment necessary for achieving spermatozoal motility. During epididymal transit several secretory proteins like P26h, SPAG11, HSPD1 and many others are deposited on spermatozoal surface. At the same time spermatozoal proteins are also modified in this intraluminal milieu, which include cyritestin, fertilin, CE9 and others. Natural and anthropogenic activities disclose various environmental pollutants which affect different physiological systems of animals and human being. Likewise, reproductive system is also being affected. Fluoride causes structural alterations of caput and cauda segments of epididymis. Redox homeostasis and functional integrity are also altered due to diminished activities of SOD1, GR, Crisp2, Lrp2 and other important proteins. On the contrary arsenic affects mostly on cauda segment. Redox imbalance and functional amendment in epididymis have been observed with arsenic revelation as evidenced by altered genomic appearance of SOD, GST, catalase, Ddx3Y, VEGF and VEGFR2. This review is dealt with structure-function interplay in normal epididymal spermatozoal maturation along with subsequent complications developed under fluoride and arsenic toxicities.
Indole-3-carbinol inhibits the proliferation of colorectal carcinoma LoVo cells through activation of the apoptotic signaling pathway
Authors: Lee JY , Lim HM , Lee CM , Park S-H , Nam MJ
Published: June 2021

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a phytochemical that exhibits growth-inhibitory activity against various cancer cells. However, there are limited studies on the effects of I3C on colon cancer cells. In this study, the growth-inhibitory activity of I3C against the human colorectal carcinoma cell line (LoVo) was examined. The results of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, colony formation, and cell counting assays revealed that I3C suppressed the proliferation of LoVo cells. Microscopy and wound-healing analyses revealed that I3C affected the morphology and inhibited the migration of LoVo cells, respectively. I3C induced apoptosis and DNA fragmentation as evidenced by the results of fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated annexin V staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling assay, respectively. Additionally, I3C arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase and enhanced the reactive oxygen species levels. Western blotting analysis revealed that treatment with I3C resulted in the activation of apoptotic proteins, such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, caspase-3, caspase-7, caspase-9, Bax, Bim, and p53 in LoVo cells. These results indicate that I3C induces apoptosis in LoVo cells by upregulating p53, leading to the activation of Bax and caspases. Taken together, I3C exerts cytotoxic effects on LoVo cells by activating apoptosis.
Fetal proximal and distal limb anomalies following exposure to mycophenolate mofetil during pregnancy: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Abdulaziz Hoda MM , Shemies Rasha Samir , Taman Mohamed , Mosbah Alaa , Elkannishy Ghada
Published: June 2021

Background

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is currently used in a wide spectrum of autoimmune diseases and has been rendered very effective in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis. MMF is known to be teratogenic (FDA category D) and therefore, women in childbearing period receiving MMF should be counselled to use effective contraceptive methods to avoid an unplanned pregnancy.

Case

A 22-year-old lady accidentally discovered to be pregnant while using MMF as a treatment of lupus nephritis which was replaced later on by azathioprine. After maternal and fetal evaluation, maternal lupus flare was confirmed and multiple fetal skeletal deformities associated with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) were diagnosed by 4-dimensional ultrasound. Termination of pregnancy was decided after shared decision making.

Conclusion

Women in childbearing period should be advised to postpone pregnancy for at least six weeks after stoppage of MMF therapy because of its potential teratogenic effects during pregnancy.
Surgery on the battlefield: Mobile surgical units in the Second World War and the memoirs they produced
Authors: Venables Katherine M
Published: June 2021

In the Second World War, there was a flowering of the battlefield surgery pioneered in the Spanish Civil War. There were small, mobile surgical units in all the theatres of the War, working close behind the fighting and deployed flexibly according to the nature of the conflict. With equipment transported by truck, jeep or mule, they operated in tents, bunkers and requisitioned buildings and carried out abdominal, thoracic, head and neck, and limb surgery. Their role was to save life and to ensure that wounded soldiers were stable for casualty evacuation back down the line to a base hospital. There is a handful of memoirs by British doctors who worked in these units and they make enthralling reading. Casualty evacuation by air replaced the use of mobile surgical units in later wars, throwing into doubt their future relevance in the management of battle wounds. But recent re-evaluations by military planners suggest that their mobility still gives them a place, so the wartime memoirs may have more value than simply as war stories.
Do IPO Certification Mechanisms Work? Empirical Evidence from India
Authors: Mahalakshmi B. S. , Gupta Juhi , Kashiramka Smita , Jain P. K.
Published: June 2021

In initial public offerings (IPOs), underpricing refers to pricing the issue at a price lower than its fair value which results in the listing price being much higher than the issue price. This higher information asymmetry results in more underpricing. To reduce such asymmetry, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced IPO grading and anchor investor participation in India. This article aims to assess the impact of these two factors on the underpricing of Indian IPOs over 2007–2017. This study uses multivariate regression analysis to compare the impact of graded versus ungraded IPOs and of anchor-backed versus non-anchor backed IPOs on underpricing; it finds that IPO grading and anchor investment do not have a significant overall impact on underpricing. These results justify the scrapping of mandatory IPO grading. Although insignificant, IPO grading has a greater influence on underpricing than anchor investor participation. Furthermore, the current study also analyses the subscription patterns of qualified institutional buyers (QIBs), non-institutional investors (NIIs) and retail individual investors (RIIs) and their influence on one another. Accordingly, it reveals that QIB subscription influences both NII and RII subscriptions.
Elephant limps, but jaguar stumbles: Unpacking the divergence of state capitalism in Brazil and India through theories of capitalist diversity
Authors: Nölke Andreas , May Christian , Mertens Daniel , Schedelik Michael
Published: June 2021

While growth in India stayed relatively stable over the last decade, Brazil fell into deep recession and a fundamental political and economic crisis. Why did these two countries, despite their similarities, diverge so massively within only 10 years? Through a paired comparison, this article probes two alternative approaches to capitalist diversity to explain the divergence among two rising economic powers and ‘state capitalisms’. It finds that through the lens of a firm-centred supply-side approach, one largely sees institutional stability in both economies, while a focus on the demand side and respective growth models makes visible fundamental destabilization in Brazil. The fragility of domestic demand, the vulnerability of global economic integration and the erosion of key social coalitions, we contend, are key to unpack the divergence between Brazil and India. This study thereby not only sheds a new light on emerging market capitalism but also discusses further possibilities for the analysis of state capitalism within comparative political economy.
Perception and learning of relative pitch by musicians using the vibrotactile mode
Authors: Hopkins Carl , Maté-Cid Saúl , Fulford Robert , Seiffert Gary , Ginsborg Jane
Published: June 2021

This study investigated the perception and learning of relative pitch using vibrotactile stimuli by musicians with and without a hearing impairment. Notes from C3 to B4 were presented to the fingertip and forefoot. Pre- and post-training tests in which 420 pairs of notes were presented randomly were carried out without any feedback to participants. After the pre-training test, 16 short training sessions were carried out over six weeks with 72 pairs of notes per session and participants told whether their answers were correct. For amateur and professional musicians with normal hearing and professional musicians with a severe or profound hearing loss, larger pitch intervals were easier to identify correctly than smaller intervals. Musicians with normal hearing had a high success rate for relative pitch discrimination as shown by pre- and post-training tests, and when using the fingertips, there was no significant difference between amateur and professional musicians. After training, median scores on the tests in which stimuli were presented to the fingertip and forefoot were >70% for intervals of 3–12 semitones. Training sessions reduced the variability in the responses of amateur and professional musicians with normal hearing and improved their overall ability. There was no significant difference between the relative pitch discrimination abilities between one and 11 semitones, as shown by the pre-training test, of professional musicians with and without a severe/profound hearing loss. These findings indicate that there is potential for vibration to be used to facilitate group musical performance and music education in schools for the deaf.
Emergence of fowl aviadenovirus C-4 in a backyard chicken flock in California
Authors: Mete Aslı , Armien Anibal G. , Rejmanek Daniel , Mott Meghan , Crossley Beate M.
Published: June 2021

Fowl aviadenovirus (FAdV) species D and E are associated with inclusion body hepatitis (IBH); species C, serotype 4 (hereafter, FAdV4) is associated with hepatitis–hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) in young chickens. Outbreaks of HHS have led to significant losses in the poultry industry in several countries, predominantly in China. In April 2020, FAdV4 was detected in a remote backyard flock in California. In a mixed flock of chickens of various breeds and ages (6 mo to 2 y old), 7 of 30 were found dead within a week without premonitory signs. One additional bird died after the flock was relocated to fresh pasture, bringing the total mortality to 8 of 30 (27%). Postmortem examination of 3 birds revealed good body condition scores and active laying. One chicken had subtle hemorrhages throughout the liver, and the other 2 had diffusely dark mahogany livers. On histopathology, 2 chickens had hepatic necrosis with hepatocytes containing large, mostly basophilic, intranuclear inclusion bodies, identified by electron microscopy as 82.2-nm diameter adenoviral particles. Virus isolation and genomic sequencing performed on a liver sample revealed strains with 99.9% homology to FAdV4 isolates reported from China. To our knowledge, FAdV4 has not been reported in the United States to date. Furthermore, the chickens affected here were all adults and exhibited a variation of serotype 4 disease in which IBH was present but not hydropericardium.
Exploring Perceptions of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Abandonment (FGM/C) in Kenyan Health Care Professionals
Authors: Mohamud Ayaan , Qureshi Zahida , de Wildt Gilles , Jones Laura
Published: June 2021

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) remains a global problem. We aimed to explore Kenyan health care professionals’ (HCPs) perceptions of FGM/C abandonment and, in particular, those focused on those serving Maasai communities who continue to practice FGM/C. Using a grounded theory Straussian approach, 18 interviews were conducted with HCPs in Kajiado County, Kenya, to understand perceptions of FGM/C as a cultural practice, identify barriers and facilitators to abandonment, and explore attitudes to medicalization (FGM/C conducted by HCPs) and alternatives of FGM/C. Within a substantive theory, one core category (“FGM/C persists but can be abandoned”) comprised two subcategories: “exploring the influencers of persistence” and the “roadmap to abandonment.” HCPs believed collaborative multilateral efforts were necessary to support successful abandonment and that “enlightening” the community needed to focus on changing the perception of FGM/C as a social norm alongside a health risk educational approach. Future effective intervention is needed to support the abandonment of FGM/C in Kenya.
Women Entrepreneur Journeys from Poverty to Emancipation
Authors: Trivedi Smita K. , Petkova Antoaneta P.
Published: June 2021

This study examines the processes and mechanisms through which entrepreneurship leads to the empowerment and emancipation of women living in poverty. Drawing on the entrepreneuring as emancipation perspective, we identify specific activities through which emancipatory entrepreneuring manifests itself in the context of women’s entrepreneurship in India. We observe that the activities of a social entrepreneur—the SEWA trade union—complement the activities of individual entrepreneurs and lead to economic, personal, and cultural empowerment. Further, we find evidence of emancipation at the collective level, expressed in changes of sociocultural norms about women’s entrepreneurship. Our study extends the entrepreneuring as emancipation perspective and contributes to research on empowerment and emancipation, women’s entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship in developing countries.
Time-aware cloud manufacturing service selection using unknown QoS prediction and uncertain user preferences
Authors: Yu Ying , Li Shan , Ma Jing
Published: June 2021

Selecting the most efficient from several functionally equivalent services remains an ongoing challenge. Most manufacturing service selection methods regard static quality of service (QoS) as a major competitiveness factor. However, adaptations are difficult to achieve when variable network environment has significant impact on QoS performance stabilization in complex task processes. Therefore, dynamic temporal QoS values rather than fixed values are gaining ground for service evaluation. User preferences play an important role when service demanders select personalized services, and this aspect has been poorly investigated for temporal QoS-aware cloud manufacturing (CMfg) service selection methods. Furthermore, it is impractical to acquire all temporal QoS values, which affects evaluation validity. Therefore, this paper proposes a time-aware CMfg service selection approach to address these issues. The proposed approach first develops an unknown-QoS prediction model by utilizing similarity features from temporal QoS values. The model considers QoS attributes and service candidates integrally, helping to predict multidimensional QoS values accurately and easily. Overall QoS is then evaluated using a proposed temporal QoS measuring algorithm which can self-adapt to user preferences. Specifically, we employ the temporal QoS conflict feature to overcome one-sided user preferences, which has been largely overlooked previously. Experimental results confirmed that the proposed approach outperformed classical time series prediction methods, and can also find better service by reducing user preference misjudgments.
Complex regional pain syndrome in a patient with neuroendocrine tumour under treatment with everolimus
Authors: Pérez de Amezaga-Tomás Luis , Oliver-Noguera Aina , Rodríguez-Camacho Juan Manuel , Fernández-Rodríguez Teresa
Published: June 2021

Everolimus is an immunosuppressant agent used in organ transplantation and, more recently, in cancer therapy. It has demonstrated beneficial effects in breast cancer, renal cancer, and neuroendocrine tumours. However, the treatment is not without side effects, some of which are still little known. We report the case of a 56 year-old man with a diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumour who developed a complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) secondary to treatment with everolimus. CRPS has been linked to treatments with everolimus in renal and breast cancer patients as well as in renal transplant patients. To our knowledge, this is the first case of CRPS in a neuroendocrine tumour patient on everolimus treatment.
Management of cataracts secondary to intravitreal chemotherapy injections for retinoblastoma seeding
Authors: Koç İrem , Taylan Şekeroğlu Hande , Kıratlı Hayyam , Lotfisadigh Sepideh
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

To report our experience in the management of cataracts presumably due to intravitreal chemotherapy administration in eyes with vitreous disease associated with retinoblastoma.

Methods:

This retrospective study consisted of a cohort of five eyes of five retinoblastoma patients who developed cataracts secondary to intravitreal chemotherapy administration and who then underwent cataract surgery. All patients underwent lensectomy and anterior vitrectomy with/without intraocular lens implantation via clear corneal approach. All cases were administered intraoperative intravitreal melphalan (35–40 mcg) and topotecan (10–20 mcg) at the end of cataract surgery as a preventive measure against retinoblastoma spread. Injections were repeated as needed in monthly follow-ups. Main outcome measures were enucleation rate and disease-free survival time.

Results:

The age at surgery ranged between 5 and 10 years. Follow-up time varied from 12 to 16 months. Treatment-free period before surgery ranged between 3 and 20 months. Time from last injection to cataract detection was: 2, 2, 10, 6, and 7 months; and time from last injection to cataract surgery was: 8, 3, 20, 7, and 15 months in cases 1–5, respectively. None of the eyes required enucleation. Tumor control was achieved in all patients at the end of follow-up.

Conclusions:

Injection of melphalan and topotecan into anterior parts of the vitreous may lead to cataract formation. This can be safely managed with lensectomy and anterior vitrectomy and the use of intravitreal administration of melphalan and topotecan at the conclusion of the surgery as a precautionary measure against the potential risk of extraocular spread.
Arteriovenous fistula as the vascular access contributes to better survival of hemodialysis patients with COVID-19 infection
Authors: Murt Ahmet , Yadigar Serap , Yalin Serkan Feyyaz , Dincer Mevlut Tamer , Parmaksiz Ergun , Altiparmak Mehmet Riza
Published: June 2021

Background:

While COVID-19 in chronic hemodialysis patients has high mortality and the pandemic will not end in the near future, effective follow up strategies should be implemented for these patients. Surgeries have been triaged according to their level of urgencies and arteriovenous fistula (AVF) operations were among elective surgeries. This study aimed to analyze the effect of vascular access on the outcomes of hemodialysis patients who had COVID-19.

Methods:

One hundred four hemodialysis patients who had COVID-19 were retrospectively analyzed. Seventy-two of them had AVF as the vascular access while 32 of them had tunneled catheters. Inflammatory markers and outcomes of patients with AVFs and catheters were compared. A logistic regression analysis was performed in order to define factors that contribute to better outcomes in hemodialysis patients.

Results:

COVID-19 had high mortality rate in hemodialysis patients (36.5%). Patients with catheters have higher peak ferritin levels ( p = 0.02) and longer hospital stay ( p = 0.00). Having AVF as the vascular access (OR = 3.36; 95% CI: 1.05–10.72; p = 0.041) and using medium cut-off dialyzers (OR = 7.99; 95% CI: 1.53–41.65; p = 0.014) were related to higher survival of the patients. COVID severity was inversely proportional to the survival ( p = 0.000)

Conclusions:

AVFs contribute to higher survival of hemodialysis patients with COVID-19. Even in the pandemic era, end stage renal disease patients should be given the opportunity to have their vascular access properly created.
Huge Non-parasitic Mesothelial Splenic Cyst in a Child: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Krichen Imed , Maazoun Kais , Kitar Murad , Kamal Naglaa M , Khan Ubaidullah , Khalif Mostafa YL , A Rasha , Assiri Haifa , Bokari Kawthar Abdulrhim
Published: June 2021

Background:

Splenic cysts are one of the relatively rare conditions in pediatric surgery practice. Primary non-parasitic splenic cysts are even more scarce.

Case presentation:

A 13-years-old female patient presented with chronic left hypochondrial pain of 2 months duration. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed huge 18 cm × 14 cm × 10 cm splenic cyst. Deroofing of the cyst was done which was complicated by secondary infection. Subsequently, the patient was re-operated on and partial splenectomy done with good outcome at 6 months follow up.

Conclusion:

Partial splenectomy is the best management strategy for huge non-parasitic splenic cysts in children. There is also less recurrence rate of splenic cysts with preservation of splenic functions.
Researching learners’ perceptions: The use of the repertory grid technique
Authors: Gardiner Ishamina Athirah , Littlejohn Andrew , Boye Sarah
Published: June 2021

This article examines the use of the repertory grid technique as a method to investigate learner perceptions in language education research. An important issue raised in this article concerns how far a researcher’s agenda may be unintentionally imposed onto a research study which is investigating learners’ perceptions, and how far the ensuing data may provide an accurate representation of the learners’ viewpoints. A discussion of conventional research methods in perception research indicates the limitations of many structured research instruments such as questionnaires, surveys and interviews with regard to gaining reliable insights into learners’ views. The article considers the potential of using the repertory grid technique in perception research in terms of minimizing researcher influence and obtaining data that reflects learners’ perceptions. Taking a research study on the perceptions of secondary school learners of the language classroom as an example, the article demonstrates how building repertory grids can reveal insights into the learners’ thought processes and give the researchers access into the different ways learners view the classroom. The article also considers some issues in terms of data analysis and the interpreting of language data. It concludes that the repertory grid technique is a useful approach in perception research which can provide valuable data that is revealing of participants’ actual views.
A syndemics approach to exercise is medicine
Authors: Clarke Caitlin Vitosky , Adamson Brynn C
Published: June 2021

This paper offers new insights into the promotion of the Exercise is Medicine (EIM) framework for mental illness and chronic disease. Utilising the Syndemics Framework, which posits mental health conditions as corollaries of social conditions, we argue that medicalized exercise promotion paradigms both ignore the social conditions that can contribute to mental illness and can contribute to mental illness via discrimination and worsening self-concept based on disability. We first address the ways in which the current EIM framework may be too narrow in scope in considering the impact of social factors as determinants of health. We then consider how this narrow scope in combination with the emphasis on independence and individual prescriptions may serve to reinforce stigma and shame associated with both chronic disease and mental illness. We draw on examples from two distinct research projects, one on exercise interventions for depression and one on exercise interventions for multiple sclerosis (MS), in order to consider ways to improve the approach to exercise promotion for these and other, related populations.
Exploring features of social support in a Chinese online smoking cessation community: A multidimensional content analysis of user interaction data
Authors: Qian Yuxing , Gui Wenxuan , Ma Feicheng , Dong Qingxing
Published: June 2021

Due to the rapid development of information technology, an increasing number of smokers choose online smoking cessation communities to interact with other individuals to help themselves quit smoking. Though it is well known that social support plays a key role in the process of smoking cessation, the features of social support that one can get from online smoking cessation communities remain unclear. We collected user interaction data from the largest Chinese online smoking cessation community, the quit smoking forum of Baidu Tieba. We selected 2758 replies from 29 active repliers and 408 correlated posts as our data set. Multidimensional content analysis is carried out from three aspects: posting scenarios, user quitting behavior stages, and types of social support. This article also explores the co-occurrence relationships of different types of social support by social network analysis. Results showed that users receive different compositions of social support in various posting scenarios and behavior stages. In most cases, emotional support is the most typical support the community provides. The community will provide more informational support when needed. Besides, informational support, especially personal experience and perceptual knowledge, has more diverse combination patterns with other types of social support. “Gratitude-Mutual assistance” and “Encouragement-Mutual assistance” are the most frequent co-occurrence relationships. The online smoking cessation community brings people who quit smoking together, and users provide rich types of social support for each other. Users can effectively obtain expected social support in different posting scenarios and smoking cessation stages. Smoking cessation projects should be designed to promote user communication and interaction, which positively affects achieving users’ smoking cessation goals.