bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life Satisfaction and the Human Development Index Across the World
Authors: Yin Remi , Lepinteur Anthony , Clark Andrew E. , D’Ambrosio Conchita
Published: September 2021

We use annual data on over 150 countries between 2005 and 2018 to look at the relationship between subjective well-being (both cognitive and affective) and the Human Development Index (HDI). The HDI appears to be more closely related to cognitive than affective well-being. We also consider the relationships between the three HDI components (the Income, Health, and Education Indices) and well-being, and find that, on average, the Income Index has the strongest predictive power. Importantly, we find that the three HDI components only matter equally in Western and rich countries. Our analysis contributes to the discussion about cultural sensitivity in paradigms of societal development in two ways. We first show that differences in preferences toward development aims exist. Second, we propose a weighting procedure for a culturally-sensitive version of the HDI.
Life in the Diaspora: Christian interpretation of Esther in dialogue with Judaism
Authors: Jones Barry A
Published: September 2021

Christian interpretation of Esther has historically been limited by Christian bias against Judaism and by the teaching of Christian supersessionism. Reconsideration of this history in the aftermath of the Holocaust and in light of the new circumstances of post-Christendom provides an opportunity to reconsider the message of the book for Christian faith and ministry. The article describes how the unique diaspora perspective and theology of Esther provide resources for Christian ethics and discipleship in a post-Christian era.
Experiencing Esther
Authors: Jones Christine Brown
Published: September 2021

Feasts, drinking, beauty treatments, conversations, and even violence: the book of Esther contains experience after experience. Jews have experienced the book for centuries as part of their Purim celebration, while some Christians have struggled to experience this book. Guiding hearers and readers to and through experiences with Esther may seem challenging. In this article, I suggest two distinct ways to experience Esther that focus on the text from somewhat different directions: Esther through movies and Esther through empire and difference. These options could be adapted for many settings (academic classroom, Bible study, peer learning group) and could involve any number of people. These approaches to Esther help bring the text into the experiences of Christian communities.
Study on the characteristics of microcirculation in the site of pressure ulcer in patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: Huiming Gong , Yuming Wang , Mingliang Yang , Changbin Liu , Qiuchen Huang , Jianjun Li
Published: September 2021

To investigate the characteristics of pressure ulcer microcirculation in SCI patients with pressure ulcer, and to provide evidence for the treatment of pressure ulcer in patients with SCI. Group 1 ( n = 12) SCI patients with pressure ulcer, 23 pressure ulcers were included. Group 2 ( n = 15) SCI patients without pressure ulcer and the control group ( n = 16) healthy adults. The application of laser Doppler perfusion imaging system (Moor FLPI) detector to the microcirculation perfusion of the sacrum area of the control group, the observation group 2 and the pressure ulcer site of the observation group 1, record the microcirculation perfusion (PU), The data of microcirculation perfusion (PU) were compared and analyzed. The correlation between microcirculation perfusion and healing time of pressure ulcer was analyzed. (1) The microcirculation perfusion was highest in the pressure ulcer center. (2) SCI patients and healthy adults had no significant difference of microcirculation perfusion at sacrococcygeal skin. (3) The lower the microcirculation perfusion of the pressure ulcer center, the longer the healing time of pressure ulcer. The healing time and the microcirculation perfusion of pressure ulcer center was negatively correlated. Microcirculation perfusion detection is a noninvasive and effective method for the determination of the scope of pressure ulcer, detection and direction judgment of pressure ulcer sinus tract, monitoring and guidance of pressure ulcer treatment, and prediction of the healing time of pressure ulcer.
An online multi-dimensional opinion dynamic model with misinformation diffusion in emergency events
Authors: Liu Mengmeng , Rong Lili
Published: September 2021

Multiple opinions, including many that are negative, are produced in emergency events. These opinions are commonly formed asynchronously based on misinformation. However, most researches on opinion dynamics involving information neglect the asynchronous process of initial opinion formation due to information diffusion. Since online social networks like Sina Weibo act as major avenues for the expression, after analysing online behaviours, an opinion dynamic model is developed with consideration of misinformation diffusion of public opinion. In this model, schemes are developed for opinion interactions in multiple dimensions by introducing characteristics of online communication as another way of opinion interactions besides communication between neighbours. Subsequently, we investigate the impacts of network structure, diffusion rate, repost rate and other factors, which provide insights into understanding online opinion dynamics during emergency events. Furthermore, we conduct simulations to determine the intervention effects of different official responses. Results show that removing comments compulsively exhibits better performance in reducing negative opinion as well as increasing the density of Spreaders. Debunking misinformation by posting early results officially which indicates the probability of the existence of misinformation may lead public opinion in time if it takes a long time to finally confirm the misinformation.
The Acidale test: Spenser’s jettisoning of Sidney as poetic authoriser
Authors: Tipton Alzada J
Published: September 2021

This article questions the commonplace that Edmund Spenser always depicted Philip Sidney as his poetic authoriser by finding undercurrents in works through 1595 and by reading the Mount Acidale scene in the 1596 Faerie Queene as jettisoning Sidney. This study calls into question the accepted version of Spenser’s role in the historical development of Sidney’s image. It demonstrates that Spenser rethought his relationship to Sidney and reimagined himself as a poet. This study also resolves the disjunction between earlier depictions of Sidney as poet and the Sidney-like qualities of the unpoetical Calidore.
Republican friendship and the fall of the Roman Republic in late Elizabethan and early Jacobean drama
Authors: Moncrieff Ross
Published: September 2021

This article synthesises historical scholarship on early modern friendship and classical republicanism to argue that Cicero, through the ideal of ‘republican friendship’, exerted a much greater influence over early modern understandings of Roman history than has previously been realised. Exploring Roman plays by William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson, with reference to other classical dramas, it examines how dramatists used the Ciceronian ideal of republican friendship to create a historical framework for the political changes they were portraying, with Jonson using it to inform a Tacitean perspective on Roman history and Shakespeare scrutinising and challenging the nature of republican friendship itself.
Framing Community Sponsorship in the context of the UK’s hostile environment
Authors: D’avino Gabriella
Published: September 2021

The launch of the private sponsorship scheme, Community Sponsorship (CS), allowing individuals to resettle refugees in the UK, seems to be in contrast with the government’s approach towards immigration aimed to implement the hostile environment policy. Using frame analysis, this research looks at the diagnostic, prognostic and motivational framings used by policymakers in parliamentary debates related to CS to understand how the scheme and the hostile environment coexist. The findings show how the used frames allow the government to manage refugee resettlement more as a tool of migration management rather than exclusively as a tool of international protection, and how this strategy implements the UK’s hostile environment.
Increased prevalence of deep vein thrombosis and mortality in patients with Covid-19 at a referral center in Brazil
Authors: Pereira de Godoy Jose Maria , Russeff Gleison Juliano da Silva , Cunha Carolina Hungaro , Sato Debora Yuri , Silva Desirée Franccini Del Frari , Godoy Henrique Jose Pereira de , Silva Mariana Orate Menezes da , Amorim Henrique , Soares Marina Morães Lopes , Godoy Maria de Fatima Guerreiro
Published: September 2021

Background

Among the multiple complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Covid-19 pneumonia, immunothrombosis has been shown to play a key role.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to assess the monthly prevalence of deep venous thrombosis in a university hospital that admitted 5159 patients with Covid-19 in the medical ward and intensive care unit (ICU) and investigate whether there has been an increase in the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis and dead recently.

Method

A clinical trial was conducted evaluating 5159 patients admitted to the university hospital, Hospital de Base in São Jose do Rio Preto-Brazil, with a positive test for Covid-19, the prevalence of monthly deep venous thrombosis and the increase in thrombotic and events and mortality in March 2020 to April 2021 compared to the previous January and February with March–April of 2021. The evaluated by Fisher's exact test.

Results

The prevalence of deep vein thrombosis varied between the months of 0.26% to 7%, with an average of 2.5%. The months of March and April 2021 had a significant increase in venous thrombosis and mortality in relation to the months of January and February 2021.

Conclusion

The prevalence of deep venous thrombosis was variable during the months evaluated, since the beginning of Covid-19, but there was a significant increase in these last two months.
Focally administered succinate improves cerebral metabolism in traumatic brain injury patients with mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Khellaf Abdelhakim , Garcia Nuria Marco , Tajsic Tamara , Alam Aftab , Stovell Matthew G , Killen Monica J , Howe Duncan J , Guilfoyle Mathew R , Jalloh Ibrahim , Timofeev Ivan , Murphy Michael P , Carpenter T Adrian , Menon David K , Ercole Ari , Hutchinson Peter J , Carpenter Keri LH , Thelin Eric P , Helmy Adel
Published: September 2021

Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), raised cerebral lactate/pyruvate ratio (LPR) reflects impaired energy metabolism. Raised LPR correlates with poor outcome and mortality following TBI. We prospectively recruited patients with TBI requiring neurocritical care and multimodal monitoring, and utilised a tiered management protocol targeting LPR. We identified patients with persistent raised LPR despite adequate cerebral glucose and oxygen provision, which we clinically classified as cerebral ‘mitochondrial dysfunction’ (MD). In patients with TBI and MD, we administered disodium 2,3-13C2 succinate (12 mmol/L) by retrodialysis into the monitored region of the brain. We recovered 13C-labelled metabolites by microdialysis and utilised nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) for identification and quantification.

Of 33 patients with complete monitoring, 73% had MD at some point during monitoring. In 5 patients with multimodality-defined MD, succinate administration resulted in reduced LPR(−12%) and raised brain glucose(+17%). NMR of microdialysates demonstrated that the exogenous 13C-labelled succinate was metabolised intracellularly via the tricarboxylic acid cycle. By targeting LPR using a tiered clinical algorithm incorporating intracranial pressure, brain tissue oxygenation and microdialysis parameters, we identified MD in TBI patients requiring neurointensive care. In these, focal succinate administration improved energy metabolism, evidenced by reduction in LPR. Succinate merits further investigation for TBI therapy.
Representation, learning, and planning algorithms for geometric task and motion planning
Authors: Kim Beomjoon , Shimanuki Luke , Kaelbling Leslie Pack , Lozano-Pérez Tomás
Published: September 2021

We present a framework for learning to guide geometric task-and-motion planning (G-TAMP). G-TAMP is a subclass of task-and-motion planning in which the goal is to move multiple objects to target regions among movable obstacles. A standard graph search algorithm is not directly applicable, because G-TAMP problems involve hybrid search spaces and expensive action feasibility checks. To handle this, we introduce a novel planner that extends basic heuristic search with random sampling and a heuristic function that prioritizes feasibility checking on promising state–action pairs. The main drawback of such pure planners is that they lack the ability to learn from planning experience to improve their efficiency. We propose two learning algorithms to address this. The first is an algorithm for learning a rank function that guides the discrete task-level search, and the second is an algorithm for learning a sampler that guides the continuous motion-level search. We propose design principles for designing data-efficient algorithms for learning from planning experience and representations for effective generalization. We evaluate our framework in challenging G-TAMP problems, and show that we can improve both planning and data efficiency.
Fatal Hymenolepis nana cestodiasis in a ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta)
Authors: Crouch Esther E. V. , Hollinger Charlotte , Zec Stephanie , McAloose Denise
Published: September 2021

The cestode Hymenolepis nana is a common parasite of humans and mice. Fecal shedding in the absence of clinical disease has previously been reported in ring-tailed lemurs ( Lemur catta). This report describes fatal, disseminated H. nana cestodiasis infection in an aged ring-tailed lemur in a zoological collection. The parasites were associated with severe multifocal to coalescing and regionally extensive pyogranulomatous hepatitis and moderate multifocal pneumonia. The morphology of the parasites was highly unusual. Profiles were variably sized, ellipsoid to irregularly serpiginous, lined by a thin tegument, and filled with lightly eosinophilic fibrillar stroma and numerous, round basophilic cells. Polymerase chain reaction targeting a portion of the 18S rRNA gene and DNA sequencing of the amplicon showed 100% homology with H. nana.
Naming Jerusalem: Poetry and the Identity of the Personified City in Lamentations 1-2
Authors: Wendland Kristin J.
Published: September 2021

The order, frequency and variety of names given the personified city in Lamentations 1-2 enhances a sense of readerly empathy that the personification of the city imbues. In the first stanza of Lamentations 1, the names for the personified figure are ordered such that the most specific name appears in the description of the most personal violence. In Lamentations 2, the personified city is named with a similar frequency to the violent and angry language used to describe the deity. Combined with an increased use of endearment terms, this violence requires readers to hold together both the violence and the deep relationship between the city and her God.
Bridging Allograft Reconstruction Is Superior to Maximal Repair for the Treatment of Chronic, Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: Results of a Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wong Ivan , Sparavalo Sara , King John-Paul , Coady Catherine M.
Published: September 2021

Background:

Despite advances in surgical techniques, the use of maximal repair to treat large or massive rotator cuff tears results in a high retear rate postoperatively. Currently, no randomized controlled trials have compared the outcomes of maximal repair with interposition dermal allograft bridging reconstruction.

Hypothesis:

We hypothesized that large or massive rotator cuff tendon tears reconstructed using bridging dermal allograft would have better clinical outcomes 2 years postoperatively, as measured using the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index, than would those receiving the current gold standard treatment of debridement and maximal repair alone. We also expected that patients treated via bridging reconstruction using dermal allograft would have fewer postoperative failures as assessed using postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence 1.

Methods:

A sample size of 30 patients (determined using a priori sample size calculation) with massive, retracted rotator cuff tears were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 groups: maximal repair or bridging reconstruction using dermal allograft. All patients completed questionnaires (WORC and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH]) preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. The primary outcome of this study was the WORC index at 2 years. Secondary outcomes included healing rate, progression of rotator cuff arthropathy, and postoperative acromiohumeral distance in both groups.

Results:

Patients treated via bridging reconstruction using dermal allograft had better postoperative WORC and DASH scores (23.93 ± 24.55 and 15.77 ± 19.27, respectively) compared with patients who received maximal repair alone (53.36 ± 31.93 and 34.32 ± 23.31, respectively). We also noted increased progression to rotator cuff arthropathy in the maximal repair group with an increased retear rate when compared with the reconstruction group (87% and 21%, respectively; P < .001). The acromiohumeral distance was maintained in the reconstruction group but significantly decreased in the maximal repair group.

Conclusion:

Rotator cuff bridging reconstruction using a dermal allograft demonstrated improved patient-reported outcomes as measured using the WORC index 2 years postoperatively. This technique also showed favorable structural healing rates and decreased progression to arthropathy compared with maximal repair.

Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01987973)
Ignored works
Authors: Bielsa Esperança
Published: September 2021

This essay interrogates ignored works of art as a special kind of object that can shed some light on the nature of contemporary art worlds, as well as on wider social processes regarding our relationship with things and with our past. It provides a materialist perspective focused on discarded objects as an alternative to a mystifying view of the artworld that takes artistic autonomy for granted and obliterates the social conditions of creativity and success. Ignored works are normally outside the reach of art history and the sociology of art, yet the increasingly bigger realm of unrecognized and unvalued art provides, after the failure of the historical avant-garde, a space where critical autonomy can still develop. This essay attempts to illuminate this mostly invisible realm by relating it to other similar categories such as waste and forgetting. Finally, ignored works’ connection to notions of authenticity is pointed out.
Computational investigation for endocytosis of CoVID-19 virus SARS-CoV-2 in cell membrane
Authors: Mukherjee Soumya , Mahata Paritosh
Published: September 2021

CoVID-19 virus SARS-CoV-2 follows the endocytosis process to enter inside a cell to infect it. It is important to study the endocytosis of SARS-CoV-2 in cell membrane to prevent the pandemic of CoVID-19. In this paper we develop a finite element based computational model for endocytosis of SARS-CoV-2 in cell membrane and determine curvature generation on it during the process. The virus SARS-CoV-2 is modeled as a rigid spherical particle and cell membrane as an anisotropic elastic material, while its fluidic nature due to lipid exchange with infinite reservoir is preserved using suitable conditions. With the help of a contact pair created between the virus particle and cell membrane, endocytosis process is computationally studied and the curvature of membrane is evaluated as the time progresses during the endocytosis process. At the tip of the virus particle and half-radius distance from it, the membrane follows the curvature of virus very quickly. However, it takes more time for the membrane point located at a distance equal to the radius of the virus particle. This is compensated by the cytoplasmic peripheral proteins binding onto the inside surface of the cell membrane. The role of cytoplasmic peripheral BAR proteins is investigated by using a linear curvature-coupling model with protein concentrations. It is observed that F-BAR protein is more sensitive to the curvature of virus particle in comparison to the other BAR proteins. The sensitiveness deteriorates as the curvature is increased.
Entropy generation analysis for peristalsis of magneto Jeffrey materials
Authors: Hayat Tasawar , Bibi Farhat , Khan Ambreen Afsar , Zaman Akbar , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: September 2021

This article communicates peristalsis of Jeffrey material in curved geometry. Here, material has temperature-dependent thermal conductivity and viscosity. Mathematical modeling of an inclined magnetic field in curved configuration has been presented in this article. Irreversibility effects have been analyzed through entropy generation. Slip conditions are entertained both for velocity and thermal fields. Problem is first reduced in wave frame and then lubrication approach has been utilized. Numerical solution of dimensionless problem is obtained and important parameters of curiosity are examined. It is noticed that velocity enhances for higher viscosity whereas temperature decreases for higher thermal conductivity coefficient. Velocity of the flow is maximum for inclination of magnetic field to be zero and it is minimum for [Formula: see text] Heat transfer parameter enhances both for thermal conductivity parameter and Hartmann number. Temperature is high for curved configuration when compared with straight channel. It is observed that entropy remains unchanged in center of the channel and it is maximum near the channel walls. Entropy generation decays near the channel walls by higher viscosity and thermal conductivity parameters. However, entropy is more for higher inclination of magnetic field.
Unveiling the research pattern and trends in library service quality studies: A meta-narrative review
Authors: Vaidya Priya , Malik Basharat Ahmad , Ali P.M. Naushad
Published: September 2021

‘Service Quality’ and its influence in Library and Information Science discipline are spectacular when studied intensively. In this study, researchers adopted the Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards review method and introduced a novel Initialization, Conceptualization, Actualisation) (ICA) framework for meta-narrative studies. This method would act as a boon particularly to the existing methods of conducting meta-narrative studies in social sciences in general and library sciences in particular. A total of 49 research articles were selected from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, covering a span of 5 years, that is, 2015–2019, published in the domain of library service quality. An extensive in-depth analysis of selected publications was carried out under seven categories (i.e. library, library services, quality, ServQUAL, LibQUAL+, user satisfaction and users’ expectations), which were generated using the VOS-Viewer software and ‘Review Tags’ (manually generated using OneNote). The seven categories further identify a total of 27 sub-categories. The quantitative findings revealed that all the 49 reviewed publications were published in 27 journals. All the journals have been indexed in the Scopus database, whereas 15 journals containing the remaining 22 publications are indexed in both WoS and Scopus databases. This study unfolds a transverse trend in library service quality. It would be beneficial for the library managers to sustain libraries’ service quality and set a benchmark in the said field.
“Parenting Beyond the Veil”: The Continued Parenting Relationship After a Child's Death Due to Cancer
Authors: Denhup Christine
Published: September 2021

Background: Childhood cancer is the leading cause of illness-related death, leaving thousands of parents to experience bereavement. This article presents select findings about the nature of the continued parenting relationship, which is an essential theme of the parental bereavement experience. Method: Heideggerian phenomenology provided the philosophical underpinnings of this study, which aimed to describe the lived experience of bereaved parents who experienced the death of a child due to cancer. Van Manen’s (1997) method guided data collection and analysis. Six parents participated in interviews to share what it has been like for them since their child's death. The researcher wrote analytic memos, documented detailed field notes, and used a member checking process to ensure trustworthiness of findings. Results: A structure of the lived experience of parental bereavement emerged, which included the essential theme of the continued parenting relationship. The parenting relationship continues throughout a parent's lifetime in spite of the child's physical absence, albeit in a different manner. This different nature of parenting is known as parenting beyond the veil. Bereaved parents continue to parent beyond the veil by engaging in meaningful activities, seeking activities that strengthen a deep connection with the child, and being open to comforting signs that enhance their continued relationship. Discussion: Parents believe sharing their experience can help nurses and other professionals understand the importance of their continued parenting relationship and their need to parent beyond the veil so that they can provide high quality care to bereaved parents in the future.
Predicting Perceptions of Team Process Using Optimal Distinctiveness Theory
Authors: Way Jason D. , Conway Jeffrey S. , Shockley Kristen M. , Lineberry Matthew C.
Published: September 2021

There are conflicting findings in team diversity research on whether it is better for an individual on a team to be similar to or different from the rest of the team. This lab study with undergraduates completing a critical thinking and decision-making task uses optimal distinctiveness theory to examine the idea that finding a balance between these two states for team member personality will result in positive perceptions of team process. Our results supported this such that participants had the most positive perceptions of team process when optimally distinct from the rest of the team in terms of personality.
The Feasibility of Virtual VitalTalk Workshops in Japanese: Can Faculty Members in the US Effectively Teach Communication Skills Virtually to Learners in Japan?
Authors: Ito Kaori , Uemura Takeshi , Yuasa Misuzu , Onishi Eriko , Shiozawa Youkie , Ishikawa Hirono , Ouchi Kei , Nakagawa Shunichi
Published: September 2021

Background:

VitalTalk is an established training program for serious illness conversations in the US. Previously, this training course has been provided in-person in Japanese, but never virtually.

Objectives:

To evaluate the feasibility of a virtually administered VitalTalk workshop in Japanese.

Setting/Subjects:

We conducted a virtual workshop which consisted of 2 days (3 hours per day) of synchronous sessions and preceding asynchronous modules. Five VitalTalk faculty members in the US facilitated 4 workshops for 48 physicians from 33 institutions across Japan. Learners completed surveys before and after the workshop.

Measurements:

To evaluate the feasibility, learners were asked for their satisfaction with the workshop and the virtual format as primary outcomes and their self-assessed preparedness in serious illness communication as the secondary outcome. Each question employed a 5-point Likert scale.

Results:

All learners (n = 48, male 79%) participated in the survey. The mean score of the learners’ satisfaction was 4.69 or higher in all questions. The mean score of the virtual format’s satisfaction was 4.33 or higher in all questions. The mean score of self-reported preparedness on the 11 questions were between 2.30 and 3.34 before the workshop, all of which significantly increased to 3.08 through 3.96 after the workshop (p < 0.01 in all questions).

Conclusion:

Learners in Japan perceived the virtual format of our VitalTalk workshop as satisfactory, and their self-reported preparedness improved significantly after the workshop. VitalTalk faculty members in the US were able to provide virtual communication training to physicians in Japan.
Narrative Building in State Education Intervention: Framing the Takeover Attempt of Houston Independent School District
Authors: Lovell Darrell
Published: September 2021

This case study uses the approach by the Texas government to attempt a state takeover of Houston Independent School District (HISD) to examine the impact of framing on awareness and acceptance of executive action. This work extends recent studies in Georgia and Massachusetts that find stakeholder relationships, the role of Republican governors, and assigning blame as key components of takeover analysis. Using framing analysis, this case study analyzes the impact that framing the takeover action and approach has on these relationships. These findings present an understanding of how narrative construction makes an executive action consistent with administrative and political power to gain acceptability.
Nurses’ Attitudes Toward the Importance of Families in Nursing Care: A Multinational Comparative Study
Authors: Cranley Lisa A. , Lam Simon Ching , Brennenstuhl Sarah , Kabir Zarina Nahar , Boström Anne-Marie , Leung Angela Yee Man , Konradsen Hanne
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to examine nurses’ attitudes about the importance of family in nursing care from an international perspective. We used a cross-sectional design. Data were collected online using the Families’ Importance in Nursing Care—Nurses’ Attitudes (FINC-NA) questionnaire from a convenience sample of 740 registered nurses across health care sectors from Sweden, Ontario, Canada, and Hong Kong, China. Mean levels of attitudes were compared across countries using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Multiple regression was used to identify factors associated with nurses’ attitudes and to test for interactions by country. Factors associated with nurse attitudes included country, age, gender, and several practice areas. On average, nurses working in Hong Kong had less positive attitudes compared with Canada and Sweden. The effects of predictors on nurses’ attitudes did not vary by country. Knowledge of nurses’ attitudes could lead to the development of tailored interventions that facilitate nurse-family partnerships in care.
Selling “Healthy” Radium Products With Science: A Multimodal Analysis of Marketing in Sweden, 1910–1940
Authors: Eriksson Göran , O’Hagan Lauren Alex
Published: September 2021

We study the marketing of radioactive products in Sweden from 1910 to 1940, using a dataset of newspaper and magazine advertisements. We use multimodal critical discourse analysis to show how marketers harnessed the meaning potentials of language and semiotic resources to embed radium in discourses of science and technological development, and thus convince consumers of its health benefits. We find that canny marketers continuously colonized, shaped, and remarketed radioactive products in response to greater scientific knowledge and growing safety concerns. These techniques highlight the challenges of distinguishing legitimate/illegitimate applications of discoveries when science and entrepreneurialism move at the same pace.
Walking in the Boboli Gardens in Florence: Toward a Transdisciplinary, Visual, Cultural, and Constellational Analyses of Medieval Sensibilities in the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili
Authors: O’Neill James , O’Neill Maggie
Published: September 2021

Walking as a methodological approach has developed within anthropological, literary, sociological, and ethnographic research, and more recently in ethno-biographic studies, but has not greatly crossed into history or art history. In this article, using the metaphor of the “constellation,” we offer a transdisciplinary methodology to complicate Euro-western renaissance humanism, in our exploration of the gendered, temporal, spatial, and cultural aspects of renaissance Florence, through a walk in the “Boboli gardens” in the footsteps of Poliphilo. Walking helps us to form a sense of our past, present, and future, and in walking, we gain ground in the “art of paying attention” (Ingold). In our walk, key emerging themes are the gardens as a metaphor for visual culture; the phenomenological, temporal, and spatial transgression of gender norms and their demarcated thresholds; gardens as stimulating cognition and the sensorial; and the developing art of garden aesthetics and the architectonic.
The Impact of Interpretive Messaging and Animal Handling on Visitors’ Perceptions of Animal Welfare and Empathic Reactions
Authors: Minarchek Matthew J. , Skibins Jeffrey C. , Luebke Jerry F.
Published: September 2021

Zoos are increasingly turning to ambassador animal programs to address animal welfare issues and visitors’ empathic responses. However, little is known, if or how, animal handling practices and interpretation impact attendees’ perceptions of animal welfare and/or empathy. To evaluate these effects, eight ambassador animal program videos were created employing varying combinations of animal handling (traditional/free choice), interpretive messaging (traditional/empathy-based), and choice and control language (present/absent). Online questionnaires ( N = 1,185) were used to assess participants’ environmental and empathic predispositions before viewing and perceptions of animal welfare and empathic reactions immediately after viewing a video. Results revealed that empathic reactions were moderately correlated with perceptions of animal welfare ( r = .53, p < .001) and mean empathic responses were higher for free choice handling and empathic messaging videos versus traditional handling and messaging. Programming recommendations are discussed that can improve visitors’ perceptions of animal care and elicit strong empathic reactions.
Does intravenous contrast medium administration result in altered renal biomarkers? A study in clinically stable cats with and without azotemia
Authors: Prüllage Maria Laura , Schwendenwein Ilse , Eberspächer-Schweda Eva , Kneissl Sibylle
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of post-contrast acute kidney injury or comparable side effects on kidney function in cats receiving the non-ionic, iodinated agent ioversol and/or paramagnetic agent gadoteric acid.

Methods

Fifty-two animals were divided into four groups on the basis of contrast medium administration for imaging: ioversol (n = 27), gadoteric acid (n = 12), dual contrast media (n = 4) or control, which received an infusion of isotone intravenous fluids only during anaesthesia (n = 9). Blood and urine samples were obtained three times after contrast administration and compared with values obtained prior to administration of the contrast medium. Creatinine (<1.60 mg/dl), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA; ⩽14 μg/dl), urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC; <0.2) and critical differences for creatinine (<0.3 mg/dl) and SDMA (<5.98 μg/dl) were measured.

Results

No significant short-term effects on mean creatinine, SDMA and UPC measurements were seen. Borderline proteinuria (UPC, 0.2–0.4) was detected in 11.4% of cases after contrast media administration. A UPC of more than 0.2 in five cases indicated that contrast media may affect kidney function, leading to (transient) proteinuria.

Conclusions and relevance

This study found no side effect on renal function following the administration of ioversol or gadoteric acid, provided patients were adequately hydrated. However, the clinical relevance of proteinuria in some cats needs to be evaluated in future studies.
Static and dynamic pupillary characteristics in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Muhafiz Ersin , Bozkurt Erdinç , Erdoğan Can Emre , Nizamoğulları Şerif , Demir Mehmet Siraç
Published: September 2021

Purpose:

To examine the static and dynamic pupillary functions with automated pupillography in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with preserved visual acuity.

Methods:

Forty-seven MS patients with preserved visual acuity were included in the study group and 43 healthy volunteers in the control group. The visual evoked potential of the patients was obtained. After routine ophthalmologic examination contrast sensitivity and the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were measured. Finally scotopic, mesopic, and photopic pupillographies followed by dynamic pupillography were undertaken, and the pupillary dilatation speed was calculated.

Results:

The contrast sensitivity and RNFL thickness of the MS group were significantly lower than those of the control group ( p < 0.05; for both). In the MS and control groups, the scotopic pupil diameters were 5.48 ± 1.03 and 5.28 ± 0.78 mm, mesopic pupil diameters were 4.82 ± 0.83 and 4.48 ± 0.70 mm, and photopic pupil diameters were 3.84 ± 0.79 and 3.42 ± 0.49 mm, respectively ( p = 0.315, p = 0.044, and p = 0.004, respectively). In dynamic pupillography, the pupil in the MS group was more dilated than control group at all time sections examined except the sixth second ( p < 0.05; for all). Although the mean pupillary dilation speed in the first second was higher in the MS group ( p = 0.044), there was no significant difference between the groups for the other time intervals examined ( p > 0.05; for all). There was no correlation between pupillary parameters and P100-wave latency, RNFL thickness, or contrast sensitivity ( p > 0.05; for all).

Conclusions:

Static and dynamic pupillary functions may be affected in MS patients with preserved visual acuity. Although scotopic pupillary functions are preserved, mesopic, and photopic pupil functions are weakened.
Vein and artery diameter influence on arteriovenous fistula maturation and patency in a Mexican population
Authors: Martinez-Mier Gustavo , Cisneros-Tinoco Miguel Angel , Sanchez-Ruiz Francisco Gerardo
Published: September 2021

Background:

There is no consensus of the optimal arterial and venous sizes on arteriovenous fistula (AVF) function and patency. The purpose of our study was to determine the influence of vein and artery sizes on maturation and patency in autologous first time AVF in a vascular access clinic of Mexican Social Security.

Methods:

Approved IRB single-center retrospective study in patients referred for their first AVF from 01/2018/ to 04/2020. Perianastomotic inner vein diameter and single inner artery diameter was recorded by duplex ultrasound. Outcomes were: failure to mature (FTM) and cumulative primary patency survival.

Results:

Eighty-six AVF’s were created (mean age 45.5 ± 15.1 years; 62.8% male; mean BMI 25.9 ± 4.3 kg/m2). About 86% were brachiocephalic AVF. Eight (8.1%) AVF had FTM. Mean follow-up was 19.7 ± 8.5 months. Two-year patency survival was 81.4%. FTM vein and artery diameters (2.1 ± 0.3 and 2.8 ± 0.7 mm respectively) were smaller than successful AVF’s (3.1 ± 0.9 and 3.5 ± 0.6 mm) ( p < 0.05). ROC curve calculated a 2.15 mm vein diameter cutoff (AUC: 0.86) and a 2.95 mm artery diameter cutoff (AUC: 079) for FTM AVF’s (83% sensitivity, 72% specificity both) ( p < 0.05). AVF’s created with a vein diameter <2.15 mm and <2.95 mm artery diameter had statistically significant lower patency survival than AVF’s with larger vein and artery diameters ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Vein diameter <2.15 mm and artery diameter <2.95 mm influences AVF maturation and patency in a Mexican population.
Comprehensive Assessment for the Potential Environmental Impacts of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Downstream Countries: Itaipu Dam in the Rearview Mirror
Authors: Morsy Karim M. , Abdelatif Gaber , Mostafa Mohamed K.
Published: September 2021

This article provides a comparative environmental assessment for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) learning from Itaipu dam experience. The article gives a full insight about the potential political and technical concerns that may affect the downstream countries as a result of the construction of GERD and proposed a solution and way forward for the negotiation based on joint collaboration perspective. Based on the analytical comparison conducted between GERD and Itaipu, the results showed that the total annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions expected to be released from the GERD during the operation is 3,927 tCO2eq, while other secondary emissions were estimated to be 16.17 tons, mainly of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Also, the ratio of power generation to reservoir capacity of the GERD was questionable, since Ethiopia has announced that the dam is built only for power generation and that there is no intention to utilize water from the dam reservoir. On the other side, the water quality - represented in turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), total phosphorus (TP), and chemical oxygen demand (COD) - behind the GERD is expected to deteriorate dramatically. Also, an increase in total nitrogen (TN) is expected to occur depending on human activities. Accordingly, the article discussed thoughtfully the potential adverse impacts of the GERD on downstream countries and the possible mitigation options. The article also extended to discuss proposals for practical solutions that pave the road for joint collaboration between the three countries to achieve a transparent resolution and a fair resources utilization.
Evaluating the Level of Pesticides in the Blood of Small-Scale Farmers and Its Associated Risk Factors in Western Ethiopia
Authors: Afata Tariku Neme , Mekonen Seblework , Tucho Gudina Terefe
Published: September 2021

Background:

The presence of agricultural pesticide residue can cause adverse health effects.The main objective of this study was to evaluate the level of pesticides in the blood of small-scale farmers (SSFs) and associated risk factors in western Ethiopia.

Methods:

Across sectional study was conducted in June 2020 using 240 blood samples, 140 from the exposed small-scale farmers (ESSFs) and 100 from non-exposed small-scale farmers (NESSFs). The blood sample analysis was mad for 5 organochlorines (OCs) and 3 synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) pesticides by gas-liquid chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD) methods. Extraction, and clean up of the samples were made by using standard analytical methods. To define the relationships between the outcomes and explanatory variables, logistic regression models were used.

Results:

The results shows that p,p’-DDT, heptachlor and deltamethrin were the most frequently detected pesticides with 96.4%, 95%, and 100% in both ESSFs and NESSFs, respectively. The ESSFs blood samples have shown the highest mean concentrations of permethrin and p,p'-DDT(1.26 ± 0.15) and (0.28 ± 0.4) mgL−1, respectively. SSFs under the age of 40 were 21% less likely to be exposed to permethrin than those above the age of 40 (Adjusted Odd Ratio, AOR, 0.21; 95% CI: 0.1-0.44). Male SSFs were 17 times more likely to be exposed to heptachlor than females (AOR, 17.36; 95%CI: 7.34-41.09) and farmers with no formal education were 18 times more likely to be exposed to deltamethrin than those with primary schools and beyond (AOR, 18.1; 95 %CI: 4.53-72.06). Furthermore, SSFs that did not use PPE appropriately were 3.6 and 6.21 times more likely to be exposed to cypermethrin (AOR, 3.6; 95%CI: 1.94-6.54) and p,p'-DDE(AOR, 6.21; 95%CI: 3.38-11.41) blood levels than those who did, respectively. SSFs that perform different activities like eating and drinking (11%), chewing (10%), and diverse activities (8%) were more likely to be exposed to p,p′-DDT than those farmers who didn’t use pesticides.

Conclusions:

This study identified a high concentration p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, heptachlor, cypermethrin, permethrin, and deltamethrin in the blood of small scale farmers. The older age, less education, and farmers with inappropriate PPE use are more likely exposed to pesticides.
Public Perception Influence on the Reshaping Urban Heritage: A Case Study of Port Said Historic Quarters
Authors: Fouad Sara S. , Sharaf Eldin Shahira
Published: September 2021

Cultural heritage plays an important role in reshaping cities’ current morphologies, reinforcing public sense of belonging, cultural identity, and place authenticity. Port Said, the research case study, a former colonial city located at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea and the Suez Canal at the north east Egyptian coast, is struggling between new urban sprawl that obliterates its identity and urban heritage preservation. Port Said is an important logistic city distinguished by its unique urban heritage, facing a real threat of heritage obliteration. There is a continuous fight between nostalgic memories, modern life style dreams, and aimed economic benefit. Although there is an international developing agenda for the preservation of tangible urban heritage, the local community can barely interfere with reshaping of urban heritage in the modern society. It is urgent to create public awareness and heritage guardians in developing countries as the economic benefits strongly demolish heritage, ignoring their significance and peculiarity. This research aims to investigate the city’s historical and urban development with special emphasis on buildings’ visual characteristics and architectural features. Visual preference survey research methodology is used to study public perception influence toward reshaping city historical image. The current study employs both qualitative and quantitative tactics in data collection to examine the research hypotheses and to achieve organized and rational local perception about Egyptian building heritage development. Finally, conclusions are drawn about the joining of current public perception of the Port Said heritages, urban identity and city unique reshaping and development.
Taking literature off page! The effectiveness of a blended drama approach for enhancing L2 oral accuracy, pronunciation and complexity
Authors: Floare Bora Simona
Published: September 2021

This article intends to add to the rising discussion related to the employment of authentic plays and drama within a high school compulsory curriculum for enhancing learners’ foreign language (L2) oral skills. In particular, it examines the pedagogical use of authentic contemporary plays for developing learners’ L2 oral production in terms of (1) complexity – syntactic and mean length of AS-units (MLAS) and (2) accuracy – global and pronunciation accuracy. For this purpose, a class of 10 final year high school students with a lower-intermediate to upper-intermediate level of language in an Italian context was exposed longitudinally to a blended-drama approach – the use of literary play scripts, drama games and techniques, and a full-scale performance – conducted over two terms for a total of 40 hours in-class lessons. A control group was taught through a traditional approach over the same period. Quantitative data were collected through a pre-test/post-test design with three tasks under different conditions regarding status and interaction: oral proficiency interview (OPI), story-retelling and guided role-play (GRP). Findings revealed that drama significantly improved learners’ pronunciation accuracy, syntactic complexity and MLAS. There was no significant statistical result on global accuracy between the two groups. Pedagogical implications for teaching practice will be discussed.