bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workplace change and institutional experimentation: a case study of service-sector work in Europe
Authors: Pulignano Valeria , Thompson Paul , Doerflinger Nadja
Published: April 2020

This article examines institutional experimentation by linking the dynamics of capital accumulation, the adoption of new digital technologies within the labour process, and institutional settings. Our inductive qualitative case study within the service (logistics) sector in Europe sheds light on the processes through which local stakeholders engage in workplace change through institutional experimentation. It also illustrates how and under which conditions unions can act as political agents of transformation to influence work and employment.
Investigation on the functionality of laser-welded NiTi to NiTiCu shape memory wires
Authors: Mehrpouya Mehrshad , Gisario Annamaria , Barletta Massimiliano , Veniali Francesco
Published: April 2020

NiTi shape memory wires are widely used in several markets, mainly for medical and aerospace applications, due to their excellent properties including superelasticity and shape memory effect. The combination of NiTi alloys with other alloys can provide high flexibility in the design of various smart structures. Nevertheless, the joining of NiTi alloys is really challenging because of the effect of thermal history on the functionality of welded joints. In fact, the temperature can change the microstructure and the balance of the material composition in the welding area, and, consequently, it leads to some alterations in the transformation temperature of the welded zone. The present study reports the effect of laser parameters, namely, laser power and scan speed, on the functionality of laser-welded NiTi to NiTiCu wires. The experimental findings allowed us to identify the best operational windows of the laser parameters, stating welding by high-power diode laser as an extremely promising technique in joining of dissimilar NiTi wires.
Simultaneous optimization of control parameters and placements of piezoelectric patches for active structural acoustic control of shell structures under random excitation
Authors: Zhai Jingjuan , Shang Linyuan , Zhao Guozhong
Published: April 2020

Simultaneous optimization of multiple parameters of an active structural acoustic control system under random force excitation is presented in this article. A method integrating the pseudo excitation method, finite element method, and boundary element method is proposed to analyze the random acoustic radiation. The active structural acoustic control of randomly vibrating structures is developed using the velocity feedback control scheme with the help of the pseudo excitation method. The acoustic design optimization model is proposed, in which the auto power spectral density of sound pressure is taken as the objective function and the placements of actuators/sensors as well as control gains are assigned as design variables. Taking into account the operational efficiency and control cost, the number of actuators/sensors and the total actuation energy are considered as constraints. A simulated annealing algorithm is employed for the optimization problem with discrete and continuous variables coexisting. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods and the programs, and several key factors on the optimized designs are also discussed.
Would Chuck Norris Certainly Win the Hunger Games? Simulating the Result Reliability of Battle Royale Games Through Agent-Based Models
Authors: Rosenbusch Hannes , Röttger Jonas , Rosenbusch David
Published: April 2020

Background. The amount of random chance involved in multiplayer competitions varies depending on the structure of the competition. A hugely popular mode of competition is the Battle Royale, in which a group of participants semi-randomly encounters and battles each other until only one player is left. We utilized computer simulations to investigate how strongly the outcomes of different Battle Royale formats reflect the actual distribution of skill among the players. Further, we investigated which game features affect the congruency between skills and results.

Method. We build agent-based models in NETLOGO to simulate the outcomes of different Battle Royale formats.

Results. Our results consistently forwarded that outcomes from Battle Royale are only weakly aligned with actual player skills.

Conclusion. Our findings suggest that many forms of Battle Royale involve substantially more luck than other sports or e-sports competitions. Further, game developers should note that introducing new game features can entail both higher and lower involvement of skill over luck, and that these features can be tuned to obtain a desired level of uncertainty.
Perceptions of Facilitators and Barriers to Measuring and Improving Quality in Palliative Care Programs
Authors: Kuchinad Kamini , Sharma Ritu , Isenberg Sarina R. , Hamayel Nebras Abu Al , Weaver Sallie J. , Zhu Junya , Hannum Susan M. , Kamal Arif H. , Walling Anne M. , Lorenz Karl A. , Ailon Jonathan , Dy Sydney M.
Published: April 2020

Objective:

To examine perceptions of facilitators and barriers to quality measurement and improvement in palliative care programs and differences by professional and leadership roles.

Methods:

We surveyed team members in diverse US and Canadian palliative care programs using a validated survey addressing teamwork and communication and constructs for educational support and training, leadership, infrastructure, and prioritization for quality measurement and improvement. We defined key facilitators as constructs rated ≥4 (agree) and key barriers as those ≤3 (disagree) on 1 to 5 scales. We conducted multivariable linear regressions for associations between key facilitators and barriers and (1) professional and (2) leadership roles, controlling for key program and respondent factors and clustering by program.

Results:

We surveyed 103 respondents in 11 programs; 45.6% were physicians and 50% had leadership roles. Key facilitators across sites included teamwork, communication, the implementation climate (or environment), and program focus on quality improvement. Key barriers included educational support and incentives, particularly for quality measurement, and quality improvement infrastructure such as strategies, systems, and skilled staff. In multivariable analyses, perceptions did not differ by leadership role, but physicians and nurse practitioners/nurses/physician assistants rated most constructs statistically significantly more negatively than other team members, especially for quality improvement (6 of the 7 key constructs).

Conclusions:

Although participants rated quality improvement focus and environment highly, key barriers included lack of infrastructure, especially for quality measurement. Building on these facilitators and measuring and addressing these barriers might help programs enhance palliative care quality initiatives’ acceptability, particularly for physicians and nurses.
Professional Development to Increase Teacher Capacity for the Use of New Technologies
Authors: Love Matthew L. , Simpson Lisa A. , Golloher Andrea , Gadus Brian , Dorwin Jennifer
Published: April 2020

As technology continues to provide new instructional options in the classroom, opportunities to embed new tools in their pedagogy are critical for teachers. One avenue that could encourage teachers to adopt new technologies in their classroom is professional development. This column outlines how a comprehensive program can be implemented to build teacher capacity for implementing new tools in their classrooms. Suggestions include developing a referral system that connects teachers to necessary supports, developing ongoing trainings that build teacher knowledge and skills for using technology, and creating site-based leaders for technology use through professional development and the creation of professional learning communities.
Underutilized Technology Solutions for Student Writing
Authors: Rowland Amber , Smith Sean J. , Lowrey K. Alisa , Abdulrahim Naheed A.
Published: April 2020

This article provides key considerations and step-by-step procedures useful for any teacher to use when planning to enhance their writing instruction with technology. This includes understanding current writing initiatives as well as recognizing the common behaviors of skilled and struggling writers. Four types of underutilized, yet commonly available technology families are described with associated online tool exemplars. These tools can be used during writing instruction across educational settings to support varying student needs. Recommendations are also made for a step-by-step approach to embedding technology within various components of writing (i.e., prewriting, research, drafting, editing, proofreading) that allows for implementation of writing strategies paired with commonly available technology. Finally, guidelines are shared to support teacher planning and implementation of effective writing strategies supported with technology.
Disparities in the Use of Guideline-Based Pharmacotherapy Exist for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Failure Patients Who Have Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities in a Commercially Insured Database
Authors: Erickson Steven R. , Basu Tanima , Dorsch Michael P. , Kamdar Neil
Published: April 2020

Background:

Patients who have intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDDs) develop atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or heart failure (HF) at rates similar to or higher than the general population. They also face disparities accessing and using health care services.

Objective:

To determine if disparities exist in the use of guideline-based pharmacotherapy (GBP) for ASCVD or HF for adults with IDD.

Methods:

Using the 2014 Clinformatics Data Mart Database, adults with ASCVD or HF were divided into IDD or non-IDD groups. Patients with contraindications for GBP medications were excluded. Use of GBP between IDD and non-IDD groups was examined. Subgroup analysis included comparisons between IDD groups.

Results:

For HF, 1011 patients with IDD and 236,638 non-IDD patients were identified. For ASCVD, 2190 IDD and 790,343 non-IDD patients were identified. We found that 47.9%, 35.8%, and 13.1% of IDD and 58.7%, 48.4%, and 18.9% of non-IDD patients had pharmacy claims for statins ( P < 0.001), β-blockers ( P < 0.001), or antiplatelet therapy ( P < 0.001), respectively. For HF, 46.8% and 50.3% of IDD and 59.8% and 55.4% of non-IDD patients had pharmacy claims for β-blockers (P < 0.001) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs; P = 0.003), respectively. In all but one multivariate regression models patients with IDD were less likely to use GBP than patients in the non-IDD group. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients who had Down syndrome had lower GBP use in 4 of the 5 measures.

Conclusion and Relevance:

Disparities exist in the use of GBP for patients with IDD with ASCVD or HF. Patients who have an IDD should be examined by clinicians to ensure appropriate access to and use of GBP.
Influences of Smoking Status on Effectiveness of Cytochrome P450 Enzyme System Metabolized Medications in Reducing In-Hospital Death in 14 658 Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction: Data From CPACS-3 Study
Authors: Li Min , Feng Lin , Li Xian , Gao Runlin , Wu Yangfeng
Published: April 2020

Background:

The benefit of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme system metabolized medications, especially clopidogrel, was reported more pronounced in smoking than nonsmoking patients, but limited evidence was available from Asian patients. We analyzed data from a large registry-based study of Chinese patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to understand if the above finding could be reproduced.

Methods:

A total of 14 658 patients with AMI were prospectively recruited from 101 hospitals across China. Generalized estimating equation was applied to assess the association between CYP450 enzyme system metabolized medications (clopidogrel, statins, calcium channel blockers) and in-hospital death in smoking and nonsmoking patients, separately, adjusting for hospital clustering effects and propensity score of using the medication in question.

Results:

There were 86%, 93%, and 10% of study patients who received clopidogrel, statins, and calcium channel blockers during the hospitalization. Compared with patients not receiving clopidogrel, patients receiving the drug had a significantly lower risk of in-hospital death (adjusted relative risk [RR] = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40-0.91) in current smokers but an insignificant lower risk (adjusted RR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.71-1.01) in nonsmokers, and the P for interaction was <.01. The corresponding adjusted RR was 0.45 (95% CI: 0.24-0.86) in current smokers and 0.94 (95% CI: 0.68-1.29) in nonsmokers ( P for interaction <.01) for statins use and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.53-1.89) in current smokers and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.48-0.90) in nonsmokers ( P for interaction = .23) for calcium channel blockers use.

Conclusions:

Our study in a large cohort of Chinese patients with AMI found that the treatment effect in reducing risk of in-hospital death was significantly larger in smokers than in nonsmokers as for clopidogrel and statins but not for calcium channel blockers.
Does Sexism Mediate the Gender and Rape Myth Acceptance Relationship?
Authors: Angelone D. J. , Cantor Nicole , Marcantonio Tiffany , Joppa Meredith
Published: April 2020

Compared with women, men tend to blame assault victims, exonerate perpetrators, and report higher levels of sexism and rape myths. The goal of the present study was to determine whether sexist beliefs mediate the established relationship between gender and rape myth acceptance in a sample of 626 college students. Results demonstrated that hostile sexism, complementary gender differentiation, and heterosexual intimacy mediated the relationship between gender and rape myth acceptance, suggesting that these attitudes play a role in victim blaming and have potential to inform the development of sexual assault prevention programs.
Gilteritinib: An FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3/AXL tyrosine kinase inhibitor for the treatment of relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Reed Daniel R , Sen Jeremy M , Pierce Eric J , Elsarrag Ramey Z , K Keng Michael
Published: April 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia has recently undergone a significant transition into identifying and successfully inhibiting driver mutations leading to disease. One of the most common mutations in acute myeloid leukemia involves the protein FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), which leads to ligand-independent activation of intracellular signaling cascades leading to the survival and proliferation of the acute leukemia blast cell. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the presence of two dominant types of mutations of this protein: internal tandem duplication and tyrosine kinase domain mutations. Successful inhibition of this protein has proven to be challenging. While FLT3 has been shown to be successfully inhibited and shown to improve overall survival in the frontline therapy of acute myeloid leukemia in combination with cytarabine and anthracycline, relapsed and refractory (R/R) patients have not been shown to be a successful population until recently. A phase III trial (ADMIRAL trial) demonstrated significant overall survival benefit in patients receiving gilteritinib compared to patients receiving salvage chemotherapy. This review will provide an overview of the preclinical, clinical, and practical use of gilteritinib in the treatment of patients with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia with FLT3 mutation.
Anesthesia and COVID-19: What We Should Know and What We Should Do
Authors: Tang Linda Y. , Wang Jingping
Published: April 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first reported in Wuhan, Hubei, China, and has spread to more than 200 other countries around the world. COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease with continuous human-to-human transmission. The origin of the virus is unknown. Airway manipulations and intubations, which are common during anesthesia procedures may increasingly expose anesthesia providers and intensive care unit team members to SARS-CoV-2. Through a comprehensive review of existing studies on COVID-19, this article presents the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19, reviews current medical management, and suggests ways to improve the safety of anesthetic procedures. Owing to the highly contagious nature of the virus and the lack of therapeutic drugs or vaccines, precautions should be taken to prevent medical staff from COVID-19.
Outcome of cats referred to a specialized adoption program for feline leukemia virus-positive cats
Authors: Lockhart Heather L , Levy Julie K , Amirian E Susan , Hamman Natascha T , Frenden Monica K
Published: April 2020

Objectives

The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess outcomes of cats referred to a specialized adoption program for feline leukemia virus (FeLV)-positive cats.

Methods

Cats referred to an FeLV-specific adoption program between January 2018 and July 2019 at an animal shelter in Austin, TX, USA, were first identified based on their putative FeLV status as reported by the referring shelter, rescue group, veterinarian or individual. Each cat was re-screened for FeLV upon admission and subsequently deemed infected or uninfected. Data on cat source, admission date, outcome date, outcome type, signalment and comorbidities at the time of admission were extracted from the shelter database. Outcomes were recorded up to 15 December 2019.

Results

In total, 801 cats suspected to be infected with FeLV were referred to the FeLV adoption program. Of these, 149 (18.6%) were ultimately deemed uninfected, and infection was confirmed in 652 (81.4%) cats. Adoption was the most common outcome for FeLV-infected cats (n = 514 cats; 78.8%), followed by euthanasia or death in care (n = 109; 16.7%). Upper respiratory infection (URI) was the most common comorbidity in FeLV-infected cats (n = 106; 16.3%) at the time of admission, which was not significantly different than URI in the cats that were deemed not to be infected with FeLV (n = 29; 19.5%).

Conclusions and relevance

This study demonstrated high national demand for a lifesaving option for cats diagnosed with FeLV. FeLV infections could not be confirmed in approximately one in five cats referred to the FeLV adoption program, a reminder of the risk behind basing the fate of a cat on a single positive test result. The majority of cats referred to the FeLV program were adopted, demonstrating that programs centered on adopter education and post-adoption support can create lifesaving outcomes for most FeLV-infected cats, despite uncertainty regarding their long-term prognosis.
The Importance of Significant Others in Preventing Extremism: The Philosophy and Practice of the Swedish Tolerance Project
Authors: Skiple Alida
Published: April 2020

This article concerns a specific educational programme to reduce recruitment to racist and extreme organizations in Sweden. The programme is called the Tolerance Project, and it functions as an elective course offered to a selected group of young people. Looking into assumptions and ideas underlying the programme, the article describes the importance of significant others in preventing extremism. Data consist of descriptions of the programme and field notes obtained from course participation and talking to course leaders. The tolerance educators express a broad understanding of socialization, in which parents are considered as important conversation partners, and that their own job is to facilitate democratic dialogue. Most notably, the course creates new peer constellations and encourages participants to become ‘ambassadors of tolerance’, able to confront intolerance in the arenas in which they are normally located. The overall idea is to improve the various social contexts in which potential ‘at-risk’ youth are located.
Postoperative treatment compliance rate and complications with two different protocols after pterygium excision and conjunctival autografting
Authors: Sabater-Cruz Noelia , Dotti-Boada Marina , Rios José , Carrion Maria Teresa , Chamorro Lillian , Sánchez-Dalmau Bernardo F , Casaroli-Marano Ricardo-Pedro
Published: April 2020

Aim:

To evaluate compliance rate to pterygium postoperative treatment with two different protocols.

Methods:

Review of clinical data of patients submitted to pterygium excision and conjunctival autografting in a single centre (and a single surgeon) in Barcelona between March 2014 and December 2017. Initial postoperative protocol (protocol 1) consisted of 4 months of topical steroids in a tapering fashion. Protocol 2 consisted of topical steroids tapered over 5 weeks. Compliance rate, complications and clinical outcomes were evaluated, and statistical comparisons were made.

Results:

120 surgeries were performed in 99 patients. Protocol 1 was applied in 63 cases and the next 57 followed protocol 2. Compliance with protocol 1 (57.6%) was lower than with protocol 2 (84.9%) (p = 0.002). Intraoperative complications (graft tear, corneal thinning, corneal perforation and bleeding) were found in 10 cases of protocol 1 and three cases of protocol 2, p = 0.08. Postoperative complications (graft dislocation, graft haematoma, ocular hypertension and recurrence) were found in 31 cases of protocol 1 (46.2%) and eight cases of protocol 2 (14%), p = 0.001. Six weeks after surgery, ocular hypertension was detected in eight cases corresponding to protocol 1 (13.6%) and two cases of protocol 2 (3.8%), p = 0.099. Recurrence rate during first year was higher in protocol 1 (26.3%) compared to protocol 2 (7.6%), p = 0.011. No cases of visual acuity worsening or infection were registered.

Conclusion:

Protocol 2 has shown to have higher compliance rate than protocol 1 and less postoperative complications, proving to be a safe and effective postoperative treatment after pterygium surgery.
Computer-assisted needle navigation for pediatric internal jugular central venous cannulation: A feasibility study
Authors: Gallo Christopher , Foroughi Pezhman , Meagher Elisabeth , Vellody Ranjith , Yadav Bhupender , Ho Anthony , Demir Alican , Heisenberg Dorothee , Cleary Kevin , Sharma Karun
Published: April 2020

Introduction:

Vascular access for central venous catheter placement is technically challenging in children. Ultrasound guidance is recommended for pediatric central venous catheter placement, yet many practitioners rely on imprecise anatomic landmark techniques risking procedure failure due to difficulty mastering ultrasound guidance. A novel navigation system provides a visual overlay on real-time ultrasound images to depict needle trajectory and tip location during cannulation. We report the first pediatric study assessing feasibility and preliminary safety of using a computer-assisted needle navigation system to aid in central venous access.

Methods:

A prospective, institutional review board–approved feasibility study was performed. All participants provided written informed consent. Ten patients (mean age: 11.4 years, five males) underwent central venous catheter placement with ultrasound and navigation system guidance. All procedures were performed by interventional radiologists expert in vascular access. Feasibility was measured through binary (yes/no) responses from participating users assessing device usability and feasibility. The number of needle passes and procedure time measures were also recorded.

Results:

Internal jugular veins (seven right sided, three left sided) were cannulated in all patients with no complications. Users confirmed navigation system feasibility in all 10 participants. Mean vein diameter and depth was 13.3 × 9.8 ± 3.4 × 2.1 and 7.0 ± 1.7 mm, respectively. Successful cannulation occurred in all patients and required only a single needle pass in 9 of 10 patients. Mean device set-up and vascular access times were 5:31 ± 2:28 and 1:48 ± 2:35 min, respectively.

Conclusion:

This pilot study suggests that it is feasible to use a novel computer-assisted needle navigation system to safely obtain central venous access under ultrasound guidance in pediatric patients.
Central venous catheters and arrhythmia: Two unusual cases
Authors: Sosa Barrios R Haridian , Lefroy David , Ashby Damien , Duncan Neill
Published: April 2020

Jugular Tesio lines (TesioCaths; MedCOMP, Harleysville, PA, USA) are frequently used as permanent vascular accesses in haemodialysis patients. During the insertion procedure, arrhythmias are a relatively common complication, usually related to an excessively advanced catheter tip, without major consequences. We present two cases of life-threatening arrhythmias triggered by the Tesio catheter eccentric high-velocity jet of blood resolved after reposition of the catheter without further episodes, despite both lines being inserted under real-time ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance. We believe dialysis lines should be checked for tip position even when long-standing to prevent relevant complications due to catheter sliding.
Athena’s claim in an academic regime of performativity: Discursive organizing of excellence and gender at the intersection of heterotopia and heteronomia
Authors: Wieners Sarah , Weber Susanne Maria
Published: April 2020

From a Foucauldian perspective, we regard “excellence” and “gender” as discourses that become relevant in academia. We analyze the organizational dispositives of “excellence” and “gender” as organizing patterns and rationalities within academic organizations. Beginning with the modern conceptualization of the independent university as a heterotopic space of and for society, the programmatics of the “entrepreneurial university” shift this heterotopic space into a heteronomic one. How do academic professionals bring about discursive organizing of excellence and gender when reflecting on institutional programmatics and organizational strategies for the promotion of early-career academics? What are these early-career academics’ subject positions that are systematically brought about within these organizational strategies? This article discusses two empirical cases involving academic institutions and strategies of discursive organizing. While in the first case of the global player organization, the claim for excellence is made from a position of “already being there,” the second, aspiring organization is still working toward excellence. This article demonstrates that gender discourses in the global player organization are in a marginalized position, while gender discourses in the aspiring organization gain strategic relevance within the organization’s entrepreneurial strategies. This article therefore shows how heterotopic strategies intermingle and intersect with strategies of heteronomic organization of excellence.
The effectiveness of fiber-reinforced natural composites compared to the elastomer materials produced from nonrenewable resources in vibration transmission suppression
Authors: Pawlik Arkadiusz , Frackowiak Stanislaw , Leluk Karol
Published: April 2020

In this work, a number of tests were carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the vibro-acoustic behavior composite consisting of a biodegradable polymer matrix (polylactid acid) and a filler in the form of natural flax fibers, with a moisture content of 2.03% after drying in 80°C for 4 h. To improve material dampening properties, polylactid acid was plasticized with polyethylene glycol 400 and triethyl citrate. The flax fiber content of the composite was 10, 20, and 30 wt%. Mechanical properties at bending and tensile were performed. For the measurement of vibro-acoustic suppression effectiveness, composite samples have been made to enable installation in the measurement system. The measuring system consisted of an unbalanced axial electric motor, resting on a steel frame placed on vibration suppressor. For comparison, the commercial grade vibration suppressor was used. In order to evaluate the vibration damping of the system by vibration suppressor, vibration engine frame vibration was forced by acceleration of the engine’s rotational speed to specific frequencies. It has been proven that the type of the plasticizer used in the composite changes the vibro-acoustic suppression parameter. Also, the length and the weight percentage of the fibers result in lower material damping values.
From Oldboy to Burning: Han in South Korean films
Authors: Boman Björn
Published: April 2020

Korean culture has been shaped by the traumatic colonial past (1910–1945), which in part facilitated the rise of the historical-cultural han concept in the 1920s onward, often interpreted as rancor, grief, or resentment due to a real or alleged undeserved experience of the Korean people but also beautiful artistic expressions. Scholars have applied han to, for example, Korean music genres like pansori and even Korean American popular culture. The current article critically examines expressions of implicit han in relation to four contemporary South Korean films. The analysis suggests that han is expressed in a plethora of ways, depending on for instance the main characters’ constitution and the specific cultural-ideological framework presented in each text, and must always be understood in relation to such macro variables rather than as an isolated expression of a particular concept.
Breathing Spaces: Modelling Exposure in Air Pollution Science
Authors: Garnett Emma
Published: April 2020

In this article, I materially situate air pollution exposure as a topic of social and political inquiry by paying attention to the increasing specificity of spaces and sites of exposure in air pollution and health research. Evidence of the unevenness of exposure and differential health effects of air pollution have led to a proliferation of studies on the risks different environments pose to bodies. There are increasingly different airs in air pollution science. In this research, bodies are often relegated to passive objects, exposed according to the environments they move between. Yet exposure implies a blurring of bodies and environments which also challenges the idea of a discrete body that is distinguishable from its material context. By studying the process of modelling indoor air pollution, I highlight how air pollution, buildings and bodies are co-implicated with one another in ways that demand new ways of materialising human exposure in science.
Japanese negative suffix nai in conversation: Its formulaicity and intersubjectivity
Authors: Sadler Misumi
Published: April 2020

The study investigates how speakers use ‘ nai-expressions’ (a verb root + the negative suffix (a)nai as in shabere-nai ‘cannot speak’ and ik-anai ‘will/do not go’) in naturally occurring conversation. The data demonstrate that although negative utterances have been considered to be ‘grammatical’ constructions that simply negate the truth value of a proposition, nai-expressions show formulaic tendencies and serve not only to express a speaker’s emotional personal stance on a particular story/event but also to create interpersonal space with other conversation participant(s) and to involve them in the story/event. The patterns which emerged from the data are quite similar to those in Ono and Thompson’s study on Japanese adjectives. As they pointed out, some of nai-expressions in the data may also be re-analyzed as adjectives.
Beyond a tandem analysis of SEM and PROCESS: Use of PLS-SEM for mediation analyses!
Authors: Sarstedt Marko , Hair Joseph F , Nitzl Christian , Ringle Christian M , Howard Matt C.
Published: April 2020

Mediation and conditional process analyses have become popular approaches for examining the mechanisms by which effects operate and the factors that influence them. To estimate mediation models, researchers often augment their structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses with additional regression analyses using the PROCESS macro. This duality is surprising considering that research has long acknowledged the limitations of regression analyses when estimating models with latent variables. In this article, we argue that much of the confusion regarding SEM’s efficacy for mediation analyses results from a singular focus on factor-based methods, and there is no need for a tandem use of SEM and PROCESS. Specifically, we highlight that composite-based SEM methods overcome the limitations of both regression and factor-based SEM analyses when estimating even highly complex mediation models. We further conclude that composite-based SEM methods such as partial least squares (PLS-SEM) are the preferred and superior approach when estimating mediation and conditional process models, and that the PROCESS approach is not needed when mediation is examined with PLS-SEM.
Rudolf Otto’s ‘the Absolute Other’ and a radical postsecular urban contextualization
Authors: Nawratek Krzysztof
Published: April 2020

This article proposes an idea of radical urban contextualisation that follows Rudolf Otto’s discussion on an encounter with the Absolute Other. The article critically reviews current applications of postsecularism to urban theory formulated in a general framework of Jurgen Habermas’ intervention in the early 21st century. The article argues that contemporary postsecular urban theory cannot fully answer fundamental challenges that contemporary cities are facing – both political and environmental – mostly because it focuses on linguistic and cultural aspects of a city. The article proposes the ‘radicalization’ of postsecularism, engaging directly with the ‘religious experience’ defined by Rudolf Otto as an encounter with The Absolute Other – the unknown and unpredictable. The Absolute Other notion allows to ultimately contextualize every urban situation in order to formulate conditions for future-oriented (post-capitalist) urbanism.
Upregulation of DAB2IP Inhibits Ras Activity and Tumorigenesis in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Duan Yifan , Yin Xiaoyu , Lai Xiaorong , Liu Chao , Nie Wenjing , Li Dongfeng , Xie Zijun , Li Zijun , Meng Fan
Published: April 2020

KRAS mutation-induced Ras activation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer, but the role of wild-type Ras and Ras GTPase-activating proteins remains unclear. The present study was designed to determine the expression spectra of Ras GTPase-activating proteins genes in pancreatic cancer cells, and the role of DAB2IP, a Ras GTPase-activating proteins gene, in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. Following the analyses of the expression profiles of 16 Ras GTPase-activating proteins in 6 pancreatic cancer cell lines including Bxpc-3 (with wild-type KRAS), Capan-2, Sw1990, Aspc-1, CFPAC-1, and Panc-1 (with mutant KRAS) and 1 normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial cell line, H6C7, the expression of DAB2IP messenger RNA was further analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The role of DAB2IP in pancreatic cancer was further investigated in vitro and in vivo by upregulating DAB2IP in Bxpc-3 cells through transfection of DAB2IP into Bxpc-3 cells with recombinant lentivirus. The DAB2IP expression in pancreatic cancer cells and tissues with wild-type KRAS was significantly lower than that in cells and tissues with mutant KRAS ( P < .05). In Bxpc-3 cells with wild-type KRAS, overexpression of DAB2IP decreased the expression of P-AKT and P-ERK and the Ras activity; increased the expression of P-JNK and caspase 3; inhibited cell proliferation, invasiveness, and migration; and increased the cell sensitivity to cetuximab. Overexpression of DAB2IP inhibited tumor progression in a mouse model. In conclusion, DAB2IP downregulates Ras activity in wild-type pancreatic cancer cells. Overexpression of DAB2IP decreases the Ras activity, inhibits cell proliferation, and increases sensitivity to cetuximab in wild-type pancreatic cancer cells. In conclusion, DAB2IP may serve as a potential molecular therapeutic target for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
Functional Hemispherectomy in Adults: All We Have to Sphere Is Sphere Itself
Authors: Gross Robert E.
Published: April 2020

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Utility of Intravascular Ultrasound in Peripheral Vascular Interventions: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sheikh Azfar Bilal , Anantha-Narayanan Mahesh , Smolderen Kim G. , Jelani Qurat-Ul-Ain , Nagpal Sameer , Schneider Marabel , Llanos Fiorella , Ionescu Costin , Regan Christopher , Attaran Robert , Altin S. Elissa , Mena-Hurtado Carlos
Published: April 2020

Objectives:

We sought to compare outcomes between intravascular ultrasound– (IVUS) versus angiography (AO)-guided peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs). Introduction: Intravascular ultrasound facilitates plaque visualization and angioplasty during PVIs for peripheral arterial disease. It is unclear whether IVUS may improve the durability of PVIs and lead to improved clinical outcomes.

Methods:

This is a study-level meta-analysis of observational studies. The primary end points of this study were rates of primary patency and reintervention. Secondary end points included rates of vascular complications, periprocedural adverse events, amputations, technical success, all-cause mortality, and myocardial infarction.

Results:

Eight observational studies were included in this analysis with 93 551 patients. Mean follow-up was 24.2 ± 15 months. Intravascular ultrasound–guided PVIs had similar patency rates when compared with AO-guided PVIs (relative risk [RR]: 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.99-1.71, P = .062). There was no difference in rates of reintervention in IVUS-guided PVIs when compared to non-IVUS-guided PVIs (RR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.15-1.13, P = .085). There is a lower risk of periprocedural adverse events (RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.70-0.94, P = .006) and vascular complications (RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68-0.96, P = .013) in the IVUS group. All-cause mortality (RR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.56-1.04, P = .084), amputation rates (RR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.32-2.15, P = .705), myocardial infarctions (RR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.58-2.41, P = .637), and technical success (RR: 1.01, 95% CI: 0.86-1.19, P = .886) were similar between the groups. Conclusions: Intravascular ultrasound–guided PVIs had similar primary patency and reintervention when compared with AO-guided PVIs with significantly lower rates of periprocedural adverse events and vascular complications in the IVUS-guided group.
Driving Outside the Wire: Examining Factors Impacting Veterans’ Postdeployment Driving
Authors: Winter Sandra , Jeghers Mary , Reid Emily , McGowan Cassandra , Young Mary Ellen , Classen Sherrilene
Published: April 2020

Combat Veterans (CVs) deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan experience driving difficulty, based on medical conditions and/or deployment exposures, elevating their risk of motor vehicle crash-related injury or death. To address grounded theory rigor and incorporate constructs such as the Person Environment Occupation Performance model, we revised the Hannold et al. (2013) conceptual framework. We conducted two focus groups with seven CVs. Conceptual framework revisions were based on an iterative process and thematic analysis. We elicited CVs’ perspectives on deployment training, driving pre- and postdeployment, strategies, and intervention preferences. Personal, environmental, and task factors underpinned CVs’ driving. Participants described triggers (e.g., stressful stimuli), use of environmental (e.g., car controls) or personal (e.g., avoiding traffic) strategies, and outcomes of appropriate or risky driving. Findings illustrated CVs’ driving difficulty and informed development of a Veteran-centric driving intervention. Improving driving fitness has implications for Veterans’ participation and community integration.
Navigating Barriers as Special Education Teacher Educators
Authors: Olson Amy J. , Roberts Carly A.
Published: April 2020

Special education teacher educators face multiple systemic, institutional, and social barriers in preparing teacher candidates to provide students with significant disabilities access to the general curriculum. This qualitative interview study explores how special education teacher educators are working to navigate these barriers while employing strategies at multiple levels. The 14 special education teacher educators in this study utilized strategies to navigate barriers to access the general curriculum in four distinct ways by (a) building relationships, (b) advocacy, (c) increasing knowledge, and (d) being resilient. The discussion includes recommendations for special education teacher educators regarding how to navigate barriers and support pre- and in-service teachers in providing students with significant disabilities access to the general curriculum.
Study on the NCO index and base knitted fabric substrates on the thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties of solvent-less formulations polyurethane artificial leather
Authors: Eun Jong Hyun , Lee Joon Seok
Published: April 2020

In this article, we have studied the thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties of the polyurethane artificial leather. Polyurethane artificial leathers were made from polyol, diisocyanate, chain extender, a catalyst, polyester circular knitted fabric, and warp knitted fabric. After manufacturing the artificial leathers, the properties of six different samples were investigated according to the NCO index. The equivalence ratios of the isocyanates to polyols containing a hydroxyl group are referred to as the NCO index. Samples were synthesized with an NCO index of 1.0, 1.4, and 1.8 by changing the weight ratio of diisocyanate. The result showed that as the NCO index increased, the unreacted NCO functional groups and cross-link increased and the mechanical properties of the polyurethane artificial leather were increased. The mechanical properties of circular knitted fabric polyurethane artificial leather were superior than warp knitted fabric polyurethane artificial leather.
Until There Is a Resolution of the Pro-LNT/Anti-LNT Debate, We Should Head Toward a More Sensible Graded Approach for Protection From Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Sykes Pamela J.
Published: April 2020

Current regulation of ionizing radiation is based on the linear no-threshold (LNT) model where any radiation dose increases cancer risk and is independent of dose rate, resulting in large amounts of time and money being spent protecting from extremely small radiation exposures and hence extremely small risk. There are animal studies which demonstrate that LNT is incorrect at low doses, supporting a threshold or hormesis model and thus indicating that there is no need to protect from very low doses. This has led to a sometimes bitter debate between pro-LNT and anti-LNT camps, and the debate has been at a stalemate for some time. This commentary is not aimed at taking either side of the debate. It is likely that the public, workers, and the environment are adequately protected under current regulation, which is the most important outcome. Until those on one side of the debate can convince the other, it would be sensible to move forward toward a graded (risk-based) approach to regulation, where the stringency of control is commensurate with the risk, resulting hopefully in more sensible practical thresholds. This approach is gradually being put forward by international radiation protection advisory bodies.
Performance investigation of a 100-kWhth thermocline packed bed thermal energy storage system: Comparison between synthetic oil and vegetable oil
Authors: Bouguila Ahlem , Said Rachid
Published: April 2020

Thermal energy storage has been considered as an important solution to extend the operation of a concentrated solar power plant by meeting the peak demand of power in the time period from sunset to night, or providing power during cloudy days. Discussed in this work is a thermocline thermal energy storage system with a solid filler material. For this reason, a one-dimensional single-phase model is developed and validated with experimental data to investigate the thermal behavior of such thermal energy storage. The described model is further applied to design a 100-kWhth thermocline thermal energy storage system with a packed bed of quartzite rocks and oil as the heat transfer fluid. A synthetic oil (Therminol VP-1) and a vegetable oil (rapeseed oil) are the two candidates to be used as the heat transfer fluid. Their thermal and economic performances are calculated and compared. The results show that rapeseed oil is more cost-effective than Therminol VP-1 offering a lower energy cost (€18.3/kWhth vs €92.925/kWhth for Therminol VP-1).
Explaining the gender gap in school principalship: A tale of two sides
Authors: Martínez Miryam Martínez , Molina-López Manuel M , de Cabo Ruth Mateos
Published: April 2020

This study sheds light on the underrepresentation of women as school principals by analysing which model (organisational or individual) is most identified with the gender differences in the quality of management found in favour of women principals. To do so, this study presents a model for the appointment of school heads in a two-sided market: demand and supply. On the demand side (organisational model), the presence of double standards, with respect to the promotion of women, would imply that higher bars are set for the evaluation of women. Alternatively, on the supply side (individual model), a potential lower self-efficacy perception among women could lead them to self-exclude from managerial positions. In both cases, the findings reveal only highly-skilled females as principals and a gender gap in principal positions. By using the World Management Survey (WMS), data indicate that female principals are associated with higher management quality, which confirms the presence of barriers to female promotion. Exploration of the market side responsible for these barriers found that only the demand side is significant, which signals the double-standard argument. This supports the argument that changes in the principal selection process should be implemented for the maximisation of the available pool of talent.
Challenging voices: Mixed evidence for context-specific control adjustments in the auditory domain
Authors: Berger Anja , Dolk Thomas , Bogon Johanna , Dreisbach Gesine
Published: April 2020

The flexible adjustment to changing demands is an astonishing human ability. One related phenomenon is the context-specific proportion congruency (CSPC) effect. Regarding response conflict, the CSPC refers to reduced response interference in contexts with a high conflict proportion as opposed to contexts with a low conflict proportion. Derived from previous research showing CSPCs in the visual domain, we here aim to investigate whether human voices (male vs. female) as auditory contexts trigger control adjustments. To this end, we used a numerical judgement task with number words spoken by a male or female voice. We created response conflict by presenting the words either to the left or right ear (Experiment 1), and we created different levels of processing fluency by presenting them clearly or with background noise (Experiment 2). For a given participant, either the female or the male voice was associated with a high proportion of incongruent/disfluent trials and a low proportion of congruent/fluent trials, respectively. Extending previous findings from the visual modality, we found that the frequency of challenging information within one auditory context (i.e., the voice) can lead to typical CSPC patterns. In two further experiments, using frequency biased and unbiased items, we found evidence for the contribution of associative learning. Limitations of context control associations will be discussed.