bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spalling in Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement in Texas
Authors: Choi Pangil , Poudyal Lochana , Rouzmehr Fouzieh , Won Moon
Published: September 2020

The performance of continuously reinforced concrete pavement (CRCP) in Texas has been quite satisfactory, primarily thanks to the continuous improvements in design and construction. However, severe spalling has been a major problem, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has sponsored several research projects since 1985 to identify solutions for this serious problem. Even though the research efforts were successful in identifying spalling mechanisms, developing a policy that TxDOT could easily implement has been a challenge. To develop a more practical solution to this problem, TxDOT initiated a research study, and the research efforts consisting of identifying CRCP projects with severe and no spalling, obtaining and conducting materials testing on concrete cores from those projects, analyzing the testing data, and performing theoretical analyses to validate the testing results. Among the material properties evaluated, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of concrete proved to have the best correlation with spalling. Detailed analyses of mechanistic behavior of concrete conducted with an object-oriented finite element program (OOF2) and commercial finite element program verified the reasonableness of the field-testing results. All concrete cores from CRCP with severe spalling had a CTE larger than 5.5 microstrains/°F, whereas no spalling was observed in concrete with a CTE less than that value. Based on this finding, TxDOT now requires the use of coarse aggregate that will produce concrete with a CTE of less than 5.5 microstrains/°F for CRCP construction. It is expected that this implementation will reduce the spalling in CRCP substantially.
Impact-Related Ground Reaction Forces Are More Strongly Associated With Some Running Injuries Than Others
Authors: Johnson Caleb D. , Tenforde Adam S. , Outerleys Jereme , Reilly Julia , Davis Irene S.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Inconsistent associations have been reported for impact-related ground reaction force variables and running injuries when grouping all injuries together. However, previous work has shown more consistent associations when focusing on specific injuries.

Purpose:

To compare ground reaction force variables between healthy and injured runners as a group and within specific common injuries.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 125 runners presenting with patellofemoral pain, tibial bone stress injury, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, or iliotibial band syndrome and 65 healthy controls completed an instrumented treadmill assessment at a self-selected speed. Impact-related ground reaction force variables included vertical average (VALR) and instantaneous (VILR) load rates, posterior and medial/lateral instantaneous load rates, and vertical stiffness at initial loading (VSIL). Mean comparisons were made between the general and specific injury and control groups (α = .05). Cutoff thresholds were established and evaluated using several criteria.

Results:

VALR (+17.5%; P < .01), VILR (+15.8%; P < .01), and VSIL (+19.7%; P < .01) were significantly higher in the overall injured versus control groups. For individual injuries, VALR, VILR, and VSIL were significantly higher for patellofemoral pain (+23.4%-26.4%; P < .01) and plantar fasciitis (+17.5%-29.0%; P < .01), as well as VSIL for Achilles tendinopathy (+29.4%; P < .01). Cutoff thresholds showed better diagnostic criteria for individual versus grouped injuries.

Conclusion:

Impact variables (VALR, VILR, and VSIL) were significantly higher when assessing the injured group as a whole. However, these findings were driven by specific injury groups, highlighting the importance of taking an injury-specific approach to biomechanical risk factors for running injury.

Clinical Relevance:

These results suggest that practitioners may want to address impact loading in their treatment of injured runners, especially in those with patellofemoral pain and plantar fasciitis.
Are There Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabinoid Products in Adult Mental Illness?
Authors: Tibbo Philip G. , McKee Kyle A. , Meyer Jeffrey H. , Crocker Candice E. , Aitchison Katherine J. , Lam Raymond W. , Crockford David N.
Published: September 2020

A position statement developed by the Canadian Psychiatric Association’s (CPA) Research Committee and approved by the CPA’s Board of Directors on May 13, 2020.
Conventional and unconventional machining performance of natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites: A review
Authors: Vigneshwaran Shanmugam , John KM , Deepak Joel Johnson R , Uthayakumar Marimuthu , Arumugaprabu V , Kumaran Sundaresan T
Published: September 2020

Natural fibre composites are the promising replacement for synthetic fibre owing to their improved properties, and more importantly, natural fibres are biodegradable and of low cost. These characteristics have made them viable for contemporary engineering and structural applications. However, large scale production of natural fibre composites is in prone because of the challenges in manufacturing and machining. Fibre composite exhibits poor machinability characteristics owing to their heterogeneous and anisotropic behaviour. To overcome this problem, various steps and new methodologies have been established in the view to produce quality machining in natural fibre composites. In recent years, the possibility of conventional machining in natural fibre composites was also discussed. In the present review study, an effort has been taken in studying the fibre composite’s machining characteristics and their failure mechanism in both conventional and unconventional machining. The influence of process parameters in machining different natural fibre composites is also discussed.
Social Isolation and Psychological Distress Among Older Adults Related to COVID-19: A Narrative Review of Remotely-Delivered Interventions and Recommendations
Authors: Gorenko Julie A. , Moran Chelsea , Flynn Michelle , Dobson Keith , Konnert Candace
Published: September 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with several short- and long-term negative impacts on the well-being of older adults. Physical distancing recommendations to reduce transmission of the SARS-CoV2-19 virus increase the risk of social isolation and loneliness, which are associated with negative outcomes including anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and mortality. Taken together, social isolation and additional psychological impacts of the pandemic (e.g., worry, grief) underscore the importance of intervention efforts to older adults. This narrative review draws upon a wide range of evidence to provide a comprehensive overview of appropriate remotely-delivered interventions for older adults that target loneliness and psychological symptoms. These include interventions delivered by a range of individuals (i.e., community members to mental health professionals), and interventions that vary by implementation (e.g., self-guided therapy, remotely-delivered interventions via telephone or video call). Recommendations to overcome barriers to implementation and delivery are provided, with consideration given to the different living situations.
Continuous Light Does Not Affect Atherosclerosis in APOE*3-Leiden.CETP Mice
Authors: Schilperoort Maaike , van den Berg Rosa , Coomans Claudia P. , Khedoe Padmini P. S. J. , Ramkisoensing Ashna , Boekestijn Sanne , Wang Yanan , Berbée Jimmy F. P. , Meijer Johanna H. , Biermasz Nienke R. , Rensen Patrick C. N. , Kooijman Sander
Published: September 2020

Artificial light exposure is associated with dyslipidemia in humans, which is a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, it remains unclear whether artificial light at night can exacerbate atherosclerosis. In this study, we exposed female APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice, a well-established model for human-like lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis, to either a regular light-dark cycle or to constant bright light for 14 weeks. Mice exposed to constant light demonstrated a minor reduction in food intake, without any effect on body weight, body composition, or the weight of metabolic organs. Constant light increased the plasma levels of proatherogenic non–high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol but did not increase the size or severity of atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic root. Mice exposed to constant light did show lower immune cell counts, which could explain the absence of an effect of atherosclerosis despite increased non–HDL cholesterol levels. Behavioral analysis demonstrated variability in the response of mice to the light intervention. Constant light completely blunted behavioral rhythms in some mice, while others extended their behavioral period. However, rhythm strength was not an important determinant of atherosclerosis. Altogether, these results demonstrate that constant bright light does not affect atherosclerosis in APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice. Whether artificial light exposure contributes to cardiovascular disease risk in humans remains to be investigated.
End-of-Life Skills and Professionalism for Critical Care Residents in Training: The ESPRIT Survey
Authors: Arora Samantha , Shaikh Sameer , Karachi Tim , Vanniyasingam Thuva , Centofanti John , Piquette Dominique , Meade Maureen , Boyle Anne , Woods Anne , Downar James , Cook Deborah
Published: September 2020

End-of-life (EOL) care is a key aspect of critical care medicine (CCM) training. The goal of this study was to survey CCM residents and program directors (PDs) across Canada to describe current EOL care education. Using a literature review, we created a self-administered survey encompassing 10 CCM national objectives of training to address: (1) curricular content and evaluation methods, (2) residents’ preparedness to meet these objectives, and (3) opportunities for educational improvement. We performed pilot testing and clinical sensibility testing, then distributed it to all residents and PDs across the 13 Canadian CCM programs. Our response rate was 84.3% overall (77 [81.1%] for residents and 13 [100%] for PDs). Residents rated direct observation, informal advice, and self-reflection as both the top 3 most utilized and perceived most effective teaching modalities. Residents most commonly reported comfort with skills related to pain and symptom management (n = 67, 94.3%; score > 3 on 5-point Likert scale), and least commonly reported comfort with donation after cardiac death skills (n = 26-38; 44.8%-65.5%). Base specialty and time in CCM training were independently associated with comfort ratings for some, but not all, EOL skills. With respect to family meetings, residents infrequently received feedback; however, most PDs believed feedback on 6 to 10 meetings is required for competence. When PD perceptions of teaching effectiveness were compared with resident comfort ratings, differences were most apparent for skills related to pain and symptom management, cultural awareness, and ethical principles. By the end of their first subspecialty training year, PDs expect residents to be competent at most, but not all, EOL skills. In summary, trainees and programs rely on clinical activities to develop competency in EOL care, resulting in some educational gaps. Transitioning to competency-based medical education presents an opportunity to address some of these gaps, while other gaps will require more specific curricular intervention.
Etomidate, Adrenal Insufficiency and Mortality Associated With Severity of Illness: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Albert Stewart G. , Sitaula Sujata
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

Etomidate causes adrenal insufficiency. Yet in critically ill patients, it is controversial whether it increases mortality rates above that of comparator anesthetic induction agents. We postulated that etomidate would increase relative mortality rates correspondingly to the severity of illness as defined by SAPS or APACHE scores.

Materials and Methods:

A literature search was performed on Pub Med, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Reviews for human studies, regardless of language, between 1983 and February 2020. The search strategy used keywords, “etomidate,” “adrenal insufficiency,” “glucocorticoid,” and “intensive care.” Both authors reviewed electronic data search titles, abstracts and extracted data, which were checked by the other reviewer. Primary outcome was 28-day survival. Secondary outcome was adrenal insufficiency.

Results:

There were 29 trials of etomidate versus comparators in 8584 patients. Etomidate was associated with adrenal insufficiency (risk ratio (rr) = 1·54, 95% CI; 1·42, 1·67, p < 0.001) and increased overall relative mortality rates (rr = 1.09, CI;1.04,1.16, p = 0.001). Meta-regression showed that with etomidate there was a continuous progressive relative risk of mortality associated with increasing severity of illness (predefined in each article by standard critical illness scores). In those patients who had a predicted mortality rate > the median for this analysis (predicted mortality 44%) the relative mortality rate (rr) = 1.20, Ci;1.12,1.29, p < 0.001, the absolute risk difference (rd) = 0.08, CI;0.05,0.11, p < 0.0001 and the number needed to harm (1/rd) was 12.5. In those with a calculated predicted mortality <44% there was no increase in relative mortality rate.

Conclusions:

Whereas etomidate causes adrenal insufficiency, it was not shown to increase mortality in many analyzed here in ICU settings. However, etomidate associated relative mortality rates increased progressively and correlated with the severity of critical illness scores. Intensivists should anticipate the need for glucocorticoid supplementation after etomidate in those with severe critical illness and in those with acute deterioration of vital signs.
Think Tanks in a Limited Access Order: The Case of Ukraine
Authors: Keudel Oleksandra , Carbou Olena
Published: September 2020

This article belongs to the special cluster, “Think Tanks in Central and Eastern Europe”, guest-edited by Katarzyna Jezierska and Serena Giusti.

Think tanks outside liberal democracies have distinctive features that go beyond the features of the original concept that emerged within the US context. Departing from this empirical observation, we investigate the sources of the organizational power of think tanks in Ukraine as a case of a limited access order (LAO), a social order where privileged individuals maintain discretionary access to societal resources, functions, and institutions. To accomplish this goal, we apply Thomas Medvetz’s analytical concept of a “boundary organization,” which allows us to highlight the hybridity and flexibility of think tanks and thus understand their methods of gaining political access in an LAO. The analysis of interviews with senior representatives of nongovernmental think tanks in Ukraine in 2016–2017 demonstrates that Ukrainian think tanks are resourceful and find indirect ways of influencing politics. These organizations publish their reports in the media and deliver assessments of Ukraine’s international commitments to the country’s donors, thereby indirectly influencing the policy process in the country. Ukrainian think tanks also comply with the expectations of a boundary organization, accumulating and converting economic, academic, and media capital into political capital, using advocacy and networking as conversion tools. One important difference between the expectations of Medvetz’s framework and our findings is that political capital seems to be the goal of think tank activity, while the three other types are used merely instrumentally.
Dangling in a Vacuum: A Presentation of Polish Think Tanks in Political Life
Authors: Jezierska Katarzyna
Published: September 2020

This article belongs to the special cluster, “Think Tanks in Central and Eastern Europe”, guest-edited by Katarzyna Jezierska and Serena Giusti.

This article explores the image and reputation of think tanks in their reciprocal relationship with their environment. The aim is to unravel the logic of think tanks’ institutional identity formation in the largely understudied context of Poland. How do Polish think tanks present themselves and how are they (re)presented by others? To answer these questions, the Goffmanian microsociological framework and positioning theory are adjusted to a study of institutions. The analysis of original interview and media data reveals that Polish think tanks project an image of and are perceived by the media as being weak. I argue that this image and reputation of weakness should primarily be explained by think tanks’ and the media’s perceptions of the political field, which confine the possible identity and positioning of think tanks.
Risk of Dementia in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Elias Alby , Rowe Christopher , Hopwood Malcolm
Published: September 2020

Several studies have investigated the risk of dementia in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using a varying methodology. Epidemiological studies have found an increased risk of dementia with PTSD in Vietnam veterans as well as the general population. Laboratory studies reported the accelerated formation of β-amyloid and tau, which represent the primary pathology of Alzheimer’s dementia in animal models of PTSD. These investigations were conducted against a background of cognitive impairment and atrophy of the hippocampus and certain cortical areas in patients with PTSD. Very few studies have investigated the pathological basis in humans for the reported association of PTSD with dementia. This important gap in the literature has recently been partly addressed by very few studies that estimated the burden of β-amyloid and tau. The PET studies did not show an association between PTSD and the specific pathology of Alzheimer’s disease or signs of neurodegenerative diseases underlying other dementia syndromes. Another study demonstrated decreased plasma β-amyloid load and increased plasma β-amyloid 42/40 ratio in PTSD without PET evaluation. While PTSD is associated with an increased risk of dementia syndrome in general, there is no convincing evidence that it causes or accelerates the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease, which causes the most common type of dementia. Factors that may account for the association between PTSD and a clinical diagnosis of dementia are discussed in this review.
High performance polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) mixed matrix membrane (MMM) doped by various zeolite imidazolate frameworks
Authors: Liu Lian-Jing , Chen Gui-E , Mao Hai-Fang , Wang Yang , Wan Jia-Jun
Published: September 2020

Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) in three particle sizes (40, 70 and 100 nm) was prepared through both solvothermal and hydrothermal methods and employed to decorate polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The finger-like macro-voids, sponge-like poly-porous morphology and surface roughness of prepared membranes were characterized by SEM and AFM microscopy. The FTIR spectrum and XPS analysis bear out the chemical component. ZIF-8 has the characteristics of higher porosity and appropriate pore size, which is a condition for improving the permeability and pollution resistance of the modified membrane. Results indicated that different ZIF-8s have different enhancement effects on PVDF MMM. 100 nm ZIF-8 membrane possessed pure water flux (PWF) of 350 L m−2h−1, which was 10 times more than the bare membrane (30 L m−2h−1), and OVA flux recovery ration (FRR%) is 98%. 40 nm ZIF-8 membrane owned BSA FRR% of 98.4%. The 70 nm ZIF-8 showed the best mechanical properties. The dynamic contact angles of UP-Z70 ranged from 104.5° to 62.5° within 180 s. Furthermore, pore size distribution, molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) and porosity were also researched to evaluate the MMM. The dislodge of Reactive Black KN-B, Reactive Red 3BS and Reactive Brilliant Blue KN-R dyes by MMM were studied under different dye concentrations and transmembrane pressures. The membrane can provide selective separation methods for dyes and Reactive Brilliant Blue KN-R up to 99%. Overall, the permeability, hydrophilicy, anti-fouling performance and wastewater treatment of modified membranes were regulated by the ZIF-8 in a steerable blending reaction modification process.
Computational analysis of the steady state performance of an adjustable/controllable multi-pad bearing profile under LBP orientations
Authors: Hariharan Girish , Pai Raghuvir
Published: September 2020

A theoretical model of a four-pad bearing profile with unique adjustable or controllable features is simulated in the present study by considering load directed between the pads. Radial and tilt adjustable mechanism of the four bearing pads can effectively control and modify the rotor operating behaviour. Inward and outward motions of the bearing pads result in the generation of narrow and broader convergent regions, which directly influences the fluid film pressures. In the theoretical analysis, load-between-pad (LBP) orientations and pad adjustment configurations are taken account of by employing a modified film thickness equation. The effect of load position in influencing the steady state behaviour of the four-pad adjustable bearing under varied pad displaced conditions is analysed in this study. The outcome of the analysis highlighted the effectiveness of four-pad adjustable bearing in improving the steady state performance by operating under negative adjustment conditions and with load acting on the bearing pads.
Thermoporoelasticity analysis of variable thickness and elastically restrained functionally graded auxetic metamaterial circular plate resting on an auxetic material circular plate
Authors: Behravanrad Ahmad , Jafari Mohammad
Published: September 2020

The main purpose of this research is to investigate the thermoporoelastic behavior of non-homogeneous circular plate made up of auxetic metamaterial rested on an auxetic material plate. The plate is non-uniform, restrained with flexible support at outer edge and subjected to structure-structure interaction and thermo-mechanical load. The plate material is graded in transverse direction and the Poisson's ratio is constant. Based on the linear thermoporoelasticity theory, the governing state equations in terms of displacements and temperature are acquired. At first, the one-dimensional heat equation including quadratic type heat source is solved to compute the nonlinear distribution of temperature across the thickness. Then, the state equations are solved semi-analytically using state-space (SS) method and differential quadrature (DQ) rule to predict the elastic field quantities. A comprehensive parametric discussion is accomplished to elucidate the effects of key parameters on the steady-state response of the plate to mechanical and thermal loads. The computed results indicate that the auxeticity of the structure and supporting medium, as well as the thermal environment, play a significant role in the thermoporoelastic behavior of the plate.
Rectal douching in a community sample of men and women
Authors: Reynolds Grace L , Fisher Dennis G , Erlyana Erlyana , Otterloo Lucy Van
Published: September 2020

Rectal douching (RD) may be a vector for sexually transmitted infection (STI) acquisition. The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between RD, and the prevalence of various STIs and sexual behaviors in a sample of women and men in Long Beach, California. Five hundred and forty-seven men (mean age 42.8 years) and 530 women (mean age 37 years) recruited from a community-based setting between April 2010 and August 2014 completed the Risk Behavior Assessment and a questionnaire eliciting information on use of lubricants and enemas for vaginal intercourse (VI) and anal intercourse (AI). Participants were screened for high-risk behaviors for human immunodeficiency virus infection including injection drug use. Bivariate analyses were conducted separately for women and men. Based on the empirical results, separate logistic regression models for women and men were constructed. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess model fit for reduced samples of only those men and women who reported AI. For men, RD was associated with a lower odds of being hepatitis C antibody positive, greater odds of being positive for hepatitis B virus surface antigen, syphilis, and using lubricants for receptive anal intercourse (RAI). RD in women was associated with higher odds of a positive test for syphilis, ever vaginally douching for VI, and using lubricants for RAI. Men and women who practice RD report positive syphilis test results and use of lubricants for RAI. RD should not be perceived as preventing STIs.
Severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and interstitial pneumonia related to systemic lupus erythematosus successfully treated with mycophenolate mofetil: A novel case report
Authors: Nawata Masao , Nagayasu Atsushi , Fujita Yuya , Nawata Aya , Saito Kazuyoshi , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: September 2020

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and interstitial pneumonia (IP) are relatively rare complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and are associated with a poor prognosis. Overcoming these complications is a challenge for improving the prognosis.

Case report

A 41-year-old woman was diagnosed with SLE complicated by IP at the age of 21 years and with antiphospholipid syndrome at the age of 32 years at another hospital. She had been administered prednisolone (PSL) at a dose ≥15 mg daily, as well as various immunosuppressants and antiplatelet/anticoagulation therapy. On day I of hospitalization, She presented to our emergency outpatient department with fever, marked dyspnea, and skin ulcer on the left lower leg and was admitted the same day. Chest radiography revealed marked cardiomegaly and interstitial shadow, and right heart catheterization showed elevation in the mean pulmonary arterial pressure to 47 mmHg, indicating PAH. While oxygen therapy was started, high-dose steroid therapy and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) were administered for treatment of SLE complicated by PAH/IP, and prostacyclin (prostaglandin I2), endothelin receptor antagonist, and PDE5 inhibitor were administered for PAH. Both SLE disease activity and PAH/IP improved and were maintained with no exacerbation for 2 years. The PSL dose could eventually be reduced to 5 mg/day.

Conclusion

In SLE complicated by PAH/IP, reports on the efficacy of MMF are scarce, and our findings suggested that MMF may be a treatment option in such cases.
From an Angel to a Lethal Monster: Transformation and Subversion in the Story of Biblical Yael
Authors: Daniely Dvora Lederman
Published: September 2020

This essay examines the character of biblical Yael oscillating between two patriarchal mythical images of femininity, as portrayed by Gilbert and Gubar—“the angel” and “the monster.” The argument arising is that the transition between these two polar and opposite characters occurs as an extreme response to oppression and injury, followed by a subversive and defying transformation. The essay points to the manner in which Yael’s story, which embodies this transformation, demonstrates how the female body is at the center of this conversion, not only as a site for patriarchal control and taming, but also as embodying a text of protest and opposition to this oppression. Yael’s story, as illustrated by this analysis, is revealed as a subversive tradition with radical feminist insights.
Korean American Women and the Church: Identity, Spirituality, and Gender Roles
Authors: Kim Grace Ji-Sun
Published: September 2020

Korean American women are the foundation of the Korean American church. We are devoted, contributing members in the church, but we are seldom given positions of leadership or power. From our subordinate role in the church and wider society, Korean American women have been perpetually subject to racial and gender injustice. To work toward equal empowerment, it is imperative to reimagine historical Christian teaching about God so that it liberates rather than oppresses. As we engage in theological reform, we can begin to experience the wholeness that comes from a Spirit God who embraces all people regardless of race, gender, sexuality, or social status. As a result, Korean American women can finally feel included and contributive to a society which has historically treated them as “perpetual foreigners.” They can also push for multicultural excellence rather than sustaining the dominant white criterion of value. As hybrid spaces proliferate in diversifying America, Korean American women can be an integral source of reimagining the places we inhabit, something that proves to be increasingly necessary to keep the church accessible and contemporary.
Towards a New Homiletic
Authors: Shercliff Liz
Published: September 2020

Feminism’s contribution to homiletics so far has arguably been restricted to exploring gender difference in preaching. In 2014, however, Jennifer Copeland identified a need not merely to ‘include women “in the company of preachers” but to craft a new register for the preaching event’. This article considers what that new register might be and how it might be taught in the academy. It defines preaching as ‘the art of engaging the people of God in their shared narrative by creatively and hospitably inviting them into an exploration of biblical text, by means of which, corporately and individually, they might encounter the divine’ and proposes that in both the Church and the Academy, women’s voices are suppressed by a rationalist hegemony. For the stories of women to be heard, a new homiletic is needed, in which would-be preachers first encounter themselves, then the Bible as themselves and finally their congregation in communality. Findings of researchers in practical preaching discover that women preachers are being influenced by feminist methodology, while the teaching of preaching is not. In order to achieve a hospitable preaching space, it is proposed that the Church and the Academy work together towards a new homiletic.
The Organisational Life Cycle Scale: An Empirical Validation
Authors: Al-Taie Moyassar , Cater-Steel Aileen
Published: September 2020

Organizational life cycle scales are widely relied upon by scholar and practitioners alike as a strategic tool to identify firms’ life cycle stages. However, little attention has been paid to verifying and validating the OLC measures despite the considerable amount of OLC literature. The purpose of this study is to critically examine the psychometric properties of the OLC scale proposed by Lester, Parnell and Carraher. Data were obtained from a sample of 174 Australian Chief Information Officers from different sized firms and different industries and analysed by the use of component-based structural equation modelling. Results showed that the five-stage OLC scale exhibits acceptable validity and reliability indices despite some minor weaknesses. Results also confirmed the validity and the generalisability of this scale to measure and identify OLC stages in different types of industries. Based on these results and the literature review, alternate items were developed as substitutes for the weak items and an agenda for future research on OLC measurement is provided.
Culture and Diplomacy: Maritime Cultural Heritage of the Western Indian Ocean
Authors: Ray Himanshu Prabha
Published: September 2020

The article argues that UNESCO’s 1972 World Heritage Convention provides a global platform for projecting not only India’s maritime cultural heritage but also building bridges and collaborative networks with other Indian Ocean littoral countries for the promotion of shared cultural practices and traditional knowledge systems of the Indian Ocean. Unfortunately, this collaborative research aspect of the World Heritage Convention has yet to be tapped for nominating and inscribing transnational heritage or cultural routes across the Ocean. This is despite the fact that India was the founder member of the intergovernmental organisation, Indian Ocean Rim Association, one of whose thrust areas relates to promoting cultural heritage on the UNESCO platform. Given India’s rich maritime past, there is an urgent need to implement measures to establish academic networks with littoral countries for not only creating awareness of the maritime cultural heritage of the Indian Ocean but also harnessing linkages between maritime communities for building a culturally diverse but harmonious future.
“Missing/Unspecified”: Demographic Data Visualization During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Atherton Rachel
Published: September 2020

While data 1 has shown that COVID-19 disproportionately affects Black people, the CDC’s early data listed race as “missing/unspecified” at high rates. Incomplete demographic data obscures the virus’s full impact on marginalized communities. Without more information about who the virus is affecting and how, we cannot protect our most vulnerable. This article demonstrates disconnects between reported datasets and data visualizations in public-facing COVID health and science communication and suggests steps that technical and professional communicators can take in creating or using data visualizations accurately and ethically to describe COVID conditions and impacts.
Protecting Pandemic Conversations: Tracing Twitter’s Evolving Content Policies During COVID-19
Authors: Hope Lacy
Published: September 2020

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Twitter has served as a leading public platform for sharing, receiving, and engaging with virus-related content. To protect users from misinformation, Twitter has enforced stricter content-vetting policies. This article positions Twitter as a politically motivated entity and briefly traces Twitter’s use and applications of the term “harmful content.” The author investigates how the platform’s broadening of its definition of harmful content illustrates Twitter’s strategy for combating misinformation by acting on kairotic moments in a way that is shaped by the diverse authoritative voices already guiding larger public COVID-19 discussions. The article concludes by examining the roles these observations can play in technical and professional communication classrooms.
Perceptions of Career Agency and Career Calling in Mid-Career: A Qualitative Investigation
Authors: Lemke Dale L.
Published: September 2020

This qualitative study examined the perceptions of career agency and career calling among 35 U.S. mid-career foreign missionaries from four organizations who reported a sense of living out a calling. In-depth interviews were analyzed using grounded theory methodology to describe participant perspectives on calling and agency with the goal of understanding factors that contribute to living a calling. Data analysis revealed two main themes, nine categorical sub-themes, and 18 base concepts. The first theme, calling as a dynamic lived experience, affirms elements of Work as Calling Theory and indicates a need to clarify the role of prosocial orientation in calling. The second theme, socio-contextual factors perceived as influencing lived callings, offers insights regarding the need to explore a more robust integration of socio-contextual factors into Work as Calling Theory. A hypothesis regarding the relation between cultural competence and living a calling is proposed for future testing.
Endocrine Insights into the Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Wilson Hayley A. , Creighton Carolyn , Scharfman Helen , Choleris Elena , MacLusky Neil J.
Published: September 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a class of neurodevelopmental disorders that affects males more frequently than females. Numerous genetic and environmental risk factors have been suggested to contribute to the development of ASD. However, no one factor can adequately explain either the frequency of the disorder or the male bias in its prevalence. Gonadal, thyroid, and glucocorticoid hormones all contribute to normal development of the brain, hence perturbations in either their patterns of secretion or their actions may constitute risk factors for ASD. Environmental factors may contribute to ASD etiology by influencing the development of neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems during early life. Emerging evidence suggests that the placenta may be particularly important as a mediator of the actions of environmental and endocrine risk factors on the developing brain, with the male being particularly sensitive to these effects. Understanding how various risk factors integrate to influence neural development may facilitate a clearer understanding of the etiology of ASD.
Anosmia in COVID-19: Underlying Mechanisms and Assessment of an Olfactory Route to Brain Infection
Authors: Butowt Rafal , von Bartheld Christopher S.
Published: September 2020

In recent months it has emerged that the novel coronavirus—responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic—causes reduction of smell and taste in a large fraction of patients. The chemosensory deficits are often the earliest, and sometimes the only signs in otherwise asymptomatic carriers of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The reasons for the surprisingly early and specific chemosensory dysfunction in COVID-19 are now beginning to be elucidated. In this hypothesis review, we discuss implications of the recent finding that the prevalence of smell and taste dysfunction in COVID-19 patients differs between populations, possibly because of differences in the spike protein of different virus strains or because of differences in the host proteins that enable virus entry, thus modifying infectivity. We review recent progress in defining underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of the virus-induced anosmia, with a focus on the emerging crucial role of sustentacular cells in the olfactory epithelium. We critically examine the current evidence whether and how the SARS-CoV-2 virus can follow a route from the olfactory epithelium in the nose to the brain to achieve brain infection, and we discuss the prospects for using the smell and taste dysfunctions seen in COVID-19 as an early and rapid diagnostic screening tool.
Recommendation of Aspirin-Guide App and Physicians Clinical Decision of Aspirin Use to Prevent CVD Among Diabetic Patients, Is there any Differences?
Authors: Batais Mohammed Ali , Almutairi Khalid M. , Almigbal Turky H. , Alodhayani Abdulaziz , Alonazi Wadi B. , Vinluan Jason M. , Asnar Joram B. , Salem Rahaf ElHussein , Aljubab Reem Abdulwahab
Published: September 2020

Objective:

This study aims to identify the prevalence of aspirin use among type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients and assess the concordance in aspirin use among these patients as prescribed by physicians and as recommended by the Aspirin-Guide app.

Methods:

A total of 301 T2DM patients from King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia participated in this cross-sectional study. Patient’s electronic medical records through eSihi system were reviewed and all data included in the free online and mobile app called Aspirin-Guide were collected in a specially designed data checklist.

Result:

The prevalence of aspirin use was more common in patients who were in the age group of 51 to 59 and male participants’ with T2DM. Males were nearly twice more likely to use aspirin compared to females ( P = 0.001). Based on recommendations from the Aspirin-Guide app, 26% of the patients who were on aspirin (N = 51) were not eligible for aspirin therapy, while 37.7% (N = 40) of the patients eligible for aspirin therapy had not been put on aspirin by their physicians ( P = 0.039). Male sex ( P = 0.003), use of statins ( P = 0.001), and being advised to use aspirin ( P = 0.041), were significantly associated with aspirin use in T2DM patients.

Conclusion:

There was a significant difference in the proportion of patients currently on aspirin as prescribed by their physicians and those eligible for aspirin therapy as per the Aspirin-Guide app. The use of an app to uniformized aspirin use among eligible patients should be based on up-to-date guidelines and account for patient acceptability and willingness to commence treatment.
A Posthumanist Unsmoothing of Narrative Smoothing
Authors: Cirell Anna Montana , Sweet Joseph David
Published: September 2020

Researchers assert that narratives do political work. Yet, in this article, we trouble the nature of this political work to account for narrative inquiry’s smoothing over of polyvocality for univocal coherence. Our posthumanist unsmoothing builds an analytical example around three successive Latourian tasks to bring to the fore competing voices and truths often obscured in conventional narrative. Drawing from ethnographic data of one low-income rural family, we seek to complicate the human-centered deficit perspective. In teasing out various voices and sociotechnical systems, this posthuman analytic exposes the hidden ways in which human lives are conditioned by political forces, which order the human conscious. As ethical beings, we take responsibility for promoting analytical tools as a means of addressing advocacy as well as social justice concerns. Ultimately, we expose implications for a narrative unsmoothing that rethinks democracy and political efforts to reclaim the voice of the marginalized, such that it can dismantle deficit perspectives, inform greater sociopolitical understandings, and mobilize more just democracies. Our task as critical scholars is to carve provocative methodological spaces for new lines of inquiry that expand our horizon of hope.
Observational Effects on the Food Preferences of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Cihon Joseph H. , Weiss Mary Jane , Ferguson Julia L. , Leaf Justin B. , Zane Thomas , Ross Robert K.
Published: September 2020

Research addressing food selectivity has involved intrusive techniques such as escape extinction. It is possible that observational learning methods employed in previous studies could provide the desired results with respect to food selectivity without the need for invasive physical interventions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an observational learning procedure on the selection of food items of three children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Baseline consisted of a simple task after which a choice was presented between high- and low-preferred foods. The intervention consisted of observing an adult engage in the same task and selecting the low-preferred food while making favorable comments and engaging with the food in novel ways. The results of a reversal design demonstrated that selection of the low-preferred food only occurred following the introduction of the intervention, and all three participants engaged in flexible responding as a result of the intervention.
College-Based Support Programs for Students With Autism
Authors: Viezel Kathleen D. , Williams Elizabeth , Dotson Wesley H.
Published: September 2020

There has been an increase in the number of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) attending college. To support this growing population of students, institution-based support programs have developed across the country to promote college success by addressing the social, communication, and executive functioning needs of students with ASD. This study investigated the current state of college-based ASD support programs to analyze current standards of care while also disseminating cohesive program information to professionals and families involved in postsecondary planning. Trends in college-based ASD service provision, admission requirements, and administrative support were identified through a systematic search and examination of traditional 4-year colleges with ASD-specific supports.
Relationship Between Symptom Severity and Caregiver Burden Experienced by Parents of Adults With Autism
Authors: Marsack-Topolewski Christina N. , Maragakis Alexandros
Published: September 2020

This study examined the relationship between the severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and caregiver burden among parents of adult children with ASD. Using a mixed-methods study, 320 parents of adults with ASD participated in the web-based survey, with 51 parents participating in follow-up interviews. The quantitative analysis was used to determine whether caregiver burden could be predicted from the severity of ASD factors (communication, behavior, and socialization) and basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADLs and IADLs). Results indicated that caregiver burden was predicted from BADLs, IADLs, and adult child behavior. Interview themes that emerged from qualitative analyses supported quantitative findings. Behavior was the strongest predictor of caregiver burden and discussed by parents during interviews. Professionals should develop behavioral support programs for adults with ASD to continue to reinforce positive behavior and support parents who are managing their adult child’s difficult behaviors.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the SHI-Related Sequence Gene Family in Rice
Authors: Yang Jun , Xu Peng , Yu Diqiu
Published: September 2020

Rice ( Oryza sativa) yield is correlated to various factors. Transcription regulators are important factors, such as the typical SHORT INTERNODES-related sequences (SRSs), which encode proteins with single zinc finger motifs. Nevertheless, knowledge regarding the evolutionary and functional characteristics of the SRS gene family members in rice is insufficient. Therefore, we performed a genome-wide screening and characterization of the OsSRS gene family in Oryza sativa japonica rice. We also examined the SRS proteins from 11 rice sub-species, consisting of 3 cultivars, 6 wild varieties, and 2 other genome types. SRS members from maize, sorghum, Brachypodium distachyon, and Arabidopsis were also investigated. All these SRS proteins exhibited species-specific characteristics, as well as monocot- and dicot-specific characteristics, as assessed by phylogenetic analysis, which was further validated by gene structure and motif analyses. Genome comparisons revealed that segmental duplications may have played significant roles in the recombination of the OsSRS gene family and their expression levels. The family was mainly subjected to purifying selective pressure. In addition, the expression data demonstrated the distinct responses of OsSRS genes to various abiotic stresses and hormonal treatments, indicating their functional divergence. Our study provides a good reference for elucidating the functions of SRS genes in rice.
Laboratory abnormalities in children with novel Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Bourkhissi Laila , Fakiri Karima EL , Nassih Houda , Qadiry Rabiy EL , Bourrahouat Aicha , Ait Sab Imane , Rada Noureddine , Draiss Ghizlane , Bouskraoui Mohammed
Published: September 2020

The novel Coronavirus disease 2019 continues to be a worldwide pandemic. Yet, little is still known about the biological features of this emergent infection in children.

In this prospective study, we collected 68 children infected with SARS-COV-2 from March 2020 to May 2020, in Marrakesh, Morocco. No severe cases were observed in this cohort, and 66% of the patients were asymptomatic. The main laboratory abnormalities were hematological, as we found Leucopoenia in 4.4% of the cases, hyperleukocytosis in 1.6%. Neutropenia was found in 5 patients (7%) and only 2 cases (3%) had Lymphopenia. The inflammation and coagulation biomarkers were normal in the majority of the cases, as for liver and kidney function. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) serum levels were elevated in 8 cases (11.67%). The COVID-19 in children seems to have mild course and better outcome than in adults, which impacts the laboratory findings in this category. More studies must be conducted to learn more about the laboratory abnormalities in pediatric COVID-19.