bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enabling the Exploration of Disorienting Dilemma in the Classroom
Authors: DeAngelis Lisa
Published: March 2021

While learning involves the acquisition of skills and the development of repertoires, some educators harbor even more profound learning goals, seeking to enable learning that is transformative. Theorizing about transformative learning posits that it is precipitated by a disorienting dilemma. Disorienting dilemmas may be thought of as times when new information causes a person to call into question their values, beliefs, or assumptions. Transformative learning can occur through rich, experiential learning experiences or life events, and it can also occur in the classroom. While much has been written about transformational learning, the teacher’s role in the process is undertheorized.
Exploring the Perceptions of Male Teachers About the Shortage of Male Elementary School Teachers: A Q Methodology
Authors: Meader Kurt , Larwin Karen H.
Published: March 2021

There is a shortage of male elementary school teachers in the United States. Men who choose careers as elementary school teachers must be confident and ignore social barriers that keep other men from considering the profession. The current investigation seeks to understand the viewpoints of men who teach elementary school, a career predominated by women. This was the first known investigation on the topic using Q methodology. Data analysis extracted three distinct viewpoints: the Fixers, the Mentees, and the Aspirants. This study provides the results of data analysis, responds to research questions, and makes recommendations for policy. The findings of this study indicated that men who teach are proud to be role models and make a difference for students, and they believe that they are equally suitable to teach as women. Many participants seemed to be unaware of recruitment efforts in their field. The information gleaned from this study may help universities and school districts to seek new ways to attract quality male teachers.
Levels of haemolysis have no effect on femoral vein post-mortem tryptase levels
Authors: Garland Jack , Ondruschka Benjamin , Broi Ugo Da , Palmiere Cristian , Glenn Charley , Morrow Paul , Kesha Kilak , Stables Simon , Tse Rexson
Published: March 2021

Haemolysis is reported to be an artefact that may alter post-mortem tryptase levels. However, previous studies did not sample peripheral blood using newly standardised methods. Recent studies have shown that some previously recognised peri- and post-mortem confounders can be muted by careful sample collection with first clamping and then sampling the femoral vein. This prospective study investigated the relationship between the degree of haemolysis of the blood samples and femoral vein post-mortem tryptase levels when sampled using this recommended method. Seventy consecutive post-mortem tryptase levels in non-anaphylactic deaths were compared to the degree of haemolysis of these samples, and results showed no significant correlation between them. The mean post-mortem tryptase level was 9.5 μg/L. This study demonstrated that the effects of haemolysis on femoral vein post-mortem tryptase was negligible when the blood was sampled using the recommended sampling method. Future studies on post-mortem tryptase as well as other typically used blood markers in forensics are recommended to adopt this method of blood sampling in routine practice.
Wormlike micelles properties and oil displacement efficiency of a salt-tolerant C22-tailed amidosulfobetaine surfactant
Authors: Bai Yu , Liu Shangqi , Liang Guangyue , Liu Yang , Chen Yuxin , Bao Yu , Shen Yang
Published: March 2021

Wormlike micelles formed by amidosulfobetaine surfactants present advantage in increasing viscosity, salt-tolerance, thermal-stability and shear-resistance. In the past few years, much attention has been paid on rheology behaviours of amidosulfobetaine surfactants that normally bear C18 or shorter tails. Properties and oil displacement performances of the wormlike micelles formed by counterparts bearing the long carbon chain have not been well documented. In this paper, the various properties of C22-tailed amidosulfobetaine surfactant EHSB under high salinity (TDS = 40g/L) are investigated systematically, including solubility, rheology and interfacial activity. Moreover, its oil displacement performance is studied for the first time. These properties are first compared with those of C16-tailed counterpart HDPS. Results show that the Krafft temperature( TK) of EHSB decreases from above 100°C to 53°C with the increase of TDS to 40 g/L. Increasing concentration of EHSB in the semidilute region induces micelle growth from rod-like micelles to wormlike micelles, and then the worms become entangled or branched to form viscoelastic micelle solution, which will increase the viscosity by several orders of magnitude. The interfacial tension with oil can be reduced to ultra-low level by EHSB solution with concentration below 4.5 mM. Possessing dual functions of mobility control and reducing interfacial tension, wormlike micelles formed by EHSB present a good displacement effect as a flooding system, which is more than 10% higher than HPAM with the same viscosity. Compared with the shorter tailed surfactant, the ultra-long tailed surfactant is more efficient in enhancing viscosity and reducing interfacial tension, so as to enhance more oil recovery. Our work provides a helpful insight for comprehending surfactant-based viscoelastic fluid and provides a new viscoelastic surfactant flooding agent which is quite efficient in chemical flooding of offshore oilfield.
Improvements for research data repositories: The case of text spam
Authors: Vázquez Ismael , Novo-Lourés María , Pavón Reyes , Laza Rosalía , Méndez José Ramón , Ruano-Ordás David
Published: March 2021

Current research has evolved in such a way scientists must not only adequately describe the algorithms they introduce and the results of their application, but also ensure the possibility of reproducing the results and comparing them with those obtained through other approximations. In this context, public data sets (sometimes shared through repositories) are one of the most important elements for the development of experimental protocols and test benches. This study has analysed a significant number of CS/ML ( Computer Science/ Machine Learning) research data repositories and data sets and detected some limitations that hamper their utility. Particularly, we identify and discuss the following demanding functionalities for repositories: (1) building customised data sets for specific research tasks, (2) facilitating the comparison of different techniques using dissimilar pre-processing methods, (3) ensuring the availability of software applications to reproduce the pre-processing steps without using the repository functionalities and (4) providing protection mechanisms for licencing issues and user rights. To show the introduced functionality, we created STRep (Spam Text Repository) web application which implements our recommendations adapted to the field of spam text repositories. In addition, we launched an instance of STRep in the URL https://rdata.4spam.group to facilitate understanding of this study.
Neural Networks to Estimate Generalized Propensity Scores for Continuous Treatment Doses
Authors: Collier Zachary K. , Leite Walter L. , Karpyn Allison
Published: March 2021

Background:

The generalized propensity score (GPS) addresses selection bias due to observed confounding variables and provides a means to demonstrate causality of continuous treatment doses with propensity score analyses. Estimating the GPS with parametric models obliges researchers to meet improbable conditions such as correct model specification, normal distribution of variables, and large sample sizes.

Objectives:

The purpose of this Monte Carlo simulation study is to examine the performance of neural networks as compared to full factorial regression models to estimate GPS in the presence of Gaussian and skewed treatment doses and small to moderate sample sizes.

Research design:

A detailed conceptual introduction of neural networks is provided, as well as an illustration of selection of hyperparameters to estimate GPS. An example from public health and nutrition literature uses residential distance as a treatment variable to illustrate how neural networks can be used in a propensity score analysis to estimate a dose–response function of grocery spending behaviors.

Results:

We found substantially higher correlations and lower mean squared error values after comparing true GPS with the scores estimated by neural networks. The implication is that more selection bias was removed using GPS estimated with neural networks than using GPS estimated with classical regression.

Conclusions:

This study proposes a new methodological procedure, neural networks, to estimate GPS. Neural networks are not sensitive to the assumptions of linear regression and other parametric models and have been shown to be a contender against parametric approaches to estimate propensity scores for continuous treatments.
Atrial fibrillation – Can HbA1c levels really predict the risk?
Authors: Narayan Pradeep , Mandal Chandan Kumar , Das Rajlakshmi , Das Debasis , Ghorai Paramita Auddya , Chowdhury Saibal Roy , Das Mrinalendu
Published: March 2021

Background

Diabetes is associated with higher mortality and worse post-operative outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting and HbA1c levels have consistently been reported to be associated with adverse post-operative outcomes. However, the role of HbA1c still remains unclear with regards to the occurrence of atrial fibrillation.

Method

Data for the patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting was analysed in a retrospective fashion. Patients were divided into–those with HbA1c < 6.5% and those with HbA1c ≥ 6.5% and the incidence of atrial fibrillation observed in these two groups. We also compared patient who developed atrial fibrillation in the post-operative period and compared them with those who did not.

Results

Of the 5259 patients included in the study HbA1c was <6.5 in 2808 (53.4%) patients and was ≥6.5 in 2451 (46.6%) patients; 623 (11.8%) patients in our study developed atrial fibrillation. Onset of atrial fibrillation in the post-operative period was seen most commonly 235 (38.3%) on between 24 and 48 h after the operation with more than half of them 338 (54.2%) occurring within the first 48 h. On multivariate analysis, HbA1c was not a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (odd’s ratio 1.144, 95% confidence interval 0.967–1.354). Only increased age (odd’s ratio 1.08; 95% confidence interval 1.069–1.091); EuroSCORE (odd’s ratio 1.073; 95% confidence interval 1.048–1.099); history of recent MI (odd’s ratio 0.768; 95% confidence interval 0.606–0.971) and peripheral vascular disease (odd’s ratio 1.667; 95% confidence interval 1.091–2.517) were found to be independently associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation in the post-operative period.

Conclusions

After adjusting for confounders HbA1c levels do not independently predict risk of atrial fibrillation after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.
Personalized Decision Making on Genomic Testing in Early Breast Cancer: Expanding the MINDACT Trial with Decision-Analytic Modeling
Authors: Steyerberg Ewout W. , de Wreede Liesbeth C. , van Klaveren David , Bossuyt Patrick M. M.
Published: March 2021

Background

Genomic tests may improve upon clinical risk estimation with traditional prognostic factors. We aimed to explore how evidence on the prognostic strength of a genomic signature (clinical validity) can contribute to individualized decision making on starting chemotherapy for women with breast cancer (clinical utility).

Methods

The MINDACT trial was a randomized trial that enrolled 6693 women with early-stage breast cancer. A 70-gene signature (Mammaprint) was used to estimate genomic risk, and clinical risk was estimated by a dichotomized version of the Adjuvant!Online risk calculator. Women with discordant risk results were randomized to the use of chemotherapy. We simulated the full risk distribution of these women and estimated individual benefit, assuming a constant relative effect of chemotherapy.

Results

The trial showed a prognostic effect of the genomic signature (adjusted hazard ratio 2.4). A decision-analytic modeling approach identified far fewer women as candidates for genetic testing (4% rather than 50%) and fewer benefiting from chemotherapy (3% rather than 27%) as compared with the MINDACT trial report. The selection of women benefitting from genetic testing and chemotherapy depended strongly on the required benefit from treatment and the assumed therapeutic effect of chemotherapy.

Conclusions

A high-quality pragmatic trial was insufficient to directly inform clinical practice on the utility of a genomic test for individual women. The indication for genomic testing may be far more limited than suggested by the MINDACT trial.
Promoting Judicious Primary Care Referral of Patients with Chest Pain to Cardiology: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Harahsheh Ashraf S. , Hamburger Ellen K. , Saleh Lena , Crawford Lexi M. , Sepe Edward , Dubelman Ariel , Baram Lena , Kadow Kathleen M. , Driskill Christina , Prestidge Kathy , Bost James E. , Berkowitz Deena
Published: March 2021

Objective

To decrease referrals to cardiology of patients ages 7 to 21 years with low-probability cardiac pathology who presented to primary care with chest pain by 50% within 24 months.

Study Design

A multidisciplinary team designed and implemented an initiative consisting of 1) a decision support tool (DST), 2) educational sessions, 3) routine feedback to improve use of referral criteria, and 4) patient family education. Four pediatric practices, comprising 34 pediatricians and 7 nurse practitioners, were included in this study. We tracked progress via statistical process control charts.

Results

A total of 421 patients ages 7 to 21 years presented with chest pain to their pediatrician. The utilization of the DST increased from baseline of 16% to 68%. Concurrently, the percentage of low-probability cardiology referrals in pediatric patients ages 7 to 21 years who presented with chest pain decreased from 17% to 5% after our interventions. At a median follow-up time of 0.9 years (interquartile range, 0.3–1.6 years), no patient had a life-threatening cardiac event.

Conclusion

Our health care improvement initiative to reduce low-probability cardiology referrals for children presenting to primary care practices with chest pain was feasible, effective, and safe.
Changing Perceptions of Marketing Ethics and Social Responsibility in Principles of Marketing
Authors: Hopkins Christopher D. , Ferrell O. C. , Ferrell Linda , Hopkins Karen H.
Published: March 2021

The principles of marketing course usually includes coverage of marketing ethics and social responsibility. This study attempts to gain an understanding of students’ perceptions of the importance of marketing ethics and social responsibility and to see if these perceptions can be enhanced. Students were provided one class period lecture on the topics with prelecture and postlecture evaluation. The study addressed marketing ethics and social responsibility as distinct constructs. Postlecture there was an improvement in marketing ethics perceptions for all majors, with nonmarketing business majors showing the most improvement. Postlecture perceptions of the importance of social responsibility increased significantly with nonbusiness majors showing the lowest level of improvement. Changing perceptions of importance can motivate long-term engagement in beliefs about the significance and value of business ethics and social responsibility.
Cross-National Focus Group Response to Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Norton Thomas A. , Ruhl Melissa , Armitage Tim , Matthews Brian , Miles John
Published: March 2021

The development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) is advancing quickly in some enclaves around the world. Consequently, AVs exist in the public consciousness, featuring regularly in mainstream media. As the form and function of AVs emerge, the attitudes of potential users become more important. The extent to which the public trusts AV technology and anticipates benefits, will drive consumer willingness to use AVs. Broadly, public attitudes will determine whether AVs can attract public investment in infrastructure and become a feature of the future transport mix or fail to realize the potential their developers assert. As part of UK Autodrive, a program trialing the introduction of AVs in the United Kingdom, researchers conducted focus groups in five UK cities, and a comparison focus group in San Francisco (December 2017 to September 2018) using representative samples (total n = 137). Focus group facilitators guided discussions in three areas considered central to usage decisions: trust in the technology, ownership models, and community benefit. This paper describes findings from a quasi-quantitative study supported with qualitative insights. This research provides three key takeaways centering on trust in the technology and in delivering benefit. First, some participants gain trust through experience and others through evidence. Second, participants had difficulty discriminating between AV developers, indicating a need for industry cooperation. Third, partnerships were found to demonstrate trust, highlighting the need for more and deeper partnerships moving forward. Generally, participants had positive attitudes toward AVs and expect AVs to provide benefits. However, these attitudes and expectations could change as AV development progresses.
The Role of Psychological Readiness in Return to Sport Assessment After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Faleide Anne Gro Heyn , Magnussen Liv Heide , Strand Torbjørn , Bogen Bård Erik , Moe-Nilssen Rolf , Mo Ingunn Fleten , Vervaat Willemijn , Inderhaug Eivind
Published: March 2021

Background:

Knowledge about the predictive value of return to sport (RTS) test batteries applied after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is limited. Adding assessment of psychological readiness has been recommended, but knowledge of how this affects the predictive ability of test batteries is lacking.

Purpose:

To examine the predictive ability of a RTS test battery on return to preinjury level of sport and reinjury when evaluation of psychological readiness was incorporated.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 129 patients were recruited 9 months after ACLR. Inclusion criteria were age ≥16 years and engagement in sports before injury. Patients with concomitant ligamentous surgery or ACL revision surgery were excluded. Baseline testing included single-leg hop tests, isokinetic strength tests, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Form 2000, a custom-made RTS questionnaire, and the Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale. The RTS criteria were IKDC 2000 score ≥85% and ≥85% leg symmetry index on hop and strength test. At a 2-year follow-up evaluation, further knee surgery and reinjuries were registered and the RTS questionnaire was completed again. Regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to study the predictive ability of the test battery.

Results:

Out of the 103 patients who completed the 2-year follow-up, 42% returned to their preinjury level of sport. ACL-RSI 9 months after surgery (odds ratio [OR], 1.03) and age (OR, 1.05) predicted RTS. An ACL-RSI score <47 indicated that a patient was at risk of not returning to sport (area under the curve 0.69; 95% CI, 0.58-0.79), with 85% sensitivity and 45% specificity. The functional tests did not predict RTS. Six patients sustained ACL reinjuries and 7 underwent surgery for other knee complaints/injuries after RTS testing. None of the 29 patients who passed all RTS criteria, and were therefore cleared for RTS, sustained a second knee injury.

Conclusion:

ACL-RSI and age were predictors of 2-year RTS, while functional tests were not informative. Another main finding was that none of the patients who passed the 85% RTS criteria sustained another knee injury.
Neoliberal State Intervention and the Power of Community in Urban Regeneration: An Empirical Study of Three Village Redevelopment Projects in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Wong Siu Wai , Chen Xingguang , Tang Bo-sin , Liu Jinlong
Published: March 2021

A key theme in urban governance research is how neoliberalism reshapes the state–society relationship. Our study on Guangzhou, where urban regeneration through massive redevelopment of “villages-in-the-city” uncovered interactions between the state, market, and community in local governance, contributes to this debate. Based on intensive field research to analyze three projects, we find that what really controls neoliberal growth in China is not simply the authoritarian tradition of the socialist state but also the power of the indigenous village communities. Our findings suggest that state intervention for community building is vital for rebalancing power relations between the state, market, and community.
The Good Sower: A Novel Approach to Teaching Sunday School
Authors: Anderson-Umana Lisa Marie
Published: March 2021

The problems related to Sunday school students not making the connection between Scripture and daily life and a superficial teaching of the Bible compelled the author to create a novel approach to teaching Sunday school called the “Good Sower.” The imagery of a “Good Sower” is used to teach volunteers how to teach the Bible. Based on solid research regarding how the brain learns, it serves as an overlay in conjunction with published curriculum.
Comparative analysis of plasma-derived albumin scaffold, alveolar osteoblasts and synthetic membrane in critical mandibular bone defects: An experimental study on rats
Authors: Peña Gonzalo de la , Gallego Lorena , Redondo Luis M , Junquera Luis , Doval Javier F , Meana Álvaro
Published: March 2021

Repair of bone deficiencies in the craniofacial skeleton remains a challenging clinical problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of a plasma-derived albumin scaffold, alveolar osteoblasts and synthetic membrane implanted into experimental mandibular defects. Bilateral mandibular defects were created in twelve immunodeficient rats. The bone defect was filled with serum scaffold alone in left sides and scaffold combined with human alveolar osteoblast in right side defects. Implanted areas were closed directly in Group 1 ( n = 6) and covered by a resorbable polyglycolic-polylactic acid membrane in Group 2 ( n = 6). Bone regeneration was determined at 12 weeks as measured by and exhaustive multiplanar computed tomography analysis and histological examination. No significant differences in bone density were observed between defects transplanted with scaffold alone or scaffold seeded with osteoblasts. The use of membrane did not result in a determining factor in the grade of bone regeneration between Groups 1 and 2. Based on these results, it could be concluded that the albumin scaffold alone has osteoinductive capacity but presence of seeded ostogenic cells accelerates defect repair without being significantly influenced by covering the defect with a resorbable membrane.
Conceptualizing the Policy Tools of Spatial Planning
Authors: Stead Dominic
Published: March 2021

While many policy tools can be used to develop spatial plans and implement their goals, there have been very few academic attempts to classify and illustrate the whole range of tools available. This article reviews the different ways in which planning tools have been conceptualized to date and highlights a wide variation in their interpretation. Building directly on literature from policy studies, a new classification is put forward which has many potential applications in studying spatial planning governance. As well as distinguishing between four main policy types (nodality, authority, treasure, and organization), the classification differentiates between procedural and substantive tools.
Populist Supporters on Reddit: A Comparison of Content and Behavioral Patterns Within Publics of Supporters of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton
Authors: Jungherr Andreas , Posegga Oliver , An Jisun
Published: March 2021

The international rise of populism has been attributed, in part, to digital media. These media allow the backers of populists to share and distribute information independent of traditional media organizations or elites and offer communication spaces in which they can support each other and strengthen communal ties irrespective of their societal standing. Can we identify these functions in distinct usage patterns of digital media by supporters of populists? This could find expression through posting content that comports with the central tenets of populist ideology, higher activity levels, use of distinct vocabularies, and heightened levels of community building. We investigate differences along these dimensions on the online forum Reddit by comparing linguistic patterns and content of comments in two subreddits focusing on a populist, Donald Trump (/r/The_Donald), and a center-left politician, Hillary Clinton (/r/hillaryclinton), during the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign. Contributors to /r/The_Donald expressed more strongly parts of the populist ideological package, specifically anti-elitism and exclusionism, but failed to express people-centrism; used the platform more intensively; used vocabularies different than those used in other partisan publics; and engaged more strongly in community building.
The Music Den: A framework for entrepreneurship education in a university start-up incubator
Authors: McGee Cormac , Schwartz Noah , Ehrlick Steven
Published: March 2021

This account of practice details an ongoing approach to entrepreneurship education currently being implemented at a large urban university in Toronto, Canada. The Music Den is an entrepreneurship incubator focusing on the music industry that collaborates with start-up businesses, music projects, industry, local communities and postsecondary students. The incubator deploys a pedagogical model that promotes self-direction and mentorship by way of adaptable curricular programming. The program design utilizes social constructivist principles to deliver a novel entrepreneurship education curriculum.
Influence of clinching steps and sheet thickness on the mechanical properties of the clinching joint
Authors: Chen Chao , Zhang Huiyang , Peng Hao , Ran Xiangkun
Published: March 2021

In order to reduce the protrusion height and increase the strength of the clinched joint, a two-step clinching method was investigated in the present study. The whole process contains two steps. The first step is used to produce one-step clinched joints, and the second step is used to press the one-step clinched joints to reduce the protrusion height and increase the joining strength. The influences of clinching steps and sheet thicknesses on the mechanical properties of the clinched joint were investigated. The main failure mode of all the clinched joints in the strength tests is the neck fracture mode. The neck thickness can be enlarged by the two-step clinching method, and the protrusion height can be reduced. TCJ2.5-2.0 joint has the highest energy absorption and strength, and OCJ2.0-2.5 joint has the lowest energy absorption and strength. The two-step clinching process can contribute to increasing energy absorption and joining strength. For getting higher strength, the thick sheet should be taken as the top sheet. With higher strength and lower protrusion, the use of two-step clinched joint will be convenient in the mechanical engineering areas.
Dependence between oil price changes and sectoral stock returns in Pakistan: Evidence from a quantile regression approach
Authors: Khan Mushtaq Hussain , Ahmed Junaid , Mughal Mazhar
Published: March 2021

This study explores the dependence between changes in world crude oil prices and the performance of the Pakistan Stock Exchange, at the aggregate as well as sectoral levels for the period from July 1997 to December 2016. Quantile regression approach is employed for a detailed examination of the structure and degree of dependence for three sub-periods corresponding to normal, rising, and falling oil price periods. We found that the dependence between changes in crude oil price and the sectoral stock returns is heterogeneous across industries and it exists in both bullish and bearish market trends. The dependence at the upper and lower quantiles is found to be a common feature across industries. Moreover, the dependence and direction of the relationship change at times of structural breaks. The findings highlight an external channel through which fluctuations in stock returns may impede the liquidity of the stock market of an oil-importing country such as Pakistan, thereby affecting the domestic economy.
Making the Grade: Do International Branch Campuses and Their Home Campuses Differ in International Student Satisfaction With the Academic Experience?
Authors: Merola Rachael H. , Hofman W. H. A. , Jansen Ellen P. W. A. , Coelen Robert J.
Published: March 2021

This study investigates differences in academic satisfaction among undergraduate international students studying at international branch campuses (IBCs) and their home campuses, considering student stage of study, gender, and institution. It draws on data from 2,145 undergraduate international students enrolled at four home campuses and their six affiliated IBCs that responded to the 2018 International Student Barometer (ISB). Results indicate that international students studying at IBCs were significantly less satisfied with their academic experience—including constructs of academic and teaching quality, academic environment, and academic engagement—than international students studying at the associated home campuses. Results have important implications for how institutions carry out internationalization amid uncertain times; in particular, ensuring that the unique experiences of students are understood and considered in the planning and provision of transnational education.
Ethical Song Research for the General Music Teacher
Authors: Howard Karen
Published: March 2021

This article offers a specific process for researching songs in an ethical manner. Typical barriers to diversification of repertoire are explored: 1) hypervaluation of Western European classical music, overemphasis on notation, and insufficient preparation to work toward an anti-racist environment. Suggestions are provided to help educators become more confident in diversifying repertoire and pedagogical strategies.
A Cleft-Customized Occlusal Rating System to Assess Orthodontic Occlusal Improvement in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Pinheiro Fabio Henrique de Sa Leitao , Frota Carolina Martins , Garib Daniela Gamba , Sathler Renata , Ozawa Terumi Okada , Lauris Rita de Cassia Moura Carvalho , Kato Renata Mayumi , Kurimori Érika Tiemi
Published: March 2021

Objective:

This study aimed to develop a new method to quantify occlusal improvement in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) who had undergone orthodontic treatment and to evaluate its reproducibility.

Design:

A panel of orthodontists decided on the relevance of different occlusal features to score initial and final 3-dimensional study models and panoramic radiographs. A subsequent subjective analysis was later performed by a local orthodontic panel.

Setting:

The sample was obtained from the orthodontic clinical archives of a hospital known for the treatment of patients with craniofacial differences.

Patients:

Thirty-one nonsyndromic patients, 17 males and 14 females, were randomly selected according to preestablished inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Interventions:

The records corresponded to the period during which the patients were treated with conventional multibracket mechanics and adjunctive restorative procedures.

Main Outcome/Measures:

The intraclass correlation coefficient measured intraexaminer and interexaminer agreements. The Spearman correlation test assessed the relationship between the local orthodontic panel perception and the improvement scores.

Results:

Inter- and intra-rater ICCs varied between fair/good to excellent. There was a strong correlation between the Cleft-Customized Occlusal Rating system classification of occlusal improvement and the local orthodontic panel’s perception, thereby enabling the utilization of the interpretation scale by the panel.

Conclusions:

The method showed to be a useful tool in quantifying and classifying occlusal improvement in this specific population. As any other method, some limitations apply and need to be accounted for.
Comparing the Treatment Outcomes of Absorbable Sutures, Nonabsorbable Sutures, and Tissue Adhesives in Cleft Lip Repair: A Systematic Review
Authors: Egbunah Uchenna P. , Adamson Olawale , Fashina Azeez , Adekunle Adegbayi A. , James Olutayo , Adeyemo Wasiu L.
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

To examine the literature and synthesize the available reports for the best possible option between absorbable, nonabsorbable, and tissue adhesives in cleft lip skin closure.

Design:

We conducted systematic searches for randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials in PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid Medline, and OpenGrey databases. Identified studies were retrieved and assessed for eligibility. All statistical analyses were done with Revman, version 5.4.

Interventions:

The intervention considered in this systematic review were techniques of cleft lip repair using resorbable sutures, nonabsorbable sutures, medical adhesives, or any combination of these.

Outcome Measures:

The primary outcomes assessed in the trials had to include any combination of the following: wound healing cosmesis and wound healing complications. While secondary outcomes considered were quality of life, direct and indirect costs to patients and health services, and participant satisfaction.

Results:

Only 6 studies met all inclusion criteria and were selected for qualitative analysis. A more favorable wound healing cosmesis was seen when nonabsorbable suture was used in cleft lip repair compared to absorbable sutures and tissue adhesives (CI, 0.65-4.35). This advantage was overshadowed by the significantly higher prevalence of postoperative complications when nonabsorbable sutures are used.

Conclusion:

Although the results point to more favorable cosmesis with nonabsorbable sutures and an overall more favorable outcome with either absorbable sutures or tissue adhesives, the 6 selected studies were assessed at an unclear risk of bias; therefore, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution and regarded as low-certainty evidence.
A Methodology Report for the Life’s Snapshot Cohort Study to Investigate the Long-Term Efficacy of a Violence Intervention
Authors: Coker Ann L. , Bush Heather M. , Brancato Candace , Huang Zhengyan , Clear Emily R. , Follingstad Diane R.
Published: March 2021

Engaged bystander interventions are recognized as “promising” programming to reduce sexual violence (SV), yet little is known of the long-term (>12-month) impact of programming on SV and related forms of gender-based violence. Funded by NIH as a prospective cohort study, Life’s Snapshot recruited and followed three waves of high school seniors who had participated in a large high-school cluster-randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of the Green Dot bystander intervention. This report provides the study design, recruitment methodology, recruitment and retention rates, survey items, and psychometric properties of measures included in the initial and annual electronic surveys with 24–48 months follow-up.
Proactive Value Co-Creation via Structural Ambidexterity: Customer Success Management and the Modularization of Frontline Roles
Authors: Hochstein Bryan , Chaker Nawar N. , Rangarajan Deva , Nagel Duane , Hartmann Nathaniel N.
Published: March 2021

An increasing number of business-to-business (B2B) service firms have transitioned to recurring revenue-based solutions. These subscription B2B solutions are becoming increasingly common, yet offer challenges for long-term renewal if value is not consistently realized by the customer. To address this concern, customer success (CS) management has emerged. CS management is based on regular proactive action taken by the seller to (a) educate, prepare, and engage customers for value co-creation; (b) demonstrate the value delivered by the solution; and (c) provide a channel for advocacy on behalf of customers within the service-providing firm. Our findings highlight the under-researched topic of CS in B2B settings. Specifically, we propose the CS function and role as a structural alternative to within-person (i.e., cross-functional) ambidexterity and emphasize the ability of a CS focus by service firms to complement existing firm operations in value creation efforts. Our case study analysis provides a multilevel perspective (i.e., executive, functional role employees, and customers) via in-depth interviews that offer unique insights on “how parts of the service-sales system work together.” Overall, CS is growing as a practice that propagates value to the customer via ongoing success with solutions while improving service-firm renewal and growth of subscription business.
Similarity-Attraction Cluster of Outbound Chinese Tourists: Who Belongs There?
Authors: Wei Sheng , Ng Siew Imm , Lee Julie Anne , Soutar Geoffrey N.
Published: March 2021

China has become the number one source market for tourists. This article seeks to understand whether cultural/lifestyle similarity is an important pull factor for Chinese tourists when selecting a destination. Specifically, 205 Chinese tourists were surveyed about their destination choices in relation to the seven most visited outbound destinations. The results from a latent class regression analysis found a similarity-driven segment to exist for all seven destinations, with segment sizes ranging from 22% to 62% of the sample. These results suggest that a substantial segment of Chinese tourists are motivated by perceived cultural/lifestyle similarity. Generally, those with high ethnocentrism, high uncertainty avoidance, low novelty seeking or less travel experience are more likely to belong to the similarity-driven segment. Further research is needed to examine the size of this segment in larger, more inclusive cities of the Chinese population, as the current study only concentrated on tourists from three major cities.
“I’m not Just a Babysitter”: Masculinity and Men’s Experiences of First-Time Fatherhood
Authors: Lewington Lily , Lee Jessica , Sebar Bernadette
Published: March 2021

A man’s transition into the role of a father is a rewarding yet challenging experience for many men. This study explores how men navigate contradictory roles of fatherhood and the impact this has on their identities. Fifteen first-time fathers were interviewed, and their responses were analysed using thematic and discourse analysis tools. Findings revealed that fathers both adhered to and challenge masculine ideals of fatherhood. Men described both traditional and non-traditional roles in their becoming a father, being a father, and navigating fatherhood and manhood. The continuation and contestation of masculine discourses in the experiences of fatherhood was found to influence their involvement with raising children and employment, as well as their relationships. Overall, these findings highlight the uncertainty that shapes modern fathers’ roles and demonstrates how fathers move between both traditional and new fatherhood roles.
Quasi-static indentation characteristics of sandwich composites with hybrid facesheets: Experimental and numerical approach
Authors: Anbazhagan Subramani , Manikandan Periyasamy , Chai Gin B , Joshi Sunil C
Published: March 2021

The load response, energy absorption, different damage mechanisms and failure modes of sandwich panels subjected to complete perforation by quasi-static indentation and the insights gleaned are presented in this paper. The experimental campaign was carried out on samples made of different type of facesheets: Aluminium, glass fibre-reinforced plastic and metal-composite hybrid (combined aluminium and GFRP) with two different core heights. Reliable numerical models were developed with appropriate constitutive material and damage model for facesheets and honeycomb core to complement the experimental observations. Good agreement between experimental results and numerical predictions in terms of force-displacement response and perforation damage ensure the fidelity of the developed numerical model. Effects of facesheet type, core height, energy absorbed by the constituent layers, damage evolution history are briefly discussed. It was observed that the energy absorption of sandwich panels and peak indentation force resisted by the top and bottom facesheet are strongly dependent on its metal-volume fraction, whilst unaffected with the height of the core. Recommendations for developing computationally efficient numerical models were provided.
Analysis of biometric parameters of 2340 eyes measured with optical biometer Lenstar LS900 in a Caucasian population
Authors: Popov Ivajlo , Waczulikova Iveta , Stefanickova Jana , Valaskova Jela , Tomcikova Dana , Shiwani Haaris A. , Delev Delian , Rodrigo Luis , Saxena Sandeep , Kruzliak Peter , Krasnik Vladimir
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

To describe the pattern and mutual relationships between basic biometric characteristics of the eye in a Central European Caucasian population.

Methods:

A single-centre retrospective study of 2340 patients (965 males, 1375 females) scheduled for cataract surgery between 2014 and 2016. Measurements using laser interferometry included AL (axial length), K (average corneal curvature), ACD (anterior chamber depth), LT (lens thickness), CCT (central corneal thickness), AST (astigmatism) and WTW (white to white). Subjects were stratified by gender and controlled for age. Descriptive, correlation and regression analyses were performed on the data.

Results:

The mean AL was 23.33 ± 1.01 mm – higher in males (23.59 ± 0.99 mm), in comparison to females (23.15 ± 0.99 mm). The elderly had lower ACD and higher LT, while males had higher AL independent of age. Furthermore, LT and K decreased with AL, while ACD decreased with LT and increased with AL independent of age and gender.

Conclusions:

The estimates of the biometrics are obtained on a large sample of subjects and can serve as normative values for Lenstar LS900 in the Central European Caucasian population.
Smoking Enigma in Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Tug of War between Predisposition and Possible Way Out
Authors: Rakhi Nadira Naznin , Biswas Ritu
Published: March 2021

Background:

The recent global inclination for smoking during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has drawn attention to the impact of smoking on COVID-19. While smoking increases susceptibility to common respiratory pathogens including the closely related coronaviruses, COVID-19 causing Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) being a respiratory pathogen intrigues the possible association between smoking and viral pathogenicity.

Smoking and COVID-19:

The gender dependence of COVID-19 infection rates and a higher prevalence of smokers among males made the scientific world assume smoking to be a confounding variable in sex predisposition to COVID-19. Conversely, the controversial findings of discrepant morbidity and mortality rates of COVID-19 among smokers questioned the credibility of this hypothesis. More importantly, nicotine in smoking has been hypothesized to downregulate Interleukin-6 (IL-6) which plays a role in COVID-19 severity and to interfere with the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), the receptor of SARS-CoV-2 led the scientists to experiment nicotine patch prophylactically against COVID-19. Besides, interaction between spike protein and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) supports the nicotinic cholinergic system dysregulation hypothesis in COVID-19 pathophysiology leading to its therapeutic use. However, despite the contradictions in the direct impact of smoking, it surely acts as fomites for viral transmission.

Conclusion:

Irrespective of the role nicotine in COVID-management, compassionate use of smoking against SARS-CoV-2 cannot be recommended until the therapeutic value gets proved and therapeutic form becomes available.
A novel wear angle determination algorithm for wear image based on direction correlation of wear scar
Authors: Xiao Mei , Zhang Ying , Wang Haiming , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2021

A lubricant is a substance that lessens friction and wear between mechanical parts. A good quality lubricating oil is required for protecting the mechanical equipment and reducing energy consumption. Its performance index (friction coefficient) could be measured by the four-ball wear test. For the morphological analysis of testing data from the four-ball wear test, determination of wear angle is very important for measuring the wear spot diameter, validity of the four-ball wear test and recognition of abnormal wear scar. On the basis of character analysis and image processing technology, a novel wear angle determination algorithm for wear scar is presented in this article. The direction of the wear scar (wear angle) is determined based on angle transformation and grey consistency (the smallest change of grey level). Simulation results show that the algorithm has high precision, good robustness and less time consuming. The average absolute error of our method is 0.8° and the absolute error of 95% of samples is <4°. The average runtime per frame is 3.896 s in the simulation platform.