bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Para um diálogo entre ciência política e science studies
Authors: Latour Bruno , Floriano Guilherme de Matos
Published: February 2022

As duas disciplinas de ciência política e de science studies utilizam, ambas, as palavras “política” e “ciência”, mas em sentidos que parecem incomensuráveis. O artigo propõe explicar aos especialistas em ciências políticas o emprego, um pouco incomum, que é feito destes termos pelos praticantes dos estudos sobre as ciências, de modo a estabelecer um diálogo entre as duas disciplinas. Mostra em particular que apenas um sentido da palavra “ciência” (entre quatro) supõe um corte radical entre ciência e política (que pode tomar seis sentidos). Este esforço de esclarecimento realizado permitiria abandonar a ideia que existe duas áreas distintas (a ciência e a política) e permitiria às duas disciplinas colaborar qualificando os diferentes estados dos assuntos (issues) que formam a verdadeira substância das ciências assim como das políticas.
Nem no Mesmo Barco nem nos Mesmos Mares:
Authors: Henning Carlos Eduardo
Published: February 2022

Ensaio analisando a situação atual de velhas e velhos no Brasil no contexto do primeiro semestre da pandemia da COVID-19 no Brasil, dialogando com conceitos de necropolítica de Mbembe (2011) e com a noção de gerontocídio.
Minha escrevivência, experiências vividas e diálogo com as mulheres indígenas do Rio Negro – Amazonas/Brasil
Authors: Fontes Francineia Bitencourt
Published: February 2022

Este artigo relata algumas experiências vividas como e com as mulheres indígenas, em particular as narrativas e repasse de conhecimento em forma da oralidade feitos pelas nossas avós, mães, tias e sogras, sobre o que é ser uma “mulher indígena”. Pretende-se abordar os dilemas, mas também os diálogos sobre o papel político das mulheres Rionegrinas do Noroeste Amazônico. Para isso a proposta do trabalho está firmada na oralidade (narrativas), pontos de vistas dos conhecimentos e das falas das mesmas e suas interpretações; a priori ressalto a importância que devemos dar para esses “conhecimentos”, o quanto as vivências dentro do mundo indígena são a ponta chave para manter essas tradições de fortalecimento e valorização destes conhecimentos. Tem sido um grande avanço mostrar o quanto as mulheres têm suas próprias teorias para explicar sua existência no mundo e suas transformações.
KILOMBA, Grada. Memórias da plantação: episódios de racismo cotidiano
Authors: Freire Maíra Samara de Lima
Published: February 2022

resenha de KILOMBA, Grada. Memórias da plantação: episódios de racismo cotidiano. Rio de Janeiro: Editora Cobogó, 2019. 244 p
As pessoas das fichas
Authors: Alves da Silva Wagner Guilherme
Published: February 2022

Este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar as complexas relações administrativas em um Centro de Reabilitação para o Trabalho que transformam pessoas em pacientes, e a dor em casos médicos. Na raiz desse procedimento, encontra-se variados mecanismos de representação social das pessoas por meio de fichas administrativas que constroem pessoas por meio do retrato empreendido por um analista da situação de adoecimento do trabalhador. Verificou-se que o chamado nexo causal entre adoecimento e condições de trabalho realizado pelo médico do Centro está profundamente relacionado com as representações grafadas nas fichas, orientadas por noções como autonomia e independência, valores da ideologia do individualismo. Desse modo, o trabalho, o corpo e a dor retratados nas fichas respondem não apenas ao registro objetivo de situações narradas, mas, sobretudo, são informados por quadros mais amplos como formações universitárias, religiosas e visões de mundo. Ademais, percebeu-se que o diagnóstico é empreendido por diferentes agentes sociais, em diferentes escalas que, ao preencherem as fichas, vão construindo enquadramentos por meio dos quais o "o caso" clínico se faz inteligível. Em sendo assim, interessa-me aqui perseguir o processo de produção social de pacientes por meio de representações em prontuários, laudos, atestados e demais documentos.
Números, casos e (sub)notificações
Authors: Sacramento Jonatan
Published: February 2022

O objetivo artigo é colocar sob escrutínio antropológico a vigilância epidemiológica e seu boletim epidemiológico, entende-os enquanto tecnologias no sentido foucaultiano. Inscritos na lógica do biopoder, tais instrumentos seriam tecnologias de gestão da vida e da morte e, no contexto epidêmico, não devem ser lidos como um amontoado de dados, mas antes, como tecnologias discursivas produtora de sentidos sanitários, científicos, sociais e morais. Para tanto, lança-se mão das contribuições da antropologia e história da saúde, da ciência e das práticas de Estado com o objetivo de entender a vigilância epidemiológica do COVID-19 em toda sua complexidade.
O isolamento é possível? O caso de um povo de recente contato do Vale do Javari
Authors: Silva Juliana Oliveira
Published: February 2022

No contexto da pandemia da COVID-19, medidas preventivas de “distanciamento social” ou “isolamento” têm sido aclamadas como a principal forma de prevenção e contingenciamento do novo coronavírus. Este relato, ancorado em trabalho de campo realizado na Terra Indígena Vale do Javari, dedica-se à reflexão das possibilidades de isolamento entre os Korubo, considerados pela Fundação Nacional do Índio como um povo de contato recente. O esforço de reflexão perpassa o conceito de isolamento, as relações institucionais, e os deslocamentos envolvidos no atendimento à saúde dos recém-contatados pela Secretaria Especial de Saúde Indígena.
O segundo tempo da exclusão
Authors: Santos Priscila Tavares dos , Domingues Michelle Lima
Published: February 2022

No texto apresentamos algumas reflexões que denunciam múltiplos processos de vulnerabilização extrema em que se encontram famílias trabalhadoras de uma moradia popular na região central do Rio de Janeiro, agravados pela pandemia da COVID-19. Valendo-nos de conversas por telefones e whats app e de informações coligidas nas redes sociais, chamamos atenção para os processos de produção da precariedade pelo estado e a imposição de uma experiência de vida pautada no isolamento dentro do isolamento, pela ausência de políticas sociais regulares e de cobertura suficiente que transformam os sujeitos beneficiários em pacientes do estado em oposição a cidadãos ativos.
A percepção da cor ambiental em salas de aula do ensino médio: um estudo em duas escolas cidadãs integrais na Paraíba
Authors: Oliveira Vanessa Ferreira , Pereira Carla Patrícia
Published: February 2022

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar as percepções afetivas de estudantes do ensino médio de duas escolas públicas situadas em duas cidades do interior do estado da Paraíba, em relação às cores aplicadas nas paredes internas de suas salas de aula. O método utilizado foi a simulação virtual de mudança das cores nos ambientes internos das salas de aula, sua projeção e posterior visualização desses ambientes por 139 alunos participantes, a fim de registrar suas percepções. As ferramentas utilizadas foram: câmera digital, fotografias digitais em formato panorâmico de 360 graus, uso de cores distintas (amarelo, vermelho, verde e azul) aplicadas nas paredes internas, óculos de realidade virtual tridimensional, questionários semiestruturados e a escala Positive and Negative Affect Schedule – Versão Portuguesa Reduzida (PANASVPR). Os resultados obtidos mostraram predileção por ambientes coloridos, destacando-se as cores vermelha clara e azul clara com afeto positivo mais intenso.
Verification of automatic analysers Roller 20PN and iSED for measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Authors: Čičak Helena , Šonjić Pavica , Šimundić Ana-Maria
Published: February 2022

Automated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) analysers are based on different methodology than Westergren method. It is questionable whether ESR values obtained from those analysers are comparable with determined values with Westergren method. The aim was verification of the precision, method comparison and accuracy of automated ESR analysers: Roller 20PN (Alifax S.p.A., Polverara, Italy) and iSED (Alcor Scientific, Smithfield, USA).
Blood samples (N = 752 for Roller 20PN and N = 213 for iSED) were sampled into K2EDTA (Kima, Italy) tubes for automated and 3.8% Na-citrate tubes (Kima, Italy) for Westergren method. The data was divided into three groups according to the ESR values obtained with the Westergren method: Group Low (L) (ESR ≤ 20 mm), Group Medium (M) (ESR 21-60 mm), and Group High (H) (ESR ≥ 61 mm). Method agreement was assessed by Bland-Altman analysis and Passing-Bablok regression.
Analyser iSED has shown better comparability with Westergren method (bias 0.0 (95%Cl -1.4 to 1.5) range than Roller 20 PN (bias = - 6.4 (95%Cl - 7.1 to -5.7) in the whole measuring. For Roller 20 PN, Passing-Bablok regression has shown constant and proportional difference for Groups L and M, and for iSED only for Group H. Roller 20 PN had lower sensitivity (0.51 (95%Cl: 0.45-0.57) than iSED (0.72 (95%Cl: 0.59-0.80) while they had comparable specificity (> 0.90) and accuracy (≥ 0.80) in comparison with the Westergren method.
Both analysers are not comparable with the Westergren method and should not be used interchangeably.
Break, Perturb, Build: Automatic Perturbation of Reasoning Paths Through Question Decomposition
Authors: Geva Mor , Wolfson Tomer , Berant Jonathan
Published: February 2022

Recent efforts to create challenge benchmarks that test the abilities of natural language understanding models have largely depended on human annotations. In this work, we introduce the “Break, Perturb, Build” (BPB) framework for automatic reasoning-oriented perturbation of question-answer pairs. BPB represents a question by decomposing it into the reasoning steps that are required to answer it, symbolically perturbs the decomposition, and then generates new question-answer pairs. We demonstrate the effectiveness of BPB by creating evaluation sets for three reading comprehension (RC) benchmarks, generating thousands of high-quality examples without human intervention. We evaluate a range of RC models on our evaluation sets, which reveals large performance gaps on generated examples compared to the original data. Moreover, symbolic perturbations enable fine-grained analysis of the strengths and limitations of models. Last, augmenting the training data with examples generated by BPB helps close the performance gaps, without any drop on the original data distribution.
Wartime Sexual Violence, Social Stigmatization and Humanitarian Aid: Survey Evidence from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Koos Carlo , Lindsey Summer
Published: February 2022

Sexual violence by armed groups is common in civil wars. Qualitative studies have shown that victims and their families experience social stigmatization. Stigmatization is viewed as a central mechanism to social exclusion and disintegration impeding post-conflict social, political, and economic recovery. We provide new theory on the social conditions under which rape-related stigma intensifies and decreases. Drawing on an original population-based survey in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, we find that victims and their families experience higher levels of stigma compared to unaffected families and these effects are dependent on community attitudes and norms. Furthermore, we find that humanitarian support interventions designed to address the social nature of stigma can reduce stigma. Our article significantly expands prior knowledge on a central mechanism in post-conflict recovery by providing a refined theory on wartime rape-related stigma and the role of humanitarian aid in mitigating negative effects based on representative data.
Rethinking PowerPoint Slide Design for Multimedia Learning
Authors: LeFebvre Luke , Parsons Meghan , Entwistle Charlotte , Boyd Ryan , Allen Mike
Published: February 2022

This analysis investigates two differential PowerPoint slide designs—presentation and teleprompter—for multimedia learning. Eye tracking measures assessed differences in fixations. Participants demonstrated greater fixation counts for teleprompter slides, measures of aesthetic liking evidenced that slides incorporating imagery resulted in more pleasurable learning experiences, and visually-based slides influenced more reflective learning and greater activation of information processing. The results offer practical advice for instructors wishing to increase the slide design effectiveness for improved multimedia learning.
Whom to trust? Media exposure patterns of citizens with perceptions of misinformation and disinformation related to the news media
Authors: Hameleers Michael , Brosius Anna , de Vreese Claes H
Published: February 2022

This study tests how perceptions of misinformation and disinformation in one’s general news media environment relate to media trust and media consumption patterns, relying on survey data from 10 European countries. The results show that perceptions of misinformation and disinformation are both related to reduced trust in the news media. Furthermore, they go hand in hand with reduced consumption of traditional TV news, but with no changes in newspaper and (mainstream) online news use. Finally, those with stronger perceptions of misinformation and disinformation are more likely to consume news on social media and alternative, non-mainstream outlets. This pattern is stronger for those with higher perceptions of disinformation. These findings indicate that news users who distrust the veracity and honesty of the news media may turn to alternative outlets that reflect anti-establishment worldviews.
Impact of Automated Mobility-On-Demand on Weekly Activity Patterns: A Study of Singapore
Authors: Hermawan Karina , Seshadri Ravi , Sakai Takanori , Zegras P. Christopher , Ben-Akiva Moshe
Published: February 2022

The use of on-demand ride services has continued to grow rapidly in recent years. At some point, given current technologies of automation, it is plausible that these rides will be driverless, termed automated mobility-on-demand (AMoD). This research examines how eager people are to adopt AMoD ride services and whether they will change their travel behaviors and activity patterns when these services are available. We use data from the first ever activity-based stated preferences (SP) survey and estimate an ordered logit model to answer these questions. We demonstrate the capability of the unique SP survey data in capturing preferences toward an emerging transportation mode by considering the utilities of week-level activities and trips as functions of activity duration, scheduling preferences, travel disutility, and sociodemographic variables. Our key findings suggest that people do display a propensity to use the new AMoD services, but this propensity falls as more travel is undertaken with AMoD. Moreover, those who are likely to use AMoD tend to be car-less, young, and frequent users of ride-hailing services. They would typically use AMoD to perform additional leisure, personal, and meal activities, which may increase travel and travel costs. The model and results have important policy implications and applications.
Operational Impact of Microcars on Urban and Suburban Road Corridors
Authors: Masry Hesham El , Esawey Mohamed El , El-Araby Khaled , Osama Ahmed
Published: February 2022

Efficient utilization of a private car is achieved when it is used to transport many travelers. A single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) is a private vehicle whose only occupant is the driver. The existence of SOVs in the traffic stream leads to unjustified congestion and shortage of available parking spaces, especially in megacities. Microcars can be beneficial for cities where it is infeasible to construct new roads or upgrade the existing ones because of limited space. Microcars offer many advantages compared with motorcycles and bicycles as they provide shelter from adverse weather conditions, allow for personal storage space, and are more culturally accepted in eastern societies like Egypt. This research investigates the operational impacts of using microcars on roads by using microsimulation. VISSIM was used to model two case studies: a hypothetical urban corridor and a suburban expressway in Greater Cairo. Mixed and exclusive lane scenarios were analyzed using different modal shares for microcars. The results showed that replacing a portion of private cars by microcars increased the throughput volume and reduced the overall travel time. Exclusive lanes for microcars showed better results than mixed lanes on an urban corridor. On the suburban expressway, however, average travel time was shown to be lower for mixed lane usage compared with exclusive lanes. The results of this research support the idea of promoting microcars as a potential mitigation measure to relieve congestion, especially in urban areas.
Shoulder Stabilization Versus Immobilization for First-Time Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Level 1 Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Belk John W. , Wharton Benjamin R. , Houck Darby A. , Bravman Jonathan T. , Kraeutler Matthew J. , Mayer Braden , Noonan Thomas J. , Seidl Adam J. , Frank Rachel M. , McCarty Eric C.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Multiple studies have compared redislocation rates after stabilization and immobilization for patients experiencing a traumatic, first-time anterior shoulder dislocation (ASD).

Purpose:

To systematically review the literature to compare rates of recurrent instability and subsequent instability surgery in patients undergoing treatment for a first-time ASD with surgical stabilization versus shoulder immobilization.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase to identify level 1 randomized studies that compared outcomes of surgical stabilization versus immobilization for treatment of primary ASD. The following search phrase was used: (glenohumeral OR anterior shoulder) AND (conservative OR nonoperative OR nonsurgical OR physiotherapy) AND (Bankart OR repair OR stabilization OR surgical OR surgery OR arthroscopic OR arthroscopy) AND (instability OR dislocation). Patients with soft tissue disruption alone as well as those with additional minor bony lesions (Hill-Sachs, Bankart) were included. Recurrent instability and subsequent instability surgery rates, the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), and range of motion were evaluated.

Results:

A total of 5 studies met inclusion criteria, including 126 patients undergoing surgical stabilization (mean age, 23.6 years; range, 15.0-39.0 years) and 133 patients undergoing treatment with sling immobilization only (mean age, 23.1 years; range, 15.0-31.0 years). Mean follow-up was 59.7 months. Overall, 6.3% of operative patients experienced recurrent instability at latest follow-up compared with 46.6% of nonoperative patients ( P < .00001). Similarly, 4.0% of operative patients underwent a subsequent instability surgery compared with 30.8% of nonoperative patients ( P < .00001). These same trends were demonstrated when data were isolated to nonoperative patients immobilized in internal rotation. When comparing the operative and nonoperative groups at latest follow-up, 1 study found significantly improved WOSI scores among operative patients ( P = .035) and 1 study found significantly improved abducted external rotation in nonoperative patients ( P = .02).

Conclusion:

Patients, particularly active men in their 20s and 30s, undergoing treatment for a first-time ASD with a surgical stabilization procedure can be expected to experience significantly lower rates of recurrent instability and a significantly decreased need for a future stabilization procedure when compared with patients treated nonoperatively.
The Interpellated Voice: The Social Discipline of Member Communication
Authors: Christensen Emma , Christensen Lars Thøger
Published: February 2022

Acknowledging that the voices of ordinary members may be perceived as more credible than official organizational voices, many organizations seek to mobilize members to speak on their behalf. In this conceptual paper, we examine the constitutive dynamics of such practice, highlighting the influence of social discipline on member voicing. With its notion of ventriloquism, the Montreal School has provided an interesting understanding of how organizations are constituted by the voices ascribed to them. Extant formulations of this perspective, however, fail to conceptualize how member voicing is informed and disciplined by social norms and expectations. Drawing on the notions of interpellation and role, we question how “organizational” organizational communication is and what is being constituted when members voice their organizations. By foregrounding the significance of social figures in this process, we call for an extension of the ventriloqual perspective beyond its current organization-centric perspective.
Images of ‘Africa’ in China–Africa cooperation
Authors: Batchelor Kathryn
Published: February 2022

The question of who represents Africa and how Africa is represented to global audiences continues to be hotly debated in academic publications and in the media. The majority of these discussions critique Western representations of Africa, or set up the West as the implied Other in debates over Africa’s right to self-representation. In recent years, however, Africa has found itself increasingly represented by the People’s Republic of China. This article examines the visual representations of ‘Africa’ that are used in promotional material produced by China in connection with official China–Africa cooperation. The article finds that one of the dominant stereotypes used by China is that of natural, ‘primitive’ Africa, a stereotype that has historically been strongly associated with the imperial gaze of the West. This is seen as potentially undermining key elements of China–Africa discourse, notably China’s emphasis on respect for its African partners. At the same time, the article highlights similarities between the imperial gaze and the tourist gaze, and considers the possibility that China’s representations of Africa might be compatible with a tourist gaze on Africa.
Research on the potential of advanced engine loading strategy in meeting Beijing VI regulatory for a range-extended hybrid gas vehicle
Authors: Guan Wei , Deng Yuanhai , Ning Dezhong , Sheng Li , Lin Tiejian
Published: February 2022

Although the transient NOx emissions produced from a typical range-extended hybrid vehicle can meet the requirements of the China VI emissions regulations, it is rather difficult to comply with Beijing VI emissions regulations. This is due to the fact that the sharp fluctuation in air-fuel ratio control during engine start-up period resulting in lower conversion efficiency for the three-way catalyst (TWC). In response to these issues, the potentials of different loading strategies in meeting Beijing VI were explored on a light-duty natural gas (NG) engine for range-extended hybrid application. The experiments were performed on the basis of typical Chinese City Bus Cycle (CCBC). This paper analyzed the operation characteristics of the typical range-extended hybrid NG vehicle and investigated the impacts of engine loading strategy on the vehicle’s performance and emissions during the start-up phase. Results showed that the transient NOx emissions of 30 s-averaged decreased from 786 to 504 ppm when extending the loading time from 3 to 40 s in a typical loading path (i.e. engine speed and load increased linearly). The transient NOx emissions could meet the Beijing VI NOx limit but with little margin. Research also investigated the use of a new designed engine loading strategy (i.e. engine speed and load with time-separated control manner). Results revealed that this method effectively curbed the transient NOx emissions, reducing the maximum transient NOx emissions of 30 s-averaged from 504 to 271 ppm. In comparison, this low NOx level was better to meet the Beijing VI with sufficient margin.
Nonlinear activity and long-term stability of thin polymer films based on poly(3,5,7,3′,4′-pentahydroxyflavone-8-sulfonic acid) sodium salt
Authors: Mishurov Dmytro , Voronkin Andrii , Roshal Alexander , Vashchenko Olga
Published: February 2022

Cross-linked polymers with chromophore fragments built-in main chains can, depending on their structure and synthesis conditions, keep during a long time the orientation of chromophores that is necessary to create new organic polymer materials demonstrating nonlinear optical properties. The present work is devoted to cross-linked polymers on the basis of di-, tri-, and tetraglycidyl ethers of quercetin-8-sulfonic acid sodium salt (3,5,7,3′,4′-penthahydroxyflavon-8-sulfonic acid sodium salt) which were synthesized, and then, poled in electrical field of corona discharge. Study of thermal, optical, and nonlinear optical parameters of the polymer films was carried out. It was found that the polymers obtained from di- and triglycidyl ethers of quercetin-8-sulfonic acid sodium salt are characterized by the higher values of macroscopic quadratic susceptibilities comparing with such a value for polymer obtained from tetraglycidyl ether of quercetin-8-sulfonic acid sodium salt. However, the latter polymer demonstrates a minimal intensity of relaxation processes that evidence its highest long-term stability, and thus, could be used as a nonlinear optical material. It is supposed that the difference of the nonlinear optical properties is due to peculiarities of intermolecular interactions in physical network of the polymers, namely, to the difference between numbers of hydrogen bonds formed by hydroxyl groups of chromophore fragments and number of hydrogen bonds linked of inter fragmental parts of the polymeric chains.
Moral distress interventions: An integrative literature review
Authors: Amos Vanessa K , Epstein Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

Moral distress has been well reviewed in the literature with established deleterious side effects for all healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, and others. Yet, little is known about the quality and effectiveness of interventions directed to address moral distress. The aim of this integrative review is to analyze published intervention studies to determine their efficacy and applicability across hospital settings. Of the initial 1373 articles discovered in October 2020, 18 were appraised as relevant, with 1 study added by hand search and 2 after a repeated search was completed in January and then in May of 2021, for a total of 22 reviewed articles. This review revealed data mostly from nurses, with some studies making efforts to include other healthcare professions who have experienced moral distress. Education-based interventions showed the most success, though many reported limited power and few revealed statistically lowered moral distress post intervention. This may point to the difficulty in adequately addressing moral distress in real time without adequate support systems. Ultimately, these studies suggest potential frameworks which, when bolstered by organization-wide support, may aid in moral distress interventions making a measurable impact.
The influential factors in humanistic critical care nursing
Authors: Mohamadi Asl Somaye , Khademi Mojgan , Mohammadi Eesa
Published: February 2022

Background:

One of the main concerns in critical care units is the development of humanistic approaches. In this regard, recognizing the factors affecting humanistic nursing can contribute to humanizing nursing care in these units.

Objective:

The objective was to recognize the influential factors of humanistic nursing in critical care units.

Research design:

This qualitative study was carried out using a phenomenology method. Thirty-nine in-depth unstructured interviews were performed. The data were analyzed using the phenomenological nursology approach. To guarantee trustworthiness, prolonged engagement, member check, triangulation of resources, and maximum variation sampling were used.

Participants and research context:

Purposeful sampling was employed to select 10 nurses, 8 patients, and 4 patient’s relatives from the intensive care unit and critical care unit departments.

Ethical consideration:

This study was approved by the ethics committee of Lorestan University of Medical Sciences with the code of LUMS.REC.1395.121.

Finding:

The participants’ experiences were reflected in the following three main concepts: (a) moral, educational, and existential nature of the two humans involved in the interaction; (b) maintenance of the nurses’ dignity; and (c) interactions in the cultural and social context.

Discussion:

The nurse and patient, organizational environment, and society give rise to a set of intertwined characteristics which influence the realization of humanistic nursing. By affecting the nurses’ educational background and maintaining their dignity, the atmosphere of the hospital and cultural readiness of the society pave the way for delivering the humanistic care.
Castleman Disease with MDM2/CDK4 Protein Expression: a Potential Mimic of Inflammatory Variant of Liposarcoma with Significant Consequences
Authors: Georgantzoglou Natalia , Baker Michael , Liu Xiaoying , Kerr Darcy A. , Linos Konstantinos
Published: February 2022

Castleman disease is a rare benign lymphoproliferative disorder that includes a spectrum of distinct histopathological entities. The differential diagnosis of Castleman disease is broad and includes lymphomas, HIV-related lymphadenopathy, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory liposarcoma. When Castleman disease occurs in the retroperitoneum, the distinction from the inflammatory variant of well-differentiated liposarcoma can be very challenging in small biopsies. Herein we report a case of Castleman disease that presented as a retroperitoneal mass and expressed MDM2 and CDK4 by immunohistochemistry. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Castleman disease staining positively for MDM2/CDK4, and it underscores how immunohistochemistry can potentially serve as a pitfall when differentiating this rare entity from retroperitoneal sarcomas.
A comprehensive evaluation of the safety of ipilimumab, nivolumab and their combination therapy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Konwar Mahanjit , Bose Debdipta , Maurya Miteshkumar , Ravi Renju
Published: February 2022

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed the landscape of management of advanced cancers. It is imperative to evaluate the safety of nivolumab and ipilimumab based therapies. This study was aimed to assess the comparative safety profiles of ipilimumab, nivolumab and their combinations.

Materials and Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the CENTRAL for randomised controlled trials of ipilimumab and nivolumab. The outcome measures were treatment-related adverse events [TRAEs], TRAEs of grade 3–5, treatment discontinuation due to TRAEs [TDTRAEs], TDTRAEs of grade 3–5, serious adverse events [SAEs] and SAEs of grades 3–5. We performed a network meta-analysis using the Bayesian approach in R version 4.0.3.

Results

We identified 42 RCTs for final analysis. The treatment ranking for TRAEs revealed that nivolumab 240 mg/week and nivolumab 3 mg/kg/week were safer (0.84 and 0.81 in SUCRA); for TRAEs of grade 3–5, nivolumab 3 mg/kg/week and nivolumab 240 mg/week were safer (0.83 and 0.75 in SUCRA); for TDTRAEs nivolumab 3 mg/kg/week and ipilimumab in combination with other drugs were safer (0.87 and 0.64 in SUCRA) and for TDTRAEs of grade 3–5, nivolumab 3 mg/kg/week was safer (0.85 in SUCRA). Nivolumab 3 mg/kg/week and nivolumab 240 mg/week were safer (0.79 and 0.76 in SUCRA) for SAEs and nivolumab 3 mg/kg/week was safer for SAEs of grade 3–5 (0.78 in SUCRA).

Conclusion

Nivolumab 3 mg/kg biweekly, nivolumab 240 mg weekly and nivolumab 3 mg/kg plus ipilimumab 1 mg/kg triweekly could be preferred due to the relatively low risk of TRAEs, TDAEs and SAEs.
Incidence and management of patients with methotrexate delayed elimination in the clinical practice: A Delphi study
Authors: Gros Luis , Roldán Alicia , Cabero-Martínez Almudena , Domínguez-Pinilla Nerea , de la Fuente Adolfo , González-Barca Eva , Tasso María , Torrent Montserrat , Gallardo Eva , del Cerro Inés , Giró-Perafita Ariadna , Badia Xavier
Published: February 2022

Introduction

High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is administered for the treatment of some cancers. HDMTX is usually safe but may crystallize in renal tubules causing acute kidney injury (AKI). Consequently, MTX elimination is delayed, resulting in a severe and life-threatening condition. No studies have been published about the impact of MTX toxicity in Spain. This study aims to estimate the incidence and management of MTX delayed elimination and toxicity.

Methods

A two-round Delphi study was performed to reach consensus between 10 medical experts on haemato-oncology and paediatric oncology with experience in the management of HDMTX treated patients from leading Spanish hospitals. An online questionnaire was developed based on national and international guidelines and previous evidence regarding HDMTX-related toxicity. Consensus was established at 80% agreement. Median and interquartile ranges were calculated, and incidence data were extrapolated to the Spanish general population.

Results

Out of 1.475 patients estimated to receive HDMTX treatment annually in Spain, 27.5% present MTX delayed elimination and 11.6% develop HDMTX-induced AKI (35.4% with severe systemic toxicities (>grade 3) and 18.8% develop chronic renal disease). Mortality is estimated in 4.2%. Immuno-enzymatic assay is used in most of the hospitals (90%) for MTX serum level monitoring. All experts use increased supportive care and high leucovorin as first-line treatment. Available treatments in experts’ hospitals in case toxicity persists are haemodialysis (90% of hospitals), glucarpidase (60%) and hemofiltration (50%). Most prevalent non-renal systemic toxicities are haematologic and mucositis (21–40% of patients). Patients with HDMTX-induced AKI require from intensive care (5% of patients), more than 3 sessions and 4 days of dialysis, and about 8.5 days of hospitalization (non-ICU patients) and 12 days in case of patients requiring ICU.

Conclusions

These results are the first evidence regarding HDMTX-induced AKI in Spain. Incidence and mortality results are in line with previous studies. Clinical management is based on preventive measures and the treatment depend on the availability in the hospital. The need for effective, safe and rapid treatment for the reduction of MTX toxic levels and the improvement of monitoring methods were noted by experts as urgent needs. Further observational studies to validate these results would be needed.
Terbinafine Resistant Trichophyton Indotineae Isolated in Patients With Superficial Dermatophyte Infection in Canadian Patients
Authors: Posso-De Los Rios Claudia J. , Tadros Enas , Summerbell Richard C. , Scott James A.
Published: February 2022

Background

Trichophyton mentagrophytes type VIII (segregated as Trichophyton indotineae) is a new strain of antifungal resistant Trichophyton spp. that has been found in different countries around the world. This new strain has been found to be resistant to terbinafine.

Objectives

We present the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment approach of Canadian patients with mycology and molecular confirmation of superficial mycosis caused by T. indotineae.

Methods

Mycology testing from cultures and PCR were used to confirm T. indotineae. We collected clinical information from patients with a confirmed diagnosis.

Results

We report eight Canadian patients mainly presenting with extensive superficial mycosis due to T. indotineae. Three patients presented lesions on the face in addition to lesions on their body. Four patients were initially started on itraconazole or fluconazole, one patient was started on topical therapy, and three patients were referred to infectious disease.

Conclusions

This new strain represents a dermatology and public health concern. Treatment guidelines are lacking. We include a practical approach and treatment recommendations for clinicians who will be encountering these emerging cases in Canada while waiting for evidence-based treatment guidelines.
Ultimatums, bargaining, and the duty to preserve alternatives to war
Authors: Dolan Thomas M.
Published: February 2022

When can states justly make ultimatums? How should the recipients of ultimatums respond to them? This manuscript argues that because bargaining behavior like ultimatums and redlines causes war by generating bargaining failure, these behaviors should be scrutinized in the same ways that overtly aggressive acts like invasion are examined. It then argues that parties have a general duty to avoid eliminating alternatives to war. Ultimatums can only be justified if they satisfy the just war criteria of just cause, necessity, and proportionality. Likewise, the decisions to reject ultimatums can impair later claims that a state is fighting justly if they do not reflect the same criteria.
Choosing the Optimal Segmentation Technique to Understand Tourist Behaviour
Authors: McKercher Bob , Tolkach Denis , Eka Mahadewi Ni Made , Byomantara Dewa Gde Ngurah
Published: February 2022

This study compares and contrasts five different segmentation techniques to determine which one(s) best describe behaviour among independent tourists who visited Bali, Indonesia. The five techniques included geographic, demographic, behavioural and motivation segmentation, plus a hybrid technique that included geographic, demographic and behavioural variables. The study revealed geographic segmentation proved to be the most efficacious, with motivation segmentation least reliable. However, the authors caution that the preferred segmentation technique depends on the objectives of the study, with each method adopted serving a specific purpose.
Pushing vocabulary knowledge from receptive to productive mastery: Effects of task type and repetition frequency
Authors: Teng Min , Xu Jinfen
Published: February 2022

Although research shows that second language (L2) learners have major difficulties in developing their productive vocabulary skills, little research has been conducted on how to facilitate productive mastery of learned words. With this in mind, this study investigated the effects of task type and repetition frequency on improving receptive word knowledge to productive mastery. The 146 university students enrolled in an EFL course were assigned to four groups, each doing a different form of vocabulary exercises (multiple-choice, gap-filling, sentence translation and sentence writing) for 12 successive weeks. The 18 targets the participants knew receptively were divided into three sets that were repeated two, four and six times respectively. Productive knowledge of the targets was measured two weeks after the treatment. The results showed that (1) productive tasks contributed to significantly higher scores than receptive tasks regardless of repetition frequency, and some forms of productive tasks were more effective than others, and (2) repetition helped to promote the students’ performance across tasks, but its effects started declining after the first several retrievals.
Culturally centring digital inclusion and marginality: A case study in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Elers Phoebe , Dutta Mohan J , Elers Steve
Published: February 2022

The dominant approach to digital inclusion positions technology as a ‘fix’ to the challenges experienced by marginalized communities. Largely erased are the broader structures of marginalization, the role of technology in relationship to structures and the cultural contexts within which technologies are negotiated. In this essay, we culturally centre digital inclusion to offer insights into the ways in which technologies play out within the margins, drawing from ethnographic fieldwork, including 60 initial interviews, group meetings and 25 interviews carried out amidst the lockdown in response to COVID-19 in Aotearoa New Zealand. We argue that the pandemic offers a window into the relationship between inequalities and technologies, rendering structural contexts of these inequalities visible. We highlight how technology adoption produces marginality in service delivery, situating technology amidst the ecologies of everyday life and the interplays of culture, structure and agency.
Subverted agency: The dilemmas of disempowerment in digital practices
Authors: Chib Arul , Ang Ming Wei , Zheng Yingqin , Nguyen Sarah Hoan
Published: February 2022

A common view is that marginalized groups benefit substantially from strategic use of digital technologies. An intersectionality perspective, however, suggests that these outcomes may vary depending on individuals’ social positionality. We propose the concept of “subverted agency” to emphasize that use of digital technologies may be personally empowering but might reinforce normative regimes contributing to sociostructural marginalization. We investigated digital practices of 17 online-soliciting transfeminine sex workers through semi-structured interviews in Singapore, where attitudes toward gender diversity and sex work remain conservative. We highlight three dilemmas of digital media environments, namely, presentation of gender identity and embodiment, intimate relationships characterized by persistent liminality, and competitive pressures related to authenticity of identity. The subverted agency perspective suggests that digital practices do not straightforwardly transform unequal sociostructural conditions; instead, it offers a frame to rethink inclusion by attending to contextual intersections of marginalization.
Double lockdown: The effects of digital exclusion on undocumented immigrants during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bastick Zach , Mallet-Garcia Marie
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted many activities online. However, there is little research on the digital inclusion of undocumented immigrants and their experience of the pandemic in the United States. We conducted 32 interviews with undocumented Latino immigrants in the United States to examine how digital technologies mediated their experiences of the pandemic. We find that undocumented immigrants (1) face barriers to telehealth services, (2) are at high risk of COVID-19 misinformation, (3) experience difficulties in assessing privacy risks, and (4) experienced heterogeneous outcomes of technology use during the pandemic. Our analysis shows that digital technologies both supported and further marginalized undocumented immigrants during the pandemic. Future research on the digital inclusion of vulnerable populations should pay particular attention to the interaction between their underlying vulnerabilities, on one hand, and attitudes, uses, and outcomes associated with technology, on the other.
An institutional perspective to bridging the divide: The case of Somali women refugees fostering digital inclusion in the volatile context of urban Kenya
Authors: Ritchie Holly A
Published: February 2022

This article examines the growing influence of Informational Communication Technologies (ICTs) in less certain refugee contexts and the role of civil society groups. Drawing on an empirical case study of Somali refugees in Kenya, the article explores the grassroots use of ICTs by refugee women and local socio-economic dynamics in processes of inclusion. Adopting a micro-institutional perspective, the discussion looks at the emerging influence of mobile technology on refugee women’s precarious norms related to mobility and work, and the evolution of new digital norms. The article highlights the strategic role of women’s groups and proactive group members as ‘institutional entrepreneurs’, in aiding levels of ICT adoption among group members, motivated by connection, protection and collective enterprise, with potential effects far beyond the group. In a transitory and fragile refugee context however, constraints on civil society may lead to the exclusion of more isolated populations without formal institutional support.
Successful Endovascular Therapy for Total Occlusion of the Distal Radial and Ulnar Artery with Palmar Artery Lesion in a Patient with Critical Hand Ischemia Associated with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Shoji Keisuke , Zen Kan , Yanishi Kenji , Matoba Satoaki
Published: February 2022

Vasculopathy of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is known to lead to severe limb ischemia and is often associated with macrovascular diseases. Revascularization of proximal macrovascular lesions that cause limb ischemia in patients with SSc has been recommended; however, it has rarely been reported for lesions below-the-elbow (BTE) involving the palmar artery. A 66-year-old female patient with SSc experienced critical hand ischemia (CHI) with gangrene of the left third finger that failed to respond to conventional pharmacological treatment. Angiography revealed total occlusion of the distal radial and ulnar arteries with a palmar artery lesion. Balloon angioplasty was performed for bilateral occlusive lesions around the wrist, which improved antegrade flow to the digital artery. Endovascular therapy may be a feasible option for BTE lesions involving palmar artery disease, presenting with CHI in SSc, when conventional conservative treatments fail.
Effect of combat textile cloth on human radar cross section for microwave camouflage applications
Authors: Richter Renan , Gonçalves Daniel , Gomes Newton A S
Published: February 2022

This article proposes an analysis of the effect of combat textile cloth on human radar cross section (RCS) for microwave camouflage applications. Based on numerical simulations for the definition of the geometric profile of the human body and the measurement of electromagnetic parameters of the fabric, made by cotton and polyester, the work reveals that the uniform has a direct influence on the absorption of electromagnetic waves from a hypothetical ground surveillance radar (9.375 GHz). The results of 360° measuring human RCS showed that it can be attenuated, on average, by approximately 8 dB due to the effect of the material.