bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vision enhancement and language learning: A critical analysis of vision-building in an English for Academic Purposes programme
Authors: Vlaeva Denny , Dörnyei Zoltán
Published: June 2021

Future second language (L2) self-images have proven integral to L2 motivation, prompting several attempts to purposefully develop learners’ ideal L2 selves over the past decade through the use of vision-building techniques. Some of these ‘vision interventions’ have reported successfully enhancing learners’ L2 self-images and motivation; other studies, however, diverge from an unqualified success narrative, citing for example a lack of increase in learner effort despite stronger future vision. Data collection has also been typically restricted to the period of the intervention itself, and so insight into the long-term take-up of the introduced techniques, or how potential outcomes develop over time, remains limited. To gain further understanding into such issues, we have charted the evolving nature of the L2 vision intervention over the past decade, and complemented the learning from previous studies by conducting a five-week vision-building course with 25 learners of English for academic purposes (EAP) in the UK university-pathway system. Interview data gathered over the course of 10 months – the longest investigation of vision-building we are aware of – demonstrated fluctuating engagement with visualization, and accordingly, our analysis looks critically at the notion of self-image-centred intervention in instructed second language acquisition (SLA). While we believe that L2 vision can indeed be consciously enhanced, we argue that success depends largely on how general principles are adapted to specific learning contexts. The discussion highlights challenges that instructors may encounter in staging such interventions, and offers practical lessons for using self-images in the classroom.
Oral corrective feedback and learner uptake in L2 classrooms: Non-formulaic vs. formulaic errors
Authors: Gholami Leila
Published: June 2021

An extensive number of corrective feedback (CF) studies have examined learners’ errors with grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling (non-formulaic forms) and established an association between learners’ uptake of CF and their second language development. However, learners’ errors with formulaic sequences (FSs) comprising idioms, collocations, lexical bundles, and compounds (formulaic forms) have received scant attention in CF research. This study investigated any associations among formulaic vs. non-formulaic errors, CF types, uptake, and successful uptake rate by drawing on the audio-recordings of 36 hours of primarily meaning-oriented teacher–learner interactions in three advanced English as a foreign language classes. The findings demonstrated that learners made more errors with FSs, whereas CF was provided significantly more often for their non-formulaic errors. Learners’ non-formulaic and formulaic errors were treated significantly more frequently through recasts and elicitations, respectively. Uptake and successful uptake rate was significantly higher when CF was provided for learners’ formulaic errors than non-formulaic ones, which could be explained by relatively greater saliency, significance, and noticeability of FSs. The findings of log-linear analyses indicated that uptake and successful uptake rate varied depending on formulaic vs. non-formulaic foci of errors and CF types.
A different kind of risky business: Men who manage men in the sex industry
Authors: Law Tuulia
Published: June 2021

Drawing from qualitative interview data, this article examines men who manage men in the sex industry. A gendered lens reveals that male sex work management engages with sexual and gender scripts in ways that are quite distinct from female sex work. These third parties assume that male sex workers can defend their own security but notably also worry about male workers victimizing them, even as they opportunistically deploy hegemonic masculinity in their business and security practices. The article highlights and reflects on how these framings shape managerial strategies, perceptions of risk and the law, and experiences of stigma.
Discontented and Jack of all trades: Revisiting male survival sex workers through modern sex work lenses
Authors: Trudeau Elizabeth
Published: June 2021

Researchers have been moving toward understanding sex workers as agentic and career-based social actors for some time. However, while these modern sex work lenses are readily applied to a variety of high-end and emerging forms of sex work, the field has often been reluctant to frame impoverished and potentially exploitative sex work in the same manner. Here, I ask whether and how the frameworks of “agency” and “career” can be applied to a population of poor male-identified survival sex workers. I use data from an innovative mixed-methods community-based approach that yields a broad sample of majority African American male survival sex workers from a large US city. I argue that by privileging respondents’ own interpretation of their lives, it is possible to construct a nuanced understanding of sex work as a “career” and to conceive of their work as both a profession and a source of disadvantage. I conclude that we should continue to focus on the voices of sex workers themselves in defining what sex work means and how it affects their lives.
Diversifying multilingualism: Languages and lects in Amazonia
Authors: Epps Patience
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

This paper argues for an ethnographically grounded approach to the study of linguistic diversity and multilingualism, taking local ideologies as a starting point for understanding how language varieties emerge and are maintained. It encourages a broad view of multilingualism that includes registers, lects, and other ways in which linguistic and social difference may be aligned and negotiated.

Approach:

Taking indigenous Amazonia as a case study, we survey evidence for linguistic variants associated with social distinctions that cross-cut many of the divisions conventionally associated with distinct languages, and consider relevant cultural ideologies.

Data and Analysis:

A range of varieties are considered, including genderlects, whereby men and women use markedly different linguistic forms; variants associated with descent groups and affinal relations; special pet and hunting registers; and shamanic language.

Conclusions:

Amazonia exhibits a wide range of lects and registers alongside its diversity of languages. These variants are implicated in multilingual practices across the region, and their existence and use are arguably informed by the same ideological framework as that which guides the use of discrete languages. The Amazonian case underscores the importance of casting the net wide in the investigation of small-scale multilingual contexts more generally.

Originality:

Studies of multilingualism have tended to focus primarily on interactions involving discrete languages, that is, the standard targets of grammars and dictionaries. This contribution brings these other varieties into the conversation, and emphasizes an emic, culturally articulated view of multilingual practice.

Significance/Implications:

This article illustrates the importance of a broad, ethnographically grounded perspective in the study of small-scale multilingualism, and encourages approaches that consider a range of linguistic variants.
Flexural behaviour of ECC and ECC–concrete composite beams reinforced with hybrid FRP and steel bars
Authors: Yuan Fang , Hu Ren
Published: June 2021

Owing to the good ductility of steel and high strength and excellent corrosion resistance of fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP), concrete beams reinforced with hybrid steel and FRP bars exhibit better ductility than FRP-reinforced concrete beams as well as higher load-carrying capacities and better corrosion resistance than steel-reinforced concrete beams. However, the inherent brittleness of concrete in tension results in steel corrosion because of wide cracks and accelerated fracture of FRP reinforcement because of crack-induced stress concentration. This study investigated the effects of ultra-high ductile engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) on the flexural behaviour of hybrid steel and FRP-reinforced beams. Six hybrid-reinforced beams with various reinforcement ratios, matrix types and ECC pouring positions were tested in four-point bending. The flexural behaviours of the beams in terms of failure modes, crack patterns and developments, load versus deformation relationships and ductility are discussed herein in detail. We observed that substituting ECC with concrete results in a higher load-carrying capacity and better ductility of the hybrid reinforced beams owing to the excellent characteristics of ECC materials. When a layer of ECC is poured in the tension zone, the average crack width and crack spacing along the beam decrease; therefore, the longitudinal reinforcements can be adequately protected.
Development and validation of the Internet Locus of Control Scale (I-LOC)
Authors: Duradoni Mirko , Salvatori Gioele , Meacci Sara , Panerai Gabriele , Guazzini Andrea
Published: June 2021

No psychological tools have yet been developed to assess the locus of control that people experience when in the Internet environment. In a first study, we developed the Internet Locus of Control (I-LOC) Scale and validated it through a sample of 743 participants. The I-LOC consisted of 18 items revolving around two dimensions, Internal and External I-LOC, and proved to have satisfactory psychometric properties. A second study was conducted on a 219-people sample to externally validate the I-LOC Scale through two Internet-related constructs assessing online self-efficacy, comparing its sensitivity to that of the Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale (LCS). The I-LOC Scale was significantly correlated with both the measures of Internet-related self-efficacy, while the LCS correlations with Internet Self-efficacy Scale (ISS) and Social Network Confidence Scale (SNC) were weaker or non-existent. Thus, I-LOC can be considered as characterized by a higher specificity for the online context with respect to LCS.
Decolonizing the criminal question
Authors: Aliverti Ana , Carvalho Henrique , Chamberlen Anastasia , Sozzo Máximo
Published: June 2021

In the last years there has been a growing effort from different theoretical perspectives to interrogate critically the impact of colonialism in the past and present of institutions and practices of crime control, both at the central and peripheral contexts, as well as in the production of knowledge in the criminological field. In this feature piece we examine this debate. We offer a critical account of key themes and problems that emerge from the intimate relationship between colonialism and punishment that directly challenge the persistent neglect of these dimensions in mainstream criminological scholarship. We aim to foreground the relevance of this relationship to contemporary enquiries. We highlight that decolonization did not dismantle the colonial roots of the cultural, social and political mechanisms informing contemporary punishment. They are still very much part of criminal justice practice and are thus also central to criminological knowledge productions.
Free vibration analysis of nonsymmetrically laminated cross-ply L-shaped frames
Authors: Bachoo Richard
Published: June 2021

Fiber-reinforced composite laminates can be tailored to produce structural elastic couplings that optimize their response in dynamic environments. It is therefore essential that the free vibration characteristics of structural elements fabricated from fiber-reinforced composites be accurately modeled and investigated. In this work, an analytical wave-based approach is extended to study the in-plane vibrations of nonsymmetrically laminated cross-ply L-shaped frames. The proposed theory accounts for the effects of shear deformation, rotary inertia, and the elastic coupling between in-plane bending and longitudinal deformations. The reflection matrices at the boundaries, together with the reflection and transmission matrices at the corner joint of the L-shaped frame are derived. A traveling wave approach is then used to systematically assemble the small-order matrices into a single expression that can be used to efficiently calculate the exact natural frequencies. An expression for evaluating the mode shapes of the frame for general boundary conditions is also given. The application of the wave-based method is illustrated through several numerical examples and the results are validated using independent finite element models. As part of the numerical analysis, the influence of the number of cross-ply layers on the natural frequencies is investigated.
Can everyone hear me? Reflections on the use of global online workshops for promoting inclusive knowledge generation
Authors: Egid Beatrice , Ozano Kim , Hegel Guillermo , Zimmerman Emily , López Yaimie , Roura Maria , Sheikhattari Payam , Jones Laundette , Dias Sónia , Wallerstein Nina
Published: June 2021

Online research methods have risen in popularity over recent decades, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. We conducted five online workshops capturing the experiences of participatory health researchers in relation to power, as part of a collaborative project to develop global knowledge systems on power in participatory health research. These workshops included predominantly academic researchers working in 24 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Here, we reflect on the opportunities, limitations, and key considerations of using online workshops for knowledge generation and shared learning. The online workshop approach offers the potential for cross-continental knowledge exchange and for the amplification of global South voices. However, this study highlights the need for deeper exploration of power dynamics exposed by online platform use, particularly the ‘digital divide’ between academic partners and community co-researchers. Further research is needed to better understand the role of online platforms in generating more inclusive knowledge systems.
Specific support needs and experiences of carers of people with frontotemporal dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Tookey Sara A , Greaves Caroline V , Rohrer Jonathan D , Stott Joshua
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is one of the most common types of dementia in persons younger than 65 years of age. Diagnosis is often delayed due to slow, gradual decline and misinterpretation of ‘non-typical’ dementia symptoms. Informal carers of people with FTD experience greater levels of overall burden than carers of people with other forms of dementia. The aim of this systematic review was to describe the subjective experience of being an informal carer of a person with FTD and to identify the specific needs, coping strategies and helpful support resources of this carer population.

Methods

Four electronic databases were used to search for published literature presenting experiences of carers of people with FTD between January 2003 and July 2019. Search strategy followed PRISMA guidelines. Findings were analysed using framework analysis, employing five stages of analysis to develop a coding index and thematic framework that included key aspects of the carer experience, which were grouped into themes and presented in a narrative format.

Results

1213 articles were identified in total. Twelve studies were included in the final synthesis of the review. Six themes were identified: ‘Challenging road to and receipt of diagnosis’, ‘relationship change and loss’, ‘challenging experiences in caring’, ‘positive experiences and resilience’, ‘coping’ and ‘support needs’.

Discussion

Findings highlight an increased need for carers of people with FTD to receive support during the pre-diagnostic stage, including support to manage symptoms. Further research should explore relationship changes and loss amongst carers to inform approaches for carer support. In conclusion, the lack of knowledge and unique needs of carers highlight the importance of public awareness campaigns and healthcare professional education to support carers with FTD symptom impact.
Piezoelectric rod sensors for scour detection and vortex-induced vibration monitoring
Authors: Funderburk Morgan L , Park Yujin , Netchaev Anton , Loh Kenneth J
Published: June 2021

As extreme events increase in frequency, flow-disrupting large-scale structures become ever more susceptible to collapse due to local scour effects. The objective of this study was to validate the functionality of passive, flow-excited scour sensors that can continue to operate during an extreme event. The scour sensors, or piezo-rods, feature continuous piezoelectric polymer strips embedded within and along the length of slender cylindrical rods, which could then be driven into the soil where scour is expected. When scour erodes away foundation material to reveal a portion of the piezo-rod, ambient fluid flow excitations would cause the piezoelectric element to output a voltage response corresponding to the dynamic bending strains of the sensor. The voltage response is dependent on both the structural dynamic properties of the sensor and the excitation fluid’s velocity. By monitoring both shedding frequency and flow velocity, the exposed length of the piezo-rod (or scour depth) can be calculated. Two series of experimental tests were conducted in this work: (1) the piezo-rod was driven into sediment around a mock pier to collect scour data, and (2) the piezo-rod was used to monitor its own structural response by collecting vortex-shedding frequency data in response to varied flow velocities to establish a velocity–frequency relationship. The results showed that the piezo-rod successfully captured structural vortex-shedding frequency comparable to state-of-practice testing. A one-dimensional numerical model was developed using the velocity–frequency relationship to increase the accuracy of voltage-based length prediction of the piezo-rod. Two-dimensional flow modeling was also performed for predicting localized velocities within a complex flow field. These velocities, in conjunction with the velocity–frequency relationship, were used to greatly improve length-predictive capabilities.
Ultrasound tomography for health monitoring of carbon fibre–reinforced polymers using implanted nanocomposite sensor networks and enhanced reconstruction algorithm for the probabilistic inspection of damage imaging
Authors: Yang Jianwei , Su Yiyin , Liao Yaozhong , Zhou Pengyu , Xu Lei , Su Zhongqing
Published: June 2021

Irrespective of the popularity and demonstrated effectiveness of ultrasound tomography (UT) for damage evaluation, reconstruction of a precise tomographic image can only be guaranteed when a dense transducer network is used. However, a network using transducers such as piezoelectric wafers integrated with the structure under inspection unavoidably lowers local material strength and consequently degrades structural integrity. With this motivation, an implantable, nanocomposite-inspired, piezoresistive sensor network is developed for implementing in situ UT-based structural health monitoring of carbon fibre–reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. Individual sensors in the network are formulated with graphene nanosheets and polyvinylpyrrolidone, fabricated using a spray deposition process and circuited via highly conductive carbon nanotube fibres as wires, to form a dense sensor network. Sensors faithfully respond to ultrasound signals of megahertz. With ignorable intrusion to the host composites, the implanted sensor network, in conjunction with a UT approach that is enhanced by a revamped reconstruction algorithm for the probabilistic inspection of damage–based imaging algorithm, has proven capability of accurately imaging anomaly in CFRP laminates and continuously monitoring structural health status, while not at the cost of sacrificing the composites’ original integrity.
Mortality Rates After Paclitaxel-Coated Device Use in Patients With Occlusive Femoropopliteal Disease: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Dinh Krystal , Limmer Alexandra M. , Chen Andy Z. L. , Thomas Shannon D. , Holden Andrew , Schneider Peter A. , Varcoe Ramon L.
Published: June 2021

Purpose:

A late increased mortality risk has been reported in a summary level meta-analysis of patients with femoropopliteal artery occlusive disease treated with paclitaxel-coated angioplasty balloons and stents. However, at the longer follow up timepoints that analysis was limited by small trial numbers and few participants. The aim of this study was to report an updated summary level risk of all-cause mortality after treatment with paclitaxel-coated devices in that same patient group.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to investigate the mortality outcomes associated with paclitaxel-coated devices used to treat patients with occlusive disease of femoropopliteal arteries (last search date December 10, 2020). The single primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.

Results:

We identified 34 randomized controlled trials (7654 patients; 84% intermittent claudication). There were 622 deaths among 4147 (15.0%) subjects in the paclitaxel device group and 475 deaths among 3507 (13.5%) subjects in the noncoated control group [relative risk ratio (RR) 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96 to 1.20, p=0.20, I2=0%). All-cause mortality was similar between groups at 12 months (34 studies, 7654 patients; RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.22, p=0.94, I2=0%), 24 months (20 studies, 3799 patients; RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.55, p=0.31, I2=0%), and 60 months (9 studies, 2288 patients; RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.45, p=0.08, I2=0%).

Conclusion:

This updated meta-analysis with included additional trials and larger patient numbers shows no evidence of increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients treated with paclitaxel-coated devices, compared with uncoated devices for femoropopliteal disease at all time points to 60 months. There is therefore no justification to limit their use, or alter regulatory body follow-up recommendations in this patient population.

Systematic Review Registration:

CRD42020216140.
Structuring a Training-Oriented High Performance Work System: A Systematic Review on Frontline Employees in the Service Sector
Authors: Mathias Maria Augusta Siqueira , Fu Na , Oliveira Otávio José
Published: June 2021

Given the service sector’s inherent dynamism, organizations ultimately rely on their employees’ and managers’ knowledge, skills, and capabilities to complete tasks for their clients. However, the lack of pragmatic guidance for human resource development (HRD) professionals in the literature on a training-oriented high performance work system (HPWS) for frontline employees (FLE) justifies this study’s systemization of context-specific dimensions and implementation drivers. A systematic review in the period of 2008 to 2018 identified 185 potential articles, which, after a thorough content investigation, resulted in 90 papers that substantiated the proposal of 5 dimensions and 14 drivers for this particular HPWS. This paper’s main scientific contribution is the promotion of a better understanding of the conceptual work on the theme through a structured overview. The systemization of unprecedented dimensions and drivers of a training-oriented HPWS for FLE allows HRD professionals to efficiently plan their initiatives. It constitutes this article’s novelty and central applied contribution.
A Model of Caring in Organizations for Human Resource Development
Authors: Saks Alan M.
Published: June 2021

Although caring and an ethics of care have been part of the nursing and education literature for many years, it has seldom been the focus of research and models in the HRD literature which has tended to be dominated by masculine rationality and models that focus on performance. In this paper, I argue that caring represents an important positive attribute of organizations and that a model of caring provides an alternative to HRD models based on masculine rationality and a performance philosophy. Research on caring in nursing and education is reviewed along with calls for an ethic of care in HRD. This is followed by a review of research on caring in organizations which provides the basis for the development of a model of caring in organizations for HRD. The model demonstrates the relationships between caring from three sources or levels in an organization (the organization or business unit, management, and co-workers), a climate of care for employees, and positive employee outcomes. HRD care-enhancing interventions for developing caring in organizations are then discussed. The paper concludes with a consideration of the implications of a model of caring for HRD research and practice.
Professional Learning Plan: A Tool to Facilitate Teacher Collaboration and Improve Instructional Practice
Authors: Miller Dustin , Anthony Anika Ball
Published: June 2021

This case study is designed to support the preparation of school administrators and teacher leaders enrolled in courses pertaining to school improvement, instructional leadership, and educational change. The principal of an urban middle school has been charged by the district superintendent to study a downward trend in math state achievement test scores. The case involves a middle school principal and how he might choose to work with his faculty to analyze the issue and develop an appropriate professional learning plan to improve instructional practice. This case scaffolds leader preparation candidates in (a) collaboratively identifying a problem underlying declining state achievement test scores and (b) developing a professional learning plan to support school improvement efforts.
Primary Minimally Invasive Repair with Atriopericardial Anastomosis Technique for Pulmonary Vein Stenosis after Catheter Ablation
Authors: Inoue Koichi , Hiraoka Arudo , Chikazawa Genta , Sakaguchi Taichi
Published: June 2021

A pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis is a rare adverse event associated with catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, which can potentially impair quality of life. Although percutaneous PV angioplasty is performed as the initial treatment of choice, the incidence of restenosis is reported to be considerably high. Herein, we describe a successful case of severe PV stenosis treated by primary surgical repair using the atriopericardial anastomosis technique via right minithoracotomy.
Integration as a Process: Applying Iterative Multiple Correspondence Analysis to Surface Dynamic Findings
Authors: Kutscher Elisabeth L. , Howard Lionel C.
Published: June 2021

A defining characteristic of mixed methods research, integration receives considerable attention in the field, yet evidence suggests that the process of integration may be challenging in practice. Crossover analyses, in which methods typically used with one data type are applied to a different data type, can deepen integration. Using an example from the field of education, this article demonstrates the iterative application of multiple correspondence analysis as a crossover analysis through a four-stage integration process. Contributions to the field of mixed methods include (a) the utility and potential of multiple correspondence analysis to surface new dimensions of integrated findings, (b) considerations for rigor in the application of crossover methods, and (c) considerations for making sense of diffractive or dynamic findings.
Gene Expression and Transcriptome Profiling of Changes in a Cancer Cell Line Post-Exposure to Cadmium Telluride Quantum Dots: Possible Implications in Oncogenesis
Authors: Aldughaim Mohammed S. , Al-Anazi Mashael R. , Bohol Marie Fe F. , Colak Dilek , Alothaid Hani , Wakil Salma Majid , Hagos Samya T. , Ali Daoud , Alarifi Saud , Rout Sashmita , Alkahtani Saad , Al-Ahdal Mohammed N. , Al-Qahtani Ahmed A.
Published: June 2021

Cadmium telluride quantum dots (CdTe-QDs) are acquiring great interest in terms of their applications in biomedical sciences. Despite earlier sporadic studies on possible oncogenic roles and anticancer properties of CdTe-QDs, there is limited information regarding the oncogenic potential of CdTe-QDs in cancer progression. Here, we investigated the oncogenic effects of CdTe-QDs on the gene expression profiles of Chang cancer cells. Chang cancer cells were treated with 2 different doses of CdTe-QDs (10 and 25 μg/ml) at different time intervals (6, 12, and 24 h). Functional annotations helped identify the gene expression profile in terms of its biological process, canonical pathways, and gene interaction networks activated. It was found that the gene expression profiles varied in a time and dose-dependent manner. Validation of transcriptional changes of several genes through quantitative PCR showed that several genes upregulated by CdTe-QD exposure were somewhat linked with oncogenesis. CdTe-QD-triggered functional pathways that appear to associate with gene expression, cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, cell-cycle progression, signal transduction, and metabolism. Overall, CdTe-QD exposure led to changes in the gene expression profiles of the Chang cancer cells, highlighting that this nanoparticle can further drive oncogenesis and cancer progression, a finding that indicates the merit of immediate in vivo investigation.
Retrospective analysis of intracranial aneurysms after flow diverter treatment including color-coded imaging (syngo iFlow) as a predictor of aneurysm occlusion
Authors: Simgen Andreas , Mayer Christine , Kettner Michael , Mühl-Benninghaus Ruben , Reith Wolfgang , Yilmaz Umut
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Flow Diverters (FD) have immensely extended the treatment of cerebral aneurysms in the past years. Complete aneurysm occlusion is a process that often takes a certain amount of time and is usually difficult to predict. Our aim was to investigate different syngo iFlow parameters in order to predict aneurysm occlusion.

Methods

Between 2014 and 2018 patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms treated with a FD were reviewed. Aneurysm occlusion and complication rates have been assessed. In addition, various quantitative criteria were assessed using syngo iFlow before, after the intervention, and after short and long-term digital subtraction angiography (DSA).

Results

A total of 66 patients hosting 66 cerebral aneurysms were included in this study. 87.9% (n = 58) aneurysms in the anterior and 12.1% (n = 8) in the posterior circulation were treated. Adequate aneurysm occlusion at long-term follow-up (19.05 ± 15.1 months) was achieved in 90.9% (n = 60). Adequately occluded aneurysm revealed a significantly greater peak intensity delay (PI-D, p = 0.008) and intensity decrease ratio (ID-R, p < 0.001) compared to insufficiently occluded aneurysms. Increased intra-aneurysmal contrast agent intensity (>100%) after FD implantation resulted in an ID-R < 1, which was associated with aneurysm growth during follow-up DSA. Retreatment with another FD due to foreshortening and/or aneurysm growth was performed in 10.6% (n = 7). Overall morbidity and mortality rates were 1.5% (n = 1) and 0%.

Conclusion

The applied syngo iFlow parameters were found to be useful in predicting adequate aneurysm occlusion and foresee aneurysm growth, which might indicate the implantation of another FD.
Experimental evaluation of methanol-gasoline fuel blend on performance, emissions and lubricant oil deterioration in SI engine
Authors: Ijaz Malik Muhammad Ali , Usman Muhammad , Hayat Nasir , Zubair Syed Wasim Hassan , Bashir Rehmat , Ahmed Ehtasham
Published: June 2021

Methanol showed promising results as an alternative to gasoline fuel. However, there exists a research gap for the effect of oxygenated fuel on lubricant oil deterioration along-with engine performance and emissions. This study aims the very topic. The characteristics of SI engine were evaluated for two different loads and nine different engine speeds. The lubricant oil samples were taken out from engine oil sump after 100 h of engine operations using gasoline (G) and M12 sequentially. The brake power of M12 was observed higher in comparison with G. The maximum BTE of 23.69% was observed for M12 on lower load and 2800 rpm. On average, the 6.05% and 6.31% decrease in HC emissions were observed using M12 in comparison with G at lower and higher load respectively. M12 produced 32.52% higher NOx emissions than that of G at lower load. The reduction in kinematic viscosities at 40°C of lubricant oil were found 11.61% and 18.78% for M12 and G respectively. TAN, specific gravity, flash point and ash content of lubricant oil were observed 10.23%, 0.079%, 5.81% and 0.97% higher for M12 respectively. The lubricant oil composition could be developed in future for such fuels which may prolong its life cycle.
Prognostic value of C-reactive protein to albumin ratio for long-term outcomes of patients with peripheral arterial disease underwent endovascular treatment
Authors: Süleymanoğlu Muhammed , Burak Cengiz , Gümüşdağ Ayça , Çap Murat , Şenol Ayhan , Hamideyin Şerif , Güzel Ezgi , Rencüzoğulları İbrahim , Karabağ Yavuz , Çağdaş Metin
Published: June 2021

Background

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is part of the systemic atherosclerotic process that is highly associated with cardiovascular diseases. Despite successful endovascular treatment (EVT) strategies, mortality and morbidity rates still remain higher in PAD patients. C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin are biomarkers of inflammation and malnutrition that play key roles in the progression of peripheral arterial disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between CRP-to-albumin ratio (CAR) and mortality and amputation-free survival in patients with PAD after successful EVT.

Method

Our study enrolled 149 consecutive patients who underwent EVT on atherosclerotic obstruction of iliac, femoral, popliteal and/or below-knee arteries with the clinical features of PAD and/or chronic limb-threatening ischaemia between January 2015 and January 2020. Clinical and prognostic follow-up of patients had been done at the outpatient clinic and were collected from institution’s medical records.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 22 months (14–40). All-cause mortality and amputation rates of patients in the high CAR group were significantly higher than those in the low CAR group (21.3% vs. 6.8% and 18.7% vs. 5.4%, respectively). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed significantly better survival for patients in the low CAR group (log-rank p = 0.0058). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, CAR was found to be an independent predictor of amputation and all-cause mortality even after adjusting for other confounding risk factors. ROC curve analysis revealed the optimal cut-off value of CAR for predicting all-cause mortality and amputation to be >1.476 with a sensitivity of 48.5% and specificity of 94.0%.

Conclusion

The inflammatory state reflected by CAR levels was strongly associated with all-cause mortality and amputation after EVT in patients with PAD. Furthermore, CAR was found to be an independent predictor of these clinical outcomes after adjusting for other clinically associated parameters.
The use of near-infrared spectroscopy in the diagnosis of peripheral artery disease: A systematic review
Authors: Baltrūnas Tomas , Mosenko Valerija , Mackevičius Artūras , Dambrauskas Vilius , Ašakienė Ingrida , Ručinskas Kęstutis , Narmontas Pranas
Published: June 2021

Background

Peripheral arterial disease is a stenosis or occlusion of peripheral arteries that results in compromised blood flow and muscle ischemia. The available diagnostic methods are mostly used to measure and visualize blood flow and are not useful in the evaluation of perfusion, especially in diabetic patients, which is now considered to be a research priority by most of the vascular societies around the world as this is still a relatively poorly studied phenomenon.

Objective

The aim of this review is to explore the clinical significance of muscle tissue oxygenation monitoring in lower-extremity peripheral artery disease diagnosis using the near-infrared spectroscopy method.

Methods

A systematic search in PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases was performed to identify clinical near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) studies in English and Russian, published until September 2019, involving muscle tissue oxygenation in peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The manuscripts were reviewed by two researchers independently and scored on the quality of the research using MINORS criteria.

Results

After screening 443 manuscripts, 23 studies ( n = 1580) were included. NIRS-evaluated recovery time seems to be more accurate than ankle-brachial index in diabetic patients to differentiate between moderate and severe claudication. Consistent findings across all the included studies showed that both the oxygenation and deoxygenation rates as well as the recovery times varied from patient to patient and therefore were not suitable for standardization.

Conclusions

The clinical relevance of routine use of NIRS to diagnose PAD is unproven; therefore, its use is not currently part of standard-of-care for patients with PAD since the absolute values seem to vary significantly, depending on the outside conditions. More data need to be provided on the possible use of NIRS monitoring intraoperatively where the conditions can be more controlled.
Midterm outcome of biosynthetic collagen prosthesis for treating aortic and peripheral prosthetic graft infections
Authors: Betz Thomas , Steinbauer Markus , Toepel Ingolf , Uhl Christian
Published: June 2021

Objectives

To report the midterm outcomes of treating prosthetic peripheral and aortic graft infections using a biosynthetic collagen prosthesis in a tertiary vascular center.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients with prosthetic peripheral and aortic graft infections who underwent in situ reconstruction using a biosynthetic collagen prosthesis between March 2015 and November 2020 was conducted. Perioperative and midterm outcomes were analyzed.

Results

A biosynthetic collagen prosthesis was used in 19 patients (14 males, median age 66 years) to reconstruct the femoral artery ( n = 6), iliac artery ( n = 1), and infrarenal aorta ( n = 12). All patients were treated for a prosthetic vascular graft infection. The median follow-up period was 26.6 months (range 1–66 months). The 30-day graft failure rate was 15.7% ( n = 3), leading to a major amputation in one patient (5.3%). All grafts were occluded aortofemoral reconstructions in patients with occluded superficial femoral artery and were treated by immediate thrombectomy. The 30-day mortality rate was 5.3% ( n = 1), and survival after 3 years was 63.2%. The reinfection rate was 5.3% ( n = 1). At 13.6 months, the occlusion of a femoral graft was detected in 5.3% ( n = 1) and was treated with a new interposition graft. We observed no graft rupture or degeneration during follow-up.

Conclusions

Although results of in situ repair with autologous vein seem to be superior with little or none reinfection and low number of occlusions, biosynthetic collagen prostheses show acceptable midterm outcomes in terms of graft occlusion and mortality after prosthetic peripheral and aortic graft infections. Similar to other xenogenous materials, the reinfection rate is low with this prosthesis. With regard to immediate availability and easy handling, the use of a biosynthetic collagen prosthesis might be favorable compared to other replacement materials while treating prosthetic graft infections.
A review of literature on women’s leadership in higher education in developed countries and in Vietnam: Barriers and enablers
Authors: Maheshwari Greeni
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the literature on women’s leadership in higher education in the last 20 years. This literature review employed a systematic review of 64 articles published worldwide with 28 articles specifically published in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam. The aim of the study is to determine if there are any differences in barriers and enablers of women leaders between the developed countries chosen for this study and Vietnam in higher education and how the countries are progressing towards gender equality. The study concluded that most of the research in women’s leadership in higher education had been done in the US and Canada, with a dearth of literature on women’s leadership in higher education in Asia, and only six studies have been done in Vietnam till 2019, with only two studies done before 2017. The findings suggested that women leaders in developed countries and Vietnam still face almost the same challenges as in the past but, with family support, these challenges are becoming less in Vietnam. Mentor support was found to be an enabler in other developed countries which was missing in Vietnam. Vietnam is gaining importance in research in women’s leadership in higher education, which may be due to an increased female labour participation rate and higher growth in gross domestic product rates. The future of women leaders seems to be bright, especially in Vietnam, due to higher female educational attainment. There is a small number of literature review studies on barriers and enablers in the field of women leaders in higher education comparing developed nations and a developing country. Hence, the current study aims to fill this gap to provide an overview of the difference between the enablers and barriers faced by women leaders between developed countries and Vietnam.
Ancestral leadership: Place-based intergenerational leadership
Authors: Kelly Dara , Nicholson Amber
Published: June 2021

This article introduces the notion of ancestral leadership that emerges from intergenerational wisdom at the intersection of people, place and ancestral knowledge. Place is a key component of collective continuity in ancestral leadership that reinforces identity, belonging and intergenerational reciprocity. The findings show that places carry leadership legacies and require ongoing maintenance to ensure genealogies of leadership are available to future generations. Engagement with ancestral leadership and its practical application is not bound to tribal and cultural contexts. By knowing the place of someone’s ancestors as a lens into their leadership, one sees structures of accountability that extends beyond culturally bound contexts, and includes their leadership expressed in professional environments. The authors contribute to leadership theory by illuminating how ancestral legacies of leadership continue to inform contemporary generations of leadership and is transmitted intergenerationally within frameworks of genealogy.
Determination of sexual developmental characteristics of adolescents with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Top Fadime Üstüner
Published: June 2021

This cross-sectional study was carried out in order to determine the opinions of mothers on sexual development in children with intellectual disabilities. The sampling of this study included mothers of children aged 10–19 years with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities. Of the mothers, 45.7% stated that they felt incapable of providing sexual education to their adolescent children with disabilities and 97.6% stated that they had received no information on this subject themselves. Based on the mothers’ opinions, the mean score for the sexual development of adolescent children was 11.33 ± 16.18. In the sub-dimensions of sexual arousal (20.97 ± 5.71), sexual harassment (12.22 ± 3.13), sexual satisfaction (15.79 ± 3.85) and sharing sexual issues (12.74 ± 2.67) the mean score of the scale was found to be high. The knowledge levels of the mothers concerning the sexual development of their children with intellectual disabilities were found to be low, and they required education on this issue.
Risk factors for delayed-onset dementia after stroke or transient ischemic attack—A five-year longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Ismail Moamina , Mok Vincent CT , Wong Adrian , Au Lisa , Yiu Brian , Wang Zhaolu , Chu Winnie CW , Chan Anne YY , Fan Florence SY , Ma Sze H , Ip Vincent , Ip Bonaventure , Ma Karen , Leung Howan , Soo Yannie OY , Leung Thomas WH , Ko Ho , Lau Alexander YL , Lam Bonnie YK
Published: June 2021

Background

Stroke not only substantially increases the risk of incident dementia early after stroke but also the risk remains elevated years after.

Aim

We aimed to determine the risk factors of dementia onset more than three to six months after stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Methods

This is a single-center prospective cohort study. We recruited consecutive subjects with stroke/transient ischemic attack without early-onset dementia. We conducted an annual neuropsychological assessment for five years. We investigated the association between baseline demographic, clinical, genetic (APOEɛ4 allele), and radiological factors as well as incident recurrent stroke with delayed-onset dementia using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

In total, 1007 patients were recruited, of which 88 with early-onset dementia and 162 who lost to follow-ups were excluded. Forty-nine (6.5%) out of 757 patients have incident delayed-onset dementia. The presence of ≥3 lacunes, history of ischemic heart disease, history of ischemic stroke, and a lower baseline Hong Kong version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score were significantly associated with delayed-onset dementia. APOEɛ4 allele, medial temporal lobe atrophy, and recurrent stroke were not predictive.

Conclusion

The presence of ≥3 lacunes, history of ischemic heart disease, history of ischemic stroke, and a lower baseline MoCA score are associated with delayed-onset dementia after stroke/transient ischemic attack.
A study on highly concentrated lactic acid and the synthesis of lactide from its solution
Authors: Xu Xiaolong , Liu Lijuan
Published: June 2021

Lactic acid is an important platform compound used as raw material for the production of lactide and polylactic acid. However, its concentration and composition distribution are not as simple as those of common compounds. In this work, the mass concentration distribution of highly concentrated lactic acid is determined by back titration. The components of highly concentrated lactic acid, crude lactide, and polymer after the reaction are analyzed by HPLC. Different concentrations of lactic acid solution were prepared for the synthesis of lactide and its content in the product was determined by 1H NMR analysis. We found that lactide is more easily produced from high-concentration lactic acid solution with which the condensed water is easier to release. Hence, the removal of condensed water is crucial to the formation of lactide, although it is not directly formed by esterification of two molecules of lactic acid.
Wrist fracture management and the role of surgical care practitioner through the patient’s journey
Authors: Desiree Rojas Moya , Kabir Russell
Published: June 2021

The presentation of this case study involves an exploration of the patient's journey in detail after having a traumatic wrist fracture, which is recognised as one of the most common fractures encountered daily in emergency services by junior doctors and practitioners. However, this article not only analyses the medical guidance for this type of case, but also the importance of the surgical care practitioner role in trauma and orthopaedics. All practitioners attending patients in emergency services are required to develop a good knowledge of anatomy, physiology, patient’s examination technique, classifications and consequently being aware of the possible surgical options for treatment of the fracture. They will also need to fully understand the legal implications of consent to ensure safe practice.