bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of waste sorting and recycling behavioural intention among youths: Evidence from Shenzhen, China and Turku, Finland
Authors: Huang Miaojia , Law Kris M. Y. , Geng Shuang , Niu Ben , Kettunen Pekka
Published: September 2021

Waste sorting and recycling (WSAR) is a crucial issue for sustainable waste management. Growing up with new values, the younger generation has the responsibility to lead the society towards a sustainable future. The successful implementation of WSAR requires an in-depth understanding of the attitudes and obstacles of the youth participation. This study seeks to explore and compare the influencing factors of youth engagement in WSAR in Shenzhen, China and Turku, Finland by drawing on the theory of planned behaviour. Quantitative data was collected from 170 youth citizens in Shenzhen and 179 in Turku. Structural equation modelling results suggest that there is a clear consistency between the youth’s intention and behaviour in both cities. Two reverse pyramids were constructed to prioritize the influencing factors based on their importance in the structural models. Subjective norms, knowledge and perceived behavioural control are key influencing factors in Shenzhen group while in Turku’ s setting, compatibility acts as a top determinant whereas, subjective norms have the least influencing power. Results from Turku also reveal that lower compatibility does not necessarily hinder youth participation in WSAR practice. Several suggestions and implications on boosting youth participation in WSAR are drawn, based on these findings.
Dealing with missing information on covariates for excess mortality hazard regression models – Making the imputation model compatible with the substantive model
Authors: Antunes Luís , Mendonça Denisa , Bento Maria José , Njagi Edmund Njeru , Belot Aurélien , Rachet Bernard
Published: September 2021

Missing data is a common issue in epidemiological databases. Among the different ways of dealing with missing data, multiple imputation has become more available in common statistical software packages. However, the incompatibility between the imputation and substantive model, which can arise when the associations between variables in the substantive model are not taken into account in the imputation models or when the substantive model is itself nonlinear, can lead to invalid inference. Aiming at analysing population-based cancer survival data, we extended the multiple imputation substantive model compatible-fully conditional specification (SMC-FCS) approach, proposed by Bartlett et al. in 2015 to accommodate excess hazard regression models. The proposed approach was compared with the standard fully conditional specification multiple imputation procedure and with the complete-case analysis using a simulation study. The SMC-FCS approach produced unbiased estimates in both scenarios tested, while the fully conditional specification produced biased estimates and poor empirical coverages probabilities. The SMC-FCS algorithm was then used for handling missing data in the evaluation of socioeconomic inequalities in survival from colorectal cancer patients diagnosed in the North Region of Portugal. The analysis using SMC-FCS showed a clearer trend in higher excess hazards for patients coming from more deprived areas. The proposed algorithm was implemented in R software and is presented as Supplementary Material.
From scientific arguments to scepticism: Humans’ place in the Greenhouse
Authors: Augé Anaïs
Published: September 2021

This article investigates the different roles attributed to humanity in the climate change debate, through the depiction of the greenhouse effect. Our hypothesis is that the stance associated with different genres will not only demonstrate different conceptualisations of the greenhouse effect but also convey different views on humans’ capacity (or lack of capacity) to mitigate climate change. The corpus under study is composed of texts pertaining to three genres which display particular viewpoints: scientific papers present a documented view on the phenomenon, online forum discussions present exchanges between users who endorse or question particular characteristics of the Greenhouse, and sceptical newspaper articles explicitly deny the existence of an anthropogenic phenomenon. Through a corpus-based, cognitive and pragmatic analysis of the metaphorical expression greenhouse effect, the research shows that humans’ place(s) in the Greenhouse is a significant part of environmental argumentative strategies.
Why Empathy Is Not a Reliable Source of Information in Moral Decision Making
Authors: Decety Jean
Published: September 2021

Although empathy drives prosocial behaviors, it is not always a reliable source of information in moral decision making. In this essay, I integrate evolutionary theory, behavioral economics, psychology, and social neuroscience to demonstrate why and how empathy is unconsciously and rapidly modulated by various social signals and situational factors. This theoretical framework explains why decision making that relies solely on empathy is not ideal and can, at times, erode ethical values. This perspective has social and societal implications and can be used to reduce cognitive biases and guide moral decisions.
Practice of Taguchi design of experiments in the valuation of mechanical behavior of rigid polyurethane foam composites
Authors: Kaur Raminder , Kumar Mukesh
Published: September 2021

In the present study, Taguchi design of experiments (DOEs) L18 orthogonal array has been used for the investigation of the mechanical behavior of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) composites. The outcome of the process parameters such as polyol, filler, surfactant, catalyst, blowing agent, and anti-flaming agent on the mechanical properties, such as tensile, flexural, and compressive strengths and hardness (Shore D) of RPUF composites, has been examined, and the resulted data were analyzed by means of Taguchi design of experiments. The raw data for the average values of the mechanical properties and the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio for each parameter were evaluated at three levels, and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) and optimum process parameters are determined. The confirmation experiments were performed for the validation of the improved performance and to measure the contribution of individual parameter on the responses. The confirmation experiments revealed the average tensile strength, average compressive strength, average flexural strength, and average hardness (Shore D) as 5.24 MPa, 6.37 MPa, 12.28 MPa, and 72.43, respectively, which fall within the 95% confidence interval of the anticipated optimum process parameters.
Wrongful disturbance of reproductive planning: Is there a case for liability?
Authors: Raposo Vera Lúcia
Published: September 2021

This article analyses claims involving parental allegations pertaining to the features their children were born with in violation of the express requests they made when they used reproductive procedures. This kind of claim, encouraged by the development of reproductive techniques and their associated procedures, has until now found little support in the courts. However, the increased level of precision of the scientific procedures used in reproduction, the amplified range of services provided by reproductive clinics, and the level of success they guarantee to service recipients might lead to a different judicial outcome. The author examines several court cases that involve incidents of this nature and suggests the conceptualization of a differentiated claim titled ‘wrongful disturbance of reproductive planning’.
What makes a parent in surrogacy cases? Reflections on the Fjölnisdóttir et al. v. Iceland decision of the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: März Julian W
Published: September 2021

The present commentary analyses and discusses the Fjölnisdóttir et al. v. Iceland decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) of 18 May 2021. The case concerned an Icelandic couple who had been recognised as the legal parents of a child born by a surrogate mother in California. In contrast to most other surrogacy cases decided by the ECtHR, however, the child had no biological link to either of the intended parents. The ECtHR thus found that a ruling of the Supreme Court of Iceland which had rejected the recognition of the legal parenthood of the intended parents under Icelandic law had not violated Art. 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights, despite the fact that joint adoption by the intended parents was not possible in this case. The present commentary argues that this decision exaggerates the importance of the biological link, creating injustices at the expense of the child concerned. In conclusion, the commentary calls for a more consistent and holistic framework to protect the best interests of the child and to prevent abuses of transnational commercial surrogacy.
Additional (maternity) leave for women only? The Court of Justice refines its Hofmann test in Syndicat CFTC (C-463/19) yet forgets about the children
Authors: Foubert Petra , Hendricks Alicia
Published: September 2021

Syndicat CFTC v. CPAM provided an excellent opportunity for the Court of Justice of the European Union (‘CJEU’) to reconsider its position taken in the Hofmann case, regarding the question to what extent additional maternity leave can be exclusively reserved for female workers without infringing Directive 2006/54. Whilst the CJEU has narrowed the grey zone, it refrains from clearly indicating the boundaries between ‘maternity’ and ‘parenthood’ and leaves that for the Member States to decide. Against this backdrop, this case note argues that the CJEU should cease to conflate both concepts, as it cements women into their traditional role as primary caregivers and keeps men in a role subsidiary to that of women with respect to the exercise of parental responsibilities. Ultimately, child-care related leave should be approached from a rights perspective, taking into account the best interests of the child.
Measurement of progesterone in sheep using a commercial ELISA kit for human plasma
Authors: Pasciu Valeria , Nieddu Maria , Baralla Elena , Porcu Cristian , Sotgiu Francesca , Berlinguer Fiammetta
Published: September 2021

Determination of serum or plasma progesterone (P4) concentrations is important to recognize pregnant and non-pregnant ewes, and also to predict the number of carried lambs. The 2 most common methodologies for the detection of plasma P4 are radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA). RIA is very expensive, and not all laboratories are equipped to perform this test; EIA is commercially available for human use, but only a few companies produce species-specific kits, which are expensive. We verified for ovine plasma a less expensive and easily available ELISA kit (DiaMetra) designed to quantify P4 in humans. Pools of ovine and human plasma were used to compare repeatability, accuracy, sensitivity, and stability of P4 measured by the DiaMetra kit. Repeatability data were within 15%, and accuracy values were ~90% for both plasma matrices. Stability data showed a loss of <20% for freeze–thaw and <30% for 30-d storage. All parameters were acceptable under international guidelines for method validation. The human ELISA kit was used successfully to quantify plasma P4 in 26 ewes during pregnancy until delivery. P4 concentrations were also correlated with the number of carried lambs.
Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin for Treatment of Thrombosis or Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Coons Eric M. , Staubes Britta A. , Casey Ashley L. , Elagizi-Youssef Stephanie A. , Mohammed Alaa E. , Sharma Nikhil , Kline Elle R.
Published: September 2021

Background

Evidence for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in patients with cirrhosis is limited. Few patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class B and C cirrhosis have been studied.

Objective

To compare major bleeding rates in patients with cirrhosis receiving a DOAC versus warfarin.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in adults with cirrhosis receiving a DOAC versus warfarin for venous thromboembolism, portal-vein thrombosis, or atrial fibrillation. The primary outcome was the rate of major bleeding. Secondary outcomes included time to major bleeding, clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding, all bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial bleeding, and new thromboembolic events. The study was approved by the Ochsner Health System Institutional Review Board.

Results

A total of 44 patients receiving a DOAC and 41 patients receiving warfarin were included. Major bleeding occurred in 4 patients receiving a DOAC and 6 patients receiving warfarin (9.1% vs 14.6%; P = 0.881). Rates of major bleeding were similar in 24 DOAC and 17 warfarin patients with CTP Class B (4.2% vs 17.6%; P = 0.37) and 8 DOAC and 9 warfarin patients with CTP Class C (37.5% vs 11.1%; P = 0.41) cirrhosis. Secondary bleeding and efficacy outcomes were similar between cohorts. The study was limited by a small sample size.

Conclusion and Relevance

Treatment with DOACs in patients with cirrhosis was associated with a similar rate of major bleeding compared with warfarin. Inclusion of CTP class C patients in future studies remains valuable to evaluate safety and efficacy of DOACs in this population.
Hypertriglyceridemia in Critically Ill Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: El Nekidy Wasim S. , Shatnawei Abdullah , Abdelsalam Manal M. , Hassan Mariam , Dajani Ruba Z. , Salem Nouran , St. John Terrence J. Lee , Rahman Nadeem , Hamed Fadi , Mallat Jihad
Published: September 2021

Background

Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection could develop severe disease requiring critical care admission. Case reports indicated high incidence of hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) in critically ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, which might be related to the drugs.

Objective

We sought to determine the risk factors associated with HTG in this population and to investigate the relationship between HTG and lipase.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted at our hospital between March 1 and June 30, 2020. Patients were included if they were ≥18 years old, admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, and had triglycerides (TG) checked during their hospital stay.

Results

Of the 111 critically ill patients, 103 patients were included. Males comprised 88.3% of the sample. The median TG at baseline was 197.4 (IQR: 139.8-283) mg/dL. The lipase median level at baseline was 23.00 (IQR: 0.00-69.50) IU/L. The results of the mixed-effects logistic regression analysis indicated that patient-level variables, favipiravir use, blood glucose level, and propofol use were significantly associated with HTG. There was no relationship between lipase and TG levels over time. Furthermore, TG concentrations over time showed a similar trend to inflammatory markers.

Conclusion and Relevance

The incidence of clinically significant HTG was high and was associated with propofol and favipiravir use. HTG might reflect the high inflammatory state in these patients. Clinicians should look at the full picture before changing therapies based only on HTG. Our findings need to be replicated in a larger prospective study.
Haunted Walks of District Six: Propositions for Counter-Surveying
Authors: Motala Siddique , Bozalek Vivienne
Published: September 2021

This article traces a pedagogical trajectory in South African higher education that started in engineering education and leads to walking-as-research. Situated on District Six, a well-known site of apartheid forced removals, a cartographic and diffractive methodology is utilized to trace the development of this pedagogy, as well as walks that have emerged out of mapping the site by means of geographic information system (GIS). We develop propositions related to a practice we call counter-surveying, and we trace two walks of District Six with people who are connected to the site. Recognizing the hauntological power of walking, we walk into the past and diffractively read the walks together with South African history, geomatics education, and posthumanist theory. Premised on relational ontologies, we attend to the ghosts of District Six and explore different ways of interrogating issues of land and education, while opening up a space for Otherness.
Transesophageal Echocardiographic Assessment of the Repaired Mitral Valve: A Proposed Decision Pathway
Authors: Reshmi Jose Liza , Gopan G. , Varma Praveen Kerala , Thushara Madathil , Sudheer Vanga Babu , Madavathazhathil Rajesh Gopalakrishnan , Jayant Aveek
Published: September 2021

The indications for mitral valve repair extend across the entire spectrum of degenerative mitral valve disease, ranging from fibroelastic degeneration to Barlow’s disease. Collaboration between the surgeon and anesthesiologist is essential for ensuring optimal results. Echocardiographic assessment of the repair can be challenging but is essential to the success of the procedure, as even mild residual mitral regurgitation can portend poor patient outcomes. In addition to determining the severity of residual regurgitation, the anesthesiologist must elucidate the mechanism of disease in order to inform appropriate re-intervention measures. Finally, there are unique complications of mitral valve surgery for the anesthesiologist to understand and assess by echocardiography. This review describes a systematic pathway for a comprehensive intraoperative assessment of the mitral valve following surgical repair.
Overempowered? Diversity-Focused Research with Gender/Sex and Sexual Majorities
Authors: van Anders Sari M. , Schudson Zach C. , Beischel Will J. , Abed Emma C. , Gormezano Aki , Dibble Emily R.
Published: September 2021

Diversity-focused research can provide important insights about gender/sex and sexual diversity, including in relation to oppression and privilege. To do so, it needs to critically engage with power and include minoritized and majoritized participants. But, the critical methods guiding this are typically aimed at empowering marginalized groups and may “overempower” majority participants. Here, we discuss three diversity-focused research projects about gender/sex and sexual diversity where our use of critical methods overempowered majority participants in ways that reinforced their privilege. We detail how diversity-focused research approaches thus need to be “majority-situating”: attending to and managing the privilege and power that majority participants carry to research. Yet, we also lay out how diversity-focused research still needs to be “minority-inclusive”: validating, welcoming, and empowering to people from marginalized social locations. We discuss these approaches working synergistically; minority-inclusive methods can also be majority-situating, providing majorities with opportunities for growth, learning, and seeing that they—and not just “others”—are socially situated. We conclude by laying out what a diversity-focused research program might look like that includes both majority-situating and minority-inclusive approaches, to work towards a more just and empirical scholarship that does not lead to majorities who are even more overempowered.
Optical coherence tomography angiography in amblyopia: A critical update on current understandings and future perspectives
Authors: Pujari Amar , Saluja Gunjan , Chawla Rohan , Samdani Asha , Phuljhele Swati , Saxena Rohit
Published: September 2021

Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a non-invasive tool to assess the retino-choroidal vasculature in vivo. It tracks the red blood cell movement and maps the vasculature in quick succession. In routine, diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration, central serous chorioretinopathy, and others are commonly being studied to unveil its clinic role. On the other hand, amblyopia is a condition where the visual acuity is subnormal due to non-organic causes in the eye. But the OCTA studies till now have shown variable changes along retino-choroidal vasculature. Hence, to comprehend the existing literature knowledge, a systematic literature search was carried out and the original works describing novel findings in amblyopic eyes on OCTA were included. Upon detailed assessment, firstly, the disturbed vasculature along superficial retinal plexus, deeper retinal plexus, and choroidal plexus were evident in most untreated amblyopic eyes. However, such changes were not uniform, which is due to noted heterogenic patient profile, small sample size, biometric biases, non-uniform algorithms, and other factors. And to note, even in presence of such diverse changes, almost all the authors stated a plausible explanation for their notable changes. Secondly, the utility of OCTA in identifying vascular changes with standard treatments and segregation of visual beneficiaries from non-beneficiaries were possible. Hence, to conclude, OCTA is a valuable tool which can provide valuable useful insights into the amblyopic eyes during pre and post treatment periods. However, to gather more concrete evidence for clinical benefits, systematic, homogenous, and better structured clinical studies are mandated.
Use of the helical SUPERA™ stent and Passeo-18 Lux™ drug-coated balloon to treat recurrent cephalic arch stenosis for dysfunctional brachiocephalic fistulas: 1 year results of the Arch V SUPERA-LUX study
Authors: Tang Tjun Yip , Soon Shereen Xue Yun , Yap Charyl Jia Qi , Chan Sze Ling , Tan Ru Yu , Pang Suh Chien , Choke Edward Tieng Chek , Tan Chieh Suai , Chong Tze Tec
Published: September 2021

Background:

Aim of Arch V SUPERA-LUX was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination therapy of SUPERA™ ( Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA) helical stent implantation and Passeo-18 Lux™ ( Biotronik Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, Singapore) drug coated balloon (DCB) elution to treat recurrent cephalic arch stenosis (CAS) in the setting of AV access dysfunction.

Methods:

Investigator-initiated, single-center, single-arm prospective pilot study of 20 end-stage renal failure Asian patients with a dysfunctional brachiocephalic fistula. All had symptomatic recurrent CAS within 6 months of prior intervention. The lesion was pre-dilated with a standard high-pressure balloon (Biotronik Passeo-35 HP balloon). The DCB (Passeo-18 Lux™) is subsequently inflated and the SUPERA™ stent deployed to sit 2 mm distal to the cephalic arch and covering the CAS but within the DCB zone. All patients were prescribed dual antiplatelet therapy for 3 months and followed up with Duplex ultrasound at 6- and 12-months.

Results:

There were 9 (45%) males and mean age was 67 ± 11.0 years. Mean time from prior procedure was 113 ± 68 days and main indication for reintervention was high venous pressure (9/20, 45%). Technical success was 100% and there were no peri-procedural complications related to either stent or DCB deployment. Target lesion primary patency at 6- and 12-months was 10/18 (55%) and 5/16 (31%), respectively. Mean time to target lesion re-intervention was 170 ± 82 days. Circuit access patency was 8/18 (44%) and 2/16 (13%) at 6- and 12-months respectively and mortality was 3/20 (15%) attributed to the patients’ underlying co-morbidities.

Conclusion:

Dual prong strategy of using SUPERA™ stenting and Passeo-18 Lux™ drug elution for recurrent CAS, although safe, was no more efficacious than conventional balloon angioplasty or stenting alone. Development of an intense inflammatory reaction within the stent led to reinterventions of a number of cases with suboptimal results.
Gamifying situated learning in organisations
Authors: Spanellis Agnessa , Pyrko Igor , Dörfler Viktor
Published: September 2021

Gamification is an emerging area in research and practice that has sparked considerable interest in management studies. The attention to gamification is amplified by the ubiquitous nature of digital technologies and augmented reality which touches on how people work and learn socially. Consequently, gamified tools’ affordances affect situated learning in working environments through their implications on human relations in practice. However, the dynamics between gamification and situated learning have not been considered in the literature. Thus, drawing on the synthesis of gamification and situated learning literatures, we offer a model of gamifying situated learning in organisations. Thereby, our discussion explains the role of gamified affordances and their socio-material characteristics, which blend with situated learning as people indwell on such tools in their work. Moreover, gamified tools can afford the technological support of community-building and networking in organisations. Such gamified communities and networks, in turn, can be seen to existing within a gamified altered reality as part of which the physical distance and proximity of situated learning activities become inevitably bridged and joined together.
Association between timing and duration of breech presentation during pregnancy and developmental dysplasia of the hip: A case-control study
Authors: Konijnendijk Annemieke , Vrugteveen Ellen , Voorthuis Brenda , Boere-Boonekamp Magda
Published: September 2021

This case-control study investigated the association between timing and duration of breech presentation in pregnancy and developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Children with DDH aged 3 years or younger ( n = 191) were compared with healthy controls ( n = 209). Data on outcome, exposure and, covariates were collected using a parents’ self-report online questionnaire. Term children with breech presentation at one or more check-ups after 30.0 weeks gestation had a twofold higher risk of developing DDH compared to children who had never presented in breech (OR 2.01; 95% CI [1.28, 3.15]). The strength of the association increased with duration of breech presentation (5–8 weeks: OR 2.65; 95% CI [1.36, 5.18]; 9–12 weeks: OR 3.63; 95% CI [1.82, 7.24]). Children who had presented in breech at least once in gestational period 37.0-birth had a 3.24 (95% CI [1.86, 5.65]) times higher risk of DDH, whereas the risk for children with breech presentation in gestational period 30.0–36.6 only was not increased. Also after adjusting for confounders, children who had presented in breech after gestational week 37.0-birth had a more than threefold higher risk of DDH (OR 3.33; 95% CI [1.81, 6.13]) compared to children who were never in breech or in gestational period 30.0–36.6 only.
Experimental and numerical investigations of springback and residual stresses in bending of a three-ply clad sheet
Authors: Sharma Pankaj K , Gautam Vijay , Agrawal Atul K
Published: September 2021

In the present work, springback behaviour of a three-ply clad sheet metal, comprising of layers of SS430 and SS304 sandwiched with a layer of AA1050 is investigated in V-bending by using analytical, experimental and simulation techniques. The developed analytical model is based on theory of bending using Hill’s anisotropic yield criterion. The tensile properties of the clad sheet and individual layers oriented at three different directions w.r.t. the rolling direction are characterized. The tensile properties of the individual layers are used in the material model of analytical and numerical predictions of the springback. It is observed that the samples of the clad sheet which are transverse to the rolling direction, exhibit highest springback values due to higher tensile strength of the sheet when compared with the results acquired for other two orientations w.r.t. the rolling direction. These results are endorsed by the springback results obtained from analytical and simulation methods. The effect of sheet setting on the die during bending is also investigated using different techniques. The resulting longitudinal stresses before and after springback are analysed on inner and outer layers of the tested samples using experimental and numerical simulation procedures. In both the cases of sheet settings, the results of residual stress after springback predicted by simulations agree with the experimental results except a few cases.
Relationship Between Physical Function and Health Utility in Patients Undergoing Surgical Treatment for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Authors: Tanaka Takashi , Morishita Shinichiro , Hashimoto Masaki , Nakamichi Toru , Uchiyama Yuki , Hasegawa Seiki , Domen Kazuhisa
Published: September 2021

Purpose:

Health utility, which is a measure of patient-reported outcome (PRO), has recently been used in health-related quality of life for patients with various cancers. However, the relationship between health utility and the physical function and of patients undergoing pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) as surgical treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has not been reported in the perioperative and convalescent phases. This study aimed to evaluate the perioperative and postoperative health utility of patients undergoing P/D for MPM at one year postoperatively and to examine the relationship with physical function.

Methods:

We included patients underwent P/D. Grip strength, knee extension strength, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were measured to assess physical function, and the Short-Form Six-Dimension (SF-6D) was completed to assess health utility. These assessments were performed preoperatively, postoperatively, and one year postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance for comparison of pre and postoperative and one year mean values.

Results:

There were 24 subjects (23 males, 65.5±8.3 year). SF-6D, 6MWD, FVC, and FEV1 values one year operatively improved significantly compared with postoperative. Additionally, SF-6D was correlated with 6MWD.

Conclusion:

Health utility were also correlated with exercise capacity.
Intentions with actions: The role of intentionality attribution on the vicarious sense of agency in Human–Robot interaction
Authors: Roselli Cecilia , Ciardo Francesca , Wykowska Agnieszka
Published: September 2021

Sense of Agency (SoA) is the feeling of control over one’s actions and their consequences. In social contexts, people experience a “vicarious” SoA over other humans’ actions; however, the phenomenon disappears when the other agent is a computer. This study aimed to investigate the factors that determine when humans experience vicarious SoA in Human–Robot Interaction (HRI). To this end, in two experiments, we disentangled two potential contributing factors: (1) the possibility of representing the robot’s actions and (2) the adoption of Intentional Stance towards robots. Participants performed an Intentional Binding (IB) task reporting the time of occurrence for self- or robot-generated actions or sensory outcomes. To assess the role of action representation, the robot either performed a physical keypress (Experiment 1) or “acted” by sending a command via Bluetooth (Experiment 2). Before the experiment, attribution of intentionality to the robot was assessed. Results showed that when participants judged the occurrence of the action, vicarious SoA was predicted by the degree of attributed intentionality, but only when the robot’s action was physical. Conversely, digital actions elicited the reversed effect of vicarious IB, suggesting that disembodied actions of robots are perceived as non-intentional. When participants judged the occurrence of the sensory outcome, vicarious SoA emerged only when the causing action was physical. Notably, intentionality attribution predicted vicarious SoA for sensory outcomes independently of the nature of the causing event, physical or digital. In conclusion, both intentionality attribution and action representation play a crucial role for vicarious SoA in HRI.
Pathological findings identified during the posterior approach to the spinal accessory nerve after high-energy trauma
Authors: Power Dominic M. , Jimulia Devanshi , Malone Paul , Shirley Colin , Chaudhry Tahseen
Published: September 2021

The spinal accessory to suprascapular nerve transfer is a key procedure for restoring shoulder function in upper brachial plexus injuries and is typically undertaken via an anterior approach. The anterior approach may miss injury to the suprascapular nerve about the suprascapular notch, which may explain why functional outcomes are often limited. In 2014 we adopted a posterior approach to enable better visualization of the suprascapular nerve at the notch. Over the next 6 years we have used this approach for 20 explorations after high-energy trauma. In 7/20 we identified abnormalities at the level of the suprascapular ligament, which we would not have identified with an anterior approach: there were two ruptures, two neuromas-in-continuity and three cases of scar encasement, necessitating neurolysis. Nerve transfer could be undertaken distal to the suprascapular notch, bypassing the site of injury. These pathological findings support the wider adoption of the posterior approach in cases of high-energy trauma.

Level of evidence: IV
Ligaments and muscles stabilizing the radio-ulno-carpal joint
Authors: Garcia-Elias Marc , Ananos Dirck , Esplugas Mireia , Hagert Elisabet , Heras-Palou Carlos , Kakar Sanjeev
Published: September 2021

The technical simplicity of the Darrach procedure may explain why it has been so popular. Excising the distal ulna, however, may have potentially undesired consequences to the biomechanics in two areas: the distal radioulnar and the ulno-carpal joints. These conjointly define the radio-ulno-carpal joint (RUCJ). The RUCJ is not a small and irrelevant articulation that can be removed without possibly paying a functional penalty. It is an important link of the antebrachial frame that provides stability to the distal forearm and the carpus. This article revisits the mechanisms by which some ligaments and muscles ensure that all forces about and within the RUCJ are dealt with efficiently.
Antimicrobial resistance: The fundamental role of primary care
Authors: Brown Emily
Published: September 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) develops when microbes, such as bacteria, evolve to no longer be susceptible to an antimicrobial agent. AMR is a huge concern, being regarded internationally as one of the current top 10 threats to global health. By 2050, it is predicted that AMR will be responsible for more deaths globally than cancer. Countries around the world are rising to the challenge of reducing antimicrobial resistance, and primary care has a key role in this objective, as the vast majority of antibiotic prescribing takes place in the community. This article will explore the challenges facing primary care clinicians regarding antimicrobial stewardship and will consider approaches in day-to-day general practice that can help tackle AMR, including a number of helpful and easy to use resources. Future considerations and innovative technologies will also be discussed.
Chemistry and Molecular Characteristics of Premna flavescens Wall. ex C. B. Clarke in Vietnam
Authors: Ha Le Minh , Phuong Ngo Thi , Trang Nguyen Thi Phuong , Thuy Dinh Thi Thu , Hung Le Ngoc
Published: September 2021

Premna flavescens Wall. ex C. B. Clarke, a medicinal plant in the family Lamiaceae, was used for the treatment of arthritis in folk medicine. From the essential oil extracted from the leaves of this plant we have identified 51 components, with β-caryophyllene as the major component (26.3%). The essential oil showed a strong anti-inflammatory effect in vitro with an IC50 of 5.88 µg/mL. DNA barcoding is an useful tool for species identification based on the standardized genomic DNA fragments, but the molecular database of P flavescens is still lacking from Genebank. A molecular species identification tool for P flavescens was developed for the first time using DNA barcoding. The sequences of rbcL, trnH–psbA, internal transcribed spacer, and 18S barcodes of P flavescens were submitted to the Genebank with the accession numbers MW553265, MW553266, MT935698.1, and MW485128.1, respectively. This will be highly useful for the molecular authentication of the marker samples.
Underpricing Luxury: When a Lower Price Results in Higher Reputation
Authors: Kleinhans Jörn , LaTour Kathryn A.
Published: September 2021

Determining the price point is a vexing problem for firms: price too high and there is no market, but price too low and money is left on the table. Complicating matters further, for many goods there is a secondary market where products can be resold following the initial sale by the firm. Here, the open market determines the price point that end consumers pay. Often that price is higher than the price offered by the firm for goods such as premium handbags, wine, high-end watches, and works of art, so the consumer will see the product’s quality or appeal validated by the market, which leads to a reputation gain for the firm. This phenomenon goes beyond physical products and includes a variety of services, such as live concerts, as reflected in their ticket prices in primary and secondary markets. However, the secondary market can also offer a lower price than the firm’s original offering, which hurts the firm’s reputation. Typically, the luxury market equates higher prices with higher status but neglects the impact of the secondary market. Our research considers the case where initially underpricing a good may be in a luxury firm’s long-term interest. Although underpricing has been used in initial public offering (IPO) markets to increase the firm’s reputation, it has been viewed as a problem or discouraged in other market industries. Our hypothesis is that reputation has long-term value for firms and, in industries where a visible secondary (i.e., resale) market exists for products, price increases after product release lead to gains in reputation as higher resale prices signal quality and value.
Early institutional experience using the TracStar Large Distal Platform in endovascular flow diversion
Authors: Bageac Devin V , Gershon Blake S , Shigematsu Tomoyoshi , Majidi Shahram , De Leacy Reade A
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The delivery of flow-diverting stents (FDS) necessitates a degree of catheter support beyond that required for endovascular coiling. The TracStar Large Distal Platform (LDP) is a novel 0.088″ platform intended for navigation into the intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA). We present an early institutional experience using the TracStar LDP in 44 cases of endovascular aneurysm embolization using FDS.

Methods

Inclusion criteria for this single-center retrospective review encompassed all patients >18 years of age who were treated for intracranial aneurysms. Procedural success was defined as successful stent deployment using the TracStar LDP. Other outcomes included periprocedural complications, use of an intermediate catheter, length of stay, and discharge disposition.

Results

The TracStar LDP was utilized in 44 consecutive FDS cases in 42 patients. Cavernous segment aneurysms constituted the majority of cases (12/42; 28.6%), followed by posterior communicating artery (8/42; 19.0%) and supraclinoid aneurysms (8/42; 19.0%). Successful FDS deployment was achieved in 43/44 cases. The LDP achieved stable positioning within the ascending cavernous ICA in 63.6% of cases. A biaxial system was utilized in 54.5% of cases. There was one complication potentially related to use of the TracStar LDP, which was an asymptomatic ICA vessel dissection managed conservatively.

Conclusions

The TracStar LDP is safe and effective during use in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with a FDS. Access to the ascending portion of the cavernous ICA was regularly achieved, and the platform allowed for both biaxial and triaxial configurations.
Recherche et Applications en Marketing at the heart of changes in the world of research
Authors: Özçağlar-Toulouse Nil
Published: September 2021

This article presents a non-exhaustive overview of recent changes in the academic environment of the journal Recherche et Applications en Marketing. In what follows I successively discuss the changes in higher education and research, the issue of journal ranking, and the shift in open science. These three areas of change raise questions about the future of Recherche et Applications en Marketing, the answers to which lie with its entire community.
If You Fund Them, Will They Come? Implications From a PhD Fellowship Program on Racial/Ethnic Student Diversity
Authors: Ecton Walter G. , Bennett Christopher T. , Nienhusser H. Kenny , Castillo-Montoya Milagros , Dougherty Shaun M.
Published: September 2021

Prior research demonstrates the important role that financial considerations play in prospective students’ decision making when applying to and enrolling in graduate school. Racially/ethnically minoritized students, in particular, face persistent challenges during the graduate application and enrollment process. Capitalizing on a natural experiment, we identify the effects of introducing a PhD fellowship on the composition of applicants and enrolling students in PhD programs at a large public university’s graduate school of education. Using administrative data from 9 years of applications, we use difference-in-differences and event study analyses to show that the fellowship increased the number of applicants overall, as well as the share of Black applicants and enrollees in impacted cohorts, with no significant effects on academic preparation. To better understand why and how a PhD fellowship might impact students’ application behaviors and experiences once in graduate school, we supplement our primary findings with survey responses from current PhD students at the graduate school of education.
Subthreshold micropulse laser adjuvant to bevacizumab versus bevacizumab monotherapy in treating diabetic macular edema: one- year- follow-up
Authors: El Matri Leila , Chebil Ahmed , El Matri Khaled , Falfoul Yousra , Chebbi Zouheir
Published: September 2021

Purpose:

To compare the therapeutic impact of combining intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (IVB) with micropulse laser (MPL) in central diffuse diabetic macular edema (DME) versus IVB monotherapy during 12 months follow-up.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective comparative study of 98 treatment-naive eyes (63 patients) with central diffuse DME. The first group of patients (IVB + MPL group, n = 49) was treated with 3 monthly IVB followed by MPL within 1 week after the third injection. Patients were then followed and treated on a pro re nata (PRN) basis, with MPL retreatment if necessary. The changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), number of IVB injections and MPL sessions were evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 months. A control group of diabetic patients with treatment-naive DME was treated with standard protocol of 3 monthly IVB as monotherapy then followed on a PRN basis (IVB group, n = 49). Statistic comparaison of BCVA, CMT, and IVB number variation was interpreted at 12 months between both groups.

Results:

In IVB + MPL group, baseline BCVA improvement was not significant at 4 and 8 months ( p = 0.90, p = 0.08), and was statistically significant ( p = 0.01) at 12 months. Mean CMT significantly decreased at 4, 8, and 12 months ( p < 0.01) in IVB + MPL group. The difference in BCVA (p = 0.091) and CMT (p = 0.082) variation at 12 months between both groups was not significant but the number of injections was significantly lower in IVB + MPL group (4.1 ± 1.5 injections) compared to IVB group (7.2 ± 1.3 injections) ( p < 0.005).

Conclusion:

Combining intravitreal injections of bevacizumab and MPL in the treatment of DME is effective and safe. This protocol may decrease the number of IVB and its frequency. It offers the advantage of lasting therapeutic response with fewer recurrences.
The Effect of Political Skill on Relationship Quality in Construction Projects: The Mediating Effect of Cooperative Conflict Management Styles
Authors: Wang Dedong , Liu Yang
Published: September 2021

Negative consequences can arise if interpersonal conflicts in construction projects are not handled properly. This study aims to investigate the relationship among political skill, cooperative conflict management styles, and relationship quality. Multiple regressions were used to test the hypothesis based on 206 items of data collected from construction project practitioners in China. Results demonstrate the mechanism of action among political skill, conflict management styles, and relationship quality and verify the mediating effect of cooperative conflict management styles, providing enlightenment for future research on conflict management.
Polyphosphate-induced thrombosis in mice is factor XII dependent and is attenuated by histidine-rich glycoprotein
Authors: Malik Rida A. , Zhou Ji , Fredenburgh James C. , Truong Tammy K. , Crosby Jeff R. , Revenko Alexey S. , Weitz Jeffrey I.
Published: September 2021

Histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) is an abundant plasma protein that binds factor XIIa (FXIIa) and inhibits factor XII (FXII) autoactivation and FXIIa-mediated activation of FXI. Polyphosphate (polyP), a potent procoagulant released from activated platelets, may serve as a physiological activator of the contact system. Previously, we showed that HRG binds DNA and neutralizes its procoagulant activity. Consequently, our goal was to determine whether the capacity of HRG to bind polyanions enables it to regulate polyP-induced thrombosis. In a plate-based assay, immobilized polyP bound HRG, FXII, and FXIIa in a zinc-dependent manner. Basal and polyP-induced thrombin generation was greater in plasma from HRG-deficient mice than in plasma from wild-type mice. Intraperitoneal injection of polyP shortened the activated partial thromboplastin time, enhanced thrombin generation, increased thrombin-antithrombin levels, reduced lung perfusion, and promoted pulmonary fibrin deposition to a greater extent in HRG-deficient mice than in wild-type mice, effects that were abrogated with FXII knockdown. HRG thus attenuates the procoagulant and prothrombotic effects of polyP in an FXII-dependent manner by modulating the contact system.