bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Portraits for change: Refusal politics and liberatory futures
Authors: Rivera Isaac , Elwood Sarah , Lawson Victoria
Published: May 2022

We analyze viewers' experiences and understandings of an installation of portraits featuring vendors who sell Seattle’s Real Change street newspaper. In doing so, we argue that Real Change is enacting a complex politics of refusal and explore this in relation to future political lives of Real Change activism. We explore political possibilities for the transformation of urban life opened by the politics the exhibit expresses. We analyze the exhibit goals, representational strategies and viewer responses, exploring the complex politics Real Change is enacting to ensure vendor survival and anti-poverty activism. We argue that the white liberal visual regime (WLVR) ensures continued comfort of white privileged viewers, guaranteeing that their normatively white liberal understanding of impoverishment remains relatively untroubled. We explore disruptions of cultural norms that were possible within the WLVR as well as the limits of these disruptions. Drawing on critical race scholars we theorize visual fields as racially saturated, bolstering white comfort and white supremacy. While our argument begins from an art exhibit, it extends far beyond the politics of art. We analyze viewers’ responses to pose questions about whether/how these visual politics open pathways toward more profound re-learning of racialized relations that produce propertied personhood, racialized dispossession and premature death.
Methods for Communicating the Impact of Parameter Uncertainty in a Multiple-Strategies Cost-Effectiveness Comparison
Authors: Wolff Henri B. , Qendri Venetia , Kunst Natalia , Alarid-Escudero Fernando , Coupé Veerle M.H.
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Analyzing and communicating uncertainty is essential in medical decision making. To judge whether risks are acceptable, policy makers require information on the expected outcomes but also on the uncertainty and potential losses related to the chosen strategy. We aimed to compare methods used to represent the impact of uncertainty in decision problems involving many strategies, enhance existing methods, and provide an open-source and easy-to-use tool.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search to identify methods used to represent the impact of uncertainty in cost-effectiveness analyses comparing multiple strategies. We applied the identified methods to probabilistic sensitivity analysis outputs of 3 published decision-analytic models comparing multiple strategies. Subsequently, we compared the following characteristics: type of information conveyed, use of a fixed or flexible willingness-to-pay threshold, output interpretability, and the graphical discriminatory ability. We further proposed adjustments and integration of methods to overcome identified limitations of existing methods.

Results

The literature search resulted in the selection of 9 methods. The 3 methods with the most favorable characteristics to compare many strategies were 1) the cost-effectiveness acceptability curve (CEAC) and cost-effectiveness acceptability frontier (CEAF), 2) the expected loss curve (ELC), and 3) the incremental benefit curve (IBC). The information required to assess confidence in a decision often includes the average loss and the probability of cost-effectiveness associated with each strategy. Therefore, we proposed the integration of information presented in an ELC and CEAC into a single heat map.

Conclusions

This article presents an overview of methods presenting uncertainty in multiple-strategy cost-effectiveness analyses, with their strengths and shortcomings. We proposed a heat map as an alternative method that integrates all relevant information required for health policy and medical decision making.

Highlights

To assess confidence in a chosen course of action, decision makers require information on both the probability and the consequences of making a wrong decision. This article contains an overview of methods for presenting uncertainty in multiple-strategy cost-effectiveness analyses. We propose a heat map that combines the probability of cost-effectiveness from the cost-effectiveness acceptability curve (CEAC) with the consequences of a wrong decision from the expected loss curve. Collapsing of the CEAC can be reduced by relaxing the CEAC, as proposed in this article. Code in Microsoft Excel and R is provided to easily analyze data using the methods discussed in this article.
A Note on Modern (Fake) Shabtis as Tourist Art
Authors: Potter Daniel M.
Published: May 2022

This brief communication is a discussion of several styles of shabti figures identified during the National Museums Scotland review of Egyptian material in Scottish collections. The shabtis’ combination of historical styles, nonsensical inscriptions and material composition clearly characterize them as modern productions, despite several recent publications identifying them as Roman Period pseudo-shabtis. This brief communication seeks to address this interpretation and re-establish them as pervasive examples of Egyptian tourist art from the late nineteenth to early/mid-twentieth centuries.
When large-scale regeneration becomes an engine of urban growth: How new power coalitions are shaping Milan's governance
Authors: Conte Veronica , Anselmi Guido
Published: May 2022

The overall aim of this paper is to discuss how, and the extent to which, the entrance of financial players in urban development affects the governance of the city. To this aim, we focus on Milan, a fast-globalising city that has recently opened its real estate market to transnational capital investors, and we zoom in on two flagship projects, Porta Nuova and CityLife, both symbols of the entrepreneurial agenda adopted in the early 2000s. While investigating these empirical cases, we aim to put in conversation urban regime analysis and the literature on the financialisation of urban development, by theorising the relationship between capital and the state. In contexts such as Milan, where local governments face increasingly reliance on local revenues from urban transformation, the main priority is to anchor investments and create a good business environment for increasingly mobile capital. At the same time, capital actors’ strategies depend on specific localised political and economic advantages that the state has to provide. We thus argue that power relations are shaped by the mutual dependence between the local state and capital investors. We conclude that it is precisely this relationship of mutual dependence that accounts for how urban governance is being restructured today, in a way that makes it financialised or more formally dependent on financial capital.
Current Practices and Potential Rider Benefits of Fare Capping Policies in the U.S.A.
Authors: Hightower Ashley , Ziedan Abubakr , Crossland Cassidy , Brakewood Candace
Published: May 2022

Fare capping, a policy in which a transit agency caps the maximum amount a rider pays over a given period, has emerged as a relatively new innovation in public transit fare policy. This research aims to synthesize fare capping policies and to explore the benefits that riders could receive from fare capping. This study applied a multiple case study method to explore fare capping policies at the 101 largest transit agencies in the U.S.A. At least 21 of those 101 agencies were found to have fare capping policies. Of those 21 agencies, 20 used daily fare caps, four used weekly fare caps, and 14 used monthly fare caps. The number of one-way regular fare trips needed to reach the daily, weekly, and/or monthly cap was determined for each agency. Rider discounts for each fare capping period were then calculated. This study also discussed some innovative fare capping policies like “nested” fare capping, which refers to fare caps within fare caps, as well as capping for reduced fare policies. These unique policies could help to address some of the most pressing challenges that face the transit industry in promoting equity for vulnerable groups such as low-income, elderly, and disabled riders, and incentivizing riders to return to transit post-COVID. The findings of this study could inform transit agencies that are planning or considering the implementation of fare capping policies, a trend which has grown rapidly in the transit industry.
The Competent Computational Thinking Test: Development and Validation of an Unplugged Computational Thinking Test for Upper Primary School
Authors: El-Hamamsy Laila , Zapata-Cáceres María , Barroso Estefanía Martín , Mondada Francesco , Zufferey Jessica Dehler , Bruno Barbara
Published: May 2022

With the increasing importance of Computational Thinking (CT) at all levels of education, it is essential to have valid and reliable assessments. Currently, there is a lack of such assessments in upper primary school. That is why we present the development and validation of the competent CT test (cCTt), an unplugged CT test targeting 7–9 year-old students. In the first phase, 37 experts evaluated the validity of the cCTt through a survey and focus group. In the second phase, the test was administered to 1519 students. We employed Classical Test Theory, Item Response Theory, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis to assess the instruments’ psychometric properties. The expert evaluation indicates that the cCTt shows good face, construct, and content validity. Furthermore, the psychometric analysis of the student data demonstrates adequate reliability, difficulty, and discriminability for the target age groups. Finally, shortened variants of the test are established through Confirmatory Factor Analysis. To conclude, the proposed cCTt is a valid and reliable instrument, for use by researchers and educators alike, which expands the portfolio of validated CT assessments across compulsory education. Future assessments looking at capturing CT in a more exhaustive manner might consider combining the cCTt with other forms of assessments.
Multiscale Time-resolved Analysis Reveals Remaining Behavioral Rhythms in Mice Without Canonical Circadian Clocks
Authors: Morris Megan , Yamazaki Shin , Stefanovska Aneta
Published: May 2022

Circadian rhythms are internal processes repeating approximately every 24 hours in living organisms. The dominant circadian pacemaker is synchronized to the environmental light-dark cycle. Other circadian pacemakers, which can have noncanonical circadian mechanisms, are revealed by arousing stimuli, such as scheduled feeding, palatable meals and running wheel access, or methamphetamine administration. Organisms also have ultradian rhythms, which have periods shorter than circadian rhythms. However, the biological mechanism, origin, and functional significance of ultradian rhythms are not well-elucidated. The dominant circadian rhythm often masks ultradian rhythms; therefore, we disabled the canonical circadian clock of mice by knocking out Per1/2/3 genes, where Per1 and Per2 are essential components of the mammalian light-sensitive circadian mechanism. Furthermore, we recorded wheel-running activity every minute under constant darkness for 272 days. We then investigated rhythmic components in the absence of external influences, applying unique multiscale time-resolved methods to analyze the oscillatory dynamics with time-varying frequencies. We found four rhythmic components with periods of ∼17 h, ∼8 h, ∼4 h, and ∼20 min. When the ∼17-h rhythm was prominent, the ∼8-h rhythm was of low amplitude. This phenomenon occurred periodically approximately every 2-3 weeks. We found that the ∼4-h and ∼20-min rhythms were harmonics of the ∼8-h rhythm. Coupling analysis of the ridge-extracted instantaneous frequencies revealed strong and stable phase coupling from the slower oscillations (∼17, ∼8, and ∼4 h) to the faster oscillations (∼20 min), and weak and less stable phase coupling in the reverse direction and between the slower oscillations. Together, this study elucidated the relationship between the oscillators in the absence of the canonical circadian clock, which is critical for understanding their functional significance. These studies are essential as disruption of circadian rhythms contributes to diseases, such as cancer and obesity, as well as mood disorders.
Meshing limit line of face worm gear drive with hardened cylindrical worm
Authors: Mu Shibo , Zhao Yaping , Cui Jian , Meng Qingxiang , Li Gongfa
Published: May 2022

This paper systematically establishes the computation method of the meshing limit line for the face worm gear drive with a hardened cylindrical worm. The meshing theory based on the reference point in the tooth surfaces is developed for the face worm gear drive. The reference point is reasonably determined based on the study of the meshing limit line characteristics. The calculation method of the coordinates of the reference point is proposed. The formula for the limit pressure angle at the reference point is obtained. Numerical results show that two meshing limit lines can be obtained on each flank of the worm tooth surface by iteratively solving the system of non-linear equations with four unknowns. These two meshing lines are near the inner end of the worm addendum. When the meshing limit lines are outside the worm tooth surface, the conjugacy of the worm tooth surface is good. Besides, studies of numerical examples find that poorly matched parameters of the face worm gear drive can result in the meshing limit line entering the worm tooth surface first from the inner end of the addendum, which reduces the conjugacy of the worm tooth surface. To avoid this, the conjugacy of the worm tooth surface can be checked by examining the limit pressure angle of the reference point when designing the face worm gear drive.
Optimization design of excitation coil for pulsed eddy current testing of laser welding defect structure of power battery bus-bar
Authors: He Kuanfang , Yong Jiangfeng , Liang Jiahe , Xia Zixiong , Si Yin , Shi Wenqing
Published: May 2022

Pulsed eddy current testing is suitable for non-contact detection of conductor structural defect, which is an effective method to realize online detection of welding structural defect of power battery pack. Aiming at the circular laser weld structure between the bus-bar and the terminal of the power battery pack, a three-dimensional finite element simulation model of pulsed eddy current testing is established. According to the structural parameters of the pulsed eddy current excitation coil, which are the inner diameter, outer diameter, height and number of turns, the pulsed eddy current voltage responses of the laser welding defect structure of the battery pack bus-bar are calculated, respectively. By analyzing the influence of the excitation coil parameters on the pulsed eddy current detection results, the pulsed eddy current excitation coil parameters are determined for the testing of laser welding structural defects. It provides a method and basis for the optimal design of the pulsed eddy current detection system for the laser weld structural defect of the battery pack bus-bar.
Flow characteristics and separation control in a transitional twin air-intake
Authors: Yadav KrishnaKumar R , Jain Anuj , Paul Akshoy Ranjan
Published: May 2022

Ambient air is ingested into the engine of military aircrafts using the air-intake system within a limited space. The flow non-uniformity produced in the air-intake creates flow separation and total pressure loss due to the centerline curvature and area diffusion which eventually affects its performance. The current work discusses the performance of a transitional twin air-intake without and in presence of slotted synthetic jets. The synthetic jet is employed just before the inflection at a range of velocity ratio from 1 to 10 and found that for a velocity ratio of 4.0, the pressure distortion at the aerodynamic interface plane is found minimum. Hence, the other performance parameters are computed at that optimized flow condition. The outcome of the study reveal that the static pressure is recovered by 4.61%–6.64% while the total pressure loss is decreased by 59.28%–89.95% using optimized synthetic jets for a range of Reynolds numbers.
“The Global Sense of Disaster was Synchronized With my Own Disaster”: Implications of the COVID-19 Crisis on the Wellbeing of Survivors of Sexual Violence
Authors: Gueta Keren , Klar-Chalamish Carmit
Published: May 2022

The present study is designed to improve our understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as collective trauma, on the wellbeing of survivors of sexual violence (SV). The data are based on an online qualitative survey about the experiences of 39 survivors and a thematic analysis of ten in-depth interviews with service providers in Israel. The findings reveal that the pandemic and restrictive measures are associated with increased risk for participants’ wellbeing, caused directly by pandemic characteristics, as well as indirectly through the denial of access to coping resources. Paradoxically, the pandemic also offers relief, given the widespread restrictions imposed on the entire population and the general crisis atmosphere. The service providers’ perspective indicates an increased demand for services as well as for their adjustment. These findings highlight the vulnerability of individuals with a history of SV and the need for accommodation of frontline SV services for health crises.
Abrocitinib: A New FDA-Approved Drug for Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Perche Patrick O. , Cook Madison K. , Feldman Steven R.
Published: May 2022

Objective

The objective of this article is to review abrocitinib, an oral Janus kinase (JAK) 1 inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

Data Sources

A literature search of MEDLINE (PubMed) was performed for articles from inception through end-March 2022 using the following search terms: atopic dermatitis, abrocitinib, PF-04965842, methotrexate, cyclosporine, dupilumab, ruxolitinib, and JAK-STAT pathway.

Study Selection and Data Extraction

English articles relating to pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of abrocitinib, and other conventional systemic medications for AD, were included.

Data Synthesis

Across phase IIb and phase III clinical trials, abrocitinib was efficacious with an average of 47.5% patients on 200 mg abrocitinib and 32.0% on 100 mg abrocitinib achieving an Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) of 0 or 1 at 12 weeks. In comparison with dupilumab 300 mg subcutaneously every other week, patients on abrocitinib 200 mg once daily had improved disease severity and itch response. The majority of adverse events were not severe and self-limited.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice

Prior to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of abrocitinib, prednisone was the only FDA-approved oral medication for AD. Although biologics such as dupilumab have revolutionized care, some patients prefer oral medications. Compared with clinical trials of conventional AD treatments, abrocitinib appears more effective.

Conclusions

Abrocitinib is an efficacious oral JAK 1 inhibitor recently FDA-approved for patients ≥ 18 years old with moderate-to-severe AD who have not responded to systemic medications or when contraindicated otherwise.
Impact of Global Brand Chief Marketing Officers’ Corporate Social Responsibility and Sociopolitical Activism Communication on Twitter
Authors: Özturan Peren , Grinstein Amir
Published: May 2022

Chief marketing officers (CMOs) engage with their stakeholders on social media platforms to create a digital impact. CMO communication on societal issues is understudied despite heightened global attention to brands’ social practices. This poses three research questions: (1) How central is corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sociopolitical activism in the communication of global brands’ CMOs?, (2) Does CMOs’ communication about CSR or sociopolitical activism have a digital impact?, and (3) How do brand origin (i.e., geographic location of headquarters) and CMO nationality (U.S. vs. non-U.S.) moderate the CSR/sociopolitical activism–digital communication impact? Drawing on expectancy violation theory, this research (Ntweets = 17,468 over NCMOs = 81) finds that CMOs rarely publish CSR or sociopolitical activism communication on Twitter (5.3% and 3.2%) and demonstrates a higher digital impact of retweets for CSR and a lower impact for sociopolitical activism tweets than regular communication. Furthermore, non-U.S. headquarters and CMO nationality strengthen the positive effect of CSR communication and weaken the negative effect of sociopolitical activism communication.
Patient Activation of Persons With Opioid Use Disorder in Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Authors: Keen Alyson , Lu Yvonne , Oruche Ukamaka M. , Mazurenko Olena , Burke Draucker Claire
Published: May 2022

Background

High patient activation is associated with a variety of positive health outcomes. Although increasing patient activation in persons with opioid use disorder (OUD) in intensive outpatient treatment (IOT) programs may increase engagement and improve outcomes, little is known about how patient activation is manifested in these programs.

Aims

To describe types of instances in which persons play an active role in their IOT or show self-determination in their recovery generally (patient activation) and types of instances in which they play a passive role in their IOT or have recovery directed by others (patient nonactivation).

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study using data from a larger grounded theory study was conducted. Interviews were completed with 14 persons with OUD who attended an IOT program within a large health care system in the Midwest. Content analysis was used to create a typology of instances of patient activation or nonactivation in participants’ IOT experiences.

Results

Six types of instances were identified: (1) making and enacting one’s own treatment decisions, (2) actively collaborating with staff, (3) self-determining one’s disclosure in groups, (4) making a commitment to treatment, (5) taking responsibility for one’s recovery, and (6) taking actions to avoid return to use.

Conclusions

Patient activation is multidimensional and plays a salient role in IOT experiences. IOT staff should engage patients as active participants in their treatment and encourage mutual goal-setting and shared-decision but should be aware that some approaches used too early in treatment may impede recovery.
The impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on where tobacco users purchased cigarettes and snus in different Norwegian regions
Authors: Vedøy Tord Finne , Lund Karl Erik
Published: May 2022

Aims: With the spread of COVID-19, the Norwegian government introduced restrictions on cross-border travel starting March 2020. Purchase of tobacco when travelling, especially from Sweden and duty-free shops, has comprised a substantial part of Norwegian tobacco consumption for many years. We investigated whether COVID-19-related travel restrictions and recommendations led to changes in tobacco purchases from Norway, Sweden, duty-free, other countries, possible illicit sources and web shops. Design: Based on a survey conducted by Ipsos, we examined: (i) the prevalence of smoking and snus use and where smokers and snus users reported having purchased tobacco consumed during the last 24 hours from 2015 to 2019, by county; and (ii) the probabilities of having purchased tobacco from different sources in the period before and after COVID-19-related travel restrictions and recommendations. Results: The proportion of smokers varied from 12% to 19% and the proportion of snus users varied from 12% to 21% across counties. Cigarettes bought in Norway comprised from 27% to 79% of the previous day's consumption, depending on the respondent's county of residence. For snus, the percentages ranged from 20% to 70%. The probability of buying tobacco in Norway increased by around 30 percentage points during the period of COVID-19-related travel restrictions and recommendations, compared with previous years. The increase was greatest in border regions and was accompanied by fewer purchases in Swedish and duty-free shops. Conclusion: The increased share of tobacco purchases from shops in Norway means that, for many tobacco users, buying tobacco become more expensive and that taxes on tobacco to a greater extent were paid in Norway. However, whether these extraordinary circumstances will affect future cigarette and snus use, and place of purchase of tobacco products, remains to be seen.
Vibration-assisted laser welding: Frequency and amplitude vibration effect on the microhardness of A36 steel
Authors: Vidal Juan G , Barrionuevo Germán O , Ramos-Grez Jorge A , Vergara Julio , Mullo José L
Published: May 2022

Laser welding is one of the most versatile welding techniques for joining advanced materials. However, thermal cycles induced around weld lines generate residual stresses and inhomogeneous plastic deformation during the welding process. Vibratory weld conditioning is an alternative to enhance the mechanical properties of metal sheets during casting and welding. This study aims to analyze the effects of vibration on the microhardness of the resolidified melt zone after a laser weldment. Two 1 mm thick A36 steel sheets were welded in lap configuration using a CO2 laser, with varying vibration amplitudes up to 0.56 mm peak-to-peak and frequencies up to 1034 Hz. We confirmed that mechanical vibrations during the welding process alter the final properties of the joint compared to non-vibrated samples. Based on the experimental results, vibration can either increase or decrease the bead's final microhardness in a range of [−5%, 7%] by controlling the frequency and vibration amplitude. Furthermore, average microhardness was predicted by applying several machine learning regressors, showing an accuracy of ±3%, denoting the usefulness of the random forest and AdaBoost algorithms provide.
The power of policy translators: New university governing bodies in Hungary and Poland
Authors: Antonowicz Dominik , Rónay Zoltan , Jaworska Marta
Published: May 2022

The study investigates the reforms of university governing boards in Hungary and Poland. It seeks to fill that void and advance existing knowledge about the implementation of boards (councils) in CEE countries despite the great interest in HE dynamics in the region. The juxtaposition of the two countries is intentional because both share key characteristics, such as a common historical background (e.g. a communist past), geopolitical location (Central and Eastern Europe), the same institutional foundation for universities (i.e. the Humboldtian tradition) and domestic politics dominated by right-wing populism. With this in mind, it is interesting to note that the two countries, which are inspired by the same hegemonic policy ideas of NPM and had considerable similarities with respect to HE, arrived at different outcomes. This study therefore focuses on the process of policy translation and attempts to identify critical junctures that have led to structural divergence in the university governance model in the two countries. To achieve this, the research examines two parallel reforming processes that led to the introduction of new university governing bodies: consistories (2015) in Hungary and university councils (2018) in Poland.
Mental Health Among College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic at a Hispanic-Serving Institution
Authors: Ibarra-Mejia Gabriel , Lusk Mark , Umucu Emre
Published: May 2022

This study examines the prevalence and severity of stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic at a Hispanic-serving institution. The aim of the study is to increase knowledge about student mental health during a public health emergency in order to help develop strategies that promote student success. Using the Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4) and the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety–4 (PHQ-4), we found high levels of stress, depression, and anxiety in the sample. Based on these findings, we propose a greater investment of time and resources to promote mental health and positive coping strategies among college students through culturally competent mental health and supportive programs.
“Shudder” and the Aesthetics and Platform Logics of Genre-Specific SVOD services
Authors: Balanzategui Jessica , Lynch Andrew
Published: May 2022

Major subscription-video-on-demand (SVOD) services including Netflix and Apple TV+ target a wide range of consumers through catalogs that house a diverse variety of genres. However, as the SVOD ecology has evolved, services have emerged that focus on particular genres, and thus target enthusiasts of specific content types. This article examines the horror-focused SVOD service “Shudder” to highlight how these genre-specific SVOD services curate content in ways that differ from major services like Netflix. Unlike the top-tier generalist SVODs, niche services like Shudder do not appeal to users via personalized algorithmic recommendation of titles from a seemingly limitless catalog: instead, these services are branded around the affective pleasures of and fan cultures surrounding specific genres. Our analysis of Shudder combines interface and genre analysis to illuminate how the platform offers a “phenomenal experience” of generic immersion in ways that reflect on new intersections between SVOD platforms, genre, nostalgia, and cinephilic subcultures.
Effect of different hole shape of thermal barrier on the performance for thermal protective clothing
Authors: Dai Jiaxin , Li Xiaohui
Published: May 2022

The insulating layer of the hollow structure of thermal protective clothing plays a positive role in weight and thermal protection. The relationship between the hole shape and the performance of the hollow structure is of great importance to optimization. This paper focuses on the performance optimization of the honeycomb structure insulation layer. Laser cutting technology was used to cut the hole in the non-woven fabric. The thermal insulation layers of five common three-dimensional sections were prepared by the multi-layer composite method. Compared with the conventional solid fabric system, the honeycomb fabric system has better thermal protection. At the same time, the section structure also affects the thermal protection performance. The developed A-type structure possesses a superior Thermal Protective Performance value in comparison to I-type straight structure. It has lower moisture resistance and higher total heat loss. The thermal protection of A-type section structure, together with excellent thermal and moisture comfort, make it put forward the improvement direction for the structural optimization of commercial nonwovens where the balance between thermal protection and thermal and moisture comfort is the key requirement.
The TWIST Tool Predicts When Patients Will Recover Independent Walking After Stroke: An Observational Study
Authors: Smith Marie-Claire , Barber Alan P. , Scrivener Benjamin J. , Stinear Cathy M.
Published: May 2022

Background

The likelihood of regaining independent walking after stroke influences rehabilitation and hospital discharge planning.

Objective

This study aimed to develop and internally validate a tool to predict whether and when a patient will walk independently in the first 6 months post-stroke.

Methods

Adults with stroke were recruited if they had new lower limb weakness and were unable to walk independently. Clinical assessments were completed one week post-stroke. The primary outcome was time post-stroke by which independent walking (Functional Ambulation Category score ≥ 4) was achieved. Cox hazard regression identified predictors for achieving independent walking by 4, 6, 9, 16, or 26 weeks post-stroke. The cut-off and weighting for each predictor was determined using β-coefficients. Predictors were assigned a score and summed for a final TWIST score. The probability of achieving independent walking at each time point for each TWIST score was calculated.

Results

We included 93 participants (36 women, median age 71 years). Age < 80 years, knee extension strength Medical Research Council grade ≥ 3/5, and Berg Balance Test < 6, 6 to 15, or ≥ 16/56, predicted independent walking and were combined to form the TWIST prediction tool. The TWIST prediction tool was at least 83% accurate for all time points.

Conclusions

The TWIST tool combines routine bedside tests at one week post-stroke to accurately predict the probability of an individual patient achieving independent walking by 4, 6, 9, 16, or 26 weeks post-stroke. If externally validated, the TWIST prediction tool may benefit patients and clinicians by informing rehabilitation decisions and discharge planning.
Walking Books? The Oral History Method at The Hong Kong Heritage Project
Authors: Allsop Amelia
Published: May 2022

What role can oral history play in business archives and in public history contexts in Hong Kong today? This article addresses the work of The Hong Kong Heritage Project (HKHP), a major business archive and soon-to-be museum and its work in collecting and recording oral histories since 2007. It situates the work of HKHP within the wider Hong Kong cultural context and investigates the methodologies used by the project to record 530 oral history interviews, the largest collection of oral histories held by a private cultural institution in Hong Kong. In addition, the article examines the challenges and opportunities of collecting oral history in a for-profit environment and the application and uses of oral history in exhibition contexts as a tool to foster audience engagement as well as to encourage understanding and empathy for history as well as other people.
A Case of Iodine 125 Seeds (I-125) Responding to Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ni Qingtao , Pan Chi , Guo Qing , Wang Peng , Yang Yan , Zhang Wei , Dai Shengbin
Published: May 2022

Lung squamous cell cancer (SCC) and accounts for approximately 20%–30% of all lung cancers. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the main treatments for lung SCC patients. A case with lung SCC patient who was treated using iodine 125 seeds (I-125) because the location of the tumor was adjacent to the great vessels. I-125 is an ideal brachytherapy for lung SCC patients with large masses who lost the chance of operation. I-125 is an adjuvant therapy, combined with chemotherapy and molecular targeting therapy might serve to improve the prognosis of lung SCC patients.
Rationale and current evidence of aquatic exercise therapy in venous disease: A narrative review
Authors: Bissacco Daniele , Mosti Giovanni , D’Oria Mario , Lomazzi Chiara , Casana Renato , Morrison Nick , Caggiati Alberto
Published: May 2022

Chronic venous disorders (CVD) of the lower limbs can be treated with different strategies. Typically, conservative management is based on compression therapy, anticoagulants and venoactive drugs. Endovenous treatments remain the gold standard to treat saphenous insufficiency, with sclerotherapy and surgery maintaining a role in selected cases. In addition, several ‘unconventional’ approaches have been proposed to prevent CVD progression and complications, minimize symptoms and improve the quality of life and postoperative outcomes. Among these, balneotherapy and aquatic exercises are proving as valid and effective supporting treatments, as mentioned in a growing number of scientific publications. Moreover, aquatic protocols have been studied for both venous and lymphatic insufficiency. For these reasons, they were mentioned in the last CVD guidelines provided by the European Society for Vascular Surgery.

 The aim of this narrative review is to overview and summarize current literature evidences on the role and effectiveness of aquatic rehabilitative protocols in CVD, reviewing old and current literature. Furthermore, the physical basis of the effects of water immersion on lower limb venous and tissues modifications are also described.
Training, anthropometric, and physical performance profiles of players in the U19 men's volleyball at different in-game role
Authors: Schons Pedro , Birk Preissler Artur Avelino , Berriel Guilherme Pereira , Oses Victor Hugo Szortyka , Kruel Luiz Fernando Martins
Published: May 2022

The evolution of its rules has made the demands of different court in-game role more specific in terms of skills. However, it is unclear whether players in the U19 men's volleyball already have specifics according to their in-game role. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the training profiles, anthropometric profiles, and physical performance profiles of male volleyball players aged under 19 at different in-game role. The 353 volleyball players (16.89 ± 0.76 years) were evaluated prior to the Brazilian U19 men's state team championship games. The training profiles were evaluated using a questionnaire; the anthropometric profile was obtained by analyzing the body mass, body height, and arm span; and the physical performance profile was measured by changes in direction, sprint, block jump reach, and spike jump reach tests. One-way ANOVA test was used to compare players' in-game role, with a significance of α<0.05. Opposite hitters and middle blockers had less experience with volleyball (p < 0.001), but higher values for the anthropometric profile measurements (p < 0.001). In addition, the block jump reach and spike jump reach from these in-game role were higher than the setters and liberos (p < 0.001). Thus, male players in the U19 category of volleyball already have some specificities, and profile assessments can be performed to assist in choosing their in-game role.
Reasons for day of surgery cancellation of orthopaedic cases following a major earthquake in Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Bidaisee Shanta , Hernandez Cruz Pedro Pablo , Mencia Marlon M
Published: May 2022

An earthquake in 2018 resulted in irreparable damage to the Port of Spain General Hospital, Trinidad and Tobago, and severely affected orthopaedic services. This study investigates the rate and reasons for cancellation on the day of surgery of orthopaedic cases during the post-earthquake period. We prospectively collected data on all cases scheduled to undergo surgery during the study period. Information was gathered on patient demographics, the number and reasons for cancellation. Data were analysed using Analyse-it for Microsoft Excel 5.40 (Analyse-it Software Ltd). Our results show that 43 patients were cancelled, resulting in a 44.3% cancellation rate. Patients who had their surgery cancelled were older, with a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class compared with patients whose surgery was not cancelled. Hospital-related factors were found to be responsible for the majority of cancellations. Placed in context, our findings suggest that limited operating time due to the earthquake-induced hospital damage was the principal reason for the high rate of surgery cancellations.
Garmin wearable device offers reliable alternative for on-water stroke rate and velocity measurement in rowing
Authors: Watts Sophie P , Binnie Martyn J , Goods Paul SR , Doyle Matthew M , Hewlett Jamie , Peeling Peter
Published: May 2022

Performance tracking devices in the form of wrist-worn watches are common in rowing; however, the accuracy of relevant output variables (i.e. stroke rate [SR] and velocity) during on-water training is unknown. To assess the quality of wrist-watch data output, 16 rowing athletes recorded 118 on-water rowing sessions using a Garmin Forerunner 735XT, which was compared to a Catapult Optimeye R4 tracking device. Garmin recording function was set to ‘Every Second’ ( N = 68 sessions) or ‘Smart’ ( N = 50 sessions). Catapult velocity was calculated as the average velocity per stroke, while a 15 s velocity moving average was determined for Garmin data. Catapult and Garmin were filtered for training-specific data (SR = 14–50 strokes per minute [spm]; velocity = 2.1–7.0 m/s−1). Efficacy and reliability of the Garmin was assessed via the difference between devices (% error), intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC ± 95% confidence interval (CI)) and coefficient of variation (CV%). Error in 15 s smoothed velocity was 3.8% (‘Every Second’) and 8.2% (‘Smart’). Both recording functions demonstrated ‘good’ reliability (ICC = 0.75–0.9, CV < 10%) for SR and velocity; the exception was SR using ‘Smart’ recording. Our data suggests that when using the ‘Every Second’ recording function, data is filtered and velocity is smoothed over 15 s, the Garmin device can be reliable for SR and velocity measurement within 1 spm and <0.20 m/s−1 respectively.
The aerodynamic assessment of tandem cyclists in preparation for the 2021 Paralympic Games: A case study
Authors: Dyer Bryce , Gumowski Konrad , Starczewski Michal
Published: May 2022

Reducing the level of aerodynamic drag (CdA) via use of a wind tunnel will ultimately improve a competitive cyclists performance. Whilst this tool is widely considered a ‘gold standard’, previous studies have centred on single riders or scale models to evaluate aerodynamic drag. No study to date has assessed the precision of wind tunnel testing with the additional perceived complexity of a tandem bicycle with a pair of competitive paracyclists. The first part of this investigation evaluated the use of a wind tunnel in the assessment of tandem paracyclists. A male and female team of paracyclists riding tandem versions of either a time trial track bicycle or a road/time trial bicycle undertook a series of measurement intervals in a wind tunnel. Three different combinations of these riders and bicycles obtained a Coefficient of Variation of their mean CdA of 1.8%–2.6%. The second part of this investigation acted as a case study by implementing a range of aerodynamic interventions to potentially reduce the male team’s CdA. For example, progressive efforts reduced a team’s CdA from the baseline of 0.338 m2 to ultimately 0.321 m2 predominately by lowering both tandem riders heads Whilst tandem cyclist performance enhancement has recieved scant attention in the past, this case study only highlights the value of doing so in the future.
Legalising Abortion in Argentina: Social Movements and Multi-Party Coalitions
Authors: Anderson Cora Fernández
Published: May 2022

On 30 December 2020, the Argentine Senate legalised abortion on demand until 14 weeks of pregnancy. How was this legal change possible in a region characterised by strong restrictions on reproductive rights? Based on in-depth interviews and participant observation, this article shows how the emergence of a strong social movement around abortion reform was able to shift the negative perceptions associated with this medical practice and build a multi-party coalition to advance the legalisation of abortion in Congress. The secularism espoused by all political parties across the ideological spectrum allowed for the presence of feminist politicians within them, most of whom would become key interlocutors of the movement jointly working towards legalisation. A supportive executive, while helpful, could not ensure the passage of legal abortion alone, making the creation of a multi-party coalition a requirement for success.
A New Flavonoid From Leaves of Ormosia xylocarpa
Authors: Wang Qin , Chen Xiao , Zou Xiao-xing , Zou Shuangquan , Ni Lin , Xu Huiyou
Published: May 2022

A new flavonoid, 5, 4′-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-6-[(2- O-β-D-glucopyranoside)ethyl]-flavanone (1), along with 7 known compounds (2-8), was separated from the leaves of Ormosia xylocarpa and identified by a variety of spectroscopic techniques. Compounds 1-8 were subjected to the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging experiment. Among them, compounds 1-4 showed potential antioxidant activities with IC50 values of 1.23, 0.83, 0.36, and 0. 021 mmol/L, respectively.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in Older Patients With Significant Medical Comorbidities
Authors: Huang Ryan J. , Teitelbaum Jordan I. , Issa Khalil , Truong Tracy , Kim Heewon , Kuchibhatla Maragatha , Hachem Ralph Abi , Goldstein Bradley J. , Jang David W.
Published: May 2022

Background

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) offers excellent outcomes for patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in the general population. It is unclear whether older patients with significant medical comorbidities experience similar benefits.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether increasing medical comorbidity is associated with worse sinonasal quality of life outcomes after ESS in older patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of CRS patients 55 years or older who underwent elective ESS at an academic institution from July 2017 to June 2019. 22-Item Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-22) scores were gathered at baseline as well as at 3 and 6 months following surgery. Data on demographics, medical comorbidities, preoperative Lund-Mackay (LM) scores, and postoperative complications were extracted from the medical record. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was calculated for each patient. Multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate a potential association between CCI and change in SNOT-22 scores at 3 months postoperatively.

Results

A total of 205 patients met inclusion criteria with a mean (SD) CCI score of 2 (2.4) and a CCI score range of 0 to 11. The mean (SD) LM score was 8 (5.3). Rates of asthma and nasal polyposis were 28.3% and 36.6%, respectively. The mean (SD) improvement in SNOT-22 scores at 3 and 6 months compared to baseline was 17.9 (19.7) and 20.9 (18.1) points, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, there was no significant association between CCI and change in SNOT-22 scores.

Conclusion

Greater medical comorbidity is not associated with worse SNOT-22 outcomes postoperatively, although future studies are needed to determine if comorbidities are associated with higher complication rates. A multidisciplinary approach to perioperative care is critical in maintaining the safety and efficacy of ESS in this patient population.
Auricular erythermalgia showing excellent response to itraconazole: a case report
Authors: Ye Yan-Ting , Lu Jing-Fa , Wu Hui-Hui , Liu Juan-Hua , Zhao Yu-Kun , Luo Di-Qing
Published: May 2022

Erythermalgia, a rare painful disorder, is characterized by recurrent pain attacking, warmth, and erythema that mainly involves the distal extremities. Red ear syndrome shares similar clinical features of erythermalgia afflicting the external ear with unilateral/bilateral distribution. The treatments of both diseases are still difficult without controlled therapeutics available up to date. A 12-year-old boy was referred because of 3 years of recurrent attacking of painful erythema and warmth that involved the ears alone, the episodes occurred several times daily with duration of dozens of minutes to hours for each flare. The symptoms could be relieved by cold water and triggered by heat stimuli as well as exciting and movement, and showed mild response to gabapentin, celecoxib, and topical lidocaine compounds in combination, but moderate to blocking injection of botulinum toxin to nervus auricularis magnus. However, systemic itraconazole 200 mg daily resulted in an excellent response after 5-week treatment, leading to milder erythema, warmth and burning sensation, shorter duration, and fewer relapses. The treatment continued for 6 months and then itraconazole was decreased to 100 mg daily for another 6 months until it was stopped, with maintenance of good conditions. In 3 months of follow-up after the treatment ceased, the patient had only 7 to 8 attacks over 10 days presenting as tolerable erythema that lasted for less than 10 min and relieved spontaneously, with absence of warmth and no need of treatment. We considered the patient to be a variant of erythermalgia rather than a red ear syndrome. The results showed that erythermalgia might involve the ears alone and itraconazole might be a potential agent for its treatment.