bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review of Second Step Social-Emotional Skills Program in Middle Schools
Authors: Pérez-Clark Paloma , Royer David James , Austin Katherine Simeroth , Lane Kathleen Lynne
Published: November 2022

In this systematic review, we evaluated the quality and rigor of the current evidence base for the Second Step social-emotional learning program in middle schools. Eleven studies were coded using the Council for Exceptional Children Standards for Evidence-Based Practices in Special Education with an 80% weighted criterion. We determined five studies met the weighted 80% criteria and one study demonstrated a positive effect as defined by Council for Exceptional Children. The other four studies demonstrated neutral/mixed results, and we therefore classified Second Step for middle schools in the mixed evidence category. We discuss the strengths of evaluated studies and future directions for research.
The Effect of Night Shifts on 24-h Rhythms in the Urinary Metabolome of Police Officers on a Rotating Work Schedule
Authors: Kervezee Laura , Koshy Anna , Cermakian Nicolas , Boivin Diane B.
Published: November 2022

Shift workers face an increased risk of metabolic health problems, but the direct metabolic response to working nights is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of night shifts on the 24-h urinary metabolome of shift workers. Eleven police officers working rotating shifts completed two 24-h laboratory visits that took place before and after they worked 7 consecutive nights. Sleep and meals were scheduled on a day schedule in the first visit and then on a night schedule (i.e., sleep and meals shifted by approximately 12 h) in the second visit. Targeted metabolomic analysis was performed on urine samples collected throughout these laboratory visits. Differential rhythmicity analysis was used to compare 24-h rhythms in urinary metabolites in both conditions. Our results show that on the day schedule, 24-h rhythms are present in the urinary levels of the majority of metabolites, but that this is significantly reduced on the night schedule, partly due to loss of organic acid rhythmicity. Furthermore, misalignment of 24-h metabolite rhythms with the shifted behavioral cycles in the night schedule was observed in more than half of the metabolites that were rhythmic in both conditions (all acylcarnitines). These results show that working nights alters the daily rhythms of the urinary metabolome in rotating shift workers, with the most notable impact observed for acylcarnitines and organic acids, 2 metabolite classes involved in mitochondrial function. Further research is warranted to study how these changes relate to the increased metabolic risks associated with shift work.
Interpersonal Victimization During Childhood and Adolescence and Educational Attainment in Young Adulthood: A Latent Class Analysis Approach
Authors: Frøyland Lars Roar , Andersen Patrick Lie
Published: November 2022

Previous research relates violent victimization early in life to a wide range of unfavorable outcomes in adulthood, among them a lack of educational attainment. A tendency to conduct separate investigations into violent victimization in different areas of life has so far hampered our understanding of both overall victimization processes and its outcomes. The present study overcomes this issue by investigating the cumulative burden of violent victimization during childhood and adolescence as well as the associations between victimization and educational attainment in young adulthood. The study uses a nationally representative sample of 18 to 19-year-old Norwegian students ( n = 3,160) from the school-based UngVold 2007 survey, merged with information from official registers up to 2016 (age 27–28). Using latent class analysis (LCA), we combine retrospective accounts of experiences with parental, peer, and sexual violence during childhood and adolescence with educational attainment in young adulthood. The analyses reveal five classes of violent victimization: (1) non-victims (55.7%), (2) peer victims (16.6%), (3) victims of parental violence (14.5%), (4) victims witnessing domestic violence (5.6%), and (5) polyvictims (experiencing parental, peer, and/or sexual violence: 7.6%). They also show lower educational attainment in all groups reporting victimization through physical contact compared to non-victims, particularly among peer victims and polyvictims. Violence thus seems to impair educational attainment for a large share of the population. The identification of particularly lower education among the polyvictims also show the importance of considering the cumulative burden of violence when deciding on treatment needs and the design of help services for victims.
Job-Search Behaviors During Involuntary Unemployment: A Social Cognitive Approach
Authors: Omori Mika , Aizawa Noriko , Yamazaki Yoko
Published: November 2022

Job-searching following involuntary job loss is critical. However, as lifetime employment is a defining characteristic in Japan, few empirical studies have examined job-search behaviors after involuntary job loss. To fill this gap in the literature, a survey of 400 unemployed individuals explored the relationship between job-search behaviors and life satisfaction, including investigating self-efficacy, support, work volition, and dispositional optimism. Path analyses found that life satisfaction was predicted by optimism, job-search self-efficacy, and work volition, while job-search behaviors were facilitated by support and self-efficacy. No significant associations were found between job-search behaviors and life satisfaction. Results suggest that job-search interventions attempting to improve an individual’s optimism, feelings that the job search will be successful, and perceived support can facilitate job-search behaviors.
Entropy generation on MHD Maxwell hybrid nanofluid over a Stretching cylinder with Cattaneo-Christov heat flux: Analytical and numerical simulations
Authors: Vijatha M. , Reddy P. Bala Anki
Published: November 2022

In the present study, we examine the influence of entropy generation on Maxwell hybrid nanofluid over a cylinder in the presence of non-linear thermal radiation and Cattaneo-Christov heat flux. In this model, we considered [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the nanoparticles which are suspended in the base fluid blood. The basic PDE’s (Partial differential equations) are transformed into ODE’s (Ordinary differential equations) by ensuring the suitable self-similarity transformations. ODEs are resolved using a Runge–Kutta 4th-order along with shooting procedure. Numerical method ( NM) and Homotopy perturbation method ( HPM) solutions for the nonlinear system are obtained so that they compared to each other for the case of cylinder. The HPM is developed for comparison purposes, and more accurate and reliable outcomes are illustrated through graphs. Moreover, the obtained results are compared with the existing literature and are found to be an excellent agreement. It is found that the fluid velocity reduces for the higher values of magnetic parameter. Higher values of the heat generation parameter improve the temperature profiles. Nusselt number decreases when developing Darcy–Forchheimer number and temperature time relaxation parameter. This type of flow problems may be utilized to improve the blood flow in the blood vessel has attracted the attention of physicians and biomedical researchers as it specializes in various treatments such as drug targeting, cell tissue engineering, cancer, hyperthermia and hypothermia.
Static bending mesh-free analysis of smart piezoelectric porous beam reinforced with graphene platelets
Authors: Quang Hung Tran , Duc Do Minh , Minh Tu Tran
Published: November 2022

This paper presents static analysis and response of smart piezoelectric porous beams by mesh-free approach. The beam consists of a functionally graded porous core reinforced with graphene platelets (GPLs) and two piezoelectric face layers. The effective material properties of the core vary smoothly through the thickness direction, and they are estimated based upon Halpin–Tsai micromechanical model. The electric potential is assumed to vary linearly across the thickness of the piezoelectric layers. Polynomial basis function-based C1-Hermite interpolation for all displacement and electric potential variables of the problem is proposed for the mesh-free method to discretize the equilibrium equations. Parametric studies are carried out to investigate the effects of material parameters and boundary conditions on the deflection and stresses of the beam subjected to mechanical and/or electrical load(s). Furthermore, the study also highlights the piezoelectric effect on the static bending control of the proposed beam.
The effect of different fillers, loads, and sliding distance on adhesive wear in woven e-glass fabric composites
Authors: Çetkin Edip , Demir Mehmet Emin , Ergün Raşit Koray
Published: November 2022

In this study, adhesive wear of woven E-Glass fabric reinforced composites filled with aramid, B4C and mica particles at 0.5% wt. and 1.5% wt. ratios were carried out under dry sliding conditions. The effects of filler type, applied loads (5, 10 and 15 N) and sliding distances (250, 500 and 750 m) on the tribological behavior of the composites were investigated on the pin-on-disc device. As a result of the studies, it was determined that the friction coefficient in aramid reinforced composites was lower than the other reinforced composites. In wear volume due to wear, it was observed that the aramid wear volume was less. In addition, Wear volume increased with increasing load for all particle reinforcements. But, the highest wear volume occurred in the neat wear sample at 15 N load conditions. For the wear rate and wear volume, the fillers have shown improvement up to 1.5% wt. in the composite. 1.5% wt. aramid-filled glass fiber woven composites showed the lowest wear rate: 2.82 × 10−4 mm3/N-m (at 15 N normal load). In addition, in the scanning electron microscope images taken, it was observed that there were breaks in the size of 15.07 µm in the epoxy and 61.11 µm in the fibers. The use of aramid with particle reinforcement rather than fiber is important for wear. In addition, the lowest wear volume was 65% more resistant at 1.5% wt aramid reinforcement and at 15 N load compared to the unreinforced composite in the abrasion tests.
The effect of friction stir process on the mechanical, tribological, and biocompatibility properties of AZ31B magnesium alloy as a biomaterial: A pilot study
Authors: Ghahramanzadeh Asl Hojjat , Celik-Uzuner Selcen , Uzuner Ugur , Sert Yaşar , Küçükömeroğlu Tevfik
Published: November 2022

Recently, AZ31B magnesium alloy has been widely employed in automotive, aerospace, and bio implant industries due to its light-weight and biocompatibility properties. However, the equilibrium of ductility and strength of this material and the negativity brought by its poor wear behavior have limited its versatile use. Friction stir processing (FSP) has been commonly used as severe plastic deformation method for improving mechanical and tribological properties of metal sheets. The effect of this method on the biocompatibility of materials is a matter of curiosity that should be emphasized. So, the present study aims to investigate the effect of friction stir process on the mechanical, tribological, and biocompatibility properties of AZ31B magnesium alloy. It is observed that FSP enhanced the tensile properties of the alloy but decreased its elongation. It was determined that the base material exhibited ductile character on the fracture surface of the specimens, and mixed ductile/brittle fracture was evident with the FSP. In the FSP zone, the hardness value was improved by 17% compared to the base material. Also, the wear performance of the alloy enhanced in ambient air and Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) solution. Wear properties in SBF solution were better due to less adhesive bonds between the friction surfaces. This assessment was supported by SEM images of the wear path and surface of counter bodies. On the other hand, FSPed AZ31B alloy materials with improved strength properties were not cytotoxic for human gingival fibroblasts, and these results may suggest that the materials are safe for clinical uses.
Conjugated investigation on the effect of rotation on the leading-edge impingement structures with and without film-cooling holes
Authors: Li Jianwu , Wang Jiefeng , Li Liang , Liu Yusong , Yan Biao
Published: November 2022

A thermal-fluid-structure conjugate analysis is carried out to analyze the temperature and Von Mises stress distribution of impingement structures with and without film-cooling holes. The flow structures under stationary and rotating conditions are compared and the effect of the introduced Coriolis force in rotating channels is analyzed in detail. Turbulence model verification is accomplished by comparing the critical parameters from the experiments that involve mainstream flow and impingement cooling. Several cases of different Reynolds numbers were stimulated and the results indicate that the impingement cooling performance under rotating conditions is worse than that under stationary conditions, due to the centrifugal force enhancing the cross-flow effect in the impingement chamber. The film-cooling hole arrangement can reduce the temperature and achieve a more uniform temperature distribution at the leading edge of the blade. Compared to rotating cases, the stationary cases produce higher stress for all Reynolds numbers. For the pure impingement structure, the maximum stress region appears at the root of the blade while the maximum stress of the impingement structure with film-cooling holes locates at the exit of the film-cooling hole. Though the impingement structure with film-cooling holes achieves lower average stress of the leading edge, the maximum value of the stress is higher than the pure impingement structure.
Impact of trade liberalization and renewable energy on load capacity factor: Evidence from novel dual adjustment approach
Authors: Huilan Wu , Akadiri Seyi Saint , Haouas Ilham , Awosusi Abraham Ayobamiji , Odu Ada Tony
Published: November 2022

Several nations, including Mexico, are encountering problems with accomplishing the targets of sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study addresses how to develop SDG agenda for Mexico, which may also be applied to other emerging markets with comparable profiles. Therefore, this study utilizes a newly developed load capacity factor (LCF, a detailed environmental evaluation tool) that combines biocapacity (supply side) and ecological foot (demand side) to examine the effect of renewable energy consumption and trade openness on LCF while controlling for nonrenewable energy consumption and economic growth in the case of Mexico during 1970–2017. Using the dual adjustment approach, we find evidence of long-run cointegration nexus among the series. In addition, trade openness affects LCF positively, whereas renewable energy consumption, economic growth, and nonrenewable energy consumption impact LCF negatively. Furthermore, results of the frequency domain causality show that all the variables can predict LCF in the long-term. Based on these results, Mexico should focus on promoting public understanding of green energy and environmental preservation measures and participate in the production of nonenergy-consuming and ecologically friendly products while compelling polluting enterprises to migrate to countries with less stringent environmental restrictions.
Economic policy uncertainty and firm performance: Evidence from the energy-intensive industry in China
Authors: Yu Weihua , Jin Xin
Published: November 2022

As a result of high energy consumption and pollution from energy-intensive industries, the Chinese government has implemented a series of policies. A comprehensive assessment of these policies is necessary to guide the green transformation and upgrading of the industry, however, little research has been conducted on this issue. This article takes China's economic policy uncertainty (EPU) Index as a comprehensive and continuous policy shock and investigates the impact of EPU on the financial performance of energy-intensive firms. Based on 289 listed energy-intensive companies from 2003 to 2018, we find that EPU negatively affects the financial performance of firms, and the negative effect is robust after replacing the dependent variable and endogenous discussion. Further, the negative impacts are more pronounced for midwestern, non-SOE firms, as well as ferrous metal and chemical product manufacturers. Moreover, our results indicate that the negative impact of EPU on performance is mitigated for firms with high cash holdings and low debt ratios.
The evolution of meandering and anabranching rivers in postglacial and loess landscapes of Europe
Authors: Słowik Marcin
Published: November 2022

This study aims to explain the influence of sediments and landforms of postglacial and loess landscapes of Europe on processes forming meandering and anabranching rivers. Based on a literature review, sedimentary architecture, types and grain-size of deposits, and channel planform changes since the Late Pleniglacial were collected for extensive set of European rivers. These data were used to create a conceptual model explaining the evolution of meandering and anabranching rivers in both types of landscape. The present study shows that the inheritance of glacial and fluvioglacial landforms and sediments, and loess formation, influence types of processes forming anabranching and meandering rivers. Point bar accretion formed meandering rivers in postglacial zone whereas oblique accretion dominated in loess areas. Anabranching rivers of postglacial zone evolved through the formation of crevasse channels and meandering anabranches. Anabranching rivers of loess zone formed sustained bifurcations. Postglacial and loess rivers reacted differently to increased deposition and humidity in the Late-Holocene. Meanders of postglacial zone formed channel bars owing to increase in stream power and sediment load. In cases of flow energy decrease, and sustained upstream sediment delivery, they turned into anastomosing rivers. Anabranching rivers in ice-marginal valleys maintained its courses until hydro technical works in the 19th century. Low-energy meandering rivers of loess areas became wetlands owing to deposition of silts. High-energy meandering and anabranching rivers maintained the planforms throughout the Holocene. These findings need to be refined by detailed studies on the evolution of rivers in subarctic zone, and large rivers of Europe.
Designing a Strategic Human Resource Planning Model: A Case of Export Development Bank of Iran
Authors: Far Mohammad Tabatabayi , Haghighi Masoud , Jafari Mohammad Ali
Published: November 2022

The current research has compiled a strategic HR planning model in the Export Development Bank of Iran using the fuzzy multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) method. The methodology was applied in terms of its purpose and followed an exploratory and mixed approach, comprising the SWOT matrix and fuzzy MCDM methods. The statistical population in the study consisted of 1620 managers and experts, 313 of whom were determined as the sample size by the stratified sampling with proportional allocation method and Cochran’s formula. Two researcher-made questionnaires with >0.7 reliabilities and validities and five-point Likert scales were used for data collection. Concerning the inferential analysis of the data, the researchers employed the SWARA and fuzzy COPRAS methods to determine the final weights and prioritize the strategies, respectively. The results showed that the strategic HR planning model fitted with the mentioned bank included three main processes, strategy determination, implementation, and evaluation and feedback. Besides, among 19 identified strategies, the aggressive strategy of the necessity for reengineering the processes of recruiting and supplying human forces commensurate with future needs with a terminal value of 0.0662 was prioritized, and it was necessary to alter the current inactive situation toward an aggressive strategy as a strategic step.
Companies Taking a Stand: The Effect of Corporate Activism on Wall Street
Authors: Sanchez Joaquin , Pintado Teresa , López-Aza Carlota
Published: November 2022

Some companies have begun to take a stand on controversial social and political issues. These initiatives, which are defined as ‘corporate activism’, are part of a complex context that is characterised by distrust in public institutions and governments. This article analyses the impact of corporate activism on the financial returns of companies that have implemented it. Our contribution to the empirical research of corporate activism is to identify two variables not previously studied that have an influence on whether that impact is positive or negative. To this end, a wide sample of corporate activism cases were analysed using an event analysis approach to identify the effect of two key variables: (a) the controversial nature of the sector and (b) the type of activism. The results show that corporate activism actions have positive effects when the sector is not perceived as controversial, and negative when the type of activism is based on social rights. The findings provide managerial implications for marketing professionals and broaden the possibilities of corporate activism as long-term strategy.
Dielectric elastomer actuators as artificial muscles for wearable robots
Authors: Novelli Guilherme L , Vargas Gabriel G , Andrade Rafhael M
Published: November 2022

Current powered prosthetic and orthotic devices are mostly based on rigid actuators, which exhibit some intrinsic limitations, such as the reduced number of degrees of freedom, high weight, and limited flexibility. As progress is made in the soft robotics field, artificial muscles arise as potential candidates to replace current rigid actuator technologies. Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are a very promising class of soft actuator and are attracting attention due to their high energy density, fast response, and high actuation strains, similar or even superior to natural muscles. Such remarkable properties can lead the DEAs to be the next generation of actuators for wearable robots, and overcome the limitations imposed by the rigid actuators currently used. This paper reviews the state of art of the applications of DEAs to prostheses, orthoses, and rehabilitation devices. We analyzed the main configurations that are suitable as artificial muscles for the above-mentioned applications and presented the basic model of a dielectric elastomer transducer. When compared to the properties of natural skeletal muscle, some of these configurations stand out. However, there are still some drawbacks that prevent the large-scale application of DEAs, for instance the high operating voltages, durability issues, and nonlinearities that make them difficult to control. We investigated recent advances in materials, control strategies and fabrication methods that tackle these drawbacks, and they indicate that dielectric elastomers are great candidates to be the next generation of actuators for bionic devices.
Numerical and experimental investigation of delamination severity estimation using local vibration techniques
Authors: Migot Asaad , Giurgiutiu Victor
Published: November 2022

This paper presents vibration-based methods for detecting and quantifying delaminations in composite structures. Three different delamination sizes were considered numerically and experimentally. Our approach combines and compares finite element method (FEM) numerical analysis and experimental measurements to find the location of structural delaminations and identify their severity. First, we noticed that a low-frequency modal study comparing pristine and damaged plates could not provide local damage information. Hence, a high frequency-modal analysis was performed to obtain the local damage information. The damaged mode shapes corresponding to resonance frequencies that cause significant local vibration (high amplitude) over the damaged regions were calculated numerically. The result shows the capability of damage identification (location and size of structural delaminations) within the high-frequency modal analysis. The numerical results were validated experimentally. The experiments include electromechanical impedance spectroscopy (EMIS) and scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (SLDV) techniques. The EMIS experiment was implemented to predict the resonance frequencies which cause significant local vibration over the delamination regions. The spectra of the electromechanical response resemble the vibration response of the structure and detect the new resonances created by the presence of the delamination. The test plate’s experimental resonance peaks show a good match with the resonance frequencies of the numerical modal analysis. The SLDV experiments measured the local vibration over the investigated scanning areas. The operational vibration shapes corresponding to predicted resonance frequencies were created. These experimental mode shapes may visually measure the delaminations by observing intense local vibration over the delamination zones. Comparing the numerical mode shapes and the operational vibration shapes shows a good match between numerical and experimental results.
Strain patterns of short span reinforced concrete beams under flexural loading: A comparison between distributed sensing and concrete damaged plasticity modelling
Authors: Jayawickrema Minol , Kumar Arjun , Herath Madhubhashitha , Hettiarachchi Nandita , Sooriyaarachchi Harsha , Epaarachchi Jayantha
Published: November 2022

Strains beyond the elastic limit of concrete cause cracks in concrete structures. This study analysed distributed optical fibre sensor (DOFS) network strain data to identify excessive strain readings, locations and strain patterns of four reinforced concrete (RC) beams. The strain variation inside the RC beams was investigated using a concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) based finite element analysis (FEA) model. The measured bottom surface and bottom rebar strain were considered for investigation. A three-point bending arrangement was used for the loading, and an optical backscatter reflectometer was used to measure the strain. By visual inspections, it has been found that the onset of hairline cracks at the locations of the higher strain readings. The maximum load applied was 16 kN and has not shown any yielding in strain reading acquired from bottom rebars. FEA results showed admissible agreement with the measured lower surface strain and lower rebar strain. Therefore, when developing a robust SHM system, a CDP-based FEA simulation is a valuable tool for data mining of strain data. Furthermore, the strain data extracted from CDP models can be used to train artificial intelligence based SHM models.
Rare Association of Ankyloblepharon Filiforme Adnatum (AFA) with Cleft Palate – Case Report
Authors: Dube Gunjan , Agrawal Deepali , Dube Pallavi
Published: November 2022

The aim of this article is to discuss about rare representation of ankyloblepharon (an established chromosomal anomaly with aberration of p53 inherited as an autosomal dominant trait) with cleft of palate without any other feature of ectodermal dysplasia. The need to surgically address ankyloblepharon in order to avoid complications is also discussed.
The Effect of Age, International Experience, Disciplinary Specialization, and Global Knowledge on Pre-Service Teachers’ Motivation to Learn Global Education
Authors: Biberman-Shalev Liat
Published: November 2022

The current study examines the motivation of 105 Israeli pre-service teachers to pursue a study program oriented toward global education (GE), with age, disciplinary specialization, international experience, and self-reported level of global knowledge (SLGK) as potentially predictive factors. Analysis of hierarchical regressions ruled out the salience of age and international experience as motivational factors, but found that discipline and SLGK did have such an effect. The study points to a need to focus on pre-service teachers’ SLGK across all disciplines within teacher training programs.
Comparison of Total Joint Replacement With Arthrodesis of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint
Authors: Richter Martinus , Zech Stefan , Meissner Stefan Andreas , Naef Issam
Published: November 2022

Background:

The aim of this study was to compare outcome (clinical, patient-reported outcome measures, radiologic, joint motion and pedographic) of total joint replacement with Roto-Glide (RG) and arthrodesis (A) for severe osteoarthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP1).

Methods:

All consecutive patients with arthrodesis and RG from January 23, 2011, until September 18, 2019, at the authors’ institution were considered for inclusion in the study. Preoperatively and at follow-up (FU), radiographs, and/or weightbearing computed tomographic imaging were obtained. Standard dynamic pedography was performed. Visual analog scale foot and ankle (VASFA), European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS) score, MTP1 range of motion for dorsiflexion/plantarflexion (DF/PF) were registered and compared preoperatively and at FU.

Results:

Seventy RG and 72 arthrodesis patients were included. Preoperative VASFA and EFAS scores did not differ between the RG and arthrodesis groups (average scores: VASFA, 50.6 and 45.6; EFAS score, 10.7 and 10.6, respectively; each P > .05). Wound healing delays without further operative measures were registered in 4 patients (6%) for RG and 5 (7%) for arthrodesis ( P = .67), and 5 revisions in 5 patients (7%) for RG and 12 in 8 (11%) for arthrodesis ( P = .05). The longest available FU was higher in RG than in arthrodesis (47 vs 37 months on average, P < .001). Pedography showed higher first metatarsal head or sesamoids and lower great toe force percentage from force of entire foot in RG than in arthrodesis ( P = .05) resulting in physiological pattern in RG only. VASFA and EFAS scores at FU was higher in RG than in arthrodesis (average scores: VASFA, 72.6 and 63.6; EFAS score, 16.1 and 14.1, respectively; each P < .05). DF/PF measurement was only possible in RG (average value: DF/PF, 36.1/14.0).

Conclusion:

We found marginally lower revision rates and higher patient-reported outcome measures, joint motion (DF/PF), and more physiologic force distribution at slightly longer FU for the RG group than the arthrodesis group. Longer follow-up and broader clinical reporting are needed to identify the potential deficits of RG.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Association Between Aromatase Inhibitors and Myocardial Infarction Morbidity in Women With Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Sun Jing-Chao , Sun Ze-Fan , He Chao-Jie , Zhai Chang-Lin , Qian Gang
Published: November 2022

Background

The cardiovascular toxicity of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) for women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer is controversial. We aimed to evaluate the association between AIs and the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer based on real-world studies.

Method

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify studies that estimated the association between MI risk and AIs. A random-effects model was used to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the predefined outcomes.

Results

A total of 134 476 patients from eight cohort studies were enrolled in our analysis. For MI incidence, no significant difference was found between the users of AIs and non-users (HR: .98, 95% CI: .83-1.17). The subgroup analysis of patients without a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) suggested a reduced risk of MI (HR: .86, 95% CI: .77-.96). No significant difference was found for ischemic stroke (HR: .93, 95% CI: .82-1.07) and heart failure (HR: 1.24, 95% CI: .92-1.66) between the two groups.

Conclusion

Based on real-world data, AIs may be a safe treatment route for patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer and those with a history of CVD. AIs caused a major decrease in MI in patients without CVD history. However, more in-depth investigations are needed to explore the association between AI use and the incidence of MI in the treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma developed during imatinib mesylate treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kassar Olfa , Kahla Aicha Ben , Koubaa Asma , Kallel Faten , Amor Imen Ben , Elloumi Moez
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma induced by imatinib, as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is a rare complication.

Case report

A 54-year-old female with a history of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) was treated with imatinib as first-line therapy. The patient achieved a profound molecular response with treatment-free remission after five years but lost major molecular responses. A second deep molecular remission was again achieved. Nine years after imatinib therapy, the patient developed odynophagia and rhinorrhea. Physical examination revealed enlarged tonsils with a tumor-like appearance without palpable lymph nodes. Immunohistochemical examination of the tonsils revealed a large B-cell lymphoma. According to Naranjo's algorithm, the causality relationship with the drug is possible with a score of 3.

Management and outcome

Imatinib was discontinued. The lymphoma was treated with rituximab and chemotherapy.

Discussion

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a rare side effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and highlights the importance of follow-up CML patients.
Corporate Effective Tax Rates for Research and Policy
Authors: Janský Petr
Published: November 2022

How much companies pay in corporate income taxes is often better captured by effective tax rates (ETRs) rather than by statutory ones. Economists further distinguish between those modeled using the law—forward-looking ETRs—and those estimated from actual data on companies’ profits and taxes—backward-looking ETRs. In this article, I move beyond this distinction, and I break down backward-looking ETRs according to the type of data used to estimate them. I focus on backward-looking ETRs that are estimated using companies’ balance sheet databases. Based on my review of recent findings, I argue that backward-looking ETRs—of multinational corporations in particular—have become more frequently estimated thanks to advances in data availability while also becoming more relevant as a result of ongoing global corporate tax reform debates.
A case of Bartonellosis mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kara Manolya , Ozdemir Gul Nihal , Tasdemir Mehmet , Ata Serap , Karini Belma , Valiyev Eldar , Tutkun Ilknur Tugal , Kose Gulsen , Ozkaya Ozan
Published: November 2022

Background and aim

Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is a systemic bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae. The disease is typically characterized by regional lymphadenopathy developing after scratches from domestic or feral cats. Rarely, systemic involvement may be observed. The co-occurrence with glomerulonephritis and positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests have been reported before. In these cases, the disease can be misdiagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus. Ocular involvement occurs in 5%–10% of the cases with CSD, and neuroretinitis is among the common manifestations. Administration of corticosteroids (CSs) in addition to antibiotics has been shown to improve prognosis in neuroretinitis cases. However, the optimal dose and duration, remain ill-defined.

Case report

In this article, we present an 11-year-old girl with CSD and neuroretinitis with a positive ANA test and hematuria, who benefited from high-dose methyl-prednisolone and antibiotics.

Conclusion

Further research is warranted in order to determine the dose and duration of CSs in the treatment of Bartonella neuroretinitis.
The Prognostic Value of Lung Injury and Fibrosis Markers, KL-6, TGF-β1, FGF-2 in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Karadeniz Hazan , Avanoğlu Güler Aslıhan , Özger Hasan Selçuk , Yıldız Pınar Aysert , Erbaş Gonca , Bozdayı Gülendam , Deveci Bulut Tuba , Gülbahar Özlem , Yapar Dilek , Küçük Hamit , Öztürk Mehmet Akif , Tufan Abdurrahman
Published: November 2022

Background:

Biomarkers of lung injury and interstitial fibrosis give insight about the extent of involvement and prognosis in well-known interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) reflects direct alveolar injury and, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) are principal mediators of fibrosis in ILD and in almost all fibrotic diseases. In this sense, we aimed to assess associations of these biomarkers with traditional inflammatory markers and clinical course of COVID-19.

Methods:

Patients with COVID-19 who had confirmed diagnosis with SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid RT-PCR were enrolled and followed up prospectively with a standardized approach one month after diagnosis. Patients were divided into severe and non-severe groups according to National Institutes of Health criteria. Outcome was assessed for the requirement of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, long term respiratory support and death. Blood samples were collected at enrollment and serum levels of KL-6, TGF-β1, FGF-2 were determined by ELISA. Association between these markers with other prognostic markers and prognosis were analyzed.

Results:

Overall 31 severe and 28 non-severe COVID-19 patients were enrolled and were compared with healthy control subjects (n = 30). Serum KL-6 levels in COVID-19 patients were significantly higher (median [IQR]; 11.54 [4.86] vs 8.54 [3.98] ng/mL, P = .001] and FGF-2 levels were lower (median [IQR]; 76.84 [98.2] vs 101.62 [210.6] pg/mL) compared to healthy control group. A significant correlation was found between KL-6 values and CRP, fibrinogen, d-dimer and lymphocyte counts. However, we did not find an association between these markers and subsequent severity of COVID-19, mortality and long-term prognosis.

Conclusions:

Serum KL-6 levels were significantly elevated at the diagnosis of COVID-19 and correlated well with the other traditional prognostic inflammatory markers. Serum levels of principal fibrosis mediators, TGF-β1, FGF-2, were not elevated at diagnosis of COVID-19, therefore did not help to anticipate long term prognosis.
Identification, Quantification, and Evaluation of Microplastics Removal Efficiency in a Water Treatment Plant (A Case Study in Iran)
Authors: Sharifi Hamze , Movahedian Attar Hossein
Published: November 2022

Microplastics (MPs) are among the emerging pollutants that recently attracted the researcher’s attention around the world. These particles can absorb other chemicals, and microbial contaminants and enter them into the food chain, and environment. This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of MPs in raw and treated drinking water and evaluate the MPs removal efficiency in a drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) in Iran. MPs particles were counted at different stages of DWTP, using a scanning electron microscope after the initial preparation steps include filtration, and chemical digestion, and then examined for the nature of the particles using a micro-Raman spectrometer. The concentration of MPs in influent, clarifier’s effluent, and DWTP’s effluent were 1597.7 ± 270.3, 676.2 ± 69.0, and 260.5 ± 48.9 MPs/L, respectively. The total efficiency of the DWTP in MPs removal was 83.7%, which the clarification and filtration stage removed 57.7%, and 26.0% of total MPs, respectively. The most abundant polymers identified were PP, PE, and PET. Despite the effective removal of MPs in the DWTP, on average 2.25 × 1011 ± 4.23 × 1010 MPs are daily discharged into the water distribution system through the effluent of this DWTP.
Enforcing peoples’ right to democracy: transnational activism and regional powers in contemporary Inter-American relations
Authors: Palestini Stefano , Martinelli Erica
Published: November 2022

The Inter-American Democratic Charter (IADC) is the most comprehensive multilateral framework for dealing with democratic breakdowns and backslidings in the Western Hemisphere. In such cases, the Organisation of American States (OAS) is supposed to defend democracy by suspending states, imposing sanctions or taking other multilateral measures. Oftentimes, however, the OAS has looked the other way. The question, then, is what makes the difference. In this comparative case study, we use cross-cases comparisons and process-tracing to identify the actors and causal mechanisms that determine when and whether the IADC is actually enforced. We explain inconsistent enforcement by analysing interactions among three sets of actors – the governments of powerful member states, OAS secretaries general and civil society organisations – during coups, executive takeovers and electoral frauds in OAS member states between 2001 and 2020. Our analysis reveals that cooperation between an activist secretary general and civil society actors was neither sufficient nor necessary for IADC enforcement. By contrast, US support for enforcement was a necessary but insufficient condition for the OAS to act. To get it to do so, the United States required the support of two leading regional powers: Mexico and Brazil. These findings suggest that the ‘right to democracy’ enshrined in the IADC hinges upon the volatile preferences of the executives of the OAS’s three most powerful member states. The resulting lack of institutional autonomy leads to inconsistent enforcement of the IADC, jeopardising the credibility of the region’s formally declared right to democracy.
Digital health experiences reported in chronic disease management: An umbrella review of qualitative studies
Authors: Taylor Monica L , Thomas Emma E , Vitangcol Kathryn , Marx Wolfgang , Campbell Katrina L , Caffery Liam J , Haydon Helen M , Smith Anthony C , Kelly Jaimon T
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Digital health interventions can be useful for the management of chronic disease. The aim of this study was to draw out universal themes to understand how people with chronic conditions experience digital health services, programmes, and interventions, and consequently, better inform future digital health delivery.

Methods

An umbrella review was conducted to identify qualitative systematic reviews reporting digital health experiences in chronic disease. Themes for each included review were independently extracted and appraised by two review authors. Data analysis was conducted using the Constant Comparative method.

Results

Twenty-two systematic reviews containing 240 individual studies were selected for inclusion. Mental health was the most common condition ( n = 5, 23%), followed by cancer ( n = 4, 18%) or a combination of chronic diseases ( n = 4, 18%). Common themes across the conditions were categorised under nine headings, including: (i) participation and engagement (strong usability and engagement vs reluctance to use digital health when these concepts are ignored), (ii) trust, confidence, and competence (users felt reassured, however technology illiteracy led to a perceived lack of control), (iii) perceived value, perceived effectiveness, transaction cost (gained from efficient aspects of digital health, but also lost through the burden of keeping up with data entry), (iv) perceived care quality (requiring tailoring and fostering motivation), (v) barriers and threats (related to technology risks and challenges), (vi) health outcomes (improved self-management capability), (vii) relationships (improved participant-health professional interaction, but interpersonal aspects such as face-to-face contact were lacking), (viii) unplanned benefit (where digital health often led to users feeling more empowered in their health journey), and (ix) diversity of experiences (reflecting ambivalence of experiences and discipline-specific experiences).

Conclusion

People with chronic conditions perceive digital health provides feelings of reassurance and the ability to self-manage their condition. While there is ambivalence across the participant experiences reported within the major themes, this umbrella review has outlined a need for future interventions that are user-friendly, flexible, and tailored to individual users. This will be best achieved through a co-design model, with the consumer actively involved in the planning and design of digital health products and services.
Stepping off the ‘relationship escalator’. A spatial perspective on residential arrangements of consensually non-monogamous parents
Authors: Wauthier Pierre-Yves
Published: November 2022

The residential landscape of western societies in the 20th century was based on a nuclear and monogamous normative representation of the family. This representation contrasts with the representation of the family that some consensually non-monogamous (CNM) parents carry. How did CNM informants combine residence, parenting and multiple relationships within the hetero-mono-normative organizational legacy of society? An extensive set of exploratory and ethnographic data was gathered in francophone countries in Western Europe during 2013–2018. Informants’ dwelling configurations were interpreted as the result of their personal life paths interwoven with a web of macrostructural tensions. A comparative approach on residences, combined with life stories gathered within a strategic group of informants, contributed to understanding the various processes leading to specific forms of CNM dwellings with children. The comparison highlights five categories of CNM residential patterns, all resulting from attempts to compromise with the hetero-mono-normative dwelling tradition. The developments of transportation and communication technologies appeared as an important factor in the spatial and temporal organizations of family functions within the CNM configurations observed. These CNM family arrangements also appeared as ephemeral and versatile. These conclusions lead to new avenues of research regarding the social forces contributing to their fragility despite the intent of the actors.
The effect of employment support integrated in substance use treatment: A health economic cost-effectiveness simulation of three different interventions
Authors: Rognli Eline Borger , Støme Linn Nathalie , Kværner Kari Jorunn , Wilhelmsen Christian , Arnevik Espen Ajo
Published: November 2022

Background: Unemployment rates for individuals in treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) are high, with Norwegian estimates in the range of 81%–89%. Although Individual Placement and Support (IPS) represents a promising method to improved vocational outcome, cross-disciplinary investigations are needed to document implementation benefits and address reimbursements needs. The aim of this study was to model the potential socioeconomic value of employment support integrated in SUD treatment. Methods: Based on scientific publications, an ongoing randomised controlled trial (RCT) on employment support integrated in SUD treatment, and publicly available economy data, we made qualified assumptions about costs and socioeconomic gain for the different interventions targeting employment for patients with SUD: (1) treatment as usual (TAU); (2) TAU and a self-help guide and a workshop; and (3) TAU and IPS. For each intervention, we simulated three different outcome scenarios based on 100 patients. Results: Assuming a 40% employment rate and full-time employment (100%) for 10 years following IPS, we found a 10-year socioeconomic effect of €18,732,146. The corresponding effect for the more conservative TAU + IPS simulation assuming 40% part-time positions (25%) for five years, was €2,519,906. Compared to the two alternative interventions, IPS was cost-effective and more beneficial after six months to two years. Discussion: This concept evaluation study suggests that integrating employment support in the health services is socioeconomically beneficial. Our finding is relevant for decision makers within politics and health. Once employment rates from our ongoing RCT is available, real-life data will be applied to adjust model assumptions and socioeconomic value assumptions.