bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupled Ocean–Sea Ice Dynamics of the Antarctic Slope Current Driven by Topographic Eddy Suppression and Sea Ice Momentum Redistribution
Authors: Si Yidongfang , Stewart Andrew L. , Eisenman Ian
Published: April 2022

The Antarctic Slope Current (ASC) plays a central role in redistributing water masses, sea ice, and tracer properties around the Antarctic margins, and in mediating cross-slope exchanges. While the ASC has historically been understood as a wind-driven circulation, recent studies have highlighted important momentum transfers due to mesoscale eddies and tidal flows. Furthermore, momentum input due to wind stress is transferred through sea ice to the ASC during most of the year, yet previous studies have typically considered the circulations of the ocean and sea ice independently. Thus, it remains unclear how the momentum input from the winds is mediated by sea ice, tidal forcing, and transient eddies in the ocean, and how the resulting momentum transfers serve to structure the ASC. In this study the dynamics of the coupled ocean–sea ice–ASC circulation are investigated using high-resolution process-oriented simulations and interpreted with the aid of a reduced-order model. In almost all simulations considered here, sea ice redistributes almost 100% of the wind stress away from the continental slope, resulting in approximately identical sea ice and ocean surface flows in the core of the ASC in a fully spun-up equilibrium state. This ice–ocean coupling results from suppression of vertical momentum transfer by mesoscale eddies over the continental slope, which allows the sea ice to accelerate the ocean surface flow until the speeds coincide. Tidal acceleration of the along-slope flow exaggerates this effect and may even result in ocean-to-ice momentum transfer. The implications of these findings for along- and across-slope transport of water masses and sea ice around Antarctica are discussed.
Who Counts as Family? How Standards Stratify Lives
Authors: Timmermans Stefan , Prickett Pamela J.
Published: April 2022

Building on Max Weber’s observation that the state’s reliance on formal tools leads to governance for some and dehumanization for others, we investigate administrative standards as a social mechanism of stratification that sorts people into categories and allocates symbolic and financial resources. Specifically, we examine how at a time of increased family diversity, the state’s use of family standards at the end-of-life discounts certain people as kin. Based on ethnographic and documentary data about government’s implementation of family standards to identify next-of-kin and task them with the disposition of dead bodies, we find that the use of family standards leads to three outcomes: a formal fit between standard and family forms; a formal misfit between who is designated next-of-kin and who is willing to handle disposition, leading to bodies going unclaimed; and a formal refit, where people not officially designated as next-of-kin overcome formal barriers to disposition. Our analysis offers a conceptual framework to examine how administrative standards include and exclude people from social groups. These bureaucratic tools produce a standard-specific governable life for some, and a diverse range of oppositional effects varying from non-recognition to opportunism for the non-standardized.
A Large True Brachial Artery Aneurysm in an Infant
Authors: Kaikaus Jahanzeb , Moseley Marcus D. , Dwivedi Amit J. , Sigdel Abindra
Published: April 2022

A 6-month-old male was admitted to the children’s hospital for management of an underlying gastrointestinal illness. During his admission, a large, pulsatile mass was incidentally noted in the left upper arm concerning for an expanding pseudoaneurysm. Vascular surgery was consulted, and further workup with a CT angiogram demonstrated a brachial artery aneurysm 3 cm in greatest diameter. The patient was taken to the operating room, where lateral aneurysmorraphy was performed without complication. His neurovascular exam remained intact postoperatively. The presented case demonstrates a viable approach to the surgical management of this clinical challenge in infants. Although reports of brachial artery aneurysm in this age group are rare in the literature, resection with primary repair and interposition grafting have also been described. Long-term outcomes are not available in these cases. Lateral aneurysmorraphy allows for ongoing monitoring and future resection and bypass of the aneurysm as the patient continues to grow.
Simultaneous Resection of Colorectal Carcinoma and Hepatic Metastases is Safe and Effective: Examining the Role of the Robotic Approach
Authors: Shapera Emanuel , Ross Sharona B. , Chudzinski Allen , Massarotti Haane , Syblis Cameron C. , Crespo Kaitlyn , Rosemurgy Alexander S. , Sucandy Iswanto
Published: April 2022

Backgrounds and Objectives

Up to 50% of patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC) present with liver metastases (CLM) throughout their course. Complete resection of both sites provides the only chance for cure. Either a staged or simultaneous resection is feasible. The latter avoids delays in adjuvant systemic chemotherapy but may increase technical complexity and perioperative complications. We aim to evaluate our initial outcomes of simultaneous CRC and CLM resections with a focus on the robotic technique.

Method

With institutional review board approval, we followed 26 consecutive patients who underwent simultaneous/concomitant liver and colorectal resection. Major liver resection is defined as resection of ≥3 contiguous Couinaud segments. Data are presented as median (mean ± SD).

Results

Patients were 64 (63 ± 14.0) years old. Body mass index was 29 (29 ± 5.7) kg/m2. 54% of patients had prior abdominal operation(s). A majority of patients were >ASA class III (73%), underwent major liver resection (62%) with robotic approach (77%). In the robotic cohort, there were no unplanned conversions to open. Estimated blood loss was 150 (210 ± 181.8) ml. Total operative duration was 446 (463 ± 93.6) minutes. Negative margins (R0) were obtained in all patients. Postoperative complication of Clavien-Dindo≥3 occurred in three patients, including one requiring reoperation with end ileostomy for anastomotic leak. Length of stay was 5 (6 ± 3.5) days. Three patients were readmitted within 30 days after discharge, none for reoperation. There was no 90-day mortality.

Conclusion

Our cohort of concomitant CRC and CLM resection demonstrates safety and efficacy via both the open and robotic approach.
The Path to Academic Success: Perspectives of a LGBTQ+ Chairof Surgery
Authors: Sosa Julie Ann , Roman Sanziana A.
Published: April 2022

There is a growing number of Americans who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other sexual and gender minority (LGBTQ+). Unfortunately, in American surgery to date there has been a paucity of discussion about how to make our community as inclusive as possible for its LGBTQ+ members. General surgery learners, in particular, have been shown to be the subject of discrimination, harassment, and bullying. Therefore, it is the responsibility of leaders to deploy their positions of privilege and power to expand discussion and accelerate change by serving as role models and thoughtful advocates. An abbreviated tool kit is provided to get the dialogue and process started. Leading by example, with courage, and enrolling LGBTQ+ colleagues and their allies to organize are critical to accelerate structural change; institutional processes must follow. Training and education are essential. Benefits will be the diversification of the house of surgery and improved patient care.
On Bank Assembly and Block Selection in Multidimensional Forced-Choice Adaptive Assessments
Authors: Kreitchmann Rodrigo S. , Sorrel Miguel A. , Abad Francisco J.
Published: April 2022

Multidimensional forced-choice (FC) questionnaires have been consistently found to reduce the effects of socially desirable responding and faking in noncognitive assessments. Although FC has been considered problematic for providing ipsative scores under the classical test theory, item response theory (IRT) models enable the estimation of nonipsative scores from FC responses. However, while some authors indicate that blocks composed of opposite-keyed items are necessary to retrieve normative scores, others suggest that these blocks may be less robust to faking, thus impairing the assessment validity. Accordingly, this article presents a simulation study to investigate whether it is possible to retrieve normative scores using only positively keyed items in pairwise FC computerized adaptive testing (CAT). Specifically, a simulation study addressed the effect of (a) different bank assembly (with a randomly assembled bank, an optimally assembled bank, and blocks assembled on-the-fly considering every possible pair of items), and (b) block selection rules (i.e., T, and Bayesian D and A-rules) over the estimate accuracy and ipsativity and overlap rates. Moreover, different questionnaire lengths (30 and 60) and trait structures (independent or positively correlated) were studied, and a nonadaptive questionnaire was included as baseline in each condition. In general, very good trait estimates were retrieved, despite using only positively keyed items. Although the best trait accuracy and lowest ipsativity were found using the Bayesian A-rule with questionnaires assembled on-the-fly, the T-rule under this method led to the worst results. This points out to the importance of considering both aspects when designing FC CAT.
Evaluating the Quality of Classification in Mixture Model Simulations
Authors: Jang Yoona , Hong Sehee
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of classification quality in the basic latent class model when covariates are either included or are not included in the model. To accomplish this task, Monte Carlo simulations were conducted in which the results of models with and without a covariate were compared. Based on these simulations, it was determined that models without a covariate better predicted the number of classes. These findings in general supported the use of the popular three-step approach; with its quality of classification determined to be more than 70% under various conditions of covariate effect, sample size, and quality of indicators. In light of these findings, the practical utility of evaluating classification quality is discussed relative to issues that applied researchers need to carefully consider when applying latent class models.
FDI: Hot or Cold Money? The Behaviour of Sectoral FDI Inflows and Outflows Over Periods of Growth Accelerations and Decelerations
Authors: Doytch Nadia
Published: April 2022

The economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic invokes questions about a possible prolonged economic deceleration. In this article, we study the impact of output growth accelerations and decelerations, as per the definition of Arbache and Page (2007, More growth or fewer collapses? A new look at long run growth in Sub-Saharan Africa [Working Paper 4384]) and Conceicao and Kim (2010, The asymmetric impact of growth fluctuation on human development: Evidence from correlates of growth decelerations and accelerations. Mimeo), on sector-level foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and outflows for a group of 34 OECD countries in the period 1995–2019. The results show that Finance services FDI and transport services FDI inflows are countercyclical, while manufacturing FDI outflows are procyclical. Transport services FDI outflows are countercyclical, and the most significant determinant of both FDI inflows and outflows is the control of corruption, respectively, in the host and home countries.

JEL Codes: F21, O16, O19
Prediction of fracture toughness due to delamination in cross-ply composite laminates considering interlaminar and intralaminar cracking and inhomogeneous fiber-matrix modeling
Authors: Mobarakian Mohsen , Salimi-Majd Davood , Mohammadi Bijan
Published: April 2022

In this study, a finite element strategy is implemented for more accurate simulation of nonlinear failure behavior in multidirectional laminated composites. The considered approach is based on the parameters which could affect the SERR2. Accordingly, interaction between delamination and matrix cracking as well as mixed stress distribution around the fiber due to mismatch in properties of adjacent plies with different fiber angle orientation influence the strain energy release rate. Thus, in the present research the prediction of the damage behavior of cross-ply laminates is improved considering the effects of matrix cracking and inhomogeneous fiber-matrix modeling. For simulation of the delamination and the matrix cracking damage, cohesive interface elements are implemented. They have been used perpendicularly inside the 90o plies for the matrix cracking. CZM3 approach, ABAQUS subroutine and Python programming were utilized for automatic modeling of matrix cracking. The resultant load–displacement curve in DCB4 test of cross-ply laminates indicated that by considering delamination and matrix cracking simultaneously, load–displacement curve of cross-ply laminates became nonlinear earlier and the obtained results had an acceptable compatibility with experimental results. The obtained results for double cantilever beam (DCB) test specimen with cross-ply lay-up indicate that the numerically reproduced GIc parameter of 90/0 interface can be improved about 20% using this simulation. Moreover, by simulating periodic matrix cracking inside 90o plies, crack jumping, stick-slip phenomenon and local hardening behavior are anticipated such as experiments.
Food for Thought: A Longitudinal Investigation of Reflection-Promoting Speech in Televised Election Debates (1985–2019)
Authors: Turkenburg Emma , Goovaerts Ine
Published: April 2022

In televised election debates, politicians confront each other side-by-side to publicly debate their political viewpoints. As a result, these debates have the potential to promote reflective reasoning in citizens. However, concerns are voiced regularly about politicians’ increasing use of one-liners, slogans, and empty phrases, and decreasing use of elaborate and thoughtful argumentation, which may lower the debates’ reflection-promoting potential. Despite concerns, systematic empirical evidence testing whether reflection-promoting speech is declining is extremely scarce. This study contributes to filling this gap by (1) identifying four reflection-promoting speech components, that is, provision of justifications, substantive information, accessible communication, and engagement with others’ perspectives and (2) conducting a longitudinal quantitative content analysis (1985–2019) of Belgian election debates through the lens of their reflection-promoting potential. The results of all studied speech components point in the same direction: reflection-promoting speech in election debates has not declined, showing that allegations surrounding debates should be considered with caution.
Identification of human hair wigs and animal hair wigs by the method of near infrared spectroscopy modeling
Authors: Qiao Yang , Chen Wenjuan , Sun Xiaoxia , Li Weidong
Published: April 2022

The near infrared spectrogram of human hair wigs and animal hair wigs was measured with a Fourier near infrared spectrometer. In addition, a qualitative model for the identification of human hair wigs and animal hair wigs with their near infrared spectrogram has been established. The effectiveness of spectral preprocessing with chemometric techniques including standard normal variable, second derivative and Norris smoothing has been analyzed through principal component analysis. The results showed that the accuracy of the discriminant model could reach 100%, indicating that the near infrared spectroscopy method is highly applicable and effective for the identification of human hair wigs and animal hair wigs.
In the name of history: (De)Legitimising street vendors in New York and Rome
Authors: Thomas Devlin Ryan , Piazzoni Francesca
Published: April 2022

Policy makers across the Global North tend to remove poor and non-white vendors as inappropriate users of public space. Scholars have amply demonstrated that such removals reflect dominant aspirations of the present and future image of the city. But how do ideas about a city’s past help shape these aspirations? We compare how heritage, the socially constructed meanings through which people experience history, helps forge consensus over the legitimacy of vendors in Rome and New York. Vending has long allowed oppressed people to survive in both cities. These similar histories translate today into diverging attitudes. In Rome, a city branded as a site of (white) glory, authorities banish both long-standing Jewish vendors and newly arrived immigrants. In New York, mythicised as a place of success for immigrants, policy makers cannot always displace vendors who claim historical legitimacy. We explain these different conditions through a regimes of heritage framework. Using archival and ethnographic data, we examine whose voices count more in constructing each city’s past, what stories are told, and how these stories imbricate with existing political structures. Regimes of heritage, we find, help spatialise neoliberalism, differentiated citizenship, and authenticity. These dynamics highlight heritage as a critical, if underexplored agent of urban oppression and resistance.
Coalbed methane geology and exploration potential in large, thick, low-rank seams in the Bayanhua Sag of the Erlian Basin, northern China
Authors: Li Ling , Tang Dazhen , Xu Hao , Tao Shu , Chen Shida , Tang Shuling , Yao Haipeng
Published: April 2022

The Erlian Basin may be one of the most promising areas for low-rank coalbed methane (CBM) in China. The Cretaceous coal-bearing strata in the Bayanhua sag contain abundant low-rank CBM resources with suitable depths and large coal thicknesses (1.00–78.85 m, avg.22.53 m). However, the research on CBM geology and exploration potential is still lacking, which severely hinders its exploration and development. This paper presents an integrated study of CBM geology in terms of gas reservoir properties, gas-bearing characteristics and controlling factors. The results of the analysis show that lignite and subbituminous coals are the main coal types present in the study area, with medium porosity (7.3–27.8%, avg.20.77%) and low permeability (0.05–21.8 mD, avg.5.54 mD) being dominant. The pores are dominantly transition pores with inkpot shapes, which is beneficial to the adsorption of CBM. The gas content of the coal seams is 1.66–4.45 m3/t and most coal reservoirs are oversaturated. The CBM is primarily of secondary microbial origin, mostly carbon dioxide reduction. The accumulation of CBM is mainly influenced by the structure type, roof lithology and hydrogeology in the study area. According to the integrated analysis of the vertical changes in the physical properties and gas-bearing characteristics, the dominant horizon tends to be the No. 6-7 coal seam, followed by the No. 6-4 coal seam. Based upon the CBM geology and the factors controlling enrichment, the prospecting potential in the Bayanhua sag was appraised, and two favorable areas are proposed for CBM exploitation.
The Unintentional Nonconformist: Habits Promote Resistance to Social influence
Authors: Mazar Asaf , Itzchakov Guy , Lieberman Alicea , Wood Wendy
Published: April 2022

This research tests a novel source of resistance to social influence—the automatic repetition of habit. In three experiments, participants with strong habits failed to align their behavior with others. Specifically, participants with strong habits to drink water in a dining hall or snack while working did not mimic others’ drinking or eating, whereas those with weak habits conformed. Similarly, participants with strong habits did not shift expectations that they would act in line with descriptive norms, whereas those with weak habits reported more normative behavioral expectations. This habit resistance was not due to a failure to perceive influence: Both strong and weak habit participants’ recalled others’ behavior accurately, and it was readily accessible. Furthermore, strong habit participants shifted their normative beliefs but not behavior in line with descriptive norms. Thus, habits create behavioral resistance despite people’s recognition and acceptance of social influence.
Is Client-Specific Information Useful to Investors? Evidence From Key Audit Matter Reports
Authors: Chang Yu-Tzu , Chi Wuchun , Stone Dan N.
Published: April 2022

The goal of the mandatory disclosure of Key Audit Matters (KAMs) in the extended audit report is to provide relevant, client-specific information and thereby add value to the audit report. But mixed results fuel debate about the informativeness of expanded audit reports, particularly the disclosure of KAMs. This study employs text analysis to examine whether and how the information content of KAMs is associated with investor perceptions of financial reporting quality, as proxied by earnings response coefficients. Specifically, using a sample of KAMs disclosed in Taiwanese audit reports (for fiscal years 2016 and 2017), companies with KAMs that contain more client-specific information are perceived as having lower reporting quality. We further note that this association is driven by the risk-related description in KAMs. Additional analyses indicate that our textual measure is associated with actual financial reporting quality, as proxied by abnormal accruals and the likelihood of misstatements. Overall, our results provide evidence supporting the information value of KAMs in the Taiwanese audit market. This study contributes by suggesting the value of the expanded audit report.
Social Media Addiction: A Review on Scale Development
Authors: Saqib Natasha , Amin Faseeh
Published: April 2022

This work endeavours to present the important measures of social media addiction in the existing academic literature. It outlines the evolution of social media addiction measures in the last 10 years from specific to broader platforms. It discusses the important works and postulations referring to the concerned topic. This work also offers suggestions to future scholars on eliminating the deficiencies in the existing scales on social media addiction. It also offers directions on testing the existing scales in different regions of the world.
The efficacy of fermented foods in the treatment and management of diarrhoeal diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Olayanju Adetokunbo , Mellor Duane , Khatri Yunus , Pickles Neil
Published: April 2022

Background: Diarrhoeal disease is a major cause of global infant mortality, and compromises the ability of many countries with respect to achieving sustainable development goals. The WHO’s recommendation of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and zinc in the management of this disease, may not be readily available. Consideration and assessment of cultural practices in its management has been an area of increased interest over the last decade. Aim: This study aims to systematically evaluate efficacy of the consumption of traditional fermented foods as functional products for the treatment and management of diarrhoea. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review was conducted of electronic databases (Cochrane Library, Ovid Medline and Pubmed) databases with no restrictions on language and publication date for RCTs that investigated the effect of consumption of fermented foods on the treatment of diarrhoea in children under five years of age. Results: Seven RCTs were included. Meta-analysis showed that compared to control, consumption of fermented foods significantly reduced mean duration of diarrhoea, −0.61 days; (95% CI, −1.04, −0.18); length of hospitalization, −0.35 days (95% CI, −0.69, −0.02); but not mean daily frequency of stool −2.00 (95% CI,-7.03, 3.04). Conclusion: Limited available evidence suggests that consumption of fermented foods may help reduce duration and severity of symptoms as a treatment of diarrhoea. More high quality research needs to be undertaken to investigate the efficacy of fermented food as an effective alternative to ORS as a potential WHO recommendation for management of diarrhoeal disease.
Azad Kashmir Reflections in Vikram A. Chandra’s The Srinagar Conspiracy
Authors: Karmakar Goutam
Published: April 2022

The contested identity of Kashmir and Kashmiris and their intrinsic pain of hoping for freedom [ Azadi] have found expression through The Srinagar Conspiracy, a novel by Vikram A. Chandra (2000). The article highlights how, through the fractured friendship between a Muslim and a Kashmiri Pandit boy, Chandra traces the upsurge of militant insurgency in Kashmir in the late 1980s and 1990s. The article also examines how the changing dynamics of identity were manipulated by the politics of ethnic and religious nationalism in Kashmir, leading to the 1989 insurgency and its drastic implications. The article also shows how the ethos of Kashmiriyat has been compromised, while the call for azad [free] Kashmir has remained an unrealised dream.
The effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on memory functioning in older adults: A systematic literature review
Authors: Schulkens Julie EM , Deckers Kay , Jenniskens Maud , Blokland Arjan , Verhey Frans RJ , Sobczak Sjacko
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to older adults. In contrast to young subjects, it is unclear whether older adults may be vulnerable to cognitive side effects. Serotonin is involved in cognitive functions (e.g. memory). It is of great importance to examine the effects of SSRIs on memory functioning in older adults.

Objectives:

The objective of this systematic literature review is to summarize studies in which the effects of SSRI treatment on all aspects of memory functioning in older adults are investigated.

Methods:

PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Embase were searched for all studies published until 18th of October 2021. Articles were included if they fulfilled the inclusion criteria as follows: (1) study design is (randomized) controlled trial, cross-sectional, or prospective cohort study; (2) study population consists of older adults (mean age ⩾65 years), or results for this age-group are reported separately; (3) intervention is use of an SSRI; and (4) effects on performance of any memory domain are measured and clearly described.

Results:

The search yielded 1888 articles, of which 136 were included for the full-text review. Eventually, 40 articles were included. Most studies reported no association between SSRI use and memory functioning. The studies that found a positive association mainly investigated older adults with mental or neurological disorders (e.g. depression or stroke). A few studies found a negative association in the following subgroups: non-responders (depression), patients with frontal brain disease, and women.

Conclusion:

Overall, no consistent negative effects of SSRIs on memory functioning in older adults were found after SSRI treatment. Most studies reported no change in memory functioning after SSRI use. Some studies even showed an improvement in memory performance. Positive effects of SSRIs on memory functioning were especially found in older adults with mental or neurological disorders, such as subjects with depression or stroke.
Ultrasound for monitoring twin cesarean scar pregnancy following feticide
Authors: Chong Yiwen , Wang Wei , Zhang Aiqing , Zhao Yangyu
Published: April 2022

Objective

Implantation of the conceptus in a twin cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is considered the rarest type of ectopic pregnancy. Preserving the fetus in utero and effectively dealing with CSP can be challenging. This study aimed to determine the clinical value of ultrasonography by monitoring imaging changes in twin CSP following selective feticide.

Methods

Ultrasonographic and clinical data were collected from four patients with twin CSP who were treated between December 2017 and December 2018 at our hospital.

Results

All patients had a history of cesarean section, followed by a heterotopic CSP, with one embryo implanted into the uterine cavity and the other located in the anterior isthmus. All of the patients were pregnant with twins with double chorionic and amniotic sacs, and all gave birth in our hospital. The patients underwent feticide at 8 to 9 weeks of gestation, after which we focused on monitoring the implantation. Delivery was performed by cesarean section according to scores of an ultrasonic scoring system and clinical manifestations. The patients’ uterus was preserved and they recovered.

Conclusions

This study shows that ultrasound is useful for determining the timing of clinical termination of CSP by selective feticide.
A systematic review of crisis management in libraries with emphasis on crisis preparedness
Authors: Akhshik Somaye Sadat , Beglou Reza Rajabali
Published: April 2022

Crisis preparedness is critical for crisis management in all organizations, including libraries. Libraries must make decisions about crisis situations, which requires planning and preparedness for crises. The purpose of this systematic review was to analyse and identify the main issues that assist libraries in decision-making in times of crisis. A total of 2900 studies from 1985 to 2020 were identified. Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 44 studies were included in the final review process. The findings of the study indicate that the subjects which were focused on most frequently with regard to crisis management were preparedness instruction, training programmes, preparation assessment and Important factors in crisis management. Moreover, the majority of the studies primarily focused on economic or financial rather than natural, social or health-related crises. Furthermore, between 2008 and 2017, there was a significant increase in the number of published articles mostly considered academic and research libraries. In addition, there has been a recent increase in articles dealing with crisis preparedness and management in these researches.
Heterogeneous Markov Chain Model to Predict Pavement Performance and Deterioration
Authors: de Oliveira Jhenyffer Lorrany Matias , Davis Gary , Khani Alireza , Marasteanu Mihai
Published: April 2022

In an era where system needs exceed available funding across all infrastructure components, planners and decision makers need tools to make informed decisions about the value of their assets, such as accurate models to predict pavement condition over time. This prediction is essential in pavement management systems because it provides information that allows forecasting repair demands and optimizing life-cycle costs. Markov chains have been proposed in the past as a tool for forecasting pavement performance and deterioration. A weakness of the traditional Markov chain is that the conventional transition matrix has limited ability to account for site-specific variability. To address this problem, this study proposes a combination of ordinal logistic regression and Markov chains. The logistic regression models were found to bring two major improvements to the Markov model. First, the enhanced Markov transition probability matrix allows for site-specific predictions because the models use specific characteristics of each pavement section. Second, the enhanced matrix offers additional benefits by allowing the comparison of several factors and the analysis of how each of them influences the pavement performance and deterioration, as well as providing an understanding of the interaction between these several external factors, such as district location, repair history, functional class, base thickness, speed limit, and pavement thickness. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate how the Markov transition matrix can be used to model future pavement deterioration.
Effects of Inclement Weather Events on Road Surface Conditions and Traffic Safety: An Event-Based Empirical Analysis Framework
Authors: Abohassan Ahmed , El-Basyouny Karim , Kwon Tae J.
Published: April 2022

Pavement friction has been widely recognized as an important winter road maintenance performance indicator for objectively assessing the level of service required to maintain safe driving conditions during inclement weather events. Despite significant efforts being put forth by road agencies, prevailing road surface conditions during snowstorms can yield negative consequences that compromise the safety of the traveling public. Acknowledging the vast road network that needs to be monitored and the uncertainty associated with the randomness of hazardous road weather conditions, this paper presents a novel event-based framework aimed at investigating the magnitude of the effect of varying pavement friction levels in urban environments on traffic safety during snowstorms. Negative binomial safety performance functions developed using hourly weather datasets and road surface conditions information found a strong statistically significant relationship between pavement friction and traffic safety. This meant that, with the accumulation of snow and ice during snowstorms, road surface conditions were found to deteriorate thereby increasing the likelihood of collision occurrence. The event-based models developed also suggested that the risks of driving during snowstorms varied dramatically depending on the varying surface states, represented by friction coefficient ranges. Collisions were expected to significantly decrease whenever the pavement friction was above 0.6; under conditions where pavement friction was below 0.35, collisions were predicted to significantly increase. Additionally, arterial roads were shown to experience a significantly higher number of collisions than collectors, further justifying why arterials should be prioritized in snow clearing policies that most cities adopt.
Biochemical Markers of Aging (Advanced Glycation End Products) and Degeneration Are Increased in Type 3 Rotator Cuff Tendon Stumps With Increased Signal Intensity Changes on MRI
Authors: Shinohara Issei , Mifune Yutaka , Inui Atsuyuki , Nishimoto Hanako , Yamaura Kohei , Mukohara Shintaro , Yoshikawa Tomoya , Kato Tatsuo , Furukawa Takahiro , Hoshino Yuichi , Matsushita Takehiko , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: April 2022

Background:

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are end products of protein glycation that bind to the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) and activate nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX), resulting in increased oxidative stress and rotator cuff fragility. Stump classification using the signal intensity ratio of the tendon rupture site to the deltoid muscle in the coronal view of T2-weighted fat-suppressed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans is an indicator of clinical outcomes after rotator cuff repair surgery. Comparing the signal intensities of the deltoid (D) and rotator cuff tears (C), Ishitani et al. classified C/D <0.8 as type 1, 0.8 to 1.3 as type 2, and >1.3 as type 3.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

It was hypothesized that the oxidative stress and collagen degeneration that occur in the rotator cuff due to accumulation of AGEs can be assessed on MRI scans (stump classification). Therefore, this study aimed to compare AGE-related factors in the rotator cuff tear site tissues based on stump classification.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

The authors included 30 patients (11 with type 1, 9 with type 2, and 10 with type 3; mean age, 62.3 years) who underwent surgery for complete rotator cuff tears at our hospital. Tendon tissue was harvested from the torn rotator cuff site during surgery for tissue and cell evaluation.

Results:

There was no significant difference in the mean age according to stump classification. The number of patients with diabetes was significantly larger in type 3 than in the other types ( P < .05). Tissue evaluation showed significantly higher expression of AGE and RAGE staining in type 3 than in the other types (~6.7-fold; P < .01). Cell evaluation showed that the expression rates of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis were significantly higher in type 3 than in the other types (~4.3-fold; P < .01). Gene expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction showed significantly higher RAGE (~5.1-fold), NOX (~5.3-fold), and IL (~3.0-fold) in type 3 than in the other types ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Stump classification type 3 exhibited the highest accumulation of AGEs and the highest oxidative stress and apoptosis, suggesting a high degree of degeneration and inflammation. Imaging based on stump classification reflects the degeneration and fragility of the torn rotator cuff site.

Clinical Relevance:

This study provides evidence of a relationship between stump classification, which reflects rotator cuff fragility on MRI, and pathologies related to advanced glycation end products.
Minimum 5-Year Outcomes After Primary Segmental Labral Reconstruction for Irreparable Labral Tears in the Hip With Hamstring Grafts: With a Subanalysis Comparing Autograft Versus Allograft
Authors: Maldonado David R. , Kyin Cynthia , Simpson Jeffrey R. , Annin Shawn , Jimenez Andrew E. , Saks Benjamin R. , Lall Ajay C. , Domb Benjamin G.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Comparable short-term outcomes have been obtained using hamstring allografts versus autografts after primary segmental labral reconstruction (SLR). Midterm results have not yet been determined.

Purpose:

(1) To evaluate minimum 5-year patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores in patients who underwent primary SLR with hamstring grafts in the setting of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) and irreparable labral tears and (2) to compare the outcomes of hamstring autografts versus allografts in a subanalysis using propensity-matched groups.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Prospectively collected data were retrospectively reviewed for patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy between September 2010 and November 2015. Patients were included if they underwent SLR using hamstring autografts or allografts and had preoperative and minimum 5-year PROs. The exclusion criteria were previous ipsilateral hip surgery or conditions, dysplasia, or Tönnis grade >1. Patients with autograft SLR were propensity matched 1 to 1 based on age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) to patients who underwent SLR using hamstring allografts. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) were calculated.

Results:

Overall, 48 patients (N = hips 48) were eligible to be included in this study, and 41 patients (n = 41 hips [85.4%]) had a minimum 5-year follow-up reporting significant improvements in all PROs. Within the entire cohort, 9.8% required a secondary arthroscopy, with a mean time of 19 ± 1.8 months, and survivorship was 82.9%. Of the 41 included patients, 15 underwent an SLR with a hamstring autograft and were matched to 15 patients with labral reconstruction using a hamstring allograft. Groups were similar for sex ( P > .999), age ( P = .775), and BMI ( P = .486). The mean follow-up times were 80.8 ± 25.5 and 66.1 ± 8.3 months ( P = .223) for the autograft and allograft groups, respectively. Baseline PROs, preoperative radiographic measurements, surgical findings, and intraoperative procedures were similar. The groups achieved significant and comparable improvements for all PROs ( P < .0001), satisfaction ( P = .187), and the rate of achieving the MCID and the PASS. However, a tendency for higher postoperative PROs favoring allograft reconstruction was found.

Conclusion:

At a minimum 5-year follow-up, patients who underwent primary arthroscopic SLR in the context of FAIS and irreparable labra, with either autograft or allograft hamstring tendons, reported significant improvements and comparable postoperative scores for all PROs, patient satisfaction, MCID, and PASS.
The Impact of Canadian Medical Delays and Preventive Measures on Breast Cancer Experience: A Silent Battle Masked by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fortin Justine , Rivest-Beauregard Marjolaine , Defer Clarisse , Leblanc Mélissandre , Thamar Louis Lunie Anne , Roy Carol-Anne , Lapierre Isabelle , Brunet Alain , Montreuil Marjorie , Marin Marie-France
Published: April 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the prioritization of breast cancer services towards patients who are currently in treatment or diagnosed with advanced stages of breast cancer, and the self-assessment of both tumor growth and treatment side effects. Alongside the stress associated with cancer itself, delays and complications due to COVID-19 may impact patients’ mental health.

Purpose

To describe the experiences of Canadians living with breast cancer who received a diagnosis and/or treatment during the pandemic, and to identify their recommendations for improving patients well-being during future pandemics.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen women living with breast cancer who also completed the Distress Thermometer questionnaire. The transcripts were analyzed using a descriptive thematic content methodology.

Results

Women who started their breast cancer screening or treatment before the pandemic reported fewer delays and less psychological distress than those who started during the pandemic. Participants reported feeling dehumanized while receiving their medical care, being unable to be accompanied during medical visits, and fearing treatment interruption during the pandemic. Patient recommendations for improving care and psychological support included the presence of family caregivers at consultations to receive the diagnosis and for the first treatment session.

Conclusion

Study findings provide new insights on how healthcare restrictions during the pandemic impacted on patient experiences and their well-being during screening and treatment for breast cancer. The need for cancer nursing practices and care delivery strategies that promote the delivery of compassionate, patient-centred care and the provision of psychological support during future pandemics are identified.
Exercise or physical activity-related adverse events in people receiving peritoneal dialysis: A systematic review
Authors: Tarca Brett , Jesudason Shilpanjali , Bennett Paul N , Kasai Daiki , Wycherley Thomas P , Ferrar Katia E
Published: April 2022

People receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) may benefit from participation in exercise or physical activity. However, exercise therapy for people receiving PD is not typically included in routine care, in part, due to ongoing uncertainties about risk. The aim of this review was to systematically collate and explore data on adverse events experienced by people receiving PD while undertaking an exercise or physical activity intervention. Searches yielded 25 exercise or physical activity intervention studies involving people receiving PD. Of these 25 studies, 17 studies provided adverse event data and were included in the final review. No serious adverse events (e.g. death, hospitalisation) were found attributable to the intervention. From 50 reported adverse events during the intervention period, 32 were attributable to the exercise or physical activity intervention with most being musculoskeletal (e.g. muscle/joint pain, etc.) followed by fatigue. Most events were mild to moderate in severity and resolved by exercise programme modification, education, rest or medication. The results from this review did not uncover signals of harm for people receiving PD who engage in exercise with risk of adverse events appearing to be low, however, improved adverse events reporting and further interventional studies are required before robust guidelines can be produced.
Community Pharmacists and Influenza Vaccination: Opportunities and Challenges From a Public Health Perspective
Authors: Robitaille Andréanne , Chadi Alexandre , Gabet Morgane , Dubé Eve , Monnais Laurence , David Pierre-Marie
Published: April 2022

Context: In Quebec, Bill 31, adopted on March 18, 2020, extended vaccination to pharmacists. Despite many advantages, this new practice comes with public health issues reinforced in the context of COVID-19. Therefore, it is essential to understand the opportunities and challenges of the participation of community pharmacists in influenza vaccination, from a public health perspective by (i) describing the year of 2020-2021 influenza vaccination offer, (ii) its opportunities and challenges, and (iii) its impact on the accessibility of this service newly offered by pharmacists to the most vulnerable people. Methods: This research is a case study from one of the most affected areas by COVID-19 in Canada: Laval. Our method combines documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews with health professionals and public health actors (n = 23). Researchers used a thematic analysis to analyze these results. Results: Most partners (pharmacists, public health administrators) underlined multiple opportunities of this new practice, ie, pharmacists who can vaccinate, particularly for chronically ill patients. However, structural and strategical challenges remain. More specifically, vaccination seemed to only rely on a “first come, first served” basis, which questions public health objectives of vaccination, such as equitable access. Conclusion: The introduction of new actors, such as pharmacists, represents a major opportunity to improve vaccination coverage and reduce the burden of COVID-19 on the health system. However, this delegation of a public health activity to the private sector undoubtedly requires closer coordination with public health institutions.
Nutrition Risk is Associated With Falls Risk in an Observational Study of Community-Dwelling, Rural, Older Adults
Authors: Eckert Caitlin D. , Tarleton Emily K. , Pellerin Jocelyn , Mooney Nicole , Gell Nancy M.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Poor nutritional status is a risk factor for falls and impedes recovery from falls in older adults. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between nutrition status and fall risk over time in a cohort of older adults.

Methods

Using an observational analytic study design, we collected demographic, fall risk, nutrition risk, food insecurity, and incident falls data from community-dwelling older Vermonters.

Results

Data from 708 participants (70.3 years ± 6.6; 82% female) indicate a significant association between fall risk and nutrition risk ( p < 0.001), fall risk and food insecurity ( p < 0.001), and food insecurity and nutrition risk ( p < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, elevated nutrition risk was significantly associated with an incident fall over the next 6 months ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Given the evidence for an association between nutrition status and falls, additional research, in a more diverse population, is needed to understand the nuances of these relationships.
Mind and knowledge in the early thought of Franz Boas, 1887–1904
Authors: Mann Valentina
Published: April 2022

Franz Boas’ articulation of a new historicist and relativistic framework for anthropology stands as the founding moment of the discipline. Accordingly, scholars have sought to trace its source and inspirations, often concluding that Boas’ thought was shaped almost exclusively by his German background and characterized by a foundational methodological tension. Here, I instead show that Boas’ most creative early work benefitted from close interaction with debates in psychology and that his methodological reflections were part of the much wider series of discussions in North America engendered by the importation of the German Geistes-/ Naturwissenschaft debate. Central to such debates, as well as to anthropological ones in these years, were the contested definitions of the human mind and of knowledge. Recovering this shared focus reveals the importance of such questions to Boas’ early writings, allowing us to better reconstruct his views on anthropology and to appreciate how he approached the question of how to justify the bounding of human knowledge into specific disciplines.