bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nurses’ Work-Related Quality of Life and Its Influencing Demographic Factors at a Public Hospital in Western Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lebni Javad Yoosefi , Toghroli Razie , Abbas Jaffar , Kianipour Neda , NeJhaddadgar Nazila , Salahshoor Mohammad Reza , Chaboksavar Fakhreddin , Moradi Farideh , Ziapour Arash
Published: November 2020

Background

The quality of life as a concept beyond physical health stands one of the protuberant indexes, and various health-based studies required distinct measurements, which deemed necessary for their significant implications. The nurses fight at the front and play a leading role in providing services to patients at healthcare centers. They deserve a higher quality of life in catering to physical health services. This present study focuses on examining nurses' work-life quality standards and how demographic variables contribute to the hospital of Imam Reza in Kermanshah of Western Iran.

Methods

This descriptive-analytical study recruited a sample of 271 nurses affiliated with Imam Reza Hospital and Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences by incorporating the stratified random sampling in 2019. This study used a two-part questionnaire to collect data from the targeted respondents. The first part presented the participants' demographic profiles, and the second part showed the nurses' work‐related quality of life (WRQoL) on the scale developed by Van Laar et al. The study screened the data and performed analyses through the SPSS version-23. The research study conducted a descriptive analysis to measure mean and standard deviation with inferential statistics, including independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA (P < 0.05).

Results

The study findings specified that nurses’ average quality of the work-life was at a moderate level 3.11 ± 0.47. Besides, results indicated that 57.50% of the nurses reported high standards of quality of work-life, 36.50% showed a modest and 5.20% revealed a lower level of work-life quality. The findings indicated that the quality of work-life significantly correlated with respondent’' age, marital status, education, work experience, position, department, shifts, and employment status (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The findings of this research demonstrated that the nurses’ quality of work-life was higher than the average standard. The results provide useful insight for nurses and hospital managers. The policymakers and health managers need to pay more attention to providing a better quality of work-life to the nurses.
Anaesthesia for ophthalmic procedures in patients with thyroid eye disease
Authors: Chua Alfred WY , Kumar Chandra M , Chua Matthew J , Harrisberg Brian P
Published: November 2020

Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the orbit in adults. It causes inflammation, expansion and fibrosis of orbital fat, muscles and the lacrimal gland, leading to facial disfigurement, functional disability and, in severe cases, blindness. Overall, approximately 20% of affected patients need some form of surgical intervention requiring anaesthesia. This narrative review explores the background of thyroid eye disease, surgical procedures performed and their implications for anaesthesia. General anaesthesia is used for orbital decompression procedures, strabismus correction surgery and complex oculoplastic procedures. Local anaesthetic infiltration or regional anaesthesia under monitored anaesthesia care are the techniques most commonly employed for eyelid retraction surgery. It is important to limit the volume of local anaesthetic agent used during infiltration and continuously monitor the orbital volume and ocular pressure with a ballottement technique. In addition, the contralateral eye should be checked and, if necessary, protected against corneal exposure. Retrobulbar, peribulbar and sub-Tenon’s blocks are best avoided. Topical anaesthesia has been used for some strabismus correction surgery but its use is limited to motivated and cooperative patients only.
Muscle endurance training of the neck triggers migraine attacks
Authors: Carvalho Gabriela F , Luedtke Kerstin , Szikszay Tibor M , Bevilaqua-Grossi Debora , May Arne
Published: November 2020

Background

Most migraine patients report neck pain as part of their migraine symptomatology, but it is unknown whether triggering neck pain would induce migraine attacks. Our aim was to assess the occurrence of headache and/or neck pain after an endurance test of the neck muscles among migraineurs and controls.

Methods

Sixty-five patients with migraine and 32 headache-free participants underwent a manual examination of the cervical spine by an assessor blinded towards the diagnosis and were sub-classified according to the appearance or absence of neck pain. Subsequently, the endurance of the neck flexors and extensors was tested three times, in a random order. The maximum sustained duration was recorded and the test was terminated when the subject was unable to maintain the position or reported pain. On the day after the assessment, participants were asked to report the potential occurrence of headache or neck symptoms.

Results

None of the controls reported headache after assessment, while migraine-like headache was reported by 42% of the patients with migraine ( p < 0.001) after 15.8 h (SD: 10.0). Neck pain was more prevalent in migraineurs compared to controls (45% vs. 16%, p = 0.006). When considering the neck pain subtype, there were no differences among the three profiles regarding neck pain but participants with referred pain to the head reported a migraine attack more often (45%, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Patients with migraine are more likely to report neck pain and migraine attacks following a neck muscle endurance test. Participants with neck pain referred to the head during manual examination had a greater prevalence of migraine attacks than those without or with only local pain.
De novo protein synthesis is necessary for priming in preclinical models of migraine
Authors: Lackovic Jacob , Price Theodore J , Dussor Gregory
Published: November 2020

Background

Migraine attacks are often triggered by normally innocuous stimuli, suggesting that sensitization within the nervous system is present. One mechanism that may contribute to neuronal sensitization in this context is translation regulation of new protein synthesis. The goal of this study was to determine whether protein synthesis contributes to behavioral responses and priming in preclinical models of migraine.

Methods

Mice received a dural injection of interleukin-6 in the absence or presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin or the translation initiation inhibitor 4EGI-1 and were tested for facial hypersensitivity. Upon returning to baseline, mice were given a second, non-noxious dural injection of pH 7.0 to test for priming. Additionally, eIF4ES209Amice lacking phosphorylation of mRNA cap-binding protein eIF4E received dural interleukin-6 or were subjected to repeated restraint stress and then tested for facial hypersensitivity. After returning to baseline, mice were given either dural pH 7.0 or a systemic sub-threshold dose of the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside and tested for priming.

Results

Dural injection of interleukin-6 in the presence of anisomycin or 4EGI-1 or in eIF4ES209Amice resulted in the partial attenuation of acute facial hypersensitivity and complete block of hyperalgesic priming. Additionally, hyperalgesic priming following repeated restraint stress was blocked in eIF4ES209Amice.

Conclusions

These studies show that de novo protein synthesis regulated by activity-dependent translation is critical to the development of priming in two preclinical models of migraine. This suggests that targeting the regulation of protein synthesis may be a novel approach for new migraine treatment strategies.
Metals smelting-collection method for recycling of platinum group metals from waste catalysts: A mini review
Authors: Liu Chuan , Sun Shuchen , Zhu Xiaoping , Tu Ganfeng
Published: November 2020

Platinum group metals (PGMs) are widely applied in the field of catalysts due to their excellent catalyst activity and high-temperature stability. The rapid generation of the waste catalyst has become the significant characteristic of PGMs with the accelerating consumption of limited PGMs nature resources. It is necessary to recover/recycle PGMs from a waste catalyst for both economic and environmental benefits. This paper reviews the PGMs recovery from waste catalysts using a metals smelting-collection process, which belongs to the main pyrometallurgical process, in the presence of various metal collectors, such as lead, copper, iron, matte, print circuit board (PCB) or reactive metals of calcium and magnesium. The current status of recovery of PGMs from waste catalysts through the addition of various metals as the collector is discussed and existing advantages and challenges are highlighted in this paper. Meanwhile, in the view of the promising processes of PGMs recovery, the influencing factors such as the economic, environmentally friendly, sustainable recycling, commercial scale, and low-grade materials are considered.
Exploring the Contradiction in the Ethos of Urban Practitioners under Neoliberalism: A Case Study of Housing Production in Chile
Authors: Vergara-Perucich Francisco , Boano Camillo
Published: November 2020

This article problematizes the relationship between the ethos of urban practitioners and the ideology of neoliberalism to show how neoliberalism has transformed urban design to make it an efficient mechanism for capital accumulation. The method used in the article is based on archival research and statistical analysis in addition to a comparative housing sample in Chile from the Servicio de Evaluación Ambiental (Environmental Assessment System). What emerges from such unpacking is a severe contradiction stemming from the clash between urban practitioners’ ethical responsibility in developing good cities and the neoliberalist goal of merely increasing the profitability of spaces. The article discusses the political and ideological dimensions of neoliberal urbanisms and the effects of neoliberalism in everyday urban practice of making in neoliberal urbanisms and discusses how to separate urban design practices from the profit-oriented ethos.
Talking the Talk but not Walking the Walk: Donating to Human Milk Banks in South Africa
Authors: Biggs Chara
Published: November 2020

Background

The human milk donor pool in South Africa is severely limited due to the low rate of continued breastfeeding and the HIV pandemic. It was crucial to determine why willing donors did not donate to determine if infrastructure could be implemented to prevent this loss.

Research aim

To determine why mothers who had committed to donating to a human milk bank in South Africa did not donate their milk.

Methods

Participants ( N = 37) were interviewed using a telephone administered questionnaire. Variables measured were initiation and continuation of breastfeeding, reasons for discontinuation, age of introduction of solids and type, and reasons for not donating. Data were interpreted using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s chi-square test.

Results

Participants were mainly unemployed (70.2%, n = 26), single (73%, n = 27), black African (83.7%, n = 31), Christian (62.2%, n = 23) women with a M age of 25.7 (5.2) years, and a secondary or higher education level (81.1%, n = 30). Most lived in urban areas (70.2%, n = 26), with piped water (100%, n = 37), electricity (100%, n = 37), and refrigerators (100%, n = 37). Only 29.7% ( n = 11) owned a vehicle. The major barrier was infrastructure related, as 62.2% ( n = 23) were unaware of the process after discharge. This was followed by practical issues including no transport (21.6%, n = 8), no freezer for milk storage (18.9%, n = 7), or working (5.4%, n = 2).

Conclusion

The major barrier was ignorance of the post discharge process and lack of support from clinic staff. No transportation challenged the maintenance of the cold chain. A potential solution is mothers donating only at clinic immunization visits.
Investigation of significant factors on deformation with powder bed fusion system
Authors: Pan Tan , Li Lan , Zhang Xinchang , Flood Aaron , Karnati Sreekar , Cui Wenyuan , Zhang Yunlu , Li Wei , Liou Frank
Published: November 2020

Powder bed fusion (PBF) is one of the most popular techniques in additive manufacturing (AM). The PBF technique of selective laser melting (SLM) consolidates powder layer by layer using a laser as the energy source. This technique ensures the processes capability of fabricating components with internal and external complex geometries, which could be challenging to make with conventional manufacturing methods. However, the cyclic heating and cooling inherent in this process give rise to the buildup of residual stresses, which can distort or completely deform the part. In this work, a screening build with nine factors was designed to investigate the effects of component size, support structure, and energy input on the build completion and average distortion induced by the inherent residual stress. Experimental results indicated that support hatch spacing, part thickness, and support contact spacing played dominant roles in the final quality (i.e. resultant deformation) of the built parts. The identified significant factors from this study can be carefully selected to increase the success rates of single builds and improve the qualities (i.e. geometric accuracy) of the final products.
Cryogenic-LN2 and conventional emulsion assisted machining of hardened steel: Comparison from sustainability perspective
Authors: Khan Aqib Mashood , He Ning , Zhao Wei , Jamil Muhammad , Xia Hongjun , Meng Longhui , Gupta Munish Kumar
Published: November 2020

To achieve an excellent workpiece surface quality and longer tool life in the machining of hardened steel is an excessive challenge. Recently, conventional emulsion cooling assisted machining processes are being used to address this problem. However, such traditional processes have adverse effects on the environment as well as on the machine shop worker’s health. Hence, in this study, the effects of emulsion cooling and sustainable Cryo-LN2 cooling approach on sustainable metrics, such as surface roughness, energy consumption, tool life, and production cost in the external turning of AISI-52100 have been investigated and compared. The comparative results showed that the Cryo-LN2 technique outperformed emulsion cooling for all measured indices. The Cryo-LN2 assisted turning process not only improved surface quality but also consumed 18% less energy consumption and produced 70.9% low-priced products at aggressive cutting parameters as compared to the emulsion. The findings of the current study encourage metal processing industries to use such type of sustainable techniques at a machine shop. This study is based on the “ Think Green, Plan Green and Execute Green” strategy.
Control analysis of vehicle ride comfort through integrated control devices on the quarter and half car active suspension systems
Authors: Munawwarah Sharifah , Yakub Fitri
Published: November 2020

This study proposed an integrated chassis control of the quarter car and half car active suspension systems to enhance vehicle ride comfort and road handling performance. The integrated controls of PID-LQR and Fuzzy-PID were designed to maximize driving comfort by keeping the vehicle wheels in contact with the road surface. The PID control which is commonly used in car manufacturing was set as a controller benchmark. Multiple road conditions such as speed bumps of different heights, 0.1 m < h < 0.3 m and widths, 0.3 m < d < 0.5 m were used in the system for analysis. In comparison with PID-LQR, Fuzzy-PID showed the lowest peak amplitude and reached the stability state in a minimum time against the controller benchmark. This indicates that vehicle ride comfort and road handling performance can be optimized using the proposed Fuzzy-PID control.
Process modeling and optimization using ANN and RSM during dry turning of titanium alloy used in automotive industry
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Misra Joy Prakash
Published: November 2020

Lightweight and high strength of titanium alloys makes them suitable for automotive industry. Automobiles are in high demand in the future and new materials and technologies are continuously enhancing the performance of automobiles. This research work addresses the potential use and barrier faced by the automobile industry in using titanium alloy. In this experimental study, we tried to overcome the machining challenges faced by industries to machine widely used grade–5 titanium alloy. The machining is performed under a dry machining environment due to ecological and economic concerns. The controllable machining variables and their influence on the tool wear are determined. Statistical analysis is performed to assess the impact of controllable variables. As a result, the optimal parameters setting obtained using the desirability approach, and confirmation runs carried out at optimal conditions. Moreover, a mathematical relation developed using the RSM technique to predict the response. Later on, using better modeling techniques based on artificial intelligence, a better predictive model is developed which forms the basis of cyber physical system.
Assembling Israeli drone warfare: Loitering surveillance and operational sustainability
Authors: Borg Stefan
Published: November 2020

This article examines how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones as they are more popularly known, have changed practices of Israeli warfare. In order to do so, the article proceeds in three steps. First, it traces the emergence and development of the Israeli UAV programme. Second, it examines the main factors that have enabled its expansion. Third, it turns to some of the main implications of UAVs for the way in which the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) wages war. The article argues that the combined tactical use of UAVs employed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) tasks has amounted to a strategic effect: by dramatically enhancing the field of perception, UAVs have enabled the IDF to better control the battle rhythm. UAVs in the Israeli context have enhanced the IDF’s operational sustainability, since one’s own casualties have been virtually eliminated and civilian casualties have been stretched out over, rather than concentrated in, time. Throughout the article, the changing character of the UAV is emphasized. To capture this change and to unravel the interactions among technology, warfare and broader societal forces, the article draws on actor-network theory.
Surgical Outcomes and Predictive Factors of Medial Toe Excision for Polysyndactyly of the Fifth Toe
Authors: Ko Kyung Rae , Shim Jong Sup , Kang Jiwon , Park Jaesung
Published: November 2020

Background:

We aimed to report surgical outcomes and analyze prognostic factors of medial toe excision for polysyndactyly of the fifth toe.

Methods:

We reviewed the details of 139 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for postaxial polydactyly of the foot from 2009 to 2018. Among these, 83 patients (90 feet) with polysyndactyly of the fifth toe, treated by medial toe excision (between the duplicated toes) and reconstruction of the fourth web space using a dorsal rectangular flap, were included. The toe alignment and stability were restored by chondroplasty and soft tissue balancing without an osteotomy. A full-thickness skin graft was performed in 52 feet. The mean age at surgery was 27.1 ± 17.5 months and the mean duration of follow-up was 42.8 ± 24.9 months.

Results:

At the last follow-up, a relatively small size of the reconstructed toe was observed in 19 feet (19/90, 21.1%). Proximal duplication level (metatarsal or proximal phalanx type) and preoperative hypoplasia of the remaining toe were related to the small postoperative size. Valgus deformity of the remaining toe was observed in 2 feet (2/90, 2.2%). We observed 17 cases with delayed healing or early postoperative wound infection. Among these, 7 cases (7/90, 7.8%) showed postoperative thickening or advancement of the web, which was not observed in cases without wound problems. No cases had functional disturbance or pain.

Conclusion:

The overall surgical outcomes were satisfactory without an osteotomy. Patients with a proximal duplication level or preoperative hypoplasia of the remaining toe should be informed of its possible small size postoperatively.

Levels of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Animality and Biblical Masculinities in Conflict: Moses and the Golden Calf (Exodus 32)
Authors: Ramos-Gay Ignacio
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this article is to analyze the masculinity of the biblical figure Moses in relation to the golden calf in Exodus 32. The prophet has been used as a model of biblical masculinity based on criteria such as violence, persuasive ability, his relationship to women, and physical disability. However, no gender construction derived from his interaction with the animal idol has been considered. In the context of the intersection of “animal studies” and “masculinity studies,” this article proposes the conceptualization of a biblical “zoomasculinity” linked to the prophet. Cohabitation with the theriomorphic statue allows Moses to embody diverse alternative masculinities that culminate in his animalization and identification with the golden calf.
Pit Bulls and Dogfighting as Symbols of Masculinity in Hip Hop Culture
Authors: Alonso-Recarte Claudia
Published: November 2020

This article explores the aesthetic and cultural connections between the hyper-masculinization inherent to hip hop culture (and particularly to gangsta rap), the pit bull dog breed, and dogfighting. Building on recent scholarship that has identified the racial and racist assumptions underlying the pit bull controversy, I provide further evidence and arguments on how the highly racialized and genderized hip hop discourses inoculate the pit bull body and suffuse it with multiple meanings reminiscent of America’s traumatic encounter with otherness. As a palimpsest that attests to both mainstream and countercultural explorations of racialized masculinities, the pit bull body is made to “perform” its role as both an agent and a victim within the nation’s compulsive need to control and monitor the “other.”
Masculinities and Animal Harm
Authors: Nurse Angus
Published: November 2020

This paper explores the role of masculinities in animal harm and conceptions on the Masculinities Offender, primarily motivated by power and masculine behaviors. Within “masculinities crimes,” the exercise of power allied to sport or entertainment is significantly linked to organized crime and gambling. Masculinities crimes also include elements of cruelty or animal abuse and perceptions by offenders of their actions having cultural significance, and where toughness, masculinity, and smartness combine with a love of excitement. Examples include badger digging, badger baiting, cock-fighting, and other crimes involving the “sporting” killing or taking of wildlife.  This article explores masculinities offender rationalizations and associated masculinity-based negative attitudes towards animals and animal harm. The public policy response to masculinities crimes reflects acceptance of the violent nature of offenders. Yet arguably enforcement and punishment through use of surveillance activities and undercover operations, and reliance on prison as the primary deterrent/sanction risks being counter-productive and reinforcing the very masculinities that underlie offending behavior.
Orbital and periorbital dermoid cysts: Comparison of clinical features and management outcomes in children and adults
Authors: Dave Tarjani Vivek , Gupta Rathi Shweta , Kaliki Swathi , Mishra Dilip
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To compare differences in clinical presentation and management outcomes of orbital and periorbital dermoid cysts in children and adults.

Methods:

A retrospective interventional comparative consecutive case series. 203 patients in (148 children [Age ⩽18 years] and 55 adults [Age >18 years]), who underwent excision biopsy for orbital/periorbital dermoid cyst were included. Outcome measures included the differences in demography, clinical presentations, radiological features, surgical outcomes and histopathology of cysts between children and adults with dermoid cysts.

Results:

The mean age noted at excision was 15 years in this cohort of 148 children and 55 adults. Commonest clinical finding observed was a subcutaneous painless mass (94%) and external angular dermoids were commonest in both groups 1 and 2 (51% and 56%). Diminution of vision ( p = 0.007), proptosis ( p = 0.008), extraocular motility limitation ( p = 0.001), strabismus ( p = 0.003) and relative afferent pupillary defect ( p = 0.02) were significantly more in adults. Orbital involvement and dumbbell dermoids were not significantly different between children and adults. Radiologically, bony fossa formation ( p = 0.03), temporal fossa extension ( p = 0.04), full thickness bony defect ( p = 0.03) and intraosseous presentation ( p = 0.005) were significantly more in adults. Comparison of proportion of lesions having intra-operative rupture of dermoid cyst ( p = 0.009) and evidence of inflammation on histopathology ( p = 0.01) were significantly more in adults. However, recurrence rates were not different between children and adults.

Conclusions:

Dermoid cysts are commoner in children, but can also present in adulthood. Secondary visual, orbital, radiologic changes and intra-operative rupture of dermoid cyst are more common in adults compared to children.
Primary low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma: A rare case report of this tumor in the orbit and literature review
Authors: Tang Lijuan , Xu Hua , Gao Huanhuan , Yang Huasheng , Chen Shuxia , Zhang Ping
Published: November 2020

Low-grade myofibroblastic sarcoma (LGMS) is an exceedingly rare, malignant tumor with myofibroblastic differentiation. It frequently occurs in the oral cavity and extremities, despite being classified as a distinct entity by the World Health Organization (WHO). Here, we report a rare case of orbital LGMS occurring in an 11-month-old baby with a 3.2 × 2.4 × 2.1 cm mass. LGMS was diagnosed based on the histological and immunohistochemical findings. Previous literature suggests that surgical resection with clear margins is an appropriate method for the treatment of LGMS, and combined adjuvant therapy (local radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy) can improve the prognosis, but further studies are needed.
Comparing Outcomes of Upper Extremity Brachiobasilic Arteriovenous Fistulas and Arteriovenous Grafts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Haddad David J. , Jasty Venkata Sai , Mohan Babu , Hsu Chiu-Hsieh , Chong Chyi Chyi , Zhou Wei , Tan Tze-Woei
Published: November 2020

Objective:

It is unclear what the optimal upper extremity hemodialysis access is for patients without a suitable cephalic vein for arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes for upper extremity transposed brachiobasilic AVFs (BBAVFs) and prosthetic arteriovenous grafts (AVGs).

Methods:

A systematic review was performed to identify all English publications and abstracts comparing the patency outcomes of upper extremity BBAVFs and AVGs (January 1st, 1994 to April 1st, 2020). The outcomes assessed were 1-year and 2-year primary and secondary patency rates. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated using the random-effects model, and I2 statistic was used to assess between-study variability.

Results:

Twenty-three studies examining 2799 patients were identified and included in the study. The 1-year primary patency rates (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.24–2.28, p = 0.001, I2 = 69.40%) and 2-year primary patency rates (OR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.59–3.43, p < 0.001, I2 = 68.26%) were significantly better for BBAVFs than AVGs. Compared to AVGs, the 1-year secondary patency rates (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.05–1.98, p = 0.022, I2 = 56.64%) and 2-year secondary patency rates (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.39–2.68, p < 0.001, I2 = 57.61%) were also significantly higher for BBAVFs.

Conclusion:

The outcomes for upper extremity BBAVFs appear to be consistently superior to prosthetic hemodialysis access. This analysis supports the preferential placement of BBAVFs over AVGs in patients with a suitable upper extremity basilic vein.
Exploring the dark and unexpected sides of digitalization: Toward a critical agenda
Authors: Trittin-Ulbrich Hannah , Scherer Andreas Georg , Munro Iain , Whelan Glen
Published: November 2020

Digitalization has far-reaching implications for individuals, organizations, and society. While extant management and organization studies mainly focus on the positive aspects of this development, the dark and potentially unexpected sides of digitalization for organizations and organizing have received less scholarly attention. This special issue extends this emerging debate. Drawing on empirical material of platform corporations, social movements, and traditional corporations, eight articles illuminate the various negative implications of the digitalization of work and organization processes, particularly for workers, employees, and activists. In this introduction, we contextualize these valuable contributions that underline the dangers of the ubiquity and simultaneity of digitalization and begin to sketch out potential avenues toward a comprehensive critical agenda of digitalization in organization studies.
Grammar teaching in ELT: A cross-national comparison of teacher-reported practices
Authors: Schurz Alexandra , Coumel Marion
Published: November 2020

Today, the Common European Framework of Reference (2009), and with it the action-based approach, underlies English Language Teaching (ELT) curricula throughout Europe. However, actual teaching practices are likely to vary according to factors such as the educational level and supra-national differences, including legal guidelines and the level of extramural English, i.e. out-of-school use of English (Sundqvist, 2009). Those factors presumably influence the role of grammar teaching in foreign language classrooms, which has been the subject of continuous debate (see Graus & Coppen, 2016; Thornbury, 1999; Ur, 2011). Such potential differences in teacher-reported ELT practices across Europe have not yet been investigated in instructed second language acquisition research. Therefore, the present study aims to compare the type of instruction in lower vs. upper secondary school in Sweden, Austria, and France, countries ranking differently in the EF Proficiency index (Education First, 2019). 615 secondary English teachers across the three countries filled in an online questionnaire designed to assess their use of planned vs. incidental form focus, implicit vs. explicit, and inductive vs. deductive instruction (Ellis, 2001a, 2009; Long, 1991). Results seem to indicate that (1) in lower secondary, Swedish teachers teach less explicitly than teachers in Austria and France; (2) Sweden provides ELT that is more implicit-fluency-based than does Austria and France; (3) incidental (rather than planned) grammar teaching is more dominant in upper than in lower secondary across countries and in Sweden and France as compared to Austria; and (4) French teachers differ from the other groups in their application of more inductive rather than deductive instruction. We argue that both the educational level and a country’s language policies and ideologies – and consequently also the extent to which they encourage use and exposure to extramural English – may be determining factors in the type of instruction applied in ELT.
Economic inequality affects perceived normative values
Authors: Sánchez-Rodríguez Ángel , Rodríguez-Bailón Rosa , Willis Guillermo B.
Published: November 2020

The degree of economic inequality may lead to different environments where people develop motives and behaviours that lend them higher chances of survival. However, the specific features attributed to an environment with a particular level of economic inequality have received little research attention. In this research, we explored how perceived economic inequality may influence the values inferred as normative in society. Results from three studies, one correlational and two experimental, showed that perceived normative values change according to the degree of perceived economic inequality in a given context: higher levels of perceived economic inequality are related to normative self-enhancement values, whereas lower levels of perceived economic inequality are related to normative self-transcendence values. These results are discussed in terms of how information on economic inequality is used to build a general perception of the normative climate in society and, accordingly, of the values that would best guide behaviours.
Theorising the ‘Security Influencer’: Speaking security, terror and Muslims on social media during the Manchester bombings
Authors: Downing Joseph , Dron Richard
Published: November 2020

Security studies literature neglects social media’s potential for lay actors to become influential within security debates. This article develops the concept of ‘security influencers’, bringing literature from marketing into the security debate to understand how social media enables individuals to ‘speak’ and contest security and how lay actors exert influence. Methodologically, this article applies a multi-methods approach to 27,367 tweets to identify and analyse the top four most influential actors in 48 hours following the 2017 bombings by keywords ‘Manchester’ and ‘Muslims’. This article builds a typology of security influencers nuancing definitions of the passive ‘security broadcaster’ and the active ‘security engager’, both of which emerge from obscurity or influence within non-security domains. Furthermore, a dichotomy emerges within influential messages and contestation; messages discussing Muslims in banal terms as diverse individuals register high levels of agreement, whereas those discussing Islam as a world religion receive more hostility and contestation.
Optical investigations of nozzle geometrical and dynamic factors on formation and development characteristics of string cavitation with large-scale diesel tapered-hole nozzles
Authors: Guan Wei , He Zhixia , Duan Lian , Cao Tianyi , Sun Shenxing , Zhang Liang
Published: November 2020

Cavitation is known to be an essential physical phenomenon to induce the fuel primary breakup process, which further influences subsequent secondary atomization and combustion in diesel engines. Different from normal geometry-induced cavitation, the special vortex-induced cavitation, which may influence strongly spray characteristics, is seldom investigated comparatively. In this paper, formations and developments of string cavitation are captured in scaled-up transparent replicas of diesel tapered-hole nozzles by high-speed imaging technology. The ensemble average images were post-processed by MATLAB code for characterizing the string cavitation at fixed needle lifts. The results indicate that string cavitation tends to occur initially in the middle of the nozzle holes. Besides, shedding bubbles from geometry-induced cavitation may stimulate the string cavitation inception as an inducing factor. The morphology and duration of both two types of string cavitation are largely influenced by needle lifts and cavitation number. Moreover, it is concluded that string cavitation hardly occurs in nozzles with low hole entrance location, and the hole entrance rounding structure changes the distribution characteristics of string cavitation. Finally, it is ascertained that the variation of magnification ratio changes little or nothing about development and distribution characteristics of string cavitation.
Resurrecting Proudhon’s idea of justice
Authors: Jamil Cayce
Published: November 2020

Much of the writing of Pierre-Joseph Proudhon (1809–1865) is neglected within sociology. Yet building on the work of Auguste Comte, Proudhon was an influential, if controversial, social theorist throughout the 19th century. Proudhon, “the father of anarchism,” held an understanding of progress antagonistic toward that of Marx, his contemporary within the emerging socialist movement. While Comte and Marx focused on knowledge or class struggle respectively as the source of progress within society, Proudhon argued that only justice generates social progress. Several notable French sociologists have written on the importance of Proudhon’s work, but contemporary sociology continues to neglect his ideas. In what follows, I first outline Proudhon’s place in sociology. Then, I describe his law of progress and the “three revolutions in justice.” Next, I derive several theoretical propositions from Proudhon’s idea of justice. Lastly, I examine what a serious study of Proudhonian justice can contribute to the discipline of sociology as a whole.
Comparing Formative and Summative Cumulative Assessment: Two Field Experiments in an Applied University Engineering Course
Authors: den Boer Anton WJP , Verkoeijen Peter PJL , Heijltjes Anita EG
Published: November 2020

Cumulative assessment refers to interspersed testing in which each assessment covers all previous content and the mean assessments’ grade weighs in for the final exam grade. The effect of cumulative assessment on motivation and performance might differ between summative (i.e. assessment grades weigh in for the final exam grade) and formative (i.e. the assessments grades do not weigh in) variants. The present study explored this hypothesis in two field experiments in a higher education course (Exp 1: n = 102; Exp 2: n = 88). Each experiment used a single-factor, between-subjects design with type of cumulative assessment (i.e. summative vs formative) as independent variable and motivation (Exp 1: self-study time, topic interest, perceived competence; Exp 2: preparation time and self-efficacy) and performance (Exp 2: cumulative assessment performance; Exp1 and Exp2: final exam grade and delayed test performance) as dependent variables. The results of both experiments reinforced each other. In the summative condition, the final exam grade was higher than in the formative condition. However, when the summative assessments were discarded from the final grade, this difference disappeared. Also, in both experiments, the conditions did not differ on motivation measures. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.
Policymaking, Ideational Power and the Role of the Media
Authors: Curran Declan , Gillanders Robert , Mahmalat Mounir
Published: November 2020

The ideational power framework developed by Carstensen and Schmidt has sought to make explicit the manner in which ideas can exert an influence over policy outcomes. However, one key feature of this theoretical framework has not yet been adequately conceptualised: the communicative process through which policy entrepreneurs convey their ideas to the general public. This article focuses on one specific form of communicative discourse as a means of generating widespread public support for a given policy proposal: public discourse via the media – be it print, broadcast or social media. We argue that the ideational power literature should recognise the media as a powerful entity in its own right rather than merely depicting the media as an implement for political communication. We contend that the ideational power framework could usefully incorporate a characterisation of the media that has recently emerged from political communications research: the hybrid media system. In order to illustrate how the communicative process inherent in ideational power can be understood in terms of a hybrid media system, we undertake a comparative review of two empirical studies which assess political discourse during the 2016 US presidential election from the perspectives of ideational power and hybrid media systems.
In the midst of the global and the local: Neo-Ottoman detectives of Filinta
Authors: Kesirli Unur Ayşegül
Published: November 2020

This article intends to understand the significance of depicting the Ottoman past in Turkish TV dramas by focusing on Filinta [Flintlock] (2014–2016) , a hybrid of historical drama and police procedural that is set in the second half of the 19th century in the Ottoman Empire. On the one hand, the article examines the influence of the Ottoman heritage in localising the police procedural genre in Filinta by exploring various kinds of local, cultural and historical connections. On the other hand, it investigates the appeal of using the Ottoman markers in increasing the popularity of the series in the global television market.
The influence of 5-iron clubhead mass distribution on clubhead presentation and initial ball launch conditions: Part I: Golf robot tests
Authors: Wallace ES , Corke TW , Jones KM , Betzler NF , Otto SR
Published: November 2020

It is well accepted that iron clubhead properties affect shot outcomes in golf. However, the mechanisms that contribute to this relationship have not received recent scientific study. The purpose of this study was to determine how the different clubhead mass distributions in a blade 5-iron and a cavity-back 5-iron affect clubhead presentation and ball launch conditions. Nine clubhead presentation variables and four ball launch variables were measured for ten discrete impact locations and five face angles during swings using a golf robot. Group means were analysed statistically using an independent samples approach to identify differences and linear regression was used to indicate relationships between key launch variables. The cavity-back showed higher effective clubhead loft with greater total ball spin than the blade, despite having matched static lofts, whilst also providing more consistent launch outcomes across a range of impact locations. Evidence of the phenomenon known as the ‘gear effect’ was found for the cavity-back, but not the blade, suggesting that the threshold at which the clubhead’s centre of gravity (CG) is deep enough to detect the gear effect lies between the CGs of the two 5-iron types. These novel robot test findings lend support to the perceived performance benefits of perimeter-weighted irons; whether these effects translate to human golfer swings is reported in Part II of this paper.
Axial spondyloarthritis and axial psoriatic arthritis: similar or different disease spectrum?
Authors: Benavent Diego , Plasencia-Rodríguez Chamaida , Franco-Gómez Karen , Nieto Romina , Monjo-Henry Irene , Peiteado Diana , Balsa Alejandro , Navarro-Compán Victoria
Published: November 2020

Aims:

First, to compare clinical features and biological disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) response in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and axial psoriatic arthritis (axPsA). Second, to identify possible predictors of treatment response in both entities.

Methods:

One-year follow-up, observational, single-center study including all patients with axSpA or axPsA who started bDMARDs therapy. Clinical features were collected at baseline while disease activity was measured at baseline, 6 and 12 months by the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score and the Physician Global Assessment. The frequency of patients achieving inactive disease (ID), low disease activity (LDA), high or very high disease activity and clinical improvement were compared between axSpA and axPsA. Baseline predictor factors for achieving treatment response were identified through regression models, using odds ratio (OR) as an estimate.

Results:

In total, 352 patients were included: 287 (81.5%) axSpA and 65 (18.5%) axPsA. No significant differences at baseline were observed between the two diseases for most of the characteristics. While HLA-B27 positivity was associated with axSpA (OR = 5.4; p < 0.001), peripheral manifestations were associated with axPsA (OR = 4.7; p < 0.001). The frequency of patients with axSpA and axPsA achieving ID/LDA after 6 and 12 months of bDMARDs was comparable: 53% versus 58%, p = 0.5; and 58% versus 60%, p = 0.9, respectively. Both diseases also presented similar clinical improvement. In axSpA and axPsA, male gender seemed to be associated with achieving LDA [OR at 12 months visit = 2.8 ( p < 0.01) and 2.7 ( p = 0.09)].

Conclusion:

In clinical practice, patients with axSpA and axPsA present numerous similarities, including comparable medium-term clinical response to bDMARDs. Male gender could be a predictor of treatment response in both diseases.Keyword: axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, axial involvement, clinical characteristics
Quadriceps Strength and Kinesiophobia Predict Long-Term Function After ACL Reconstruction: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
Authors: Van Wyngaarden Joshua J. , Jacobs Cale , Thompson Katherine , Eads Molly , Johnson Darren , Ireland Mary Lloyd , Noehren Brian
Published: November 2020

Background:

Many patients live with long-term deficits in knee function after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). However, research is inconclusive as to which physical performance measure is most strongly related to long-term patient-reported outcomes after ACLR.

Hypothesis:

Quadriceps strength would be most strongly associated with patient-reported long-term outcomes after ACLR.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

A total of 40 patients (29 female) consented and participated an average of 10.9 years post-ACLR (range, 5-20 years). Patients completed the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Scale, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Quality of Life (KOOS QoL) and Sport (KOOS Sport) subscales, and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-17). Each patient subsequently performed maximal isometric quadriceps contraction, a 60-second single-leg step-down test, and the single-leg single hop and triple hop for distance tests. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models determined how performance testing was associated with each patient-reported outcome when controlling for time since surgery, age, and TSK-17.

Results:

When controlling for time since surgery, age at the time of consent, and TSK-17 score, maximal isometric quadriceps strength normalized to body weight was the sole physical performance measure associated with IKDC ( P < 0.001), KOOS Sport ( P = 0.006), KOOS QoL ( P = 0.001), and LEFS scores ( P < 0.001). Single-leg step-down, single hop, and triple hop did not enter any of the linear regression models ( P > 0.20). Additionally, TSK-17 was associated with all patient-reported outcomes ( P ≤ 0.01) while time since surgery was not associated with any outcomes ( P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Isometric quadriceps strength and kinesiophobia are significantly associated with long-term patient-reported outcomes after ACLR.

Clinical Relevance:

These results suggest that training to improve quadriceps strength and addressing kinesiophobia in the late stages of recovery from ACLR may improve long-term self-reported function.
Connected solitude: Mobile phone use by Spanish transhumant livestock farmers
Authors: Vidal-González Pablo , Fernández-Piqueras Rocío
Published: November 2020

From time immemorial, transhumant livestock farmers have continued to work in the countryside, living an intense and symbolic form of social distancing. Their work consists of moving around with their herd or flock, mainly sheep, so they can provide their animals with the best pastures. This research study, using ethnographic techniques, located and interviewed a group of livestock farmers to understand how the use of smartphones has changed their professional and social habits. Even now in modern times, this group still lives in isolation, working alone in the mountains. However, they have also been undergoing profound change due to the development of virtual social networks and information channels, mainly through groups in online applications. This enables them to keep fully up to date with all the topics they are interested in. This new connectivity has allowed them to make better-informed financial decisions based on more and better information. It has also meant they can produce proposals for joint action when faced with problems that affect them as a group. Lastly, the widespread use of mobile phones has increased their ability to communicate with friends and family, breaking previously held social taboos and barriers.