bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of graphene–carbon nanotubes and processing parameters on electrical and dielectric properties of polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Uyor UO , Popoola API , Popoola OM , Aigbodion VS
Published: April 2021

In this study, the effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanosheets (GNs) on the microstructure, electrical conductivity and relative dielectric permittivity of polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites were investigated in relation to the melt compounding parameters. Although CNTs/GNs can significantly improve the conductivity and permittivity of PP nanocomposites, more significant results can be obtained by using optimal fabrication parameters. For optimal melt processing parameters using Taguchi optimization method, electrical conductivity and relative dielectric permittivity of about 3.08 × 10−5 S/m and 158.97 were achieved, whereas only about 1.34 × 10−11 S/m and 2.02 were measured for pure PP respectively. Therefore, this study showcased optimal melt compounding process parameters for the endless future research on PP-CNTs/GNs nanocomposites for various advanced engineering applications. This will also guide future research on the uniform use of melt fabrication parameters for proximity in comparison of results published on PP-CNTs/GNs nanocomposites.
Microstructural and mechanical studies of multi-walled CNTs/Mg composite fabricated through FSP
Authors: Mishra Mayank , Iqbal Md Manzar , Arka Girija N , Singh Subhash
Published: April 2021

Flourishing trend of aerospace and automobile applications endlessly demand for significantly higher encouraging performance lightweight materials. Potentially Magnesium got limelight for having lightweight physical property and thus has great potential to energize mechanical property by making its composites. Therefore, magnesium composite was fabricated by incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as reinforcement into magnesium matrix at volume percentages 10, 20 and 30, respectively through friction stir processing (FSP). Furthermore, the effect of MWCNTs was investigated and validated through various characterizations. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation ensured the existence of parent phases of materials. The mechanical properties of MWCNT/Mg composites such as tensile strength and micro hardness were investigated and found optimum results at 20 vol% MWCNTs. The optimum upsurge in tensile strength attained was twice relative to pure magnesium. Moreover, the wear test was conducted to analyse the wear behaviour. Since the grain growth was obstructed by MWCNTs reinforcement and encouraged to enrich grain refinement, thus the wear resistance was improved. However, the mechanical properties deteriorated beyond 20% due to clustering of reinforcement revealed from fracture study.
Women specialist managers in Australia – Where are we now? Where to next?
Authors: Westcott Mark
Published: April 2021

Management as an occupation has become increasingly feminised in Australia over the last two decades. This article focuses specifically on specialist managers, answering the question of where we are now in terms of gender equity. It charts the increasing but uneven growth of women’s employment among specialist management occupations. Women remain concentrated into a relatively small number of management specialisations and it is argued that there is a gendering of certain management roles which is reflected in the value attached to these roles. Using data sourced from the Australian Tax Office, the article shows that men earn higher income across all specialist management groups, including those that are highly feminised, and higher salary across all specialisations excepting one – childcare directors. Evidence is presented detailing the relativities between management specialisations, showing a variation between men and women in terms of rank. Women are much less valued in some management specialisations, such as finance. Men are much less valued in others, such as childcare. The article concludes by speculating how greater gender equity can be achieved among specialist managers but observes that ‘management’ and ‘male’ are still tightly connected.
Unions and collective bargaining in Australia in 2020
Authors: Bray Mark , Macneil Johanna , Spiess Leslee
Published: April 2021

The sudden and dramatic lockdowns in Australia resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic brought great uncertainty and much change during 2020. This review concentrates on the impacts of these contextual changes on Australian unions and collective bargaining. Union efforts to cooperate with governments in policy-making and with employers at a workplace level were greeted with applause. But other arenas, as the crisis moderated, saw more traditional adversarialism. In particular, the failure of the parties to agree on legislative change meant that the government’s ‘omnibus’ bill, presented to parliament in December, would prove controversial and strongly contested in the new year. The structure and process of collective bargaining seemed to change remarkably little in 2020. A closer examination of the practice and outcomes of collective bargaining, however, suggests continued difficult times for workers and unions.
Union framing of gender equality and the elusive potential of equality bargaining in a difficult climate
Authors: Kirton Gill
Published: April 2021

This article explores why equality bargaining appears to remain underdeveloped despite its widely acknowledged potential for tackling workplace inequalities. The concept from social movement theory of ‘framing’ is utilised to assess the prospects of moving from ‘where we are’. Findings from a study of UK-based union equality actors discuss unceasing efforts on their part to shift equality from the margins to the centre of union bargaining activity. As regards ‘where to next’, Equality Officers’ strategic deployment of the longstanding union equality frames of ‘women’s issues’ and ‘gender mainstreaming’ challenges taken-for-granted social practices within unions, offering some optimism that creative strategies can help to inject equality frames into traditional union frames, thus producing an expanded and inclusive notion of union solidarity. However, this framing activity occurs within existing opportunity structures with all their facilitative and inhibitive factors, including resistant union officers and reps, which previous research has highlighted. Therefore, a less optimistic vision is that the weight of union tradition that has long privileged male interests, combined with contemporary hostile bargaining conditions, are just too great for equality bargaining to reach its full potential.
Elementary Teachers’ Intervention Fidelity in Relation to Reading and Vocabulary Outcomes for Students at Risk for Reading-Related Disabilities
Authors: Varghese Cheryl , Bratsch-Hines Mary , Aiken Heather , Vernon-Feagans Lynne
Published: April 2021

Teachers’ implementation of differentiated supplemental instruction is critical to help students with or at risk for reading-related disabilities acquire early reading and vocabulary skills. This study represents an initial investigation of whether classroom teachers’ intervention fidelity (exposure, adherence, and quality) of targeted reading instruction (TRI, formerly called targeted reading intervention), a professional development program with embedded student intervention and weekly webcam literacy coaching support, was related to spring reading and oral vocabulary gains for students at risk for reading-related disabilities. The study also examined whether teachers’ years of participation in TRI (1 year vs. 2 years) moderated associations between intervention fidelity and students’ reading and oral vocabulary outcomes. Findings suggested that teachers’ adherence to TRI strategies was directly associated with students’ vocabulary gains as well as word reading skills for teachers in their second year of participation. Furthermore, when teachers provided students with more TRI exposure during their second year of participation, students made greater gains in word reading and reading comprehension.
Is governmental and societal discrimination against Muslim minorities behind foreign fighters in Syria and Iraq?
Authors: Mishali-Ram Meirav , Fox Jonathan
Published: April 2021

This study asks whether governmental and societal discrimination against Muslim minorities explains the outflow of foreign fighters from non-Muslim-majority countries to Syria and Iraq. We use data from the ICSR, Soufan Group, Pokalova (2018), and RASM datasets to examine the connection between discrimination directed at Muslim minorities and the number of foreign fighters originating in a country. We apply grievance-based theory to examine whether minority-specific objective discrimination is behind the phenomenon. We find little evidence that discrimination increases the outflow of foreign fighters, but this outflow is higher from wealthier countries. The findings indicate that if grievances are a motivation for individuals to become foreign fighters, they are not connected to objective discrimination. This implies that at least some of the grievances relate to personal circumstances or that immigrant minorities are more likely to perceive inequality in wealthier countries.
The Role of UBI in Mitigating the Effects of Psychosocial Stressors: A Review and Proposal
Authors: Gupta Rashmi , Jacob Jemima , Bansal Gaurav
Published: April 2021

Psychosocial stressors and social disadvantages contribute to inequalities in opportunities and outcomes. In the current paper, we use an epidemiological perspective and highlight the role stress plays on individuals by reviewing the outcomes of major stressors such as poverty and unemployment. We further analyzed the psychological and physical cost of these stressors and their long-term impact. We examined the role of universal basic income and closely looked at income experiments that were implemented in the past, in terms of their effectiveness in enhancing the community as well as individual outcomes and propose the UBI as a tool for alleviating the impact of these stressors. At a time when a major pandemic (e.g., COVID-19) threatens economic stability and health globally, we believe the UBI is relevant now, more than ever.
Association Between Self-Esteem and Happiness Among Adolescents in Malaysia: The Mediating Role of Motivation
Authors: Yap Chin-Choo , Mohamad Som Rohaiza Binti , Sum Xin Ying , Tan Soon-Aun , Yee Kai Wen
Published: April 2021

Adolescence is the developmental process of becoming an adult. This journey of physical and psychological maturation is filled with challenges and hormonal chaos, and teenagers experience unhappiness at times. From a psychological perspective, this study aimed to examine the association between motivation, self-esteem and happiness; and to explore the mediating role of motivation in the association between self-esteem and happiness among adolescents in Malaysia. 480 secondary school students were recruited using a multistage cluster sampling method and answered the Malay versions of the Subjective Happiness, Brief Motivation and Rosenberg Self-esteem scales. Both self-esteem and motivation were found positively correlated to happiness. The hypothetical mediating role of motivation on the association between self-esteem and happiness was also supported, indicating that individuals with higher self-esteem have higher motivation which may result in greater happiness. Since the direct association between self-esteem and happiness remained significant, a partial mediation of adolescents’ motivation between self-esteem and happiness is indicated. The results showed that perceived self-esteem plays a role in predicting happiness and the presence of motivation enhances happiness, providing an insight to nurture happier adolescents for parents and educators in Malaysia.
COVID-19 Case Surveillance: Trends in Person-Level Case Data Completeness, United States, April 5–September 30, 2020
Authors: Gold Jeremy A.W. , DeCuir Jennifer , Coyle Jayme P. , Duca Lindsey M. , Adjemian Jennifer , Anderson Kayla N. , Baack Brittney N. , Bhattarai Achuyt , Dee Deborah , Durant Tonji M. , Ewetola Raimi , Finlayson Teresa , Roush Sandra W. , Yin Shaoman , Jackson Brendan R. , Fullerton Kathleen E.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To obtain timely and detailed data on COVID-19 cases in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses 2 data sources: (1) aggregate counts for daily situational awareness and (2) person-level data for each case (case surveillance). The objective of this study was to describe the sensitivity of case ascertainment and the completeness of person-level data received by CDC through national COVID-19 case surveillance.

Methods

We compared case and death counts from case surveillance data with aggregate counts received by CDC during April 5–September 30, 2020. We analyzed case surveillance data to describe geographic and temporal trends in data completeness for selected variables, including demographic characteristics, underlying medical conditions, and outcomes.

Results

As of November 18, 2020, national COVID-19 case surveillance data received by CDC during April 5–September 30, 2020, included 4 990 629 cases and 141 935 deaths, representing 72.7% of the volume of cases (n = 6 863 251) and 71.8% of the volume of deaths (n = 197 756) in aggregate counts. Nationally, completeness in case surveillance records was highest for age (99.9%) and sex (98.8%). Data on race/ethnicity were complete for 56.9% of cases; completeness varied by region. Data completeness for each underlying medical condition assessed was <25% and generally declined during the study period. About half of case records had complete data on hospitalization and death status.

Conclusions

Incompleteness in national COVID-19 case surveillance data might limit their usefulness. Streamlining and automating surveillance processes would decrease reporting burdens on jurisdictions and likely improve completeness of national COVID-19 case surveillance data.
SNAP Participants and High Levels of Food Insecurity in the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Siddiqi Sameer M. , Cantor Jonathan , Dastidar Madhumita Ghosh , Beckman Robin , Richardson Andrea S. , Baird Matthew D. , Dubowitz Tamara
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionately strained households experiencing poverty, particularly Black and Latino households. Food insecurity, which entails having limited or uncertain access to a sufficient quantity of nutritious food, is a key pandemic-related consequence. We examined how people enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have been affected by the pandemic, particularly Black participants and participants residing in food deserts.

Methods

Using survey data from a longitudinal cohort study of predominantly Black low-income adults aged ≥18 residing in urban food deserts in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, we examined changes in food insecurity and SNAP participation before COVID-19 (2018) and early in the COVID-19 pandemic (March–May 2020). We modeled changes in food insecurity from 2018 to 2020 via covariate-adjusted logistic regression.

Results

Food insecurity increased significantly among participants enrolled in SNAP and surveyed in both 2018 and 2020 (from 25.9% in 2018 to 46.9% in 2020; P < .001). Compared with cohort participants not enrolled in SNAP at both points, cohort participants enrolled in SNAP in 2018 and 2020 had the highest rates of using a food bank in 2020 (44.4%) and being newly food insecure in 2020 (28.9%) (ie, they were food insecure in 2020 but not in 2018).

Conclusions

Food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic increased among low-income Black households enrolled in SNAP and residing in a food desert. Public health recovery efforts might focus on modifying SNAP to improve the food security of people experiencing poverty.
Exploring legacies of the baby boomers in the twenty-first century
Authors: Martin Greg , Roberts Steven
Published: April 2021

As the baby boomers neared retirement at the turn of the twentieth century, attention focused on what the future might look like for both them and succeeding generations. Public discourse about boomers often depicts them as a selfish and narcissistic generation that have benefitted from the largesse of the modern welfare state yet seem intent on denying those benefits to their children and grandchildren. Millennials have similarly been condemned as a ‘snowflake’ generation unwilling to accept the responsibilities of full-blown adulthood, though, unlike the boomers, they have experienced the negative effects of late capitalism, such as job insecurity, student debt and housing unaffordability. Sometimes disparities between boomers and millennials have been seen as producing a ‘generations war’. However, using generation as shorthand for what are often more complex issues suffers ‘generationalism’ insofar as it belies intragenerational heterogeneity, among other things. Drawing on sociological conceptions of generation, it is an aim of this article, and the contributions contained in this Special Issue, to explore the veracity of claims made around generations, ‘generations at war’ and the legacies of baby boomers.
The Role of Civil Society in Political Repression: The UK Prevent Counter-Terrorism Programme
Authors: Massoumi Narzanin
Published: April 2021

Research on social movements shows a bias towards movements that oppose the status quo. Consequently, state–movement relations are primarily characterised as antagonistic. Where cooperative relationships are considered, the focus is on co-option and institutionalisation of movements. By contrast, this article focuses on social movements that support the status quo and how in their collaborations with governmental actors, they act as para-statal agencies. Drawing on findings from a multi-site ethnography examining the implementation of the UK Prevent counter-terrorism programme, I show how neoconservative think tanks and counter-extremism civil society organisations help to enact and extend Prevent as a distinct form of political repression. As such, this article gives close attention to the otherwise neglected role that non-state actors play in non-violent political repression. My argument builds on and extends emerging work analysing social movement activity beyond the prism of the ‘challengers versus authorities’ paradigm.
The Effect of Perceived Value, Trust, and Commitment on Patient Loyalty in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Ing-Chung , Du Pey-Lan , Lin Long-Sheng , Liu Ting-Yu , Lin Tsai-Fei , Huang Wei-Chang
Published: April 2021

Increasing patient loyalty through improved health care quality and patient–provider relationships becomes the key factor in medical providers’ successes. This study explored the mediated relationship of patients’ perceived value, patient commitment, and patient loyalty and the moderating effect of patient trust on the mediated relationship. A cross-sectional research design was adopted. Mediation and moderated mediation were tested using the PROCESS macro v3.5 for the SPSS supplement. Convenience sampling was used for the distribution of questionnaires to members of the public with experience of seeking medical attention in Taiwan. Among the 254 valid questionnaires recovered, 59.4% of the respondents were male, 38.6% were married, 90.2% were in the 20 to 49 year age range, and 54.7% had a bachelor’s degree or above. This study indicated a significant mediated relationship among patients’ perceived value of medical services, commitment to the patient–provider relationship, and patient loyalty. Furthermore, when the patient demonstrated higher levels of trust in a healthcare provider, the relationship of perceived value, commitment, and patient loyalty was also enhanced. This study discussed and demonstrated the effect of perceived value, trust, and commitment on patient loyalty. The research suggests that improving patient loyalty benefits sustainable operation of medical providers and the treatment effects for patients.
Gazing at the Gazers: An Investigation of Travel Advertisement Modality Interference
Authors: Zhao Tong , Wong IpKin Anthony , Tong Pan , Li Nao , Xiong Xiling
Published: April 2021

Tourists are often exposed to imagery of a destination through advertisement modalities such as texts and pictures before they visit the place. This research used an eye-tracking technique to examine the effect of spatial and modality configurations on tourist destination advertisement attention and travel intention. Drawing on multiple resource theory and based on two 4 (spatial displacement) × 3 (modality) experiments, results reveal that spatial location and modality have an impact on tourist attention with respect to their dwell time and fixation counts, which lead to greater propensity to visit a place. In addition, tourists paid more attention to advertisements that occupy congruent attentional resources than to those using interference resources.
Rethinking the use of disruptive pop-up encounters for transformation: A missional reading of Acts 8:26–40
Authors: Mashau Thinandavha Derrick
Published: April 2021

Socio-economic, political and religious pop-ups are a normal feature in the global context. While some are disruptive and annoying, others can be very useful. This article, through a missional reading of Acts 8:26–40, seeks to draw missiological lessons from disruptive pop-up encounter(s) in this text. A missional reading of Acts 8:26–40 discovered that the Holy Spirit is not only the author of Christian mission, but also the pop-up Spirit of God, who prompted pop-up encounters between two strangers whose pop-up experience became an encounter that transformed their search for meaning, understanding, transformative ecclesiologies and the praxes thereof. Therefore, disruptive pop-up encounters, creatively embraced and used, are able to generate encountering conversations that are liberating and transforming.
Associate Degree Sociology Education in Hong Kong: An Exploratory Study Based on Student Focus Groups
Authors: Chung Sheung-man
Published: April 2021

This study adopted a case-study approach to examine how associate degree sociology graduates evaluate their learning in a Hong Kong community college. Through focus group interviews, the learning experiences of sociology graduates were examined, specifically paying attention to their identification of enhancements in learning. The results of this examination indicate that the delivery of sociology education requires a strong emphasis on the integration of acquisition of sociology knowledge with social practice. It is important to consider how the curriculum engages the worldview of students beyond the personal and allows them to directly experience the social in a way that reflects what is going on around them. This study contributes to the discussion on the quality of associate degree education in Hong Kong and highlights the centrality of examining the issue from the point of view of students, particularly in the context of outcome-based education.
Diminishing Returns? Threshold Effects of Dispositions and Recidivism Among Court-Involved Girls
Authors: McKenna Nicole C. , Anderson Valerie R.
Published: April 2021

This study examines juvenile court responses among justice-involved girls. We analyze 10 years of court records on girls ( N = 1,102) from a Midwestern juvenile court to assess the impact of various aspects of placements and dispositions on recidivism outcomes. We explore how the number of dispositions girls receive, the type of disposition, and type of placement affect 2-year recidivism. Our findings indicate there may be a threshold effect to receiving dispositions—receiving three or more dispositions was significantly related to increased recidivism. Furthermore, the combination of receiving both treatment and sanction dispositions was significantly related to an increased likelihood of recidivism. Girls who received only community-based placements were more likely to recidivate than those who did not receive any dispositions. This study advances our understanding of court responses to girls and how these responses influence girls’ experiences and outcomes while involved with the juvenile justice system.
On the Origins of Forecast Walk-Downs: A Macro-to-Micro Perspective
Authors: Patatoukas Panos N. , Yezegel Ari , Zeng Jieyin
Published: April 2021

We document a walk-down in gross domestic product (GDP) growth projections that is akin to that in sell-side analysts’ earnings forecasts. While the walk-down in earnings forecasts has been generally attributed to the strategic interplay between corporate managers and sell-side analysts, professional macro forecasters affiliated with the Federal Reserve are less susceptible to outside pressure. Our evidence shows that countercyclical variation in forecasting difficulty, due to asymmetry in the steepness of economic downturns relative to upturns, is relevant in explaining the walk-down in macro forecasts. Without rejecting the expectations game between managers and sell-side analysts, our article offers a more auspicious characterization of forecast walk-downs whereby such patterns can surface even without conditioning on strategic incentives for bias. An overarching implication is that research on the properties of sell-side analysts’ forecasts should consider strategic incentives for bias interacted with information about the state of the economy and heterogeneity in the cyclical exposure of individual firms.
High Expectations, Limited Options: How Gifted Students Living in Poverty Approach the Demands of AP Coursework
Authors: Szymanski Antonia (Toni)
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of advanced students who live in poverty and their choices regarding taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Ten urban high school students were interviewed regarding their decision-making process regarding coursework to investigate supports or barriers that exist. Four themes became apparent: Gifted students take advanced classes for challenge and to decrease boredom; internalized messages about what it means to be smart influenced decisions regarding taking advanced classes; external influences could apply positive or negative pressure that affect the decision to take AP courses; and it is difficult for gifted students to find balance between the stress of the AP workload and time management with working and trying to fit in other interests. The themes reflected the complex interplay of internal and external forces that influence whether or not students take AP courses regardless of high academic ability.
The Socialization of Unpaid Family Caregivers: A Scoping Review
Authors: McAllum Kirstie , Simpson Mary Louisa , Unson Christine , Fox Stephanie , Kilpatrick Kelley
Published: April 2021

As unpaid family caregiving of older adults becomes increasingly prevalent, it is imperative to understand how family caregivers are socialized and how they understand the caregiving role. This PRISMA-ScR-based scoping review examines the published literature between 1995–2019 on the socialization of potential and current unpaid family caregivers of older adults. Of 4,599 publications identified, 47 were included. Three perspectives of socialization were identified: (1) role acculturation; (2) role negotiation and identification; and (3) specialized role learning. The findings show how socialization involves different contexts (e.g., cultures), imperatives for action (e.g., circumstances), socialization agents (e.g., family), processes (e.g., modeling), and internal (e.g., normalization) and external (e.g., identification) consequences for caregivers. Future research could fruitfully explore how caregivers manage key turning points within the socialization process, disengage from the caregiving role, and negotiate the socialization and individualization processes within diverse cultural and funding contexts.
Democracy without democrats, identity-formation and religions: The challenge of cross-pollinating self-perception in the post-Arabic spring contexts
Authors: Awad Najib George
Published: April 2021

A decade has passed since the breaking out of the ‘Arabic Spring’ revolutionary phenomena all over the Arab World’s societies. Many challenging and radically intriguing developments and ramifications have eventuated out of that era and led the Arab World’s context into unchartered territories of existence and self-understanding. This essay pauses at one of the particular challenges that faces this Sitz im Leben, namely the question of identity-formation and self-perception processes. It argues that the Arab states do manifest in their political and statehood situations a political situation of democracy that is run by ‘non-democrats’. The essay then suggests that this democracy of non-democrats is the outcome of the prevalence of an identity-formation and self-perception rationales that are rooted in crudely religious Weltanschauung that, far from maintaining distinction and particularity individually and communally, turns alterity into a self-otherizing dogma expressive of contrariety and stark divisive and discriminative relatedness to the other. The essay, finally, suggests that liberating the identity-formation process from the dogmatic attempt at turning religion into ‘identity’ per se is the first required step towards a more cross-pollinating and symbiotic relationality between the different persons and groups who live in that context.
How do political decision-making processes affect the acceptability of decisions? Results from a survey experiment
Authors: Nakatani Miho
Published: April 2021

This study aims to identify the types of city council decision-making processes that influence public perceptions of procedural fairness and the acceptability of decisions. Using an online experimental scenario survey conducted in Japan, this study found that, given the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process and when the decision is reached through a compromise among council members, people tend to feel that the process is fair and accept the decision even when it is unfavourable to them. This result is important for the governance of many advanced countries with low economic growth rates but great public demands. Additionally, this study highlights the process preferences of the public, which has received little attention compared with research on policy preferences.
Unusual association of isolation of right pulmonary artery in absent pulmonary valve syndrome
Authors: Sivakumar Kothandam , Mohakud Asish Ranjan , Agarwal Ravi
Published: April 2021

Absence of arterial duct, a sixth aortic arch derivative, plays an important etiologic role in Tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve syndrome. When fetal ductus is absent, the large right ventricular stroke volume dilates the pulmonary trunk leading to pulmonary regurgitation. A proximal extension of the embryonic insult to the entire left sixth arch causes absence of the left pulmonary artery, a common association of absent pulmonary valve syndrome. On the contrary, absence of right pulmonary artery is not reported in absent pulmonary valve syndrome. A rare combination of tetralogy, absent pulmonary valve syndrome and isolation of a hypoplastic right pulmonary artery offered challenges to diagnosis and management.
Consumption of carbonated soft drinks among Ghanaian adolescents: associations with socio-demographic factors, health risk factors and psychological distress
Authors: Atorkey Prince , Akwei Mariam , Asare-Doku Winifred
Published: April 2021

Background:

Carbonated soft drinks consumption is associated with weight gain and other chronic diseases.

Aim:

To examine whether socio-demographic factors, health risk factors and psychological distress are associated with carbonated soft drink consumption among adolescents in selected senior high schools in Ghana.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the 2012 Ghana Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). Participants consisted of 1756 school-going adolescents sampled using a two-stage cluster sampling method. Binomial logistic regression was used to determine whether socio-demographic factors, health risk factors and psychological distress were associated with consumption of soft drinks.

Results:

The prevalence of carbonated soft drinks consumption was 34.9%. Males (odds ratio (OR) = 0.73 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.59–0.92); p = 0.007), and participants with high socio-economic status (OR = 0.76 (95% CI 0.48–0.97); p = 0.033) had smaller odds for consumption of soft drinks. Also, adolescents in Senior High School (SHS) 3 (OR = 0.72 (95% CI 0.53–0.97); p = 0.034) and SHS 4 (OR = 0.63 (95% CI 0.43–0.91); p = 0.014) had smaller odds for soft drinks intake compared to those in SHS 1. Health risk factors associated with greater odds of high soft drink consumption were tobacco use (OR = 1.68, (95% CI 1.07–2.65); p = 0.025), fast food consumption (OR = 1.88, (95% CI 1.47–2.41); p = 0.011) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.43, (95% CI 1.02–1.99); p = 0.039). Consuming adequate fruit (OR = 0.19 (95% CI 0.15–0.24); p = 0.000) and adequate vegetable (OR = 0.55 (95% CI 0.34–0.87); p = 0.011) were associated with lower odds for soft drink consumption. Adolescents who reported feeling anxious had smaller odds for soft drink intake (OR = 0.65, (95% CI 0.47–0.91); p = 0.011).

Conclusions:

The findings from this study show that socio-demographic characteristics, health risk factors and psychological distress are associated with the soft drink consumption among adolescents in Ghana. Interventions aimed at reducing soft drink consumption and other health risk factors are needed.
Dalit Conversion Memories in Colonial Kerala and Decolonisation of knowledge
Authors: Paul Vinil Baby
Published: April 2021

This article seeks to decolonise knowledge of the conventional history of Dalits’ Christian conversion and its implications in colonial Kerala. As the missionary archive is the only source of Dalit Christian history writing in Kerala, in this historiography social historians have been unable to include the memories of Protestant missionary work at the local level by the local people themselves. Their experiences and rich accounts are marked by dramatic actions to gain socio-economic freedom and to establish a safe environment with the scope for future development. This article identifies how Dalit Christians themselves, in a specific locality, remember their conversion history, suggesting thereby the scope for a valuable addition to the archive.
Ambivalent sexism and relationship adjustment among young adult couples: An actor-partner interdependence model
Authors: Lachance-Grzela Mylène , Liu Bingyu , Charbonneau Andréanne , Bouchard Geneviève
Published: April 2021

This study examined the associations between ambivalent sexism (i.e., hostile and benevolent sexism) and relationship adjustment in young adult couples by testing an actor-partner interdependence model. The sample was composed of 219 cohabiting heterosexual Canadian couples. The findings suggest that ambivalent sexism plays a role in young adults’ perceptions of the quality of their romantic relationship, but gender differences exist. Women and men who more strongly endorsed hostile sexism tended to report lower relationship adjustment. Women’s hostile sexism was also negatively related to their partners’ relationship adjustment, whereas their benevolent sexism was positively related to their own and their partners’ relationship adjustment. For their part, men’s ambivalent sexism was unrelated to their partners’ relationship adjustment and their benevolent sexism was also unrelated to their own relationship adjustment. The results are discussed in light of the insidious consequences that can accompany ambivalent sexism. Even though hostile sexism functions to protect men’s societal advantages, it comes with costs to their romantic relationships. In contrast, despite the rewards benevolent sexism can bring on the relational level, its endorsement may hinder the attainment of gender equality by encouraging women to invest in their relationship at the expense of independent achievements.
Vancomycin concentrations during cardiopulmonary bypass in pediatric cardiac surgery: a prospective study
Authors: Ferrari Fiorenza , Benegni Simona , Marinari Eleonora , Haiberger Roberta , Garisto Cristiana , Rizza Alessandra , Giorni Chiara , Quattrone Maria Giovanna , Arpicco Silvia , Muntoni Elisabetta , Milla Paola , Ricci Zaccaria
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Few data are available regarding intraoperative plasma concentrations of vancomycin administered as prophylaxis in pediatric cardiac surgery. The aims of this study were to investigate during pediatric cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB) the attainment of the area-under-the-curve of the vancomycin serum concentrations versus time over surgery to minimum inhibitory concentration ratio(AUCintra/MIC) of 400 (mg × h)/l and/or a target concentration of 15–20 mg/l.

Methods:

In a prospective study, 40 patients divided into four subgroups (neonates, infants, children <10 years-old, ⩾10 years-old) undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were enrolled. A slow vancomycin bolus of 20 mg/kg, up to a maximum dose of 1000 mg was administered before skin incision and a further dose of 10 mg/kg (up to 500 mg) at CPB start. Vancomycin samples were collected intraoperatively at four time points.

Results:

The median (interquartile range) age was 241.5 days (47–3898) and the median weight was 7.1 kg (3.1–37). The median AUCintra/MIC was 254.73 (165.89–508.06). In 11 patients the AUCintra/MIC target was not reached. Neonates displayed the lowest AUCintra/MIC values, and these were significantly lower than those of children ⩾10 years old (p = 0.02). Vancomycin concentrations were above the maximal target of 20 mg/l in 82.5% and 80% of patients at surgery and CPB start, respectively. At CPB and surgery end, 42.5% of patients showed vancomycin concentrations above 20 mg/l and 42.5% below 15 mg/l. Patients⩾10 years old showed the highest peak values whereas neonates were those with the lowest troughs. AUCintra/MIC correlated with age(r:0.36, p = 0.02), weight(r:0.35, p = 0.03), intraoperative protein value(r:0.40, p = 0.01), CPB priming volume/kg(r:−0.33, p = 0.04), CPB duration(r:0.36, p = 0.02) and vancomycin troughs(r:0.35, p = 0.04).

Conclusions:

An AUCintra/MIC ⩾400 target was not reached in one-quarter of children undergoing heart surgery. Vancomycin peaked before the start of surgery and neonates were those with the lowest troughs. Vancomycin concentrations are affected by CPB hemodilution and by patients’ age and weight.
Influencing information systems practice: The action principles approach applied to robotic process and cognitive automation
Authors: Lacity Mary , Willcocks Leslie , Gozman Daniel
Published: April 2021

The article formalizes an action principles approach for investigating and influencing the adoption of emerging information systems phenomena, particularly for new technologies. It draws upon recent research into robotic process and cognitive automation to demonstrate the concepts and methodology for a further mode of research into practice that is distinguishable from action research and design science. The authors present definitions, research assumptions, and evaluation criteria and provide a six-step process for generating a set of action principles, updatable by new empirical evidence. The process is illustrated by research into 22 automation cases that eventually arrived at 39 action principles for effective deployment of the automation technologies under review. The major objective is to provide guidelines to prospective researchers. A secondary objective is to provide major insights into the management of robotic process and cognitive automation. This provides opportunities for further theorization and research by academics, and more considered action by practitioners. The authors also discuss the value and limitations of the action principles approach, and how the knowledge generated can be disseminated. The article offers a way of doing research on the applied side of information systems that is timely, does justice to the phenomena under investigation, and provides insights for multiple parties.
Significance of Informal Learning and Literacy in Health Promotion in Rural Kenya: Seeking Maasai Women’s Voices
Authors: Takayanagi Taeko
Published: April 2021

Aiming to understand how Maasai women use informal learning and literacy to access to health information and improve well-being of their family at the village level, this qualitative study explores the significance of village based informal learning and literacy in maintain good health among village women and girls in the male-dominated community in rural Kenya. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, informal conversations and observations. 15 Village women, 12 women’s group leaders and 10 government officials were interviewed during an intensive six-month field study in Kenya. The information obtained from the interviews was analysed thematically and as narrative case studies. Results indicate that the village women initiate manageable health promotion activities to improve the well-being of their family and community via informal learning and literacy approaches. The study also concludes that the interviewed Maasai women developed their own effective communication mechanism to improve the situation of gender inequality in their community.
One-stop hybrid surgery for treatment of complex Stanford type B aortic dissection
Authors: Guo Yongzhong , Shao Jinjie , Shi Wenjian , Tian Mei , Li Ling , Ermek Tangsakar , Zhang Zonggang
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To compare the efficacy and prognosis of one-stop hybrid surgery using the elephant trunk procedure for treatment of complex Stanford type B aortic dissection.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent surgical treatment from January 2014 to July 2019. The patients were divided into those who underwent the elephant trunk procedure (n = 10) and those who underwent one-stop hybrid surgery (n = 10). The cardiopulmonary bypass time, mechanical ventilation time, length of hospital stay, and red blood cell usage were compared between the two groups. All patients’ 3-month postoperative aortic computed tomography angiography (CTA) findings were also reviewed.

Results

The cardiopulmonary bypass time, mechanical ventilation time, and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter and red blood cell usage was significantly lower in the one-stop hybridization group. The aortic cross-clamp time was not significantly different between the two groups. Aortic CTA review after hybrid surgery showed that the true lumen of the descending aorta was almost completely restored at 3 months.

Conclusion

One-stop hybrid surgery effectively alleviated the occlusion of the aortic dissection, prevented the need for additional surgery, and expanded the indications for covered-stent endovascular repair.
Association between renal urolithiasis after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy therapy and new-onset hypertension: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Qiao , Liang Rui , Huang Yi , Tan Chunlin , Zhu Guangqiang , Chen Yanjun , Cao Liang , Zou Bing , Li Xin , Wang Haiyun , Wang Xiaojun , Tang Tielong , Wu Tao
Published: April 2021

Objective

The long-term effect of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) is still controversial. A previous meta-analysis showed no association between new-onset hypertension and entire upper urinary urolithiasis after SWL. Recently, there have been some reports on this topic. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association between new-onset hypertension and nephrolithiasis after SWL therapy.

Methods

Embase, the Cochrane Central Search Library, and PubMed were used to search for reports on new-onset hypertension and patients with nephrolithiasis after SWL. A meta-analysis of the association between new-onset hypertension and nephrolithiasis after SWL was carried out. The data of relevant research were synthesized and the relative risk was computed.

Results

Seven eligible studies were included in our meta-analysis. There was a significant association between nephrolithiasis after SWL and new-onset hypertension. The overall relative risk with a 95% confidence interval was 1.21 (1.11–1.31) in a fixed-effects model.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis suggests an association between new-onset hypertension and patients with nephrolithiasis after SWL, which is in contrast with the finding of a previous meta-analysis.
Plasma exosomal miR-596: a novel biomarker predicts survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension
Authors: Huang Yang , Wang Zuo-Gang , Tang Liang , Gong Su-Gang , Sun Yuan-Yuan , Wang Lan , Jiang Rong , Wu Wen-Hui , Luo Ci-Jun , Zhang Jie , Yang Xiao-Jun , Li Jin-Ling , Yuan Xun-Tao , Zhao Qin-Hua , Yuan Ping
Published: April 2021

Objective

To determine if plasma exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) can predict survival in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH).

Methods

The study enrolled patients with IPAH that underwent right heart catheterization. Plasma was collected and exosomal miRNAs were extracted. Exosomes were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy, Western blot analysis and particle size distribution analysis. MiRNAs were evaluated using a miRNA microarray and validated using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

This study included 12 patients with IPAH in the study group and 48 patients with IPAH in the validation group. The mean ± SD follow-up duration was 60.3 ± 35.4 months in the overall cohort. The levels of miR-596 were higher in the nonsurvivors compared with the survivors. The levels of miR-596 significantly correlated with survival time, mean right atrial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and cardiac index. High levels of miR-596 and PVR were significantly associated with poor overall survival. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that exosomal miR-596 (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.119; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.402, 3.203) and PVR (HR = 1.146; 95% CI 1.010, 1.300) were independent predictors of survival.

Conclusions

High levels of plasma exosomal miR-596 were significantly associated with disease severity and poor prognosis of patients with IPAH.
Trends in microbiological profiles and antibiotic resistance in periprosthetic joint infections
Authors: Hu Lifeng , Fu Jun , Zhou Yonggang , Chai Wei , Zhang Guoqiang , Hao Libo , Chen Jiying
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study examined the trends in demographics, the distribution of microorganisms, and antibiotic resistance in patients with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 231 consecutive patients diagnosed with PJI in our hospital from January 2006 to December 2015 (93 and 138 patients diagnosed in 2006–2010 and 2011–2015, respectively). The linear-by-linear chi-squared test was used to assess the trends in demographics, the distribution of microorganisms, and antibiotic resistance.

Results

Gram-positive cocci accounted for 63.9% of all pathogens, and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) accounted for 38.1% of all isolates. The proportion of isolates identified as methicillin-resistant CoNS significantly increased over the study period (39.0% vs. 61.8%). In addition, the proportions of levofloxacin-resistant CoNS (4.9% vs. 21.8%) and Staphylococcus aureus (6.3% vs. 45.0%) isolates significantly increased over the study period. By contrast, the proportions of penicillin-resistant CoNS (82.9% vs. 40.0%) and S. aureus (75.0% vs. 30.0%) isolates decreased over the study period.

Conclusion

Our research revealed changes in the distribution of microorganisms and antibiotic resistance profile of the pathogens responsible for PJI over time, which could complicate treatment. These findings may serve as a reference for strategies to prevent and empirically treat PJI in China.