bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of MWCNT on mechanical characterization of glass/carbon hybrid composites
Authors: Swikker K. Robinston Jeyasingh , Kanagasabapathy H. , Neethi Manickam I.
Published: February 2022

In this present study, the mechanical properties of Glass/Carbon hybrid composite reinforced with epoxy resin with and without multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were investigated. The composite under Experimental analysis were fabricated by using both Hand layup and Vacuum bag moulding processes. The main purpose of including MWCNT as a reinforcement material with epoxy is to reduce the existence of voids or cavities and to enhance the mechanical properties of Glass/Carbon hybrid composites. Because of their extraordinary mechanical properties and high aspect ratio, MWCNTs are considered to be ideal candidates for polymer reinforcement. The percentages of MWCNT selected for the study are 2%, 3% and 4% with the hybrid composites. The effect of MWCNT on mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, impact strength, hardness and percentage of water absorption of the hybrid composites were determined as per American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. The result from the study shows that the mechanical properties of hybrid composites were improved with the addition of small amount of MWCNT than without MWCNT. The fractured specimen from Tensile test is examined by using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX)to study the alignment of the fibres, fibre-matrix adhesion, voids and filler agglomeration. This investigation provides proper guidelines to designers on enhancing mechanical properties of Glass/Carbon composite structures through MWCNT reinforcement for Aircraft structural components.
Effects of shallow cryogenic treatment on surface characteristics and machinability factors in hard turning of AISI 4140 steel
Authors: Rafighi Mohammad
Published: February 2022

Hardened AISI 4140 steel is widely used in automotive industries due to its high strength, high hardness, and good formability. It can be subjected to cryogenic treatments to increase wear resistance, increase the toughness and decrease the residual stress. Although many studies have been performed related to the machinability of AISI 4140 steel, the number of studies that considered four responses simultaneously are limited. In this study, the effects of cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cut on the vibration, motor current, machining noise, and surface roughness were investigated in turning hardened AISI 4140 steel using coated carbide insert under dry cutting conditions. Besides, the attempt was made to predict surface roughness based on machining noise, motor current, and chuck vibration during the turning process. Analysis of variance and response surface methods were carried out to analyze the experimental results and the prediction models were developed. The machining test revealed that the most effective parameter on the surface roughness value was the feed rate with a 96.07% contribution. The depth of cut and the feed rate affected vibration with 57.61% and 26.44% contribution, respectively. The machining noise was dominantly affected by the depth of cut with 76.15% contribution, it was followed by feed rate with 17.67% contribution. However, feed rate and depth of cut significantly affect motor current with 54.53% and 36.64% contribution, respectively. The graphical analysis of the effect of vibration, motor current, and machining noise on the surface roughness was presented. Based on the results, there is a direct relationship between machining noise, vibration, and motor current with surface roughness. As the level of the aforementioned responses increases the quality of the machined surface deteriorates.
Children’s informed signified and voluntary consent to heart surgery: Professionals’ practical perspectives
Authors: Alderson Priscilla , Bellsham-Revell Hannah , Brierley Joe , Dedieu Nathalie , Heath Joanna , Johnson Mae , Johnson Samantha , Katsatis Alexia , Kazmi Romana , King Liz , Mendizabal Rosa , Sutcliffe Katy , Trowell Judith , Vigneswaren Trisha , Wellesley Hugo , Wray Jo
Published: February 2022

Background:

The law and literature about children’s consent generally assume that patients aged under-18 cannot consent until around 12 years, and cannot refuse recommended surgery. Children deemed pre-competent do not have automatic rights to information or to protection from unwanted interventions. However, the observed practitioners tend to inform young children s, respect their consent or refusal, and help them to “want” to have the surgery. Refusal of heart transplantation by 6-year-olds is accepted.

Research question:

What are possible reasons to explain the differences between theories and practices about the ages when children begin to be informed about elective heart surgery, and when their consent or refusal begins to be respected?

Research design, participants and context:

Research methods included reviews of related healthcare, law and ethics literature; observations and conversations with staff and families in two London hospitals; audio-recorded semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 45 healthcare professionals and related experts; interviews and a survey with parents and children aged 6- to 15-years having elective surgery (not reported in this paper); meetings with an interdisciplinary advisory group; thematic analysis of qualitative data and co-authorship of papers with participants.

Ethical considerations:

Approval was granted by four research ethics committees/authorities. All interviewees gave their informed written consent.

Findings:

Interviewees explained their views and experiences about children’s ages of competence to understand and consent or refuse, analysed by their differing emphases on informed, signified or voluntary consent.

Discussion:

Differing views about children’s competence to understand and consent are associated with emphases on consent as an intellectual, practical and/or emotional process. Conclusion: Greater respect for children’s practical signified, emotional voluntary and intellectual informed consent can increase respectful understanding of children’s consent. Nurses play a vital part in children's practitioner-patient relationships and physical care and therefore in all three elements of consent.
Factors influencing public health nurses’ ethical sensitivity during the pandemic
Authors: Seo Hyeji , Kim Kisook
Published: February 2022

Background

Ethical sensitivity is a prerequisite for ethical nursing practices. Efforts to improve nurses’ ethical sensitivity are required to correctly recognise ethical conflicts and for sound decision-making. Because an emerging infectious disease response involves complex ethical issues, it is important to understand the factors that influence public health nurses’ ethical sensitivity while caring for patients with COVID-19, an emerging infectious disease.

Objectives

This study aims to identify the relationship between nursing professionalism, the organisation’s ethical climate, and the ethical sensitivity of nurses who care for emerging infectious disease patients in Korean public health centres. Further, it sought to identify factors influencing ethical sensitivity and the mediating effect of the organisational ethical climate to inform guidelines and improve ethical sensitivity.

Research design

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study.

Participants and research context

Data were collected from February 3 to 8 March 2021. Participants included 167 nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 in public health centres in South Korea.

Ethical consideration

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Chung-Ang University and followed the principles of research ethics.

Results

The factors influencing ethical sensitivity were working at a COVID-19 disease direct response department, nursing professionalism, and organisation’s ethical climate. The organisation’s ethical climate showed a partial mediating effect on the influence of nursing professionalism on ethical sensitivity.

Conclusion

Our findings show that nurses’ ethical sensitivity can be improved by refining the organisation’s ethical climate and nursing professionalism.
Measuring posttraumatic stress disorder following childbirth
Authors: Dobson Hannah , Malpas Charles , Kulkarni Jayashri
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to assess the reliability and construct validity of the City Birth Trauma Scale (BiTS) in Oceania and confirm the latent factor structure of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Methods

Participants completed the City BiTS, demographic and obstetric information via an online survey. Psychometric properties of the City BiTS were investigated using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA).

Results

The study included 195 women, with 39 participating in repeat administration. CFA confirmed a two-factor model which included a birth-related symptom (BRS) subscale and general symptom (GS) subscale. High reliability and construct validity was observed for subscales and total score at baseline and follow-up.

Conclusion

The City BiTS represents a potentially useful tool to assist with screening for postpartum PTSD.
Balance Function in Patients With COPD: A Systematic Review of Measurement Properties
Authors: Wang Cui , Chen Hongbo , Qian Min , Shi Yuexian , Zhang Nan , Shang Shaomei
Published: February 2022

To conduct an overview, evaluation, and synthesis of measurement properties of instruments assessing balance of COPD patients. Electronic searches were performed in Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, WanFang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases up to the end of April 2021. Two reviewers independently evaluated the methodological quality using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instrument checklist, and rated the overall quality level of evidence was graded based upon a modified Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Finally, 12 instruments were included. The Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go test were the most frequently used tools to evaluate balance. None of 12 instruments provide any information regarding cross-cultural validation or criterion validation. High-quality studies exploring measurement properties with a focus on the criterion validity and cross-cultural validity of balance measurements in COPD patients are warranted.
Peer Influence in a School for Youth With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Franklin-Gillette Sara , DuPaul George J. , Fu Qiong , Fogt Julie
Published: February 2022

Despite research on peer dynamics in mainstream classrooms and in mental health interventions, investigations of peer dynamics in self-contained classrooms for students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) are limited. This study examined the influence of classroom behavior norms on individual behavior in a school for students with behavior challenges. Ratings of respectful behavior and rule-following behavior were collected for each marking period of one academic year during reading instruction and during lunch at both individual and classroom levels. Two sets of hierarchical linear models examined whether individual behavior trajectories were independent of classroom grouping (i.e., unconditional growth models) and whether classmate behavior norms predicted individual behavior (i.e., conditional growth models). Overall, individual trajectories for respectful behavior and rule-following behavior were not dependent on classroom groupings. However, across behaviors and settings, classroom norms significantly predicted individual behavior. These findings extend classroom norms research into an EBD setting and suggest that classroom norms may promote or inhibit positive behavior within self-contained classrooms for students with EBD. Behavior support programs within self-contained settings should account for influence of classroom norms (e.g., incorporation of group contingencies) to enhance social functioning of students with EBD.
Detecting Diverse Perspectives: Using Text Analytics to Reveal Sex Differences in Congressional Debate About Defense
Authors: Atkinson Mary Layton , Mousavi Reza , Windett Jason H.
Published: February 2022

Scholars interested in substantive representation for women have primarily focused on whether women vote for and prioritize “women’s issue” legislation. It is now well established that female lawmakers do vote for and introduce bills on issues like reproductive rights, childcare, and women’s health at rates higher than men. With this finding widely accepted, scholars have more recently investigated levels of female involvement on a wider range of topics and find that women are just as active as men—sometimes even more active—on an array of policy topics other than “women’s issues.” Several studies show women are more active sponsors of defense-related bills than are their male colleagues. We provide a case study that investigates whether female lawmakers offer distinct perspectives on these topics. We use structural topic modeling to explore sex and party differences in floor speeches delivered in the House of Representatives. Our analysis of these floor speeches given in the 109th Congress reveals that women and men do focus their attention on distinct facets of defense issues—focusing on the implications of war for women, civilians, and communities—and that these differences are conditioned by party.
Patient-Specific Instrumentation vs Standard Referencing in Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Comparison of the Radiologic Outcome
Authors: Heisler Lukas , Vach Werner , Katz Georg , Egelhof Thomas , Knupp Markus
Published: February 2022

Background:

Existing literature on the superiority of patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) over standard referencing (SR) is limited. Advantages presented include better implant alignment, shorter operating times, and increased accuracy of implant size prediction. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze PSI in the hands of an experienced foot and ankle surgeon new to both PSI and SR for this specific implant, in regard to determining implant alignment, operative times, and radiologic short-term outcome and predicting implant size for tibial and talar components.

Methods:

Twenty-four patients undergoing TAA using PSI were compared to 25 patients using SR instrumentation. Outcome measures included alignment of the tibial component (α coronal plane, γ sagittal plane), the tibiotalar tilt (β), and the talar offset x on the sagittal view as well as the presence of radiolucent lines, operation time, and wound healing. Postoperative outcome was assessed at 6 weeks, 4 months, and 1 year postoperatively.

Results:

Implant positioning was similar in both groups, and no advantage in regard to the operative time could be seen when comparing TAA using PSI to SR. Implant size prediction was more reliable for the tibia than for the talus. Three patients (1 from the SR group and 2 from the PSI group) showed radiolucent lines around the tibial component. Two patients (both SR group) suffered delayed wound healing, albeit not requiring any additional measures.

Conclusion:

The PSI method did not show an advantage over SR in regard to positioning of the components or the duration of the surgery. The current study suggests that no initial advantage of PSI over SR are to be expected in standard total ankle replacement.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective study.
Outcomes of Surgical Reconstruction Using Custom 3D-Printed Porous Titanium Implants for Critical-Sized Bone Defects of the Foot and Ankle
Authors: Abar Bijan , Kwon Nicholas , Allen Nicholas B. , Lau Trent , Johnson Lindsey G. , Gall Ken , Adams Samuel B.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Treating critically sized defects (CSDs) of bone remains a significant challenge in foot and ankle surgery. Custom 3D-printed implants are being offered to a small but growing subset of patients as a salvage procedure in lieu of traditional alternates such as structural allografts after the patient has failed prior procedures. The long-term outcomes of 3D-printed implants are still unknown and understudied because of the limited number of cases and short follow-up durations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients who received custom 3D-printed implants to treat CSDs of the foot and ankle in an attempt to aid surgeons in selecting appropriate surgical candidates.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study to assess surgical outcomes of patients who underwent implantation of a custom 3D-printed implant made with medical-grade titanium alloy powder (Ti-6Al-4V) to treat CSDs of the foot and ankle between June 1, 2014, and September 30, 2019. All patients had failed previous nonoperative or operative management before proceeding with treatment with a custom 3D-printed implant. Univariate and multivariate odds ratios (ORs) of a secondary surgery and implant removal were calculated for perioperative variables.

Results:

There were 39 cases of patients who received a custom 3D-printed implant with at least 1 year of follow-up. The mean follow-up time was 27.0 (12-74) months. Thirteen of 39 cases (33.3%) required a secondary surgery and 10 of 39 (25.6%) required removal of the implant because of septic nonunion (6/10) or aseptic nonunion (4/10). The mean time to secondary surgery was 10 months (1-22). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that patients with neuropathy were more likely to require a secondary surgery with an OR of 5.76 ( P = .03).

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that 74% of patients who received a custom 3D-printed implant for CSDs did not require as subsequent surgery (minimum of 1-year follow-up). Neuropathy was significantly associated with the need for a secondary surgery. This is the largest series to date demonstrating the efficacy of 3D-printed custom titanium implants. As the number of cases using patient-specific 3D-printed titanium implant increases, larger cohorts of patients should be studied to identify other high-risk groups and possible interventions to improve surgical outcomes.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Is the Affordable Care Act Medicaid Expansion Associated With Reported Incidents of Child Sexual Abuse?
Authors: Assini-Meytin Luciana C. , Nair Reshmi , McGinty Emma B. , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Letourneau Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2022

There is substantial evidence that adequate access to healthcare among low-income adults through the Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion mitigates risk factors associated with childhood maltreatment, including parental financial insecurity, substance use, and poor mental health. Indeed, studies identified reduced reports of child neglect in states that expanded Medicaid, relative to those that did not. However, it is unknown whether Medicaid expansion is associated with reported child sexual abuse (CSA). We present findings from a study evaluating the association of Medicaid expansion with incidents of CSA reported to child protective services. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we analyzed data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System to examine the effects of state-level adoption of the Medicaid expansion on CSA reports per 100,000 children across 2008–2018. Results indicated no statistically significant association between Medicaid expansion and CSA incidents. We discuss potential reasons for differential association of macro-level policies on types of child maltreatment.
Normal feline reproduction: The queen
Authors: Johnson Aime K
Published: February 2022

Practical relevance:

Cats are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they exhibit multiple estrous cycles within a season, followed by a period of non-cyclicity. Cats cycle when the day length is long but can be induced to cycle year-round with 14 h of continuous artificial lighting. The feline estrous cycle includes the following stages: proestrus, estrus, interestrus and, if ovulation occurs, diestrus. Cats are induced ovulators and ovulate in response to multiple natural matings. Successful breeding in a cattery requires knowledge of the female’s reproductive cycle, behavior and management, and often improper management can be the sole cause of infertility.

Aim:

The aim of this review is to provide readers with an overview of normal anatomy, cyclicity, management and behavior of the queen. It includes a series of questions veterinarians can ask to obtain a baseline knowledge of the management of the specific breeding set-up.

Evidence base:

The information in this article is based on the author’s experience, as well as drawing on historical and current literature, and provides the most up-to-date review as possible.
Feline breeding and pregnancy management: What is normal and when to intervene
Authors: Holst Bodil Ström
Published: February 2022

Practical relevance:

Cats are common pets worldwide. Successful breeding of cats starts with the selection of suitable breeding animals, and care should be taken to avoid inbreeding. Keeping cats in smaller groups reduces stress and facilitates management.

Clinical challenges:

Breeding cats is challenging in many ways. Group housing is a common scenario, and care should be taken not to have groups that are too large, because of the risk of stress and infectious diseases. Feline pregnancy and parturition both vary in length, which is one reason why it may be challenging to diagnose dystocia. In queens with pyometra, a vaginal discharge may not be evident due to their meticulous cleaning habits.

Audience:

This review is aimed at clinicians in small animal practice, especially those in contact with cat breeders.

Patient group:

Reproductive emergencies occur in both intentionally and unintentionally bred cats, and more often in young or middle-aged queens. Pyometra tends to be a disease of older queens.

Evidence base:

Evidence is poor for many conditions in the breeding queen, and information is extrapolated from the dog or based on case reports and case series.
Disorders of sexual development in the cat: Current state of knowledge and diagnostic approach
Authors: Foster Robert A
Published: February 2022

Practical relevance:

Any congenital or developmental abnormality of any part of the male or female reproductive tract is a ‘disorder of sexual development’ (DSD). The tricolored male cat phenotype, cryptorchidism, gonadal hypoplasia and incidental abnormalities such as cystic remnants or embryonic ducts are well-known feline DSDs.

Clinical challenges:

Full characterization of DSDs requires sex chromosome determination and identification of genes related to development of the gonads, internal tubular genitalia and external genitalia. Fortunately, affected cats are seen sporadically and the clinical effects are usually minimal.

Classification:

The classification nomenclature has changed. In place of intersex, hermaphrodite, pseudohermaphrodite and sex reversal, the newer standard classification, based on sex chromosomes, designates sex chromosome DSD when there is an abnormality in the sex chromosomes, and XX (female) and XY (male) DSDs where there is not. Identification of the gonadal type (testes, ovaries, ovotestes or gonadal dysgenesis) and documentation of the internal and external genital components completes the classification.

Evidence base:

The original basis of the DSD classification was a consensus reached in humans. It was quickly accepted in veterinary pathology, courtesy of its logic and ease of application, and it has subsequently begun to appear in peer-reviewed papers and clinical reviews. This article reviewing the various disorders in cats is based on application of the classification and draws on the feline peer-reviewed literature encompassing chromosome analysis and definition of reproductive abnormalities, syndromes and diseases.
Fracture toughness and crack growth resistance of sandwich panels with grooved cores
Authors: Gholami Vahid , Taheri-Behrooz Fathollah , Memar Maher Behnam
Published: February 2022

The delamination phenomenon in sandwich panels occurs in the form of face/core debonding. The grooved foams are usually employed in curved sandwich structures for easier formability and better adhesion. In this research, the debonding toughness of facesheet to the core in a sandwich beam with grooved core is investigated using numerical and experimental methods. The sandwich beam consisted of two Kevlar 49/polyester facesheets and a polyurethane foam core. To obtain the values of strain energy release rate, the Cracked Sandwich Beam (CSB) specimen along with the Modified Beam Theory (MBT) method was used for the data reduction of the test results. In the numerical part, a model based on the cohesive zone theory was employed to simulate the crack growth in the specimens. Comparison of the numerical and experimental load–displacement curves indicated that the proposed model can reasonably predict the behavior of the structure under similar loading conditions. The effect of foam-related parameters such as the number and width of core grooves on crack growth resistance was examined numerically. The results showed that increasing the number and width of the grooves enhanced the resistance of the sandwich beams against the growth of interfacial cracks.
Teaching health in physical education: An action research project
Authors: Mong Hanne H , Standal Øyvind F
Published: February 2022

In the Norwegian curriculum for physical education (PE), health is one of several topics students should learn about. However, the way in which many educators conceptualize health can impact both what students learn and how health is taught in PE. According to Mong and Standal (2019) , differences in terms of the conceptualizations of health can also lead to differences in teachers’ didactical approaches. This article is based on an action research project in which the overall goal was to investigate how didactic work can contribute to developing the teaching of health in PE. The project included an action research phase and qualitative interviews. The project, conducted in Norway, lasted almost one school year and was divided into two units. One teacher and 48 students aged 14–15 years participated in the action research project, which included eight lessons. We conducted qualitative interviews with the teacher and six students after the completion of the action research phase. In our analysis, we identified three topics addressed by both the students and the teacher, namely ‘the use of logbooks as a method for reflection’, ‘awareness of health as a knowledge object’ and ‘developing confidence in how to teach health’. Through the use of a didactic approach to health, both the students and teacher developed new reflections on and awareness of health. The findings indicate that it was professional development which subsequently impacted didactic decisions, dialogues about how health was taught and the teacher’s confidence in teaching health.
Agreement between face-to-face and tele-assessment of upper limb disability in lung cancer survivors during COVID-19 era
Authors: Heredia-Ciuró Alejandro , Lazo-Prados Antonio , Blasco-Valls Paula , Calvache-Mateo Andrés , Lopez-Lopez Laura , Martin-Nuñez Javier , Valenza Marie C
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Upper limb disability can limit the quality of life of lung cancer survivors. The COVID-19 era has required a finding of alternatives to attend the monitoring of presented disturbances with the minor risk of spread. Tele-assessment offers new possibilities for clinical assessment demonstrating good reliability compared to traditional face-to-face assessment in a variety of patients. No previous study has applied this type of assessment in lung cancer survivors. For this reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the level of agreement between upper limb disability assessment using tele-assessment and the face-to-face method in lung cancer survivors.

Methods

A reliability study was conducted with 20 lung cancer survivors recruited from the Oncological Radiotherapy Service of the “Hospital PTS” (Granada). Patients attended a session for clinical face-to-face and real-time online tele-assessment. The main outcome measurements of the study included upper limb function (shirt task) and musculoskeletal disturbances (active range of movement and trigger points), and these outcomes were recorded by two independent researchers.

Results

The outcome measures showed good agreement between both assessments. The active range of movement presented heterogeneous results, being excellent reliability ( ρ > 0.75) in extension, internal rotation, homolateral adduction, and contralateral abduction, good (0.4 <  ρ < 0.75) for flexion, homolateral abduction, contralateral adduction and contralateral external rotation, and poor ( ρ < 0.4) for homolateral external rotation. The measure evaluating upper limb function and trigger points show the highest interrater reliability with confidence interval lower limits ≥0.99.

Discussion

The tele-assessment of upper limb function and musculoskeletal disorders of lung cancer survivors present a good interrater reliability compared to face-to-face assessment. It could be useful for monitoring the disability presented by cancer survivors whose access is difficult by the residential situation, physical limitations or the risk of COVID-19 spread.
What is the impact of aerobic fitness and movement interventions on low-flow-mediated vasoconstriction? A systematic review of observational and intervention studies
Authors: O’Brien Myles W , Petterson Jennifer L , Wu Yanlin , Bray Nick W , Kimmerly Derek S
Published: February 2022

The cardiovascular benefits of physical exercise are well established. The vasoreactivity that occurs during reductions in local arterial blood flow, termed low-flow-mediated constriction (L-FMC), is a measure of endothelial-dependent vasoconstrictor function. It is unclear whether aerobic fitness and movement (or lack thereof) influences L-FMC. We systematically reviewed studies examining the impact of physical behaviours on L-FMC. To be included, cross-sectional and interventional studies had to examine the impact of a physical behaviour on L-FMC in adults. There were no language or date of publication restrictions. Sources were searched in May, 2021 and included Scopus, Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Academic Search Premier. National Institutes of Health quality assessment tools were used. Fourteen studies (15 arms; 313 participants; 398 total observations from four arteries) met the inclusion criteria. The study quality varied from four out of 14 (controlled intervention scoring) to nine out of 12 (longitudinal intervention with no control group scoring) with the total points dependent upon the study design. Conflicting results were reported for acute prolonged sitting studies (attenuated L-FMC: n = 1; no change: n = 1) and resistance exercise (increased L-FMC: n = 2; no change: n = 2). Most observational studies examining aerobic fitness (3/4 studies) and aerobic exercise interventions (4/5 studies) observed a favourable effect on L-FMC. Overall, the included studies support that higher aerobic fitness and engaging in aerobic exercise training may augment L-FMC responses. Our systematic review highlights the heterogeneity between studies and identifies current gaps and future directions to better our understanding of (in)activity, exercise, and posture on endothelial vasoconstrictor function. PROSPERO Registration No.: CRD42021248241
Looking bad: Female patients drawing their representation of chemotherapy-induced alopecia
Authors: Versluis Anne , Alphen Kirsten van , Dercksen Wouter , Haas Henk de , Kaptein Ad A , Hurk Corina van den
Published: February 2022

This study explored the experienced impact of alopecia using patient’s drawings. Forty patients made drawings of their feelings about appearance of their head and hair before and during chemotherapy. Patients also reported illness perceptions (B-IPQ). Twenty-four patients (60%) reported ⩾50% alopecia at enrollment. Most patients (70%) drew a negative change of feelings over time and physical changes. Many experiences related to alopecia emerged from the written texts underneath the drawings and the B-IPQ. Drawings depicted deteriorated feelings of appearance, affecting many activities throughout the day. Healthcare providers are advised to use patient-tailored questioning about alopecia.
A new LED luminaire system architecture for energy saving
Authors: Li Hankun , Diederich Simon , Cai Hongyi
Published: February 2022

This study evaluated a new light-emitting diode (LED) luminaire system architecture in low profile to harvest the otherwise wasted heat generated by LEDs for integrative lighting and heating in buildings. A portable calorimeter was built, commissioned and calibrated in a well-controlled Cold Room for measuring the ‘conditioned space/ceiling plenum split’ of the heat generated by LED luminaires. Two prototypes LED luminaires that adopted the new system architecture were tested together with two off-the-shelf commercial LED luminaires with conventional system architectures for comparison. Each luminaire was either ceiling recessed or ceiling surface mounted in the calorimeter, both were evaluated in summer and winter conditions. The measured ‘conditioned space/ceiling plenum split’ was then used as an input in Energy Plus, with two assumptions, for estimation of the annual heating, reheating and cooling energy consumptions of each luminaire once implemented in a primary school classroom. The simulation results revealed that the new luminaire system architecture especially when surface mounted can outperform the conventional architectures to slightly reduce the building annual heating and reheating energy consumptions without significantly increasing cooling energy consumption. This study validated the potential of integrative lighting and heating. Further studies are necessary to overcome several limitations.
Measuring public support for European integration using a Bayesian item response theory model
Authors: Scotto di Vettimo Michele
Published: February 2022

This study proposes the use of Bayesian item response theory models to measure aggregate public support for European integration. This approach addresses the limitations of other indicators and produces valid estimates of public attitudes over long time periods, even when available indicators change over time or present interruptions. I compare Bayesian item response theory models with alternative approaches used in the study of support for European integration, and demonstrate that they produce more accurate estimates of latent public opinion. The estimates are validated by showing their association both to alternative public opinion measures and to the vote share of Eurosceptic parties across Europe. I show that Bayesian models solve unaddressed issues like ensuring cross-country comparability of the estimates and modelling responses with multiple answer options.
The queer manifesto: Imagining new possibilities and futures for marketing and consumer research
Authors: Pirani Daniela , Daskalopoulou Athanasia
Published: February 2022

In this manifesto, we explore how queer theory can contribute to expanding what we consider legitimate knowledge within marketing research. Previous scholars in marketing and management have highlighted the potential of queer theory, remarking how little it is used within the discipline. Reviewing marketing scholarship that uses queer theory shows how it is mostly applied in relation to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisex, Trans and Queer (LGBTQ+) consumers and contexts, reproducing the same dualism it challenges. To overcome this, we provide a brief outline of the theory, leading to five research avenues that are relevant to marketing: gender and sexuality; phenomenology; desire; failure and methodology. Each of these avenues considers how queer lenses have been and could be applied within our discipline. We stress that the epistemological value of queer theory is in valuing the margins, rejecting dualism and questioning the hierarchies of power within capitalism. In the utopian logic of the manifesto, we do not intend to provide guidelines, but horizons of possibility for marketing and consumer theorisation.
Japanese educational culture in times of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Trang Tran TT
Published: February 2022

National culture determines educational culture. The educational culture characteristics of each country will be demonstrated through the awareness of education, the way the educational apparatus is organized, and the way that education deals with the crisis in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic on a global scale. The study uses structural functionalism theory to systematize the elements in educational culture and analyzes these elements in symmetrical pairs to outline the Japanese educational culture during the COVID-19 pandemic from the beginning of the year 2020 until now. In addition, from the view of the specific Japanese educational culture, the study also uses Hofstede’s cultural dimension theory to analyze pandemic response policy.
Do Postal Stamps (Still) Lead to a Higher Response Rate? An Empirical Test in Belgium
Authors: Hooghe Marc , Stiers Dieter
Published: February 2022

When conducting a postal survey, a traditional recommendation is to use paper postage stamps instead of an automated postage system, to make sure that invitations have a more personal and attractive appearance. In this research note, we investigate whether this traditional recommendation is still valid. In the autumn of 2020, a postal survey was conducted among high-school teachers in Belgium strictly adhering to the Dillman protocol. The overall response rate was 43.4%. Invitations with a real paper postage stamp had a three-percentage points higher response rate (44.9% versus 41.8%), but this difference proved not to be significant. There are no significant gender or age differences between the groups. In addition, the presence or absence of a paper stamp did not influence the respondents’ choice for answering the questionnaire online or on paper, as those who received a stamped envelope were equally likely to choose the online answering tool.
The Revolving Door in Judicial Politics: Former Clerks and Agenda Setting on the U.S. Supreme Court
Authors: Liu Huchen , Kastellec Jonathan P.
Published: February 2022

We examine the role of former clerks to Supreme Court justices on the Court’s agenda setting process. We find that when a former clerk is the attorney on either a cert petition or an amicus brief, the Court is more likely to hear a case, compared to advocacy by a non-former clerk. To help explain these patterns, we draw on the broader literature on “revolving door” politics. We argue that the most plausible mechanisms are either that former clerks are more effective advocates or that their presence in a case signals its importance to the Court. Alternatively, former clerks may select into cases that the Court is likely to grant. While we cannot definitively disentangle these competing mechanisms, the strong patterns in the data suggest that the importance of the revolving door in judicial politics extends broadly into the domain of agenda setting and is thus worthy of further investigation.
Acupuncture in Patients Undergoing Cancer Therapy: Their Interest and Belief in Acupuncture is High, But Few are Using It
Authors: Widgren Ylva , Fransson Per , Efverman Anna
Published: February 2022

Objectives:

Since pre-existing expectations, that is, beliefs, in a treatment may modify outcomes, and acupuncture studies often fail to measure expectations, we wanted to investigate the use of acupuncture, interest, and belief in acupuncture effects among patients undergoing cancer therapy.

Method:

A cross-sectional design, where the participants answered a study-specific questionnaire with questions regarding their use of, interest and belief in acupuncture treatment.

Results:

A total of 457 patients with cancer (48% men, mean age 65 years) answered the questionnaire. Acupuncture was used by 4 (1%) patients during their cancer therapy, and 368 (83%) expressed an interest in receiving acupuncture. Of the 457 patients, 289 (63%) believed acupuncture to be effective for at least 1 of 17 requested symptoms, most commonly pain (56% of the patients) and muscle tension (40%). They believed acupuncture to be effective for a mean value 3 of the 17 requested symptoms. Women ( P < .001), and patients 41 to 65 years ( P < .001), expressed a stronger belief in acupuncture effects than others.

Conclusions:

Men and older patients expressed weaker beliefs in acupuncture effects than other patients, indicating the importance of collecting expectancy data in future randomized sham-controlled acupuncture studies to be able to treat expectancy as an effect-modifier. The high interest and beliefs in acupuncture effects found also indicate that acupuncture should be available for patients with cancer, for side effects where acupuncture has shown to be effective. In a clinical setting, older men might need more encouragement regarding positive expected outcomes of the acupuncture treatment than younger women.
Knowing the Unknown: Application of Qualitative-Vignette Method in the Social-Political Sensitive Business Environment
Authors: Wei, CHEAH Chee , Yeik, KOAY Kian
Published: February 2022

This study demonstrates that vignette, when added to the in-depth interview, is a useful data collection method to uncover the hidden truths in the socio-political sensitive business environment. The vignette method’s “less personal” nature motivates the participants, who initially declined to be interviewed, to accept the interview invitation. This study showcases how the vignette is designed, constructed, and applied in empirical research. It also demonstrates the types of cognitive questions that can be incorporated in the vignette to uncover the social norms in practice that are silently known as the rules of the game. This study provides methodological considerations in constructing the vignette that may impact its success. Using the empirical data from the Malaysian housing sector, the thematic analysis shows that the vignette method: (i) stimulates participants to provide in-depth interpretation, (ii) uncovers the hidden information, and can (iii) fill in the missing details that participants initially reluctant to disclose. The findings are discussed, along with the limitations of using the qualitative-vignette method. Some critical suggestions for future research are also included.
Humans sense by touch the location of objects that roll in handheld containers
Authors: Frissen Ilja , Yao Hsin-Yun , Guastavino Catherine , Hayward Vincent
Published: February 2022

Humans use active touch to gain behaviourally relevant information from their environment, including information about contained objects. Although most common, the perceptual basis of interacting with containers remains largely unexplored. The first aim of this study was to determine how accurately people can sense, by touch only, the location of a contained rolling object. Experiment 1 used tubes containing physical balls and demonstrated a considerable degree of accuracy in estimating the rolled distance. The second aim was to identify the relative effectiveness of the various available physical cues. Experiment 2 employed virtual reality technology to present, in isolation and in various combinations, the constituent haptic cues produced by a rolling ball, which are, the mechanical noise during rolling, the jolts from an impact with an internal wall, and the intensity and timing of the jolts resulting from elastic bounces. The rolling noise was of primary importance to the perceptual estimation task suggesting that the implementation of the laws of motion is based on an analysis of the ball’s movement velocity. Although estimates became more accurate when the rolling and impact cues were combined, they were not necessarily more precise. The presence of elastic bounces did not affect performance.
Graphemes are used when reading: Evidence from Monte Carlo simulation using word norms from mega-studies
Authors: Perry Conrad
Published: February 2022

Recently, Chetail ( Journal of Memory and Language, 2020) has claimed there is no strong evidence that multi-letter graphemes are used in reading tasks with proficient adult readers, with most studies being statistically weak or having confounds in the stimuli used. Here, I used Monte Carlo simulation with data from reading mega-studies to examine the extent to which the number of multi-letter graphemes matters in words when letter length is held constant. This was done by simulating thousands of experiments using different sets of items for each of a small number of comparisons (e.g., words with only single-letter graphemes versus words with one multi-letter grapheme). The results showed that words with two multi-letter graphemes tended to cause slower reaction times than words with one or no multi-letter graphemes, with effects found in both naming and lexical decision tasks. Interestingly, when words with no multi-letter graphemes were compared with words with one multi-letter grapheme, the differences were much weaker. Simulations of naming results using two computer models, the connectionist dual-process (CDP) model and the dual-route cascaded (DRC) model, showed only CDP predicted this pattern. Since CDP learns simple associations between graphemes and phonemes whereas DRC uses a set of grapheme–phoneme rules, this suggests that the results may have been caused by simple associations between spelling and sound being relatively easy to learn with words with one compared with two multi-letter graphemes. More generally, the results suggest that graphemes are used when reading, but they often produce relatively weak effects and thus differences in some studies may not have been found due to a lack of power.
A core region captioning framework for automatic video understanding in story video contents
Authors: Suh Hyesun , Kim Jiyeon , So Jinsoo , Jung Jongjin
Published: February 2022

Due to the rapid increase in images and image data, research examining the visual analysis of such unstructured data has recently come to be actively conducted. One of the representative image caption models the DenseCap model extracts various regions in an image and generates region-level captions. However, since the existing DenseCap model does not consider priority for region captions, it is difficult to identify relatively significant region captions that best describe the image. There has also been a lack of research into captioning focusing on the core areas for story content, such as images in movies and dramas. In this study, we propose a new image captioning framework based on DenseCap that aims to promote the understanding of movies in particular. In addition, we design and implement a module for identifying characters so that the character information can be used in caption detection and caption improvement in core areas. We also propose a core area caption detection algorithm that considers the variables affecting the area caption importance. Finally, a performance evaluation is conducted to determine the accuracy of the character identification module, and the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by visually comparing it with the existing DenseCap model.