bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential therapeutic targets for intracerebral hemorrhage-associated inflammation: An update
Authors: Ren Honglei , Han Ranran , Chen Xuemei , Liu Xi , Wan Jieru , Wang Limin , Yang Xiuli , Wang Jian
Published: May 2020

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a subtype of stroke with high mortality and disability but no specific or effective treatment. In the last two decades, much has been learned about the pathologic mechanisms of ICH. It is now known that after ICH onset, immune and inflammatory responses contribute to blood–brain barrier disruption, edema development, and cell death processes, jointly resulting in secondary brain injury. However, the translation of potential therapies from preclinical to clinical success has been disappointing. With the development of new laboratory technology, recent progress has been made in the understanding of ICH pathomechanisms, and promising therapeutic targets have been identified. This review provides an update of recent progress on ICH and describes the prospects for further preclinical studies in this field. Our goal is to discuss new therapeutic targets and directions for the treatment of ICH and promote the effective transformation from preclinical to clinical trials.
Introduction to Metamodeling for Reducing Computational Burden of Advanced Analyses with Health Economic Models: A Structured Overview of Metamodeling Methods in a 6-Step Application Process
Authors: Degeling Koen , IJzerman Maarten J. , Lavieri Mariel S. , Strong Mark , Koffijberg Hendrik
Published: May 2020

Metamodels can be used to reduce the computational burden associated with computationally demanding analyses of simulation models, although applications within health economics are still scarce. Besides a lack of awareness of their potential within health economics, the absence of guidance on the conceivably complex and time-consuming process of developing and validating metamodels may contribute to their limited uptake. To address these issues, this article introduces metamodeling to the wider health economic audience and presents a process for applying metamodeling in this context, including suitable methods and directions for their selection and use. General (i.e., non–health economic specific) metamodeling literature, clinical prediction modeling literature, and a previously published literature review were exploited to consolidate a process and to identify candidate metamodeling methods. Methods were considered applicable to health economics if they are able to account for mixed (i.e., continuous and discrete) input parameters and continuous outcomes. Six steps were identified as relevant for applying metamodeling methods within health economics: 1) the identification of a suitable metamodeling technique, 2) simulation of data sets according to a design of experiments, 3) fitting of the metamodel, 4) assessment of metamodel performance, 5) conducting the required analysis using the metamodel, and 6) verification of the results. Different methods are discussed to support each step, including their characteristics, directions for use, key references, and relevant R and Python packages. To address challenges regarding metamodeling methods selection, a first guide was developed toward using metamodels to reduce the computational burden of analyses of health economic models. This guidance may increase applications of metamodeling in health economics, enabling increased use of state-of-the-art analyses (e.g., value of information analysis) with computationally burdensome simulation models.
Accurately Reflecting Uncertainty When Using Patient-Level Simulation Models to Extrapolate Clinical Trial Data
Authors: Dakin Helen A. , Leal José , Briggs Andrew , Clarke Philip , Holman Rury R. , Gray Alastair
Published: May 2020

Introduction. Patient-level simulation models facilitate extrapolation of clinical trial data while allowing for heterogeneity, prior history, and nonlinearity. However, combining different types of uncertainty around within-trial and extrapolated results remains challenging. Methods. We tested 4 methods to combine parameter uncertainty (around the regression coefficients used to predict future events) with sampling uncertainty (uncertainty around mean risk factors within the finite sample whose outcomes are being predicted and the effect of treatment on these risk factors). We compared these 4 methods using a simulation study based on an economic evaluation extrapolating the AFORRD randomized controlled trial using the UK Prospective Diabetes Study Outcomes Model version 2. This established type 2 diabetes model predicts patient-level health outcomes and costs. Results. The 95% confidence intervals around life years gained gave 25% coverage when sampling uncertainty was excluded (i.e., 25% of 95% confidence intervals contained the “true” value). Allowing for sampling uncertainty as well as parameter uncertainty widened confidence intervals by 6.3-fold and gave 96.3% coverage. Methods adjusting for baseline risk factors that combine sampling and parameter uncertainty overcame the bias that can result from between-group baseline imbalance and gave confidence intervals around 50% wider than those just considering parameter uncertainty, with 99.8% coverage. Conclusions. Analyses extrapolating data for individual trial participants should include both sampling uncertainty and parameter uncertainty and should adjust for any imbalance in baseline covariates.
Comparison of the modified direct closure method and skin grafting for wounds at the anterolateral thigh flap donor site
Authors: Gu Song , Zhang Yuxuan , Huang Yinjun , Fu Huichao , Wang Guheng , Xie Renguo
Published: May 2020

Objective

This study was performed to compare the modified direct closure method and traditional skin grafting for wounds at the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap donor site.

Methods

Among 29 consecutive patients with wounds at the ALT flap donor site, 14 underwent the modified direct closure method (MDC group) and 15 underwent traditional skin grafting (SG group). The operative time, follow-up time, complications, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score, and Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) score of the two groups were statistically analyzed.

Results

The mean follow-up times in the MDC and SG group were 16.1 and 16.7 months, respectively. Two patients showed partial skin necrosis after skin grafting, but the remaining patients’ wounds healed uneventfully. The operative time in the MDC group was an average of about 64 minutes shorter than that in the SG group. The average VSS and SCAR scores in the MDC group were 2.1 and 3.0 points lower, respectively, than those in the SG group.

Conclusions

Compared with traditional skin grafting, the modified direct closure method is more efficient for repair of wounds at the ALT flap donor site because of its shorter operative time, better postoperative appearance of the donor site, and higher patient satisfaction.
Most readers in dark when bylines differ from staff writer; taglines do little to help
Authors: Ketterer Stan , Murray Ray , Johnson Jared
Published: May 2020

An experiment was conducted to determine whether perceptions of the newspaper and story differed by byline type. The findings not only indicate few participants know a story is native advertising, they rarely know the writer except a staff writer. Thus, perceptions mainly differed little. Other bylines were not detailed enough for readers to fully know the writer’s identity, and few read to the tagline. Stronger measures were recommended to fully inform readers about the writer.
Optimization of the three-segment aerofoil arrangement based on wind tunnel tests and numerical analysis
Authors: Grendysa Wojciech , Olszański Bartosz
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the optimization of multi-element aerofoil for the LAR-3 Puffin -- STOL light transport aircraft concept proposal. Based on the geometry and aerodynamic characteristics of the well-known and proven in flight three-segment NACA 63A416 aerofoil, the authors explore the possibility of enhancing its high-lift performance by the movement of slot and flap position in extended (deployed) aerodynamic configuration. In order to determine the optimum positions of aerofoil segments (elements), a multi-step optimization approach was developed. It combines computational fluid dynamics simulations that were used for design space screening and preliminary optimization together with low-turbulence wind tunnel tests which yielded certain results. To decrease the numerical cost of the computer simulation campaign, Design of experiment methods (optimal space-filling design among others) were employed instead of exhausting full factorial (parametric) design. Response surface models of major aerodynamic coefficients (lift, drag, pitching moment) at predicted maximum lift coefficient ( C L max) point allowed to narrow down search space and identify several candidates for optimal configuration to be checked experimentally. Wind tunnel tests campaign confirmed the major trends observed in computational fluid dynamics derived response surface contour plots. For the optimum aerodynamic configuration, chosen experimental C L max is over 3.9, which is a 10% increase over the baseline (initial slat and flap positions) case. In parallel, the maximum lift-to-drag ratio gain at that point was almost 19%. The research outlined in this paper was conducted on behalf of the aircraft production company and its results will be applied in a newly designed transport aircraft.
Primary High-Grade Angiosarcoma of the Breast in a Young Woman With Breast Implants: A Rare Case and a Review of Literature
Authors: Russo Daniela , Campanino Maria Raffaela , Cepurnaite Rima , Gencarelli Annarita , De Rosa Filippo , Corvino Antonio , Menkulazi Marsela , Tammaro Vincenzo , Fuggi Mariano , Insabato Luigi
Published: May 2020

Primary angiosarcoma (AS) of the breast is an extremely unusual variant of breast malignancies, and its incidence is about 0.05% of all primary breast tumors. In this article, we present a rare case of a primary AS that developed in a young woman with breast implants. This case report emphasizes importance of early investigation for accurate diagnosis and proper management of the breast AS, along with a correlation of histopathologic, radiologic, and clinical findings.
Eco-Innovations in Global Markets: The Effect of Ecological (In)Congruence on Consumers’ Adoption Intentions
Authors: Tran Thi Thanh Huong , Paparoidamis Nicholas G.
Published: May 2020

Eco-innovations are increasingly manufactured and consumed across national borders. Although global outsourcing can be financially profitable, it is questionable whether consumers respond to eco-innovations manufactured in different countries in the same way. This article introduces the ecological country-of-manufacture (COM) concept, which reflects consumers’ perception of a country’s commitment to sustainable development policy and practices. Drawing on schema theory, the current research examines how consumer reactions to “ecological (in)congruence”—when the sustainability reputation of a COM is a (mis)match with product eco-friendliness levels—vary across product categories (Study 1a), consumption contexts (Study 1b), and national settings (Study 2). Consumers report more preferential evaluations when there is ecological incongruence for privately consumed products and ecological congruence for publicly consumed products. The results also demonstrate the differential moderating effects of socioeconomic development factors and cultural dimensions. In emerging markets with highly embedded, hierarchical, and high-harmony cultures, consumers require ecological congruence to justify their adoption decisions, whereas in developed markets with highly autonomous, egalitarian, and high-mastery cultures, consumers are more likely to adopt eco-innovations that are ecologically incongruent.
Non-thermal atmospheric gas plasma for decontamination of sliced cheese and changes in quality
Authors: Huang Yi-Ming , Chen Chung-Kai , Hsu Chuan-Liang
Published: May 2020

The atmospheric-pressure non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma has recently emerged as an efficient decontamination method for the food safety enhancement. Thus the objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a simple DBD plasma treatment, with a relatively low-frequency power supply operating at 60 Hz, for microbial inactivation. A parametric study of operating conditions for bacterial inactivation was conducted using nutrient agar inoculated with Escherichia coli (2.28--6.28 log CFU/ml). The microbial log reduction was enhanced with increasing input power (30, 50, 70 W) and plasma exposure time (0, 1, 3, 5, 7 min). The inactivation effect was increased by decreasing inter-electrode gap (2, 1.5, 1 cm) and by reducing the initial microorganism concentration. Accordingly, a DBD plasma treatment at 50 W for 10 min could lead to complete killing of E. coli and partial inactivation of Listeria innocua on cheese (mean log reduction: 4.75 ± 0.02 and 0.72 ± 0.01, respectively). The decontamination efficacy of DBD plasma was affected by the types of microorganisms. The changes in hardness and color of cheese were unnoticeable after 10 min treatment with a power of 50 W. Overall, the results suggested that the DBD plasma can be potentially exploited to improve the food safety.
Intravitreal aflibercept for diabetic macular oedema in real-world: 36-month visual acuity and anatomical outcomes
Authors: Lukic Marko , Williams Gwyn , Shalchi Zaid , Patel Praveen J , Hykin Philip G , Hamilton Robin D , Rajendram Ranjan
Published: May 2020

Background/aims

To assess structural and functional outcomes of treatment with intravitreal aflibercept (®Eylea) for diabetic macular oedema in treatment-naïve patients.

Methods

Sixty-four eyes receiving intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy were included in the data analysis of this retrospective, real-life study which follow-up was 3 years. Each patient had corrected visual acuity in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters and optical coherence tomography central foveal thickness and macular volume performed at baseline, 12, 24 and 36 months. Patients were initiated on a loading phase of five 1-monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections, followed by injections if needed as per clinicians’ discretion.

Results

The mean number of aflibercept injections received over 3 years was 12.59. At baseline, the mean visual acuity (standard deviation) (Snellen) was 61.45 (16.30) (20/63) Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters, the mean central foveal thickness (standard deviation) was 422 (138) µm, while the mean macular volume (standard deviation) was 9.51 (2.01) mm3. At 36 months, the mean visual acuity (standard deviation) (Snellen) was 68.34 (13.66) (20/50) Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters (p = .0003). Mean central foveal thickness (standard deviation) was 303 (106) µm (p < .0001) and mean macular volume (standard deviation) was 8.35 (1.62) mm3 (p = .0022) at 36 months. Sixteen (25%) eyes gained ≥15 ETDRS letters at month 36, and 33 (52%) eyes had a decrease in central foveal thickness of ≥ 100 µm at the same time.

Conclusion

There was a significant improvement in visual acuity and in anatomical outcomes in aflibercept-treated eyes at 36 months after commencing treatment for diabetic macular oedema in real-life settings. The good vision and anatomical outcomes were maintained over second and third year of treatment with mean 2.93 and 2.57 intravitreal injections, respectively.
How do cystic fibrosis patients experience parenthood? A systematic review
Authors: Jacob Anne , Journiac Jonathan , Fischer Lotte , Astrologo Lisa , Flahault Cécile
Published: May 2020

Improved treatments for cystic fibrosis allow more patients to become parents. This article presents a systematic review of literature on cystic fibrosis patients’ experience of parenthood. Five databases (Cairn, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PubMed and ScienceDirect) produced 2335 documents that were screened. In total, 13 documents were retained and assessed with validated criteria. Five themes related to cystic fibrosis parenthood were discovered: population presentation, health and treatment adherence, adjustments, role of professionals and pressured temporality. Parenthood requires an important reorganisation of daily life in order to remain capable of childcare. Regardless of negative health impacts, cystic fibrosis parents have a positive outlook on parenthood.
Perceptions of body weight that vary by body mass index: Clear associations with perceptions based on personal control and responsibility
Authors: Robinson Karen , Muir Sarah , Newbury Annie , Santos-Merx Lourdes , Appleton Katherine M
Published: May 2020

This project aimed to identify the perceptions of body weight that vary by body mass index. First, a qualitative study explored body weight perceptions in 17 individuals with overweight. Second, a questionnaire was developed and completed by a UK sample with body mass index from 16.6 to 59.7 kg/m2 ( N = 328). A higher body mass index was associated with perceptions of less personal control and responsibility. Body mass index in females was also associated with three other questionnaire factors and body mass index in males with illness/medication. Thus, body mass index was associated with different perceptions of body weight. Focussing on personal control and responsibility may be useful for treatment and prevention.
Noisy polymedia in urban Ghana: Strategies for choosing and switching between media under unstable infrastructures
Authors: Ben Elul Elad
Published: May 2020

This ethnographic article examines how Ghanaian urbanites choose between new media platforms under inadequate infrastructures. By combining participant observation with digital ethnography, the case studies described here show how informants change their media choosing and switching habits due to unstable electricity and dysfunctional inter-city roads. Thus, moral and social choices face an infrastructural ‘noise’ that diverts people’s digital practices. These findings contribute to Madianou and Miller’s theory of polymedia by suggesting that constraints of economy, access, literacy, or infrastructure cannot be exempt from the analysis of media choice, especially in Africa. It suggests the term ‘noisy polymedia’ as an expansive version that acknowledges how people use digital tools under unstable infrastructural conditions. Furthermore, this article demonstrates how smartphones became essential tools for ‘leapfrogging’ inadequate infrastructure in Africa as informants choose strategically between devices, payment plans, applications, and usage patterns.
Space and practices: Engagement of children under 3 with tablets and televisions in homes in Spain, Sweden and England
Authors: Poveda David , Matsumoto Mitsuko , Sundin Ebba , Sandberg Helena , Aliagas Cristina , Gillen Julia
Published: May 2020

Young children’s engagements with digital technologies form part of their emergent everyday literacy practices. The study reported here derives from the pan-European study ‘A Day in the Digital Lives of Children aged 0-3’. The methodology was centred on the videoing of an entire day’s experiences of a child aged under 3, together with a reflective interview with the parents and inventories related to digital access, skills and activities of the child. In this paper, we look at three children in Spain, Sweden and England, respectively. We examine our data through three prisms. (1) Spatio-temporal: We consider the children’s engagements in terms of their appropriation of space, in relationships with others in the home and the intimate geographies of young children’s digital literacies. (2) Parental discourse: We use the tensions and contradictions for families framework to examine the selection and monitoring of digital literacies. (3) Practice: Drawing on the first two prisms, we zoom into how children engage with tablet devices and television. Our research demonstrates richness, diversity and agency in these young children’s practices with technologies. We propose the concept of living-room assemblage as an analytical metaphor to understand the macrohabitats of young children’s digital literacies and practices, which emerge as multi-layered, creative and co-occurring with other family activities.Our analysis also explores the challenges presented to parents and the ways in which they navigate tensions and contradictions in their media and digital environments, which are condensed in family practices and discourses around tablets and television.
What Puts Individuals at Risk for Physical Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration? A Meta-Analysis Examining Risk Markers for Men and Women
Authors: Spencer Chelsea M. , Stith Sandra M. , Cafferky Bryan
Published: May 2020

Intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration is a serious public health concern around the world. This meta-analysis aimed to synthesize all available data examining risk markers for physical IPV perpetration among men and women between 1980 and 2018. Studies were included in the analysis if they examined physical IPV in adult opposite-sex relationships, included statistical information needed to calculate at least one bivariate effect size, and were written in English. A total of 503 studies, yielding 2,972 unique effect sizes, were included in the analysis. Data from these studies allowed for the examination of 63 unique risk markers related to physical IPV perpetration for both men and women, 60 unique risk markers for male perpetration, and 45 unique risk markers for female perpetration. Lastly, we were able to compare the strength of 44 risk markers for physical IPV perpetration between men and women. We found that the strongest risk markers were related to other acts of violence (both perpetration and victimization) as well as relationship dynamics. Results from this study highlight the potential factors that could be focused on in prevention programming and intervention work. Additionally, it was found that 9 out of 44 risk markers significantly differed in strength for men and women, allowing for additional specificity in intervention work for helping professionals working with either male or female perpetrators of physical IPV.
In Plain Sight: Online TV Interfaces as Branding
Authors: Van Esler Mike
Published: May 2020

Industrial discourses surrounding subscription video on demand (SVOD) services are deeply embedded in the rhetoric of viewer choice and control. However, these discourses are often misleading, with viewers given only nominal amounts of agency in their viewing experience, most often circumscribed by the limited affordances of the service’s interface. This article takes online TV interfaces as its object of study and interrogates to what ends SVODs use them. In particular, it examines how the interface can operate as a part of an SVOD’s larger branding campaign. Using Netflix as a case study, the article argues that the interface is discursively positioned as empowering viewers to easily find what they want to watch, yet the actual operation and affordances of the interface significantly delimit viewer agency. Instead, the interface works to guide viewers to Netflix original content to strengthen the core brand values of abundance, personalization, and exclusivity.
Sodium Tanshinone IIA Sulfonate Attenuates Tumor Oxidative Stress and Promotes Apoptosis in an Intermittent Hypoxia Mouse Model
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Bin , Chen Xiao-Yang , Sun Peng , Su Xiao-Man , Zeng Hui-Qing , Zeng Yi-Ming , Wang Miao , Luo Xiongbiao
Published: May 2020

Objective:

Intermittent hypoxia, a significant feature of obstructive sleep apnea, has pro-tumorigenic effects. Here, we investigated the effect of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate on oxidative stress and apoptosis in a mouse model of Lewis lung carcinoma with intermittent hypoxia.

Methods:

Mice were randomly assigned to normoxia (control), normoxia plus sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (control + sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate), intermittent hypoxia, and intermittent hypoxia + sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate groups. Intermittent hypoxia administration lasted 5 weeks in the intermittent hypoxia groups. Lewis lung carcinoma cells were injected into the right flank of each mouse after 1 week of intermittent hypoxia exposure. Sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate was injected intraperitoneally in the control + sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate and intermittent hypoxia + sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate groups. Tumor oxidative stress was evaluated by detection of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase. The apoptosis of tumor cells was evaluated by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay as well as by Western blot analysis of B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein and cleaved caspase-3 expression. Additionally, the expression of hypoxia-induced factor-1α, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and nuclear factor kappa B was also evaluated by Western blot.

Results:

Compared with the control group, the intermittent hypoxia treatment significantly increased Lewis lung carcinoma tumor growth and oxidative stress (serum malondialdehyde) but decreased serum levels of SOD and pro-apoptotic markers (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining, B-cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein, and cleaved caspase-3). These changes were significantly attenuated by intraperitoneal injection of sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate. Lower nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and higher nuclear factor kappa B levels in the intermittent hypoxia group were clearly reversed by sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate treatment. In addition, sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate administration decreased the high expression of hypoxia-induced factor-1α induced by intermittent hypoxia.

Conclusion:

Intermittent hypoxia treatment resulted in high oxidative stress and low apoptosis in Lewis lung carcinoma–implanted mice, which could be attenuated by sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate administration possibly through a mechanism mediated by the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway.
A Case of Capability Expansion or Capability Reduction? An Exploration of Loan Recipients’ Views of ICETEX: Colombia’s Higher Education Student Loans Institute
Authors: Mackenzie Lee
Published: May 2020

A government-established student loans institute known as Instituto Colombiano de Credito Educativo y Estudios Tecnicos en el Exterior (ICETEX) has been instrumental in improving access to higher education in Colombia. This article uses the capability approach to analyze the ways in which ICETEX has contributed to loan recipients’ well-being and identify which capabilities loan recipients have reason to value. Evidence from qualitative interviews with eight participants reveals that, due to an intersecting set of conversion factors and capabilities, ICETEX both enables and constrains participants’ capabilities.
Patient and Surgeon Factors Associated With Prosthetic Replacement Rather Than With Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of a Radial Head Fracture
Authors: O’Connor Casey M. , Kortlever Joost , Vagner Gregg A. , Reichel Lee M. , Ring David
Published: May 2020

Background: The decision between radial head arthroplasty and open reduction internal fixation in the context of a terrible triad elbow fracture-dislocation is debated. This study investigated both surgeon and patient factors associated with surgeons’ recommendations to use arthroplasty. Methods: One hundred fifty-two surgeon members of the Science of Variation Group participated. Surgeons were asked to complete an online survey that included surgeon demographics and 16 patient scenarios. The patient scenarios were randomized using 2 patient variables and 2 anatomical variables. Multilevel logistic mixed regression analysis was performed to identify surgeon and patient variables associated with recommendations for radial head arthroplasty. Results: We found that radial head replacement was recommended in 38% of the scenarios. Scenarios with older patients, with fractures of the whole head, and those involving 3 fracture fragments were independently associated with radial head replacement. Conclusion: We found that most surgeons recommended radial head fracture fixation rather than arthroplasty. Surgeons were more likely to recommend fixation for younger patients with partial articular fractures or with fractures with 3 or fewer fracture fragments. It seems that surgeons are uneasy about using a prosthesis in a young active patient.
Research on abnormal object detection in specific region based on Mask R-CNN
Authors: Xiong Haitao , Wu Jiaqing , Liu Qing , Cai Yuanyuan
Published: May 2020

As an information carrier with rich semantics, image plays an increasingly important role in real-time monitoring of logistics management. Abnormal objects are typically closely related to the specific region. Detecting abnormal objects in the specific region is conducive to improving the accuracy of detection and analysis, thereby improving the level of logistics management. Motivated by these observations, we design the method called abnormal object detection in a specific region based on Mask R-convolutional neural network: Abnormal Object Detection in Specific Region. In this method, the initial instance segmentation model is obtained by the traditional Mask R-convolutional neural network method, then the region overlap of the specific region is calculated and the overlapping ratio of each instance is determined, and these two parts of information are fused to predict the exceptional object. Finally, the abnormal object is restored and detected in the original image. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed Abnormal Object Detection in Specific Region can effectively identify abnormal objects in a specific region and significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art methods.
Morale and burnout in an Australian public school: A socio-technical systems approach
Authors: Whiteoak John W
Published: May 2020

This exploratory case study investigated the link between morale and burnout in an Australian public school. Qualitative data was collected from 8 focus groups involving 47 participants. In analysing the qualitative data, an objective content analysis using the software program Leximancer was conducted. The findings indicated that a lack of support and poor systems (particularly in relation to behavioural management) were central to staff burnout and lower morale. A socio-technical systems framework including people, systems and tools was developed and applied to explain the results. It was argued that the attributional process of blame and a lack of perceived empathy (for poor systems) from leaders in the school was adding to feelings of low morale. The findings suggest that without empathy in leadership, attempts to improve morale in a workplace may actually increase burnout risk. The case study also highlights the buffering effect that ‘pod-synergy’ can have in mitigating burnout risk among teachers when there is a lack of involvement and empathy in the way decisions are made by leaders. Finally, a balance between the people and the systems is recommended so that there is enough autonomy for teachers to make situation-based decisions using their own skills and training without the demands of too much ‘red tape’.
Rehospitalization rates, costs, and risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease: a 16-year nationwide study
Authors: Santiago Mafalda , Magro Fernando , Correia Luís , Portela Francisco , Ministro Paula , Lago Paula , Trindade Eunice , Dias Cláudia Camila
Published: May 2020

Aims:

We aimed to describe the burden of rehospitalization in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), by evaluating rehospitalization rates, charges, and risk factors over 16 years.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of all hospital discharges with a primary diagnosis of IBD in public hospitals between 2000 and 2015 in mainland Portugal from the Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS)’s national registry. We collected data on patient, clinical, and healthcare charges. We used survival analysis to estimate the rate and risk factors of IBD-related rehospitalization.

Results:

We found that 33% ( n = 15,931) of the IBD-related hospitalizations corresponded to rehospitalizations, which increased by 12% over 16 years. However, IBD rehospitalization rate per 100,000 IBD patients decreased 2.5-fold between 2003 and 2015. Mean IBD-related rehospitalization charges were €14,589/hospitalization-year in 2000 and €17,548 /hospitalization-year in 2015, with total rehospitalization charges reaching €3.1 million/year by 2015. Overall, the 30-day rate of rehospitalization was 24% for Crohn’s disease (CD) and 22.4% for ulcerative colitis (UC). Novel risk factors for rehospitalization include penetrating disease in CD patients {hazard ratio (HR) 1.34 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20–1.51], p < 0.001} and colostomy in UC patients [HR 2.84 (95% CI 1.06–7.58)].

Conclusion:

IBD-related rehospitalization should be closely monitored, and efforts to reduce its risk factors should be made to improve the quality of care and, consequently, to reduce the burden of IBD.
Reoperation in Zygomatico-orbital Trauma: A Review of Patients With Suboptimal Outcomes Following Initial Repair
Authors: Taylor Richard , Kumar Deepshikha , Ghelani Jai , Varley Iain
Published: May 2020

Introduction:

Treatment to restore anatomy, function, and aesthetics after trauma should involve as little surgical insult as possible. As such, repeated procedures may suggest failed initial management. To date, no predictive factors for failure of primary surgery have been identified.

Objectives:

The aim of this review was to identify factors affecting the requirement for reoperation following treatment of zygomatico-orbital injuries.

Study Design and Methods:

A retrospective review of patients undergoing surgery for zygomatico-orbital fractures between 2011 and 2019 in a single UK major trauma center was undertaken. All operative notes and imaging were reviewed independently by 2 authors to classify the fracture patterns for both zygomatic and orbital components of the injury. For all cases, the mode of preoperative imaging the grade of operating surgeon, materials used for fixation, and the surgical approaches were recorded.

Results:

Coding data identified 432 patients who underwent surgery for zygomatico-orbital fractures. In total, 116 cases were treated with closed reduction and 316 with open reduction and internal fixation; 20 cases required reoperation. There were no significant differences identified between cases requiring reoperation and those who did not.

Conclusions:

A need for repeated surgery is rare. However, this review identified an increased risk of infection of fixation when an intraoral approach was used and highlights the potential benefits that can be achieved by open reduction and internal fixation when more conservative approaches fail to achieve the desired outcome.
Seven Myths on Crowding and Peripheral Vision
Authors: Strasburger Hans
Published: May 2020

Crowding has become a hot topic in vision research, and some fundamentals are now widely agreed upon. For the classical crowding task, one would likely agree with the following statements. (1) Bouma’s law can be stated, succinctly and unequivocally, as saying that critical distance for crowding is about half the target’s eccentricity. (2) Crowding is predominantly a peripheral phenomenon. (3) Peripheral vision extends to at most 90° eccentricity. (4) Resolution threshold (the minimal angle of resolution) increases strongly and linearly with eccentricity. Crowding increases at an even steeper rate. (5) Crowding is asymmetric as Bouma has shown. For that inner-outer asymmetry, the peripheral flanker has more effect. (6) Critical crowding distance corresponds to a constant cortical distance in primary visual areas like V1. (7) Except for Bouma’s seminal article in 1970, crowding research mostly became prominent starting in the 2000s. I propose the answer is “not really” or “not quite” to these assertions. So should we care? I think we should, before we write the textbook chapters for the next generation.
Looking for Infrequent Faces: Visual Patterns and Gender Effect in Detecting Crying and Smiling Expressions
Authors: Shi Rong
Published: May 2020

Previous research has focused on documenting the perceptual mechanisms of facial expressions of so-called basic emotions; however, little is known about eye movement in terms of recognizing crying expressions. The present study aimed to clarify the visual pattern and the role of face gender in recognizing smiling and crying expressions. Behavioral reactions and fixations duration were recorded, and proportions of fixation counts and viewing time directed at facial features (eyes, nose, and mouth area) were calculated. Results indicated that crying expressions could be processed and recognized faster than that of smiling expressions. Across these expressions, eyes and nose area received more attention than mouth area, but in smiling facial expressions, participants fixated longer on the mouth area. It seems that proportional gaze allocation at facial features was quantitatively modulated by different expressions, but overall gaze distribution was qualitatively similar across crying and smiling facial expressions. Moreover, eye movements showed visual attention was modulated by the gender of faces: Participants looked longer at female faces with smiling expressions relative to male faces. Findings are discussed around the perceptual mechanisms underlying facial expressions recognition and the interaction between gender and expression processing.
Place Branding as Participatory Governance? An Interdisciplinary Case Study of Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Ripoll González Laura , Gale Fred
Published: May 2020

Research in both public administration and place development has identified a need to develop more participatory approaches to governing cities and regions. Scholars have identified place branding as one of several potential policy instruments to enable more participatory place development. Recently, academics working in diverse disciplines, including political studies, public administration, and regional development have suggested that an alternative, bottom-up, more participatory approach to place branding could be employed. Such an interdisciplinary approach would use iterative communication exchanges within a network of diverse stakeholders including residents to better foster stakeholder participation, contribute to sustainable development, and deliver substantive social justice and increased citizen satisfaction. Building on this research and using an exploratory, qualitative, case-study methodology, our aim was to observe and analyze such interactions and communicative exchanges in practice. Drawing on the experience of the Australian state of Tasmania, we studied stakeholder reactions to the participatory place branding approach. We found that although participants were initially skeptical and identified many barriers to implementing participatory place branding, they simultaneously became excited by its possibilities and able to identify how many of the barriers could be transcended.
Relationships Between Supervision and Teachers’ Performance and Attitude in Secondary Schools in Malaysia
Authors: Hoque Kazi Enamul , Bt Kenayathulla Husaina Banu , D/O Subramaniam Malar Vili , Islam Reazul
Published: May 2020

This study was carried out to determine the relationships between supervision and teachers’ performance and attitude in secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This is a quantitative study where the 5-point Likert-type-scale questionnaire was used to analyze data using descriptive and inferential statistics. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents. This study entailed respondents from various schools in one of the districts in Kuala Lumpur which comprises 200 teachers and 50 supervisors. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the status of supervision practices, teachers’ attitude toward supervision, and teachers’ level of performance after supervision. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the relationships between supervision (supervisory practices–directive, collaborative, and nondirective approach) and teachers’ performance and attitude. The current status of supervisory practices, teachers’ attitude toward supervision, and teachers’ performance after supervision is found at moderate level in secondary schools in Malaysia. As a whole, supervisory practices are not correlated with teachers’ performance and attitude. But worthy to mention, directive supervision is positively and significantly related to teachers’ performance and attitude. This study result will benefit the policy makers, school supervisors and headmasters to choose the right kind of supervisory practices which can contribute to better teaching performance.
Rural Poverty Alleviation Strategies and Social Capital Link: The Mediation Role of Women Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation
Authors: Osei Charles Dwumfour , Zhuang Jincai
Published: May 2020

This article presents a novel insight into the extent to which social capital, social innovation, and women entrepreneurial activities contribute to rural poverty alleviation. Applying the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique through SmartPLS software version 3.0, data from a total sample of 333 women entrepreneurs in the Agribusiness sector from the Sekyere South District in Ghana were empirically analyzed. The findings from the study highlight the transformative potential of rural women entrepreneurs who utilize social capital from both formal and informal social networks toward rural poverty alleviation. Thus, study results revealed that women entrepreneurship growth performance is positively and significantly associated with rural poverty alleviation. Furthermore, the impacts of social innovation and relational social capital on poverty alleviation showed positive. We recommend that policymakers and development practitioners should empower more women into entrepreneurial activities in the agribusiness sector in rural areas to promote rural poverty alleviation in developing countries.
Unveiling the Practices and Challenges of Professional Learning Community in a Malaysian Chinese Secondary School
Authors: Chua Wei Chuan , Thien Lei Mee , Lim Shun Yi , Tan Chee Seng , Guan Teik Ee
Published: May 2020

Professional learning community (PLC) studies in the Asian Chinese nations remain scarce despite the emerging interest in the practice of PLC beyond the Western context. This study attempts to provide an understanding of the practices of PLC and challenges in implementing PLC in a Malaysian Chinese culture–dominated secondary school. This qualitative study used a phenomenological constructivist approach as a strategy of inquiry. Semi-structured interview data were collected from six middle leaders and ordinary teachers in a national-type Chinese secondary school in the northern region. Findings informed three existing PLC practices at the school level, namely, (a) peer coaching, (b) sharing of personal practices, and (c) professional development courses. However, the practice of PLC encounters various challenges, including excessive workload, teachers’ passive attitudes, unsupportive conditions in the school, poor execution of PLC by the school community, and a vague understanding of PLC. Interestingly, this study identified two uncovered challenges hindering the development of PLC: misconception about PLC and lack of supervision from the authority. Implications and future studies are presented.
What Male Caregivers of Women With Breast Cancer Want in an Online Intervention: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Bamgboje-Ayodele Adeola , Levesque Janelle V , Gerges Martha , Girgis Afaf
Published: May 2020

The diversity in cancer caregiver responsibilities often leaves caregivers feeling ill-prepared for their role. To inform the development of an online caregiver training intervention, we examined the views of men caring for a woman with breast cancer on intervention mode, timing, and content preferences. Thirteen men participated in a qualitative interview. The findings reveal that an online intervention should include educational content and psychological support, be interactive and personalized, and be available from the point of diagnosis. There is encouraging support for an online caregiver training intervention that covers numerous topics and is available for men to tailor how they use the content based on their individual needs.
Culture as a Competitive Advantage at Raychem RPG
Authors: Jha Ratish
Published: May 2020

Culture as a competitive advantage. Your culture, is your identity, is unique and differentiating, it not only inspires your employees to come to work but gives them an environment where passion meets purpose, it attracts your customers to choose you over your competitors and it enables your shareholders & stakeholders to have trust in your brand. The right culture can help grow your company multi-folds. The success of any large-scale intervention process depends upon Involvement, Co-creation and Execution of/by/from your various stakeholders. Cultural Transformation is the biggest change management initiative for any organization. It includes hand holding your employees in the journey of change management, capturing voice of the customer & market, building a case for change, deriving business behaviors and leveraging them to Business Benefits, envisioning a new vision along with your stakeholders, displaying commitment towards execution, reinforcing the new business behaviors and celebrating the success stories of your cultural heroes. Culture is not an initiative but it’s a catalyst for all the initiatives.
The Topographical Imagination: Space and organization theory
Authors: Beyes Timon , Holt Robin
Published: May 2020

We live in a time of space, also in the study of organization. This review essay reflects on the state and the potential of organization theory’s spatial turn by embedding it in a wider movement of thought in the humanities and social sciences. Reading exemplary studies of organizational spatialities alongside the broader history and renaissance of spatial thinking allows us to identify and discuss four twists to the spatial turn in organization theory. First, organization is understood as something placed or sited. Second, it is a site of spatial contestation, which is constitutive for (and not merely reflective of) organizational life. Third, such contestation is itself an outcome of a spatial multiplicity that encompasses affects, technologies, voids and absences. Fourth, such an excess of space is beyond (or rather before) representation and thus summons a spatial poetics. In following these twists, increasingly complex and speculative topographies of organization take shape.
The role of adhesion protein Fibulin7 in development and diseases
Authors: Chakraborty Papiya , Dash Shiba Prasad , Sarangi Pranita P.
Published: May 2020

Fibulins are a family of secreted glycoproteins, which play an important role in regulating multiple cellular functions such as adhesion, growth, motility, and survival. Fibulin7 (Fbln7) is expressed in developing odontoblasts, in the giant trophoblast layer of the placenta, in the choroid of the eyes as well as in the cartilage. Since its discovery, reports from various research groups have improved our understanding about the roles and effects of Fbln7 and Fbln7 derived fragments and peptides under physiological and pathological conditions such as tooth development, angiogenesis, immunoregulation, cancer pathogenesis and very recently as a possible biomarker for glaucoma. This review will highlight the latest developments in our understanding of the functions, the proposed mechanism of actions, and Fbln7’s possible implications in future research and as therapeutics for different diseases.