bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global REACH 2018: The carotid artery diameter response to the cold pressor test is governed by arterial blood pressure during normoxic but not hypoxic conditions in healthy lowlanders and Andean highlanders
Authors: Tymko Michael M. , Hoiland Ryan L. , Vermeulen Tyler D. , Howe Connor A. , Tymko Courtney , Stone Rachel M. , Steinback Craig D. , Steele Andrew R. , Villafuerte Francisco , Vizcardo‐Galindo Gustavo , Mujica Romulo Joseph Figueroa , Ainslie Philip N.
Published: August 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

What is the impact of oxygen on the circulatory responses to an isocapnic cold pressor test (CPT) in lowlanders and Andean highlanders?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Overall, the circulatory responses to an isocapnic CPT were largely unaltered with acute normobaric hypoxia and chronic hypobaric hypoxia exposure in lowlanders. However, the relationship between mean arterial pressure and common carotid artery diameter was dampened in hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, there were no differences in the circulatory responses to the CPT between lowlanders and Andean highlanders with lifelong exposure to high altitude.

The impact of oxygen on the circulatory responses to a cold pressor test (CPT) in lowlanders and Andean highlanders remains unknown. Our hypotheses were as follows: (i) in lowlanders, acute normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia would attenuate the common carotid artery (CCA) diameter response to the CPT compared with normobaric normoxia; (ii) Andean highlanders would exhibit a greater CCA diameter response compared with lowlanders; and (iii) a positive relationship between CCA diameter and blood pressure in response to the CPT would be present in both lowlanders and highlanders. Healthy lowlanders (n = 13) and Andean highlanders (n = 8) were recruited and conducted an isocapnic CPT, which consisted of a 3 min foot immersion into water at 0–1°C. Blood pressure (finger photoplethysmography) and CCA diameter and blood flow (Duplex ultrasound) were recorded continuously. The CPT was conducted in lowlanders at sea level in isocapnic normoxic and hypoxic conditions and after 10 days of acclimatization to 4300 m (Cerro de Pasco, Peru) in hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions. Andean highlanders were tested at rest at high altitude. The main findings were as follows: (i) in lowlanders, normobaric but not hypobaric hypoxia elevated CCA reactivity to the CPT; (ii) no differences in response to the CPT were observed between lowlanders and highlanders; and (iii) although hypobaric hypoxaemia reduced the relationship between CCA diameter and blood pressure compared with normobaric normoxia (P = 0.132), hypobaric hyperoxia improved this relationship (P = 0.012), and no relationship was observed in Andean highlanders (P = 0.261). These data demonstrate that the circulatory responses to a CPT were modified by oxygen in lowlanders, but were unaltered with lifelong hypoxic exposure.
3-D assessment of gaze-induced eye shape deformations and downgaze-induced vitreous chamber volume increase in highly myopic eyes with staphyloma
Authors: Hoang Quan V , Chang Stanley , Yu Daryle Jason Go , Yannuzzi Lawrence A , Freund K Bailey , Grinband Jack
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To determine if the stress of normal eye movements results in gaze-induced globe deformations, vitreous chamber axial length and vitreous chamber axial volume (VCAV) change in highly myopic eyes.

Methods

A prospective imaging study was performed on 82 eyes of 43 patients with high myopia (>27 mm of axial length) with a clinical diagnosis of staphyloma. Three-dimensional MRI scans were acquired while subjects gazed in five directions (primary, nasal, temporal, superior and inferior). Surface renderings were generated, and a processing pipeline was created to automate alignment of the eye and to measure VCAV within 5.5 mm of the visual axis for each eye in every gaze. The degree of gaze-induced globe deformation was determined by calculating the Dice coefficient to assess the degree of overlap of the sclera at each eccentric gaze with that found in primary gaze. Each eccentric gaze VCAV was compared to VCAV in primary gaze using a fixed-effects regression allowing for subject-specific and eye-specific effects.

Results

The Dice coefficient showed significant gaze-induced eye shape changes in all gazes (all p<0.0001). There were no statistically significant gaze-induced VCAV changes when comparing primary gaze to nasal, temporal or upgaze. However, when changing from primary to downgaze, VCAV was increased by +4.79 mm3 (p=0.002, 95% CI 1.71 to 7.86).

Conclusion

Significant gaze-induced globe deformation was noted in all gazes, but a reversible, instantaneous VCAV increase occurred only in downgaze, which is consistent with studies supporting the association of environmental factors such as near work with myopia development and progression.
Automated detection of early-stage ROP using a deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Huang Yo-Ping , Basanta Haobijam , Kang Eugene Yu-Chuan , Chen Kuan-Jen , Hwang Yih-Shiou , Lai Chi-Chun , Campbell John P , Chiang Michael F , Chan Robison Vernon Paul , Kusaka Shunji , Fukushima Yoko , Wu Wei-Chi
Published: August 2020

Background/Aim

To automatically detect and classify the early stages of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) using a deep convolutional neural network (CNN).

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in a referral medical centre in Taiwan. Only premature infants with no ROP, stage 1 ROP or stage 2 ROP were enrolled. Overall, 11 372 retinal fundus images were compiled and split into 10 235 images (90%) for training, 1137 (10%) for validation and 244 for testing. A deep CNN was implemented to classify images according to the ROP stage. Data were collected from December 17, 2013 to May 24, 2019 and analysed from December 2018 to January 2020. The metrics of sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were adopted to evaluate the performance of the algorithm relative to the reference standard diagnosis.

Results

The model was trained using fivefold cross-validation, yielding an average accuracy of 99.93%±0.03 during training and 92.23%±1.39 during testing. The sensitivity and specificity scores of the model were 96.14%±0.87 and 95.95%±0.48, 91.82%±2.03 and 94.50%±0.71, and 89.81%±1.82 and 98.99%±0.40 when predicting no ROP versus ROP, stage 1 ROP versus no ROP and stage 2 ROP, and stage 2 ROP versus no ROP and stage 1 ROP, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed system can accurately differentiate among ROP early stages and has the potential to help ophthalmologists classify ROP at an early stage.
12-month randomised trial of 360° and 180° Schlemm’s canal incisions in suture trabeculotomy ab interno for open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Sato Tomoki , Kawaji Takahiro
Published: August 2020

Background/Aims

To perform a 12-month comparison between the different extents and locations of Schlemm’s canal incisions during suture trabeculotomy ab interno for open-angle glaucoma (OAG).

Methods

This is a prospective, single-centre, three-arm randomised trial. A total of 99 eyes of 99 patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the 360° incision group (n=34), the upper-180° incision group (n=34) and the lower-180° incision group (n=31). Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of medications and complications were evaluated until 12 months after surgery. Surgical success (with or without medication) was defined as IOP ≤21 mmHg and ≥20% IOP reduction (criterion A) or IOP ≤15 mmHg and ≥20% IOP reduction (criterion B).

Results

The mean IOP (±SD) in all eyes was reduced from 18.6 (5.9) mmHg with 3.1 (1.1) medications to 13.7 (3.4) mmHg (20.8% reduction; p<0.001) with 1.4 (1.3) medications (p<0.001) at postoperative 12-month. Each group produced comparable mean reductions in both IOP and the number of medications throughout 12 months of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier cumulative survival analyses showed no significance among these three groups for criterion A and criterion B. Postoperative hyphema with niveau formation occurred significantly more in the 360° group than in the lower-180° group (p=0.031).

Conclusions

The different extents and locations of Schlemm’s canal incisions during suture trabeculotomy ab interno for OAG, including the 360° incision, the upper-180° incision and the lower-180° incision, do not affect both the IOP reduction and the medications throughout 12 months of follow-up.

Trial registration number

UMIN000021169.
Keratoconus staging by decades: a baseline ABCD classification of 1000 patients in the Homburg Keratoconus Center
Authors: Flockerzi Elias , Xanthopoulou Kassandra , Goebels Susanne Christiane , Zemova Elena , Razafimino Sonia , Hamon Loïc , Jullien Theresia , Klühspies Ulrike , Eppig Timo , Langenbucher Achim , Seitz Berthold
Published: August 2020

Background

This retrospective cross-sectional study aims to analyse the keratoconus (KC) stage distribution at different ages within the Homburg Keratoconus Center (HKC).

Methods

1917 corneae (1000 patients) were allocated to decades of age, classified according to Belin’s ABCD KC grading system and the stage distribution was analysed.

Results

73 per cent (n=728) of the patients were males, 27% (n=272) were females. The highest KC prevalence occurred between 21 and 30 years (n=585 corneae, 294 patients). Regarding anterior (A) and posterior (B) curvature, the frequency of A was significantly higher than B in all age groups for stage 0, 1 and 2 (A0>B0; A1>B1; A2>B2; p<0.03, Wilcoxon matched-pairs test). There was no significant difference between the number of A3 and B3, but significantly more corneae were classified as B4 than A4 in all age groups (p<0.02). The most frequent A|B combinations were A4|B4 (n=451), A0|B0 (n=311), A2|B4 (n=242), A2|B2 (n=189) and A1|B2 (n=154). Concerning thinnest pachymetry (C), most corneae in all age groups were classified as C0>C1>C2>C3>C4 (p<0.04, Wilcoxon matched-pairs test). For the best distance visual acuity (D), a significantly higher number of corneae were classified as D1 compared to D0 (p<0.008; D1>D0>D2>D3>D4).

Conclusion

The stage distributions in all age groups were similar. Early KC rather becomes manifest in the posterior than the anterior corneal curvature whereas advanced stages of posterior corneal curvature coincide with early and advanced stages of anterior corneal curvature. Thus, this study emphasises the necessity of posterior corneal surface assessment in KC as enabled by the ABCD grading system.
Ophthalmic adverse effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors: the Mayo Clinic experience
Authors: Fortes Blake Hugo , Liou Harris , Dalvin Lauren A
Published: August 2020

Background/Aims

To investigate immune-related ophthalmic side effects of systemic checkpoint inhibitors and compare side effect frequency and requirement for cessation of immunotherapy by checkpoint target.

Methods

Patients taking immune checkpoint inhibitors at a single centre from January 1, 2010 to February 29, 2020 were retrospectively reviewed for clinical characteristics, treatments and concurrent systemic adverse effects.

Results

Of 996 patients, 28 (2.8%) experienced an ophthalmic side effect that came to the attention of an eye care provider. Mean age at presentation of the side effect was 63 years (median 64, range 25–88). The checkpoint inhibitor most often preceding side effects was pembrolizumab in 12 (43%). The most common side effect was dry eye in 16 (57%), followed by uveitis in 4 (14%) patients, and singular cases of ptosis and binocular diplopia, among others. Ocular surface adverse effects occurred more frequently with programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) targeting therapy. There were no significant differences in the frequency of orbit/ocular adnexa and uveitis or retinal side effects based on checkpoint targets. Follow-up was available in 13 (46%) patients, with mean duration of 20 months (median 16, range 2–52 months). Of these patients, the ophthalmic side effects were controlled without discontinuing therapy in 12 (92%). Checkpoint inhibitor cessation was required in one patient with panuveitis.

Conclusion

Ophthalmic immune-related adverse events are rare but could be more common than previously estimated. PD-L1-directed checkpoint inhibitors may have a slight predilection for ocular surface adverse effects. Most ophthalmic events can be treated with targeted therapy without discontinuation of life-prolonging immunotherapy.
ELFIN, the United Kingdom preterm lactoferrin trial: interpretation and future questions
Authors: Berrington Janet Elizabeth , McGuire William , Embleton Nicholas David
Published: August 2020

Results from previous studies have suggested that supplemental bovine lactoferrin (BLF) given to preterm infants (<32 weeks gestation) reduces late-onset sepsis (LOS) and necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). The Enteral Lactoferrin in Neonates (ELFIN) study, performed in the UK, aimed to further address this issue with a well powered double-blind placebo controlled trial of >2200 preterm infants. The results from ELFIN did not demonstrate a reduction in LOS or NEC, or several other clinically important measures. Of the 1093 infants, 316 (29%) in the intervention group developed late-onset sepsis versus 334 (31%) of 1089 in the control group, with an adjusted risk ratio of 0.95 (95% CI = 0.86–1.04; p = 0.233). Reasons for the differences in ELFIN trial results and other studies may include population differences, the routine use of antifungal prophylaxis in the UK, timing of administration of the lactoferrin in relation to disease onset, or specific properties of the lactoferrin used in the different trials. The UK National Institutes for Health Research funded “Mechanisms Affecting the Guts of Preterm Infants in Enteral feeding trials” (MAGPIE) study is further exploring the use of lactoferrin, and the results should be available soon.
hCINAP is potentially a direct target gene of HIF-1 and is required for hypoxia-induced EMT and apoptosis in cervical cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Yong , Jiang Li , Qin Nianqun , Cao Mi , Liang Xiujuan , Wang Rensheng
Published: August 2020

The early metastasis of cervical cancer is a multistep process requiring the cancer cells to adapt to the signal input from different tissue environments, including hypoxia. Hypoxia-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role in the ability to invade surrounding tissues. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying EMT in cervical cancer remain to be elucidated. Herein, we show that hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) are recruited to the human coilin-interacting nuclear ATPase protein (hCINAP) promoter and initiate hCINAP expression in hypoxia. Ablation of hCINAP decreased the migratory capacity and EMT of cervical cancer cells under hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, hCINAP regulated EMT through the Akt–mTOR signaling pathway, and inhibits hypoxia-induced p53-dependent apoptosis. Our data collectively show that hCINAP may have essential roles in the metastasis of cervical cancer and could be a potential target for curing cervical cancer.
Sum of elements in finite Sidon sets
Authors: Ding Yuchen
Published: August 2020

[Formula: see text] is called a Sidon set if [Formula: see text] are all distinct for any [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be the largest cardinal number of such [Formula: see text]. We are interested in the sum of elements in the Sidon set [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we prove that for any [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is a Sidon set and [Formula: see text].
Risk Factors for Rebleeding after Emergency Endoscopic Treatment of Dieulafoy Lesion
Authors: Lai Yongkang , Rong Jianfang , Zhu Zhenhua , Liao Wangdi , Li Bimin , Zhu Yin , Chen Youxiang , Shu Xu
Published: August 2020

Background and Objective: Dieulafoy lesion is a rare, but life-threatening, cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and endoscopic therapy is the preferred first-line treatment. The present study aims to analyze the risk factors for rebleeding after endoscopic hemostasis of gastroduodenal Dieulafoy lesion. Methods. A retrospective review of patients with Dieulafoy lesion who developed acute gastrointestinal bleeding and were treated primarily with endoscopic therapy from September 2014 to April 2019 was conducted. Results. A total of 133 patients with Dieulafoy lesion were included in the present study. The mean age of these patients was 56.05 ± 16.58 years, and 115 patients were male. Among these 133 patients, 26 patients developed rebleeding within 30 days of endoscopic therapy. The 30-day rebleeding rate for pure injection therapy (epinephrine, cyanoacrylate, or lauromacrogol injection alone), nonpure injection therapy (argon plasma coagulation, band ligation, and hemoclip application alone), and combination therapy (combination of any >2 methods) was 45.2%, 12.8%, and 11%, respectively. In the univariable analysis, endoscopic treatment, prothrombin time, gender, Rockall score, and leukocyte count were the risk factors for rebleeding. In the multivariable analysis, pure injection endoscopic treatment, white blood cells (>10 × 109/L), and prothrombin time >12 seconds were the independent risk factors for rebleeding. Conclusion. Patients who undergo pure injection endoscopic treatment and have a high leukocyte count (>10 × 109/L) or elevated prothrombin time (>12 seconds) have an increased risk of rebleeding within 30 days after endoscopic treatment for gastroduodenal Dieulafoy lesion. Combined endoscopic treatment is the most effective therapy to prevent rebleeding in gastroduodenal Dieulafoy lesion.
A Linear Map Acts as a Leonard Pair with Each of the Generators of Usl2
Authors: Alnajjar Hasan
Published: August 2020

Let ℱ denote an algebraically closed field with a characteristic not two. Fix an integer d≥3; let x, y, and z be the equitable basis of sl2 over ℱ. Let V denote an irreducible sl2-module with dimension d+1; let A∈EndV. In this paper, we show that if each of the pairs A,x, A,y, and A,z acts on V as a Leonard pair, then these pairs are of Krawtchouk type. Moreover, A is a linear combination of 1, x, y, and z.
Enabling Microparticle Imprinting to Achieve Penetration and Local Endurance in the Peritoneum via High-Intensity Ultrasound (HIUS) for the Treatment of Peritoneal Metastasis
Authors: Mikolajczyk Agata , Khosrawipour Tanja , Martino Alice , Kulas Joanna , Pieczka Marek , Zacharski Maciej , Nicpon Jakub , Khosrawipour Veria
Published: August 2020

Introduction. Micro- and nanoparticles, with their submicron size, the versatility of physical and chemical properties, and easily modifiable surface, are uniquely positioned to bypass the body’s clearing systems. Nonetheless, two main problems with micro- and nanoparticles arise which limit the intraperitoneal application. The study was performed to evaluate whether HIUS enables the imprinting of microparticles and, therefore, enhances penetration and local endurance in the peritoneum. Methods. High-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) at 20 kilohertz with an output power of 70 W was applied on peritoneal tissue samples from fresh postmortem swine for different time intervals. Before the HIUS application, the surface of the samples was covered with strontium aluminate microparticles before analysis via electron microscopy. In-tissue strontium aluminate penetration and particle distribution size were measured using fluorescence microscopy on frozen thin sections. Results. With increasing HIUS durations (1 versus 5 minutes), increasing strontium aluminate particles were detected in the peritoneum. HIUS leads to a particle selection process with enhancing predominantly the penetration of smaller particles whereas larger particles had a harder time penetrating the peritoneum. Smaller particles were detected up to 277 µm ± 86 µm into the peritoneum. Conclusion. Our data indicate that HIUS might be used as a method to prepare the peritoneal tissue for micro- and nanoparticles. Higher tissue penetration rates without the increase and longer local endurance of the applied substance could be reached. More studies need to be performed to analyze the effect of HIUS in enhancing intraperitoneal drug applications.
El pasado reciente en el Chile de hoy: entre la reconciliación y la convivencia
Authors: Reyes María José
Published: August 2020

Por más de una década, en el contexto político-social chileno el llamado a la reconciliación nacional por parte de las voces gubernamentales se ha instalado para enfrentar aquellos conflictos pasados que continuamente se hacen presentes. El objetivo de este artículo es, en un primer momento, centrar su atención en aquella noción articulada desde el ámbito gubernamental, para luego, desde un material generado por medio de grupos de discusión, dar cuenta de las significaciones y sentidos que de ella se configuran en el espacio de la vida cotidiana. El principal hallazgo a partir del análisis de discurso realizado, fue el de una nueva forma de enfrentar y conformar el pasado en el presente, a saber, la convivencia, práctica que se resiste y contrapone a la lógica de reconciliación instalada principalmente desde el ámbito político-institucional.
Prisión política y tortura: desde las intervenciones psicosociales a las políticas de reparación
Authors: Cornejo Marcela , Rojas Rodrigo , Buzzoni María Ester , Mendoza Francisca , Concha Mariella , Cabach Catalina
Published: August 2020

A la fecha, desde el Estado se han implementado tres instancias relativas a la verdad y la reparación de las violaciones a los derechos humanos cometidas durante la dictadura militar, siendo la más reciente la Comisión Nacional sobre Prisión Política y Tortura (CNPPT). En este trabajo se analiza específicamente el fenómeno de la prisión política y la tortura, considerándolo un fenómeno sociopolítico, que determinó experiencias traumáticas con graves consecuencias psicosociales, tanto en las víctimas directas, como en los grupos primarios de apoyo y en la sociedad en su conjunto. Se discuten los ejes centrales y los límites de algunas experiencias de intervención terapéutica implementadas con estas personas. Finalmente, se examina lo que fue la experiencia de la CNPPT, cuyo Informe se hizo público en noviembre de 2004, analizando las particularidades de su funcionamiento y cuál ha sido su impacto en las propias víctimas, en la sociedad y en las políticas de reparación y verdad.
¿Recuperar un lugar para la ética en un mundo sin referentes? Ética discursiva, normatividad y política según Jürgen Habermas
Authors: Salvat Pablo
Published: August 2020

El proceso de modernización, en sus distintas expresiones —derecho, política, cultura—, al autonomizar y diferenciar sus esferas de acción y justificación, plantea la necesidad y pertinencia de interrogarse por las posibles fuentes de los valores y normas legitimantes en esas esferas, en medio de un nuevo politeísmo axiológico y del pluralismo de visiones de fondo. La debilidad de la política y el malestar con el presente conforman el contexto de esa interrogante. ¿Cómo y desde dónde obtener criterios compartibles universalizables para criticar el presente —sus instituciones— y validarlo como justo o injusto, bueno o malo, deseable o indeseable? Las respuestas no son sencillas. En función de este problema nos interesa examinar algunos rasgos de la propuesta habermasiana. La reflexión de Habermas resulta valiosa toda vez que se hace desde materiales interdisciplinarios y, al mismo tiempo, desde la asunción de una tensión que no puede ser eliminada entre el momento fáctico y el normativo, constitutivos ambos de los distintos plexos de realidades de lo humano. Leemos su propuesta de ética discursiva como un esfuerzo por abrir un lugar legítimo a una normatividad que busca su universabilidad en la interacción comunicativa presente y reconstruible en los mundos de vida. A partir de allí examinamos algunos elementos que conforman su ética discursiva, como oferta de una ética ocupada con los intereses generalizables, expresables y consensuables en un espacio público. Por último, efectuamos algunas reflexiones sobre esa normatividad comunicativamente establecida y sus puentes de ida y vuelta hacia el derecho y la política.
Acontecimiento y mundo
Authors: Romano Claude
Published: August 2020

El texto que acá se publica es la traducción de “Probleme” (“El problema”) de Événement et le monde, primer libro publicado por el filósofo francés contemporáneo Claude Romano, que tiene por objetivo desarrollar una hermenéutica acontecial a partir de la cual se rompe con los cánones clásicos de la subjetividad moderna para dar cuenta del sujeto en cuanto que se constituye en los acontecimientos que trastocan y reorientan los múltiples sentidos del mundo del ipse. De este modo, en este texto se pondrán las bases para una reflexión que distingue entre el acontecimiento como hecho intramundano y, la develada acá, en un sentido acontecial.
Los muchachos de antes. Historias de la FECH 1973 - 1988
Authors: Gárate Manuel
Published: August 2020

El libro sobre el cual pretendo llamar la atención del lector y en especial incitarlo a leer, nos sumerge en el período inmediatamente posterior al golpe de estado en Chile, en septiembre 1973. Más especificatamente, en el mundo estudiantil de la Universidad de Chile, hasta aquel momento la institución cultural académica por excelencia del país.
Trabajo doméstico y equidad de género en Latinoamérica: desafíos para el trabajo decente
Authors: Mora Claudia , Valenzuela María Elena
Published: August 2020

En la última década ha existido una proliferación de estudios sobre el trabajo doméstico en Estados Unidos y Europa, que utilizan esta ocupación como punto de partida para el análisis de dinámicas migratorias, de género, raza, etnicidad y clase social.
Physical security layer with friendly jammer in half-duplex relaying networks over rayleigh fading channel: Intercept probability analysis
Authors: Tin Phu Tran , Ha Duy Hung , Tran Minh , Trang Tran Thanh
Published: August 2020

In this research, thephysical security layer with a friendly jammerin half-duplex (HD) relaying networksover the Rayleigh fading channel is proposed and investigated. Firstly, we proposed the system model and the time switching,power splitting protocolsfor the system model. Then we conductedthe mathematical analysisfor deriving theexact analysis and asymptotic analysisintegral forms for intercept probability (IP). Finally, the analytical formulationis verified by the Monte Carlo Simulation with all main system parameters. From the results, we can show that the simulation and analytical values are the same values.
Traffic management inside software-defined data centre networking
Authors: Ali Tariq Emad , Morad Ameer Hussein , Abdala Mohammed A.
Published: August 2020

In recent years, data centre (DC) networks have improved their rapid exchanging abilities. Software-defined networking (SDN) is presented to alternate the impression of conventional networks by segregating the control plane from the SDN data plane. The SDN presented overcomes the limitations of traditional DC networks caused by the rapidly incrementing amounts of apps, websites, data storage needs, etc. Software-defined networking data centres (SDN-DC), based on the open-flow (OF) protocol, are used to achieve superior behaviour for executing traffic load-balancing (LB) jobs. The LB function divides the traffic-flow demands between the end devices to avoid links congestion. In short, SDN is proposed to manage more operative configurations, efficient enhancements and further elasticity to handle massive network schemes. In this paper the opendaylight controller (ODL-CO) with new version OF 1.4 protocol and the ant colony optimization algorithm is proposed to test the performance of the LB function using IPv6 in a SDN-DC network by studying the throughput, data transfer, bandwidth and average delay performance of the networking parameters before and after use of the LB algorithm. As a result, after applying the LB, the throughput, data transfer and bandwidth performance increased, while the average delay decreased.
Super-twisting sliding mode based nonlinear control for planar dual arm robots
Authors: Nguyen Tung Lam , Vu Huu Tinh
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a super-twisting algorithm sliding mode controller is proposed for a planar dual arm robot. The control strategy for the manipulator system can effectively counteract chattering phenomenon happened with conventional sliding mode approach. The modeling is implemented in order to provide the capability of maneuvering object in translational and rotational motions. The control is developed for a 2n-link robot and subsequently simulations is carried out for a 4-link system. Comparative numerical study shows that the designed controller performance with good tracking ability and smaller chattering compared with basic sliding mode controller.
High gain over an octave bandwidth class-F RF power amplifier design using 10W GaN HEM
Authors: Ruslan Hadi Noor Syakirah , Yusoff Zubaida , Sadeque Md. Golam , Hashim Shaiful Jahari , Chaudhary Muhammad Akmal
Published: August 2020

The wireless communication industry grows faster each day. In terms of RF power amplifier (RFPA), the requirements on efficiency, linearity, bandwidth, output power and cost are getting more stringent. RFPA is considered as the most important component because of consuming large power in a base station. In this paper, a systematic approach is used to design a high flat gain class-F RFPA over an octave bandwidth. The simulation of a 1.5GHz class-F power amplifier mode demonstrates a high drain efficiency while accomplishing a high flat gain over a wide bandwidth. To identify the optimum impedance for the output matching and input matching network, the load-pull and source-pull are performed. The simulation results show that the RFPA can deliver a drain efficiency of 68.37 % at the output power of 40.79 dBm with power added efficiency of 66.94 %. The designed PA achieved a high gain between 13 dB to 17 dB from 0.5 GHz to 2.0 GHz of a frequency band. The matching circuits are realized on an FR-4 substrate to keep the cost as low as possible. A 10W GaN HEMT CGH40010 transistor from Cree has been used for this RFPA design.
K-nearest neighbor and naïve Bayes based diagnostic analytic of harmonic source identification
Authors: Jopri Mohd Hatta , Ab Ghani Mohd Ruddin , Abdullah Abdul Rahim , Manap Mustafa , Sutikno Tole , Too Jingwei
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes a comparison of machine learning (ML) algorithm known as the k-nearest neighbor (KNN) and naïve Bayes (NB) in identifying and diagnosing the harmonic sources in the power system. A single-point measurement is applied in this proposed method, and using the S-transform the measurement signals are analyzed and extracted into voltage and current parameters. The voltage and current features that estimated from time-frequency representation (TFR) of S-transform analysis are used as the input for MLs. Four significant cases of harmonic source location are considered, whereas harmonic voltage (HV) and harmonic current (HC) source type-load are used in the diagnosing process. To identify the best ML, the performance measurement of the proposed method including the accuracy, precision, specificity, sensitivity, and F-measure are calculated. The sufficiency of the proposed methodology is tested and verified on IEEE 4-bust test feeder and each ML algorithm is executed for 10 times due to prevent any overfitting result.
Empoasca fabalis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): first report of an invasive pest of sweet potatoes in Portugal (Madeira Island)
Authors: AGUIN-POMBO DORA , FREITAS NELIO
Published: August 2020

The genus Empoasca comprises more than 600 species, many of them important pests of cultivated plants. The leafhopper Empoasca fabalis DeLong, 1930 is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of America. From here, it has successfully spread to most regions of the continent. Today its range extends from the southern United States, through Central America, and the West Indies to southern South America (Cusipuma & Sanchez 1993, DeLong 1930, Paradell et al. 1990, Poos & Wheeler 1949, Wolcott, 1948). Outside its native area, the species was more recently recorded in the Canary Islands (Lorenzo & Hermoso de Mendonza 2000) and Hawaii (Dietrich & Perreira 2019). Although it is still not known to occur in the European mainland, specimens were collected in 2000 on the island of La Palma (Spain) (Lorenzo & Hermoso de Mendonza, 2000). Until now, it was unknown on the island of Madeira and Portugal.
The 11-Item Modified Frailty Index as a Tool to Predict Unplanned Events in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Tracy Brett M. , Carlin Margo N. , Tyson James W. , Schenker Mara L. , Gelbard Rondi B.
Published: August 2020

Background

Frailty has been studied extensively in trauma, but there is minimal research detailing its impact on traumatic brain injury (TBI). We hypothesized that the 11-item modified frailty index (mFI-11) would predict complications and discharge outcomes in patients with TBI.

Methods

A retrospective review of our trauma quality improvement program (TQIP) registry was conducted for all patients with TBI. The mFI-11 score was calculated for each patient. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between mFI-11 and cardiovascular, infectious, pulmonary, renal, thromboembolic, and unplanned complications (ie, unplanned intensive care unit [ICU] admission, intubation, or return to the operating room).

Results

There were 2352 patients with TBI of whom 61.6% (n = 1450) were not frail, 19.3% (n = 454) were mildly frail, and 19.1% (n = 448) were moderately to severely frail. Higher frailty scores were associated with increasing age ( P < .0001) and decreasing injury severity score [ISS] ( P = 0.001). Higher frailty scores also correlated with increasing rates of a skilled nursing facility/long-term acute care hospital/rehabilitation discharge ( P = .0002). On multivariable logistic regression adjusting for age, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, ISS, mechanism, and sex, moderate to severe frailty increased the odds of acute kidney injury (odds ratio [OR] 2.06, 95% CI 1.07-3.99, P = .03) and any unplanned event (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.3, P = .01).

Conclusion

Frailty measured by the mFI-11 is associated with greater rates of discharge to unfavorable locations and increased odds of acute kidney injury and unplanned events among patients with TBI. These findings suggest that frail patients with TBIs require greater vigilance to avoid such unanticipated outcomes.
Top-Down Processing of Drug Names Can Induce Errors in Discriminating Similar Pseudo-Drug Names by Nurses
Authors: Mitobe Junko , Higuchi Takahiro
Published: August 2020

Background

One factor that could cause medical errors is confusing medicines with similar names. A previous study showed that nurses who have knowledge about drugs faced difficulty in discriminating a drug name from similar pseudo-drug names. To avoid such errors, finger-pointing and calling (FPC) has been recommended in Japan.

Objectives

The present study had two aims. The first was to determine whether such difficulty was due to top-down processing, rather than bottom-up processing, being applied even for pseudo-names. The other was to investigate whether FPC affected error prevention for similar drug names.

Method

In two experiments, nurses and non–health care professionals performed a choice reaction time task for drug names and common words, with or without FPC. Error rate and reaction time were analyzed.

Results

When drug names were used, nurses showed difficulty discriminating target names from distractors. Furthermore, the error prevention effect of FPC was marginally significant for drug names. However, nurses showed no significant differences when similar drug names were used. There was no significant difference regarding the error rate for words.

Conclusions

Nurses’ knowledge of drug names activates top-down processing. As a result, the processing of drug names was not as accurate and quick as that for words for nurses, which caused difficulty in discriminating similar names. FPC may be applicable to reduce confusion errors, possibly by leading individuals to process drug names using bottom-up processing.

Application

The present study advances current knowledge about error tendencies with similar drug names and the effects of FPC on error prevention.
Book review: Mrinal Talukdar, Post Colonial Assam (1947–2019)
Authors: Das Phulmoni
Published: August 2020

Mrinal Talukdar, Post Colonial Assam (1947–2019). Guwahati, India: Nanda Talukdar Foundation and Kaziranga Book, 2019, 382 pp., ₹750.
Evaluation of Secondary Post-Tonsillectomy Bleeding among Children in Saudi Arabia: Risk Factor Analysis
Authors: Aldrees Turki , Alzuwayed Abdullah , Majed Abdullah , Alzamil Abdulrhman , Almutairi Mohammed , Aloqaili Yazeed
Published: August 2020

Background:

Tonsillectomy is one of the most widely recognized surgeries for tonsillitis. It is the default surgery option for obstructive sleep apnea, recurrent tonsillitis, and recurrent peritonsillar abscess. However, there are limited risk factor analyses in Saudi Arabia related to tonsillectomy. The goal of study is to evaluate and analyze the risk factors for secondary post-tonsillectomy bleeding in Saudi Arabia.

Method:

This retrospective review study was directed at King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Univariate and multivariate investigations were performed to decide the risk factors.

Results:

A total of 713 children were included. Post-tonsillectomy bleeding occurred in only 5.3% of tonsillectomies. There was no seasonal variation impact on post-tonsillectomy bleeding rate ( P = .8). The multivariate analysis showed a significant association between post-tonsillectomy bleeding and both age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.156; 95% CI: 1.007-1.326; P = .039) and sleep disorder breathing/obstructive sleep apnea (OR = 3.581; 95% CI: 1.454-8.820; P = .006).

Conclusion:

This study revealed that age, sleep disorder/obstructive sleep apnea, and longer hospital stay after tonsillectomy are significant risk factors for post-tonsillectomy bleeding. This study provides an important baseline for further local studies in the future.
Maps of Behavioural Economics: Evidence from the Field
Authors: Frid-Nielsen Snorre Sylvester , Jensen Mads Dagnis
Published: August 2020

Behavioural economics is a research agenda, which gradually has moved from the periphery to the centre of the discipline of economics. The rise of behavioural economics has fostered a burgeoning number of studies dealing with the past, present and future of the field. In contrast to these studies which focus on predestinated scholars, outlets and key concepts, this article uses exploratory bibliometric approaches to map behavioural economics. Utilising a novel data set, comprising 104,558 references across 1,872 articles published in the period 1956–2016, the article systematically illuminates the historical foundations, development and interdisciplinary nature of behavioural economics. The article shows (a) the overlooked role of several behavioural psychologists in shaping the field; (b) the influence of the Anglo-Saxon universities, such as University of California Berkeley, Harvard University and University of Pennsylvania; and that (c) behavioural economics mainly draws knowledge from five disciplinary clusters: (a) economics and policy, (b) psychology, (c) pharmacology, (d) health and (e) law.
Immunomodulation and Regeneration Properties of Dental Pulp Stem Cells: A Potential Therapy to Treat Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Zayed Mohammed , Iohara Koichiro
Published: August 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, originating from Wuhan, China, is known to cause severe acute respiratory symptoms. The occurrence of a cytokine storm in the lungs is a critical step in the disease pathogenesis, as it causes pathological lesions, pulmonary edema, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, potentially resulting in death. Currently, there is no effective treatment that targets the cytokine storm and helps regenerate the damaged tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to act as anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory candidates and activate endogenous regeneration. As a result, MSC therapy is a potential treatment approach for COVID-19. Intravenous injection of clinical-grade MSCs into COVID-19 patients can induce an immunomodulatory response along with improved lung function. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are considered a potential source of MSCs for immunomodulation, tissue regeneration, and clinical application. Although some current clinical trials have treated COVID-19 patients with DPSCs, this therapy has not been approved. Here, we review the potential use of DPSCs and their significance in the development of a therapy for COVID-19.
Shirley Pendlebury, ‘Feminism, Epistemology and Education’
Authors: Krishnaraj Maithreyi
Published: August 2020

The following piece contains the reflections of Maithreyi Krishnaraj, a wellknown senior feminist scholar on ‘Feminism, Epistemology and Education’ by Shirley Pendlebury, in David Car( Ed.) Education, Knowledge and Truth (Routledge, 1998, pp. 174–188). Re-visiting it after twenty years, she feels that Pendlebury’s views still have relevance.
Measurement of Cultural Intelligence and Its Impact on Psychological Adaptation of International Students in India
Authors: Rana Minakshi , Bhasin Jaya , Mushtaq Shahid
Published: August 2020

In recent years, India has emerged as a host to several students from various countries. It tenders cheap and affordable education to the globe. Post liberalization, economic boost to the Indian economy was attained due to educational tourism also. The major facade here is the adaptation of the international students to the Indian environment. One of the major aspects which positively contributes towards cultural adaptation among these sojourners is cultural intelligence. Researchers argued that the concept of cultural intelligence is significant for international students who are short term visitors in a foreign country. It is important for them to develop cultural intelligence competency, that is, metacognitive, cognitive, motivational and behavioural cultural intelligence as these capabilities lead to their cultural adaptation. In this context, the present study has been conducted with an aim to understand the relationship between the different facets of cultural intelligence and psychological adaptation of international students. The present study has also analysed the level of cultural intelligence and psychological adaptation among international students to understand the components of these dimensions which are less developed among international students. Data has been analysed using various statistical techniques, that is, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), mean and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results of the study have depicted a lower level of cultural intelligence among international students in India. Authors have concluded that behavioural cultural intelligence has shown a direct and positive relationship on the psychological adaptability of international students. These results, therefore, have practical implications for educational institutes and policymakers as it will help in drafting a policy framework for Indian higher educational institutes (HEIs).
Estimation of Macro-financial Linkages for the Indian Economy
Authors: Banerjee Shesadri , Anand Jayanthi K. , Bhide Shashanka
Published: August 2020

The widespread impacts of global financial crisis (2008-09) reinstate the need for better assessment of the macro-financial linkages for forecasting and policy evaluation. Our paper contributes to the relevant literature with evidence from the Indian financial sector. Following Castelnuovo (2013), a New Keynesian model with macro-financial linkages is estimated by the Bayesian technique for the sample period 2004: Q3 to 2019: Q1. We find that, in an Emerging Market Economy like India, business cycle leads financial cycle through the channel of expectations. Further, our results show that the linkages are heterogeneous in size depending on the financial market segment and market-specific shocks.

JEL Codes: C11, E44, G10
Telecom in India in 2017: Uncertainty Calling
Authors: Jain Ravi Kumar , Gonela Saradhi Kumar , Raghavendra BT
Published: August 2020

The Indian telecom industry, one of the fastest-growing markets in the world, was at crossroads. The industry grew in two decades by focusing primarily on reducing voice call charges. By the end of 2016, a new entrant disturbed the strategies of all the incumbents. Reliance Jio, the new competitor, disrupted the market by promising completely free voice calls—hitherto staple revenue stream for the incumbents—and undercut data price to approximately tenth of incumbents’ prices. The resulting cacophony severely damaged the incumbents to the extent that Vodafone and Idea Cellular, the second and third largest incumbents, announced a merger. Airtel, the unchallenged market leader for more than 15 years, was bracing to face financial losses.

The changed scenario posed several difficult questions to all the operators. Finding answers, though vital for existence, would prove to be a horrendous task. This case presents the students with the dilemma of how to face the new entrant, with unconventional strategies. This case will be ideal in the Business Strategy course.
Growing the Sales of ‘Wondersmoke’: Overcoming the Retailers Capital Crunch
Authors: Mukherjee Jaydeep
Published: August 2020

In March 2018, Rajan joined Wondersmoke India Ltd (WIL) as a sales executive for their cigarette business in Odisha, India. Although there was good demand for Wondersmoke as per the internal customer survey report of WIL on Kendrapara district of Odisha, a lot of the time, the demand was not fulfilled as the retailers did not have sufficient stock owing to inadequate working capital. Rajan needed to increase the cigarette sales from retail outlets in Kendrapara by ensuring that there was no loss of sales due to the lack of working capital of the retailers. Further, he needed to achieve the desired sales performance without making any exception to the company policy of no credit.
Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Higher Education and Research
Authors: Rashid Shazia , Yadav Sunishtha Singh
Published: August 2020

COVID-19 outbreak has caused a downward spiral in the world economy and caused a huge impact on the higher education system. The sudden closure of campuses as a social distancing measure to prevent community transmission has shifted face-to-face classes to online learning systems. This has thrown the focus on utilising eLearning tools and platforms for effective student engagement which may have limitations of accessibility and affordability for many students. The pandemic has exposed the shortcomings of the current higher education system and the need for more training of educators in digital technology to adapt to the rapidly changing education climate of the world. In the post-pandemic situation, the use of eLearning and virtual education may become an integral part of the higher education system. The higher education institutions and universities need to plan the post-pandemic education and research strategies to ensure student learning outcomes and standards of educational quality.