bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Study on the Corporate Social Responsibility Regime in India: Pre-COVID and COVID Times
Authors: Garg Varun , Agarwal Sakshi
Published: April 2022

Companies have shown social responsibility towards their stakeholders through corporate philanthropic efforts, known as Corporate Social Responsibility (‘CSR’). These efforts aim to maximise the welfare of the stakeholders and take care of the needs of society. The parent legislation for the Indian companies, that is, the Companies Act, brought a paradigm shift in 2013 when it mandated certain companies to spend mandatorily on CSR activities. Since then, the CSR legislation has been subject to frequent changes through amendments and clarifications. Various changes were brought to CSR policies in the past 2 years during COVID-19, including allocation of CSR funds towards COVID-19 relief funds, carry forward of excessive CSR expenditure and 100% tax deduction on COVID-19-related activities. This has affected how companies allocate their CSR funds.

To study this change, this empirical study analyses the shifts in CSR expenditure of the top 25 companies of the Fortune 500 list in pre-COVID-19 financial year 2017–2018 and COVID-19 hit financial year 2020–2021. The study uses a secondary data collection method, that is, self-reported annual reports, to arrive at ratios given as percentages or fractions, and a comparison is made across the two periods. The authors deliberate upon the limitations of the CSR regime as revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic and address questions relating to the CSR regime’s efficiency in providing societal good. Furthermore, the authors study the modified CSR expenditure pattern adopted by several companies consequent of COVID-19. This study concludes by offering recommendations that strive to inspire a more sustainable, efficient and pragmatic CSR regime in India.

JEL Classification: G39, D22, M14
Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals post-COVID-19: A study of Australia and Sweden
Authors: Delaney Kishaya , Maguire Amy
Published: April 2022

The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development offers countries an opportunity to align domestic law and policy through its framework of international Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in an effort to transform the global community. The success of the SDGs rests on their domestic implementation, which can be judged by measurement against targets. This article demonstrates the variable effects of mixed domestic approaches to implementation, through a comparison between Australia and Sweden. Noting the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying renewed importance of the SDGs, this article asserts that an integrated multilateral approach to implementing the SDGs (such as Sweden’s) and stronger domestic implementation will be key to recovering the losses sustained during the pandemic and meeting the goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda (in Australia and in other countries).
Utilizing Autoethnography Within a Course Structure to Support Developing Scholars
Authors: Olszewski Carol A. , Pontikos Keli P. , Znamenak Kyle A. , Selker Matt L. , Paoletta Toni M. , Coffman Karrie A. , Hansman Catherine A.
Published: April 2022

Developing scholars sometimes struggle to situate their own position in the research and to comprehend how that affects their attitudes and behaviors. They frequently experience imposter syndrome and feelings of inadequacy, which lead to anxiety toward the research and publication processes. This paper presents a method for incorporating collective autoethnography into a graduate course context, aiming to demystify such processes and to cultivate scholarly identity. The doctoral students in a graduate seminar agreed to journal following course meetings. Following completion of the course, the journal entries were compiled. This compilation was reviewed and reflected on by each member individually, and then the group met to collectively discuss the data. Since that initial study, the developing scholars have elected to continue their work together, with each member continuing to benefit from additional scholarship creation, continued peer mentorship, and a supportive group in which to continue to develop scholarly identity. Brief reflections by the authors illustrate their experiences. Through this collective work, the journals resulting in the autoethnography empowered students to understand their positionality and intersectionality, resulting in rich and layered autoethnographic accounts of learning. Through their interests in the jointly conducted project, students gained a sense of authority and position from which to analyze their growing knowledge and identities as scholars.
A Retrospective, Descriptive Study of Dyspnea Management in a Multidisciplinary Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic
Authors: van den Bosch Laura , Wang Ting , Bakal Jeffrey A. , Richman-Eisenstat Janice , Kalluri Meena
Published: April 2022

Background: Fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (F-ILDs) have a high symptom burden with progressive dyspnea as a primary feature. Breathlessness is underrecognized and undertreated primarily due to lack of consensus on how to best measure and manage it. Several nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic strategies are published in the literature, however there is a paucity of real-world data describing their systematic implementation. Objectives: We describe the types of breathlessness interventions and timing of implementation in our multidisciplinary collaborative care (MDC) ILD clinic and the impact of our approach on dyspnea trajectory and acute care use in ILD. Methods: A retrospective, observational study of deceased ILD patients seen in our clinic (2012-2018) was conducted. Patients were grouped by baseline medical research council (MRC) grade and dyspnea interventions from clinic enrolment until death were examined. Healthcare usage in the last 6 months of life was collected through Alberta’s administrative database. Results: Eighty-one deceased ILD patients were identified. Self management advice was provided to 100% of patients. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and home care (HC) referrals were made in 40% and 57% of patients, respectively. Eighty percent were treated with oxygen and 53% with opioids during the study. MDC-initiated referral to PR and HC, oxygen and opioid prescriptions were provided a median of 13, 9, 11, and 4 months prior to death, respectively. Stepwise implementation of interventions was observed more commonly in MRC 1-2 and concurrent implementation in MRC 4-5. Conclusions: Our clinic’s approach allows early and systematic dyspnea management.
Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Preterm Birth in Women With Threatened Preterm Labor: A Prospective Cohort Study in Iranian Tertiary Referral Hospitals
Authors: Najjarzadeh Maryam , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Abbasalizadeh Shamsi , Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi Sakineh
Published: April 2022

In this prospective cohort study, we aimed to investigate external validity of the Allouche’s nomogram to predict preterm birth in symptomatic women in Iran. We employed six variables of cervical length, uterine contractions, rupture of membranes, vaginal bleeding, gestational age, and multiple pregnancy to draw the nomograms. These variables were examined in the first day of women’s hospitalization and participants followed up until giving birth. The concordance index of area under the curve (AUC) was used for validation of the nomograms. Of the participants 10% gave birth within 48 hours and 29% before 34 weeks. The nomogram had sufficient accuracy in predicting birth within 48 hours (AUC 0.89 [95% CI 0.82–0.96]) and birth before 34 weeks (AUC 0.89 [95% CI 0.84–0.94]). The optimal risk threshold for nomogram predicting birth within 48 hours was 0.16. Use of these two nomograms, can improve the health of women and their neonates.
Prevalence of Sleep Disturbance in Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Al Maqbali Mohammed , Al Sinani Mohammed , Alsayed Ahmad , Gleason Alexander M.
Published: April 2022

Sleep disturbance is one of the most common and troubling symptoms that harm the quality of life throughout all phases of treatment and stages of the illness among patients with cancer. The aim of this meta-analysis is to examine the present status of sleep disturbance prevalence in patients with cancer. The following databases were searched: PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, from inception to April 2021. Prevalence rates were pooled with meta-analysis using a random-effects model. A total of 160 studies ( N = 46,279) published between 1998 and 2021 met the inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of sleep disturbance was 60.7% (26,448/46,279 participants, 95% CI 58.1–63.3%) with significant heterogeneity between studies ( p < .000, τ2 = .0000, I2 = 96.4%). This meta-analysis highlights the importance of developing optimal monitoring strategies to reduce sleep disturbance and improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
Damage characterization of dental nanocomposite adhesive in orthodontic treatment applications
Authors: Karimzadeh A , Koloor S S R , Petrů M , Ayatollahi MR , Yahya MY
Published: April 2022

In orthodontic treatments, mechanical characterization of orthodontic bracket bonded to the tooth is essential to determine the bond strength and mechanical behavior of the bracket-adhesive-tooth system. In this study, the linear-nonlinear mechanical behavior and damage characterization of Filtek Z350 XT (3M ESPE) nanocomposite as a dental adhesive material to bond orthodontic brackets to tooth enamel, are investigated using numerical and experimental methods. Full sets of tensile, shear, and mixed modes I/II and I/II/III debonding experiments are conducted to extract the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite adhesive as the bracket/tooth interface. The results of the experiments are used to obtain the cohesive law and the damage model parameters. Three-dimensional finite element models of the bracket debonding tests are developed, while the cohesive zone model (CZM) is used to define the constitutive behavior of the nanocomposite interface under the tensile, shear, and mixed-mode loading conditions. The FE results showed a good correlation with the measured data, indicated the validity of the constitutive model, damage properties, and simulation process. The bond strengths of the nanocomposite adhesive are obtained 8.35 and 4.12MPa in modes I and II loadings, respectively.
More than Follow the Leader: Expectations, Behaviors, Stability, and Change in a Co-Created Leadership Process
Authors: Sims Ruth , Weinberg Frankie J.
Published: April 2022

This conceptual paper challenges assumptions about the primacy of leaders and leading over followers and following in the leadership process. Leadership cannot be holistically understood unless followership and leadership are researched as they are enacted—in tandem. To move toward a more complete understanding of leadership, we introduce a leadership system which involves a co-created leadership process, unfolds over time, and accounts for stability and change in partners’ expectations and behaviors. Drawing on role theory and implicit leadership (ILTs) and followership (IFTs) theories, we suggest how expectations of self and other influence leading and following behaviors and the leadership process. Personal learning acquired through the experience of leadership results in stability or change in one’s future expectations. Our framework explains how stability and change in each dyad partners’ leadership and followership expectations comes about through constructionist and constructivist mechanisms. These mechanisms occur across two timelines: The first is the microadjustments made to expectations and behaviors within a particular leadership occurrence. The second is the loop between personal learning and the expectations each member carries into future leadership occurrences and relationships. Practical implications arising from this new framework include considerations for leadership and followership development and a contribution to leadership forecasting.
Evaluation of Ceftazidime Use in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Association With Cephalosporin-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Mayes Rebecca A. , Johnson Peter N. , White Bryan P. , Neely Stephen B. , Chaaban Hala , Miller Jamie L.
Published: April 2022

Background

Cefotaxime shortage in 2015 led to increased ceftazidime use in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Objective

The purpose was to explore whether ceftazidime increases risk for development of resistant gram-negative organisms.

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of NICU patients with cultures positive for Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella species, or Stenotrophomonas maltophilia between January1, 2015 and August 31, 2020. Isolates were excluded if obtained from same patient and source within 90 days or if patient ≤7 days of life or admitted from a referring hospital. Data collection included demographics and clinical parameters, and culture/susceptibility data. The primary objective was comparison of pathogens and clinical parameters in those with and without third-generation cephalosporin resistance. The secondary objectives included a comparison between those with and without ceftazidime exposure and identification of factors associated with resistance. Comparisons were made using χ2, Fisher exact tests, or Wilcoxon tests. A logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for resistance.

Results

Overall, 349 isolates, representing 215 patients, were included. The most common source was endotracheal (n = 192, 55.0%) and pathogens were E coli (31.8%) and P aeruginosa (29.2%). Overall, 12.3% (n = 43) were resistant and these were obtained after longer parenteral nutrition (PN), central line access, and antibiotic days versus susceptible isolates. Higher resistance was noted after ceftazidime exposure versus no exposure, 19.1% versus 6.6%. Each day of ceftazidime was associated with 13% greater odds of P aeruginosa resistance (adjusted odds ratio: 1.13 [95% confidence interval: 1.03-1.23]).

Conclusion and Relevance

Ceftazidime duration was associated with increased risk for P aeruginosa resistance. Additional studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Free vibration and stability analysis of a functionally graded cylindrical shell embedded in piezoelectric layers conveying fluid flow
Authors: Ebrahimi Zohreh
Published: April 2022

A general formula is presented for the free vibration problems of the functionally graded (FG) cylindrical shells embedded in piezoelectric layers conveying fluid flow. The 3D elasticity theory is used to derive cylindrical shell equations of motion. The cylindrical shell is assumed to be multi-layered and is coupled with an incompressible fluid flow, where the fluid-structure interaction is applied at the inner surface of the shell. A potential flow theory is used to model the incompressible fluid flow. Some solutions of the cylindrical shell without fluid are used for model validations. A stability analysis has been performed to establish the instability boundary of the hybrid shell. The results of the free vibration analysis show that the natural frequency decreases with increasing the fluid velocity. The 3D elasticity theory applied here has resulted in high-accurate numerical solutions. A parametric study is performed to establish the effects of the shell thickness to mid-radius, length, and vibrational mode numbers on the critical velocity of the FG shell bonded to piezoelectric layers.
Practical adaptive position feedback regulator for parallel robots with bounded inputs
Authors: Harandi M Reza J , Hassani A , Khalilpour SA , Taghirad Hamid D
Published: April 2022

This paper addresses the regulation problem of parallel robots by a proportional derivative plus desired gravity compensator (PD-DGC) controller. Due to inaccurate measurements, unmodeled dynamics, and vibrations specially in cable-driven robots and external disturbance in practice, the model of the robot is often plagued with kinematic and dynamic uncertainties. In this paper, two new generations of PD-DGC controller, namely adaptive with respect to the parameters in gravity term, and time-varying PD-DGC in the presence of bounded disturbance, are proposed. Toward not requiring accurate velocity measurement, PD-DGC with merely position feedback in complement to the time-varying controller is designed in the presence of bounded control efforts. Incorporating both methods to establish a simple but strong robust adaptive controller is also investigated by adding an extra assumption on adapted parameters. The asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system is analyzed by the Lyapunov direct method. Experimental results on 2-DOF eye surgery and 3-DOF flexible link ARAS cable-driven robot demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches in practice.
Changing trends in pseudoretinoblastoma diagnoses: A 10 year review from the United Kingdom
Authors: Badhwar Vinay , Yeo Damien CM , Joshi Samruddhi , Clifton Charlotte , Fraser Maxine , Naeem Zishan , Sagoo Mandeep S. , Reddy M. Ashwin
Published: April 2022

Aim

To study the different types and frequency of pseudoretinoblastoma (pseudoRB) lesions who present to a retinoblastoma centre due to concern that the condition may be retinoblastoma.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 341 patients presenting sporadically to the Royal London Hospital from January 2009 to December 2018.

Results

220 patients (65%) were confirmed to have retinoblastoma, while 121 (35%) had pseudoRB. There were 23 differential diagnoses in total. The top 3 differential diagnoses were Coats’ disease (34%), Persistent Foetal Vasculature (PFV) (17%) and Combined Hamartoma of Retina and Retinal Pigment Epithelium (CHR-RPE) (13%). PseudoRBs differed with age at presentation. Under the age of 1 (n = 42), the most likely pseudoRB conditions were PFV (36%), Coats’ disease (17%) and CHR-RPE (12%). These conditions were also the most common simulating conditions between the ages of 1 and 2 (n = 21), but Coats’ disease was the most common in this age group (52%), followed by CHR-RPE (19%) and PFV (14%). Between the ages of 2 and 5 (n = 32), Coats’ disease remained the most common (44%) pseudoRB lesion followed by CHR-RPE (13%), or PFV, Retinal Astrocytic Hamartoma (RAH), familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) (all 6.3%). Over the age of 5 (n = 26), pseudoRBs were most likely to be Coats’ disease (35%), RAH (12%), Uveitis, CHR-RPE, FEVR (all 7.7%).

Conclusion

35% of suspected retinoblastoma cases are pseudoRB conditions. Overall, Coats’ disease is the most common pseudoRB condition, followed by PFV. Hamartomas (CHR-RPE & RAH) are more prevalent in this cohort, reflecting improvements in diagnostic accuracy from referring ophthalmologists.
Treatment of chronic diabetic macular oedema with intravitreal fluocinolone acetonide implant; real-life analysis of outcomes during overall treatment period
Authors: Cox Laurence , Li Yanda , Fotuhi Majid , Vermeirsch Sandra , Yeung Ian , Hamilton Robin D , Rajendram Ranjan , Lukic Marko
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To assess the clinical efficacy of the fluocinolone acetonide (FA) intravitreal implant ( Iluvien, Alimera Sciences) over a 12-month period in a population resistant to treatment with first-line anti-VEGF agents.

Methods

This study is a retrospective cohort study assessing functional and anatomical outcomes in 13 eyes of 12 patients treated for diabetic macular oedema (DMO) with a single fluocinolone implant (FA) ( Iluvien) under real-world conditions. The follow-up period includes the time of first intravitreal treatment (incl anti-VEGF or short-lasting steroids) given until 12 months post FA implant insertion. Primary outcomes were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), measured using the modified Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grading scale, and central foveal thickness (CFT), measured using Topcon 3DOCT-2000 (Topcon Inc) SD-OCT imaging. Mean BCVA and CFT were measured before anti-VEGF treatment, after anti-VEGF treatment, at the time of Iluvien implant insertion, and 6 and 12 months after Iluvien implant insertion. The t-paired sample test was used to ascertain statistical significance of changes in comparison of two samples while the ANOVA analysis was used in comparison of three or more samples.

Results

The baseline BCVA (SD) of the cohort prior to initiation of anti-VEGF treatment was 47.45 (12.27) ETDRS letters whilst the mean CFT (SD) was 579 (203) microns. Following completion of anti-VEGF therapy, the mean improvement in vision was 8.9 ETDRS letters (p = 0.1) whilst the mean reduction in CFT was 197 microns (p = 0.028). Mean BCVA (SD) at the time of insertion of the FA implant was 55.15 (11.16) ETDRS letters and mean (SD) CFT at time of insertion of the FA was 454.62 μm (109.51). Following the 12-month treatment period with the FA implant, BCVA (SD) was 62.15 (10.25) ETDRS letters (p = 0.0331) and the mean (SD) CFT was 404.36 μm (142.92), a change of −50.26 μm from baseline (p = 0.0369).

Conclusions

This study has shown that statistically significant improvements in BCVA and CFT can be achieved over a 12-month period with the Iluvien implant. The implant has been shown to be a safe option in the treatment of DMO and may have a role to play in achieving good functional and anatomical outcomes in DMO while also reducing the frequency of follow-up appointments required to maintain stable vision in the working-age population.
Spontaneous suprachoroidal haemorrhage in haemophilia coincident with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine
Authors: Behera Geeta , Jossy Ajax , Deb Amit Kumar , Neelakandan Siddharth , Basavarajegowda Abhishek
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To report a case of spontaneous suprachoroidal haemorrhage in a haemophilia patient immediately following ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old man with haemophilia developed painful vision loss in his left eye a day following the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination due to acute angle-closure glaucoma from a massive suprachoroidal haemorrhage. He had an extremely deranged coagulation profile; activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT): 89 s, normal range 29–35 s After factor VIII transfusion, ocular hypotensive therapy and systemic/topical steroids, the suprachoroidal haemorrhage and glaucoma resolved, but the vision remained poor.

Conclusion

Spontaneous suprachoroidal haemorrhage may be seen in haemophiliacs with deranged coagulation profiles. In our case, it followed ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination, and we recommend caution and checking the coagulation profile in such patients apriori.
Task effects and the yes-bias in heritage language bilingualism
Authors: Romano Francesco
Published: April 2022

Aims and objectives/purpose/research questions:

This study investigated three key issues in heritage language research. Previous research shows heritage language speakers have an advantage on tasks of oral production compared to L2 speakers who instead perform better on written tasks requiring use of metalinguistic skills. Furthermore, both L2 and heritage speakers are claimed to have a yes-bias towards retaining ungrammaticality in grammaticality judgement tests (GJTs). Finally, the morphological domain has been shown to be as problematic for heritage language speakers as L2 speakers, but research in lesser-known languages is needed.

Design/methodology/approach:

Adult L1, L2, and heritage language speakers of Italian were compared on an oral priming task and timed GJT. Both accuracy and response times were elicited from the latter test. The forms investigated were object and si-passive pronouns which lack corresponding forms in Swedish, the dominant language of the bilingual groups.

Data and analysis:

Mixed-effects regression was modelled to accuracy on the priming and GJT and response time data from the GJT. In contrast, a d-prime analysis was used to measure the degree of sensitivity to grammaticality and bias towards correct and incorrect answers in the GJT.

Findings/conclusions:

Overall, the two bilingual groups performed quite similarly across the measures tested. All three groups show high sensitivity to grammaticality and a very similar bias for yes-answers on both grammatical and ungrammatical items.

Originality:

The study is the first to employ a d-prime analysis to explore in greater detail the differences in knowledge of grammaticality between heritage, L2, and monolingual populations. It also presents a brief review of the limited existing research in heritage Italian.

Significance/implications:

Any advantages by task for either bilingual group level out by the time high proficiency levels are reached but may be associated with literacy levels when metalinguistic skills are measured. The yes-bias is likely a characteristic intrinsic to GJTs rather than a peculiarity of bilingual speaker knowledge. Morphology is problematic also for heritage speakers of lesser-known languages.
Book review: Edwards, M. 2020: Civil Society
Authors: Bulgamaa Urangoo , Blenesi Eva
Published: April 2022

Edwards, M. 2020: Civil Society (4th edition). Polity Press. xiv+164 pp.+index. US$22.95 paperback, $69.95 hardcover, $18.00 E-book. ISBN: 978-1-509-53736-5.
Art practice with migrant women: Three challenges to rediscovering home
Authors: Fathi Mastoureh , Nasimi Rabia
Published: April 2022

The paper is based on an arts-based project that was aimed at understanding what ‘home’ means to migrant women in London. The project entailed teaching art techniques to 36 women participants and the active contribution of a large group of volunteers and research assistants. Women in the project were from various backgrounds but the majority were from Afghanistan. As such the project was conducted using multiple languages and a systematic collaboration among the research team members and between researchers and participants. This complex communication made the process of meaning-making of concept of home challenging. Three main challenges that were experienced in relation to this collaborative methodology have been identified and the strategies that were developed to address them are detailed. The three challenges in combining action research and arts methods that are discussed in this paper include: 1. Challenges about collective decision-making; 2. Challenges about the notions of progress and process; and 3. Challenges concerning stakeholders’ scope of experience. The paper offers a pathway towards working in contentious research settings between academia and community-based organisations in project that include participants from different backgrounds and speak various languages. We offer insights into how both researchers and participants can learn from challenges in deploying collaborative methodologies such as art practice in action research. We show here that incorporating art practice is a transformative action even when it is seen as far from an essential skill or unnecessary. Such action-oriented practices in research are directly related to United Nations’ sustainable development goals in reducing gender inequality and the opportunities that art practice can offer for quality education to marginalised groups in society.
Children, futility and parental disagreement: The importance of ethical reasoning for clinicians in the paediatric intensive care setting
Authors: Baiocchi Chiara , Horowicz Edmund
Published: April 2022

The provision of intensive care enables the lives of neonates, infants and children to be sustained or extended in circumstances previously regarded as impossible. However, as well as benefits, such care may confer burdens that resultingly frame continuation of certain interventions as futile, conferring more harm than or any, benefit. Subsequently, clinicians and families in the paediatric intensive care unit are often faced with decisions to withdraw, withhold or limit intensive care in order to act in the best interests of the child. An integral consideration in respect of these decisions is that futility is a concept that has to be contextualised for all those involved. Recent high-profile legal cases highlight the professional, clinical, legal and social conflicts that can arise when parents and clinicians have different interpretations of futility. In acknowledging the complexity of these conflicts for clinicians, this paper aims to support a better understanding of futility as an integral concept in such difficult and emotive decisions within professional practice. We utilise the concept of futility to frame how these decisions to withdraw or withhold certain invasive life-prolonging interventions are ethically and legally justifiable, even when they disagree or conflict with parental views. To support clinicians in understanding these decisions, we in part use the familiar bioethical framework of Principlism developed by Beauchamp and Childress. We suggest that understanding legal and ethical analysis of futility ultimately will help clinicians in approaching and reflecting on such decision-making.
Accuracy of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Follow Up Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Imaging
Authors: Gupta Ankur , Kindarara Désiré M. , Chun Kevin C. , Datta Sandipan , Anderson Richard C. , Irwin Zachary T. , Newton Elise A. , Lee Eugene S.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been reported as a valuable tool for bedside diagnoses of abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA). However, no data exist regarding POCUS in measuring follow-up AAA diameter studies in patients with existing AAAs. The purpose of this study was to determine the variability of aortic measurements performed by a non-physician using POCUS vs standard of care (SOC) measurements by a registered vascular technologist or an abdominal/pelvic CT scan.

Methods:

A prospective observational ultrasound study was performed from 1/1/2019 to 3/31/2021 on patients with a diagnosis of an AAA (≥3.0 cm). A research coordinator (non-physician) underwent a 3-hour training session in ultrasound operation and basic human anatomy to measure AAA diameter. The maximum aortic diameter was documented and compared to measurements obtained by SOC ultrasonography or CT scan. The POCUS and SOC ultrasounds were separated by no more than 90 days. Clinical risk factors including age, race, body mass index, coronary artery disease, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and current smoking were also collected.

Results:

Eighty-one patients (mean age: 73.6 ± 5.8 years, body mass index: 29.5 ± 6.2 kg/m2) were being followed in a vascular clinic and underwent both a POCUS and SOC ultrasounds. One indeterminant study was reported in identifying an AAA diagnosis, due to an overlying colostomy. The average follow-up time from initial screening aortic diameter to POCUS was 4.4 ± 3.7 years. Overall average aortic diameter measurements obtained were 4.1 ± .9 cm for POCUS and 4.0 ± .9 cm for SOC (P = NS). Average difference in aortic measurement for POCUS and SOC was −.1 ± .3 cm.

Conclusions:

POCUS is an accurate method to follow AAA diameter in patients. POCUS could improve patient follow up with AAA diameter measurements, streamline care and reduce overall burden for both patients and Radiology Departments in assessing follow up AAA diameters.
Community-Based Interventions for Childhood Trauma: A Scoping Review
Authors: Mazzeo Gabriella , Bendixen Roxanna
Published: April 2022

Experiencing trauma has long-lasting effects on a child’s well-being, which may affect their occupational performance. This scoping review synthesized research on community-based interventions for children who have experienced trauma to highlight occupational therapists’ role in trauma-informed care. We searched PubMed and PTSDPubs, including community-based interventional trials that addressed childhood trauma and excluding studies specific to refugees, sex-trafficking, significant comorbid diagnoses, and reviews. Eleven articles met criteria. Psychotherapy-based interventions (e.g., trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy), play and art therapy, yoga, and equine-facilitated interventions reduced posttraumatic stress symptoms. One article measured the impact of these symptoms on a child’s function. Occupational therapists working in community settings appear to be underutilized in the treatment of children who have experienced trauma. Future studies should examine occupational therapists’ potential to work alongside mental health providers in the community to optimize functional outcomes for children who have experienced trauma.
Safety enhancement design method and control strategy for CCU of high-speed train
Authors: Gao Feng , Liang Haiquan , Zhang Kai , Li Yangtao
Published: April 2022

The Train Control and Monitoring System (TCMS) is the communication command center of the train, and the Central Control Unit (CCU) is its core component, which should achieve SIL4 safety integrity level defined in standard EN50129. Comparing the current CCU safety mode of dual-machine hot standby to the double 2 out of 2 (2oo2) structure, this paper find that the latter performances better in security. So a new CCU architecture with enhanced safety is proposed, the double 2oo2 structure is applied to the CCU design, and the Markov failure probability model is established to analyze its safety quantitatively. The CCU based on double 2oo2 redundant structure could meet the failure safety principle of composite fail-safety and reactive fail-safety stipulated in the SIL4 safety integrity level, and its Tolerable Functional Failure Rate (TFFR) could reach the requirements of the SIL4. As another important part of RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety), the reliability of this CCU architecture is evaluated both qualitatively and quantitively. According to the results, the double 2oo2 structure could greatly improve the safety of the TCMS and can be used in railway signal system with SIL4 safety integrity requirements.
Indications for and outcomes of major lower limb amputations at a tertiary-referral centre in Australia
Authors: Shiraev Timothy , de Boer Madeleine , Qasabian Raffi
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Major amputations are classically associated with significant morbidity and mortality. With the increasing prevalence of risk factors for amputation, namely, diabetes and peripheral arterial disease, we sought to identify the major indications for lower limb amputation in an Australian cohort. A secondary aim was to assess the outcomes, namely, mortality, of amputees over the previous decade.

Methods

This study assessed all patients undergoing major lower limb amputations between 2012 and 2020. Variables analysed included comorbidities, indication for amputation, in-hospital complications and mortality, duration of hospital stay, and out-patient mortality.

Results

317 amputations were performed on 269 patients. 55% of amputations were below knee, 45% above knee, with one through-knee amputation. Indications included ischaemia (55.2%), infection (30.6%), malignancy (6.9%), trauma (4.4%), and chronic pain or instability (2.5%). In-patient mortality rate was 7.6%, with mortality rates of 21.5% at one year, and 70.1% at 10 years. Post-operative complications occurred in 43% of amputations. Rural, regional, and remote (RRR) patients did not suffer disproportionately from major amputations, however, were more likely to require amputations for ischaemia. Patients undergoing amputation for infective causes demonstrated lower mid-term mortality rates compared to those undergoing amputations for ischaemia (56.1 vs 60.4% at 5 years, p = 0.007)

Conclusion

Major amputations continue to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, both in the short and long term. Patients undergoing amputations for ischaemic causes demonstrate poorer outcomes than their infective counterparts, with outcomes being even worse in RRR populations. Prevention of amputations via intense management of comorbidities would benefit both patients and the healthcare system.
Efficient and adaptive lidar–visual–inertial odometry for agricultural unmanned ground vehicle
Authors: Zhao Zixu , Zhang Yucheng , Long Long , Lu Zaiwang , Shi Jinglin
Published: April 2022

The accuracy of agricultural unmanned ground vehicles’ localization directly affects the accuracy of their navigation. However, due to the changeable environment and fewer features in the agricultural scene, it is challenging for these unmanned ground vehicles to localize precisely in global positioning system-denied areas with a single sensor. In this article, we present an efficient and adaptive sensor-fusion odometry framework based on simultaneous localization and mapping to handle the localization problems of agricultural unmanned ground vehicles without the assistance of a global positioning system. The framework leverages three kinds of sub-odometry (lidar odometry, visual odometry and inertial odometry) and automatically combines them depending on the environment to provide accurate pose estimation in real time. The combination of sub-odometry is implemented by trading off the robustness and the accuracy of pose estimation. The efficiency and adaptability are mainly reflected in the novel surfel-based iterative closest point method for lidar odometry we propose, which utilizes the changeable surfel radius range and the adaptive iterative closest point initialization to improve the accuracy of pose estimation in different environments. We test our system in various agricultural unmanned ground vehicles’ working zones and some other open data sets, and the results prove that the proposed method shows better performance mainly in accuracy, efficiency and robustness, compared with the state-of-art methods.
A review on sensory perception for dexterous robotic manipulation
Authors: Xia Ziwei , Deng Zhen , Fang Bin , Yang Yiyong , Sun Fuchun
Published: April 2022

Sensory perception for dexterous robotic hands is an active research area and recent progress in robotics. Effective dexterous manipulation requires robotic hands to accurately feedback their state or perceive the surrounding environment. This article reviews the state-of-the-art of sensory perception for dexterous robotic manipulation. Two types of sensors, such as intrinsic and extrinsic sensors, are introduced according to their function and layout in robotic hands. These sensors provide rich information to a robotic hand, which contains the posture, the contact information of objects, and the physical information of the environment. Then, a comprehensive analysis of perception methods including planning-level, control-level, and learning-level perceptions is presented. The information obtained from sensory perception can help robotic hands to make decisions effectively. Previously issued reviews mainly focus on the design of tactile senor, while we analyze and discuss the relationship among sensing, perception, and dexterous manipulation. Some potential research topics on sensory perception are also summarized and discussed.
Music-based interventions for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Rushton Rosie , Kossyvaki Lila , Terlektsi Emmanouela
Published: April 2022

Music is motivational, accessible and engaging for individuals with learning disabilities. Several systematic reviews have addressed the effects of music activity on people with learning disabilities; however, none has specifically reviewed the use of musical activity with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

This review aimed to: 1. identify peer-reviewed studies and describe the characteristics of evidence-based musical activity used with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and 2. evaluate and analyse the effectiveness of these music-based interventions and identify gaps within current research. A systematic search was conducted in April 2021 identifying seven peer-reviewed studies which included music-based interventions with at least one person with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

Findings reveal the interventions varied in their frequency, duration and content. The outcome of most (n=6) interventions documented the development of the participants’ social skillset. Interventions were predominantly (n=6) implemented by facilitators with musical expertise. The diverse and novel nature of the reviewed studies highlights a need to expand and enhance research with this population.
The impact of age and maturation on physical performance capacities in emerging adolescent surfing athletes: An argument for off-water training
Authors: Perejmibida Amy , Conlon Jenny A , Lyons Mikayla , Cripps Ashley
Published: April 2022

Surfing is a high intensity intermittent sport, rapidly increasing in popularity in recent years. Surfing athletes who possess holistic physical performance capabilities, for example; strength, power, dynamic balance and flexibility, are better able to respond to the dynamic and variable nature of competition. Talent identification (TID) and long-term athlete development (LTAD) processes must consider the physical capacities necessary for performance and the impact of maturation. This study aimed to identify the physical performance capacities of state level adolescent surfers and explore their association with age and maturation. Participants (13.68 ± 1.57 years, 159.54 ± 12.33 cm, 50.07 ± 12.25 kg) were recruited from the Surfing Western Australia (WA) High Performance Pathway (HPP). Athletes completed a TID testing battery including anthropometrics (height, sitting height, body mass, arm span, sum of 7 skinfolds), flexibility (sit and reach), lower body power (vertical and broad jump) and strength (isometric mid-thigh pull; IMTP), dynamic balance (time to stabilisation; TTS) and sensorimotor ability and stability (Athletic Ability Assessment; AAA). Findings demonstrated whilst many physical performance capacities improved with advanced age and maturation, relative lower body strength, dynamic balance and several components of the AAA did not. Further, physical performance capacities were similarly associated with both maturity and age, except total AAA, which was significantly associated with maturation but not age. In conclusion, these data highlight inefficiencies in the current physical preparation of emerging adolescent state-level surfing athletes and highlight the need for a more robust training programme to maximise athletic potential, including structured off-water training.
Examining positional difference in basketball players’ field goal accuracy using Bayesian hierarchical model
Authors: Wang Feng , Zheng Guohua
Published: April 2022

This study developed a Bayesian Hierarchical Modeling Scheme to study the positional difference of field goal accuracy at different shooting distances, including less than 8 ft, 8–24 ft, and more than 24 ft. The approach was first applied to players’ statistics in the National Basketball Association (NBA) 2018–2019 season in the USA. Results found that the overall accuracy decreases with the increase in shooting distance. When the shooting distance is less than 8 feet, players in the role of center have the highest accuracy (63.2%). The point guard and shooting guard have higher shooting accuracy than power forward and small forward. When the shooting distance is between 8 and 24 feet, the guards, including the shooting guard and point guard, have the highest shooting accuracy. For the 3-point field goal with a shooting distance of more than 24 feet, the point guard and shooting guard have the highest shooting accuracy, with a mode of 0.362, respectively. To further demonstrate the use of the proposed method, shooting accuracy at different distances was investigated for NBA basketball seasons in the last decade (2011–2020). Analyzes found that shooting accuracy for distinct positions at different shooting distances is generally higher in the last five years (from 2016–2017 season to 2020–2021 season) compared to the first five years (from 2011–2012 season to 2015–2016 season). Increases in the accuracy of field goals with shooting distance over 24 feet have been observed for players who take the roles of center, power forward, and shooting guard.
Silencing of circ_0000205 mitigates interleukin-1β-induced apoptosis and extracellular matrix degradation in chondrocytes via targeting miR-766-3p/ADAMTS5 axis
Authors: Li Guowen , Luo Heyuan , Ding Zhiyong , Liang Haofeng , Lai Zhoupeng , Chen Shuzhen , Huang Yuliang
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to explore the role of hsa_circRNA_0000205 (circ_0000205) in chondrocyte injury in osteoarthritis (OA) and the underlying mechanism. Expression of circ_0000205, microRNA (miR)-766-3p and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif (ADAMTS)-5 was detected by quantitative real time (qRT)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot assays. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis were examined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine assays, flow cytometry, and qRT-PCR and Western blot assays. The target relationship between miR-766-3p and circ_0000205 or ADAMTS5 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. IL-1β treatment could attenuate cell viability of primary chondrocytes and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and collagen II type alpha-1 (COL2A1) levels, and elevate apoptosis rate and cleaved caspase-3, ADAMTS5 and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP13) levels, suggesting that IL-1β induced chondrocyte apoptosis and ECM degradation. Expression of circ_0000205 was up-regulated in OA tissues and IL-1β-induced primary chondrocytes, accompanied with miR-766-3p down-regulation and ADAMTS5 up-regulation. Knockdown of circ_0000205 could mitigate IL-1β-induced above effects and improve cell proliferation. Moreover, both depleting miR-766-3p and promoting ADAMTS5 could partially counteract circ_0000205 knockdown roles in IL-1β-cultured primary chondrocytes. Notably, circ_0000205 was verified as a sponge for miR-766-3p via targeting, and ADAMTS5 was a direct target for miR-766-3p. Silencing circ_0000205 could protect chondrocytes from IL-1β-induced proliferation reduction, apoptosis, and ECM degradation by targeting miR-766-3p/ADAMTS5 axis.
Feasibility of a hip flexion feedback system for controlling exercise intensity and tibia axial peak accelerations during treadmill walking
Authors: Oliveira Nuno , Chiu Chuang-Yuan
Published: April 2022

The ability to meet high exercise intensities is limited by the increased risk of injury in some clinical populations. Previous studies have linked large tibia peak positive accelerations resulting from running to increased risk of developing lower-extremity injury. The purpose of this study is to determine the feasibility of using a hip flexion feedback system (HFFS) to meet and maintain different exercise intensities while maintaining low tibia axial accelerations. Ten healthy participants were tested on a HFFS test and an independent walking/running test to meet exercise intensities of 40% and 60% of heart rate reserve (HRR). During the HFFS test, the HFFS controlled in real time the exercise intensity by directing individuals to specific maximum hip flexion targets during walking and providing visual information that assists them in maintaining low tibia peak positive accelerations during the initial contact phase. Maximum hip flexion targets during walking are calculated based on real-time readings of the participant’s heart rate. During the independent test, exercise intensity was controlled independently by the participant using treadmill speed. Compared to the independent test, using the HFFS at 60% HRR resulted in similar heart-rate error but lower tibia peak positive accelerations. No differences were observed for the 40% HRR intensity. This paper describes a novel exercise approach that uses the individual’s heart rate to calculate maximal hip flexion targets that an individual should meet during treadmill walking. The HFFS also provides tibia peak positive peak acceleration cues. Therefore, the HFFS can increase and control exercise intensities while maintaining low tibia accelerations. In particular, the HFFS might be an alternative strategy to meet moderate to vigorous exercise intensities in populations at risk of developing lower-extremity injuries.