bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Moral Microfoundations of Institutional Complexity: Sustainability implementation as compromise-making at an oil sands company
Authors: Demers Christiane , Gond Jean-Pascal
Published: August 2019

Research on institutional complexity has overlooked the fact that moral judgements are likely involved when individuals face a plurality of logics within organizations. To analyse the moral microfoundations of institutional complexity, we build on Boltanski and Thévenot’s economies of worth framework and explore how individuals produce moral judgement in response to the institutional complexity triggered by a major shift in the sustainability strategy within an oil sands company. Fifty-two interviews with employees, managers and executives reveal how actors rely on four types of justification that combine different moral principles and related objects with the aim of either forming (sheltering and solidifying work) or challenging (fragilizing and deconstructing work) a new compromise with regard to sustainability within the organization. Our results show how the economies of worth framework can enrich institutional complexity theory by bringing morality back into the analysis as a core dimension of inhabited institutions while advancing the microanalysis of compromise-making around sustainability in organization studies.
Beyond the Agamben paradigm: The spatial logics of exceptionalism
Authors: Hopkins Britain
Published: August 2019

This article considers how notions of space shape Giorgio Agamben’s Homo Sacer series and its thesis of sovereign violence. To do so, it examines the paradigm as Agamben’s principal methodological tool and theoretical frame. It critically engages Agamben’s paradigmatic configurations—such as the sovereign, homo sacer, and state of exception—not as reified figures but embodiments of particular spatial logics that are animated by Agamben’s broader metaphysical project. First, the article explores how Agamben’s delineation of the paradigm as method reproduces the definition of sovereign violence established in his thesis. Second, it considers how Agamben’s use of his principal paradigmatic formation, the state of exception, breaks with the work of Carl Schmitt, from which he draws the concept, to frame politics as necessarily violent fracture. Finally, the article interrogates how the spatial logics underpinning Agamben’s paradigmatic exceptionalism produce a dyad of interior and exterior enclosure that operates as a pervasive, yet nevertheless fractured, authoritarian force. In doing so, it draws attention to an essential yet overlooked component of Agamben’s thesis—the use of paradigmatic exceptionalism as mutually constitutive method and theory—while advocating theory and text as sites of investigation ripe for political geographers.
Terrain-blind walking of planar underactuated bipeds via velocity decomposition-enhanced control
Authors: Fevre Martin , Goodwine Bill , Schmiedeler James P
Published: August 2019

In this article, we develop and assess a novel approach for the control of underactuated planar bipeds that is based on velocity decomposition. The new controller employs heuristic rules that mimic the functionality of transverse linearization feedback control and that can be layered on top of a conventional hybrid zero dynamics (HZD)-based controller. The heuristics sought to retain HZD-based control’s simplicity and enhance disturbance rejection for practical implementation on realistic biped robots. The proposed control strategy implements a feedback on the time rate of change of the decomposed uncontrolled velocity and is compared with conventional HZD-based control and transverse linearization feedback control for both vanishing and non-vanishing disturbances. Simulation studies with a point-foot, three-link biped show that the proposed method has nearly identical performance to transverse linearization feedback control and outperforms conventional HZD-based control. For the non-vanishing case, the velocity decomposition-enhanced controller outperforms HZD-based control, but takes fewer steps on average before failure than transverse linearization feedback control when walking on uneven terrain without visual perception of the ground. The findings were validated experimentally on a planar, five-link biped robot for eight different uneven terrains. The velocity decomposition-enhanced controller outperformed HZD-based control while maintaining a relatively low specific energetic cost of transport (~0.45). The biped robot “blindly” traversed uneven terrains with changes in terrain height accumulating to 5% of its leg length using the stand-alone low-level controller.
Localized giant solitary fibrous tumor of the scrotum: a rare case report and literature review
Authors: Jiang Shuangjian , Yang Yun , Mo Chengqiang , Chen Lingwu , Qiu Shaopeng , Huang Bin , Chen Junxing
Published: August 2019

Background

A solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a fibroblastic mesenchymal tumor initially thought to originate from the pleura but that may arise at almost any anatomic site. It is mostly benign, and surgical resection is usually the best treatment option. An SFT involving the scrotum is extremely rare. Case presentation: We herein report an uncommon case of a 22-year-old man who presented with a huge asymptomatic scrotal mass that had begun growing 3 years before presentation. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a heterogeneous, well-circumscribed scrotal mass with soft tissue density. No invasion of the surrounding organs, distal metastasis, or lymph node swelling was present. Complete resection of the mass was successfully performed. The specimen was a 14.5 × 12.0 × 9.5 cm encapsulated tumor that weighed 970 g. After pathological analysis, we confirmed the diagnosis of SFT. This diagnosis was based on clinical findings, histological morphology, and immunohistochemistry. No recurrence or metastasis was observed during a 3-year follow-up.

Conclusion

SFTs have an unpredictable clinical course, and they are difficult to diagnose and easy to misdiagnose. A scrotal location is extremely rare. Complete resection of the mass is the treatment of choice and is associated with a high success rate and low recurrence rate.
Effect of fentanyl on nausea and vomiting in cesarean section under spinal anesthesia: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Shin Dong Wook , Kim Yeojung , Hong Boohwi , Yoon Seok-Hwa , Lim Chae Seong , Youn Sookyoung
Published: August 2019

Objective

Although opioids may induce nausea and vomiting, they possess sedative effects and can reduce intraoperative nausea and vomiting (IONV). This study assessed the effect of adding fentanyl to midazolam on sedation levels and IONV during cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.

Methods

Eighty parturients scheduled for elective cesarean section were enrolled in the study. Following fetal delivery, patients were administered 0.05 mg/kg of midazolam plus 0.03 mL/kg of normal saline (M group) or 0.05 mg/kg of midazolam plus 1.5 μg/kg of fentanyl (MF group). The primary outcome was the incidence of IONV. The secondary outcomes were incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), intraoperative sedation level, and five-point patient satisfaction score (PSS).

Results

The IONV incidence was significantly lower in the MF group compared with the M group (5% [2/40] vs. 25% [10/40]). The PONV incidence did not differ significantly between the groups. The intraoperative sedation level tended to be deeper in the MF group. The 5-point PSS was significantly higher in the MF group. There was a strong correlation between the sedation level and IONV incidence.

Conclusions

Adding fentanyl to midazolam is effective for sedation and to prevent IONV in women who are undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.
Labour, carcerality and punishment: ‘Less-than-human’ labour landscapes
Authors: Cassidy Kathryn , Griffin Paul , Wray Felicity
Published: August 2019

This paper brings together carceral and labour geographies to highlight new research avenues and empirical gaps. Despite valuable engagements with unfree and precarious work by labour geographers and substantial developments within carceral geography around carceral circuitry and intimate economies of detention, punitive aspects of work remain largely under-theorised within labour geography, while the political economy of carceral labour is relatively side-lined within carceral geography. The paper calls for two interrelated research agendas – the first a punitive labour geographies agenda, and the second a more sustained political economy lens applied to carceral geography in the context of labour and work.
A predictive model of discretionary lane change behavior considering human factors in the framework of time parameters
Authors: Pourmahmoudi Abbas , Ghaffari Ali , Javadi Mehrdad , Khodayari Alireza
Published: August 2019

Lane changing is regarded as one of the most challenging behaviors of drivers. The lane-changing behaviors are divided into mandatory and discretionary. This study proposes an adaptive neuro-fuzzy model of discretionary lane-changing behavior in real traffic flow. Similar to other behaviors of drivers, lane changing is influenced by human factors, including age, gender, level of driving experience, hastiness, cautiousness, and alertness as well as environmental factors such as road and weather conditions. Identifying and measuring the said factors seem to be difficult or, in some cases, impossible. This study sorts out the lane-changing behavior into moments and two time intervals. In these time intervals, distance and relative speed, affected by the said factors, are accounted for in terms of time parameters and fed as inputs to the proposed predictive model. This is the innovative and distinguishing feature of the present study when compared to other researches. Finally, simulation and comparison based on real data indicate that when time parameters are considered and fed as inputs to model the error between the driver’s behavior and the proposed predictive model is less than when time parameter is not accounted for.
‘What will it take’: addressing alcohol use among people living with HIV in South Africa
Authors: Sorsdahl K , Morojele NK , Parry CD , Kekwaletswe CT , Kitleli N , Malan M , Shuper PA , Myers B
Published: August 2019

Given that hazardous and harmful alcohol use has been identified as a significant barrier to adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in South Africa, alcohol reduction interventions delivered within HIV treatment services are being investigated. Prior to designing and implementing an alcohol-focused screening and brief intervention (SBI), we explored patients’ perceptions of alcohol as a barrier to HIV treatment, the acceptability of providing SBIs for alcohol use within the context of HIV services and identifying potential barriers to patient uptake of this SBI. Four focus groups were conducted with 23 participants recruited from three HIV treatment sites in Tshwane, South Africa. Specific themes that emerged included: (1) barriers to ART adherence, (2) available services to address problematic alcohol use and (3) barriers and facilitators to delivering a brief intervention to address alcohol use within HIV care. Although all participants in the present study unanimously agreed that there was a great need for SBIs to address alcohol use among people living with HIV and AIDS, our study identified several areas that should be considered prior to implementing such a programme.
Numerical study of steady natural convection in a liquefied natural gas cylindrical storage tank equipped with baffles
Authors: Haddar Mohamed , Hammami Moez , Baccar Mounir
Published: August 2019

In this paper, a study of cooling system for a liquefied natural gas storage tank is conducted. Our objective is to remedy the heat ingress to the liquefied natural gas from the environment using baffles toward limiting temperature elevation in the tank, and then the Boil-off Gas (BOG) formation. A specific code based on the finite volume method is developed to supply a fine knowledge of the hydrodynamic and thermal liquefied natural gas characteristics in the cylindrical tank heated from bottom and lateral surfaces. The effect of the number, position and dimension of baffles, on the flow structure and thermal behavior, has been analyzed. According to our simulation results, the baffles should be placed at the top of tank nearby the lateral wall as the liquefied natural gas dimensionless average temperature can be reduced by 36%. The installation of four rectangular baffles, equally spaced around the perimeter of the tank, gives better homogenization of the temperature field and decreases the average temperature by about 44% in order to limit BOG formation. Finally, two correlations of the Nusselt number are established for the flat rectangular baffle plates and the lateral surface of the cylindrical liquefied natural gas storage tank as a function of the Rayleigh number, as well as the baffle number. Scaling of these correlations with the Rayleigh number gives exponents of 0.25 and 0.18 for lateral surface and baffle, respectively, which are in good agreement with literature.
Doing critical feminist research: A Feminism & Psychology reader
Authors: Lafrance Michelle N , Wigginton Britta
Published: August 2019

As we approach Feminism & Psychology’s 30th anniversary, we reflect on and explore what makes the journal distinctive – its emphasis on critical feminist psychology. In this article and the accompanying Virtual Special Issue, we outline five methodological considerations that we believe are at the heart of critical feminist scholarship: 1) the politics of asking questions; 2) attention to language/discourse; 3) reflexivity; 4) representation and intersectionality; and 5) mobilizing research for social change. We then draw across a set of 15 articles published in the archives of Feminism & Psychology that showcase one or more of these key features and demonstrate the ‘doing’ of critical feminist psychology. These articles are housed on the journal’s website, as is an additional paper developed for students or those in a position of learning, which explores central ideas and debates that have culminated in critical feminist psychology.
Evaluation of acetic acid and ethanol concentration in a rice vinegar internal venturi injector bioreactor using Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Phanomsophon Thitima , Sirisomboon Panmanas , Lapcharoensuk Ravipat , Shrestha Bim , Krusong Warawut
Published: August 2019

In the process of fermenting rice vinegar, the concentration of acetic acid and ethanol concentration must be measured for monitoring of the total concentration. Near infrared spectroscopy has been used to rapidly monitor the concentration of acetic acid and ethanol concentration daily during 10 cycles of the fermentation process. The model was developed using partial least squares regression. For predicting concentration of acetic acid with near infrared spectroscopy, the coefficient of determination ( R2), root mean square error of calibration, root mean square error of cross validation, ratio of standard error of validation to standard deviation, and bias was 0.96, 2.30 g L−1, 2.44 g L−1, 1.11 g L−1, and 5.56, respectively. For ethanol concentration, the value of R2, root mean square error of calibration, root mean square error of cross validation, bias and ratio of prediction to deviation were predicted to be 0.94, 3.15 g L−1, 2.73 g L−1, −0.40 g L−1, and 4.04, respectively. However, both models provided fair performance when tested with an external set of samples, indicating that the models could be applied for rough screening.
Morphological properties of almond oil constituted nanofibrous scaffold for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Jaganathan Saravana Kumar , Mani Mohan Prasath
Published: August 2019

One of the greatest challenges in the bone remodeling is to fabricate the structure resembling the extracellular matrix. This research aims to fabricate a novel bone scaffold comprising polyurethane (PU) added with almond nanofibers via electrospinning technique. The PU/almond oil nanocomposites showed smaller fiber diameter (629 ± 148.92 nm) compared to the pristine PU (890 ± 116.91 nm). The interaction of PU with almond oil was confirmed in the infrared spectrum by the strong formation of a hydrogen bond. The wettability analysis showed that the prepared PU/almond oil nanocomposites were hydrophobic in nature (107° ± 1) compared with the pure PU (100° ± 0.5774). Thermal analysis revealed enhancement of the thermal stability with the addition of the almond oil. The addition of almond oil into the PU matrix increased the surface roughness and blood compatibility properties. Further, the fabricated PU/almond oil nanocomposites showed less toxicity to red blood cells (RBCs), as indicated in the hemolytic assay. Hence, the novel fabricated scaffold possesses better physicochemical properties and is nontoxic to the RBCs, which may be utilized for bone tissue regeneration.
Development of a Scale on Individual Perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility Constructs: Based on Microfoundation Theory
Authors: Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar , Jha Sumi , Sharma Dinesh
Published: August 2019

The authors develop a scale to measure individual perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) constructs based on microfoundation theory. To develop the microfoundation based CSR scale, the research methodology involved two stages (qualitative research followed by quantitative research). In qualitative research, Focused Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted to extract items for survey questionnaire development. Subsequently, quantitative analysis was carried out. The data were subjected to exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The study sample comprised of 407 management students of Indian business schools who enrolled in CSR and sustainability courses. The developed scale comprised of four variables namely Customer Product Preference (CPP), Customer Firm Preference (CFP), Investor Preference (IP) and Employability Preference (EP). The results were arrived at by undertaking Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and CFA. The scale developed and extended the theoretic conversation on CSR from the organizational level discussion to an individual level discussion based on microfoundation theory. This is one of the first studies to develop a scale on individual perspectives on CSR constructs based on micro-foundation theory.
Addressing the specialist workforce CAMH skill-gap: providing and evaluating iCAMH training in Fiji and Papua New Guinea
Authors: Hoadley Benjamin , Gaikwad Kiran , Allen Myrielle , Kowalenko Nick , Chang Odille
Published: August 2019

Objective:

Child and adolescent mental health problems are common and result in significant morbidity. Whereas in high-income countries there is an established workforce, in lower income countries, such as the Pacific nations, the workforce has little capacity despite a potentially higher population risk of mental disorder. We report on a workforce development effort, a child and adolescent mental health training package.

Method:

We describe the implementation and evaluation of the International Child and Adolescent Mental Health certificate training in two Pacific nations.

Results:

Clinicians rated the training positively. Some participants reported concern with teaching materials. Attitudes to child and adolescent mental health were more favourable following the course. A change in knowledge or skill could not be determined.

Conclusions:

The training seems of value to Pacific clinicians and the framework provides for case-based learning across settings. The training would benefit from the addition of a valid assessment of participant skill and knowledge. The sociocultural and contextual factors are considerations for the content and delivery. Contextually appropriate resources and teaching strategies are important.
Hepatitis C Treatment Differences in Elderly Patients: Single-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Qureshi Kamran , Petersen Tess , Andres Jennifer
Published: August 2019

Background: Clinical studies evaluating direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment show sustained virological response at 12 weeks (SVR12) rates >90%. However, there are few elderly patients included in these studies; thus, generalizability of high success rates to patients >70 years old cannot be assumed. Objective: To identify treatment differences between elderly and nonelderly patients. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients who were treated with DAAs between June 2014 and September 2016 at our institution. Patients were divided into 2 groups: elderly, age ≥70 years at the time of initiation of DAAs, and nonelderly, <70 years. The primary outcome was achievement of SVR12. Results: Among the 551 patients, 60 with age range 70 to 86 years comprised the elderly group. SVR12 rates were significantly lower in the elderly population, especially in those with liver cirrhosis. SVR12 was achieved in 81% of the elderly group as compared with 95% in the nonelderly group. Among cirrhotic patients, 69.4% in the elderly group, and 94.1% in the nonelderly group achieved SVR12. Binary logistic regression modeling showed age >70 years to be the strongest predictor of treatment failure (odds ratio = 3.4), along with diagnosis of cirrhosis (odds ratio = 2.4), when corrected for gender, race, prior treatment experience, genotype, and presence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion and Relevance: Lower SVR12 was seen in elderly cirrhotic patients (69.4%), who are at higher risk of complications related to advanced liver disease and untreated HCV infection, highlighting the need to treat patients before cirrhosis develops.
Nietzsche, Agonistic Politics, and Spiritual Enmity
Authors: Kirkland Paul E.
Published: August 2019

This article examines the agonistic elements of Nietzsche’s thought in light of theorists who have sought to develop an agonistic democratic theory that would challenge democratic theory oriented by consensus. It argues that Nietzsche’s praise for a spiritualization of enmity provides support for a politics that embraces contest rather than seeking the elimination of conflict through either consensus or domination. Yet, unlike contemporary democratic theorists, Nietzsche’s view challenges egalitarian commitments by presenting the sources of such conflicts in noble faiths. Instead of following the practice of many scholars in identifying the agonistic with its utility for democratic politics, the paper examines Nietzsche’s view of the underlying sources of contest, including important tensions between theory and practice. The paper presents contest among noble faiths as crucial to Nietzsche’s political thought while highlighting a contest between politics and philosophy behind it. He thereby offers what he sees as an alternative to the philosophical politics of settled unified authority and reveals the deepest contest as one between politics and philosophy.
Infusion reactions following administration of intravenous rolapitant at an academic medical center
Authors: Cass Amanda S , Odinet Johlee S , Valgus John M , Crona Daniel J
Published: August 2019

In 2017, due to a fluid shortage secondary to Hurricane Maria's devastation of Puerto Rico, hospitals and health-systems began to substitute rolapitant for fosaprepitant as part of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting prevention and treatment strategies. However, despite advantageous pharmacologic and formulation (e.g. long half-life, quicker time to onset, and lack of first-pass hepatic metabolism) profiles, there seems to be significant risk of infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions associated with the administration of intravenous rolapitant. In January 2018, the U.S. FDA issued a Health Care Provider Letter stating that anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, and other serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported in the postmarketing setting. Importantly, these reactions were observed at a higher rate than initially reported in the phase 1 bioequivalence study that led to FDA approval of intravenous rolapitant (2.8%), with many resulting in hospitalizations. At our institution, rolapitant-induced infusion-related reactions also occurred in more patients than expected (8.7%). Described herein are six cases of infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions with intravenous rolapitant at the North Carolina Cancer Hospital. Due to the quick onset of the infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions with intravenous rolapitant, interpatient differences in pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics are unlikely to be the cause. An objective assessment utilizing the Naranjo Causality Scale rates these infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions as definite adverse drug reactions.
A fourth-order gauge-invariant gradient plasticity model for polycrystals based on Kröner’s incompatibility tensor
Authors: Ebobisse François , Neff Patrizio
Published: August 2019

In this paper we derive a novel fourth-order gauge-invariant phenomenological model of infinitesimal rate-independent gradient plasticity with isotropic hardening and Kröner’s incompatibility tensor [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the symmetric plastic strain tensor. Here, gauge-invariance denotes invariance under diffeomorphic reparametrizations of the reference configuration, suitably adapted to the geometrically linear setting. The model features a defect energy contribution that is quadratic in the tensor [Formula: see text] and it contains isotropic hardening based on the rate of the plastic strain tensor [Formula: see text]. We motivate the new model by introducing a novel rotational invariance requirement in gradient plasticity, which we call micro-randomness, suitable for the description of polycrystalline aggregates on a mesoscopic scale and not coinciding with classical isotropy requirements. This new condition effectively reduces the increments of the non-symmetric plastic distortion [Formula: see text] to their symmetric counterpart [Formula: see text]. In the polycrystalline case, this condition is a statement about insensitivity to arbitrary superposed grain rotations. We formulate a mathematical existence result for a suitably regularized non-gauge-invariant model. The regularized model is rather invariant under reparametrizations of the reference configuration including infinitesimal conformal mappings.
Trimethyltin (TMT) Reduces Testosterone Production in Adult Leydig Cells in Rats
Authors: Ma Derong , Luo Nengqin , Xue Guoqiang
Published: August 2019

Trimethyltin (TMT) is widely used as a plastic heat stabilizer and can cause severe toxicity. Here, the effects of TMT on testosterone production by adult Leydig cells and the related mechanisms of action were investigated. Eighteen adult male Sprague Dawley rats (56 days old) were randomly divided into 3 groups and given intraperitoneal injection of TMT for 21 consecutive days at the doses of 0 (vehicle control), 5, or 10 mg/kg/d. After treatment, trunk blood was collected for hormonal analysis. In addition, related gene and protein expression in testes was detected. At 10 mg/kg, TMT significantly reduced serum testosterone levels but increased serum luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. The messenger RNA and protein levels of luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450 17-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, and SRY box 9 were significantly lower in the TMT-treated testes than in controls. Immunohistochemical study showed that TMT decreased adult Leydig cell number. In conclusion, these findings indicate that TMT reduced adult Leydig cell testosterone production in vivo by directly downregulating the expression of steroidogenic enzymes and decreasing adult Leydig cell number in the testis.
Fiber-reinforced polymer plates for strengthening web opening in steel I-beams under cyclic loading
Authors: Mustafa Suzan AA , Fathy Ebtsam , Rizk Mostafa S
Published: August 2019

This article is interested in finding the most appropriate strengthening scheme for web opening in steel I-beam under cyclic loading. Different opening shapes and locations were strengthened using two different fiber-reinforced polymer plates: carbon fiber–reinforced polymer and basalt fiber–reinforced polymer. A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model was adopted using ANSYS program. The results showed that the high strength of carbon fiber–reinforced polymer plates helped the steel beam to recover its original strength; however, noticeable reduction was observed in beam ductility and in the number of inelastic excursions that took place before failure. Moreover, remarkable difference in stress concentration existed at the position of the carbon fiber–reinforced polymer plate edges. Under cyclic loading, fiber-reinforced polymer composites with low modulus of elasticity such as basalt fiber–reinforced polymer managed to eliminate these deficiencies using longer strengthening length. The most appropriate strengthening length and scheme for each opening case were outlined.
Effects of ambient pressure on the critical velocity and back-layering length in longitudinal ventilated tunnel fire
Authors: Yan Guanfeng , Wang Mingnian , Yu Li , Tian Yuan
Published: August 2019

Nowadays, the critical velocity and back-layering length are the key parameters in longitudinal ventilation design. However, most studies research them at standard air pressure but ambient pressure decreases at high-altitude area and the reduced ambient pressure could affect the smoke movement characteristics in a tunnel fire. In order to investigate the effect of ambient pressure on the velocity and back-layering length in longitudinal ventilated tunnel, theoretical analysis was carried out first and a series of numerical simulation were conducted with varying heat release rate and ambient pressure. Results show that Li’s model is also reliable under various ambient pressures. The critical velocity under various ambient pressures would become larger with an increase in the heat release rate and would remain stable after the heat release rate reaches a certain value. At smaller heat release rate, the length of counterflow would be higher under reduced ambient pressure while it remains the same when the HRR is large. This could provide reference for tunnel ventilation design at high-altitude areas.
The challenges of public service broadcasting: A study of the Empresa Brasil de Comunicação
Authors: Fraga Marcus , Durazo Herrmann Julián
Published: August 2019

In this article, we study the creation and later deconstruction of Brazil’s public broadcasting project. We analyse the contradictions between Brazil Communication Company’s public communication mandate and its internal organization focused on government control. We show how the social and political context surrounding the 2007–2008 debate influenced both the wording of the Brazil Communication Company law and the way it was effectively applied. We also discuss President Michel Temer’s (from the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party) proposed dismantling of Brazil Communication Company as a public service broadcaster and how the current government now has full editorial and administrative control of the company.
Loss in efficacy measures of tolfenamic acid in a tau knock-out model: Relevance to Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Leso Allison , Bihaqi Syed W , Masoud Anwar , Chang Joanna K , Lahouel Asma , Zawia Nasser
Published: August 2019

In the healthy human brain, the protein tau serves the essential function of stabilizing microtubules. However, in a diseased state, tau becomes destabilized and aggregates into a pathogenic form that ultimately creates one of the two major hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), tau tangles. Multiple neurodegenerative diseases, termed tauopathies, such as Pick’s disease, and progressive supranuclear palsy, are also linked to mutations in tau. While AD does include a second hallmark in the form of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques, to date all therapeutics aimed at these hallmark features have failed. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug tolfenamic acid (TA) has been shown to reduce the levels of multiple neurodegenerative endpoints viz amyloid precursor protein (APP), Aβ, tau, phosphorylated tau (p-tau) and improve cognitive function, in various murine models, via a new mechanism that targets specificity protein 1 ( SP1). Sp1 is a zinc-finger transcription factor essential for the regulation of tau and CDK5 genes (among others). The impact of TA on these neurodegenerative endpoints occurred in animal models and systems in which both the tau and the APP genes were present. The experimental model utilized in this paper tested whether the same beneficial outcomes of TA can take place after the removal of endogenous murine tau. We found that the impact of TA, both molecular and behavioral, was no longer significant in the absence of the tau gene. This ability of TA occurred independently of its action on anti-inflammatory targets. Therefore, these findings suggest the essentiality of tau for the novel mechanism of action of TA.

Impact statement

The number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is expected to increase exponentially in the coming decades. It is estimated to cost the economy about $200 billion annually. With the failure of standard therapeutic approaches, there is a need to develop new drugs in order to avoid an “epidemic crisis” in the future. We have discovered that tolfenamic acid (TA) lowers the levels of proteins associated with AD, by targeting common transcriptional mechanisms that regulate genes involved in common pathogenic pathways. Here, we investigated whether TA had effects on both the amyloid and tau pathways, or whether it selectively targets one of these pathways which impacted the other. Behavioral and molecular studies revealed that TA loses its AD therapeutic potential when tau gene is removed. This ability of TA occurred independently of its action on anti-inflammatory targets. These findings suggest that tau is essential for the new action of TA.
It’s a Storm, It’s a Gale: Epilepsy Initiation From the Corticostriatal Circuit
Authors: Velíšek Libor
Published: August 2019

[Box: see text]
South Africa’s Community Work Programme: Local Peacebuilding Innovation Within a National Developmental Architecture
Authors: van der Merwe Hugo , Langa Malose
Published: August 2019

This article examines South Africa’s Community Work Programme (CWP) as a case study of an attempt to address two key dilemmas facing peacebuilding theory and practise: (a) balancing the need to address immediate and long-term causes of conflict and violence and (b) balancing the need for a large-scale systematic approach whilst creating space for local ownership and agency. Drawing on in-depth case studies of six CWP community interventions, it demonstrates how this national public employment sector programme has been shaped into a vehicle for peacebuilding by local actors. Whilst these initiatives still face resistance to local ownership and innovation, they demonstrate how local agency can integrate national developmental priorities with local safety and security priorities.
Art Therapy as Psychosocial Support for FARC Reincorporation
Authors: Mariño García Luisa , Potash Jordan S.
Published: August 2019

Psychosocial support programmes are an intrinsic part of a sustainable and successful social reincorporation of ex-combatants in post-conflict situations. Following the end of Colombia’s 50-year civil war, people who were formerly part of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are currently living in designated spaces for reincorporation into society. This project aimed to identify how the field of art therapy can help advance existing initiatives of psychosocial support and reincorporation. An art therapist collaborated with local treatment providers on a short-term project with former FARC families and individuals. Based on the participants’ narratives and artwork, as well as the art therapist’s observations and field notes, this project identified four functions for art therapy: (1) facilitating communication amongst community members, (2) preserving memories of personal and historical relevance, (3) promoting acceptance, and (4) promoting artistic expression for self-reflection. The findings outline a viable course of action for future art therapists by exemplifying psychosocial supports to individuals, families, communities, and society in reincorporation processes. Open dialogue with community members and on-site service providers is crucial to ensuring art therapy is both adaptive and responsive to changing needs.
Knitted piezoresistive smart chest band and its application for respiration patterns assessment
Authors: Raji Rafiu King , Miao Xuhong , Wan Ailan , Niu Li , Li Yutian , Boakye Andrews
Published: August 2019

Recognizing alterations in respiration patterns is an essential early sign not only for disease diagnoses but also for determining psychosomatic condition of the individual. The desire for measuring these parameters outside the hospital setting has led to a great interest in embedding this functionality in everyday wearable materials. This study presents an assessment of respiration patterns using a knitted piezoresistive smart chest band. A total of 20 users—Asians and Africans from 8 countries—were tested 14 times over a 67-day period. Experiments were conducted with users being under several varied test conditions including standing and sitting posture, varying physical activities, and different times in the day. Results show a successful application of the band with result patterns being in congruence with studies conducted using other related respiratory measurement technologies and instruments. Sedentary standing posture presented less signal noise compared to physical activity tests. Individuality and the repeatability of results over time suggest feasibility of the use of breath patterns as a biometric feature. Influences of ethnicity, gender, and body mass index on respiration patterns have also been discussed.
Psychological Aspects of Stair Use: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gay Jennifer L. , Cherof Sarah A. , LaFlamme Chantal C. , O’Connor Patrick J.
Published: August 2019

Stair use, a common lifestyle activity, is a moderate-to-vigorous physical activity that, despite often being brief in duration, may contribute to psychological health. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) method to summarize psychological aspects related to stair use. Included studies examined at least 1 psychological outcome in relation to either objective measures of stair use, such as time or stair height, or subjective measures of, or measures related to, stair use such as perceived difficulty using stairs. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria; 12 used subjective stair use measures and 10 used objective stair use measures. The limited evidence from studies using self-reports supported that (1) perceived difficulty using stairs was positively associated with increased symptoms of anxiety and depression and (2) stair use was not associated with a reduced incidence of mental illnesses such as depression, suicide, or dementia. Studies using objective measures of stair use supported that (3) elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression are negatively associated with stair use performance. Given the widespread use of stairs, there is surprisingly little data about the extent to which, and for whom, stair use influences psychological health.
Detachable balloon embolization as the preferred treatment option for traumatic carotid-cavernous sinus fistula?
Authors: Niu Yin , Chen Tunan , Tang Jun , Jiang ZhouYang , Zhu Gang , Chen Zhi
Published: August 2019

Objective

The purpose of the study was to investigate the treatments and outcomes of patients with traumatic carotid-cavernous sinus fistula (TCCF).

Methods

All patients diagnosed with TCCF at our institution from January 2013 to December 2018 and meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria were included in the study.

Results

A total of 24 patients were included in this study. Of them, 21 (87.5%) were treated with detachable balloon embolization, 1 (4%) with coil embolization, 1 (4%) with balloon-assisted coil embolization, and 1 (4%) with balloon-assisted coil and glue embolization. Among the 21 patients treated with detachable balloon embolization, 10 underwent double-balloon technique embolization including double-detachable balloon embolization (n = 6) and balloon-assisted detachable balloon embolization (n = 4). The fistulas in 17 patients (17/21, 81%) were successfully occluded after the first attempt of detachable balloon embolization, while those in the remaining 4 patients were occluded after a second surgery due to TCCF recurrence or pseudoaneurysm development. Preservation of the internal carotid artery (ICA) was observed in 19 cases after the first treatment by detachable balloon embolization (19/21, 90.4%). ICA was occluded in the remaining two patients, as revealed by a complete angiographic evaluation of the circle of Willis. All patients achieved complete resolution of ocular and orbital manifestations as well as pulsatile bruit, except for three patients whose oculomotorius and/or abducens remained paralyzed during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Although several endovascular treatment options are available for TCCF, the detachable balloon embolization is still the preferred method of TCCF, as evidenced in our study. Furthermore, double balloon technique, an improvement upon the conventional detachable balloon embolization, is extremely safe and can effectively treat patients with refractory TCCF.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress promoting caspase signaling pathway-dependent apoptosis contributes to bone cancer pain in the spinal dorsal horn
Authors: He Qiuli , Wang Tingting , Ni Huadong , Liu Qianying , An Kang , Tao Jiachun , Chen Yajing , Xu Longsheng , Zhu Chunyan , Yao Ming
Published: August 2019

Background

Management of bone cancer pain is difficult because of its complex mechanisms, which has a major impact on the quality of patients’ daily life. Recent studies have indicated that endoplasmic reticulum stress is involved in many neurological and inflammatory pathways associated with pain. However, the factors that contribute to endoplasmic reticulum stress and its causes in bone cancer pain are still unknown. In this study, we examined whether the endoplasmic reticulum stress response is involved in caspase signaling pathway-dependent apoptosis in neurons in the spinal dorsal horn of tumor-bearing rats and whether it thereby induces bone cancer pain.

Methods

Bone cancer pain was measured behaviorally by the paw withdrawal threshold. The expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers, namely, immunoglobulin-binding protein/glucose-regulated protein 78 (BIP/GRP78), activating transcription factor-6 (ATF6), phosphorylated inositol-requiring enzyme-1 (p-IRE1), phosphorylated protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (p-PERK) and cleaved caspase-3, were quantitatively assessed by western blot. The distribution of p-eIF2α (an endoplasmic reticulum marker) and cleaved caspase-3 in the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord was determined by immunohistochemistry in spinal dorsal horn slices.

Results

Bone cancer pain suffered bone damage and persistent mechanical allodynia. Bone cancer pain increased the expression of GRP78, ATF6, p-PERK, p-IRE1, and cleaved caspase-3 in a rat model of bone cancer pain. In addition, p-eIF2α and cleaved caspase-3 were localized to neurons. The intrathecal injection of tauroursodeoxycholic acid as a specific inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum stress attenuated bone cancer pain and reduced the expression of GRP78, ATF6, p-PERK, p-IRE1, and cleaved caspase-3 in the spinal cord. Moreover, Z-DEVD-FMK (FMK) was also shown to attenuate bone cancer pain.

Conclusion

Endoplasmic reticulum stress causes the activation of caspase signaling pathway-dependent apoptosis in neuronal cells and induces bone cancer pain-related hyperalgesia.
Vulnerability to cardiac arrest in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction: Is it time or patient dependent? Results from a nationwide observational study
Authors: Salah Mahadi , Gevaert Sofie , Coussement Patrick , Beauloye Christophe , Sinnaeve Peter R , Convens Carl , De Raedt Herbert , Dens Jo , Pourbaix Suzanne , Saenen Johan , Claeys Marc J
Published: August 2019

Aim:

Cardiac arrest is a common complication of ST elevation myocardial infarction and is associated with high mortality. We evaluated whether vulnerability to cardiac arrest follows a circadian rhythm and whether it is related to specific patient characteristics.

Methods:

A total of 24,164 ST elevation myocardial infarction patients who were admitted to 60 Belgian hospitals between 2008–2017 were analysed. The proportion of patients with cardiac arrest before initiation of reperfusion therapy was calculated for different time periods (hour of the day, months, seasons) and related to patient characteristics using stepwise logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Cardiac arrest occurred in 10.8% of the ST elevation myocardial infarction patients at a median of 65 min (interquartile range 33–138 min) after onset of pain. ST elevation myocardial infarction patients with cardiac arrest showed a biphasic pattern with one peak in the morning and one peak in the late afternoon. Multivariate analysis identified the following independent factors associated with cardiac arrest: cardiogenic shock (odds ratio=28), left bundle branch block (odds ratio=3.7), short (<180 min) ischaemic period (odds ratio=2.2), post-meridiem daytime presentation (odds ratio=1.4), anterior infarction (odds ratio=1.3). Overall in-hospital mortality was 30% for cardiac arrest patients versus 3.7% for non-cardiac arrest patients (p<0.0001).

Conclusion:

In the present study population, cardiac arrest in ST elevation myocardial infarction showed an atypical circadian rhythm with not only a morning peak but also a second peak in the late afternoon, suggesting that cardiac arrest and ST elevation myocardial infarction triggers are, at least partially, different. In addition, specific patient characteristics, such as short ischaemic period, cardiogenic shock and left bundle branch block, increase the vulnerability to cardiac arrest.
Intralesional excision as a surgical strategy to manage keloid scars: what’s the evidence?
Authors: Goutos Ioannis
Published: August 2019

Introduction:

Keloid scars are a particularly challenging clinical entity and a variety of management approaches have been described in the literature including intralesional surgery. The current literature lacks a summative review to ascertain the evidence base behind this surgical approach.

Methods:

A comprehensive English literature database search was performed using PubMed Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science from their individual dates of inception to March 2018. We present the different rationales proposed for the use of this technique, the clinical outcomes reported in the literature as well as the scientific basis for intralesional excision of keloid scars.

Discussion:

A number of arguments have been proposed to support intralesional excision including avoiding injury to neighbouring non-keloidal skin and the deep layer of the dermis, removal of the most proliferative fibroblastic group as well as debulking to facilitate the administration of injectable steroid. The most current literature does not provide sufficient support for the adoption of intralesional excisions based on data emerging from basic science as well as clinical outcome studies.

Conclusion:

Emerging evidence supports the extralesional excision of keloid scars based on current mechanobiological, histological as well as clinical outcome data. Further trials comparing extralesional and intralesional surgical practices are eagerly awaited to ascertain the role of intralesional excisions in the keloid management arena.