bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critiquing the Ambivalent Spatialities of Resilience: the European Union’s Economic Policies on Promoting Resilience in Africa
Authors: Gudalov Nikolay
Published: September 2020

In this article I aim to critically clarify the spatial dimensions of the notion of resilience, particularly in economic policies important for development. The EU’s policies towards Africa, specifically the External Investment Plan (EIP) and the European Investment Bank’s Economic Resilience Initiative (ERI), provide an empirical illustration. Within International Relations, theorizations have sometimes lacked logical clarity, risked overemphasizing the local factors influencing resilience, and undertheorizing the external ones. Resilience is not wholly determined at a given local scale. There are also influences external to the scale, including other resilience’s scales. There may be tradeoffs between scales. Building upon local resources boosts resilience, but understanding the local as decontextualized does not. External help to local populations and bearing due responsibility support resilience, but external interventionism and/or one scale excessively depending on another do not. The EIP’s and the ERI’s problems illustrate those visions of the external and local that affect resilience rather negatively.
Perceptions of Foreign Governance by African Youth
Authors: Dodo Obediah
Published: September 2020

This study explores the thoughts of the youth about foreign powers’ governance. The concept of African Governance Architecture underpins the study. A review of archival material and other relevant publications and policy documents shows that youth have condemned Western prescriptions for the improvement of their economies and general governance systems, describing them as an attempt at re-colonization and an infringement on their sovereignty. Some have also rubbished foreign advice as ‘alien’ and irrelevant to their needs and problems. In view of the serious levels of suspicion, there is need for stakeholders to appropriately socialize and educate each other on the ideals of governance. The study also established that youth in Africa have been pounded with an ideology and doctrine that may require a lot of investment to undo.
Next Generation Environmental Assessment in the Emerging High Seas Regime? An Evaluation of the State of the Negotiations
Authors: Doelle Meinhard , Sander Gunnar
Published: September 2020

This article evaluates prospects for an effective environmental assessment (EA) regime through the biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) process and suggests improvements to the results of the negotiations as of March 2020. The review starts by offering key elements of existing international law as it relates to EA as context. Twelve elements of ‘Next Generation EA’ are introduced as a standard against which to evaluate the results of the negotiations and as inspiration for the EA elements of a new legally binding instrument. While the negotiations have established a reasonably solid basis for effective project level assessments, further improvements are needed. Much more work remains on regional and strategic assessments and the proper integration of the EA regime into effective governance of the world’s ocean.
Implementing International Watercourses Law through the WEF Nexus and SDGs: an Integrated Approach Illustrated in the Zambezi River Basin
Authors: Yihdego Zeray , Gibson Julie
Published: September 2020

International watercourses law, as primarily codified in the UN Watercourses Convention which reflects the basic principles of customary international water law, provides only a broad framework for states to follow. It does not explicitly address the trade-offs of water uses across multiple sectors, such as energy and food, and the interplay between water and sustainable development. These gaps could be filled by turning to policy frameworks such as the Water-Energy-Food Nexus (WEF) and the global development agendas, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This monograph argues that utilizing these frameworks in an integrated manner, could aid riparian states and non-state actors in the consideration of competing water uses, thereby helping to resolve tensions and promoting cooperation among concerned states, as demonstrated using the Zambezi River Basin as a case study.
Review of the genus Meganola Dyar, 1898 of Ivory Coast and adjacent areas with descriptions of 5 new species and several taxonomic updates (Lepidoptera, Nolidae, Nolinae)—Taxonomic studies on West African Nolinae I.
Authors: LÁSZLÓ GYULA M.
Published: September 2020

The present paper contains the first comprehensive taxonomic summary of the Meganola Dyar, 1898 species recorded in Ivory Coast and adjacent areas. 35 species are recorded in total with 28 species having been collected on recent African Natural History Research Trust expeditions. All species are listed with label data of specimens examined together with 56 colour and 52 black and white illustrations of the adults and their genitalia. A Lectotype is designated for Meganola furvitincta (Hampson, 1914), five species are described as new to science (Meganola smithi, M. taiana, M. subchionea, M. cinereoparva, M. hackeri spp. n.) and 23 new synonymies are established: Meganola endoscota undosaria Hacker, 2012 syn. n., M. kaduna Hacker, 2012 syn. n., M. mabiriaria Hacker, 2012 syn. n. and M. simplicifacta Hacker, 2012 syn. n. are synonymised with M. endoscota (Hampson, 1914); M. polioleuca Hacker, 2012 syn. n. is synonymised with M. mesonephele (Hampson, 1914); M. togatulella Hacker, 2012 syn. n., M. subterminalis Hacker, 2012 syn. n. and M. lupii Hacker & Hausmann, 2012 syn. n. are synonymised with M. lucia (van Son, 1933); M. septima Hacker, 2012 syn. n., M. octava Hacker, 2012 syn. n., M. heteromorpha Hacker, 2012 syn. n., M. dissoluta Hacker, 2012 syn. n., M. brachyvalva Hacker, 2012 syn. n. and M. pseudofuscata Hacker, 2012 syn. n. are synonymised with M. monofascia (van Son, 1933); M. mbala Hacker, 2014 syn. n. and M. poliographa Hacker, 2012 syn. n. are synonymised with M. furvitincta (Hampson, 1914); M. obscuritata Hacker, 2012 syn. n. is synonymised with M. spermophaga (Fletcher, 1962); M. tabbertiella Hacker & Hoppe, 2012 syn. n., M. amaniella Hacker, 2012 syn. n. and M. fuscostriata Hacker, 2012 syn. n. are synonymised with M. pyrrhomorpha Hacker, 2012; M. longisigna Hacker, 2012 syn. n. and M. politzari Hacker, 2012 syn. n. are synonymised with M. foviferoides (Poole, 1989); Meganola eburneana Hacker, 2012 syn. n. is synonymised with M. illaudata (Fletcher, 1958). The hitherto unknown males of Meganola dananae Hacker, 2012, M. rhyssomorpha Hacker, 2012 and M. mesothermoides (Poole, 1989) as well as females of M. microfascia Hacker, 2012 and M. palaeographa Hacker, 2012 are illustrated for the first time and several new distribution records are provided.
Trophobiosis between a new species of Williamsrhizoecus (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Rhizoecidae) and Acropyga silvestrii (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Tanzania
Authors: SCHNEIDER SCOTT A. , LAPOLLA JOHN S.
Published: September 2020

A new myrmecophilous species of root mealybug, Williamsrhizoecus udzungwensis sp. n., is described from individuals found living within a nest of Acropyga silvestrii in the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania. Acropyga ants are highly specialized, obligate associates of scale insects, typically members of the scale family Xenococcidae. Acropyga are best known for vertically transmitting trophobiotic partners during their nuptial flights and for housing them within brood chambers. This article presents the first record of trophobiosis between a species of Williamsrhizoecus and Acropyga, and only the second record of an association between Acropyga and rhizoecids in the Old World. This discovery contributes important information about the few species of Rhizoecidae confirmed to engage in these unique symbioses, each putatively the result of a past horizontal transmission event from a xenococcid to a rhizoecid lineage. Included is a discussion on the diagnosis of Williamsrhizoecus and an updated key to the species.
Modelling of tribological responses of composites using integrated ANN-GA technique
Authors: Sardar Santanu , Dey Swati , Das Debdulal
Published: September 2020

In the present article, artificial neural networks (ANNs) and genetic algorithm (GA) methodology were integrated to model tribological characteristics of stir-cast Al-Zn-Mg-Cu matrix composites under two-body abrasion considering large numbers of experimentally generated results. Tribo-responses of wear rate (Wrt), coefficient of friction (COF) and roughness of abraded surface (RAS) were evaluated under wide range of intrinsic ( i.e., particle quantity) and extrinsic ( i.e., abrasive size, load, distance and velocity) input parameters. Characteristics of Wrt, COF and RAS are often mutually contradictory in nature and so, multi-objective optimization technique becomes imperative for selection and design of machine components. Accordingly, those were optimized through Pareto solutions. Sensitivity of different factors was analyzed on each of the tribo-performances and validated via experimental evidences. Amongst the input variables, particle quantity and abrasive size dominated significantly over other variables except load which imparted modest influences. The role of various input parameters was explained through determination of different micromechanisms via exhaustive post wear characterizations, microstructural and surface topography attributes. Lowest values of Wrt and COF with a modest value of RAS were identified at 15 ± 2 wt.% particle quantity.
Where Do You Want to Go for Dinner? A Preference Expression Asymmetry in Joint Consumption
Authors: Liu Peggy J. , Min Kate E.
Published: September 2020

This research introduces a framework wherein consumers take on “requestor” or “responder” roles in making joint consumption decisions. The authors document a robust preference expression asymmetry wherein “requestors” soliciting others’ consumption preferences (e.g., “Where do you want to go for dinner?”) desire preference expressions (e.g., “Let’s go to this restaurant”), whereas “responders” instead do not express preferences (e.g., “Anywhere is fine with me”). This asymmetry generalizes under a broad set of situations and occurs because the requestor and responder roles differ in their foci. Compared to responders, requestors are more focused on mitigating the difficulty of arriving at a decision, whereas compared to requestors, responders are more focused on conveying likability by appearing easygoing. Responders thus behave suboptimally, incurring a “preference cost” (when masking preferences) and a “social friction cost” (requestors favor responders who express preferences). Requestors can elicit preference expression by conveying their own dislike of decision making, which increases responders’ focus on mitigating decision difficulty. The authors conclude by discussing the framework’s contributions to looking “under the hood” of joint consumption decisions.
Mind the kinder-gap: New data on children’s math and reading skills as they enter kindergarten
Authors: Pitts Christine M.T. , Kuhfeld Megan
Published: September 2020

States have invested heavily in improving early childhood education in hopes of improving student reading and math skills before they enter kindergarten. However, there is limited national data from later than 2010 on children’s skills in these areas at kindergarten entry, so it is difficult for educators and policy makers to ascertain whether these investments have paid off. One available source is the NWEA’s MAP Growth assessment. Christine Pitts and Megan Kuhfeld have examined the data from 2010 to 2017 and found that upon entry into kindergarten, children’s reading and math scores have declined, while gaps between white and Black students and between white and Latinx students have decreased.
The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15): Validation in Mexico and Disorder in the State of Knowledge
Authors: Acosta Quiroz Christian Oswaldo , García-Flores Raquel , Echeverría-Castro Sonia Beatriz
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Geriatric Depression Scale in its 15-item version (GDS-15) in Mexican older adults. Participants included 1178 older adults between the ages of 60 and 94 ( M = 69.16, SD = 7.69); 53.9% were women and 55.8% were married or with a partner. They completed the GDS-15, a subjective well-being scale, and a quality-of-life questionnaire. A Kuder–Richardson coefficient of .80 was obtained, which indicates an acceptable internal consistency of the GDS-15, as well as evidence of divergent validity with significant correlations of −.783 with subjective well-being and −.569 with quality of life, in addition to concurrent validity when discriminating between participants with low scores from those with high scores of depressive symptoms. The need for a simple screening tool such as the GDS-15 that helps in the identification of depressive symptoms in Mexican older adults is underlined.
Subcutaneous Ports for Chronic Nerve Cuff and Intramuscular Electrode Stimulation in Animal Models
Authors: Heaton James T. , Kobler James B. , Ottensmeyer Mark P. , Petrillo Robert H. , Tynan Monica A. , Hillman Robert E. , Zeitels Steven M.
Published: September 2020

Objective

Tracking recovery after nerve injury may require many intermittent assessments over long periods, preferably with non‐ or minimally invasive methods. We developed subcutaneous electrical connection ports (ECPs) for repeated connection to nerve cuff or intramuscular electrodes via transdermal needles and evaluated them during studies of laryngeal reinnervation.

Study Design

Animal experiment.

Setting

Laboratory.

Methods

ECPs were designed and 3‐dimensionally printed for connection to bipolar electrodes with biocompatible polymers. Dual compartments filled with conductive silicone capped with nonconductive silicone were used to make the connections between electrode leads and transdermally inserted needles. Ten dogs (19‐29 kg) were implanted with 22 ECPs. In 7 dogs, 11 electrodes were placed on recurrent laryngeal nerves proximal to transection and suture repair to track laryngeal reinnervation. In 6 dogs, 8 spinal accessory nerve cuff electrodes were used to stimulate neck muscle contraction. In 2 dogs, 3 electrodes were implanted in the thyroarytenoid muscle. Stimulation thresholds, electromyography, and videolaryngoscopic imaging were obtained in 156 tests over survival periods up to 32 months. Stimulation data provided information about ECP performance.

Results

ECPs added negligible resistance to electrodes (mean ± SD, 2.14 ± 0.9 Ω). Despite some electrode leads breaking distally, ECPs were reliable and well tolerated at implant sites and enabled periodic assessment of nerve and muscle function over the time course of laryngeal reinnervation. Histology showed ECP encapsulation as thin layers of connective tissue and minimal acute inflammation.

Conclusion

Custom ECPs are easily fabricated and cause little tissue reaction over months to years of subcutaneous implantation, facilitating long‐term physiologic studies.
Implications of Treatment Modality on Chronic Opioid Use Following Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Bollig Craig A. , Kinealy Brian P. , Gilley David R. , Clark Andrew D. , Galloway Tabitha L.I. , Zitsch Robert P. , Jorgensen Jeffrey B. , Biedermann Gregory B.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To investigate the relationship between treatment modality and chronic opioid use in a large cohort of patients with head and neck cancer.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Single academic center.

Methods

There were 388 patients with head and neck cancer treated between January 2011 and December 2017 who met inclusion criteria. Clinical risk factors for opioid use at 3 and 6 months were determined with univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

The prevalence of opioid use was 43.0% at 3 months and 33.2% at 6 months. On multivariate analysis, primary chemoradiation (odds ratio [OR], 4.04; 95% CI, 1.91‐8.55) and surgery with adjuvant chemoradiation (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.09‐5.26) were associated with opioid use at 3 months. Additional risk factors at that time point included pretreatment opioid use (OR, 7.63; 95% CI, 4.09‐14.21) and decreasing age (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.06). At 6 months, primary chemoradiation (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.34‐4.28), pretreatment opioid use (OR, 5.86; 95% CI, 3.30‐10.38), current tobacco use (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.18‐3.40), and psychiatric disorder (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.02‐3.14) were associated with opioid use.

Conclusion

Of the patients who receive different treatment modalities, those receiving primary chemoradiation are independently at highest risk for chronic opioid use. Other risk factors include pretreatment opioid use, tobacco use, and a psychiatric disorder. In an effort to reduce their risk of chronic opioid use, preventative strategies should be especially directed to these patients.
The relation between the placebo response, observed treatment effect, and failure to meet primary endpoint: A systematic review of clinical trials of preventative pharmacological migraine treatments
Authors: Evans Kathryn , Romero Heather , Spierings Egilius LH , Katz Nathaniel
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate the association between the degree of response to placebo in migraine studies and the observed difference between drug and placebo across studies of preventative treatments for migraine.

Methods

A systematic review was performed using MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials from January 1988 to June 2019. Randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trials on oral or injection preventative treatments for migraine were included. Single- and multi-variable linear regression analyses were performed on the placebo-subtracted response rate (i.e. placebo responders subtracted from active responders), and the proportion of placebo responders. Fisher’s exact tests were performed on the level of placebo response and the success in meeting the study’s primary endpoint.

Results

After adjusting for route of administration and number of randomized subjects, there was a statistically significant association between the proportion of patients who were placebo responders and the placebo-subtracted response rate (b = −0.27, p = 0.02). There was a statistically significant difference in trial success rate (60%) between studies with ≤20% placebo responders and studies with > 30% placebo responders ( p = 0.03).

Conclusion

Considering the detrimental impact that high placebo response can have on clinical trials, it is imperative to find effective solutions to decrease the placebo response and increase assay sensitivity.
Delivering CaRMS Transparency: Applicant Review and Selection Process of a Single-Center Diagnostic Radiology Residency Training Program
Authors: Cherpak Lindsay , Chan Jason , Verma Raman , McInnes Matthew D. F. , Hibbert Rebecca
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

To report the current application review and selection process in our Canadian diagnostic radiology program at the University of Ottawa for both Canadian and international medical graduates.

Application Review and Selection Process:

Submitted applications fulfilling institutional requirements were selected for a detailed file review after preliminary screening. A diverse group of file reviewers and interviewers was selected. Interviews were offered based on file review score sheet outcomes. Each interviewer generated a postinterview rank list. Applicants were reviewed and discussed from highest to lowest rank based on a preliminary compiled rank list generated from the average of the postinterview rank lists. Group discussion and a consensus model were used to create a final applicant rank list.

Conclusions:

We outlined our systematic, consistent selection process which aligns with current best practices. This description may inform other programs wishing to adopt or optimize strategies to improve candidate assessments and selection processes.
Trajectories of Exposure to Neighborhood Deprivation and the Odds of Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence Among Women: Are There Sensitive Periods for Exposure?
Authors: Yakubovich Alexa R. , Heron Jon , Barter Christine , Humphreys David K.
Published: September 2020

Neighborhood disadvantage is commonly hypothesized to be positively associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) against women. However, longitudinal investigation of this association has been limited, with no studies on whether the timing of exposure matters. We used data from 2,115 women in the UK-based Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Exposure to neighborhood-level deprivation was measured at 10-time points from baseline (gestation) until age 18. Family-level socioeconomic characteristics were measured at baseline. At age 21, participants self-reported whether they had experienced any IPV since age 18. We used a three-step bias-adjusted longitudinal latent class analysis to investigate how different patterns of neighborhood deprivation exposure were associated with the odds of experiencing IPV. A total of 32% of women experienced any IPV between ages 18 and 21. Women who consistently lived in deprived neighborhoods (chronic high deprivation) or spent their early childhoods in more deprived neighborhoods and later moved to less deprived neighborhoods (decreasing deprivation) had higher odds of experiencing IPV compared to those who consistently lived in non-deprived neighborhoods. The odds of experiencing IPV did not consistently differ between women who lived in non-deprived neighborhoods during early childhood and later moved to deprived neighborhoods (increasing deprivation) and those stably in non-deprived neighborhoods. Living in more deprived neighborhoods during early childhood, regardless of later exposure, was associated with higher odds of experiencing later IPV. This is congruent with prior research demonstrating the persistent effects of early neighborhood disadvantage on health and well-being. Replication, and underlying mechanisms, should be assessed across contexts.
Machining centre performance monitoring with calibrated artefact probing
Authors: Rooker Tim , Stammers Jon , Worden Keith , Potts Graeme , Kerrigan Kevin , Dervilis Nikolaos
Published: September 2020

Maintaining high levels of geometric accuracy in five-axis machining centres is of critical importance to many industries and applications. Numerous methods for error identification have been developed in both the academic and industrial fields; one commonly-applied technique is artefact probing, which can reveal inherent system errors at minimal cost and does not require high skill levels to perform. The primary focus of popular commercial solutions is on confirming machine capability to produce accurate workpieces, with the potential for short-term trend analysis and fault diagnosis through interpretation of the results by an experienced user. This paper considers expanding the artefact probing method into a performance monitoring system, benefitting both the onsite Maintenance Engineer and visiting specialist Engineer with accessibility of information and more effective means to form insight. A technique for constructing a data-driven tolerance threshold is introduced, describing the normal operating condition and helping protect against unwarranted settings induced by human error. A multifunctional graphical element is developed to present the data trends with tolerance threshold integration to maintain relevant performance context, and an automated event detector to highlight areas of interest or concern. The methods were developed on a simulated, demonstration dataset; then applied without modification to three case studies on data acquired from currently operating industrial machining centres to verify the methods. The data-driven tolerance threshold and event detector methods were shown to be effective at their respective tasks, and the merits of the multifunctional graphical display are presented and discussed.
Dynamic response optimization of structures with viscoelastic material using the equivalent static loads method
Authors: Park Sang-ok , Choi Wook-Han , Park Gyung-Jin
Published: September 2020

Viscoelastic material is widely used in automotive structures due to its outstanding vibration-damping characteristics with appropriate stiffness. Viscoelastic material, which has viscosity and elasticity, shows energy absorption and dissipation. The material properties of viscoelastic material are dependent upon time, temperature, and loading path. Hence, these characteristics have to be considered when performing structural optimization. Studies on the constitutive equations of viscoelastic material are widely carried out, and structural optimization using harmonic excitation in the frequency-domain is often reported. However, structural optimization in the time-domain is rarely performed. One of the reasons is that the cost of sensitivity analysis is quite expensive. The Equivalent Static Loads Method (ESLM) is a linear/nonlinear dynamic response structural optimization method. In this research, a practical structural optimization method to consider the characteristics of viscoelastic material is proposed using ESLM. Equivalent static loads (ESLs) are defined as the static loads that generate the same displacement field as that from dynamic analysis. In ESLM, dynamic analysis and linear static response optimization are alternatively repeated until convergence is achieved. Viscoelastic material reduces the vibration amplitude and the stored energy in a structural system. Thus, excellent damping performance is required for a part with viscoelastic material, while the proper stiffness is maintained. An appropriate design formulation is made for the design of viscoelastic material. In this research, the sum of damping ratios, the sum of weighted damping ratios, and the sum of squared displacements are considered as the objective functions. These three objective functions deal with the peak displacements of damped vibration. Three case studies are defined by optimizations of some typical automotive parts with viscoelastic material. They are a sandwich panel, a rubber bushing, and a seat cushion. The damping performances of the objective functions are compared and discussed.
A hotel room on Mars: quarantine and the psychological view from the virtual front line
Authors: Modini Matthew , Vrklevski Lil
Published: September 2020

Objective:

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of quarantine for returning travellers and the effect this has on people’s mental health has become a topical issue. This article briefly describes the historical context of quarantine, research around its impact on people’s well-being, and the experiences of a clinical psychologist providing support to people in quarantine.

Conclusions:

Mental health professionals are in a unique position to assist people in quarantine, both in terms of counselling and ongoing research.
Rural Health and Contextualizing Data
Authors: Carlson Erin Brock , Gouge Catherine
Published: September 2020

With significantly higher rates of comorbidities and limited access to health care, some Appalachian rural communities face magnified health challenges due to COVID-19. This article looks at one example of how data visualizations might draw attention to health care realities in rural communities and yet render invisible the realities of the most vulnerable community members. The authors urge technical and professional communicators to contextualize data-driven accounts of public health crises in order to call attention to the needs of rural communities and support community members who are multiply marginalized and thus especially vulnerable.
An actively constrained viscoelastic layer with the inclusion of dispersed graphite particles for control of plate vibration
Authors: Gupta Abhay , Panda Satyajit , Reddy Rajidi S
Published: September 2020

In this work, the damping characteristics of an actively constrained viscoelastic material layer are examined because of the inclusion of dispersed graphite particles within the viscoelastic material layer. The study is carried out by analysing the active–passive damping in a layered plate made of a substrate layer, a constrained viscoelastic particulate composite layer and a thin constraining piezoelectric actuator layer. The effective properties of the viscoelastic particulate composite are estimated using a differential scheme and the elastic–viscoelastic correspondence principle. The piezoelectric layer is activated according to the velocity feedback control law, and a closed-loop finite element model of the overall plate is derived for the analysis. The results reveal that the inclusion of graphite particles not only causes an improved transfer of active action from the piezoelectric layer to the substrate plate but also enhances the energy dissipation capability of the constrained viscoelastic layer. It is found that the maximum transfer of active action and the maximum passive damping capability of the viscoelastic particulate composite layer arise almost at the same volume fraction of inclusion. So, an optimal volume fraction of inclusion is obtained for significantly improved active–passive damping in the overall plate. The overall study presents a potential means of improved active–passive damping treatment of structural vibration.
Problematic internet use: A scoping review – longitudinal research on a contemporary social problem, 2006–2017
Authors: Dahl Daniel , Bergmark Karin Helmersson
Published: September 2020

Background and aims:

Problematic internet use (PIU), and kindred concepts such as internet addiction (IA), make up a growing research field, partly due to the suggested inclusion of internet gaming disorder in a future DSM-6 as well as the fact that gaming disorder is on its way to being included in the ICD-11. Conclusions from research are far from unified. This study aims to synthesise the research field of problematic internet use/internet addiction/gaming disorder, with a focus on the reporting of prevalence and change.

Methods:

Longitudinal studies of PIU/IA formed the basis for a scoping review. Systematic searches of Web of Science, Scopus and Proquest, for peer-reviewed and published articles based on empirical data collected at a minimum of two time points for studies, and with an end point set at 2017, led to the inclusion of 97 studies. Endnote X7 was used to organise the results and NVivo 11 was used for synthesising the results.

Results:

Analyses focused on prevalence and change. Findings show variation among measures and prevalence as well as in reported outcomes relating to social life and other problems. Most studies reported relations between PIU/IA and other problems in life, but no specific time order could be established. Furthermore, many studies did not present data on prevalence or change even though using a longitudinal survey design.

Discussion and conclusions:

In summary, the research field is plagued by a lack of consensus and common understanding, regarding both measures, perceptions of the problem, and findings.
In-situ monitoring of liquid composite molding process using piezoelectric sensor network
Authors: Qing Xinlin , Liu Xiao , Zhu Jianjian , Wang Yishou
Published: September 2020

The excellent properties of advanced composite materials provide great opportunities for making industrial structures large-scale and intelligent. Liquid composite molding process is suitable for manufacturing complex large-scale composite structures and has the potential for low cost and mass production. In present work, the concept of Networked Elements for Resin Visualization and Evaluation network was developed to measure and monitor the manufacturing process in-situ. This paper investigates the capability of piezoelectric lead-zirconate-titanate sensors in the Networked Elements for Resin Visualization and Evaluation network to monitor two important parameters in liquid composite molding process, including the resin flow front and the progress of the reaction. The piezoelectric lead-zirconate-titanate sensor network can be integrated with a composite structure either installed on the interface between the mold and laminates or embedded inside the laminates during the liquid composite molding process. Experimental results demonstrated that the liquid composite molding process can be effectively monitored by the embedded Networked Elements for Resin Visualization and Evaluation network with a piezoelectric lead-zirconate-titanate sensor network.
Structural and physical characteristics of the yucca fiber
Authors: Moghaddam Meghdad Kamali , Karimi Ehsan
Published: September 2020

Yucca fiber is a natural cellulose fiber that can be extracted from the Yucca plant leaves by retting. The physical properties of the Yucca fiber are extremely sensitive to the retting conditions. This research was designed to study the effects of chemical retting on the structural and properties of this fiber. Chemical retting was done by soaking the Yucca leaf in 10 to 150 g/l sodium hydroxide concentration at 80 to 100 °C for 60 to 240 min. Fiber characteristics such as fineness, tenacity, functional groups, crystallinity, thermal degradation, and surface morphology were then investigated. The Yucca fibers exhibited high crystallinity (56–66%), high tenacity (36–46 cN/tex), and low linear density (3–5 tex). It was also found that the elementary fiber had a mean diameter of about 1.2 [Formula: see text] and a helical structure of square-shaped spires. The thermogravimetric analysis also indicated that the Yucca fiber had the thermal stability of up to 250 °C. Based on the findings, the Yucca fiber may be suitable for various applications such as a reinforcement material in the composites applications and can be turned to yarn for textile applications.
ADMA (asymmetric dimethylarginine) and angiogenic potential in patients with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes
Authors: Wieczór Radosław , Wieczór Anna M , Kulwas Arleta , Rość Danuta
Published: September 2020

Asymmetric dimethylarginine is an endogenous competitive inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase and marker of endothelial dysfunction, but the question remains as to whether asymmetric dimethylarginine is a marker of cardiovascular episodes or their independent risk factor. ADMA/DDAH (dimethylaminohydrolase) pathway regulates vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-mediated angiogenesis due to its impact on the NO formation. The aim of the study was to assess the concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine and the angiogenic potential in the blood of subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM, n = 33) and patients with prediabetes ( n = 32)—impaired fasting glycemia and/or impaired glucose tolerance (WHO criteria). The study found that both the prediabetes group and subjects with T2DM had significantly elevated concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine, significantly high levels of VEGF-A, low ratio of sVEGF-R1/VEGF-A, and sVEGF-R2/VEGF-A. This may suggest endothelial damage at early stages of carbohydrate metabolism dysfunction—before T2DM is diagnosed. Higher proangiogenic potential in prediabetes and T2DM patients than in healthy subjects, is not only the effect of an increase in VEGF-A levels, but also reduced inhibition of circulating receptors.
A command to estimate and interpret models of dynamic compositional dependent variables: New features for dynsimpie
Authors: Jung Yoo Sun , Souza Flávio D. S. , Philips Andrew Q. , Rutherford Amanda , Whitten Guy D.
Published: September 2020

Philips, Rutherford, and Whitten (2016, Stata Journal 16: 662–677) introduced dynsimpie, a command to examine dynamic compositional dependent variables. In this article, we present an update to dynsimpie and three new adofiles: cfbplot, effectsplot, and dynsimpiecoef. These updates greatly enhance the range of models that can be estimated and the ways in which model results can now be presented. The command dynsimpie has been updated so that users can obtain both prediction plots and change-from-baseline plots using postestimation commands. With the new command dynsimpiecoef, various types of coefficient plots can also be obtained. We illustrate these improvements using monthly data on support for political parties in the United Kingdom.
Multistate life tables using Stata
Authors: Muniz Jerônimo Oliveira
Published: September 2020

The mslt command calculates the functions of a multistate life table and plots a graph of conditional and unconditional life expectancies by time. The command provides linear and exponential solutions to estimate the number of individuals, transitions, probabilities, person-years, and years of life in a given cohort and state of occupancy. The input data are time-specific transition rates (or survivorship proportions) between nonabsorbing and at most one absorbing state. In addition to the mean age at transfer between states, mslt calculates the following summary measures: the mean age, the probability of dying, the average duration, and the proportion of life spent in a specific state.
Intranodal lymphangio-embolisation as treatment for lymphocele after kidney transplantation: A case report
Authors: Lim Ee Jean , Aslim Edwin Jonathan , Lee Fang Jann , Gan Valerie Huei Li
Published: September 2020

Introduction and objectives:

The rate of symptomatic lymphoceles requiring intervention after renal transplantation is reported to be only 5.6%. Controversies prevail in the current literature regarding the management of symptomatic lymphoceles post renal transplantation, with no established algorithm. The creation of a peritoneal window, frequently performed laparoscopically, is deemed the gold standard for management. We herin report the case of a lymphocele post renal transplant treated minimally invasively with intranodal lymphangio-embolisation, with a review of the current literature of this uncommon procedure.

Methods:

This was a retrospective review of this patient’s electronic medical records.

Results:

We present a 43-year-old male with end-stage kidney disease secondary to chronic glomerulonephritis, having been on hemodialysis for seven years. He underwent a deceased donor dual kidney transplant, complicated postoperatively by renal vein thrombosis in one of the grafts, resulting in early graft nephrectomy as well as a distal ureterovesical leak requiring reimplantation. On re-implantation on postoperative day 16, he was noted to have a persistent high drain ouput with a normal drain fluid creatinine. A right intranodal lymphagiogram was performed, and this demonstrated an active lymph leak around the transplanted kidney. A 33% glue (N-butyl cyanoacrylate)-Lipodiol infusion was then injected at a rate of 0.2 mL/min intranodally under fluoroscopic guidance. The patient underwent another repeat embolisation five days later for a residual lymph leak with satisfactory results. Drain output subsequently decreased, and the drain was removed.

Conclusions:

This case suggests that intranodal lymphangiography and embolisation may not only be a diagnostic tool but can be considered as an effective, minimally invasive and safe method for the treatment of lymphoceles after kidney transplantation.
Researching consent in veterinary practice: The use of interpretive description as a multidisciplinary methodology
Authors: Gray Carol A
Published: September 2020

Informed consent in the veterinary sphere has been surprisingly under-researched, despite it being a professional ethical requirement. As consent is given by animal owners on behalf of patients who are unable to consent for themselves, its underpinning ethical basis cannot exactly mirror consent given by adult human patients with capacity. Any attempt to research consent in the veterinary context requires consideration of its legal, ethical and practical applications. This investigation of consent practices in veterinary settings in the United Kingdom was undertaken using interpretation of medicolegal cases, together with three discrete empirical studies comprising the textual analysis of consent forms, consent discussions for the elective neutering of companion animal patients, and interviews with key participants in the consent process. The chosen approach required a methodology that would facilitate triangulation between empirical data analysis and doctrinal legal research. Here, I describe the first use of interpretive description as a methodology of veterinary socio-legal studies, in the context of practice-based research. With foundations in traditional social science methodologies such as hermeneutics, grounded theory, ethnography and symbolic interactionism, interpretive description provided a multi-disciplinary methodological perspective. Its underpinning methodologies informed the methods that were used for data collection, and for subsequent analysis. I combined interpretation of legal decisions and professional ethical guidance with thematic surveys of empirical data to reach higher levels of analysis. The resulting conceptual description of consent in veterinary practice enabled the production of normative guidance appropriate for those in practice, thus fulfilling the methodological aims of interpretive description. Specifically, the key findings were that the consent form should act as a fuller record of the consent discussion, that attention should be paid to achieving an appropriate balance between client autonomy and patient ‘best interests’ and that consent should provide protection to all three parties (client, patient and veterinary professional).
Different types of low back pain in relation to pre- and post-natal maternal depressive symptoms
Authors: Long Gong , Yao Zhang Yao , Na Yang , Ping Yi , Wei Sun , Mingsheng Tan
Published: September 2020

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal problem during pregnancy, with an estimated prevalence ranging from 30–78% (Mota MJ et al. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 28(2):351-7,2015 and Abebe E et al. J Med Sc Tech 3(3). 37-44,2014). Women reporting LBP are at increased risk of developing perinatal depression. Pregnancy-related LBP is highly heterogeneous and can be divided into lumbar pain (LP), posterior pelvic pain (PPP), and combined pain (CP). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the associations between LBP and perinatal depressive symptoms.

Methods

This was a retrospective case-control study conducted from January 2016 to April 2019. A total of 484 pregnant women were enrolled in this study: a case group of 242 pregnant women who were diagnosed with LBP and an age-matched control group of 242 pregnant women without LBP. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), LBP characteristics, and questionnaires about pregnancy that included demographic, parity, work, comorbidity, and previous pregnancy data were completed and compared between the case group and the control group.

Results

A total of 68 of 242 (28.1%) women experienced PPP, 142 (58.7%) had lumbar pain(LP), and 32 (13.2%) had combined pain. Furthermore, 26.5% of women with prenatal depression in the LP subgroup remained depressed 6 months postnatally, while the percentages for women in the PPP subgroup and CP subgroup were just 10.6% and 15.6%, respectively. The percentage of women who recovered anytime between delivery and six months postnatally in the PPP subgroup was significantly higher than that in the LP subgroup (31.7% vs. 14.7%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

There is a difference in the prevalence of prenatal, postnatal, and perinatal depressive symptoms among pregnant women with different types of LBP. It is necessary to screen prenatal and postnatal depression separately and differentiate the types of LBP during pregnancy. Attention to these factors may help to outline better management strategies to improve maternal health.
Assessment of the effect of platelet rich plasma on the healing of operated sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus by lay-open technique: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Gohar Mohamed M. , Ali Reda F. , Ismail Khaled A. , Ismail Taha A. , Nosair Nahla A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue at the upper part of the natal cleft of the buttocks. Excision and healing by granulation “lay-open” method is still more preferable than other methods of midline closure or using flaps but the healing time is lengthy. The present study was performed to assess the healing promotion effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the pilonidal sinus wounds treated by the lay-open method.

Methods

One hundred patients suffering from PSD were randomly divided into two groups, they were treated by the lay-open method, at General surgery department, Kafr El-Sheik University hospital, Egypt, during the period from December 2018 to December 2019. Group (A) was adopted the regular dressing postoperatively, while group (B) was treated with PRP injection into the wound at 4 and 12 postoperative days.

Results

Accelerated rate of wound healing was detected in group (B) in day 10, with a significant difference detected in days 15, 20, 25 and 30 postoperative, with a mean time of complete healing 45 ± 2.6 days in group B, while it was 57 ± 2.4 days in group A with a p-value of 0.001 which indicates considerable effect in the treated group.

Conclusions

PRP injection is an effective new technique in accelerating the healing of pilonidal wound after surgery, with a significant decrease in post-operative pain, complications and an early return to work.

Trial registration

retrospectively registered. Trial registration number: 12/35/1016 issued on December 2018 from the Institution Review Board at Kafr El Sheikh University. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04430413
Autophagic flux inhibition enhances cytotoxicity of the receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor ponatinib
Authors: Corallo Diana , Pastorino Fabio , Pantile Marcella , Mariotto Elena , Caicci Federico , Viola Giampietro , Ponzoni Mirco , Tonini Gian Paolo , Aveic Sanja
Published: September 2020

Background

Despite reported advances, acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors still represents a serious problem in successful cancer treatment. Among this class of drugs, ponatinib (PON) has been shown to have notable long-term efficacy, although its cytotoxicity might be hampered by autophagy. In this study, we examined the likelihood of PON resistance evolution in neuroblastoma and assessed the extent to which autophagy might provide survival advantages to tumor cells.

Methods

The effects of PON in inducing autophagy were determined both in vitro, using SK-N-BE(2), SH-SY5Y, and IMR-32 human neuroblastoma cell lines, and in vivo, using zebrafish and mouse models. Single and combined treatments with chloroquine (CQ)—a blocking agent of lysosomal metabolism and autophagic flux—and PON were conducted, and the effects on cell viability were determined using metabolic and immunohistochemical assays. The activation of the autophagic flux was analyzed through immunoblot and protein arrays, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy. Combination therapy with PON and CQ was tested in a clinically relevant neuroblastoma mouse model.

Results

Our results confirm that, in neuroblastoma cells and wild-type zebrafish embryos, PON induces the accumulation of autophagy vesicles—a sign of autophagy activation. Inhibition of autophagic flux by CQ restores the cytotoxic potential of PON, thus attributing to autophagy a cytoprotective nature. In mice, the use of CQ as adjuvant therapy significantly improves the anti-tumor effects obtained by PON, leading to ulterior reduction of tumor masses.

Conclusions

Together, these findings support the importance of autophagy monitoring in the treatment protocols that foresee PON administration, as this may predict drug resistance acquisition. The findings also establish the potential for combined use of CQ and PON, paving the way for their consideration in upcoming treatment protocols against neuroblastoma.