bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study of a Horizontal Wind Turbine under Yaw Conditions
Authors: Arabgolarcheh Alireza , Jannesarahmadi Sahar , Benini Ernesto , Menegozzo Luca
Published: August 2021

Over recent years, considerable attention has been devoted to the optimization of energy production in wind farms, where yaw angles can play a significant role. In order to quantify and maximize such potential power, the simulation of wakes is vital. In the present study, an actuator line model code was implemented in the OpenFOAM flow solver. A tip treatment was applied to involve the tip effect induced by the pressure equalization from the suction and pressure sides. The Leishman–Beddoes dynamic stall (LB-DS) model modified by Sheng et al. was employed to consider the dynamic stall phenomenon. The developed ALM-CFD solver was validated for the NREL Phase VI wind turbine reference case. The solver was then used in simulating the yawed wind turbine, and power variation was compared with UBEM and CFD. Overall, according to the obtained data, the coupled solver compared well with CFD. There was an improvement in terms of prediction of the phase delay that is due to the dynamic stall. However, there was still negligible overestimation in deep stall conditions. Based on the obtained results, it is suggested that the reduction of power output follows a cosine to the power of X function of the yaw angle. In terms of visualizing wake, the results demonstrated that the current ALM code was satisfying enough to simulate skewed wake and vortices trajectory. The effect of advancing and retreating blade was captured. It was found that yaw led to the concentration of the induced velocity downstream, resulting in a lower velocity deficit on a broader area, which is essential for wind farm optimization.
Cultura e sociedade na primeira Teoria Crítica
Authors: Musse Ricardo
Published: August 2021

A questão acerca da relação entre cultura e sociedade constitui um dos temas centrais da primeira geração da Teoria Crítica, num percurso que se estende do discurso de posse de Max Horkheimer na direção do Instituto de Pesquisas Sociais aos últimos textos de Adorno. Este artigo se propõe a acompanhar a questão ao longo dessa trajetória. Para tanto, concentra-se no comentário de alguns conceitos decisivos: cultura, autoridade e família; cultura afirmativa; teoria materialista da cultura; indústria cultural e cultura no mundo administrado.
Digital communication as a global challenge for trade unions: lessons from Brazil and Portugal
Authors: Costa Hermes Augusto , Carneiro Bia
Published: August 2021

As a cross-cutting issue encompassing all of society, the evolution of digital technologies is particularly challenging to traditional labour actors that are accustomed to physical work and face-to-face contact. This article discusses the distinctive possibilities of social media use as a forward-thinking global strategy for organised labour. After an initial clarification of useful concepts to consider in the digital age, we focus on the social media presence of trade unions, identifying the pros and cons associated with platform-based communication. Finally, the article debates the implications of social media platforms as tools to strengthen networks with nonunion actors and contribute to the amplification of the labour agenda. Through a comparative analysis of four trade union confederations, two from Brazil and two from Portugal, we argue that, despite the possibilities for outreach and interaction enabled by the new communication and information technologies, trade union confederations maintain constricted networks and an outdated top-down communications model.
Presentation to the Dossier: political repertoires in transnational labor struggles and new forms of global labor governance
Authors: Silva Leonardo Mello e , Estanque Elísio , Costa Hermes Augusto
Published: August 2021

Despite the concerns about wages and the increase in the quality of life of the working classhaving acquired a historical centrality in the struggle repertoires designed at national level, theambition of internationalist solidarity and the emancipation of the forms of collective organization of workers has always been an end in yourself. In the light of current times, it is an ambitionthat can be witnessed in the way that the trends of globalization and contemporary neoliberalismdemand adequate and organized responses, sharing experiences, contributions to new formsof global governance, more just and dignified. And also new learning outcomes for the classicprotagonists of the world of work. By gathering contributions from international experts on theworld of work, from different national contexts and disciplinary affiliations, this dossier fulfillsthis purpose of critical debate, supported by concrete experiences. Here the reader can findcontributions on regional solidarity and union networks, political regulation processes, globaleconomic planning, climate transition, forms of transnational labor organization, informal work,North and South relations, work in the platform economy or digital communication processes.
Apresentação do dossiê "intervenção e resistência"
Authors: Editores Os
Published: August 2021

Apresentação dos textos referentes ao dossiê "Intervenção e Resistência".
"Retrato calado" de Luiz Roberto Salinas Fortes como ação política
Authors: Dias Thiago
Published: August 2021

Durante a odiosa tortura a que foi submetido pela ditadura civil-militar brasileira, o professor Luiz Roberto Salinas Fortes viu o aparato do estado se servir da mais bárbara violência para dele extrair algo especificamente humano; uma palavra. Contra esta palavra indigna arrancada na escuridão da cela, Salinas decidiu elaborar um discurso e trazer à luz do espaço púbico as sombras que o tragaram. O resultado é Retrato calado, livro que contém uma nobre fala sobre atos abjetos. Enquanto fala, entretanto, este sujeito estilhaçado se mostra de modo indiscutivelmente íntegro, pois, sem se reduzir à quase inevitável via da denúncia e do lamento, Salinas se coloca como quem cumpre o dever de trazer à luz o que lhe fizeram na escuridão; um dever fundado no cuidado com o mundo. Nesta autêntica ação política, o professor de filosofia encarna e exemplifica a dignidade da fala pública apontando para seu contrário.
Longevità della cultura. La memoria al vaglio semiotico
Authors: Panico Mario
Published: August 2021

L’obiettivo di questo articolo è di indagare la correlazione tra cultura e memoria così come proposta nella teoria semiotica di Juri M. Lotman e dagli altri studiosi della scuola di Tartu-Mosca. In queste pagine, particolare spazio è dato alla disamina del concetto di “longevità della cultura”, intesa come la “durata” semantica di testi e codici. Questo concetto, proposto per la prima volta da Lotman e Uspenskij, viene messo in dialogo con specifici aspetti comuni al binomio cultura/memoria: il carattere relazionale e retrospettivo, la comune diacronia. Inoltre, con l’obiettivo finale di enfatizzare la componente politica nella teoria semiotica della memoria e della cultura, in questo articolo la longevità è posta in relazione ai processi traduttivi del filtraggio e della dimenticanza.
A doméstica como síntese do racismo brasileiro: discurso, formas de vida e cultura
Authors: Schwartzmann Matheus Nogueira
Published: August 2021

Este trabalho se divide em duas partes. Uma primeira discussão, de base teórica, cujo objetivo é apresentar os contornos e desafios de uma semiótica contemporânea, que se debruça sobre as novas demandas da sociedade, descrevendo como se constrói o sentido das práticas e das formas de vida. Nesse caso, queremos demonstrar que a semiótica discursiva não recusa a história, não recusa a dimensão social e cultural do discurso, porque toma o sentido como seu objeto, na tensão entre o social e o individual, na temporalidade do mundo e do próprio discurso. Uma segunda parte que apresenta uma reflexão sobre o estatuto semiótico do lexema “doméstica”, buscando dar conta das espessas e resistentes camadas de sentido que sustentam os seus usos na sociedade brasileira, ligados a universos de valores, práticas sociais e formas de vida profundamente marcados pelo racismo e pelo preconceito de classe.
Archaeological fakes and forgeries in Turkey
Authors: Lafli Ergün , Buora Maurizio
Published: August 2021

In this paper we present discussions on archaeological authenticity in Turkey, advanced both from scholarly as well as popular scientific point of views. In Turkey in the last five years a recent public debate has become on previously inconspicuous "archaeological fakes". The problem was previously known, but not permanently entered in scientific research. It will probably still be a long way to go until Turkish archaeologists to deal with this matter in scientific terms with it and accept it as an important study area. Although Turkey is a key country for both originals, as well as for forgery production, we known little about which materials should be categorized as replicas or fakes, which objects were classified, what materials were faked, why and by whom.
Three new species of the fossil Cantacaderinae genus Paleocader Froeschner, 1996 from the Baltic and Rovno amber (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae)
Authors: HEISS ERNST , GOLUB VIKTOR B.
Published: August 2021

Four species are presently assigned to the fossil Tingidae genus Paleocader Froeschner, 1996: P. avitus (Drake, 1950), P. strictus Golub & Popov, 1998, P. serafini Heiss, 2008 and P. gusenleitnerorum Heiss, 2013, all described from the Eocene Baltic amber. The new species P. balticus sp. nov. and P. pulchellus sp. nov. originate as well from Baltic amber, and P. rovnensis sp. nov. from Ukrainian amber deposits, both of Eocene age. A key to all seven species of Paleocader is presented.
The second Caloneurodea from the Moscovian of Avion, France (Insecta, Archaeorthoptera)
Authors: NEL ANDRÉ , ROQUES PATRICK
Published: August 2021

The Late Palaeozoic insect order Caloneurodea Handlirsch, 1907 is a rather small clade in the superorder Archaeorthoptera Béthoux & Nel, 2002 (Béthoux et al., 2003), several representatives have been recently described from Portugal, France, China, and Russia (see Dvořák et al., 2021 and references herein). The body structures of these insects are poorly known and the majority of genera and species are based on isolated wings. Also the majority of genera and species are Permian and latest Carboniferous. With two genera and species recorded from the Moscovian of the Pas-de-Calais Basin, this area is of great interest to estimate the diversity of this order during the early Pennsylvanian (Pruvost, 1919; Prokop et al., 2014). Here we describe the second genus and species from the Avion locality, which has already given Aviogramma gracilis Prokop et al., 2014. This discovery further confirms the very important richness and diversity of the fossil entomofauna of the slag heap of Avion (Nel et al., 2013).
The second species of the cnemidolestid genus Piesbergopterum from the Upper Carboniferous of Avion, Northern France (Archaeorthoptera: Cnemidolestidae)
Authors: NEL ANDRÉ , ROQUES PATRICK
Published: August 2021

The Palaeozoic archaeorthopteran order Cnemidolestodea Handlirsch, 1937 (sensu Béthoux, 2005; not sensu Aristov, 2014) currently comprises only the family Cnemidolestidae Handlirsch, 1906. They are easily characterized by the presence of a more or less triangular area delimited by the vein MA and the first anterior fork of MP+CuA+CuPa, this last vein having several parallel posterior branches. Dvořák et al. (2021) listed the included genera, and described the new genus and species Piesbergopterum punctatum from the Moscovian of Piesberg (Germany), characterized by the presence of a pattern of rounded spots in numerous cells all over the forewings. Nel & Poschmann (in press) noticed that the Cnemidolestidae show an important diversity of patterns of coloration on their forewings, possibly related to cryptic behaviors in the vegetation.
A new amber outcrop from the Oligocene Nanning Basin of Guangxi, southern China
Authors: LIU QI , ZENG GUANG-CHUN , LIAN XIN-NENG , FU YAN-ZHE , CAI CHEN-YANG , HUANG DI-YING
Published: August 2021

Ambers in China have been described from the various localities of both Cretaceous (e.g., Xixia amber from Henan Province and Jalainur [Zhalainuoer] amber from northeastern Inner Mongolia) and Palaeogene (e.g., Eocene Fushun amber of Liaoning Province and Miocene Zhangpu amber of Fujian Province) ages to date (e.g., Hong, 1981, 2002; Shi et al., 2014; Wang et al., 2014; Azar et al., 2019; Wang et al., 2021). Here we report a new amber locality from the Late Oligocene of Nanning Basin, Guangxi, southern China. The first amber piece was collected by one of the authors (GCZ) on 5 June 2008. In a recent field work in early 2021, we further discovered more than 50 smaller amber pieces, which are reported here.
Modeling of TST Using Biological Signals and KL-Hausdorff Distance Similarity Measure for Gene Based Parkinson’s Disease Recognition
Authors: Anusha B. , Geetha P.
Published: August 2021

Genetic research experienced drastic transformation since past decades, which benefits the biological area eventually for the detection of neurodegenerative ailment like Parkinson’s disease (PD). Recently, rigorous investigate had been conceded out for of PDs detection instigated
through-sequence -and recessive auto-somal-of dominant-genes such as PARK2, LRRK2, SNCA, PARK7 and PINK1. Several inherent based similarity degree representations such as Cosine similarity and Hamming Distance model were introduced for the detection of these genes. However, these representations
detect 2 to 3 gene sequence barely by maximum Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and minimum accuracy rate. The ratio of misclassification is too great for prevailing scheme. To perceive PD through low RMSE and high accuracy a Kullback-Leibler Hausdroff distance (KL-H) similarity measure model
is proposed so as to discover the affected patient pattern efficiently. It works in two phases, in first, protein sequence of amino acid is determined with the use of model transcription, splicing and translation (TST). The second stage in turn distinguish PD that depends on the model of similarity
measure which comprise assessment of template sequence and specified sequence with the use of Hausdorff distance and KL-distance process. The property of nucleotide density in KL distance measure algorithm was employed. The result analysis and comparative study were presented among the proposed
and existing system. We attained maximum accuracy of 88%, with sensitivity 67.86%, specificity 93.81%, precision 76%, F1 score 71.69%, minimum RMSE (12%) and FPR (6.19%)in comparison to the prevailing similarity measurement model.
Inattentive Drowsiness Behavior Profile Detection with Heavy Eyed Interval Approach for Biomedical Applications in Health Monitoring System
Authors: Sworna Kokila M. L. , Gomathi V.
Published: August 2021

The efficient tracking of vehicle drivers can be used to prevent collisions through visual human behaviour analysis. Many different methods have not been satisfactory enough such as iris-sklera research, driver’s approximation of gaze, and Hough transforming technological performance. Since these methods make it more difficult to spot drivers’ sleepiness and carelessness. This paper therefore suggested that it be careful to estimate the profile after finding the left eye, right eye, mouth and nose Absence of each of these traits marks a non-frontal approach. The Rectangular Face Classificatión control system monitors frontal faces by moving a rectangular filter on the image for testing the dullness of the face area. Once the facial regions are tracked, the Hybrid Balanced Networks separates the eye area from it depending on the greater axis and the smaller axis. Heavy Eyed Approach is often used to spot drowsiness and twitch of the brow. The intensity of the horizontal plot is measured and successive frames in the eye twitch are not counted as a closed eye for three seconds. The result of the proposed work therefore effectively improves accuracy efficiency.
Organic-free large-pore-sized γ-alumina for the removal of three azo dyes from aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Xuhui , Sun Jianchuan , Chen Shuaiqi , Ren Shuai , Gao Awang , Yan Zhihui , Zhang Dehao , Xu Xiangyu , Song Jiaqing
Published: August 2021

A series of γ-alumina with different pore sizes (5.7 nm–21.6 nm) and similar specific surface areas were synthesized via an organic-free method and their adsorption rates and capacities for Congo red (CR), direct blue 78 (DB78) and direct green 26 (DG26) were investigated.
The kinetics study reveals that the dye adsorptions of all γ-alumina samples fit the pseudo-2nd-order model. For CR, its k2 and the pore size of absorbent are in a linear relationship at low dye concentrations. Both of the experimental results and Langmuir isotherm
calculation results suggest that the dye adsorption capacities of the γ-alumina prepared in our lab are much higher than those of other γ-alumina reported in literatures. GA-1 with the largest specific area of surface and largest size of pores exhibits a CR adsorption
capacity up to 4213.6 mg/g. In addition, initial dye adsorption rates of the γ-alumina prepared in-house are much higher than that of the γ-alumina prepared with the commercially available alumina under the same conditions.
High electrical conductivity and oxidation reduction reaction activity of tungsten carbide/carbon nanocomposite synthesized from palm oil by solution plasma process
Authors: Islam Zahidul , Watthanaphanit Anyarat , Chae Sangwoo , Niitsu Kiichi , Saito Nagahiro
Published: August 2021

In this study, the enhancement of electrical conductivity and Oxidation Reduction Reaction (ORR) activity of tungsten carbide/carbon (WC/C) nanocomposite was successfully synthesized from palm oil by solution plasma process (SPP). For the synthesis, plasma fields with different frequency
were applied the bipolar pulsed power supply connected with two tungsten electrodes. The properties of the synthesized WC/C nanocomposite were varied by using a different frequency. The electrical conductivity increased with the frequencies. The highest electrical conductivity was 4.27×10−2
S cm−1, which is higher than that of Ketjen Black (7.37 × 10−3 S cm−1). The WC/C nanocomposites were observed the surface area 160 m2 g−1, pore volume 0.53 cm3 g−1, average pore
diameter 16.29 nm, basal plane crystallite size 18.0 nm, and the average compound granule diameter less than 100 nm. The cyclic voltammetry measurement was showed that the ORR activity of WC/C nanocomposites were obtained the good performance in alkaline solution for fuel cell application.
Use of a nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide composite in anterior cervical subtotal corpectomy and fusion
Authors: Li Xiaojiang , Zhang Xudong , Dong Shanshan , Li Haijun , Wang Chunlan , Liu Dalong , Feng Jingbin , Leng Xiangyang
Published: August 2021

This study aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of using nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide (N-HA/PA) composite in anterior cervical vertebral body subtotal corpectomy and interbody fusion. Total 50 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were enrolled to undergo anterior cervical
spondylectomy. Bone graft pedicles were compounded with N-HA/PA and intervertebral body fusion was performed. Study outcomes included surgical efficacy and the degree of fusion. Patients in whom vertebral body fusion was performed with N-HA/PA composite pedicles had significantly improved
symptoms. The postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores increased to 18.56±4.37 from 11.37±3.52, reflecting an improvement rate of 87.3%. The composite pedicle fusion rate was 96.4%. Therefore, N-HA/PA composite pedicle as a bone graft material in fusion surgery provides
significant therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, the composite pedicle fusion rate is high, making it ideal for anterior cervical vertebral body subtotal corpectomy and fusion.
Assessment of α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate/nanocellulose composite bone graft material for bone healing in a rabbit femoral condyle model
Authors: Liu Jinlong , Zhang Yicai , Qiu Lin , Zhang Yujuan , Gao Bin
Published: August 2021

The material properties of nanocellulose (NC) can effectively enhance the structural stability of composite materials. However, the research related to NC/α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CSH) composites is largely lacking. In this paper, we explore the combination of these
two materials and determine their elaborate biological activities in vivo. Using α-CSH as the matrix, the composite bone graft materials were produced according to different proportions of NC. Then the mechanical strength of the composite bone graft was measured, and the
results were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To conduct the material in vivo evaluation, 0% (CN0) and 0.75% (CN0.75) NC/α-CSH composite bone graft materials were implanted into a femoral condyle defect model. The results indicated that
NC could significantly enhance the mechanical properties of α-CSH. The SEM analysis indicated that the NC shuttled between the crystal gaps and formed a three-dimensional network structure, which was firmly combined with the crystal structure. Meanwhile, the CN0.75 scaffold remained
at 12 weeks postoperation, which provided a long-term framework for new bone formation. Overall, our findings demonstrate that, with a 0.75% NC/α-CSH composite demonstrating good potential as a bone graft material for clinical bone grafting.
Modeling the recovery time of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 using an accelerated failure time model
Authors: Thiruvengadam Gayathri , Ramanujam Ravanan , Marappa Lakshmi
Published: August 2021

Objective

To identify factors associated with recovery time from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

In this retrospective study, data for patients with COVID-19 were obtained between 21 June and 30 August 2020. An accelerated failure time (AFT) model was used to identify covariates associated with recovery time (days from hospital admission to discharge). AFT models with different distributions (exponential, log-normal, Weibull, generalized gamma, and log-logistic) were generated. Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) was used to identify the most suitable model.

Results

A total of 730 patients with COVID-19 were included (92.5% recovered and 7.5% censored). Based on its low AIC value, the log-logistic AFT model was the best fit for the data. The covariates affecting length of hospital stay were oxygen saturation, lactate dehydrogenase, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, D-dimer, ferritin, creatinine, total leucocyte count, age > 80 years, and coronary artery disease.

Conclusions

The log-logistic AFT model accurately described the recovery time of patients with COVID-19.
Leakage flow characteristic of radial inflow turbine adopted in CAES system: Review on progress
Authors: Wang Xing , Zhang Xuehui , Zhu Yangli , Shao Ziyi , Li Wen , Chen Haisheng
Published: August 2021

Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) System is an important power output component of the energy storage technology. Radial inflow turbine is the main power output device in CAES system, it is operated at extraordinary operation condition (inlet pressure ≥ 75 bar and inlet temperature < 500 K) which is different from gas turbine and other turbomachinery. Therefore, clearance existing in the CAES radial inflow turbine will result in special leakage flow characteristic and higher flow loss, which decreases the aerodynamic performance and the economic efficiency of the CAES system. However, most of researches for CAES radial inflow turbine mainly focus on the performance prediction of CAES system with one-dimensional model, the detailed leakage flow loss mechanism based on three-dimensional analysis, which significantly influences the flow structure and efficiency, are still needed to be further conducted. In present study, the progress on leakage flow characteristic in the CAES radial inflow turbine is reviewed. The effects of tip clearance, case-shroud clearance and back cavity of rotors are summarized, the leakage flow mechanism and loss reduction method are also analyzed and discussed. Suggestions for the future work on leakage flow of CAES radial inflow turbine are also proposed. The present review can provide a guide for new design and optimization of the radial inflow turbine adopted in CAES system.
Corporate Default Prediction Model: Evidence from the Indian Industrial Sector
Authors: Shilpa Shetty H.  , Vincent Theresa Nithila
Published: August 2021

The unprecedented pandemic COVID-19 has impacted businesses across the globe. A significant jump in the credit default risk is expected. Credit default is an indicator of financial distress experienced by the business. Credit default often leads to bankruptcy filing against the defaulting company. In India, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) is the law that governs insolvency and bankruptcy. As reported by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), the number of companies filing for bankruptcy under IBC is on a rise, and the industrial sector has witnessed the maximum number of bankruptcy filings. The present article attempts to develop a credit default prediction model for the Indian industrial sector based on a sample of 164 companies comprising an equal number of defaulting and nondefaulting companies. A total of 120 companies are used as training samples and 44 companies as the testing samples. Binary logistic regression analysis is employed to develop the model. The diagnostic ability of the model is tested using receiver operating characteristic curve, area under the curve and annual accuracy. According to the study, return on assets, current ratio, debt to total assets ratio, sales to working capital ratio and cash flow to total assets ratio is statistically significant in predicting default. The findings of the study have significant implications in lending and investment decisions.
FirstCry: A Hybrid Store Strategy Creating Big Wonders!
Authors: Raju Roshan , Bhadange Sagar , Rakshit Sandip
Published: August 2021

On May 17, 2010, Supam Maheshwari and Amitava Saha founded BrainBees Solution with a seed capital of US$39.01 million, which led to the launch of the e-commerce site FirstCry.com. An online e-commerce website that offers all kinds of baby and kids-focused products from diaper pins to strollers.

The global and Indian baby care market has seen huge growth in the last few years. It is estimated that by the year 2020, the projected growth of this market will be over 17%. The rising birth rate and disposable income of young parents have also favoured the growth of baby care products.

In a country like India, the mortar and brick stores held the major share of the baby care products market. Supam Maheshwari was in the midst of a major decision, but he was faced with some questions. Would he be able to design a unique hybrid model? Would this model help them compete with mortar and brick stores? Would FirstCry be able to build an ecosystem to provide solutions to parents? What strategy should FirstCry adapt for long-term success?
Clinical and Prognostic Value of Calcium and Phosphorus Levels as Possible Markers of Endothelial Dysfunction in Preterm Infants
Authors: Fishchuk Liliya , Rossokha Zoia , Pokhylko Valeriy , Cherniavska Yuliia , Gorovenko Natalia
Published: August 2021

The system maintaining a sufficient level of calcium and phosphorus is formed only by the end of the first month of life, and in pretermure infants even later. These elements play a crucial role in many physiological processes. They also affect vascular function, endothelium, and endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase. Therefore, the aim of our study was to analyze the relationship of serum phosphorus and calcium levels with markers of endothelial dysfunction and features of the early neonatal period. The study included 37 preterm infants that received standard clinical, laboratory, and instrumental examination. As markers of endothelial dysfunction, the 4a/4b polymorphism of the eNOS gene was investigated and quantitative measurement of NO metabolites in urine was performed. Phosphorus and calcium levels in 37 preterm infants on the first day were 4.06 ± 1.88 mg/dL and 1.89 ± 2.08 mg/dL, and on the six day 4.89 ± 2.02 mg/dL and 1.86 ± 1.80 mg/dL, respectively. Combined hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia were found in 27 (73.0%) of 37 examined infants. The presence of severe condition in early neonatal period was positively correlated with calcium levels on the first and sixth days after birth. There were determined positive correlation between calcium and phosphorus levels on the first day after birth and severity of clinical symptoms in neonatal period and birth gestational age. Serum calcium level in preterm birth infants was positively correlated with respiratory failure on the sixth day. Correlation between calcium and phosphorus serum levels was observed for severe and stable infants on the first day, but on the six day only in preterm birth infants with stable condition. We have not found an association between phosphorus and calcium levels and markers of endothelial dysfunction in preterm birth infants. Serum phosphorus and calcium levels and studied markers of endothelial dysfunction have been found to be independent markers of the risk of developing a complicated early neonatal period in preterm infants.
Imposter syndrome in doctors beyond training: a narrative review
Authors: Freeman Joseph , Peisah Carmelle
Published: August 2021

Objective:

To undertake a narrative literature review of imposter syndrome (IS) in doctors beyond training.

Method:

Twelve studies met inclusion criteria from a systematised search of three databases.

Results:

There is a paucity of literature on IS, although it has been observed across a diverse range of specialties. IS appears to be more common in female doctors but is also seen amongst male doctors. IS impacts career progression, leadership and mental health.

Conclusions:

IS causes professional and personal detriment. Solutions must include institutional changes to foster safer workplaces and to address systemic barriers to help-seeking and peer support. Systemic interventions are the only solution to the systemic drivers of IS.
Association analysis of variants rs35934224 in TXNRD2 and rs6478746 in LMX1B in primary angle-closure and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma
Authors: Kondkar Altaf A , Sultan Tahira , Alobaidan Abdullah S , Azad Taif A , Osman Essam A , Almobarak Faisal A , Lobo Glenn P , Al-Obeidan Saleh A
Published: August 2021

Objective:

Previous genome-wide studies have demonstrated significant pathogenic association between variants rs35934224 within TXNRD2 and rs6478746 near LMX1B in primary open-angle glaucoma. We investigated the association between these variants in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) patients of Saudi origin.

Methods:

In a case-control study, DNA samples from 249 controls (135 men and 114 women), 100 PACG cases (44 men and 56 women), and 95 PXG cases (61 men and 34 women) were genotyped by TaqMan® based real-time PCR. Statistical tests were performed to evaluate genetic association with glaucoma types and related clinical indices.

Results:

The allele frequencies of rs35934224 and rs6478746 did not show significant variation in PACG and PXG than controls, except that the rs35934224[T] allele was found to be significantly low among PXG women (0.10) as compared to controls (0.21) (odds ratio = 0.38, 95% confidence interval = 0.16–0.94, p = 0.024). Rs35934224 genotypes showed a nominal-to-borderline protective association with PACG and PXG among women in different genetic models. However, except for the over-dominant model in PACG ( p = 0.0095), none of the effects survived Bonferroni’s correction ( p < 0.01). Rs6478746 showed no significant genotype or allelic association with PACG and PXG. Regression analysis showed no influence on disease outcome, and neither showed any correlation with intraocular pressure and cup/disk ratio in both PACG and PXG.

Conclusions:

Variants rs35934224 in TXNRD2 and rs6478746 near LMX1B are not associated with PACG and PXG in the Saudi cohort, but rs35934224 may confer modest protection among women. Further population-based studies are needed to validate these results.
Psychiatrists’ motives for compulsory care of patients with borderline personality disorder – a questionnaire study
Authors: Lundahl Antoinette , Hellqvist Johan , Helgesson Gert , Juth Niklas
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Borderline personality disorder patients are often subjected to inpatient compulsory care due to suicidal behaviour. However, inpatient care is usually advised against as it can have detrimental effects, including increased suicidality.

Aim

To investigate what motives psychiatrists have for treating borderline personality disorder patients under compulsory care.

Materials and Methods

A questionnaire survey was distributed to all psychiatrists and registrars in psychiatry working at mental health emergency units or inpatient wards in Sweden. The questionnaire contained questions with fixed response alternatives, with room for comments, about the respondents’ motives for practising compulsory care of borderline personality disorder patients. The responses were analysed quantitatively with descriptive statistics, and comments were analysed with qualitative descriptive content analysis.

Results

The psychiatrists’ views were divided on when it was justified to treat borderline personality disorder patients under compulsory care, as were their views on borderline personality disorder patients’ decision competence. When there was an assessed risk of harm, 53% were positive to compulsory care of decision-competent borderline personality disorder patients and another 31% because they considered the patients to be decision incompetent in such situations. Adding the risk of harm caused many respondents to alter their assessment of the patient from decision competent to decision incompetent.

Conclusion

The large variations in doctors’ opinions indicate that the care of borderline personality disorder patients is arbitrary. Further, the assessed risk of harm increases the use of compulsory care, even though such care is advised against in clinical guidelines, has questionable legal support, and could lead to an increased suicide risk over time.
Conceptual Frameworks for Evaluating Diversity and Inclusion in Collegiate Recreation
Authors: Patchett Erin M. , Oja Brent D. , Morse Alan L.
Published: August 2021

Persistent evidence of inequitable experiences within collegiate recreation exists. Within the same field are multiple articulations of diversity and inclusion's high significance. The intersection of these contrasting ideas suggests there is a need to expand understanding of the role of diversity and inclusion in collegiate recreation. Exploring germane theoretical conceptualizations may allow for those stated goals to consistently align with practical outcomes, resulting in more equitable experiences for collegiate recreation's multiple stakeholders. Thus, the purpose of this article was to propose the integration of two conceptual frameworks which can be applied by researchers and practitioners to increase the scope and depth of understanding pertaining to engagement with diversity and inclusion.
Research on the optimal scheme of 3E game for lightweight body-in-white under environmental protection policy
Authors: Ding Zhensen , Fang Haifeng , Liu Bin , Yao Zhanhui , Liu Jinzhou
Published: August 2021

Lightweight of body-in-white (BIW) can effectively achieve energy saving and emission reduction, is an important component of automobile lightweight, and how to ensure better economy while lightweight has attracted wide attention from industry and academia. This study deeply analyzed the stages of the full life cycle of internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV), deconstructs the stages where the weight of BIW has a greater impact on the two, and introduces the concept of full-cycle closed-loop flow of materials to establish universal “Energy-Environment-Economy” Evaluation Model, also called 3E assessment model for auto components. In addition, the 3E-PSI model is established in combination with the PSI method, which further makes up for the shortcomings of the general 3E model that cannot select the optimal solution by considering energy consumption, emissions, and economy comprehensively. The 3E-PSI analysis of material lightweight of BIW is conducted, which takes the ICEV and BEV on the same platform as an example. The results show that in terms of energy consumption, the magnesium alloy BIW of the ICEV is the lowest, however, the aluminum alloy BIW of the BEV is the lowest. In terms of environmental emissions, magnesium alloy BIW is the lowest in both ICEV and BEV, which are 57% and 59.56% of ordinary mild steel BIW respectively; As far as economy is concerned, the ICEV have break-even points for all lightweight materials in the total mileage during lifetime, and the BEV only has a break-even point, that is, driving 78625.68 km, the cost of high-strength steel BIW is lower than ordinary low-carbon steel. In addition, the comprehensive optimal scheme of ICEV is BIW of magnesium alloy material, and the comprehensive optimal scheme of BEV is BIW of aluminum alloy material.
Drug Release and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Novel Implantable Mometasone Furoate Matrices in Rabbit Maxillary Sinuses
Authors: You Changcheng , Tseng Ling-Fang , Pappas Alexander , Concagh Danny , Kuang Yina
Published: August 2021

Background

Intranasal corticosteroid sprays (INCSs) used to treat chronic rhinosinusitis are suboptimal due to limited penetration into the middle meatus, rapid clearance, and poor patient compliance. A bioresorbable drug matrix, developed with the XTreoTM drug delivery platform, may overcome the limitations of INCS by providing continuous dosing over several months.

Objective

To evaluate the in vitro drug release and in vivo pharmacokinetics of novel mometasone furoate (MF) matrices in a rabbit dorsal maxillary osteotomy model.

Methods

XTreoTM matrices were formulated to consistently elute MF for up to 6 months. Matrices were surgically placed bilaterally into the maxillary sinuses of New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. Tissue and plasma MF concentrations were measured to assess the in vivo drug delivery. The in vivo and in vitro drug release kinetics of the matrices were quantified and compared to those of rabbits receiving daily Nasonex® MF nasal sprays.

Results

XTreoTM matrices self-expanded upon deployment to conform to the irregular geometry of the maxillary sinus cavities in the NZW rabbits. Sustained release of MF was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo for 2 MF matrices of distinct release durations and an in vitro–in vivo correlation was established. Therapeutic levels of MF in local tissues were measured throughout the intended dosing durations. In contrast to the variable peaks and troughs of daily nasal sprays, sustained dosing via a single administration of MF matrices was confirmed by quantifiable plasma MF concentrations over the intended dosing duration.

Conclusion

The XTreoTM MF matrices provided targeted and efficient dosing to local sinus tissues that was superior to INCS. Sustained drug release was confirmed both in vitro and in vivo. The novel XTreoTM technology may provide precisely tuned, long-lasting drug delivery to sinus tissues with a single treatment.
Effect of spironolactone use in pulmonary arterial hypertension – analysis from pivotal trial databases
Authors: Safdar Zeenat , Cho Eunah
Published: August 2021

Spironolactone, a common diuretic used in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), improves cardiopulmonary hemodynamics by attenuating the adverse effects of hyperaldosteronism on endothelin type‐B receptor function within pulmonary endothelial cells. Spironolactone has demonstrated vascular remodeling properties and reduced all‐cause mortality in patients with severe heart failure. Despite widespread use, however, its effect on morbidity and mortality in PAH has not been fully explored. A large cohort of PAH patients from a harmonized dataset from four pivotal trials were analyzed to characterize the patient population and outcomes associated with spironolactone treatment. Of 1229 evaluable patients, 74% were female, mean age of 47 ± 15 years, baseline six‐minute walk distance (6MWD) 345 ± 74 m and 75% were World health Organization (WHO) functional class (FC) III/IV. Of the patients receiving spironolactone, 43% were on subcutaneous treprostinil, compared to 29.9% of those patients who were not receiving spironolactone. Long‐term spironolactone‐treated PAH patients were older (p = 0.01), had lower baseline 6MWD (p = 0.01) and cardiac index (p < 0.01), higher baseline Borg dyspnea score (p = 0.01), WHO functional class, and right arterial pressure (p < 0.01). Additionally, spironolactone‐treated patients tended to have higher hazard of clinical worsening (p < 0.01). A propensity analysis was performed and when controlled for disease severity, revealed that spironolactone‐treated patients did not demonstrate improved outcomes in terms of survival and clinical worsening. Across studies, the current analysis has demonstrated that the actions of spironolactone within the context of the PAH disease process may differ from its action in CHF patients. Despite reported outcomes of spironolactone use in patients with left heart disease, these findings may not translate to right heart failure and pulmonary vascular pathology, as similar outcomes have not necessarily been recognized in the PAH patient population. Future studies are needed to explore these findings further.
Effect of dose, dosing intervals, and hypoxic stress on the reversal of pulmonary hypertension by mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicles
Authors: Klinger James R , Pereira Mandy , Del Tatto Michael , Dooner Mark S , Wen Sicheng , Quesenberry Peter J , Liang Olin D
Published: August 2021

Rationale

Mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicles (MSC EVs) reverse pulmonary hypertension, but little information is available regarding what dose is effective and how often it needs to be given. This study examined the effects of dose reduction and use of longer dosing intervals and the effect of hypoxic stress of MSC prior to EV collection.

Methods

Adult male rats with pulmonary hypertension induced by Sugen 5416 and three weeks of hypoxia (SuHx‐pulmonary hypertension) were injected with MSC EV or phosphate buffered saline the day of removal from hypoxia using one of the following protocols: (1) Once daily for three days at doses of 0.2, 1, 5, 20, and 100 µg/kg, (2) Once weekly (100 µg/kg) for five weeks, (3) Once every other week (100 µg/kg) for 10 weeks, (4) Once daily (20 µg/kg) for three days using EV obtained from MSC exposed to 48 h of hypoxia (HxEV) or MSC kept in normoxic conditions (NxEV).

Main results

MSC EV reversed increases in right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right ventricular to left ventricle + septum weight (RV/LV+S), and muscularization index of pulmonary vessels ≤50 µm when given at doses of 20 or 100 μg/kg. RVSP, RV/LV+S, and muscularization index were significantly higher in SuHx‐pulmonary hypertension rats treated once weekly with phosphate buffered saline for five weeks or every other week for 10 weeks than in normoxic controls, but not significantly increased in SuHx‐pulmonary hypertension rats given MSC EV. Both NxEV and HxEV significantly reduced RVSP, RV/LV+S, and muscularization index, but no differences were seen between treatment groups.

Conclusions

MSC EV are effective at reversing SuHx‐pulmonary hypertension when given at lower doses and longer dosing intervals than previously reported. Hypoxic stress does not enhance the efficacy of MSC EV at reversing pulmonary hypertension. These findings support the feasibility of MSC EV as a long‐term treatment for pulmonary hypertension.
Effect of Channel Interaction on Vocal Cue Perception in Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Nogueira Waldo , Boghdady Nawal El , Langner Florian , Gaudrain Etienne , Başkent Deniz
Published: August 2021

Speech intelligibility in multitalker settings is challenging for most cochlear implant (CI) users. One possibility for this limitation is the suboptimal representation of vocal cues in implant processing, such as the fundamental frequency (F0), and the vocal tract length (VTL). Previous studies suggested that while F0 perception depends on spectrotemporal cues, VTL perception relies largely on spectral cues. To investigate how spectral smearing in CIs affects vocal cue perception in speech-on-speech (SoS) settings, adjacent electrodes were simultaneously stimulated using current steering in 12 Advanced Bionics users to simulate channel interaction. In current steering, two adjacent electrodes are simultaneously stimulated forming a channel of parallel stimulation. Three such stimulation patterns were used: Sequential (one current steering channel), Paired (two channels), and Triplet stimulation (three channels). F0 and VTL just-noticeable differences (JNDs; Task 1), in addition to SoS intelligibility (Task 2) and comprehension (Task 3), were measured for each stimulation strategy. In Tasks 2 and 3, four maskers were used: the same female talker, a male voice obtained by manipulating both F0 and VTL (F0+VTL) of the original female speaker, a voice where only F0 was manipulated, and a voice where only VTL was manipulated. JNDs were measured relative to the original voice for the F0, VTL, and F0+VTL manipulations. When spectral smearing was increased from Sequential to Triplet, a significant deterioration in performance was observed for Tasks 1 and 2, with no differences between Sequential and Paired stimulation. Data from Task 3 were inconclusive. These results imply that CI users may tolerate certain amounts of channel interaction without significant reduction in performance on tasks relying on voice perception. This points to possibilities for using parallel stimulation in CIs for reducing power consumption.
The association between unmet need for contraception and unintended pregnancy among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia
Authors: Wondie Awoke Giletew
Published: August 2021

Objectives:

An unintended pregnancy and unmet need for contraception remains a serious public health issues both in developed and developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the relation between unmet needs for contraception and unintended pregnancy, and identify other factors contributing for unintended pregnancy in Ethiopia.

Methods:

Data were obtained from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. A total of 7590 mothers were included. The planning status of the last pregnancy was the main outcome variable, and the unmet need for contraception was the primary explanatory variable. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were carried out. SPSS version 20.0 was used for data analysis. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05.

Results:

More than one-fourth of mothers (26.6%) gave either mistimed or unwanted birth. The rate of unmet need for contraception was 26.5%. Women with unmet need for contraception had (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 10.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 8.70–12.10) higher odds of experiencing unintended pregnancy than those who met their contraception need. Age, history of pregnancy termination, parity, women’s autonomy, and fertility preference were factors associated with unintended pregnancy.

Conclusion:

An unintended pregnancy and the unmet need for contraception remain a major public health issue in Ethiopia. A strong positive association between the unmet need for contraception and unintended pregnancy suggests that interventions targeting the unmet need for contraception could reduce unintended pregnancy. Furthermore, empowering women, promoting a clear fertility goal, and improving men’s involvement would reduce unintended pregnancy.