bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
U-Limb: A multi-modal, multi-center database on arm motion control in healthy and post-stroke conditions
Authors: Averta Giuseppe , Barontini Federica , Catrambone Vincenzo , Haddadin Sami , Handjaras Giacomo , Held Jeremia P O , Hu Tingli , Jakubowitz Eike , Kanzler Christoph M , Kühn Johannes , Lambercy Olivier , Leo Andrea , Obermeier Alina , Ricciardi Emiliano , Schwarz Anne , Valenza Gaetano , Bicchi Antonio , Bianchi Matteo
Published: June 2021

Background

Shedding light on the neuroscientific mechanisms of human upper limb motor control, in both healthy and disease conditions (e.g., after a stroke), can help to devise effective tools for a quantitative evaluation of the impaired conditions, and to properly inform the rehabilitative process. Furthermore, the design and control of mechatronic devices can also benefit from such neuroscientific outcomes, with important implications for assistive and rehabilitation robotics and advanced human-machine interaction. To reach these goals, we believe that an exhaustive data collection on human behavior is a mandatory step. For this reason, we release U-Limb, a large, multi-modal, multi-center data collection on human upper limb movements, with the aim of fostering trans-disciplinary cross-fertilization.

Contribution

This collection of signals consists of data from 91 able-bodied and 65 post-stroke participants and is organized at 3 levels: (i) upper limb daily living activities, during which kinematic and physiological signals (electromyography, electro-encephalography, and electrocardiography) were recorded; (ii) force-kinematic behavior during precise manipulation tasks with a haptic device; and (iii) brain activity during hand control using functional magnetic resonance imaging.
StoatyDive: Evaluation and classification of peak profiles for sequencing data
Authors: Heyl Florian , Backofen Rolf
Published: June 2021

Background

The prediction of binding sites (peak-calling) is a common task in the data analysis of methods such as cross-linking immunoprecipitation in combination with high-throughput sequencing (CLIP-Seq). The predicted binding sites are often further analyzed to predict sequence motifs or structure patterns. When looking at a typical result of such high-throughput experiments, the obtained peak profiles differ largely on a genomic level. Thus, a tool is missing that evaluates and classifies the predicted peaks on the basis of their shapes. We hereby present StoatyDive, a tool that can be used to filter for specific peak profile shapes of sequencing data such as CLIP.

Findings

With StoatyDive we are able to classify peak profile shapes from CLIP-seq data of the histone stem-loop-binding protein (SLBP). We compare the results to existing tools and show that StoatyDive finds more distinct peak shape clusters for CLIP data. Furthermore, we present StoatyDive’s capabilities as a quality control tool and as a filter to pick different shapes based on biological or technical questions for other CLIP data from different RNA binding proteins with different biological functions and numbers of RNA recognition motifs. We finally show that proteins involved in splicing, such as RBM22 and U2AF1, have potentially sharper-shaped peaks than other RNA binding proteins.

Conclusion

StoatyDive finally fills the demand for a peak shape clustering tool for CLIP-Seq data that fine-tunes downstream analysis steps such as structure or sequence motif predictions and that acts as a quality control.
Dynamical stability in the vicinity of Saturnian small moons: the cases of Aegaeon, Methone, Anthe, and Pallene
Authors: Rodríguez Adrián , Callegari Jr. N
Published: June 2021

In this work we analyse the orbital evolution and dynamical stability in the vicinity of the small Saturnian moons Aegaeon, Methone, Anthe, and Pallene. We numerically resolve the exact equations of motions to investigate the orbital motion of thousands of test particles within and near the domain of the 7/6, 14/15, 10/11 mean-motion resonances of Aegaeon, Methone, and Anthe with Mimas, respectively. We show that, for massless small moons, the orbits of particles initially restricted to the resonant domains remain stable for at least 104 yr. We also conduct numerical simulations considering Aegaeon, Methone, Anthe, and Pallene as massive bodies. The results show that most particles undergo significant perturbations in their orbital motions, ultimately destabilizing on time-scales of a few hundreds of years or even less through collisions with the four small moons. In addition, we also simulate the orbital evolution of test particles initially distributed in the form of arcs around Aegaeon, Methone, and Anthe. We show that the initial arcs are dynamically eroded on time-scales of hundreds of years, allowing us to constrain the time-scales on which gravitational forces operate to remove particles from the observed arcs.
Unorthodox in the Supreme Court; R (ota Z) v LB of Hackney & Agudas Israel Housing Assoc Ltd
Authors: Bowers John
Published: June 2021

The case of Agudas Israel Housing Assoc Ltddeals for the first time at the Supreme Court levwel with the exempotions to the Equality Act on the grounds of race in s158 and 193.
Punishment for Apostasy: Arguments from Two Traditionally Trained Muslim Scholars in Favor of its Abolition
Authors: Akbar Ali
Published: June 2021

This article explores and compares the views of two traditionally educated Muslim scholars, namely Taha Jabir al-Alwani (d 2016) and Hussein Ali Montazeri (d 2009), about the classical rulings on apostasy in Islam. The article argues that both al-Alwani, a Sunni scholar educated at al-Azhar, and Montazeri, a graduate of the Shiʿi seminary in Qom, defend freedom of religion in the sense of converting from Islam to another religion—an idea that stands in sharp opposition to the classical rulings on apostasy in Islamic sources which prescribe capital punishment for such an act. As the article demonstrates, these scholars’ views, despite certain differences in their method of argumentation, advance the development of new ideas about religious freedom in Islamic scholarship, especially among traditional circles.
Cardiac tamponade due to ruptured cystic teratoma: report of two cases
Authors: Kang Do Kyun , Kang Min Kyun , Heo Woon , Hwang Youn-Ho
Published: June 2021

We report the rare two cases of cardiac tamponade due to ruptured cystic teratoma. In both cases, a chest computed tomography scan showed large cystic mass with large amount of pericardial effusion. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed cardiac tamponade physiology. En bloc resection of the mass was performed and pathologic examination showed mature cystic teratoma. The postoperative course of patients was uneventful. A cystic mediastinal teratoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pericardial effusion.
Learning to Feel Comfortable on Gut Strings: The Bow
Authors: Reiter Walter S.
Published: June 2021

Gut strings sound, feel and react very differently to today’s strings. At the heart of this lesson is the need for a constant two-way flow of information between the ear and the hand, for which both must be in a state of total awareness. The strings are in a constant state of flux, shortening and lengthening as the hand moves around the fingerboard, and responding to the needs of the music with its continual shifts of dynamics. The seven exercises in this lesson help the gut string novice establish a living relationship with the strings, testing their resistance via the bow and the fingers. This process has two phases, the Experimental Phase, in which the fingers, through tactile awareness, feel the string and gauge the correct amount of pressure for obtaining a clear, basic sound, and the Evaluation Phase, when the ear evaluates its resultant quality.
Women and Rights
Authors: Al-Rasheed Madawi
Published: June 2021

Chapter Six demonstrates how the Saudi regime’s nominal promotion of women’s rights is largely manipulation rather than real empowerment. State policy to empower women goes hand in hand with serious human rights abuses and repression of feminists and other activists. This chapter discusses the emerging feminist scene in Saudi Arabia and the struggle of women for equality and basic rights.
Introduction
Authors: Wright Samuel
Published: June 2021

The Introduction sets out the aims of the book and introduces its main themes. It begins by defining certain terms used throughout the book—“logic,” “emotion,” “intellectual,” and nyāya—and situating the book’s argument in relation to prior studies on Sanskrit philosophy in early modern India (1500–1700 ce). It also addresses the rationale for using the short essay genre, the vāda, as the point of entry into main concerns of the book. Finally, it provides a sketch of each chapter, as well as notes on the meaning of ontological category (padārtha) and on the book’s translation principles.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound of a Shoulder Effusion in a Child With Septic Arthritis
Authors: Firnberg Maytal T. , Rabiner Joni E.
Published: June 2021

Point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound can facilitate diagnosis of joint effusions and help guide management of suspected septic joints. This case report describes a previously healthy pediatric patient with acute onset shoulder pain and fever who was found to have leukocytosis and bacteremia. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) demonstrated a unilateral shoulder joint effusion. After POCUS was performed, purulent fluid was aspirated from the joint, and she was diagnosed with a septic shoulder. We review the ultrasound technique, sonographic findings, and literature regarding POCUS for shoulder effusions.
Grid – connected operation and performance of hybrid DG having PV and PEMFC
Authors: Shetty Nayana , R.L. Chakrasali
Published: June 2021

Purpose

“the purpose of this study/paper” or “this study/paper aims to” in the Purpose section of the Abstract. The integration of distributed generation (DG) to the utility grid is yet another approach to provide reliable and secured power.

Design/methodology/approach

The significant concern in this contemporary world are the day-to-day increasing power demand, lack of energy and increasing environmental pollution, which are threatening the existence of living things.

Findings

The research focus here is to adequacy and security in the grid-integrated hybrid distributed generation (DG) having photovoltaic (PV) and proton exchange membrane fuel cell.

Originality/value

PV system is a clean source of generation and suitable for many applications. Photovoltaic cell captures the energy from solar irradiation. To track the maximum power from PV, perturb and observe method is used. As it is intermittent in nature, integrating PV with fuel cell makes the hybrid source more reliable. Power electronic interfacing devices are used to integrate this hybrid DG source to microgrid. The simulation of this grid-connected hybrid DG is performed using Matlab/Simulink environment.
Perceived usefulness and adoption of Koha integrated library systems by librarians in universities in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Jamogha Ejiro , Owoeye Jide , Godwin Lucky Stephen
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the perceived usefulness and adoption of Koha Integrated Library System (ILS) by librarians in universities in Southern Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a survey method. The researchers designed a structured questionnaire using Google form and shared it online. Data were gathered from respondents whose libraries had adopted Koha.

Findings

Koha was highly perceived useful in acquisition, cataloguing, circulation and serials operations. There was moderate adoption of Koha generally. However, it was rarely adopted for making payment and placing of orders for book purchases and serial subscriptions. Perceived usefulness had positive influence on Koha’s adoption. Inadequate training of library staff on Koha use was a major challenge to Koha adoption. Hence, it was recommended that there should be regular training on the use of Koha and strategic decisions that would enhance the useful objectives behind the gunning for Koha, should be taken and implemented by the management of libraries.

Originality/value

The study highlighted the perceived usefulness of Koha and the extent to which it has been adopted by librarians in the university libraries under study. It will avail the management of these libraries the opportunity to re-evaluate if the ILS is well maximized in terms of adoption and usefulness.
Global research on library service quality: a bibliometric analysis and knowledge mapping
Authors: Ashiq Murtaza , Ur Rehman Shafiq , Muneeb Dilnaz , Ahmad Shakil
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the publishing and citation trends on library service quality (LSQ) in the past five decades (1972–2020). Additionally, this bibliometric study investigates the top authors, countries, organizations, journals, nature of collaboration, highly cited articles and LSQ sub-areas.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliometric analysis has been used to extract data from the Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) databases. A comprehensive search strategy was devised to extract relevant data from both data sources. Finally, 341 Scopus and 212 WOS records were selected. Data analysis has been performed using VOS viewer software, Biblioshiny, Cite Space and Excel.

Findings

It was found that a total of 443 items were published in Scopus (n = 341) and WOS (n = 212) during this period. The largest number of studies were published in the year 2019 (n = 29), and the USA was found to be the most productive country, with the most productive organizations, authors and author collaborations. The Texas A&M University in Texas, USA, had the top three most productive authors (Cook C, Thompson B and Heath F) and was the most productive organization. The Performance Measurement and Metrics Journal is on the top of the list. The single author was the prevailing authorship pattern, followed by the two-authors pattern. The most collaborating countries were identified as the UK, Japan, Spain and Bangladesh. The keyword analysis informed that the published literature on LSQ mainly concentrated on academic libraries, Therefore, there is a need further to examine other types of libraries including public, national, special libraries.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge, this seems to be the first comprehensive bibliometric study that combined productivity and citations, citation impact to present a holistic picture of the LSQ literature.
Accessible authentication: dyslexia and password strategies
Authors: Renaud Karen , Johnson Graham , Ophoff Jacques
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the lived experiences of dyslexics in engaging with all kinds of alphanumeric authentication mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

A significant proportion of the world’s population experiences some degree of dyslexia, which can lead to spelling, processing, sequencing and retention difficulties. Passwords, being essentially sequences of alphanumeric characters, make it likely that dyslexics will struggle with these, even more so than the rest of the population. Here, this study explores the difficulties people with dyslexia face, their general experiences with passwords, the coping strategies they use and the advice they can provide to developers and others who struggle with passwords. This paper collects empirical data through semi-structured interviews with 13 participants. Thematic analysis was used to provide an in-depth view of each participant’s experience.

Findings

The main contribution of this paper is to provide evidence related to the inaccessibility dimensions of passwords as an authentication mechanism, especially for dyslexics and to recommend a solution direction.

Research limitations/implications

There is a possible volunteer bias, as this study is dealing with self-reported data including historical and reflective elements and this paper is seeking information only from those with self-declared or diagnosed dyslexia. Furthermore, many expressed interest or curiosity in the relationship between dyslexia and password difficulties, for some a motivation for their participation. Finally, given that the participants told us that dyslexics might hide, it is possible that the experiences of those who do hide are different from those who chose to speak to us and thus were not hiding.

Originality/value

A few authors have written about the difficulties dyslexics face when it comes to passwords, but no one has asked dyslexics to tell them about their experiences. This paper fills that gap.
Burnout in emergency medical technicians and paramedics in the USA
Authors: Sporer Celia
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study was designed to examine burnout in US emergency medical services (EMS) providers. It examined burnout scores measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) on a convince sample of US EMS providers as well individual variables associated of burnout in this population.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a convince sample, recruited using social media, of EMTs and paramedics and engaged them in an online survey to obtain information on burnout in this population. The responses were analyzed using stand statistical approached in order to determine MBI burnout scores, as well as which individual variables were influential in contributing to burnout in EMS.

Findings

This study found that most EMS providers had high levels of depersonalization and medium levels of personal accomplishment and emotional exhaustion. Gender differences were found as they were differences based on agency type and response area.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is the nature of sample recruitment. The use of social media for the recruitment of this type of study has not been done before. Furthermore, it is a convince sample. This issue has limited impact on the results and the ability to apply them more generally because despite the convince nature of this sample, the sample is similar to those used in other studies as well as reflect that national statistics on the make of this population. The second major limitation of this study is that it does not include job specific and organization specific factors that may contribute to burnout. The findings for the variables used in this study suggest that future works should encompass these variables as well.

Practical implications

This study sets a clear foundation for further examination of US EMS providers and burnout. It helps to establish key ideas that can be followed up. Difference and key issues among US EMS providers need to be understood on a more comprehensive level before the assertion that they are similar to EMS providers worldwide. Ultimately, there is a need to develop better screening tools to assess burnout in EMS as well as to develop prevention and intervention programs based on clear empirical data.

Social implications

Burnout EMS provides are a harm to themselves as well as the organization that employ them. The cost of burnout EMS provider crosses over to patient care and provision of care.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to examine such a large US-based sample of EMS providers using the MBI. Other studies have used smaller sample or other tools to assess burnout in providers
Supply chain governance: a conceptual model
Authors: Bonatto Franciele , Resende Luis Mauricio Martins de , Pontes Joseane
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify ambiguous results from previous research on the relationship between contextual factors, trust and supply chain governance (SCG).

Design/methodology/approach

This study carried out a systematic literature review in 11 databases, with articles published until 2018. Afterward, this study conducted a thematic analysis in 60 articles to address the contextual factors, governance structures and trust approaches raised in previous research.

Findings

The thematic analysis revealed that seven contextual factors influence the choice of contractual and relational mechanisms in supply chains: relationship history, environmental uncertainty, perceived risk, perceived justice, asset specificity, power asymmetry and interdependence. The findings explained the ambiguous results of past research by proposing that contractual and relational governance are complementary and that the presence of trust (affective and competence-based) moderates the relationship between contextual factors and SCG.

Originality/value

This research advances the SCG literature by proposing trust (affective and competence-based) as a moderating variable that fosters governance mechanisms in supply chain relationships.
The influence of knowledge on wholesomeness, labelling and trust toward Muslim consumers purchase behaviour of Syubhah semi-processed food products
Authors: Rahman Reezlin Abdul , Zahari Mohd Salehuddin Mohd , Hanafiah Mohd Hafiz , Mamat Mohd Nor
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The available research works dealing with Halal food are centrally concerned with the Halal certification, logistics, export market, consumer awareness and business ethics with minimal study explores Muslim consumers’ purchase behaviour of Syubhah semi-processed food. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between Muslim consumers’ knowledge on the wholesomeness, labelling, trust and purchase behaviour of Syubhah semi-processed food.

Design/methodology/approach

The study respondents are Muslim consumers in the semi and rural areas. Through a self-administered survey, 780 usable responses were successfully collected. The study hypotheses were analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling. Mediation analyses were conducted, focusing on the effect of trust on the relationship between consumer knowledge on the wholesomeness, labelling and purchase behaviour of Syubhah semi-processed food.

Findings

This study confirms that lack of knowledge on the wholesomeness and labelling among the semi and rural Muslim consumers influences them to purchase the Syubhah semi-processed food. Trust significantly plays a significant mediation role on the consumer Syubhah semi-processed food purchase behaviour.

Originality/value

This study confirms there is lack of knowledge among the semi and rural Muslim consumers on Syubhah semi-processed food. Such pessimistic indications of Syubhah food products carry varying consequences and implications for Muslim consumers, Halal food producers and the relevant religious authorities.
Performance of spent garnet sand and used foundry sand as fine aggregate in concrete
Authors: Kanta Naga Rajesh , Ponnada Markandeya Raju
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In the construction sector, river sand has turned into a costly material due to various reasons. In the current study, used foundry sand (UFS) and spent garnet sand (SGS) are used as a partial and full replacement to sand in concrete production.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective of the work is to develop non-conventional concrete by replacing river sand with a combination of UFS (constant 20Wt.% replacement) and SGS at various percentages (20, 40, 60 and 80 Wt.%).

Findings

Compared to conventional concrete, the 28 days compressive strength of non-conventional concrete (with UFS at 20% and spent garnet sand at 20%, 40% and 60% were 8.12%, 6.77% and 0.83% higher, respectively. The 28 days split tensile strength of non-conventional concrete (UFS at 20% and SGS at 20 and 40%) were 32.2% and 51.6% higher, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

It can be concluded that 60 Wt.% of river sand can be combined replaced with 20 Wt.% UFS and 40 Wt.% SGS to produce good quality concrete whose properties are on par with conventional concrete.

Practical implications

The results showed that combined SGS and UFS can be used as a partial replacement of river sand in the manufacturing of concrete that is used in all the applications of construction sector such as buildings, bridges, dams, etc. and non-structural applications such as drainpipes, kerbs, etc.

Social implications

Disposal of industrial by-product wastes such as SGS and UFS affects the environment. A sincere attempt is made to use the same as partial replacement of river sand.

Originality/value

Based on the literature study, no work is carried out in replacing the river sand combined with SGS and UFS in concrete.
Career Concerns and Financial Reporting Quality*
Authors: Pae Suil
Published: June 2021

Managerial career concerns could affect firm efficiency through financial reporting quality, but this important link has received relatively little attention in the literature. The present study examines this link by developing a model that has the following elements. A risk‐neutral manager provides effort to increase the market value of the firm and to favorably influence the market assessment of the manager's ability. Depending on the magnitude of career concerns, the manager either underinvests or overinvests effort relative to an efficiency‐maximizing level. The analysis identifies conditions under which higher‐quality reporting induces the manager to invest more effort. Under these conditions, the model is extended to a setting in which the manager also chooses the quality of financial reporting at some cost. In doing so, managers seek to reduce distortion in their effort investment. The equilibrium reporting quality and effort investment are determined by a trade‐off between them. In the presence of high uncertainty about the firm's future cash flows, if the manager's career concerns exceed a threshold the manager underinvests in reporting quality and overinvests effort. The empirical implication is a negative relation between managerial career concerns and financial reporting quality. To a large extent, this is consistent with findings in prior empirical studies. Thus, the present study offers a theoretical explanation for the empirical findings as an equilibrium outcome.
Prescribing drugs of dependence in dentistry: a review of legal and regulatory considerations
Authors: Johnstone M , Teoh L , Holden ACL
Published: June 2021

The misuse of drugs of dependence is a major public health issue in Australia, and prescribing of these medications by dentists has increased in recent years. While there has been much focus on the appropriate indications and clinical use of these medicines in dental practice, the legal requirements of prescribing are equally important. Dental practitioners need to be aware of their legal obligations, as inappropriate prescription practices may lead to regulatory or criminal prosecution. Although dentists hold registration through the National Scheme and there is nationally standardised scheduling of drugs in Australia, the legislation governing drug laws differs for each state and territory, especially when prescribing drugs of dependence. This article summarises the legislation governing the prescription of drugs of dependence in Australia that is relevant to dental practice, providing insights into how dentists might contribute to the appropriate, safe and legal use and management of these medications.
Associations of cannabis use frequency and cannabis use disorder with receiving a substance use screen and healthcare professional discussion of substance use
Authors: Moore John R. , DiNitto Diana M. , Choi Namkee G.
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives

Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) can reduce substance use, but receipt of these services by those who use cannabis frequently and have cannabis use disorder (CUD) remains unexplored. We examined cannabis use frequency and CUD's associations with the odds of receiving a substance use screening and a healthcare professional discussion among those who used healthcare services.

Methods

Data came from the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N = 214,505 aged 18+). Among adults who used cannabis and attended healthcare settings in the past year (N = 36,374), multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations of cannabis use frequency and CUD with receiving a substance use screen and substance use discussion by a healthcare professional.

Results

Cannabis use frequency was associated with higher odds of receiving a screen (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14–1.41 for 300+ days of use) and a discussion among those screened (AOR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.60–2.09 for 300+ days of use). CUD was not associated with receiving a screen, but it was positively associated with receiving a discussion among those screened (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.08–1.39). Nonmedical users were less likely to have a discussion among those screened and not screened.

Discussion and Conclusions

Findings indicate disparities in screening and discussion of substance use with patients, especially between medical and nonmedical users.

Scientific Significance

Study findings provide novel insight into differences in the reach of SBIRT services among adult cannabis users.
Adapting to High Temperatures: Effect of Farm Practices and Their Adoption Duration on Total Value of Crop Production in Uganda
Authors: Maggio Giuseppe , Mastrorillo Marina , Sitko Nicholas J.
Published: June 2021

In this article, we use spatially granular climate data merged with four waves of household survey data in Uganda to examine empirically the relationships among high temperatures, total value of crop production, and the adoption and adoption duration of two sustainable agricultural practices (organic fertilizer adoption and maize–legume intercropping). We do this using a fixed‐effect model with instrumental variables to address potential endogeneity issues. Our findings indicate that the adoption of these practices has a positive effect on the total value of crop production, and such effect increases monotonically as temperatures increase from long‐term averages. Moreover, the number of years a farmer uses the practice is associated with higher total value of crop production, and this relationship holds across the full distribution of high temperature deviations. Taken together, the results suggest that promoting the adoption, and particularly the sustained adoption, of these practices can help to address the risks posed by rising temperatures to Ugandan agriculture and the livelihoods of farmers who depend on it.
Feasibility of oral antibiotic prophylaxis in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy during periods of limited cefazolin supply
Authors: Tsunematsu Masashi , Nakashima Shunsuke , Ishiyama Satoshi
Published: June 2021

Introduction

In March 2019, the supply of cefazolin sodium (CEZ) became difficult owing to contamination of the drug substance. We investigated the efficacy and safety of the oral administration of cephalexin (CEX) in preventing infectious complications following elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods

From July 2018 to June 2019, 1 g of CEZ was administered intravenously within 30 min prior to LC (IV group). From July 2019 to June 2020, 0.5 g of CEX was administrated orally within 2 h prior to LC (oral group). We compared clinicopathologic variables and perioperative results between these two groups.

Results

During the period, 60 patients underwent elective LC; 35 from the oral group and 25 from the IV group. There was no significant difference in the surgical site infection (P = 0.37), distant infection (P = 0.23), and postoperative medical costs (P = 0.11) between both groups. Postoperative nausea and vomiting were significantly higher in the oral group (P = 0.04), whereas the C‐reactive protein value on the first day after the operation was significantly lower in the oral group (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

During the period of limited CEZ supply, oral administration of CEX may be an alternative antibiotic prophylaxis in LC.
Intentional machines: A defence of trust in medical artificial intelligence
Authors: Starke Georg , van den Brule Rik , Elger Bernice Simone , Haselager Pim
Published: June 2021

Trust constitutes a fundamental strategy to deal with risks and uncertainty in complex societies. In line with the vast literature stressing the importance of trust in doctor–patient relationships, trust is therefore regularly suggested as a way of dealing with the risks of medical artificial intelligence (AI). Yet, this approach has come under charge from different angles. At least two lines of thought can be distinguished: (1) that trusting AI is conceptually confused, that is, that we cannot trust AI; and (2) that it is also dangerous, that is, that we should not trust AI—particularly if the stakes are as high as they routinely are in medicine. In this paper, we aim to defend a notion of trust in the context of medical AI against both charges. To do so, we highlight the technically mediated intentions manifest in AI systems, rendering trust a conceptually plausible stance for dealing with them. Based on literature from human–robot interactions, psychology and sociology, we then propose a novel model to analyse notions of trust, distinguishing between three aspects: reliability, competence, and intentions. We discuss each aspect and make suggestions regarding how medical AI may become worthy of our trust.
Learning of paediatric dentistry with the flipped classroom model
Authors: Gallardo Nuria E. , Caleya Antonia M. , Sánchez Maria Esperanza , Feijóo Gonzalo
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The flipped classroom (FC) is a pedagogical model that can be very useful in obtaining a dentistry degree. The main objective of this study was to compare learning between student groups introducing FC in the area of paediatric dentistry at the Complutense University of Madrid in 2019.

Materials and Methods

In this study, 76 students enrolled for the first time in the Pediatric Dentistry programme and completed a questionnaire (pre‐Q) regarding specific theoretical knowledge about pulpotomies. Subsequently, they were divided into two groups: group A, which had free access before the class to an explanatory video about the indications and techniques of pulpotomy and group B, which viewed the same video only one time in class. After that, all students completed the same questionnaire (post‐Q) again and a survey on the degree of satisfaction about the teaching method.

Results

The differences in score between the post‐Q and pre‐Q in group A had a mean (SD) value of 3.5 (2.4) and in group B, a mean (SD) of 2.5 (2.2), with a p value of .07. In questions 3, 5 and 8, learning was greater in the experimental group (p = .007, p = .02 and p = .001, respectively). For 74.4% of the students in group A, accessing the video previous to the class was a very useful tool.

Conclusions

These results suggest that implementing FC in paediatric dentistry classes help students to acquire more theoretical knowledge, which is necessary before practical teaching.
Incidental reactive focus on form in language classes: Learners' formulaic versus nonformulaic errors, their treatment, and effectiveness in communicative interactions
Authors: Gholami Leila
Published: June 2021

Research on incidental focus on form (FonF) has established associations among the nature of learner error, corrective feedback (CF), and effectiveness of CF measured through uptake. In this line of research, the analysis of learner error has been limited to errors with grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, and spelling (nonformulaic). Consequently, learners' errors with formulaic sequences (FSs) comprising collocations, lexical bundles, idioms, and compounds (formulaic) have not yet been investigated in FonF studies. This study examined the extent to which learners made errors with formulaic versus nonformulaic forms, and the degree to which teachers treated learners' errors with formulaic versus nonformulaic foci in communicatively oriented teacher‐learner interactions. Learners' production of uptake and successful uptake after receiving CF was also investigated. The data consisted of 36 h of audio‐recordings from primarily communicative activities in three English as a foreign language classrooms. The findings demonstrated, while learners' formulaic‐oriented errors outnumbered nonformulaic ones, the teachers provided CF significantly more often for nonformulaic errors. However, learners produced significantly more uptake and successful uptake when CF was provided for formulaic‐oriented errors compared to nonformulaic ones. The learners' higher successful uptake following formulaic‐oriented errors could be attributed to the relatively higher saliency, noticeability, and significance of FSs in meaning making.
Multivariate Neighborhood Trajectory Analysis: An Exploration of the Functional Data Analysis Approach
Authors: Jung Paul H. , Song Jun
Published: June 2021

Recent neighborhood studies have focused on longitudinal aspects of neighborhood change and data‐mining methodologies that identify neighborhood trajectory patterns using time‐series multivariate census data. Existing neighborhood trajectory models capture neighborhood change by stacking cross‐sectional neighborhood clustering results across years and analyzing the discrete stepwise switching patterns between the clusters. Taking a different approach, we employ the functional data analysis (FDA) method to analyze longitudinal patterns of neighborhood change from mathematically represented multivariate time‐dependent curves to identify neighborhood trajectory clusters. This FDA‐based neighborhood trajectory model incorporates a multivariate functional principal component analysis and k‐means clustering. We have applied our model to neighborhoods in the Charlotte and Detroit metropolitan areas to identify ongoing racial and socioeconomic segregation patterns and the time dynamics of neighborhood change.
The quest to reduce stroke treatment delays at a Melbourne metropolitan primary stroke centre over the past two decades
Authors: Park Peter S. W. , Frost Tanya , Tan Shuangyue , Wong Joseph , Pope Alun , Dewey Helen M. , Choi Philip M. C.
Published: June 2021

Background

Reducing door‐to‐needle time (DNT) for intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke can lead to improved patient outcomes. Long‐term reports on DNT trends in Australia are lacking in the setting of extension of the thrombolysis time window, addition of mechanical thrombectomy and increasing presentations.

Aims

To examine 17‐year trends of DNT and identify factors associated with improved DNT at a high‐volume, metropolitan primary stroke centre.

Method

Retrospective study between 2003 and 2019 of all thrombolysis cases using departmental stroke database. Since most strategies were implemented from 2012 onwards, intervention period has been defined as period 2012–2019. Factors associated with DNT reduction were examined by regression modelling.

Results

Fifteen strategies were identified including alterations to ‘Code Stroke’ processes. One thousand, two hundred and fifty patients were thrombolysed, with 737 (58.8%) treated during the intervention period. The proportion of DNT ≤60‐min rose from average of 22.5% during 2003–2012 to 63% during 2015–2018 and 71% in 2019. However, median DNT has only marginally improved from 58 to 51 min between 2015 and 2019. Faster DNT was independently associated with two modifiable workflow factors, ‘Direct‐to‐CT’ protocol (P < 0.001) and acute stroke nurse presence (P < 0.005). Over time, treated patients were older and less independent (P < 0.001), and the number of annual stroke admissions and ‘Code Stroke’ activations have risen by fourfold and 10‐fold to 748 and 1298 by 2019 respectively.

Conclusions

Targeted quality improvement initiatives are key to reducing thrombolysis treatment delays in the Australian metropolitan setting. Relative stagnation in DNT improvement is concerning and needs further investigation.
Integrative Community Therapy – interventive strategies in the reduction of depression symptoms in adolescents: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Alves Mariane Inaraí , Felipe Adriana Olimpia Barbosa , Moreira Denis da Silva
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Integrative Community Therapy on depression symptoms in adolescents in the school context. This is a quantitative, quasi‐experimental, pre‐, and post‐test study that compared depression scores before and after the Integrative Community Therapy intervention was applied, conducted with 56 adolescent students. The guidelines recommended by the Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence were used to present this study. The instruments used for data collection were the following: Participants' characterization, Economic Classification, and the Children's Depression Inventory. This depression inventory was applied before and after the intervention was carried out. Most of the participants presented depressive symptoms (53.6%). Girls presented higher depression scores and were more likely to develop depression; to be working proved to be a protective factor for depression and adolescents with depression symptoms presented a higher proportion of suicidal ideation. The analysis of the depression variable indicated a reduction of the scores in the post‐intervention period; however, in the gender analysis, there was a reduction in the depression scores only for the girls. The Integrative Community Therapy was an effective intervention in reducing depression scores, being a relevant strategy for healthcare services and schools in assisting adolescents to deal with their emotions, mitigate psycho‐emotional suffering, and contribute as a support tool in the context of vulnerabilities inherent to the process of becoming an adolescent.
Formation of ferrospinel layer at the corroded interface between Al2O3‐spinel refractory and molten steel in RH refining ladle
Authors: Chen Junfeng , Cheng Yaping , Li Yuanyuan , Xiao Junli , Zhang Yu , Liu Guangping , Wei Yaowu , Li Guangqiang , Zhang Shaowei , Li Nan
Published: June 2021

Refining ladle is generally the last inclusion‐removal vessel before the continuous casting of steel, so, it has a vital effect on the final steel quality. In this work, degradation process of a cement‐free Al2O3‐MgAl2O4 refractory in contact with molten steel/slag in the metal bath area of a Ruhrstahl Heraeus (RH) refining ladle was investigated. A reaction product layer with the formation of ferrospinel (hercynite) and Fe‐rich phases was observed, suggesting that the interactions/reactions between the refractory lining and the molten steel should also be considered to have a better understanding of overall degradation mechanism of the refractory served under the RH refining conditions. The two types of alumina grains in the refractory, sintered and fused alumina, were attacked in an active way and a passive way, respectively. The effect of the crack generation and steel infiltration on degradation of the refractory was also discussed in detail, based on the microstructural characterizations.
Impact of sense of coherence, resilience and loneliness on quality of life amongst older adults in long‐term care: A correlational study using the salutogenic model
Authors: Tan Jia Yi , Tam Wai San Wilson , Goh Hongli Sam , Ow Chee Chung , Wu Xi Vivien
Published: June 2021

Aims

This study aimed to identify the predicting factors of quality of life (QoL) from a set of psychosocial, sociodemographic and clinical variables amongst older adults in a long‐term care setting.

Design

A cross‐sectional, descriptive correlational study.

Method

The study was conducted in a nursing home and a day care centre from July to December 2019. Two hundred older adults were recruited. Guided by the salutogenic model, the sense of coherence (SOC) scale, Connor–Davidson resilience scale, de Jong Gierveld loneliness scale and World Health Organization quality of life instrument‐older adults (WHOQOL‐OLD) were used. The sociodemographic and clinical profiles of participants were collected. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product‐moment correlation coefficient, independent‐samples t test, one‐way analysis of variance and stepwise regression were utilised in the analysis.

Results

The mean score for WHOQOL‐OLD was 94.42 ± 19.55. The highest mean score was observed in the “Death and Dying” facet, while the lowest mean scores were reflected in the “Autonomy” and “Intimacy” facets of QoL. Regardless of resident type, most QoL scores were similar across different variables. Based on the stepwise regression, higher manageability and meaningfulness in SOC, higher resilience, lower social loneliness, lower emotional loneliness and hearing impairments are significantly associated with higher QoL.

Conclusion

Manageability, meaningfulness and resilience should be enhanced while ameliorating feelings of loneliness to improve the QoL amongst older adults receiving long‐term care. Age, marital status, educational level, care arrangement, body mass index, performance in activities of daily living, comorbidities and hearing and mobility impairments could influence QoL and thus warrant more attention.

Impact

Future interventions can be conducted in group sessions to facilitate social interaction and alleviate loneliness. More resources should be allocated to enhance older adults’ care arrangements and coping mechanisms to provide them with the support, as they face challenges in daily life due to mobility impairment and other restrictions.
The anomalous diffusion model based on a fractional calculus approach applied to describe the rehydration process of dried vegetal food matrices
Authors: Lemus‐Mondaca Roberto , Nuñez Helena , Jaques Aldonza , Ramírez Cristian , Simpson Ricardo
Published: June 2021

The rehydration process has been traditionally modeled by Fick's second law; however, due to the poor goodness of fit, empirical models such as Peleg's and Weibull models have been implemented. The aim of this work was to demonstrate that the anomalous diffusion model based on fractional calculus can be used to model rehydration process and simultaneously provide a phenomenological understanding of the process. The food matrices assessed were aloe vera, apple, Chilean papaya, and bell peppers rehydrated at 20, 40, and 60°C. The results showed that the anomalous diffusion model was not only able to improve the goodness of fit of rehydration data (R2 >.99), but also that Deff can be used under different temperatures given the goodness of fit of the Arrhenius model (R2 >.88) compared with empirical and Fick's models. Finally, an anomalous diffusion model based on fractional calculus can be successfully used to model the rehydration process in food materials.

Practical Applications

The novelty of this research is based on the implementation of the anomalous diffusion model that has the simplicity and accuracy of empirical models (e.g., Peleg's model) but with the advantage of a physical interpretation and predictive capacity. Furthermore, although the anomalous model has already been successfully tested in the dehydration process, this is the first time that it has been validated in a rehydration process. Due to the predictive capacity of the anomalous under different operation conditions, the food industry not only could estimate processing time with high accuracy, but also optimize the rehydration process.