bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Tri-Attention Neural Network Model-BasedRecommendation
Authors: Wang Nanxin , Yang Libin , Zheng Yu , Cai Xiaoyan , Mei Xin , Dai Hang
Published: October 2020

Heterogeneous information network (HIN), which contains various types of nodes and links, has been applied in recommender systems. Although HIN-based recommendation approaches perform better than the traditional recommendation approaches, they still have the following problems: for example, meta-paths are manually selected, not automatically; meta-path representations are rarely explicitly learned; and the global and local information of each node in HIN has not been simultaneously explored. To solve the above deficiencies, we propose a tri-attention neural network (TANN) model for recommendation task. The proposed TANN model applies the stud genetic algorithm to automatically select meta-paths at first. Then, it learns global and local representations of each node, as well as the representations of meta-paths existing in HIN. After that, a tri-attention mechanism is proposed to enhance the mutual influence among users, items, and their related meta-paths. Finally, the encoded interaction information among the user, the item, and their related meta-paths, which contain more semantic information can be used for recommendation task. Extensive experiments on the Douban Movie, MovieLens, and Yelp datasets have demonstrated the outstanding performance of the proposed approach.
Simulation Framework for Cyber-Physical Production System: Applying Concept of LVC Interoperation
Authors: Kim Byeong Soo , Nam Seunghoon , Jin Yooeui , Seo Kyung-Min
Published: October 2020

In Industry 4.0, many manufacturers have built smart factories by ICTs (Information and Communications Technology), and simulation is one of the core technologies for smart manufacturing. Various kinds of simulations, depending on system levels, such as assembly line, logistics, worker, and process, are utilized for smart manufacturing. Manufacturers own heterogeneous simulations; however, they have difficulty integrating and interoperating them. This paper proposes a novel simulation framework for smart manufacturing based on the concept of live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) simulation. The LVC interoperation provides a synthetic simulation environment with the above three types of simulations. With the LVC interoperation, we propose a systematic and efficient architecture for smart manufacturing. To be specific, the interface technologies between the heterogeneous simulations and their interoperable methods are developed. Finally, we provide a practical LVC simulation applied in the manufacturing company and show what synergy can be created using the LVC simulation.
A Clinical Study Comparing the Efficacy of SesameOil with Desensitizing Tooth Paste in Reducing Dentinal Hypersensitivity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Abdullah Al Qahtani Walaa , Sandeepa N. C. , Khalid Abdullah Eman , Mohammed Mousa Yosra , Abdulhade Ganem Atheer , Ali Alqahtani Eman , Alkhayri Afnan Hassan M.
Published: October 2020

Context. Several treatments are available for management of dentinal hypersensitivity, most routinely recommended one being desensitizing tooth paste with variable results. This is a clinical trial to study the therapeutic effectiveness of sesame oil which is an essential oil, a commonly available household traditional medicine with several health benefits. Objectives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of sesame oil therapy in reduction of dentin hypersensitivity, as compared to desensitizing dentifrice. Design, setting, participants. We conducted a single blinded randomized controlled trial in 100 patients reported to Diagnostic Department of King Khalid University-College of Dentistry between March 2018 and December 2019. Interventions. Patients were given desensitizing tooth paste or sesame oil to apply for the specified time. Main outcome measures. A Visual Analogue Scale was used to record sensitivity scores for controlled air stimulus and tactile method at the first visit and after 8th week of treatment. Measured outcome was reduction in dentinal hypersensitivity. Results. Hypersensitivity degree before treatment in case of desensitizing tooth paste was 6.90 ± 1.04, and posttreatment showed a score of 4.70 ± 1.37. In case of sesame oil groups, subjects included had a score of 7.14 ± 0.90 which showed a drop to a score of 4.52 ± 1.16. Conclusions. Desensitizing tooth paste showed 30.5% reduction in sensitivity, whereas sesame oil application showed 36.2% reduction. The belief of considering oil therapy in oral health is just a placebo effect and may not be considered anymore. Efficacy can be established with many more studies including long follow-up and varying time periods.
Comparison of the Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Their Extracellular Vesicles on the Treatment of Kidney Damage Induced by Chronic Renal Artery Stenosis
Authors: Ishiy Crysthiane Saveriano Rubiao Andre , Ormanji Milene Subtil , Maquigussa Edgar , Ribeiro Rosemara Silva , da Silva Novaes Antonio , Boim Mirian Aparecida
Published: October 2020

Background. Chronic renal artery stenosis is considered one of the most common causes of renovascular hypertension (RH). Chronic hypoxia can lead to irreversible damage to renal tissue and to a progressive deterioration of renal function. We have previously shown that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) improved renal parenchyma and function in a model of RH (2 kidneys, 1 clip model (2K-1C) in rats. Microvesicles (MVs) and exosomes (EXs) released by MSCs have been shown to induce effects similar to those induced by whole cells but with fewer side effects. In this study, we compared the effects of adipose-derived MSCs (ASCs) with those of the MVs and EXs released by ASCs on tissue inflammation and renal function in 2 K-1C rats. Results. Flow cytometry analysis showed that even after 15 days, ASCs were still detected in both kidneys. The expression of a stem cell homing marker (SDF1-α) was increased in ASC-treated animals in both the stenotic and contralateral kidneys. Interestingly, SDF1-α expression was also increased in MV- and EX-treated animals. A hypoxia marker (HIF1-α) was upregulated in the stenotic kidney, and treatments with ASCs, MVs, and EXs were effective in reducing the expression of this marker. Stenotic animals showed a progressive increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP), while animals treated with ASCs, MVs, and EXs showed a stabilization of SBP, and this stabilization was similar among the different treatments. Stenotic animals developed significant proteinuria, which was reduced by ASCs and MVs but not by EXs. The increased expression of Col I and TGFβ in both kidneys was reduced by all the treatments, and these treatments also effectively increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in both kidneys; however, only ASCs were able to reduce the overexpression of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β in both kidneys of 2K-1C animals. Conclusion. The results of this study demonstrated that the EVs released by ASCs produced beneficial results but with lower efficacy than whole cells. ASCs produced stronger effects in this model of renal chronic hypoxia, and the use of EVs instead of whole cells should be evaluated depending on the parameter to be corrected.
Monte Carlo Simulation and Experimental Validation for Radiation Protection with Multiple Complex Source Terms and Deep Penetration for a Radioactive Liquid Waste Cementation Facility
Authors: Li Wenqian , Liu Xuegang , Fang Sheng , Fu Xueliang , Guo Kaiqiang
Published: October 2020

A new radioactive liquid waste cementation facility was under commissioning recently in the Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology of Tsinghua University, which is designed to simultaneously process multiple intermediate-level radioactive waste drums. Therefore, the multiple volume sources and the scattering effect becomes a key issue in its radiation protection. For this purpose, the Monte Carlo program FLUKA code and experimental measurement were both adopted. In the FLUKA simulation, five different scenarios were considered, i.e., one drum, two drums, four drums, six drums, and eight drums. For the multiple volume sources, the source subroutine code of FLUKA was rewritten to realize the sampling. The complex shielding also leads to a deep penetration problem; hence, the optimization algorithm and variance reduction techniques were adopted. During the measurement, two scenarios, outdoor and indoor, were carried out separately representing the dose field when only one drum is considered and when the scattering effect is considered. A comparison between the experiments and calculations shows very good agreement. From both of the Monte Carlo simulation and the experimental measurement, it can be drawn that, in the horizontal direction, with the increase of the drum number, the dose rate increases very little, while in the vertical direction, the increase of the dose rate is very obvious with the increase of the drum number. The complicated source term sampling methods, the optimization algorithm and variance reduction techniques, and the experimental verification can provide valuable references for the similar scattering problem in radiation protection and shielding design.
Mycobacterium peregrinum Pacemaker Pocket Infection: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Lazo-Vasquez A. F. , Gonzales-Zamora J. A.
Published: October 2020

Mycobacterium peregrinum is a rapidly growing mycobacterium (RGM), subspecies of Mycobacterium fortuitum complex, which can cause infections in the skin, surgical sites, and central lines. It has also been associated with implantable devices such as cardiac devices. Our objective is to present an atypical clinical case of M. peregrinum infection associated with a cardiac device, review the published literature, and highlight the importance of this type of RGM infection to enhance their therapeutic success. Only two other cases have been reported of M. peregrinum infection associated with cardiac devices. Diagnosis and treatment of Mycobacterium peregrinum infection can be challenging, and the literature is scarce. Better understanding and further research should be conducted regarding this infection.
Throughput Maximization for Multiple D2D Group Communications Underlaying Cellular Networks
Authors: He Ji-Ai , Jia Lu , Xu Lei , Chen Wei
Published: October 2020

In the scenario where multiple device-to-device (D2D) users and cellular users coexist, the large number of D2D users not only results in the shortage of spectrum resources but also brings interference to the communication of cellular users. In this paper, we establish a clustering model centered on cellular users and propose a resource allocation algorithm based on a D2D clustering model. On the basis of ensuring the throughput requirements of cellular users, this algorithm reconstructs various matrices in the graph theory through probability models, sets the priority of D2D pairs, and maximizes the number of user accesses under interference tolerance. Besides, on the optimization of the number of users, we adopt the Rubinstein game model to adjust the game order according to the priority and optimize the bandwidth allocation mode, so as to improve the overall throughput of the network. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can increase the number of users and the network throughput, while shortening the spectrum allocation time by more than half.
A Silver Standard Biomedical Corpus for Arabic Language
Authors: Boudjellal Nada , Zhang Huaping , Khan Asif , Ahmad Arshad , Naseem Rashid , Dai Lin
Published: October 2020

The rapidly growing data in many areas, as well as in the biomedical domain, require the assistance of information extraction systems to acquire the much needed knowledge about specific entities such as proteins, drugs, or diseases practically within a short time. Annotated corpora serve the purpose of facilitating the process of building NLP systems. While colossal work has been done in this area for English language, other languages like Arabic seem to lack these resources, especially in the healthcare area. Therefore, in this work, we present a method to develop a silver standard medical corpus for the Arabic language with a dictionary as a minimal supervision tool. The corpus contains 49,856 sentences tagged with 13 entity types corresponding to a subset of UMLS (Unified Medical Language System) concept types. The evaluation of a subset of corpus showed the efficiency of the method used to annotate it with 90% accuracy.
Targeting Oncogene mRNA Translation in B-Cell Malignancies with eFT226, a Potent and Selective Inhibitor of eIF4A
Authors: Thompson Peggy A. , Eam Boreth , Young Nathan P. , Fish Sarah , Chen Joan , Barrera Maria , Howard Haleigh , Sung Eric , Parra Ana , Staunton Jocelyn , Chiang Gary G. , Gerson-Gurwitz Adina , Wegerski Christopher J. , Nevarez Andres , Clarine Jeff , Sperry Samuel , Xiang Alan , Nilewski Christian , Packard Garrick K. , Michels Theodore , Tran Chinh , Sprengeler Paul A. , Ernst Justin T. , Reich Siegfried H. , Webster Kevin R.
Published: October 2020

The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is often activated in lymphoma through alterations in PI3K, PTEN, and B-cell receptor signaling, leading to dysregulation of eIF4A (through its regulators, eIF4B, eIF4G, and PDCD4) and the eIF4F complex. Activation of eIF4F has a direct role in tumorigenesis due to increased synthesis of oncogenes that are dependent on enhanced eIF4A RNA helicase activity for translation. eFT226, which inhibits translation of specific mRNAs by promoting eIF4A1 binding to 5′-untranslated regions (UTR) containing polypurine and/or G-quadruplex recognition motifs, shows potent antiproliferative activity and significant in vivo efficacy against a panel of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and Burkitt lymphoma models with ≤1 mg/kg/week intravenous administration. Evaluation of predictive markers of sensitivity or resistance has shown that activation of eIF4A, mediated by mTOR signaling, correlated with eFT226 sensitivity in in vivo xenograft models. Mutation of PTEN is associated with reduced apoptosis in vitro and diminished efficacy in vivo in response to eFT226. In models evaluated with PTEN loss, AKT was stimulated without a corresponding increase in mTOR activation. AKT activation leads to the degradation of PDCD4, which can alter eIF4F complex formation. The association of eFT226 activity with PTEN/PI3K/mTOR pathway regulation of mRNA translation provides a means to identify patient subsets during clinical development.
Precision Prevention and Cancer Interception: The New Challenges of Liquid Biopsy
Authors: Serrano Maria Jose , Garrido-Navas Maria Carmen , Diaz Mochon Juan Jose , Cristofanilli Massimo , Gil-Bazo Ignacio , Pauwels Patrick , Malapelle Umberto , Russo Alessandro , Lorente Jose A. , Ruiz-Rodriguez Antonio J. , Paz-Ares Luis G. , Vilar Eduardo , Raez Luis E. , Cardona Andres F. , Rolfo Christian
Published: October 2020

Despite major therapeutic progress, most advanced solid tumors are still incurable. Cancer interception is the active way to combat cancer onset, and development of this approach within high-risk populations seems a logical first step. Until now, strategies for the identification of high-risk subjects have been based on low-sensitivity and low-specificity assays. However, new liquid biopsy assays, “the Rosetta Stone of the new biomedicine era,” with the ability to identify circulating biomarkers with unprecedented sensitivity, promise to revolutionize cancer management. This review focuses on novel liquid biopsy approaches and the applications to cancer interception. Cancer interception involves the identification of biomarkers associated with developing cancer, and includes genetic and epigenetic alterations, as well as circulating tumor cells and circulating epithelial cells in individuals at risk, and the implementation of therapeutic strategies to prevent the beginning of cancer and to stop its development. Large prospective studies are needed to confirm the potential role of liquid biopsy for early detection of precancer lesions and tumors.
Unusual Glycemic Presentations in a Child with a Novel Heterozygous Intragenic INSR Deletion
Authors: Verdecchia Federica , Akcan Nese , Dastamani Antonia , Morgan Kate , Semple Robert K. , Shah Pratik
Published: October 2020

Background: Mutations of the insulin receptor (INSR) gene lead to a wide spectrum of inherited insulin resistance (IR) syndromes. Among these, type A-IR, usually caused by dominant negative INSR mutations, generally presents peri-pubertally in girls. Case: A 2.8-year-old girl was referred due to recurrent postprandial and fasting hypoglycemia. She had been born at full-term with birth weight 1.89 kg, and had developed transient neonatal diabetes. Examination showed satisfactory growth, reduced adipose tissue, acanthosis nigricans, and isolated thelarche. After 12 h of fasting, she developed hypoglycemia (glucose 2.8 mmol/L), with inappropriately raised plasma insulin concentration of 5.4 mU/L and suppressed fatty acids and ketone bodies. Oral glucose tolerance testing showed severely increased plasma insulin concentration (>300 mU/L) with hypoglycemia (glucose 1.6 mmol/L) at 2.5 h. She was initially managed on dietary modifications, cornstarch, and then trialed on acarbose for postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (PPHH) with some response. However, she was noted to have increased frequency of hyperglycemia after a couple of years of treatment. She was then switched to metformin and continued to have dietary carbohydrate modification including cornstarch that improved fasting tolerance, hyperglycemia, and postprandial hypoglycemia. Genetic testing identified heterozygous deletion of the last exon of the INSR gene, exon 22. Conclusion: We present a case of type A-IR, caused by a novel INSR deletion, presenting unusually early with transient neonatal diabetes, followed by episodes of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia during later childhood. Early life presentations, including neonatal diabetes and PPHH, should lead to consideration of type A-IR.
Chemotherapy and Hepatic Steatosis: Impact on Postoperative Morbidity and Survival after Liver Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Mahlmann Jan C. , Wirth Thomas C. , Hartleben Björn , Schrem Harald , Mahlmann Jens F. , Kaltenborn Alexander , Klempnauer Jürgen , Kulik Ulf
Published: October 2020

Background: Hepatic steatosis and chemotherapy in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) are often linked to increased mortality and morbidity after liver resection. This study evaluates the influence of macrovesicular hepatic steatosis and chemotherapeutic regimes on graded morbidity and mortality after liver resection for CLM. Methods: A total of 323 cases of liver resection for CLM were retrospectively analysed using univariable and multivariable linear, ordinal and Cox regression analyses. The resected liver tissue was re-evaluated by a single observer to determine the grade and type of hepatic steatosis. Results: Macrovesicular steatosis did not influence postoperative morbidity and survival, as evidenced by risk-adjusted multivariable Cox regression analysis (p = 0.521). Conversion chemotherapy containing oxaliplatin was an independent and significant risk factor for mortality in risk-adjusted multivariable Cox regression analysis (p = 0.005). Identified independently, significant risk factors for postoperative morbidity were neoadjuvant treatment of metastases of the primary tumour with irinotecan (p = 0.003), the duration of surgery in minutes (p = 0.001) and the number of intraoperatively transfused packed red blood cells (p ≤ 0.001). Surprisingly, macrovesicular hepatic steatosis was not a risk factor for postoperative morbidity and was even associated with lower rates of complications (p = 0.006). Conclusion: The results emphasize the multifactorial influence of preoperative liver damage and chemotherapy on the severity of postoperative morbidity, as well as the significant impact of conversion chemotherapy containing oxaliplatin on survival.
Psoriasis und Multiple Sklerose: Zusammenhänge und Risiken
Authors: Sticherling Michael
Published: October 2020

Bei der Psoriasis (PsO) und Multiplen Sklerose (MS) handelt es sich um zwei chronisch-entzündliche T-zellulär vermittelte Erkrankungen, die beide Assoziationen mit anderen inflammatorischen und autoimmunen Erkrankungen zeigen. Die Korrelation von PsO und MS ist allerdings aufgrund der geringen und widersprüchlichen Studienlage umstritten.
Craniopharyngioma in the Elderly: A Multicenter and Nationwide Study in Spain
Authors: Iglesias Pedro , Nocete Ignacio , Moure Rodríguez María Dolores , Venegas-Moreno Eva , Ares Jessica , Biagetti Betina , Rodríguez Berrocal Victor , Guerrero-Pérez Fernando , Vicente Almudena , Villar-Taibo Rocío , Cordido Fernando , Paja Miguel , Glerean Mariela , González Rivera Natividad , Dios Fuentes Elena , Blanco Concepción , Alvaréz-Escolá Cristina , Martín Tomás , Webb Susan M. , Bernabéu Ignacio , Villabona Carles , Soto-Moreno Alfonso , Gaztambide Sonia , Díez Juan J.
Published: October 2020

Background: Craniopharyngioma (CP) is a rare tumor in the elderly whose clinical features and prognosis are not well known in this population. Aim: To evaluate the clinicopathological features and therapeutic outcomes of CP diagnosed in the elderly. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter, national study of CP patients diagnosed over the age of 65 years and surgically treated. Results: From a total of 384 adult CP patients, we selected 53 (13.8%) patients (27 women [50.9%], mean age 72.3 ± 5.1 years [range 65–83 years]) diagnosed after the age of 65 years. The most common clinical symptoms were visual field defects (71.2%) followed by headache (45.3%). The maximum tumor diameter was 2.9 ± 1.1 cm. In most patients, the tumor was suprasellar (96.2%) and mixed (solid-cystic) (58.5%). The surgical approach most commonly used was transcranial surgery (52.8%), and more than half of the patients (54.7%) underwent subtotal resection (STR). Adamantinomatous CP and papillary CP were present in 51 and 45.1%, respectively, with mixed forms in the remaining. Surgery was accompanied by an improvement in visual field defects and in headaches; however, pituitary hormonal hypofunction increased, mainly at the expense of an increase in the prevalence of diabetes insipidus (DI) (from 3.9 to 69.2%). Near-total resection (NTR) was associated with a higher prevalence of DI compared with subtotal resection (87.5 vs. 53.6%, p = 0.008). Patients were followed for 46.7 ± 40.8 months. The mortality rate was 39.6% with a median survival time of 88 (95% CI: 57–118) months. DI at last visit was associated with a lower survival. Conclusion: CP diagnosed in the elderly shows a similar distribution by sex and histologic forms than that diagnosed at younger ages. At presentation, visual field alterations and headaches are the main clinical symptoms which improve substantially with surgery. However, surgery, mainly NTR, is accompanied by worsening of pituitary function, especially DI, which seems to be a predictor of mortality in this population.
Evaluation of IMERG V05B 30-Min Rainfall Estimates over the High-Elevation Tropical Andes Mountains
Authors: Bulovic Nevenka , McIntyre Neil , Johnson Fiona
Published: October 2020

Satellite-based estimates of rainfall are frequently used to complement scarce networks of gauges. Understanding uncertainties is an important step, but it is often hindered by a lack of validation data or misrepresented by spatial-scale-related uncertainties, which are especially important in spatially variable regions such as mountains. This study evaluates the Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) V05B 30-min estimates for all three runs (Early, Late, Final) over the high tropical Andes. A unique dataset containing 15 rain gauges located within one IMERG grid at elevations ranging from 3800 to 4600 m provides a first evaluation opportunity in this topographical context. The evaluation was based on categorical, statistical, and graphical methods. Error dependencies on precipitation characteristics and data source of the IMERG estimate were investigated. We show that IMERG severely underdetects precipitation events, thus underestimating precipitation depths. Poor detection is partially attributable to the low-intensity nature of precipitation over the region. However, tracing the error to the data source highlights limitations in passive microwave retrievals over the full range of intensities. No IMERG run has best overall performance, emphasizing that run suitability is application specific. The impact of gauge density on performance metrics was also evaluated and showed that subdaily IMERG accuracy is overestimated by sparse networks. A minimum of six gauges was required at the 30-min increment so that performance metrics are within 0.1 points of their true scores. We provide the first comprehensive assessment of 30-min IMERG in a mountainous setting, highlighting the importance of high-density networks for accurate subdaily evaluations.
Determinants of treatment disengagement among those at risk of suicide referred to primary mental health care services in Western Sydney, Australia
Authors: Munasinghe Sithum , Page Andrew , Mannan Haider , Ferdousi Shahana , Peek Brendan
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Continued engagement with primary mental health services has been associated with the prevention of subsequent suicidal behaviour; however, there are few studies that identify determinants of treatment disengagement among those at risk of suicide in primary care settings. This study investigated determinants of treatment disengagement of those at risk of suicide who were referred to primary mental health care services in Western Sydney, Australia.

Method:

This study used routinely collected data of those referred for suicide prevention services provided through primary mental health care services between July 2012 and June 2018. Associations between sociodemographic, diagnostic, referral- and service-level factors and treatment non-attendance and early treatment cessation were investigated using a series of multivariable generalised estimation equations.

Results:

There were 1654 suicidal referrals for 1444 people during the study period. Those identified with a risk of suicide were less likely to never attend treatments (16.14% vs 19.77%), but were more likely to disengage earlier from subsequent service sessions (16.02% vs 12.41%), compared to those with no risk of suicide. A higher likelihood of non-attendance to any primary mental health care service sessions was associated with those aged 25–44, lower socioeconomic status, a presentation for substance use and a referral from acute care (either emergency department or hospital). Among those who attended an initial treatment session, younger age (18–24 years) and a longer waiting time for an initial follow-up appointment were associated with a higher likelihood of early treatment cessation from primary mental health care services.

Conclusion:

These findings can inform potential strategies in routine primary mental health care practice to improve treatment engagement among those at risk of suicidal behaviour. Youth-specific interventions, behavioural engagement strategies and prompt access to services are policy and service priorities.
Characteristics and Management of Children With COVID-19 in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Turkey
Authors: Yayla Burcu Ceylan Cura , Aykac Kubra , Ozsurekci Yasemin , Ceyhan Mehmet
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Limited data are available for pediatric patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially with regard to disease management strategies.

Objective

To assess the children with COVID-19.

Method

We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of pediatric patients on March 11 and May 23, 2020.

Results

We evaluated 77 COVID-19 pediatric patients, of whom 45.5% were male, with a median age of 8 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 2-13), and 6.4% had underlying diseases. Patients were classified according to severity, with the percentages of asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and critical/severe cases determined to be 24.7%, 41.6%, 29.9%, and 3.9%, respectively. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and mechanic ventilation were only required for 1 patient. Targeted therapies were used in 3 patients.

Conclusion

The disease course of COVID-19 appears to be milder in children than in adults, and the treatment course primarily consists of supportive care.
The Major Factors Influencing on the Growth of Solar Energy Usage in India
Authors: Ghosh Jayanta , Seetharaman A. , Maddulety K.
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this paper is to explore the major factors that are contributing to and promoting the growth of solar energy usage in India. Four direct relationships are empirically proven to have significant influence on the dependent variable, growth of solar energy usage. Within the scope of the current study, a survey was conducted, secondary sources of data were used to develop a framework and were reviewed. The findings reveal that all four identified independent variables have a positive effect on the growth of the solar energy sector in India. This study aims to identify a new set of independent variables that impact the growth of solar energy usage in India.
‘Being heard’: The socio-economic impact of psychiatric care on people diagnosed with mental illness and their caregivers in Ghana
Authors: Mfoafo-M’Carthy Magnus , Grischow Jeff D
Published: October 2020

This article investigates the socio-economic impact of mental illness on individuals and their caregivers in Ghana, whose plight is dire due to poverty, stigma and discrimination. Seeking to illuminate participants’ lived experiences, the study is based on grassroots, first-hand narratives from 12 individuals receiving psychiatric care and 7 of their caregivers. Including caregivers fills a major research gap because they have not been studied extensively in Ghana or Africa, despite facing similar challenges including financial burdens and stigma. We conclude with recommendations for improving government support and social work practice in the context of mental illness in Ghana.
The influence of various/different ratios synthetic fiber mixture on the mechanical, thermal, morphological and flammability properties of poly (lactic acid)/polycarbonate blend
Authors: Hazer Seda , Aytac Ayse
Published: October 2020

Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA)/Polycarbonate (PC) blend has gained much attention as a bio-based polymeric material in various industrial fields. This study aims to improve the properties of PLA/PC blend reinforced with glass fiber (GF) and carbon fiber (CF) mixture to be produced for industrial use. For this purpose, 50PLA/50PC blend was prepared and used as a control sample. Then, 30% by weight CF and 30% GF were added to the matrix separately. To examine the effect of the use of CF and GF together, the composites were prepared as a mixture form of fibers by adding 5-10-15% CF and 5-10-15% GF, respectively, to the control blend in pairs. All composites compounded with the laboratory-scale twin-screw mini extruder and molded by injection molding. The effects of using synthetic fiber mixture were evaluated in terms of the mechanical, thermal and flammability properties. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), limiting oxygen index (LOI), heat release rate (HRR) test were carried for the characterization of composites. The highest tensile strength values ​​and maximum % crystallinity values were obtained for the 15CF/15GF fiber mixture containing PLA/PC composite as 113.7 MPa and 21.4, respectively. CO yield (COY), HRR, and total heat release rate were reduced significantly by using synthetic fibers and fiber mixture.
Cure cycle modification for efficient vacuum bag only prepreg process
Authors: Hyun Dong-Keun , Kim Daniel , Hwan Shin Jung , Lee Byoung-Eon , Shin Do-Hoon , Hoon Kim Ji
Published: October 2020

Over the past decade, increasing use of continuous fiber-reinforced polymer composites has created a demand for manufacturing methods with lower costs, higher production rates, and improved processing efficiency. To meet the growing demands, vacuum bag only (VBO) prepreg processing has been proposed and implemented in industrial settings. However, in the absence of high consolidation pressure, VBO prepreg must undergo compaction for longer durations during cure and requires use of more elaborate processing schemes to conform to complex geometries. The main objective of our cure cycle modification was to reduce overall manufacturing time for more efficient processing, while maintaining robust part quality. This study demonstrates the effect of cure cycle on formability and part quality of three complex-shaped composite structures, a bulkhead, fuselage, and I section frame, featuring drop-offs, corners and sandwich areas consisting of less than 10 plies. Three different cure cycles were chosen: Reference cure cycle 1, Modified I and Modified II cure cycle. The reference was modified based on resin cure kinetics/viscosity modeling results and “effective flow number” to shorten the overall cure cycle time while maintaining robust part quality. To compare the quality of manufactured parts, destructive test and digestion method were used. For the bulkhead parts, Modified I was proven to be more effective in meeting the commercially acceptable part criteria (void content, ply wrinkle, resin ridge, and surface resin starvation), whereas Reference failed to meet the requirements, showing pervasive presence of porosity in drop-offs, corners and sandwich areas. The fuselage and I section frame parts produced with Modified I and Modified II were shown to meet the part quality requirements, with slight improvements in surface quality observed with the Modified II method.
Teaching About Homelessness Through Multicultural Picture Books and Virtual Reality in Preservice Teacher Education
Authors: Haghanikar Taraneh Matloob , Hooper Lisa M.
Published: October 2020

Using multicultural children’s literature is one way to help preservice teachers build cultural knowledge and awareness about diversity. Another possible practice, not commonly used, is the addition of emerging technology in conjunction with conventional instructional approaches. In this article, we reviewed incorporating a lesson about homelessness in preservice teachers’ ( N = 46) respective curricula. We provided an illustrative example of the class and assignment process employed to facilitate preservice teachers’ knowledge, skills, and awareness that can be used with K-12 students who are experiencing homelessness. The goal of these assignments was to initiate or continue the conversation about building knowledge related to effective teaching practices about diversity in general and homelessness in particular. In this article, we shared an innovative instructional strategy that might lead to a shift in educators’ approaches, a move toward more diverse curriculum.
Outsourcing and workers’ resistance practices in Venice’s hotel industry: The role of migrants employed by cooperatives
Authors: Iannuzzi Francesco E , Sacchetto Devi
Published: October 2020

Based on qualitative data collected for broader research on the transformation of hotel labour in Venice, Italy, this study explores how workers and unions have experienced outsourcing carried out through cooperatives of convenience (COC). The authors examine the impact of outsourcing on work processes, highlighting its link with growing standardisation and increased managerial control. In contrast to studies that underscore the critical effects of outsourcing on solidarity and the employment system, this article stresses that, even in a sector characterised by union weakness, workers, especially unorganised migrants, develop resistance strategies within the workplace as well as paths of mobilisation.
The Illusion of Urbanization: Impact of Administrative Reform on Communities’ Resilience
Authors: Botezat Alina , David Mihaela , Incaltarau Cristian , Nijkamp Peter
Published: October 2020

While a large body of literature separately documents urban and rural resilience, little is known about how resilience evolves when communities experience an administrative reform that changes their judicial status from rural to urban. This paper explores the effects of the largest post-communist urbanization waves that took place in Romania in the early 2000s, when more communes were reclassified as towns. Using rich administrative data from 2000 to 2014, we employ a two-way fixed effect difference-in-differences research design to examine the impact of the reform on the resilience capacity of the affected communes. Our results reveal that the administrative reform had an initially positive impact on the physical resilience capacity. While the administrative reform did not have a significant effect on the overall resilience capacity of the newly declared towns, there are important differences across groups. The settlements situated in more developed counties and those with higher income levels were among the main beneficiaries. Negatively affected were mainly the poor communes and those that lack accessibility due to their mountain position and being far from big cities. In policy terms, this clearly emphasizes the need for place-sensitive policies complementing the administrative reform in order to help them escape from their rural uprootedness.
Misogynoir in women’s sport media: race, nation, and diaspora in the representation of Naomi Osaka
Authors: Razack Sabrina , Joseph Janelle
Published: October 2020

Overt and subtle misogynoir (anti-Black misogyny) pervade sport and sport media, as women in the Black diaspora are rarely in control of sporting regulations or their media representations. One recourse racialized athletes have at their disposal, however, is active resistance. This paper provides a textual analysis of the intolerable misogynoir aimed at tennis professional Naomi Osaka, and key moments in her media (mis)representations. Results revealed three main themes: (1) ongoing misogynoir and colorism of sport media and athlete sponsors; (2) racial, national and diaspora media (mis)representations; and (3) resistance to gendered racism through self-representation. After Osaka’s historic win at the 2018 US Open, narratives of her Japanese nationality and Asian identity became the story that rendered her Blackness invisible, and enabled her to be read against her opponent Serena Williams. Some information and communication technologies (ICTs), including social media, presented counter-narratives and a recognition of the mainstream media vilification and erasure of Black women. At times, ICTs disrupted racist dominant narratives, and counter-narratives of Osaka’s Blackness and position as part of the Haitian jaspora (diaspora) prevailed.
The Spectacle of Data: A Century of Fairs, Fiches, and Fantasies
Authors: Mattern Shannon
Published: October 2020

Alongside the robots, rockets, kitchen appliances, and other technical wonders displayed at the great expositions and world’s fairs of the late-19th and early-20th centuries, visitors frequently found deceptively staid demonstrations of banal bureaucratic tools: cards, fiches, and files. Yet these technologies of information management were aestheticized and presented as integral to the generation and pursuit of the fairs’ ambitious ‘world projects’: global networks, universal intelligences, efficient cities, colonized galaxies. The small, moving parts of information functioned as critical tools for city- and world-building. In this article we begin with the 1964–5 World’s Fair, where bits and fragments of information fueled (or generated?) space-age visions, then trace those mid-century imaginaries back to the 1939–40 World’s Fair and a constellation of expos at the turn of the century, to see how the small, moving parts of information management ‘scale up’ to generate grand fantasies, and, at the same time, how they serve to index their own particular political and cultural milieux.
Kinetics and 28-day test–retest repeatability and reproducibility of [11C]UCB-J PET brain imaging
Authors: Tuncel Hayel , Boellaard Ronald , Coomans Emma M , de Vries Erik FJ , Glaudemans Andor WJM , Feltes Paula Kopschina , García David V , Verfaillie Sander CJ , Wolters Emma E , Sweeney Steven P , Ryan J Michael , Ivarsson Magnus , Lynch Berkley A , Schober Patrick , Scheltens Philip , Schuit Robert C , Windhorst Albert D , De Deyn Peter P , van Berckel Bart NM , Golla Sandeep SV
Published: October 2020

[11C]UCB-J is a novel radioligand that binds to synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A). The main objective of this study was to determine the 28-day test–retest repeatability (TRT) of quantitative [11C]UCB-J brain positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and healthy controls (HCs). Nine HCs and eight AD patients underwent two 60 min dynamic [11C]UCB-J PET scans with arterial sampling with an interval of 28 days. The optimal tracer kinetic model was assessed using the Akaike criteria (AIC). Micro-/macro-parameters such as tracer delivery (K1) and volume of distribution (VT) were estimated using the optimal model. Data were also analysed for simplified reference tissue model (SRTM) with centrum semi-ovale (white matter) as reference region. Based on AIC, both 1T2k_VB and 2T4k_VB described the [11C]UCB-J kinetics equally well. Analysis showed that whole-brain grey matter TRT for VT, DVR and SRTM BPND were –2.2% ± 8.5, 0.4% ± 12.0 and –8.0% ± 10.2, averaged over all subjects. [11C]UCB-J kinetics can be well described by a 1T2k_VB model, and a 60 min scan duration was sufficient to obtain reliable estimates for both plasma input and reference tissue models. TRT for VT, DVR and BPND was <15% (1SD) averaged over all subjects and indicates adequate quantitative repeatability of [11C]UCB-J PET.
The effect of physical movement on observers’ perception of musical quality in a choral performance
Authors: Bland Micah , Cho Eun
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of singers’ physical movement on observers’ perception of musical quality at varying levels of physical expressivity during a choral performance. In addition, the relationship between observers’ levels of formal music training and their perception of musical quality was of interest. All observers ( N = 164) viewed and rated a set of three video scenarios of a choral performance. Each scenario was designed to represent three levels of physical movement: minimal (minimal body and facial movement), moderate (moderate head and facial movement), and high level (full body and facial movement). Results indicated that differing levels of singers’ physical movement and facial expressions were strongly related to observers’ perception of the musical quality. However, when analyzing this effect by observers’ formal musical background, no significant relationship was found between ratings of the musical quality and physical movement among musically trained observers across all three conditions, suggesting that musically trained observers may be less influenced by their visual perception when evaluating a music performance.
A prospective six-month audit of airway incidents during anaesthesia in twelve tertiary level hospitals across Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Endlich Yasmin , Beckmann Linda A , Choi Siu-Wai , Culwick Martin D
Published: October 2020

This audit of airway incidents was conducted over six months in 12 tertiary level hospitals across Australia and New Zealand. During that time, 131,233 patients had airway management and 111 reports were submitted (incidence 0.08%). The airway incidents included a combination of difficult airway management (83), oxygen desaturation (58), aspiration (19), regurgitation (14), laryngospasm (16), airway bleeding (10), bronchospasm (5) and dental injury (4), which gave a total of 209 events in 111 reports. Most incidents occurred during general anaesthesia (GA; 83.8%) and normal working hours (81.1%). Forty-three percent were associated with head and neck surgery and 12.6% with upper abdominal procedures. Of these patients, 52% required further medical treatment or additional procedures and 16.2% required unplanned admission to an intensive care unit or a high dependency unit. A total of 31.5% of patients suffered from temporary harm and 1.8% from permanent harm. There was one death. The factors associated with a high relative risk (RR) of an airway incident included American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA PS) (ASA PS 2 versus 1, RR 1.75; ASA PS 3 versus 1, RR 3.56; ASA PS 4 versus 1, RR 6.1), and emergency surgery (RR 2.16 compared with elective). Sedation and monitored anaesthesia care were associated with lower RRs (RR 0.49 and RR 0.73 versus GA, respectively). Inadequate airway assessment, poor judgement and poor planning appeared to be contributors to these events. Future teaching and research should focus on these areas to further improve airway management and patient safety.
Comparison of changes in albumin binding capacity during hemodiafiltration or hemodialysis with middle cut off membranes
Authors: Koball Sebastian , Westphal Christina , Frimmel Silvius , Hinz Michael , Klammt Sebastian , Mitzner Steffen
Published: October 2020

Background:

Albumin is important for the transport of protein-bound substances (PBS). Albumin binding capacity (ABiC) is reduced in dialysis patients. This can contribute to worsening of uremic symptoms. It is presumed that open-porous middle cut off filters that is, HDx (Baxter-Theranova) remove high molecular substances more efficiently than conventional treatment. To evaluate HDx for the improvement of ABiC and removal of PBS, HDx was compared to hemodiafiltration (Fresenius-FX80, HDF).

Methods:

We included 32 chronic patients on HDF. After inclusion patients were treated with HDx for 14 days. Blood samples were drawn before/after treatments at study entry, first HDx and sixth HDx, to determine ABiC and other study parameters.

Results:

ABiC improved in HDx (68.4% vs 72.4%) and HDF (69.9% vs 72.4%) without differences between both therapies. No reduction of albumin concentration during HDx treatment was observed.

Conclusion:

HDx is accepted as a safe and equally efficient therapy for removing albumin bound uremic toxins compared to HDF with high flux dialyzers.
Individual Differences in Word-Level Skills and Paragraph Reading Comprehension in a (Semi-) Transparent Orthography
Authors: Logvinenko Tatiana , Cheek Connor , Khalaf Shiva , Prikhoda Natalia , Zhukova Marina A. , Grigorenko Elena L.
Published: October 2020

Research into reading difficulties in Russian has been taking place for about a century, since the 1920s. Early research established a line of studies on reading acquisition difficulties in the context of highly structured practices of teaching reading. These practices were propagated in the mid-late 19th century by Konstantin Ushinskii, who designed a mass system for the directed teaching of reading in Russian based on the mastery of spoken Russian (namely its phonics, phonology, orthography, and morphology). During the Soviet period, this approach was packaged in a universal system that included programs for children and adults, and appears to have been responsible for the high literacy rates (i.e., near 100%) at the end of the last century. In the 1990s, an explosion of diverse reading programs surfaced, claiming to offer a contrast to the Ushinskii system’s universal but “boring” content. Nevertheless, the Ushinskii system regained popularity in the early years of the 21st century. Reincarnated and modernized, it once again constitutes the foundation of reading instruction in Russian schools. This article investigates the distribution of various reading-related skills among Russian primary-school students (Grades 2–4) in the context of this universally strong approach to teaching reading.