bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ibn al-Muqaffaʿ’s Isagoge: An Edition of the Arabic Text with an English Translation
Authors: Ighbariah Ahmad
Published: March 2021

This article treats one of the first philosophical texts translated into Arabic, Porphyry’s (d. 305 CE) Isagoge, which was translated by Ibn al-Muqaffaʿ (d. ca. 139/756). The Isagoge is part of a collection referred to in the Syriac tradition as “the four books,” also including three Aristotelian treatises on logic, Categories, On Interpretation, and Prior Analytics. This collection of texts was translated into Arabic before translating became an established profession in the Abbasid caliphate, causing difficulties to read and understand it properly. The texts were published by Danishpazhuh in 1978, leaving numerous errors and inaccuracies in the edition. After an introduction to the context and the content of the text, a new edition of the Isagoge is presented here alongside an English translation, followed by a comparison of technical terms used by Ibn al-Muqaffaʿ with those used by al-Dimashqī dating from the early fourth/tenth century.
Circumscription of three annual species of Paspalum Plicatula Group (Poaceae: Paspaleae) in the light of morphological and chromosomic data

Authors: WERLLEN-SANTOS MAYCO , GOMES SUELI MARIA , ZAPPI DANIELA CRISTINA , DE OLIVEIRA REGINA CÉLIA
Published: March 2021

Paspalum comprises 350 species worldwide and is the largest genus of Poaceae in Brazil (211 species). The reticulated evolutionary pattern within the informal Paspalum Plicatula Group makes it a challenging species complex to treat taxonomically. The present work aims to study the three annual species P. cordaense, P. macranthecium and P. plowmanii, characterized by spikelet morphology and anthecium appearance, supported by a comprehensive review of herbaria and fieldwork collections of all related species. When ascertaining the identity of P. cordaense, we realized that it is distinct from P. plowmanii, while these two species are closely related to P. macranthecium. These findings are supported by morphological differences and by the first report of unusual chromosome number for P. plowmanii 2n = 38, whereas the numbers in P. cordaense are 2n = 40 and in P. macranthecium 2n = 20, from previously published research. We clarify the circumscription of the three species and provide a key, descriptions, comments, illustrations, distribution maps and conservation status for all species. The lectotypification of P. cordaense is also proposed.
Typification of Camellia sasanqua (Theaceae)

Authors: ZHAO DONGWEI
Published: March 2021

Camellia sasanqua Thunb. (Murray 1784: 632; Theaceae), an endemic species to Japan, is a popular ornamental plant globally (Ming 2000). More than 1200 cultivars of this species have been registered for horticulture (Wang et al. 2019). Meanwhile, C. sasanqua holds considerable economic value because its seeds can produce high-quality oil for cooking and cosmetic application (Ming 2000, Feás et al. 2013). However, the type of C. sasanqua remains unresolved. It is vital to clarify the type for the stable nomenclature of C. sasanqua.
A checklist of species of the family Zoothamniidae (Ciliophora: Peritrichia), symbionts of crustaceans
Authors: MAYÉN-ESTRADA ROSAURA , DIAS ROBERTO JUNIO PEDROSO
Published: March 2021

Eight genera are included in the family Zoothamniidae, and at the present the data of the epibiotic species on crustaceans is not updated. Thus, the main goal of the present work is to provide the checklist of zoothamniids worldwide reported as associated to several groups of crustaceans, including some data of their geographic distribution, and also to provide the complete list of species of this peritrich group. We obtained all available data of family Zoothamniidae and checked their taxonomic status. Then we provided the complete list of species including those reported as epibionts on crustacean hosts. We obtained 156 species included in eight genera of Zoothamniidae, being 85 species recorded as symbionts on 86 species of hosts. Genus Zoothamnium contained the higher number (56) of epibiotic species on crustaceans, and genus Pseudohaplocaulus has not been reported for any crustacean. The reviewed data highlights the concentration of records in Europe, and stands out the need to amplify sampling and studies in the Southern Hemisphere. The main groups of crustaceans infested by zoothamniids are the amphipods, isopods and decapods.
6. Karaites and Sadducees
Authors: Erder Yoram
Published: March 2021

Yoram Erder, writing on the ‘Karaites and Sadducees’, addresses the polemical identification of the two groups by Rabbanite Jews (such as Moses Maimonides). Not all Rabbanites equated the Karaites with the Sadducees, and the Karaites recognized the Sadducees as a group distinct from their own movement. In fact, the Karaites refer to two groups called Sadducees: the Second Temple sect and the “Zadokites” of the Qumran movement. He suggests that the Damascus Document, found at Qumran but also in the Cairo Genizah, was known to the Karaites. While the Karaites have much in common with these “Zadokites”, there are also important differences between them, such as the Karaite belief in the resurrection.
13. Rabbinization of Non-Rabbinic Material in Pirqe de-Rabbi Eliezer
Authors: McDowell Gavin
Published: March 2021

Pirqe de-Rabbi Eliezer (eighth century) is a clear example of the rabbinization of the biblical past. Many of the stories in this rewriting of biblical history have roots outside of rabbinic and even Jewish literature. Gavin McDowell, in ‘Rabbinization of Non-Rabbinic Material in Pirqe de-Rabbi Eliezer’, shows how Christian, “Gnostic”, and Muslim legends about biblical characters have been altered to make them compatible with existing rabbinic traditions from the Talmud and classical Midrash. Through this process, biblical history, the common cultural patrimony of all these groups, becomes specifically rabbinic history.
Vegetation restoration projects intensify intraregional water recycling processes in the agro-pastoral ecotone of Northern China
Authors: Wang Xuejin , Zhang Baoqing , Li Feng , Li Xiang , Li Xuliang , Wang Yibo , Shao Rui , Tian Jie , He Chansheng
Published: March 2021

From 1998 to the present, the Chinese government has implemented numerous large-scale ecological programs to restore ecosystems and improve environmental protection in the agro-pastoral ecotone of Northern China (APENC). However, it remains unclear how vegetation restoration modulates intraregional moisture cycles and changes regional water balance. To fill this gap, we first investigated the variation in precipitation (P) from the China Meteorological Forcing Dataset and evapotranspiration (ET) estimated using the Priestly-Taylor Jet Propulsion Laboratory model under two scenarios: dynamic vegetation (DV) and no dynamic vegetation (no-DV). We then used the dynamic recycling model to analyze the changes in precipitation recycling ratio (PRR). Finally, we examined how vegetation restoration modulates intraregional moisture recycling to change the regional water cycle in APENC. Results indicate P increased at an average rate of 4.42 mm yr-2 from 1995 to 2015. ET with DV exhibited a significant increase at a rate of 1.57, 3.58, 1.53, and 1.84 mm yr-2 in the four subregions, respectively, compared with no-DV, and the annual mean PRR values were 10.15%, 9.30%, 11.01%, and 12.76% in the four subregions, and significant increasing trends were found in the APENC during 1995-2015. Further analysis of regional moisture recycling shows that vegetation restoration does not increase local P directly, but has an indirect effect by enhancing moisture recycling process to produce more P by increasing PRR. Our findings show that large-scale ecological restoration programs have a positive effect on local moisture cycle and precipitation.
Identification of Sarcopenia in Elderly Trauma Patients: The Value of Clinical Competency and Experience
Authors: Proksch Daisy M. , Kelley Katherine M. , White Sasha , Burgess Jessica R.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

There is currently no standard definition of sarcopenia, which has often been associated with frailty. A commonly cited surrogate measure of sarcopenia is psoas muscle size. The purpose of this prospective study is to assess medical providers’ capabilities to identify frail elderly trauma patients and consequent impact on outcomes after intensive care unit admission.

Methods

Trauma intensive care unit patients over the age of 50 were enrolled. A preadmission functional status questionnaire was completed on admission. Attendings, residents, and nurses, blinded to their patient’s sarcopenic status, completed surveys regarding 6-month prognosis. Chart review included cross-sectional psoas area measurements on computerized tomography scan. Finally, patients received phone calls 3 and 6 months after admission to determine overall health and functional status.

Results

Seventy-six participants had an average age of 70 years and a corrected psoas area of 383 ± 101 mm2/m2. Injury Severity Score distribution (17.2 ± 8.9) was similar for both groups. Patients also had similar preinjury activities of daily living. Both groups had similar hospital courses. While sarcopenic patients were less likely to be predicted to survive to 6 months (60% vs. 76%, P = 0.017), their actual 6-month mortality was similar (22% vs. 21%, P = 0.915).

Conclusion

Despite similar objective measures of preadmission health and trauma injury severity, medical providers were able to recognize frail patients and predicted they would have worse outcomes. Interestingly, sarcopenic patients had similar outcomes to the control group. Additional studies are needed to further delineate factors influencing provider insight into functional reserves of elderly trauma patients.
High-efficiency and compact WPT receiving antenna design using simulation optimization method
Authors: Kim Yanghyun , Seo Chulhun
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a high-efficiency and compact wireless power transfer (WPT) receiving antenna using an flexible printed circuits board (FPCB) with high-Q factor is proposed. The proposed high-efficiency and compact WPT receiving antenna consists of a spiral structure, a lumped element and via through the ground structure. In this paper, in order to design a miniaturized high-efficiency WPT receiving antenna, machine learning technology was used to optimally design the antenna pattern that affects the Q factor. The designed receiving antenna has improved wireless power transmission efficiency with high Q characteristics. The power transfer efficiency is above 88% from distance 10 mm and the resonant frequency is 110 MHz. The sizes of the receiving antenna and the NFC antenna are 30 × 40 mm and 20 × 30 mm, respectively. Machine learning was used to design and fabricate the composite module of a WPT receiving antenna and NFC antenna. Comparison of the experimental results of the proposed receiving antenna with a general receiving antenna confirms the improvement in transmission efficiency.
The Impact of Human Resources Environment and Organizational Identification on Employees’ Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Hameed Imran , Ijaz Muhammad Umer , Sabharwal Meghna
Published: March 2021

This study explores how Human Resources (HR) environment (i.e., job autonomy, opportunities for advancement, involved communication, and decisive action) promotes psychological well-being of public employees. We advance the literature by identifying organizational identification (OID) as the underpinning mechanism through which HR environment can foster employees’ well-being. OID is termed as a “social cure,” owing to its strong link with employee health and well-being. The results of structural equation modeling show a positive association among HR practices and OID, which subsequently enhances well-being of public sector employees. Managerial implications for public sector leaders are discussed in detail.
Use of Comprehensive Participatory Planning and Evaluation in Rural Patient Engagement
Authors: Geary Carol Reynolds , Hill Jennie L. , Eilers June , Leon Melissa , Ordway Jeff , McClay James , Anderson Cathie , Beacom Matthew , Jackson Rebecca A. , Oleynikov Dmitry , Estabrooks Paul A.
Published: March 2021

Comprehensive participatory planning and evaluation (CPPE), a model used in community engagement research, has not been applied to patient engagement in research. We describe our methodology and interim results using CPPE in a project focused on improving research engagement of rural and distant patients and stakeholders. Specifically, we describe our development of a causal map and the subsequent use of the map to guide patient and stakeholder-driven evaluation.
Willingness and concerns of transfusion-dependent hematological patients toward the option of home transfusion therapy
Authors: Barki-Harrington Liza , Baron-Epel Orna , Shaulov Adir , Akria Luiza , Barshay Yossef , Dally Najib , Deshet Dana , Inbar Tsofia , Koren-Michowitz Maya , Leiba Merav , Moshe Yakir , Shvidel Lev , Tadmor Tamar , Yagenah Shai , Zektser Miri , Preis Meir , Hellman Ilana , Yahalom Vered , Aviv Ariel
Published: March 2021

Background:

One of the main obstacles of providing home-based palliative care to transfusion-dependent hematology patients is the lack of home transfusions services. While healthcare professionals are concerned with safety and cost of home transfusions, the attitude of the patients toward home transfusions are mostly unknown.

Aim:

To obtain quantitative data regarding the willingness and concerns of transfusion-dependent patients with hematological diseases toward the option of home transfusions.

Design:

A cross sectional survey including a self-administered questionnaire in one of the three main spoken languages in Israel was administered to patients in 17 hospital hematology outpatient clinics between May 2019 and March 2020.

Results:

About 52% of 385 patients that participated in the survey preferred home transfusions to hospital transfusions. Gender, age, education, or type of disease were not associated with preference for home transfusions, nor were hospital location or its size. The likelihood to prefer home transfusions was significantly higher among the Hebrew-speakers and those who had not experienced adverse effects previously. The most significant factor associated with preference of home transfusions was a perceived negative effect of hospital-based transfusion on quality of life. The main reason to reject home transfusions was fear of possible adverse effects and concerns over losing contact with the medical staff at the treating hospital.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that a significant portion of transfusion-dependent patients in Israel view home transfusions as a preferred treatment option and that its successful implementation requires maintaining ongoing contact with the treating hospital.
Review of major trials of acute blood pressure management in stroke
Authors: Robinson Thompson G , Minhas Jatinder S , Miller Joseph
Published: March 2021

Over the last two decades, there have been a number of major landmark clinical trials, classified as “major” as they sought to address clear clinical practice driven questions, in a pragmatic yet robust trial design, using a large powered sample size (n > 1000), in order to help improve patient outcome through informing guidelines. A commonality across all stroke sub-types included in these trials is the tendency to acute hypertensive crises within the acute stroke period. This phenomenon is associated with greater stroke complications and worsened overall prognosis. Multiple trials have attempted to address the issue of acute blood pressure management during the acute stroke period, with consideration for timing, magnitude of lowering, agent and relationship to other interventions. This review will consider the major clinical trials performed in ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke that test the hypothesis that acute BP reduction improves clinical outcomes.
Diagnostic performance of T2-weighted imaging and intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted MRI for predicting metastatic axillary lymph nodes in T1 and T2 stage breast cancer
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Luo Hongbing , Wang Chunhua , Chen Xiaoyu , Wang Min , Zhou Peng , Ren Jing
Published: March 2021

Background

Non-invasive modalities for assessing axillary lymph node (ALN) are needed in clinical practice.

Purpose

To investigate the suspicious ALN on unenhanced T2-weighted (T2W) imaging and intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM DWI) for predicting ALN metastases (ALNM) in patients with T1–T2 stage breast cancer and clinically negative ALN.

Material and Methods

Two radiologists identified the most suspicious ALN or the largest ALN in negative axilla by T2W imaging features, including short axis (Size-S), long axis (Size-L)/S ratio, fatty hilum, margin, and signal intensity on T2W imaging. The IVIM parameters of these selected ALNs were also obtained. The Mann–Whitney U test or t-test was used to compare the metastatic and non-metastatic ALN groups. Finally, logistic regression analysis with T2W imaging and IVIM features for predicting ALNM was conducted.

Results

This study included 49 patients with metastatic ALNs and 50 patients with non-metastatic ALNs. Using the above conventional features on T2W imaging, the sensitivity and specificity in predicting ALNM were not high. Compared with non-metastatic ALNs, metastatic ALNs had lower pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*) ( P = 0.043). Logistic regression analysis showed that the most useful features for predicting ALNM were signal intensity and D*. The sensitivity and specificity predicting ALNM that satisfied abnormal signal intensity and lower D* were 73.5% and 84%, respectively.

Conclusions

The abnormal signal intensity on T2W imaging and one IVIM feature (D*) were significantly associated with ALNM, with sensitivity of 73.5% and specificity of 84%.
Venous stent versus conventional stent for the treatment of central vein obstruction in hemodialysis patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Akkakrisee Surasit , Hongsakul Keerati
Published: March 2021

Background

Endovascular treatment is a first-line treatment for upper thoracic central vein obstruction (CVO). Few studies using bare venous stents (BVS) in CVO have been conducted.

Purpose

To evaluate the treatment performance of upper thoracic central vein stenosis between BVS and conventional bare stent (CBS) in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

Hemodialysis patients with upper thoracic central vein obstruction who underwent endovascular treatment at the interventional unit of our institution from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2018 were enrolled in the present study. CBS was used to treat central vein obstruction in 43 patients and BVS in 34 patients. We compared the primary patency rates and complications between the two stent types. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The patient demographic data between the CBS and BVS groups were similar. The characteristics of the lesions, procedures, and complications were not significantly different between the two groups ( P > 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences of primary patency rates at three and six months between the BVS and CBS groups (94.1% vs. 86.0% and 73.5% vs. 58.1%, respectively; P > 0.05). The primary patency rate at 12 months in the BVS group was significantly higher than that in the CBS group (61.8% vs. 32.6%; P = 0.008).

Conclusion

Endovascular treatment of central vein obstruction with BVS provided a higher primary patency rate at 12 months than CBS.
New Actors in the Old Hierarchies: Alliances for Low-Carbon Urban Development in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Li Yunjing
Published: March 2021

The integration of climate mitigation into urbanization has brought new actors to city planning and building. This study examines the driving actors of decarbonization-focused urban development in a Global South context through the case of Shenzhen International Low-Carbon City (SILCC), China. It outlines a complex governing landscape that combines new genres of actors and traditional hierarchical relationships within the state system. The paper further elaborates on how this ostensible multilevel governance is used strategically as a new source of legitimation for mega development projects, indicating the shifting legitimacy foundation for urban development to new levels of governance and onto different actors in the era of climate change.
The Factors Associated with 3-Year Mortality Stratified by Physical and Mental Multimorbidity and Area of Residence Deprivation in Primary Care Community-Living Older Adults
Authors: Vasiliadis Helen-Maria , Gontijo Guerra Samantha , Berbiche Djamal , Pitrou Isabelle E.
Published: March 2021

Objectives: To examine the risk factors of mortality stratified by physical and mental multimorbidity (PMM) and area socioeconomic status. Methods: Cox regression analyses were used to study 3-year all-cause mortality in primary care older adults stratified by PMM status, and area of residence material and social deprivation. Results: There were socioeconomic differences in the associations between PMM and mortality. Continuity of care decreased mortality risk in moderately and most deprived areas. Satisfaction with medical consultations decreased mortality risk in moderately deprived areas. Current smoking increased mortality in those living in moderately and most deprived areas. Physical activity reduced mortality only in individuals without PMM. Higher cognition was associated with reduced mortality in individuals living in moderately deprived areas. Discussion: Public health policies should be further encouraged in primary care, aiming at increased continuity of care, quality of interactions with patients, and prevention strategies including smoking cessation programs and physical activity promotion.
Identifying a Clinical Risk Triage Score for Adult Emergency Department
Authors: Zhu Aiqun , Liu Xiao , Zhang Jingping
Published: March 2021

Emergency triage is crucial for the treatment and prognosis of emergency patients, but its validity needs further improvement. The purpose of this study was to identify a risk score for adult triage. We conducted a regression analysis of physiological and biochemical data from 1,522 adult patients. A 60-point triage scoring model included temperature, pulse, systolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation, consciousness, dyspnea, admission mode, syncope history, chest pain or chest tightness, complexion, hematochezia or hematemesis, hemoptysis, white blood count, creatinine, bicarbonate, platelets, and creatine kinase. The area under curve in predicting ICU admission was 0.929 (95% CI [0.913–0.944]) for the derivation cohort and 0.911 (95% CI [0.884–0.938]) for the validation cohort. Four categories: critical level (≥13 points), severe level (6–12 points), urgency level (1–5 points), and sub-acute level (0 points) were divided, which significantly distinguished the severity of emergency patients.
Vibration characteristics of rotating truncated conical shells reinforced with agglomerated carbon nanotubes
Authors: Afshari Hassan , Amirabadi Hossein
Published: March 2021

In this article, a comprehensive study is conducted on the free vibration analysis of rotating truncated conical shells reinforced with functionally graded agglomerated carbon nanotubes The shell is modeled based on the first-order shear deformation theory, and effective mechanical properties are calculated based on the Eshelby–Mori–Tanaka scheme along with the rule of mixture. By considering centrifugal and Coriolis accelerations and initial hoop tension, the set of governing equations is derived using Hamilton’s principle and is solved numerically using the differential quadrature method Convergence and accuracy of the presented model are confirmed and the effects of different parameters on the forward and backward frequencies of the rotating carbon nanotube-reinforced truncated conical shells are investigated.
Study on dynamic characteristics of bio-inspired vibration isolation platform
Authors: Song Yong , Zhang Chong , Li Zhanlong , Li Yue , Lian Jinyi , Shi Qinglu , Yan Bijuan
Published: March 2021

Inspired by the body movement of the kangaroo, a multi-degree-of-freedom vibration isolation platform containing three units, that is, a protected object, a nonlinear energy sink, and an X-shaped structure, has been modeled, and the differential equations of the system have been given in the form of uniform relative coordinates. Furthermore, the displacement transmissibility analysis and numerical calculation are supported by the method of harmonic balance and Runge–Kutta algorithm, which shows that (a) there are nonlinear behaviors and resonant phenomenon in the time–frequency response and (b) quasi-periodic motion may be a predictor of periodic steady-state response or strong resonance, and the displacement evolution before quasi-periodic motion may be used to distinguish the two phenomena. In addition, based on the numerical method, the system energy changes in a selected frequency are discussed. Finally, the correctness of the theoretical analysis is verified by simulation data in Adams. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the dynamic characteristics are adjustable and designable of structural parameters in a specific frequency band and can provide a useful way to reduce the amplitude of resonant peaks and improve the vibration isolation performance for practical engineering applications.
ReZoomⓒing Our Academic Home Using Suda (수다)
Authors: Meacham Sohyun , Kim Jinhee , Wee Su-Jeong , Kim Koeun
Published: March 2021

This collaborative autoethnography describes the multiple subject positions and dynamics of our identities as transnational female teacher educators. Decolonizing mainstream epistemology and research tradition, we explore a unique dialogic research process called the suda methodology. The aims are twofold. First, to theorize suda as our framework as well as a research methodology, we explain, describe, and construct the meanings of suda, which is derived from Korean cultural background. Second, we show our suda sessions and discuss how the suda approach helped us challenge against mainstream epistemology, which is also a journey to build our academic home in a rhizomatic way.
Corneal transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic: An operational guide
Authors: Franch Antonella , Fasolo Adriano , Carraro Paolo , Favarato Mosè , Birattari Federica , Leon Pia E , Ponzin Diego
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

To provide an operational guide for corneal transplantation during the COVID-19 pandemic aimed to maintain surgery and avoid spreading of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods:

Prospective observational case series study in patients requiring corneal graft manage toward separate free and restricted pathways for those COVID-19 negative or positive, respectively.

Results:

During the national lockdown, 30 consecutive patients underwent endothelial ( n = 16), penetrating ( n = 9), and anterior lamellar keratoplasty ( n = 5). Two patients followed the COVID-19 restricted pathway, as they were considered positive while waiting for test results. Nine patients were hospitalized one night in the hospital. On admission to the hospital before surgery, at surgery, the day after surgery and at 7 and 30 days all patients and health-care personnel showed no symptoms and resulted negative at risks factors/exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 infection and occurrence of COVID-19. Nucleic acid testing resulted not detectable in all patients and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies quantification showed IgG and IgM below the positive predicted value in 29 patients. One patient showed IgM above the cut-off of significance (1.21 and 1.03 preoperative and 1-month postoperative, respectively) that were considered irrelevant because of the absence of symptoms and exposure risks.

Conclusions:

The concept of donor emergency (i.e. short-term availability of transplant tissues), makes corneal transplantation an always-urgent activity because it is related to the availability of the corneal tissue from a donor. Modest adjustments to ophthalmic clinic and eye surgery organization are required to maintain surgery and care of eye patients in a safe environment.
Causes and remedies for secondary school dropout in Palestine
Authors: Bzour Mahyoub , Zuki Fathiah Mohamed , Mispan Muhamad
Published: March 2021

This study was conducted to assess the experience and causes of school dropout among public secondary (high) schools in Palestine, and to explore processes to combat this. We identify the factors and illustrate a conceptual model for student dropout from school. This involves diverse factors including family background, teachers, school’s environment, student role. This paper recommends that policies to prevent early school leaving require multi-perspectival targeting, involving individual, school, community and family. Among actions which would reduce dropout, we identify plans for eliminating illiteracy, developing a good interpersonal relationship with students, and strengthening community participation in educational programmes.
People from lower social classes elicit greater prosociality: Compassion and deservingness matter
Authors: Van Doesum Niels J. , Van Lange Paul A. M. , Tybur Joshua M. , Leal Ana , Van Dijk Eric
Published: March 2021

People are quick to form impressions of others’ social class, and likely adjust their behavior accordingly. If social class is linked to prosociality, as literature suggests, then an interaction partner’s class should affect prosocial behavior, especially when costs or investments are low. We test this expectation using social mindfulness (SoMi) and dictator games (DG) as complementary measures of prosociality. We manipulate target class by providing information regarding a target’s (a) position on a social class ladder, and (b) family background. Three studies using laboratory and online approaches ( Noverall = 557) in two nations (the Netherlands [NL], the UK), featuring actual and hypothetical exchanges, reveal that lower class targets are met with greater prosociality than higher class targets, even when based on information about the targets’ parents (Study 3). The effect of target class was partially mediated by compassion (Studies 2 and 3) and perceived deservingness of the target (Study 3). Implications and limitations are discussed.
Optimal design of steel pipe rack structures using PSO, GWO, and IGWO algorithms
Authors: Zakian Pooya , Ordoubadi Behnam , Alavi Erfan
Published: March 2021

Design optimization of industrial structures is of great importance for engineers in order to provide a cost-effective structural design. Meanwhile, pipe rack is a skeletal industrial structure subjected to various types of loading such as gravity, seismic, piping, and thermal forces. While there are many studies on design optimization of the most common structures, only a limited number of studies exist on optimal design of industrial structures. In this article, a design optimization problem is proposed for weight minimization of steel pipe rack structures, and then the problem is solved through three meta-heuristic algorithms consisting of a modified particle swarm optimization (PSO), grey wolf optimizer (GWO), and the recently developed improved grey wolf optimizer (IGWO). The optimization problem is in discrete form in order to consider practically available cross-sections for the structural members. Stress ratio, drift, and dimensional constraints are imposed during the optimization. In order to demonstrate the capability and effectiveness of the present design optimization problem, a pipe rack structure is optimized by the proposed algorithms, and the optimized designs are compared to an ordinary design in terms of the structural weight and the status of constraints.
Pre-hospital administration of tranexamic acid in trauma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alhenaki Abdulrahman M , Ali Ayesha S , Kadir Bryar , Ahmed Zubair
Published: March 2021

Background

The Clinical Randomization of an Antifibrinolytic in Significant Hemorrhage-2 (CRASH-2) trial proved that tranexamic acid (TXA) is a time-dependent drug, having a better outcome if given within 1-hour of injury. In order to test this theory, studies have been conducted to examine the effect of TXA in the pre-hospital setting. We conducted a systematic search and meta-analysis to evaluate the role of TXA administration in the civilian pre-hospital setting on patient outcomes.

Methods

Embase, Medline, CINAHL and Cochrane were searched for randomized control trials (RCTs), retrospective, and prospective studies that examined the effect of TXA on patients in the pre-hospital setting versus a control group. Outcome measures were overall mortality rate and thromboembolic events. Two authors extracted the data independently. To appraise the included studies, we used the NIH quality assessment tool for cohort and cross-sectional studies. Results are presented as Risk Ratio (RR), a random-effect model was implemented, and the I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity.

Results

The search identified 1886 papers, but only five retrospective studies met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were selected for further analysis. A meta-analysis confirmed that TXA reduced the overall mortality rate (pooled risk ratio of 0.74 (95% CI 0.45, 1.25)) and thromboembolic events (risk ratio of 0.71 (95% CI 0.35, 1.44)).

Conclusion

The pooled effects for both outcome measures favour the administration of TXA in the pre-hospital setting, although none of the findings reported a significant effect. Our study highlights the need for additional high-quality evidence to validate the significance of these findings.

Level of evidence

Level III, therapeutic study.
The potential benefits of enzymatic debridement in multi-casualty burns incidents
Authors: Kiely John , Natalwala Ibrahim , Stallard Joseph , Austin Orla , Anwar Umair , Muthayya Preetha
Published: March 2021

Bromelain-based enzymatic debridement (ED) is a topical treatment that is growing in popularity for the non-surgical management of burn wounds. Although initially used for small injuries, experience has grown in using it for burns >15% Total Burns Surface Area (TBSA). A household explosion resulted in burns to multiple patients, with four requiring burn wound debridement. This case report demonstrates their management using ED. Four adult male patients were treated with ED, mean age 38.4 years. Their injuries ranged from 5–24% TBSA (mean 14.9%), with a high proportion of intermediate-deep dermal injury to their faces and limbs. Our centre has performed enzymatic debridement since 2016 and all senior burns surgeons and burns intensive care specialists in the team are experienced in its use. We perform enzymatic debridement using Nexobrid™ (Mediwound Ltd., Israel). Three patients were managed on a single theatre list, using ED for their burns at 19, 16 and 23 hours post-injury. One patient had ED of his injuries on intensive care at 18 hours. Patients with >15% TBSA were treated in a critical care setting with goal directed fluid therapy. Through the use of enzymatic debridement we were able to achieve burn debridement for four patients in under 24 hours. While not a true mass casualty incident, our experience suggests that for an appropriately resourced service it is likely to have advantages in this scenario. We suggest that burns services regularly using this technique consider inclusion into mass casualty protocols, with training to staff to enable provision in such an incident.
Treating Seizures With Low-Frequency Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Bordey Angelique
Published: March 2021

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Globalization, Class, and Immigration: An Intersectional Analysis of the New East End
Authors: Aziz Abdul
Published: March 2021

The discussion paper is presented to be read in three simultaneous and different modalities. At one level, it is first a study of a repeat study from 1957 and 2006, examining the disconnection between history and methodology in locating the British Bangladeshi communities’ past social story in today’s shifting landscape. At another level it intervenes; asserting globalization, as spatial-temporal phenomena under a neo liberal consensus, has produced an uneven distribution of common diversity. Permeating into every facet of social life, the construct of community and constructions of belongingness, finally apprehending the pitfalls of research without direct engagement of subjects.
In the Desire of Conquering East African Supermarket Business: What Went Wrong in Nakumatt Supermarket
Authors: Nandonde Felix Adamu
Published: March 2021

By October 2017, the East African Community’s (EAC) largest retailer was declared bankrupt. All stores within and outside Kenya, namely Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania were closed. Many suppliers in EAC took the retail company to court after having suffered huge losses. Some few suppliers looted the stores with the aim of compensating themselves for the incurred losses. Simply put, Nakumatt’s reputation was in the mire and the company headed for a total collapse.

Everyone in the region was asking himself/herself, what might have gone wrong to Nakumatt supermarket. In general, the current case is a lesson that sheds light on the rise and collapse of one of the largest household names of retail stores in EAC.
Post-reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome headache
Authors: Ling Yu-Hsiang , Wang Yen-Feng , Lirng Jiing-Feng , Fuh Jong-Ling , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Chen Shih-Pin
Published: March 2021

Background

Chronic headache may persist after the remission of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) in some patients. We aimed to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, risk factors, and the impact of post-RCVS headache.

Methods

We prospectively recruited patients with RCVS and collected their baseline demographics, including psychological distress measured by Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. We evaluated whether the patients developed post-RCVS headache 3 months after RCVS onset. The manifestations of post-RCVS headache and headache-related disability measured by Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) scores were recorded.

Results

From 2017 to 2019, 134 patients with RCVS were recruited, of whom, 123 finished follow-up interviews (response rate 91.8%). Sixty (48.8%) patients had post-RCVS headache. Migrainous features were common in post-RCVS headache. Post-RCVS headache caused moderate-to-severe headache-related disability (MIDAS score > 10) in seven (11.7%) patients. Higher anxiety level (odds ratio 1.21, p = 0.009) and a history of migraine (odds ratio 2.59, p = 0.049) are associated with post-RCVS headache. Survival analysis estimated that 50% post-RCVS headache would recover in 389 days (95% confidence interval: 198.5–579) after disease onset.

Conclusions

Post-RCVS headache is common, affecting half of patients and being disabling in one-tenth. Higher anxiety level and migraine history are risk factors. Half of the patients with post-RCVS headache would recover in about a year.
Ranking port state control detention remarks: professional Judgement and spatial overview
Authors: Akyurek Efe , Bolat Pelin
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The merchant marine fleet is under inspection by several parties to ensure maritime regulation compliance. International Maritime Organization mainly regulates the industry, and the most effective defender is indeed Port StateControl run by the regional memorandum of understandings.

Objective

This article aims to analyze all detention remarks of Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) from 2013 to 2019 for EU15 countries (except Luxemburg and Austria) to guide marine industry on detainable Port State Control remarks and country risk profile.

Methods

The data of the detained vessels taken from the public website of Paris MOU and each report considered as a professional judgment that causes detention. Analytical Hierarchy Process Approach has been utilized to indicate the ranking of basic maritime regulations from the perspective of the Port State Control, and Geographic Information System (GIS) helps us to demonstrate the regional dispersion amongst EU15.

Results

Through an approach based on Analytical Hierarchy Process and demonstrating the results on GIS has been shown that almost all the country’s top priorities for regulation are Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and Fire Safety Systems (FSS). Moreover, a comparative demonstration of the detention percentage of each regulation to AHP results demonstrates a better understanding of EU15 countries' detention profile.

Conclusion

The results of the study can assist Port State Officers, ship crew, ship owners, and managers in presenting the facts of their inspection and able to improve themselves. The spatial analysis is also expected to guide ship owners and managers to focus their vessel’s deficiencies on preventing sub-standardization. Policymakers also utilize these reports to evaluate their inspection practices.
Microbial predation accelerates granulation and modulates microbial community composition
Authors: Chan Siew Herng , Ismail Muhammad Hafiz , Tan Chuan Hao , Rice Scott A. , McDougald Diane
Published: March 2021

Background

Bacterial communities are responsible for biological nutrient removal and flocculation in engineered systems such as activated floccular sludge. Predators such as bacteriophage and protozoa exert significant predation pressure and cause bacterial mortality within these communities. However, the roles of bacteriophage and protozoan predation in impacting granulation process remain limited. Recent studies hypothesised that protozoa, particularly sessile ciliates, could have an important role in granulation as these ciliates were often observed in high abundance on surfaces of granules. Bacteriophages were hypothesized to contribute to granular stability through bacteriophage-mediated extracellular DNA release by lysing bacterial cells. This current study investigated the bacteriophage and protozoan communities throughout the granulation process. In addition, the importance of protozoan predation during granulation was also determined through chemical killing of protozoa in the floccular sludge.

Results

Four independent bioreactors seeded with activated floccular sludge were operated for aerobic granulation for 11 weeks. Changes in the phage, protozoa and bacterial communities were characterized throughout the granulation process. The filamentous phage, Inoviridae, increased in abundance at the initiation phase of granulation. However, the abundance shifted towards lytic phages during the maturation phase. In contrast, the abundance and diversity of protozoa decreased initially, possibly due to the reduction in settling time and subsequent washout. Upon the formation of granules, ciliated protozoa from the class Oligohymenophorea were the dominant group of protozoa based on metacommunity analysis. These protozoa had a strong, positive-correlation with the initial formation of compact aggregates prior to granule development. Furthermore, chemical inhibition of these ciliates in the floccular sludge delayed the initiation of granule formation. Analysis of the bacterial communities in the thiram treated sludge demonstrated that the recovery of ‘Candidatus Accumulibacter’ was positively correlated with the formation of compact aggregates and granules.

Conclusion

Predation by bacteriophage and protozoa were positively correlated with the formation of aerobic granules. Increases in Inoviridae abundance suggested that filamentous phages may promote the structural formation of granules. Initiation of granules formation was delayed due to an absence of protozoa after chemical treatment. The presence of ‘Candidatus Accumulibacter’ was necessary for the formation of granules in the absence of protozoa.
A pattern-triggered immunity-related phenolic, acetosyringone, boosts rapid inhibition of a diverse set of plant pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Szatmári Ágnes , Móricz Ágnes M. , Schwarczinger Ildikó , Kolozsváriné Nagy Judit , Alberti Ágnes , Pogány Miklós , Bozsó Zoltán
Published: March 2021

Background

Acetosyringone (3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyacetophenone, AS) is a syringyl-type phenolic compound rarely found in plants in free form. It has been shown earlier to inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas bacteria in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and peroxidase (AS mix).

Results

We detected elevated levels of free AS in Nicotiana tabacum and N. benthamiana plants after inducing pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) by injecting bacterial elicitor flg22, or pathogenicity-mutant Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae 61 hrcC- bacteria; but not after inoculations with compatible or incompatible pathogens at the time of PTI onset. In this study, we demonstrate that the antibacterial effect of the AS mix is general, as growth of several Gram-negative and -positive phytopathogenic bacteria was characteristically inhibited. The inhibition of bacterial metabolism by the AS mix was rapid, shown by the immediate drop of luminescence intensity of P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 lx strain after addition of AS mix. The mechanism of the bacteriostatic effect was investigated using fluorescent reporter dye assays. SYTOX Green experiments supported others’ previous findings that the AS mix does not result in membrane permeabilization. Moreover, we observed that the mode of action could be depolarization of the bacterial cell membrane, as shown by assays carried out with the voltage sensitive dye DIBAC4(3).

Conclusions

Level of free acetosyringone is elevated during plant PTI responses in tobacco leaves (N. tabacum and N. benthamiana). When combined with hydrogen peroxide and peroxidase (AS mix), components of the mix act synergistically to inhibit bacterial metabolism and proliferation rapidly in a wide range of plant pathogens. This effect is related to depolarization rather than to permeabilization of the bacterial cell membrane. Similar AS mixture to the in vivo model might form locally at sites of invading bacterial attachment to the plant cells and the presence of acetosyringone might have an important role in the inhibition of bacterial proliferation during PTI.