bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio-clinico-radiological profile of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in association with sputum conversion and baseline hsCRP levels
Authors: Singha S Krishna , Kashyap Bineeta , Avasthi Rajnish , Hyanki Puneeta , Singh NP , Khanna Ashwani
Published: September 2021

Our was an observational follow-up study where the aim was to assess the baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in 50 smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in association with socio-clinico-radiological profile and microbiological conversion. Smear and culture conversion of sputum samples at the end of intensive phase of anti-tubercular treatment were recorded. Baseline serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein estimation was done by ELISA. Mean high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels at baseline, smear/culture converted and delayed converters were 68.1 ± 22.2 mg/l, 66.7 ± 22.0 mg/l and 91.6 ± 6.7 mg/l, respectively; high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in delayed converters as compared to sputum converters. Significantly higher baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were seen in patients with bilateral chest X-ray lesions, cavitations, evening rise of temperature, haemoptysis and dyspnoea as compared to those without these features. high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, being a non-specific inflammatory marker could be an adjunct tool for TB prognosis.
“Be Nice or Leave Me Alone”: An Intergroup Perspective on Affective Polarization in Online Political Discussions
Authors: Marchal Nahema
Published: September 2021

Affective polarization—growing animosity and hostility between political rivals—has become increasingly characteristic of Western politics. While this phenomenon is well-documented through surveys, few studies investigate whether and how it manifests in the digital context, and what mechanisms underpin it. Drawing on social identity and intergroup theories, this study employs computational methods to explore to what extent political discussions on Reddit’s r/politics are affectively polarized, and what communicative factors shape these affective biases. Results show that interactions between ideologically opposed users were significantly more negative than like-minded ones. These interactions were also more likely to be cut short than sustained if one user referred negatively to the other’s political in-group. Conversely, crosscutting interactions in which one of the users expressed positive sentiment toward the out-group were more likely to attract a positive than a negative response, thus mitigating intergroup affective bias. Implications for the study of online political communication dynamics are discussed.
Design of an adaptive controller to capture maximum power from a variable speed wind turbine system without any prior knowledge of system parameters
Authors: Movahhed Neya Najmeh , Saberi Sajad , Rezaie Behrooz
Published: September 2021

Even though some wind turbine manufacturers are no longer active, and are not willing to disclose their intellectual property, their turbines are still in operation. Since the exact values of wind turbine parameters like the aerodynamic model, drive-train model and generator parameters are not always accessible, the design of a controller which does not require prior knowledge of the system parameters can be very useful and effective. As a result, this paper proposes a disturbance observer-based controller to harvest the maximum power from a wind turbine system with fully unknown parameters. To reduce control efforts, a disturbance observer is designed to estimate unknown nonlinear terms caused by unknown model parameters in the presence of unknown control coefficient that uses only the tracking error to estimate nonlinear disturbance. Compared with previously published works, in this paper, both aerodynamic model and drive-train model parameters are assumed to be fully unknown. Closed-loop stability of the proposed controller is analyzed by the Lyapunov stability theorem. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed controller, it is compared with some existing controllers. Comparative simulation results show its effectiveness. Furthermore, although the proposed controller does not require system parameters and includes fewer tuning parameters, it shows the same tracking performance as the other three controllers. The numerical comparative results are listed in a table, which shows that Mean Square Error (MSE) of the proposed controller is 75% less than minimum MSE of the other three controllers of previous works, while its control effort is 1.7% higher than the minimum control effort of the other three.
Mass Preferences for the Free Movement of People in Africa: A Public Opinion Analysis of 36 Countries
Authors: Gordon Steven
Published: September 2021

The African Union (AU) has identified opening borders to cross-national mobility as a prime strategic goal, and AU leaders have heralded regional free movement as a vital tool for economic growth and skills development on the continent. Little, however, is known about the level (or determinants) of public support for opening borders in the AU. This article examines public preferences for free movement among 36 African countries. Using data from the sixth round of the Afrobarometer Survey (N = 53,935), the analysis presented here shows a remarkable degree of variation in mobility-related preferences both within and between nations, and explores whether a utilitarian model of attitude formation can explain mass preferences for open borders across African countries. Investigating both macro- and micro-level determinants of public attitudes toward border control, the article shows that the utilitarian model had greater explanatory power at the macro-level than at the micro-level. In addition, some support was found for identity-based predictors (e.g., nationalism versus cosmopolitanism) of support for free movement. These outcomes point toward a new way of understanding public attitudes toward regional integration in Africa. The article concludes by discussing future avenues of public opinion research toward mobility rights on the continent and beyond.
Successful surgical repair of traumatic aortic dissection utilizing the Najuta stent graft in a patient with pre-existing situs inversus and anomalous neck vessels
Authors: Eto Koki , Miyamoto Yosuke , Kioka Yukio , Kuriyama Mitsuhito
Published: September 2021

We report the case of a 39-year-old man who underwent surgical repair for traumatic Stanford type B acute aortic dissection. He was involved in a traffic accident, resulting in multiple rib fractures and a sternum fracture. On investigation, he was also found to have anatomical anomalies, namely, situs inversus and abnormality in the aortic arch and neck vessels. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed as it is a less invasive procedure, thus recommended in such cases. A fenestrated thoracic endovascular aortic repair using the Najuta stent graft was found to be effective in this case where the anomalous anatomy was pre-existing.
Rapid metastasis of stage IA primary pulmonary high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma with a cystic airspace: a case report and reflection
Authors: Chen Yi , Zhang Fangbiao , Chen Xiaomei , Yan Liping , Zhang Xiangyan , Zheng Chunhui
Published: September 2021

Primary pulmonary high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) with a cystic airspace is uncommon, and early metastasis is extremely rare. In such cases, however, it is clinically important for clinicians to consider whether the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes through the cystic airspace. A 77-year-old man presented to our hospital with cough and hemoptysis. Chest computed tomography showed a 25-mm-diameter mass with a cystic airspace located in the upper lobe of the left lung. The possibility of malignancy was considered. Without a definitive preoperative diagnosis, left upper lobectomy and mediastinal lymphadenectomy were performed. Histopathological examination revealed the typical histological characteristics of high-grade MEC (stage IA) and no lymph node metastasis. However, lymph node metastasis was found 6 months after surgical resection, and radiochemotherapy was performed. The patient developed widespread metastatic disease 4 months following completion of radiochemotherapy and died 2 months later. Primary pulmonary MEC with a cystic airspace is a rare malignant disease with uncommon imaging findings. Complete surgical resection is the main treatment method for high-grade MEC. In this case, we hypothesize that early metastasis was caused by seeding of tumor cells through the cystic airspace.
Tenure transitions at the edges of ownership: Reinforcing or challenging the status quo?
Authors: Ong ViforJ Rachel , Clark William A.V. , Smith Susan J. , A. Wood Gavin , Lisowski William , Truong N.T. Khuong , Cigdem Melek
Published: September 2021

This paper provides an empirical overview of housing tenure transitions in Australia, the UK and the USA during a period of unprecedented economic instability in 2001–2017. Focusing on the neglected theme of episodic homeownership, we profile those who straddle the tenure divide by moving into and out of renting from time to time. Using panel data we model this ‘churn’ in three jurisdictions, showing that even the dislocation of a global financial crisis does not eclipse the independent impact of life events during rental spells. We find that whatever individuals bring from prior ownership, shocks occurring during a rental spell – unemployment, loss of a partner, additional dependent children – can be sufficient to prevent return. Churning is also health- and age-selective, adding ‘drop-out’ among the old to ‘lock-out’ for the young as a policy concern. Even those who successfully regain owner-occupation increase their credit and investment risks without necessarily improving their housing position. Overall ‘churners’ are a diverse constituency whose life chances are powerfully shaped by episodic ownership: what they share is time spent in an unacknowledged, under-instituted space between tenures where there is latent demand for innovative financial services and untapped potential for radical policy shifts.
The “Escape” Behavior and Strategy of Married Lahu Women in Southwest China
Authors: Gao Yang
Published: September 2021

In the last several years, marriage and family patterns among the Kucong Lahu of Jinping County, Yunnan, have changed significantly due to rapid economic and social changes all over China. Based on ethnographic research in Lu Village, this article explores the current “escape” migration behavior of married Lahu women. They used migration as a strategy to escape patriarchal husbands, families, and local society. This paper describes a paradox between the autonomy of women's individual actions and the inability to escape the system even when on “escapes.” This sort of “escape” strategy cannot ultimately change the gender inequality and social status.
The x and society syndrome
Authors: Schmidt Volker H.
Published: September 2021

Half a century of behavioral, practice-oriented research in fields as diverse as politics, economy, law, and science has generated insights that improve our understanding of these fields’ workings considerably. Surveying the pertinent literature, however, also leads to a baffling finding: the social that this research sought to vindicate is not there. And this, the article shows, is no coincidence. Rather, it is a direct consequence of the middle range approach of theorizing this research both adopts and reflects; an artefact of a mode of analysis which makes the social into a derivative of an essential other: the topic under investigation. As a result, its meaning changes every time the analysis switches to a new field, to some other ‘x’. A proposal is made to fix this problem by drawing on general sociological theory, with whose help it can be easily avoided.
Evaluation of propane explosion with applied water mist
Authors: Li Ping-Jung , Chen Chao-Shi , Weng Cheng-Yu , Ho Hsin-Hsiu
Published: September 2021

This article discusses the overpressure of a gas explosion and the performance of applying water mist for explosion suppression. According to the experimental results, the larger the opening area, the more difficult it is for pressure to accumulate, resulting in lower overpressure of a gas explosion. When the opening was opened under a high air speed environment, the amount of entrained air was greater. Consequently, the occurrence time of the explosion was shorter than at a low air speed. Despite the water mist nozzle being installed outside the enclosure, a propane gas explosion still occurred regardless of the amount of water mist used, failing to suppress the explosion. However, the water mist nozzle installed inside the enclosure supplied an adequate amount of water mist that could wash a part of the propane, resulting in the fuel concentration dropping below the lower explosion limit, hindering the occurrence of an explosion.
Europeanisation, Devolution and Popular Sovereignty: On the Politics of State Transformation in Scottish Nationalism
Authors: Foley James
Published: September 2021

This research examines the interacting role of processes of state transformation – namely, devolution and Europeanisation – in the development of Scottish nationalism. It draws on the concept of ‘member statehood’, examining how relationships within nation states have been transformed by the European dynamic. Superficially, Scotland seems to contradict central aspects of this theory: the main citizen mobilising response to Brexit has been in Scotland and aimed precisely at restoring a notional Scottish popular sovereignty by re- joining the EU. However, an analysis of Scottish political development reveals a more complex picture putting state transformation theories in a more sympathetic light. Scottish independence emerges as a complex, contradictory response to post-neoliberalism and the crisis of member-statehood. While Europeanism has proved a useful tool for competing forces in Scotland, it has been refracted through problems of a ‘democratic deficit’ and claims for the ‘restoration’ of sovereignty appealing to disenchanted voters.
The Role of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy to Support Patients With Cancer: A Critical Scoping Review of the Research
Authors: Lehto Rebecca H. , Miller Megan , Sender Jessica
Published: September 2021

Treatments for addressing psychiatric mental health issues in vulnerable patients with cancer are established. Yet, many patients persist with unrelenting psychological difficulties despite intervention. There is growing interest in the role of psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for managing treatment-resistant mental health challenges in patients with cancer. Psilocybin is a naturally occurring compound derived from certain mushroom species that can induce entheogenic experiences or an altered state of consciousness. Reed's Self-Transcendence Theory provides a holistic lens to examine existential concerns and mental health in individuals who perceive their illness as potentially life threatening, such as those with cancer. This scoping literature review used Arksey and O’Malley's template to evaluate research examining psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for patients with cancer. Eight articles met inclusion/exclusion criteria (four quantitative, two mixed methods, and two qualitative). Review findings indicated that the majority of patient experiences were positive, centering on themes of death acceptance, reflection, and broadened spirituality. Although psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy is in early stages of clinical testing, it thus shows promise for carefully screened patients with cancer who have persistent existential suffering. It will be critical for investigators to tailor this emerging intervention to select patients and for clinicians to be engaged in assessment of outcomes and efficacy.
The Employment Trajectories of Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Showalter Kathryn , Yoon Susan , Logan TK
Published: September 2021

Intimate partner violence in the United States is significantly associated with employment instability. Using a latent growth curve model, the current study investigates the impact of intimate partner violence on mothers’ (N=4897) employment outcomes trajectories in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study which include four waves of data collection starting when a child was born and ending about eight years later. Outcomes included annual weeks worked and employment status (employed vs. unemployed). There was a significant effect of intimate partner violence on weeks worked and employment status at the second wave of data collection, indicating that mothers were most likely to experience employment instability when they had a three-year-old child. Results also showed that intimate partner violence survivors were still experiencing unemployment six years after abuse occurred. Workplaces and policymakers should protect mothers with young children experiencing intimate partner violence by extending time off from work and connection to community resources.
Thermal and solutal transport analysis in swirling flow of Maxwell fluid subject to Cattaneo–Christov theory
Authors: Khan Masood , Ahmed Awais , Maqbool Ayesha , Iqbal Zahoor , Malik Muhammad Yousaf , Alqahtani Ali S.
Published: September 2021

In this article, the thermal and solutal analysis are carried out in the swirling flow of Maxwell fluid over a stretchable rotating cylinder in the perspective of Cattaneo–Christov double diffusion theory instead of classical Fourier’s and Fick’s law for heat and mass transport phenomena. The constant rotation of the cylinder and axial-dependent stretching produced the flow under the influence of the magnetic field. The heat sink/source and chemical reaction in flow work as a controlling agent for energy transportation. The problem of thermal and solutal transport in flow under certain suppositions is modeled in the form of partial differential equations. Furthermore, the partial differential equations are converted to ordinary differential equations using flow similarities. To calculate the numerical computation of similar ordinary differential equations is performed through the bvp4c MATLAB technique. The flow phenomenon and energy distribution in flow are examined by using graphs. The key findings of this study reveal that increase in relaxation time parameters for heat and mass transport, both temperature and concentration profiles decline. Moreover, the energy transport increases for the higher heat source and chemical reaction parameters.
Application of soft computing methods in robotic grasping: A state-of-the-art survey
Authors: Mahanta Golak B , Deepak B B V L , Biswal Bibhuti B
Published: September 2021

Robotic grasping has become one of the most important domains of robotics research over the past few decades due to its wide range of applications in industrial automation. The model of grasping objects by robot hand depends on a good number of factors, such as type and size of the object, the morphology of object, type of hand, degree of freedom, etc. Thus, the model sometimes becomes mathematically intractable. With the progress in computational capability, soft computing methods have found a way to address the challenges faced by traditional methods while dealing with the robotic grasping problem. This article aims to summarize the outcome of a systematic study in the field of application of soft computing methods in robotic grasping and manipulation. The key processes of robotic grasping where soft computing methods are applied are identified, and research contributions of all processes are analyzed. This review presents a state-of-the-art survey and attempts to find the research gaps in the area of soft computing applications to address the robotic grasping problem.
Effect of process parameters on the diesel engine performance fuelled with Prosopis juliflora biodiesel response surface methodology approach
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Tyagi Avdhesh , Singh Yashvir , Singh Nishant K , Pandey Navneet K
Published: September 2021

The rapid consumption of crude oil and resulting pollution are very severe problems in modern energy sectors. To meet these global problems, biodiesels obtained from non-edible plants can play a very crucial role. Keeping this idea in mind the present study focuses on making some efforts for the best utilization of innovative blends of Prosopis juliflora biodiesel in the operation of diesel engines. Four engine input parameters viz. fuel injection pressure (16–24 MPa), P. Juliflora biodiesel blends (0–10%), shaft loads (20–100%) and injection timing (15–31°bTDC (before top dead centre)) are selected for optimization process. The experiments were executed in accordance with response surface methodology. The results of the experiments revealed that the optimum combination for engine input parameters were at fuel injection timing 30°bTDC, fuel injection pressure 22 MPa, 4% P. juliflora biodiesel blending at 59% of engine load to achieve best performance. The individual desirability of brake thermal efficiency, brake specific fuel consumption, exhaust gas temperature and peak cylinder pressure were found to be 0.888, 0.949, 0.624 and 0.749, respectively, and the composite desirability of engine responses was found to be 0.7923 which makes the results acceptable.
Effect of Demonetization on Advertising, Research & Development and Human Resource Intensities and its Impact on Firm’s Performance
Authors: Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar , Nemana Praveen
Published: September 2021

Investing in advertising, research and development (R&D) and human resource management and development (HRMD) enabled firms to achieve competitive advantage and improve profitability. Indian economy witnessed the event of ‘Demonetization’ in November 2016 that created short term cash shortage. The study aimed at understanding the relationship of advertising, R&D and HRMD intensities on firm performance (proxied with return on assets). The effects of demonetization on these variables were explored. Financial data of listed Indian firms, over the years 2014–2019 was collected from CMIE Prowess database for the analysis using fixed effects panel-data regression. Results indicated significant positive relationship between R&D and advertising intensity with firm’s performance pre-demonetization, while reduced effect post-demonetization. HRMD intensity had a negative relationship pre as well as post-demonetization on firm’s performance. The results provided insights for managers and decision-makers on the impact of cash resource allocation on R&D, HRMD and advertising expenditures in creating firm value.
Balancing “Critique for Improvement” With “Critique for Emancipation” in Management Learning and Education
Authors: Wallo Andreas , Martin Jason , Sparrhoff Gun , Kock Henrik
Published: September 2021

Promoting the capacity for critical reflection is a pivotal part of management learning and education. Based on the concept of developmental learning, the purpose of this paper is to explore and outline two types of critical reflection: critique for improvement and critique for emancipation. Critique for improvement is based on a performative intent and is aimed at using critical reflection to improve organizational practices. Critique for emancipation is based on a critical performative intent and focuses on emancipation from repressive ideological and social conditions that place unnecessary restrictions on the development of human consciousness. In this paper, it is argued that managers and leaders enrolled in management education need to be exposed to both critique for improvement and critique for emancipation. A heuristic conceptual framework is therefore proposed, along with strategies for how to balance the two types of critique in management learning and education and propositions to be explored in further research.
Nursing and Parkinson’s Disease: A Scoping Review of Worldwide Studies
Authors: Tosin Michelle Hyczy S. , Mecone Claudio Antonio C. , Oliveira Emanuelle Freitas M. , Tsui David S. , Tan Siok-Bee , Irene Sin , Oliveira Bianca C. , de Oliveira Beatriz Guitton R. B.
Published: September 2021

This scoping review aims to evaluate the characteristics of worldwide studies evolving the scope of nursing practice in Parkinson’s disease (PD). We conducted a three-step search strategy using 11 databases and reference lists. Of the 4,174 screened studies we included 324 (8%). Most were published during 1978 to 2020, with significant increasing in publications from 2002 onwards and a forecast to double in the next 10 years (total expected = 614, ±62.2, R2 = .998). We identified studies involving nine contexts of nursing practice in PD, in four continents and 31 countries, most of them of observational design (47.2%), funded (52.2%), authored by nurses (70.1%), and related to Nursing care/Guidelines (32.1%), Educational/Research content (16.4%), Symptom management/Medication adherence (14.5%), and Family caregiving (11.1%). The worldwide studies evolving the scope of nursing practice in PD is growing in several health context. These results can guide future research and evidence-based practice involving the role of nurses in PD.
Evaluation of Inhaled Alprostadil in Hospitalized Adult Patients
Authors: Seo Hangil , Lopez Chelsea N. , Succar Luma , Donahue Kevin R.
Published: September 2021

Background:

Intermittent inhaled alprostadil (iPGE1) may be a viable alternative to inhaled nitric oxide or epoprostenol for management of right ventricular failure, pulmonary hypertension (pHTN) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, limited evidence exists regarding iPGE1 use in adults, ideal dosing strategies, or optimal use cases.

Objective

To describe the clinical characteristics of patients receiving iPGE1 and identify specific sub-populations warranting further research.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective, descriptive analysis of inpatients who received at least one dose of iPGE1. The primary outcome was to describe patient characteristics and alprostadil dosing strategies. Secondary outcomes included changes in respiratory support requirements, hemodynamics, and inotropic/vasoactive use. Outcomes were stratified and compared based on primary therapeutic indication (cardiac or pulmonary).

Results

Fifty-four patients received iPGE1 40 (75%) for pulmonary (pHTN or ARDS) and 14 (25%) for cardiac indications. There was no difference between indications in the number of patients de-escalated from level of respiratory (53% vs 57%, P = 0.76), inotropic (70% vs 57%, P = 0.39), or vasopressor support (78% vs 57%, P = 0.17). Furthermore, there was no significant improvement in cardiopulmonary parameters at multiple time intervals after iPGE1 initiation.

Conclusion and Relevance

This is the largest study to date on the use of intermittent iPGE1 in adults. Alprostadil was safely utilized in novel populations; however, efficacy as evaluated by clinical or surrogate endpoints could not be demonstrated and further investigation is needed to determine its potential and optimal place in therapy.
Hybrid Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland: An Extremely Rare Three Cases with an Immunohistochemical Analysis and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Kusafuka Kimihide , Yamashita Masaru , Yamanaka Shoji , Hirata Kazuki , Kubota Aki , Muramatsu Aya , Arai Kazumori , Suzuki Makoto
Published: September 2021

Salivary hybrid carcinoma (HC) is defined as when two or more kinds of carcinoma exist at the same location in a single mass. We reestimated and examined three cases of salivary gland HC. Case 1 involved a 76-year-old male. Case 2 involved a 74-year-old female. Case 3 involved a 66-year-old male. Histologically, case 1 involved a combination of salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC). Immunohistochemically, the former was positive for gross cystic disease fluid protein (GCDFP)-15 and androgen receptor (AR). Case 2 involved a combination of SqCC and neuroendocrine carcinoma. Immunohistochemically the latter was positive for synaptophysin and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). Case 3 involved a combination of SDC and epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC). Immunohistochemically, the former was positive for GCDFP-15 and AR, whereas the inner cells of the latter were positive for cytokeratin 7, and the outer cells of the latter were positive for actin. Because of the transitional zone between SDC and EMC, it was speculated that high-grade SDC arose from low-grade EMC.
“We Roll our Sleeves up and get to Work!”: Portraits of Collective Action and Neighborhood Change in Atlanta's West End
Authors: Foell Andrew , Foster Kirk A.
Published: September 2021

Collective action is one strategy urban neighborhood residents use to address community issues. However, collective action dynamics in rapidly changing urban neighborhoods are not well understood. This study used photovoice to examine perspectives on collective action and neighborhood change among residents of an urban neighborhood experiencing redevelopment in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Residents indicated that place attachment motivated and reinforced participation in collective action efforts to address neighborhood issues and to reconstruct narratives that challenged place stigmatization. Findings suggest that residents have heterogeneous perspectives about neighborhood change and local development, and simultaneously balance desires for neighborhood improvement with concerns about displacement, gentrification, and equitable development.
Patient satisfaction towards health care services provided in Ethiopian health institutions: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Biresaw Henok , Mulugeta Henok , Endalamaw Aklilu , Yesuf Nurhusien Nuru , Alemu Yibeltal
Published: September 2021

The level of patient satisfaction is a direct or indirect measure of services delivered in healthcare institutions. Different primary studies in Ethiopia showed the proportion of satisfied patients toward health services. Patient satisfaction reflects a wide gap between the current experience and the expected services and pushes clients to go to farther located health care facilities and even to more expensive private health care facilities to find quality healthcare services. Inconsistent findings regarding the proportion of patients that are satisfied with the healthcare services in Ethiopia make generalizations difficult at the national level. We have accessed previous studies through an electronic web-based search strategy using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Embase, and CINAHL and a combination of search terms. The quality of each included article was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies. All statistical analyses were done using STATA version 14 software for windows, and meta-analysis was carried out using a random-effects method. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was followed for reporting results. Out of 188 records screened, 41 studies with 17 176 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included for proportion estimation. The pooled proportion of satisfied patients was 63.7%. Attending a health center (AOR = 2.68; 95% CI = 1.79, 2.85), being literate (AOR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.28-0.64), being younger than 34 years old (AOR = 2.07; 95% CI = 1.28, 2.85), and being divorced (AOR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.38, 0.88) were factors identified as being associated with patient satisfaction. The proportion of patient satisfaction in Ethiopia was high based on over 50% satisfaction scale. The Ministry of Health should give more emphasis to improve hospital health care services to further improve patient satisfaction.
Adverse loading effects on tribocorrosive degradation of 28 mm metal-on-metal hip replacement bearings
Authors: Beadling Andrew R , Bryant Michael G. , Dowson Duncan , Neville Anne
Published: September 2021

Following the high clinical failure rates of metal-on-metal total hip replacements much work has been undertaken to investigate their poor performance. So called adverse loading scenarios such as acetabular inclination and microseparation have been attributed to indicators for failure of the implants. The ISO hip simulation standards (ISO 14242:1) still rely on gravimetric and ex situ analysis, considering only the total wear during articulation. Live in situ sensing can provide valuable insight into the degradation mechanisms of metallic interfaces under such scenarios. Clinical 28 mm diameter metal-on-metal components were articulated in a full-ISO hip simulator. The bearings were subjected to increasing angles of acetabular inclination and retroversion over short-term periods of articulation. Corrosive degradation was monitored during sliding by means of an in situ three-electrode cell. Changing acetabular inclination from 30° to 50° resulted in greater cathodic shifts in OCP upon the initiation of sliding; from −50 mV to as much as −150 mV. Under anodic polarisation (0 mV vs. Ag/AgCl) the resultant currents at the initiation of sliding also increased significantly with inclination; from approximately 4–10 µA to over 120 µA. Increased retroversion of 20° also resulted in increased anodic currents of 55–60 µA. Changing the nature of articulation demonstrated increased corrosive material loss compared to a standard ISO 14242 profile. The sole use of gravimetric assessment to determine a wear rate for hip replacement bearings under simulation can therefore neglect important degradation mechanisms, such as tribocorrosive loss in devices with metal sliding interfaces.
Delayed amantadine toxicity causing apparent progression of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bradley Lloyd
Published: September 2021

Background:

Amantadine is sometimes used to treat fatigue in multiple sclerosis.

Objectives:

To report a patient with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) who developed late-onset side effects of amantadine which were initially felt to represent a progression of her SPMS.

Methods:

A single retrospective case report.

Results:

Symptoms of cognitive deterioration, ataxia and hallucinations resolved completely on cessation of the amantadine she had been prescribed several years beforehand.

Conclusion:

Clinicians involved in the management of the symptoms of SPMS should be aware of the potential for cumulative side effects of drugs used to treat symptoms and consider their potential role in precipitating neurological deterioration.
Proving non-fatal strangulation in family violence cases: A case study on the criminalisation of family violence
Authors: Douglas Heather , Fitzgerald Robin
Published: September 2021

Non-fatal strangulation is recognised as a common form of coercive control in violent relationships. Overwhelmingly it is perpetrated by men against women. It is dangerous both because of the immediate and serious injuries it can cause, and the risk of future violence associated with it. A discrete offence of non-fatal strangulation has been introduced in many countries. Queensland, Australia introduced a discrete non-fatal strangulation offence in 2016. While the offence is charged often, around half the non-fatal strangulation charges laid by police do not proceed. We spoke to prosecution and defence lawyers to better understand the evidential obstacles to successful prosecution. We found that the prosecution of the offence faces challenges common to family violence offences more broadly, despite it being a discrete physical act. Specifically, we found that the willingness of the victim to testify and the perception of the victim's credibility were key to successful prosecution.
Civic stage fright: Motivation and news satire engagement
Authors: Doona Joanna
Published: September 2021

This article explores news satire engagement and civic motivation, an area of concern in satire scholarship. Focused on what audiences ‘do’ with media, the ways in which young adults who regularly engage in news satire construct political efficacy is studied. Using a qualitative contextualising audience study, including in-depth interviews and focus groups with 31 young adults, a thematic analysis of transcript data identifies three discursive themes relating to civic anxieties; development and invitation, performance and knowledge, and conflict and ‘packaged deals’. These emphasise news satire as cultural form as well as shifting civic ideals and development processes: exposing how news satire’s ‘kynicism’ (non-nihilist criticism) connects to civic performance anxiety. The identified anxieties are understood as related to fears of exclusion, embarrassment and misrepresentation. The metaphor of civic stage fright is developed to further understand these, underscoring the role of emotion and social interaction in civic performance.
A comprehensive evaluation of water injection in the diesel engine
Authors: Welscher Sebastian , Moradi Mohammad Hossein , Vacca Antonino , Bloch Peter , Grill Michael , Wagner Uwe , Bargende Michael , Koch Thomas
Published: September 2021

Due to increasing climate awareness and the introduction of much stricter exhaust emission legislation the internal combustion engine technology faces major challenges. Although the development and state of technology of internal combustion engines generally reached a very high level over the last years those need to be improved even more. Combining water injection with a diesel engine, therefore, seems to be the next logical step in developing a highly efficient drive train for future mobility. To investigate these potentials, a comprehensive evaluation of water injection on the diesel engine was carried out. This study covers >560 individual operating points on the test bench. The tests were carried out on a single-cylinder derived from a Euro 6d four-cylinder passenger car with the port water injection. Furthermore, a detailed pressure trace analysis (PTA) was performed to evaluate various aspects regarding combustion, emission, etc. The results show no significant effects of water injection on the combustion process, but great potential for NOx reduction. It has been shown that with the use of water injection at water-to-fuel rates of 25%, 50%, and 100%, NOx reduction without deterioration of soot levels can be achieved in 62%, 40%, and 20% of the experiments, respectively. Furthermore, water injection in combination with EGR offers additional reduction in NOx emissions.
The impact of COVID-19 on early childhood reading practices
Authors: Wheeler Deborah L , Hill Jennifer C
Published: September 2021

COVID-19 has changed the daily lives of families, impacted on work, social interactions, and mental health. Since spring 2020, parents have been working from home and children have been home from daycare and school. Parents are experiencing stress in an attempt to satisfy the demands of work, family, and COVID-19 concerns. Due to the fact that children have been home from daycare and school, parents have the sole responsibility of caring for and teaching their children until schools are able to fully and effectively meet the needs of educating students in an adapted format. Research provides a wealth of information documenting the advantages of parents reading to their children. Children benefit from read-alouds with parental interaction, and these benefits include an increase in oral language skills, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and an increase in motivation to read. The purpose of this study is to answer two questions: (1) Since parents were home more often with their children, were parents spending more quality time reading to their two-to four-year-old children? This can be defined as reading developmentally appropriate books to their children with their undivided attention; and (2) Since parents were home more often with their two-to four-year-old children, were parents reading more to their young children? Parents of pre-kindergarten students were surveyed to determine the answers to these questions.
School lockdown? Comparative analyses of responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in European countries
Authors: Lindblad Sverker , Wärvik Gun-Britt , Berndtsson Inger , Jodal Elsi-Brith , Lindqvist Anders , Messina Dahlberg Giulia , Papadopoulos Dimitrios , Runesdotter Caroline , Samuelsson Katarina , Udd Jonas , Wyszynska Johansson Martina
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this article is to analyse how education and schooling took part in handling the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in eight European countries (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Poland and Sweden). The focus is on primary education and on decisions to close schools, or not. Our research was informed by assemblage theory in order to analyse how different components interacted in developing societal responses to mitigate the pandemic. The research was designed as a comparative case study of practical reasoning in diverse contexts. Data sources were the mass media and statements from governments and authorities. Our analyses showed that decisions to close schools, or not, were based on two alternative discourses on schooling. Closing primary schools was a preventive measure underlined by discourses of schools as places for infection. Keeping primary schools open was underlined by a discourse in which schools were conceived of as a place for social supportive measures and caring. Furthermore, the closing alternative was often combined with attempts to replace school practices by distance learning or computerized instruction. Legal constitutions and lawmaking were of significant importance in selecting discourses and the relative impact of different components, mostly political or medical, in responding to the pandemic.
How Is Scaphoid Malunion Defined: A Systematic Review
Authors: Xiao Michelle , Welch Jessica M. , Cohen Samuel A. , Kamal Robin N. , Shapiro Lauren M.
Published: September 2021

Background:

Abnormal scaphoid alignment after fracture is used as an indication for fixation. Acceptable alignment after reduction and fixation of scaphoid fractures is not well defined. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify how scaphoid malunion is currently defined and by what parameters.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Multiple databases were searched for studies published in the English language that reported on outcomes after scaphoid malunion and included measurements to define malunions. Radiographic scaphoid measurement parameters were collected. Clinical outcome measures recorded included grip strength, wrist range of motion, and patient-reported outcome measures. Study quality was analyzed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. Descriptive summaries of the studies are presented.

Results:

The initial search yielded 1600 articles. Ten articles (161 participants, 93% males, mean age = 28.3 + 6.3 years, mean MINORS score = 10.2 + 1.6) were included and analyzed. Scaphoid malunion was defined if the lateral intrascaphoid angle (LISA) was >45° (3 articles), LISA >35° (1 article), and height to length ratio >0.6 (3 articles). Four out of 5 studies found no significant associations between patient outcomes and degree of scaphoid malunion measured on imaging.

Conclusions:

There is a lack of consensus for defining scaphoid malunion on imaging and absence of correlation between findings on imaging and patient outcomes. Future studies defining scaphoid malunion should be appropriately powered, incorporate measures of intrarater and interrater reliabilities for all reported imaging measurements, and utilize validated patient-reported outcome measures to reflect that malunion is associated with inferior outcomes meaningful to patients.
Methods for Insulin Bolus Adjustment Based on the Continuous Glucose Monitoring Trend Arrows in Type 1 Diabetes: Performance and Safety Assessment in an In Silico Clinical Trial
Authors: Noaro Giulia , Cappon Giacomo , Sparacino Giovanni , Boscari Federico , Bruttomesso Daniela , Facchinetti Andrea
Published: September 2021

Background:

Providing real-time magnitude and direction of glucose rate-of-change (ROC) via trend arrows represents one of the major strengths of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors in managing type 1 diabetes (T1D). Several literature methods were proposed to adjust the standard formula (SF) used for insulin bolus calculation by accounting for glucose ROC, but each of them provides different suggestions, making it difficult to understand which should be applied in practice. This work aims at performing an extensive in-silico assessment of their performance and safety.

Methods:

The methods of Buckingham (BU), Scheiner (SC), Pettus/Edelman (PE), Klonoff/Kerr (KL), Aleppo/Laffel (AL), Ziegler (ZI), and Bruttomesso (BR) were evaluated using the UVa/Padova T1D simulator, in single-meal scenarios, where ROC and glucose at mealtime varied between [-2,+2] mg/dL/min and [80,200] mg/dL, respectively. Efficacy of postprandial glucose control was quantitatively assessed by time in, above and below range (TIR, TAR, and TBR, respectively).

Results:

For negative ROCs, all methods proved to increase TIR and decrease TAR and TBR vs SF, with KL, PE, and BR being the most effective. For positive ROCs, a general worsening of the performances is present, only BR improved the glycemic control when mealtime glucose was close to hypoglycemia, while SC resulted the safest in the other conditions.

Conclusions:

Insulin bolus adjustment methods are effective for negative ROCs, but they generally appear to overdose for positive ROCs, calling for safer strategies in such a scenario. These results can be useful in outlining guidelines to identify which adjustment to apply based on the mealtime condition.
Synthesis of Ester-Linked Paclitaxel-Glycoside Conjugate as a Water-Soluble Paclitaxel Derivative—Maltoside Modification of Paclitaxel through Ester-Linker (Ester-Spacer)
Authors: Hamada Hiroki , Hamada Hatsuyuki , Shimoda Kei , Mandai Tadakatsu , Ishihara Kohji , Kiriake Yuya , Kuboki Atsuhito
Published: September 2021

To synthesize a water-soluble paclitaxel derivative, the anomers of diols of allyl 2,3,4-tri- O-benzyl-6- O-tritylglycoside (maltoside) were prepared, which can be separated by chromatographic procedure. One anomer was converted into α-glycosyloxyacetic acid (maltosyloxyacetic acid) by oxidative cleavage of the diol and subsequent oxidation. Ester-linked paclitaxel-glycoside conjugate, 7-glycolylpaclitaxel 2″- O-α-maltoside, was provided by condensation of 2′-TES paclitaxel with α-glycosyloxyacetic acid (maltosyloxyacetic acid) followed by deprotection of hydroxy groups.