bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-technical skills for urological surgeons (NoTSUS): development and evaluation of curriculum and assessment scale
Authors: Aydın Abdullatif , Griffin Cora M. , Brunckhorst Oliver , Al-Jabir Ahmed , Raison Nicholas , Aya Haleema , McIlhenny Craig , Brewin James , Shabbir Majid , Palou Redorta Joan , Khan Muhammad Shamim , Dasgupta Prokar , Ahmed Kamran
Published: August 2020

Objective

In the last decade non-technical skills (NTS) have emerged as a vital area for improvement within surgery. This study aims to develop and evaluate a Non-technical Skills for Urological Surgeons (NoTSUS) training curriculum and assessment scale.

Methods

This international, longitudinal and observational study began with a 3-round Delphi methodology to refine curriculum contents and rating scale. Sessions with up to four participants were delivered where each candidate undertook an independent scenario within the validated full immersion simulation environment. Candidates were assessed using both the NoTSS (Non-technical Skills for Surgeons) and NoTSUS rating scales by NTS-trained and non-trained experts. A post-training evaluation survey was distributed.

Results

62 participants comprising trainees (n = 43) and specialists (n = 19) undertook the NoTSUS course. The NoTSS and NoTSUS scales correlated well, with a mean difference of 3.3 in the overall total (p = 0.10, r = 0.53). However, there was significant differences in scores between the NoTSS-trained and non-trained raters (n = 28, p = 0.03). A one-way ANOVA test revealed significant improvement throughout the four simulation scenarios in each session (p = 0.02). The NoTSUS curriculum received positive feedback from participants and demonstrated educational value and acceptability.

Conclusions

The NoTSUS curriculum has demonstrated high educational value for NTS training aimed at urologists, with marked improvement throughout sessions. Correlation of NoTSUS and NoTSS scales proves its suitability for evaluating NTS in future training. Demonstration of inter-rater reliability indicates that the scale is reliable for use in assessment by expert faculty members. Furthermore, qualitative feedback from participants suggests gain of transferrable skills over the course.
Combining the best interest standard with shared decision-making in paediatrics—introducing the shared optimum approach based on a qualitative study
Authors: Streuli Jürg Caspar , Anderson James , Alef-Defoe Sierra , Bergsträsser Eva , Jucker Jovana , Meyer Stephanie , Chaksad-Weiland Sophia , Vayena Effy
Published: August 2020

Paediatric decision-making is the art of respecting the interests of child and family with due regard for evidence, values and beliefs, reconciled using two important but potentially conflicting concepts: best interest standard (BIS) and shared decision-making (SD-M). We combine qualitative research, our own data and the normative framework of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Children (UNCRC) to revisit current theoretical debate on the interrelationship of BIS and SD-M. Three cohorts of child, parent and health care professional interviewees (Ntotal = 47) from Switzerland and the United States considered SD-M an essential part of the BIS. Their responses combined with the UNCRC text to generate a coherent framework which we term the shared optimum approach (SOA) combining BIS and SD-M. The SOA separates different tasks (limiting harm, showing respect, defining choices and implementing plans) into distinct dimensions and steps, based on the principles of participation, provision and protection. The results of our empirical study call into question reductive approaches to the BIS, as well as other stand-alone decision-making concepts such as the harm principle or zone of parental discretion.

Conclusion: Our empirical study shows that the BIS includes a well-founded harm threshold combined with contextual information based on SD-M. We propose reconciling BIS and SD-M within the SOA as we believe this will improve paediatric decision-making.What is Known:• Parents have wide discretion in deciding for their child in everyday life, while far-reaching treatment decisions should align with the child’s best interest.• Shared decision-making harbours potential conflict between parental authority and a child’s best interest.What is New:• The best interest standard should not be used narrowly as a way of saying “Yes” or “No” to a specific action, but rather in a coherent framework and process which we term the shared optimum approach.• By supporting this child-centred and family-oriented process, shared decision-making becomes crucial in implementing the best interest standard.
Weather suitability for outdoor tourism in three European regions in first decades of the twenty-first century
Authors: Anna Błażejczyk , Milica Pecelj , Oleh Skrynyk , Błażejczyk Krzysztof , Olesya Skrynyk
Published: August 2020

Outdoor tourism and recreational activities strongly depend on actual meteorological conditions. Traditionally, in three studied regions, the peak of tourists’ streams concentrates in summer months. In the present study, we assess suitability of weather conditions for various forms of outdoor tourism in different regions of Serbia, Poland and Ukraine. Additionally, how the location of the station differentiates temporal patterns of weather suitability will be discussed. To analyse the suitability of weather conditions for various forms of outdoor recreation, we have chosen 23 meteorological stations of the national weather networks which represent different tourism areas and destinations. For each weather station, daily data for the period 2000–2017 of air temperature, relative humidity, total cloud cover and wind speed (at 10 m above ground) for 12 UTC as well as the daily maximum and minimum temperature, precipitation totals and snow cover depth were applied. Suitability of climate for outdoor recreation and tourism is assessed by the Weather Suitability Index (WSI) based on Błażejczyk’s bio-thermal weather classification. The results of research show that passive forms of recreation (sun and air bathing) are preferred mostly in months from May till August or September. For the active forms of recreation, weather in summer months is very oppressive, especially in the resorts located in the south (Serbia, southern Ukraine). Active forms of recreation are preferred there in autumn, winter and spring months.
Emergency endovascular treatment of cavernous internal carotid artery acute bleeding with flow diverter stent: a single-center experience
Authors: Giorgianni Andrea , Agosti Edoardo , Terrana Alberto , Pozzi Fabio , Sileo Giorgio , Nativo Luca , Balbi Sergio , Motta Alessandro , Castelnuovo Paolo , Locatelli Davide , Turri-Zanoni Mario
Published: August 2020

Background and objective

To describe our single-center experience in the treatment of cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) acute bleeding with flow diverter stent (FDS), as a single endovascular procedure or combined with an endoscopic endonasal approach.

Methods

We analyze a case series of 5 patients with cavernous ICA acute bleeding, i.e., 3 iatrogenic, 1 post-traumatic, and 1 erosive neoplastic. After an immediate nasal packing to temporarily bleeding control, patients underwent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) to identify the site of the ICA injury. A concomitant balloon occlusion test (BOT) was performed, to exclude post-occlusive ischemic neurological damage. An FDS was placed with parallel intravenous infusion of abciximab in 3 cases and tirofiban in 2 cases. In two patients, an innovative “sandwich technique” combining the endovascular reconstruction with an extracranial intrasphenoidal cavernous ICA resurfacing with autologous flaps or grafts by endoscopic endonasal approach was performed.

Results

No patient had periprocedural ischemic-hemorrhagic complications. All patients had a regular clinical evolution, without general complications or new onset of focal neurological deficits. No further bleeding occurred in 3 patients, while 2 cases experienced a mild rebleeding in a period ranging from 5 to 15 days after the endovascular procedure. In these two cases, we proceeded with an endoscopic endonasal procedure to resurface the exposed ICA wall in the sphenoid sinus.

Conclusions

Although the treatment of choice for cavernous ICA acute bleeding remains the occlusion of the injured vessel, in cases of poor hemodynamic compensation at the BTO, the endovascular FDS emergency placement can be effective. A combined endoscopic endonasal technique to support the extracranial side of the vessel using autologous flaps or grafts can be performed to prevent the risk of rebleeding.
Machine learning in neurosurgery: a global survey
Authors: Staartjes Victor E. , Stumpo Vittorio , Kernbach Julius M. , Klukowska Anita M. , Gadjradj Pravesh S. , Schröder Marc L. , Veeravagu Anand , Stienen Martin N. , van Niftrik Christiaan H. B. , Serra Carlo , Regli Luca
Published: August 2020

Background

Recent technological advances have led to the development and implementation of machine learning (ML) in various disciplines, including neurosurgery. Our goal was to conduct a comprehensive survey of neurosurgeons to assess the acceptance of and attitudes toward ML in neurosurgical practice and to identify factors associated with its use.

Methods

The online survey consisted of nine or ten mandatory questions and was distributed in February and March 2019 through the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) and the Congress of Neurosurgeons (CNS).

Results

Out of 7280 neurosurgeons who received the survey, we received 362 responses, with a response rate of 5%, mainly in Europe and North America. In total, 103 neurosurgeons (28.5%) reported using ML in their clinical practice, and 31.1% in research. Adoption rates of ML were relatively evenly distributed, with 25.6% for North America, 30.9% for Europe, 33.3% for Latin America and the Middle East, 44.4% for Asia and Pacific and 100% for Africa with only two responses. No predictors of clinical ML use were identified, although academic settings and subspecialties neuro-oncology, functional, trauma and epilepsy predicted use of ML in research. The most common applications were for predicting outcomes and complications, as well as interpretation of imaging.

Conclusions

This report provides a global overview of the neurosurgical applications of ML. A relevant proportion of the surveyed neurosurgeons reported clinical experience with ML algorithms. Future studies should aim to clarify the role and potential benefits of ML in neurosurgery and to reconcile these potential advantages with bioethical considerations.
Contrasting multi-taxa functional diversity patterns along vegetation structure gradients of woody pastures
Authors: Jakobsson Simon , Wood Heather , Ekroos Johan , Lindborg Regina
Published: August 2020

Woody pastures represent keystone habitats for biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, contributing to increased resource availability, landscape heterogeneity and structural variability. High taxonomic diversity is closely linked to vegetation structure in woody pastures, but examining functional characteristics of species assemblages can shed more light on the ecological mechanisms driving divergent responses to habitat characteristics and help guide good management practices. To this end, we use a multi-taxa approach to investigate how plant, bat and bird taxonomic and functional diversity are affected by pasture tree and shrub density, structural complexity and proximate forest cover in southern Sweden. In particular, we use a trait exclusion approach to estimate the sensitivity of diversity-environment relationships to specific traits. We found little congruence between corresponding diversity metrics across taxa. Bird species richness responded stronger to environmental variables than functional diversity metrics, whereas the functional response to the environment was stronger than the taxonomic response among plants and bats. While increasing tree densities increased the taxonomic diversity of all three taxa, a simultaneous functional response was only evident for plants. Contrasting measures of vegetation structure affected different aspects of functional diversity across taxa, driven by different traits. For plants and birds, traits linked to resource use contributed particularly to the functional response, whereas body mass had stronger influence on bat functional diversity metrics. Multi-taxa functional approaches are essential to understand the effects of woody pasture structural attributes on biodiversity, and ultimately inform management guidelines to preserve the biological values in woody pastures.
Factors affecting the number of sentinel lymph nodes removed in patients having surgery for breast cancer
Authors: Dixon J. Michael , Grewar Julia , Twelves Dominique , Graham Ashley , Martinez-Perez Carlos , Turnbull Arran
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The goal of sentinel lymph node biopsy is to establish the presence or absence of cancer cells in regional axillary nodes. The number of sentinel nodes harvested from each patient varies. The aim of this study was to determine what factors influence the number of sentinel nodes excised at sentinel node biopsy.

Methods

Data from 426 patients with breast cancer who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy at the Edinburgh Breast Unit by 10 different experienced breast surgeons were included in this analysis. Univariate and multivariable statistical analysis was performed.

Results

In the multivariate analysis the number of sentinel nodes biopsied varied significantly between operating surgeon (p < 0.0001) and was also statistically associated with the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p < 0.0001) and with the number of involved lymph nodes (p < 0.0001). More nodes were removed in patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and had metastases in sentinel lymph nodes.

Conclusions

This study shows that the surgeon plays a pivotal and significant role in determining the numbers of sentinel nodes removed by sentinel lymph node biopsy. Surgeons should monitor their own data on the average numbers of sentinel nodes they remove. Some surgeons may not be removing sufficient numbers of sentinel nodes to maintain a low false negative rate for this procedure.
Using patient perspectives to inform communication training materials for health care professionals discussing BRCA mutation testing
Authors: Shilling Valerie , Catt Susan , Jenkins Valerie , Fallowfield Lesley
Published: August 2020

Purpose

As demand for genetic testing grows and a wide range of health care professionals (HCPs) are potentially involved in discussions about testing and delivering results, we developed an educational package to help HCPs with these conversations.

Methods

To inform the content of training materials, we conducted interviews with 11 women four of whom had BRCA1 and seven with BRCA2 mutations. Five women had or were currently receiving breast cancer treatment. Ages ranged from 38 to 77 years. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the Framework approach to thematic analysis.

Results

We identified 18 themes and 12 subthemes across the interviews, encompassed by six overarching themes: risk, decision-making, information and understanding, communication and improvement, accessing the system: process and frustration, emotional and social drivers.

Conclusions

The findings informed the didactic components of an educational communication workshop and a summary document for attendees. Qualitative interviews provide an important way of incorporating the patient perspective into communication training materials for HCPs by highlighting key issues that matter most to the patient.
Integrating CSR with Business Strategy: A Tension Management Perspective
Authors: Siltaloppi Jaakko , Rajala Risto , Hietala Henri
Published: August 2020

Integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) into a for-profit organization’s business activities is fraught with tensions. This paper reports a case study of a construction company, exploring how different tensions emerged to challenge company-level aspirations for strategic CSR integration. The study identifies three types of persistent CSR tensions and four management practices, discussing how the management practices led the organization to navigate CSR tensions in both active and defensive ways. Furthermore, the study explicates why the case company succeeded in integrating CSR into formal business strategy and shared attitudes but struggled with CSR integration in the domain of day-to-day operations. The paper contributes to the CSR literature by developing a tension-centric perspective on CSR development. It highlights the necessity of tension navigation at both the organizational and the action levels, the key role of active (as opposed to defensive) navigation of CSR tensions, and the importance of alignment between organizational and action levels in navigating tensions for sustaining strategic focus on CSR over time.
Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the right atrium invaded the superior vena cava: case report and review of literature
Authors: Huang Wenpeng , Li Liming , Gao Jianbo , Gao Jian-Bo
Published: August 2020

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare hemangioma that can occur anywhere in the body. It occurs most commonly in the liver and lungs, rarely from the heart, and the etiology or risk factors are unclear. So far, timely detection and radical resection is a more acceptable treatment. Reviewing the literature, few cases of cardiac EHE have been reported. We present a rare case of EHE of the right atrium invaded the superior vena cava.
Reaching for different ends through tenure track—institutional logics in university career systems
Authors: Pietilä Maria , Pinheiro Romulo
Published: August 2020

In this study, we used the institutional logics perspective to identify the logics underpinning the tenure track career system, how the logics manifest themselves in recruitment and performance management and how academic leaders and academics negotiate between the logics. The study contributes to research on governance dynamics in academia and to universities’ organisational transformation in the context of strategic actorhood. The data comprised interviews with academic leaders (vice-rectors, deans, department heads) and academics in tenure track positions at two Finnish universities. Empirically, the study explores two key areas of human resource management: recruitment and performance management. The findings show that in the area of recruitment, the leaders at the highest hierarchical levels emphasised organisational visions and priorities. On the other hand, academic leaders constantly negotiated on the weight given to the managerial and the professional logics. The managerial logic also stands out in the area of performance management, but in daily life, it is mediated by the professional and the market logics. Theoretically, the findings underscore the complex interplay between different, yet coexisting institutional logics, as well as the agentic role of academic leaders and academics in addressing the tensions that unfold.
Quantitative measurement of nanoparticle release from rubber composites during fabrication and testing
Authors: Waquier Louis , Myles B. Steven , Henrard Louis , Vautard Frederic , Pappas Christopher M. , Feneon Bruno , Delaitre Caroline , Mehlem Jeremy J. , Khripin Constantine Y.
Published: August 2020

Carbon black has been a key ingredient in high-performance composites, such as tire rubber, for over a hundred years. This reinforcing filler increases rubber rigidity and reduces tire wear, among many other useful effects. New nanomaterials, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, may bring new performance improvements. However, their usefulness cannot be evaluated unless worker safety is assured by demonstrating that the nanoparticles are not released at harmful concentrations during manufacture and testing. Here, we present a flexible, general method for the quantitative evaluation of nanoparticle release from rubber nanocomposites. We evaluate manufacturing steps such as powder handling, uncured rubber milling, and curing. We also evaluate particle emission during cured rubber abrasion as an aggressive example of the testing rubber goods are subjected to. We quantify released nanoparticle concentrations for clay nanoparticles, graphene-like materials, and carbon nanotubes. We also describe a mechanistic framework based on the balance of adhesive and kinetic energies, which helps understand when nanoparticles are or are not released. This method contributes to the assessment of workers’ exposure to nanoparticles during the various stages of the industrial process, which is an essential step in managing the risk associated with the use of nanomaterials in manufacturing.
Introducing service robotics in inpatient geriatric care—a qualitative systematic review from a human resources perspective
Authors: Haubold Anne-Katrin , Obst Lisa , Bielefeldt Franziska
Published: August 2020

This article in the journal Gruppe. Interaktion. Organisation. (GIO) presents a qualitative systematic review of nursing home staff perspectives on the usage of robotic devices in geriatric nursing. Robotic devices have been introduced to the field of inpatient geriatric care only recently. Although the elderly are seen as the primary users of many robotic devices in geriatric care, staff members are the driving force in the implementation and application of these devices. Hence, the Human Resources department has an important role to play in the introduction of service robotics in inpatient geriatric care. In the context of the present study, 22 empirical studies could be identified which were analysed based on the HR framework of Beer et al. (1984). Results hint at differences in staff perception of social robots and robots that support physical activities. Based on the discussion of the findings, five practical recommendations for the introduction of service robotics in inpatient geriatric care are made.
Equilibrium of Copper Matte and Silica-Saturated Iron Silicate Slags at 1300 °C and $$ P_{{{\text{SO}}_{ 2} }} $$ of 0.5 atm
Authors: Chen Min , Avarmaa Katri , Klemettinen Lassi , Shi Junjie , Taskinen Pekka , Lindberg Daniel , Jokilaakso Ari
Published: August 2020

Experimental study on the phase equilibria between copper matte with silica-saturated iron silicate slags was conducted at 1300 °C and

$$ P_{{{\text{SO}}_{ 2} }} $$

P

SO
2

= 0.5 atm. The high-temperature isothermal equilibration in silica crucibles under controlled flowing CO-CO2-SO2-Ar was followed by quenching in an ice–water mixture and direct phase composition analyses by an electron probe X-ray microanalyzer. The equilibrium compositions for matte and slag, as well as the distribution coefficients, were displayed as a function of matte grade. The data set obtained at

$$ P_{{{\text{SO}}_{ 2} }} $$

P

SO
2

= 0.5 atm and the previous study at

$$ P_{{{\text{SO}}_{ 2} }} $$

P

SO
2

= 0.1 atm by the authors enabled an investigation on the impacts of

$$ P_{{{\text{SO}}_{ 2} }} $$

P

SO
2

as well as Al2O3 and CaO additions on phase equilibria in the multiphase copper matte smelting system. Thermodynamic calculations using MTDATA software were performed to compare the experimental results with modeling. The present results enrich the fundamental thermodynamic information for the matte/slag/tridymite/gas equilibria in the primary copper smelting process at high

$$ P_{{{\text{SO}}_{ 2} }} $$

P

SO
2

.
Cleaning Up or Throwing out the Psychological Insight with the Bath Water
Authors: Joranger Line
Published: August 2020

In their articlePsychology: a Giant with Feet of Clay, Zagaria, Andò and Zennaro aim to clean up the confusing and inconsistent conceptual landscape in current psychology. They find that evolutionary psychology with its dialectical focus on nature and nurture could be the unifying meta-theory that contemporary psychology is depending on in order to compete with harder sciences, such as biology and physiology. The aim of developing a unified conceptual consensus in psychology is flattering. However, the view depends on a worldview that one can reach a psychological science with objective properties through universal concepts that are non-effected by cognitive factors. My point of view is that psychological concepts carry a great deal of implicit theoretical baggage because they come with rich connotations, acquired through everyday usage. My view has got a methodological point that leads to considerations concerning the question: how psychologists are to study concepts in order to understand them? To grasp the meaning of a given concept in its context means to understand not only its literal meaning but also how it can be applied to the world and what is done by it. All these dimensions of the meaning of a concept are deeply rooted in the respective diachronic and synchronic contexts, and that is why a psychologist should be radically prepared to change her or his expectations considering the meaning of any concept under study.
A theory-based educational intervention impact on reduction of divorce intention in Iran
Authors: Afshani Seyed Alireza , Ardian Nahid , Sorbi Mohammad Hossein , Mazloomy-Mahmoodabad Seyed Saeed , Morowati-Sharifabad Mohammad Ali , Goodarzi-Khoigani Masoomeh
Published: August 2020

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) with pretest-posttest design addressed the effect of a theory of planned behavior (TPB) based educational intervention on divorce petition withdrawal. The study population consisted of 140 couples applying for divorce in a judiciary counseling center in Yazd, Iran. Participants were assigned to two groups with 70 individuals in each. The intervention included four educational sessions in which TPB based contents were presented. The data were analyzed by using chi-squared test and covariance analysis. There was no significant difference in demographic characteristics between the two groups. The mean behavioral intention scores after the intervention decreased among the intervention group whereas no significant changes were detected among the control group. Posttest differences were significant.19.3% of the covariance in posttest scores was explained by the educational intervention (p < 0.01). Subjective norms and attitude toward divorce decreased only among the intervention group whereas perceived behavioral control scores did not change among both groups. However, no significant difference at the posttest was observed in mean attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control scores between the two groups. Education can affect the intention of couples toward divorce petition. More appropriate educational protocols can be developed for couples in counseling centers by planning for and making necessary coordination with the judiciary; TPB can provide more opportunities for divorce applicants to help them make more informed decisions.
Do You Know People Who Feign? Proxy Respondents About Feigned Symptoms
Authors: Dandachi-FitzGerald Brechje , Merckelbach Harald , Bošković Irena , Jelicic Marko
Published: August 2020

We asked students, clinicians, and people from the general population attending a public university lecture (n = 401) whether they knew others who (had) feigned symptoms. We also asked about the type of symptoms and the motives involved. A slight majority of proxy respondents (59%) reported that they knew a person who (had) feigned symptoms, and 34% knew a person who had admitted to them having feigned symptoms. According to our respondents, the most often feigned symptoms were headache/migraine, common cold/fever, and stomachache/nausea, and the most important reasons for doing so were sick leave from work, excusing a failure, and seeking attention from others. We conclude that feigning is part of the normal behavioral repertoire of people and has little to do with deviant personality traits and/or criminal motives. Also, the current emphasis in the neuropsychological literature on malingering, i.e., feigning motivated by external incentives, might be one-sided given that psychological motives, notably seeking attention from others and excuse making, seem to be important determinants of everyday feigning.
Effects of nanocomposite polymer flooding on Egyptian crude oil recovery
Authors: Helmi M. E. , Abu El Ela M. , Desouky S. M. , Sayyouh M. H.
Published: August 2020

In this work, a laboratory study of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) was carried out using Egyptian crude oil of 37°API extracted from a reservoir in the Western Desert to identify the optimum conditions for the application of locally prepared nanocomposite polymer flooding under harsh reservoir condition. In contrary to the other studies, we tested the ability of nanocomposite polymer where nanoparticles are involved in the polymer matrix during polymerization process. Measurements of viscosity and shear rate of several solutions were taken. Displacement runs were conducted at different conditions of nanocomposite polymer salinities (10,000, 20,000, 30,000, 40,000, 50,000, 60,000 and 65,000 ppm), concentrations (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 4 g/L) and slug sizes (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8 PV). A linear sandpack (length of 62.5 cm and diameter of 2″) was prepared and wrapped with thermal jacket to simulate several reservoir temperatures. It was filled by selected sand size to produce linear sandpack model with reasonable porosity (22%) and permeability (129–157 mD) values. The model was used to perform several displacements runs for waterflooding and nanocomposite polymer flooding. The results of the flood runs are analyzed using the water–oil relative permeability curves. The measurements of the solutions properties showed that the critical concentration of the used nanocomposite polymer in the solution is 2 g/L. Also, it was observed that the used nanocomposite polymer solution could withstand a salinity of 60,000 ppm. As a result of the flooding, it was found that the optimum economical slug size of the used nanocomposite polymer is 0.4 PV at reservoir temperature of 40 °C. The results indicated also that the used nanocomposite polymer could withstand a reservoir temperature of 90 °C. The water–oil relative permeability curves showed an enhancement of oil relative permeability and a decrease in the water relative permeability using nanocomposite polymer over waterflooding. The cost of the used nanocomposite polymer with a concentration of 2 g/L and slug size of 0.4 PV is 0.626 $ for each barrel of the incremental oil recovery. Based on the results of this work, it is clear that involving nanoparticles such as silica in the polymer matrix composition improves its properties, thermal and salinity resistivity. Such study is an original contribution to carry out successful nanocomposite polymer EOR projects.
Integrated petrophysical study to validate water saturation from well logs in Bahariya Shaley Sand Reservoirs, case study from Abu Gharadig Basin, Egypt
Authors: El-Bagoury Mohamed
Published: August 2020

Water saturation is a key parameter in evaluating oil and gas reservoirs and calculating OIIP and GIIP for petroleum fields. The late Cretaceous Bahariya reservoir contains variable amounts of clay minerals. Bore hole logs are affected with those clay minerals particularly the density and resistivity logs. Several methods are acknowledged to determine the true water saturation from well logs in shaley sand reservoirs. Each method assumes a sort of corrections to amount of shale distributed in the reservoir. The scope of this petrophysical study is to integrate core analysis and bore hole logs to investigate the characteristics of water saturation in the Bahariya reservoirs. Comparison between most of the significant shaley sand methods is presented in this research. Reservoir lithology and mineralogy are explained by Elan-model while bore hole images are used for fine-tuning the electrofacies. Siltstone, shaley sand and clean sandstones are the main electrofacies that is characterizing the Bahariya reservoir rocks. For accurate saturation results, some core samples have been used for validating the log-derived water saturation. Dean stark and cation exchange capacity experiments are integrated with bore hole logs to calculate the error in water saturation for each method for best calibration. The successful integration between logs and core measurements led to convenient log evaluation and accurate understanding for the Bahariya reservoir in the prospective part of Abu Gharadig basin.
Macrophage-secreted MMP9 induces mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer cells via PAR1 activation
Authors: Tekin Cansu , Aberson Hella L , Waasdorp Cynthia , Hooijer Gerrit K J , de Boer Onno J , Dijk Frederike , Bijlsma Maarten F , Spek C Arnold
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Targeting tumor-infiltrating macrophages limits progression and improves chemotherapeutic responses in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Protease-activated receptor (PAR)1 drives monocyte/macrophage recruitment, and stromal ablation of PAR1 limits cancer growth and enhances gemcitabine sensitivity in experimental PDAC. However, the functional interplay between PAR1, macrophages and tumor cells remains unexplored. Here we address the PAR1-macrophage-tumor cell crosstalk and assess its contributions to tumor progression.

Methods

PAR1 expression and macrophage infiltration were correlated in primary PDAC biopsies using gene expression datasets and tissue microarrays. Medium transfer experiments were used to evaluate the functional consequences of macrophage-tumor cell crosstalk and to assess the contribution of PAR1 to the observed responses. PAR1 cleavage assays were used to identify a macrophage-secreted PAR1 agonist, and the effects of candidate proteases were assessed in medium transfer experiments with specific inhibitors and/or recombinant agonist.

Results

PAR1 expression correlates with macrophage infiltration in primary PDACs, and macrophages induce mesenchymal transition of PDAC cells through PAR1 activation. Protease profiling identified macrophage-secreted matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) as the relevant PAR1 agonist in PDAC. PAR1 and/or MMP9 inhibition limited macrophage-driven mesenchymal transition. Likewise, preventing mesenchymal transition by silencing ZEB1 or by pharmacological inhibition of the MMP9/PAR1 axis significantly reduced the ability of tumor cells to survive the anti-tumor activities of macrophages.

Conclusion

Macrophages secrete MMP9, which acts upon PDAC cell PAR1 to induce mesenchymal transition. This macrophage-induced mesenchymal transition supports the tumor-promoting role of macrophage influx, explaining the dichotomous contributions of these immune cells to tumor growth.
Purity and Uncertainty Study of CRM Betulin by DSC
Authors: Zhang Li , Yuan Peng-Hui , Yang De-Zhi , Bi Yan-Cai , Su Bin , Zhang Bao-Xi , Wang Fu-Qing , Lu Yang , Du Guan-Hua
Published: August 2020

Betulin (BE) can be obtained from many plants, such as those belonging Betulaceae family, and pharmacological investigations showed its notable biological properties and good potential for food and pharmaceutical development. We investigated the homogeneity, stability, purity, and uncertainty of a newly certified reference material (CRM) of BE. The certified purity value for the CRM of BE was 99.56% with an extended uncertainty of 0.07% (k = 2, P = 0.95), as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). In this study, DSC was used for the first time for purity determination of BE. Given its high accuracy, precision, and reproducibility, DSC can be used as an alternative technique for purity determination of CRMs in the pharmaceutical and food industry.

Graphic abstract
Lessons from the Mainland of China’s Epidemic Experience in the First Phase about the Growth Rules of Infected and Recovered Cases of COVID-19 Worldwide
Authors: Han Chuanliang , Liu Yimeng , Tang Jiting , Zhu Yuyao , Jaeger Carlo , Yang Saini
Published: August 2020

The first phase of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that emerged at the end of 2019 has been brought under control in the mainland of China in March, while it is still spreading globally. When the pandemic will end is a question of great concern. A logistic model that depicts the growth rules of infected and recovered cases in China’s mainland may shed some light on this question. This model well explained the data by 13 April from 31 countries that have been experiencing serious COVID-2019 outbreaks (R2 ≥ 0.95). Based on this model, the semi-saturation period (SSP) of infected cases in those countries ranges from 3 March to 18 June. According to the linear relationship between the growth rules for infected and for recovered cases identified from the Chinese data, we predicted that the SSP of the recovered cases outside China ranges from 22 March to 8 July. More importantly, we found a strong positive correlation between the SSP of infected cases and the timing of a government’s response. Finally, this model was also applied to four regions that went through other coronavirus or Ebola virus epidemics (R2 ≥ 0.95). There is a negative correlation between the death rate and the logistic growth rate. These findings provide strong evidence for the effectiveness of rapid epidemic control measures in various countries.
On a DGL-map between derivations of Sullivan minimal models
Authors: Yamaguchi Toshihiro
Published: August 2020

For a map$$f:X\rightarrow Y$$f:X→Y, there is the relative model$$M(Y)=(\Lambda V,d)\rightarrow (\Lambda V\otimes \Lambda W,D)\simeq M(X)$$M(Y)=(ΛV,d)→(ΛV⊗ΛW,D)≃M(X)by Sullivan model theory (Félix et al., Rational homotopy theory, graduate texts in mathematics, Springer, Berlin, 2007). Let$$\mathrm{Baut}_1X$$Baut1Xbe the Dold–Lashof classifying space of orientable fibrations with fiberX(Dold and Lashof, Ill J Math 3:285–305, 1959]). Its DGL (differential graded Lie algebra)-model is given by the derivations$$\mathrm{Der}M(X)$$DerM(X)of the Sullivan minimal modelM(X) ofX. Then we consider the condition that the restriction$$b_f:\mathrm{Der} (\Lambda V\otimes \Lambda W,D)\rightarrow \mathrm{Der}(\Lambda V,d) $$bf:Der(ΛV⊗ΛW,D)→Der(ΛV,d)is a DGL-map and the related topics.
Applied Anatomy for Botulinum Toxin Injection in Cosmetic Interventions
Authors: D’Souza Ayman , Ng Chew Lip
Published: August 2020

Purpose of Review

To provide the reader with a clear overview of facial anatomy as it relates to injection of botulinum toxin.

Recent Findings

The review suggests the presentation of multiple combinations of facial musculature, with the forehead, glabellar, and nasal base areas as particular areas of variation. Differences in musculature result in different wrinkling patterns; with age, these changes first become apparent in the upper face, particularly in the forehead and glabellar area.

Botulinum toxin is well suited to achieve the optimal outcome: it is popular, safe, and non-invasive and presents with few adverse effects. Though limited, when adverse effects do arise these are primarily related to poor injection technique, often fuelled by poor anatomical knowledge. For clinicians to achieve the best outcomes with botulinum toxin use, an understanding of the facial muscles’ anatomy, actions, and interactions is key. This paper discusses the broad and intricate detail regarding the key target muscles of botulinum toxin, based on both literature review and cadaveric dissection carried out by the authors.
Agent-based modeling for migration and modern slavery research: a systematic review
Authors: McAlpine Alys , Kiss Ligia , Zimmerman Cathy , Chalabi Zaid
Published: August 2020

This systematic review aims to synthesize how agent-based modeling (ABM) has been used in migration and modern slavery research and provide the basis to model development for social science researchers exploring the use of ABM. We searched five bibliographic databases using two terminology categories: (1) migration or modern slavery terminology; (2) complex system methods terminology. Two reviewers conducted independent article screening. Peer-reviewed articles presenting original migration or modern slavery ABMs were included. Data extraction included model development steps and model characteristics. The dataset was synthesized and compared across studies. We identified 28 articles for inclusion. Many of the ABMs tested theories and about half were based on empirical data. Model development varied considerably and reported methods were extremely opaque. Only five studies used a structured development framework. The most common model involved agents deciding whether and where to migrate and attempting migration. Climate change was a common exogenous scenario modeled. Most of the ABMs did not undergo any sensitivity analysis or validation.ABM has a greater capacity to account for heterogeneous and dynamic decision-making than more frequently applied methods in research on migration and modern slavery. However, there is still a paucity of studies adopting ABM methods. These reviewed ABMs highlight gaps in the reporting and implementing of model development. ABM is a promising technique to address many urgent and complex questions in research on migration and modern slavery to better support decision-makers, but addressing current methodological gaps is a critical first step.
ELSA in Industrial Robotics
Authors: Studley Matthew , Winfield Alan
Published: August 2020

Purpose of Review

Industry is changing; converging technologies allow a fourth Industrial Revolution, where it is envisaged that robots will work alongside humans. We investigate how the research community is responding to the ethical, legal, and social aspects of industrial robots, with a primary focus on manufacturing industry.

Recent Findings

The literature shows considerable interest in the impact of robotics and automation on industry. This interest spans many disciplines, which is to be expected given that the ELS impacts of industrial robotics may be profound in their depth and far-reaching in their scope.

We suggest that the increasing importance of human-robot interaction (HRI) reduces the differentiation between industrial robotics and other robotic domains and that the main challenges to successful adoption for the benefit of human life are above all political and economic. Emerging standards and legal frameworks may scaffold this success, but it is apparent that getting it wrong might have repercussions that last for generations.
The Many Deaths of the Last ‘Abbāsid Caliph al-Musta‘ṣim bi-llāh (d. 1258)
Authors: NEGGAZ NASSIMA
Published: August 2020

The death of the last ‘Abbāsid Caliph al-Musta‘ṣim bi-llāh (d. 1258) has been the object of contradictory historical accounts by medieval historians both in the East and the West. Was he put to death by starvation? Did he have melted gold poured down his throat? Was he executed by Hülegü's own hands, or even by a Georgian Prince? Was he rolled in a carpet and kicked to death, hanged, or strangled? Writers of the period offer colourful portrayals of this event. Some saw it as martyrdom, others as a humiliating death preceded by moral admonishment and blame by Hülegü. Building upon earlier studies, this article offers a comprehensive view of the extant sources on the topic produced both in the Abode of Islam and Western Europe, as well as in Armenia and Georgia. Rather than seeking the “facts” behind the accounts, this article adopts a literary-critical and socio-political approach, arguing that the accounts are replete with symbolism targeting their specific audiences, and that the choices made by the historians on the manner of the Caliph's death were meant to offer commentary on—and evaluation of—‘Abbāsid rule.
Native Acts, Immigrant Acts: Citizenship, Naturalization, and the Performance of Civic Identity during the Progressive Era
Authors: Stanciu Cristina
Published: August 2020

This article reveals the complicity of immigration restriction laws and federal Indian policy with organized Americanization in legislating an imagined, desirable “new American” at the beginning of the twentieth century, when resurgent nationalism threatened to restrict undesirable immigrants as it also sought to assimilate Indigenous people into a mass of Americanism. While the immigrant has figured in the U.S. national imaginary as someone whodesiresAmerica, the American Indian was notdesiredto enter into political membership—although Native land was desired, and subsequently taken by settlers through strategies of dispossession written into federal Indian law. This essay argues that theIndian—read as an imagined category with little connection to the lives ofNativepeople—occupies an anomalous position in the legal history of naturalization, finalized with the passing of the Indian Citizenship Act in 1924, at the same time that racist immigration restriction quotas also limited the entrance of new immigrants into the United States through the 1924 Johnson-Reed Immigration Act. For Native people, Americanization and the imposition of citizenship were extensions of colonialism, adding one civic status over another—domestic dependent, ward, or U.S. citizen. For new immigrants hailing from southern and eastern Europe, forced by economic and cultural constraints to relocate to the United States, in contrast to their Anglo-Saxon or Nordic settler predecessors, Americanization meant a renunciation of political allegiance to other sovereigns, the acquisition of English, and civic education for citizenship. This essay challenges the myth of America as a “nation of immigrants,” and the settler colonial nation-state's ongoing infatuation with its colonial project as it continues to erase Indigenous presence and sovereignty.
Double Whammy: Why the Underrepresentation of Women among Workplace and Political Decision Makers Matters in Pandemic Times
Authors: Brooks Deborah Jordan , Saad Lydia
Published: August 2020

In this article, we explore whether women's underrepresentation among political and workplace decision makers may subject female citizens and employees to COVID-19-related decisions that are at odds with their preferences. We find that women overall, as well as female political party members, workers, and workplace leaders in particular, share a distinctively female perspective that more heavily emphasizes caution with respect to COVID-19 compared with men. Given the limited representation of women leaders across most industries and in politics, COVID-19 regulations are thus likely to be less cautious than would be the case if there were an equitable representation of women across leadership roles. We argue that female employees, in particular, face a representational “double whammy” for COVID-19: gender imbalances in workplace leadership create inequities that are compounded—rather than redressed—by unequal political representation. We conclude by addressing how this dynamic may enhance the movement of women away from Republican candidates moving forward.