bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis on Latest Technologies in Medical Imaging for Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Rawat Anil Kumar , Sharma Kamal Kumar , Verma Sahil
Published: January 2020

Computer Aided Diagnosis enabled by machine learning has revolutionized the way medical industry operates. Medical Imaging has provided a convenient and hassle free diagnosis methods for medical treatment. Medical Imaging has its roots in all spheres of healthcare. In the recent times,
availability of quality digital data in medical field along with convergence of various technological tools resulted in exponential growth in various areas including medical industry. Deep learning has emerged as a subset of machine learning with automated feature extraction abilities ensuring
at par or higher accuracy as compared to the medical experts. An accuracy of 99.3% and 100% is achieved in classification of individuals suffering for Alzheimer’s disease with respect to the normal individual and with mild cognitive impairment respectively reinforcing the potential of
deep learning tools. With the increasing availability of multi-modal imaging data, the need for churning and extracting the key information becomes the key priority for automation and big data precisely performs the same thereby enabling interpretation based personalized imaging and discovering
imaging biomarkers. Finally, these two techniques can only be efficient if there is high end computing power and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) enabled parallel processing has provided the required platform. However, there still exists challenges like lack of annotated data, variety of modalities,
varied sources of modalities, variation in class label and uncertainty in the deep learning black box. To address all these issues, this paper aims at exploring the breadth and depth of the outreach of medical imaging ranging from classification, segmentation, abnormalities detection, motion
detection, image reconstruction and pharmacological imaging as an assisting tool including the challenges and the future scope.
Collection and Analysis of Patients Dataset to Develop an E Health System for the Prediction of Inherited Prenatal Disorders
Authors: Sharma Pushpa , Sharma Anil
Published: January 2020

Electronic healthcare systems are continuously used by healthcare professionals for caring and providing health services to remote patients. In current scenario, variety of e-Health systems have been made to provide healthcare services such as medical consultancy, hospital-record organization
and training–learning to distant public. But very few systems have been identified in context of prenatal care and inherited prenatal disorder, more specifically in case of haematological disorders. Hence, the authors opted the gap and proposed the development of an e-Health system which
will predict the chances of inheriting haematological disorders from parents to offspring during preconception/prenatal stage. For this, authors collected and analyzed the pathological data set of few patients suffering from haematological disorders; which is presented in this paper.
Liquid Waste of Palm Oil Plantations as Liquid Fertilizer
Authors: Elfidiah  , Roni Kiagus Ahmad
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study was to test the potential for sewage treatment plants Milt Palm Oil Waste (POME) as a raw material Liquid Fertilizer. Palm Oil Mill Effluent samples taken of Oil Palm Plantation PT. Minanga Ogan, South Surnatra method of analysis used for BOD Winkler method,
a method Kjehdahl Nitrogen, Phosphorus appears spectrophotometermethod, K by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer methods and MLSS (Mixed Liquor Suspended Solid) by using the gravimetric method. The results of this study indicate an anaerobic 20,1471 BOD, 25 mg/L, N 1021.22mg/L, P 328.19mg/L,
K 541.03 mg/L, and MLSS 136 mg/L BOD anaerobic ponds 2,18,421, 16 mg/L, N 876.35 mg/L, P 279.24 mg/L, K 473.59 mg/L, and MLSS 154 mg/L BOD Anaerobic an 11428,213 mg/L, N 662.61 mg/L, P 238.32 mg/L, K 348.26 mg/L, and 163 MLSS anaerobic ponds mg/L BOD 4522.81 4 mg/L, N 443.26 mg/L, P 102.22
mg/L, K 327.76 mg/L, and MLSS 198 mg/L. According to Minister of environment of the Republic of Indonesia Number 29 Year 2003 on Use of Palm Oil Technical Guidelines, the Board of Directors 3000–5000 mg/L does not pollute the environment but still have enough nutritional value for plants.
It can be concluded that the anaerobic pond 4 can be directly used to, liquid fertilizer. While anaerobic pond 2 and 3 should be treated as liquid fertilizer raw materials as BOD of anaerobic Both pools are quite high.
Information System for Determining Earthquake and Tsunami Evacuation Paths in Bengkulu City Based on Android
Authors: Darmi Yulia , Soerowirdjo Busono , Wibowo Ery Prasetyo , Ernastuti
Published: January 2020

Facility of directions to the evacuation places in the city of Bengkulu is very minimal, so that people are very difficult to find an efficient route to the evacuation places. The problem is how to determine the evacuation route/gathering point. Indonesia is prone to earthquakes because
logically, the Indonesian archipelago is at the confluence of three tectonic plates: the Eurasian plate, the Australian plate and the Pacific plate. In the event of an earthquake and tsunami disaster, if disaster preparedness is not prepared, it will cause damage to buildings, offices and
can result in fatalities such as the events in Nangro Aceh Darussalam. Therefore, we need a system that can help overcome this disaster management. The system that can be made is the Information System for Determining Earthquake and Tsunami Evacuation Paths in the city of Bengkulu Using Android.
By using Android, it will be easier for people to imitate an evacuation route or place during an earthquake and tsunami.
Spelling Checker of Words in Rejang Language Using the N-Gram and Euclidean Distance Methods
Authors: Wibowo Sastya Hendri , Soerowirdjo Busono , Ernastuti  , Tarigan Avinanta
Published: January 2020

Spelling mistakes of words in writing Rejang words are often found so it is difficult to understand. The method used in correcting word errors (spelling checkers) has been carried out by several researchers. In this research, words were improved in Rejang words based on the morphology
of the Reajang language using the N-gram and Euclidean Distance methods. The process begins with forming the word practice with the N-gram method in cutting a number of words. In the testing process, the pre-process stages are carried out first and the training words are checked based on the
existing dictionary. Words that are assumed to be wrong are corrected by looking for words similar to Euclidean Distance. The results of the lowest word resemblance are adjusted to the word training, if it is not appropriate then the word with the highest similarity is considered the correct
word to be improved. In this study the experimental results of the words tested produce similarity levels of 20 words and the smallest 3. The results from the calculation of similarity can be directly to correct the wrong word. The results of the study can be seen that word improvement is
very dependent on the dictionary word unigram and existing training words. This shows that the N-gram and Euclidean Distance methods are good in spelling checker Rejang language.
CT Image Measurement and Analysis of the Influence of Different Motion Modes on the Geometrical Morphology of Carpal Bone
Authors: Wang Zegang
Published: January 2020

The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of different movement modes on the geometrical morphology of carpal bones. In this study, Computed Tomography (CT) imaging is used for measurement and analysis. The results show that the changes of wrist bone volume of athletes are
not significant compared with that of non-athletes, and the changes of bone density of the wrist bone are more obvious under the motion stress stimulation. According to results of CT imaging measurement and calculation, the average CT values of triangular bone, trapezoid bone, capitate bone
and pisiform bone in the left hand and hamate bone in the right hand of the athlete are greater than that of the non-athlete, and the difference is statistically significant. Therefore, CT imaging technology can help to reconstruct the three-dimensional image of the carpal bone and deeply
understand the geometric shape of the carpal bone of athletes.
Study on the Condition of Aging Vertebral Fracture Patients with Aging Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Zhou Lihua , Zhou Lei , Hu Hao , Peng Junhong , Zhan Youjun , Cui Wei
Published: January 2020

The dissertation study was collected from 2015 to 2018 inpatients in our hospital for spinal surgery. For the 574 patients who met the inclusion criteria, they were divided into group A according to lumbar vertebrae QCT: lumbar vertebra CTQ ≤ 30 mg/cm3; group B: 30 mg/cm3
< waist QCT value ≤ 50 mg/cm3; group C: 50 mg/cm 3 < waist QCT value < 80 mg/cm3; Group D: 80 mg/cm3 ≤ waist QCT value < 120 mg/cm3. Among them, 142 patients in group A, 172 patients in group B, 177 patients in group
C, and 83 patients in group D. MRI data from each group were reviewed and recorded for the presence or absence of a black linear signal on the STIR fat suppression image. The aim was to investigate whether bone density values were associated with the presence of a black linear signal of MRI
STIR in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures in order to provide a better reference for clinical treatment.
Combined study on the action and mechanism of G-Rg1/Sr-CaS bone substitute material for ossification and pro-vascularization
Authors: Li Xue , Hong Shi , Tan Caixia , Peng Bo , Wu Zhengjie , Zhu Yongzhan
Published: January 2020

Neovascularization is important for bone repair, vascularization, and ossification during bone repair. Ginsenoside Rg1 (G-Rg1), which is the main extract of ginseng, has been shown to promote therapeutic angiogenesis. It has been studied in the field of biomaterials, but there is no
relevant report in the field of bone substitute materials. In this study, we successfully prepared the bone substitute material combining calcium sulphate (Sr-CaS) with G-Rg1 on the basis of previous research work. In vitro experiments were carried out to verify the ossification of
composites by using mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and the ossification was quantified by western blot. The related proteins in the key signaling pathways for the different concentrations of G-Rg1/Sr-CaS composite extract were studied to determine whether there was receptor
competition and to find the optimal ratio parameters. The vascularization of the composite was verified in the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) model, and finally the coordination of pro-vascularization and ossification was evaluated in the mouse critical bone defect model.
The results indicated that G-Rg1/Sr-CaS composites contributed to ossification in the mouse BMMSC model and vascularization in the HUVEC model. The G-Rg1/Sr-CaS composites resulted in significantly greater bone mineral densities and bone volume/total volume of the defect group compared to
the control group. Histological analysis showed that the G-Rg1/SrCaS was resorbable with satisfactory biocompatibility. The doped strontium ions enhanced the bone repair performance of G-Rg1/Sr-CaS in the mouse model and the new substitute demonstrated promising results for clinical use.
Tension–compression asymmetry of bilayer Ni/Ni3Al affected by dislocation formation–decomposition and twinning size
Authors: Dong Chao , Yu Jingui , Xu Liang , Xia Zhaohui , Zhang Qiaoxin
Published: January 2020

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the tensile and compressive properties of bilayer Ni/ Ni3Al. We found that: the tension–compression asymmetry behaviours of bilayer Ni/Ni3Al with different crystal orientations are different. The tension–compression
asymmetry of different crystal orientations is result from different origins. For [001] crystal orientation, the formation of face angle dislocation in the γ' phase during tension, and no formation of face angle dislocation when compressed result in asymmetry. The reason
for the [011] crystal orientation asymmetry is the twinning, and the twinning region during tension is larger than when it is compressed. [111] crystal orientation asymmetry is due to super dislocation decomposition. When dislocation is formed, the fault dislocation area during tension is
smaller than that during compression, which results in the ability of preventing cross-slip when tension less than the compression state. The cross-slip is formed during tension, and the cross-slip does not occur during compression, exhibiting different tension–compression asymmetry
behaviours. This study will provide theoretical guidance for the application of Ni-based single crystal alloys and further enhancement of their mechanical properties.
Electrochemical immunosensor for a protein biomarker based on the formation of Prussian blue with magnetic nanoparticle
Authors: Wang Hao , Luo Jing , Chen Junguo , Chen Hong , Li Ting , Yang Minghui
Published: January 2020

An electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of protein biomarkers is reported herein based on using magnetic nanoparticles (MNs) as labels. Reaction of potassium ferrocyanide with MNs leads to in situ formation of Prussian blue (PB) on the MN surface, generating an electrochemical
current. A carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was chosen as a model protein biomarker to test the performance of the immunosensor. The immunosensor was prepared based on a traditional sandwich-type structure. A high concentration of CEA increased the number of MNs captured on the electrode, which
increased the amount of PB produced, thus increasing the electrochemical current intensity. The current intensity linearly increased with the concentration of CEA in the range from 0.05 to 10 ng/mL. The potential clinical applicability of this immunosensor was demonstrated by CEA detection
in human serum samples.
Synthesis of Hollow Cu2ZnSnSe4 Nanocrystals by Hot-Injection Method
Authors: Tang Yaqin , Weng Jilu , Geng Yang , Luo Shunxiang , Li Shaoyuan , Qu Tao , Yang Jia , Wei Kuixian , Ma Wenhui , Dai Yongnian , Liu Yike , Huang Chun
Published: January 2020

Hollow-shape colloidal Cu2ZnSnSe4 nanocrystals were successfully synthesized in this study using hot-injection method. TEM, XRD, Raman, XPS, UV-Vis-NIR, and photo response measurements were carried out to characterize the hollow nanocrystals. These hollow nanocrystals
were found to have tetragonal structure and high crystallinity, and were Zn-rich in composition. The optical band gap for the hollow Cu2ZnSnSe4 nanocrystals was determined to be about 1.12 eV. The hollow Cu2ZnSnSe4 nanocrystals have potential applications
in the photoelectric field.
Influence of Mg2+ Substitution for Sn4+ on Electronic Structure and Optical Properties of SnO2
Authors: He Haiying , Wu Zibin , Chen Yu , Yang Zhihao , Yu Minghuai , Fan Touwen , Chen Hong
Published: January 2020

First-principles calculation based on density functional theory (DFT) were employed to theoretically study the influence of partially replacing Sn4+ by Mg2+ on the electronic structure and optical properties of SnO2. The calculation results revealed
that the Femi level shifted into the valence band, thereby indicating a p-type conductivity character. The energy band gap for SnO2 was found to be narrowed due to Mg2+ doping. Considering that the energy level for Mg 3s orbitals is comparable to that of
O 2p orbitals, the localization behavior in the SnO2 valence band was modified. The imaginary part of dielectric functions' spectrum shifted towards lower energy after doping SnO2 with Mg2+, accompanied by an obvious redshift of the absorption edge.
Furthermore, the absorption intensity for the doped systems was larger than that of pure SnO2 matrix in the low-energy region.
Evaluation of Effect of Fe3O4 Magnetic Beads on Hyaluronic Acid Crude Extraction: Simplified Process and Improved Yield
Authors: Mou Xianbo , Bao Zhiyuan , He Xinze , Xuan Ziyang , Yu Shu , Yuan Liming , Wu Feiming , Sheng Danni , Hou Ruixia , Zhu Yabin
Published: January 2020

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) has been widely used in the fields of medicine, cosmetics, food and tissue engineering, because of its specific properties, however, it is still in short supply at present. In this study, we applied Fe3O4 magnetic beads (MBs) to HA crude extraction
in order to improve the yield by increasing its extraction rate. In the whole optimization process for the strategy, particle size, amount and surface property were considered. Results showed that micron MBs without functional treatment were more suitable for HA crude extraction. The recovery
rate for HA standard solution (500 mg/L) reached 96.86% with 2 mg MBs, which was highest. Moreover, MBs load capacity test showed that HA with 2 g/L concentration in 2 mL system could also be effectively recovered. Finally, the method was applied to crude extraction of HA from Streptococcus
iniae fermentation broth. Results from five repeated experiments showed that the HA yield obtained by MBs method was increased by 16%–25%, which was significantly higher than that of traditional ethanol precipitation method, and could be completed within 1 h. Moreover, after purification,
there was no significant difference in protein content between the two. Therefore, the MBs crude extraction method has great potential application value to improve HA yield in industrial production.
Influence of Organic Additive Benzene Sulfamide on the Magnetic Behavior of Electrodeposited CoMnP Thin Film Alloys
Authors: Krishnappa M.RM. , Nithin K.V. Kannan
Published: January 2020

Electro deposition of CoMnP thin films was carried out for different concentrations of organic additive Benzene sulfamide at a constant bath pH value and for various current density. Magnetic properties such as coercivity, saturation magnetization and the surface morphology were investigated
for electrodeposited CoMnP thin films. The characteristics of the CoMnP thin films were found to attain enhanced values, because of the variation in the concentration of the bath solution. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs of the CoMnP thin films for various bath compositions
and additive concentration exhibited different micro cracks. From the X-ray diffraction pattern, structure of the CoMnP alloy films was analyzed and it was found to be Hesagonal Close Packed (HCP) structures with the dominant microstructure and all the co-deposited thin films were found to
exhibit Nano crystalline structure. The magnetic properties of the specimens were characterized using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). Adhesion and hardness of the electroplated films influenced by organic additive Benzene Sulfamide were also investigated. The magnetic properties were
highly influenced by the addition of the organic additive Benzene Sulfamide for various bath composition and bath conditions. Under best condition involving addition of 0.2 M of NaH2PO2 and 2 g/L of Benzene Sulfamide acid at current density 5 mA/cm2 and time
of deposition 60 Minutes, the thickness of the film was found to be 4.6 micrometer with coercivity 1500 Oe.
The Consistency of MJO Teleconnection Patterns on Interannual Time Scales
Authors: Tseng Kai-Chih , Maloney Eric , Barnes Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2020

The Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) excites strong variations in extratropical geopotential heights that modulate extratropical weather, making the MJO an important predictability source on subseasonal to seasonal time scales (S2S). Previous research demonstrates a strong similarity of teleconnection patterns across MJO events for certain MJO phases (i.e., pattern consistency) and increased model ensemble agreement during these phases that is beneficial for extended numerical weather forecasts. However, the MJO’s ability to modulate extratropical weather varies greatly on interannual time scales, which brings extra uncertainty in leveraging the MJO for S2S prediction. Few studies have investigated the mechanisms responsible for variations in the consistency of MJO tropical–extratropical teleconnections on interannual time scales. This study uses reanalysis data, ensemble simulations of a linear baroclinic model, and a Rossby wave ray tracing algorithm to demonstrate that two mechanisms largely determine the interannual variability of MJO teleconnection consistency. First, the meridional shift of stationary Rossby wave ray paths indicates increases (decreases) in the MJO’s extratropical modulation during La Niña (El Niño) years. Second, a previous study proposed that the constructive interference of Rossby wave signals caused by a dipole Rossby wave source pattern across the subtropical jet during certain MJO phases produces a consistent MJO teleconnection. However, this dipole feature is less clear in both El Niño and La Niña years due to the extension and contraction of MJO convection, respectively, which would decrease the MJO’s influence in the extratropics. Hence, considering the joint influence of the basic state and MJO forcing, this study suggests a diminished potential to leverage the MJO for S2S prediction in El Niño years.
Mano Suave–Mano Dura: Legitimacy Policing and Latino Stop-and-Frisk
Authors: Rios Victor M. , Prieto Greg , Ibarra Jonathan M.
Published: January 2020

Stop-and-frisk and other punitive policing practices disproportionately affect marginalized communities of color. In response to calls for reform, police departments have implemented community policing programs aimed at improving relations with racialized communities. This study examines how a police unit used courtesy and respect in its engagement with a criminalized population, gang-associated Latinos, while relying on the stop-and-frisk practice. Our study reveals contextual and situational contradictions between modern police departments’ attempts to establish legitimacy and the hegemonic practice of investigatory stops. Drawing on observations and interviews conducted during a ride-along study, we find that stop-and-frisk, simultaneously used with reform practices like courtesy policing, yield a paradoxical policing approach, “the legitimacy policing continuum.” Officers regularly articulate a goal of respectfully interacting with courtesy to build community and trust—what we term “the mano suave”—while practicing a dominant logic of crime prevention through punitive measures—what we term “the mano dura.” We argue that community and courtesy policing are drawn on strategically in interaction and ultimately intertwined with and constrained by the racial bias at the heart of punitive policing practices like stop-and-frisk.
Effect of Repositioning Aids and Patient Weight on Biomechanical Stresses When Repositioning Patients in Bed
Authors: Wiggermann Neal , Zhou Jie , McGann Nancy
Published: January 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to estimate the risk of injury when repositioning patients of different weight with commonly used repositioning aids.

Background

Repositioning dependent patients in bed is the most common type of patient handling activity and is associated with high rates of musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers. Several studies have evaluated repositioning aids, but typically for a single patient weight and often without estimating risk of injury based on biomechanical analysis.

Method

Ten nurses performed four repositioning activities on three participants (50, 77, 141 kg) using three repositioning aids (pair of friction-reducing sheets [FRS], turn and position glide sheet, air-assisted transfer device) and a draw sheet. Motion capture, hand forces, and ground reaction forces were recorded. Spine loading was estimated using a dynamic biomechanical model.

Results

Hand forces and spine compression exceeded recommended limits for most patient weights and repositioning tasks with the draw sheet. FRS and glide sheet reduced these loads but still exceeded recommended limits for all but the 50-kg patient. Only the air-assisted transfer device reduced forces to accepted levels for all patient weights. Physical stresses were relatively low when turning patients.

Conclusion

Most repositioning aids are insufficient to properly mitigate risk of musculoskeletal injury in healthcare workers. Only the air-assisted transfer device was sufficient to adequately mitigate the risk of injury when moving patients of average or above-average weight.

Application

To safely move dependent patients, a robust solution requires mechanical lifts and may utilize air-assisted transfer devices for patient transfers.
“We Were Once”—A Quartets Game Aiming at Learning History Through Playing
Authors: Marnin-Distelfeld Shahar
Published: February 2020

This article deals with the card game “We Were Once” featuring the history of Kiryat Tivon. The game’s components embody values expected to promote a sense of significance toward history among its young players. It consists of archival photos divided into 10 quartets: founders, mayors, beginnings, significant women, public buildings, first roads, events, children in schools, posters, and the reservoir. The game was designed to serve as a platform for creating pluralistic history, stressing the importance of visual literacy in learning processes. The game is analyzed in relation to its principles, such as historical continuity and gendered history.
Cameras, campuses and the future of politics in an era of imaging technologies
Authors: Arunima G.
Published: January 2020

The recent explosion and changes in camera technologies has had a bearing on state surveillance, amateur photographic practices, and people’s involvement with camera cultures. Much of urban life is now mediated by photography in different forms—from being caught, often unaware, on CCTVs, to a far more self-conscious engagement with some of the more readily available camera forms. This article is an attempt to open up some of the issues at stake when engaging with this array of cameras, and to think about the stakes involved. Would the manner in which one engaged photography differ if it were produced by a surveillance device rather than by a personal camera? The article is divided into two main parts. The first engages the contexts and nature of surveillance technology, focusing particularly on the CCTV camera. The second locates the CCTV discussion within campus politics and attempts to think about the uneasy and challenging relationship between photography, truth and politics.
Hobbes and the Politics of Translation
Authors: Steinmetz Alicia
Published: February 2020

This essay argues that Hobbes’s work as a translator was fundamental to his mature political philosophy. A proper appreciation for the significance of Hobbes’s lifelong engagement with the politics of translation clarifies both the relationship between Hobbes’s humanist and scientific work, and the meaning of his simultaneous critique and use of rhetoric in his political writings. Against the interpretation held by many scholars that Hobbes simply traded his early humanist interests for his mature political and scientific views, I demonstrate that Hobbes was consistently concerned with the political instability generated by the vernacular translation of classical Greek and Roman texts. In responding to this instability, Hobbes developed his geometrical approach to speech while also, through his analysis of the relationship between translation and metaphor, finding ways to employ humanist rhetorical techniques consistent with this approach. Yet I show that Hobbes continued to rely on translation in areas of speech where he thought science alone could not provide persuasive answers.
Truncated model reduction methods for linear time-invariant systems via eigenvalue computation
Authors: Yang Ping , Jiang Yao-Lin
Published: February 2020

This paper provides three model reduction methods for linear time-invariant systems in the view of the Riemannian Newton method and the Jacobi-Davidson method. First, the computation of Hankel singular values is converted into the linear eigenproblem by the similarity transformation. The Riemannian Newton method is used to establish the model reduction method. Besides, we introduce the Jacobi-Davidson method with the block version for the linear eigenproblem and present the corresponding model reduction method, which can be seen as an acceleration of the former method. Both the resulting reduced systems can be equivalent to the reduced system originating from a balancing transformation. Then, the computation of Hankel singular values is transformed into the generalized eigenproblem. The Jacobi-Davidson method is employed to establish the model reduction method, which can also lead to the reduced system equivalent to that resulting from a balancing transformation. This method can also be regarded as an acceleration of a Riemannian Newton method. Moreover, the application for model reduction of nonlinear systems with inhomogeneous conditions is also investigated.
Atypical language development matters: A commentary on Ambridge (2020)
Authors: Naigles Letitia R.
Published: January 2020

This commentary critiques Ambridge’s radical exemplar model of language acquisition using research from the Longitudinal Study of Early Language, which has tracked the language development of 30+ children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) since 2002. This research has demonstrated that the children’s capacity for abstraction at the grammatical level is not reducible to their lexical or pragmatic abilities. Moreover, the children’s capacity for generalization at the lexical semantic level is more impaired than their grammatical abstractions. These findings cannot be accounted for by Ambridge’s model of stored exemplars and domain-general analogizing.
Invasive Maxillary Aspergillosis in an Otherwise Healthy Individual
Authors: Ramani Rama , Hazarika P. , Kapadia R.D. , Shivananda P.G.
Published: February 2020

Invasive aspergillosis is usually seen in immunocompromised individuals. We report the case of a 56-year-old immunocompetent housewife with Aspergillus niger invading the ethamoid and sphenoid sinuses and extending to the anterior cranial fossa. A. niger grew on three occasions (from the biopsy, mass and duramater). In spite of medial maxillectomy and ethmoidectomy followed by craniofacial resection and antifungal drugs (amphotericin B) the patient died on tenth post-operative day.
Pediatric Ethmoid Mucoceles in Cystic Fibrosis: Long-Term Follow-up of Reported Cases
Authors: Alvarez Ronald J. , Liu Nancy J. , Isaacson Glenn
Published: February 2020

Ethmoid mucocele, a condition that usually affects adults, can be found in both children and infants with cystic fibrosis. We have cared for two patients with cystic fibrosis and ethmoid mucoceles. Because we could find no references to the prognosis or any long-term follow-up data for this disorder, we contacted the physicians and families of six of the seven patients with this condition previously reported in the English literature to determine how they were managed surgically and the incidence of recurrence. Regardless of the mode of therapy, none of the mucoceles recurred.
Online news media website ranking using user-generated content
Authors: Karimi Samaneh , Shakery Azadeh , Verma Rakesh
Published: February 2020

News media websites are important online resources that have drawn great attention of text mining researchers. The main aim of this study is to propose a framework for ranking online news websites from different viewpoints. The ranking of news websites provides useful information, which can benefit many news-related tasks such as news retrieval and news recommendation. In the proposed framework, the ranking of news websites is obtained by calculating three measures introduced in the article and based on user-generated content (UGC). Each proposed measure is concerned with the performance of news websites from a particular viewpoint including the completeness of news reports, the diversity of events being covered by the website and its speed. The use of UGC in this framework, as a partly unbiased, real-time and low cost content on the web distinguishes the proposed news website ranking framework from the literature. The results obtained for three prominent news websites, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Cable News Network (CNN) and New York Times (NYTimes), show that BBC has the best performance in terms of news completeness and speed, and NYTimes has the best diversity in comparison with the other two websites.
“It Might Also Be Good for Your Brain”: Cognitive and Social Benefits That Motivate Parents to Permit Youth Tackle Football
Authors: McGlynn Joseph , Boneau Rebecca D. , Richardson Brian K.
Published: January 2020

Concussions in youth sports are a rising health concern. Between 1.7- and 3-million concussions occur each year in youth sport and recreation settings. This qualitative study investigated how parents assess the physical and social risks of allowing their children to participate in tackle football. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 sets of parents ( N = 24) who had permitted their middle school aged children to play on tackle football teams. Guided by the theory of planned behavior, findings illustrate the complex risk decisions parents must make regarding football participation. Although parents in our study acknowledged the risk of concussions, they identified cognitive and social benefits of football participation that shaped positive attitudes toward football outcomes. Participants also noted social factors that limited control over their children’s football participation, including community pressures. The findings indicate key factors that motivate football enrollment, as parents must consider competing goals for their child of protection and development. Future research directions, theoretical implications, and practical applications are discussed.
Self-management of patients with advanced cancer: A systematic review of experiences and attitudes
Authors: van Dongen Sophie I , de Nooijer Kim , Cramm Jane M , Francke Anneke L , Oldenmenger Wendy H , Korfage Ida J , Witkamp Frederika E , Stoevelaar Rik , van der Heide Agnes , Rietjens Judith AC
Published: February 2020

Background:

Patients with advanced cancer are increasingly expected to self-manage. Thus far, this topic has received little systematic attention.

Aim:

To summarise studies describing self-management strategies of patients with advanced cancer and associated experiences and personal characteristics. Also, to summarise attitudes of relatives and healthcare professionals towards patient self-management.

Design:

A systematic review including non-experimental quantitative and qualitative studies. Data were analysed using critical interpretive synthesis. Included studies were appraised on methodological quality and quality of reporting.

Data sources:

MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science and Google Scholar (until 11 June 2019).

Results:

Of 1742 identified articles, 31 moderate-quality articles describing 8 quantitative and 23 qualitative studies were included. Patients with advanced cancer used self-management strategies in seven domains: medicine and pharmacology, lifestyle, mental health, social support, knowledge and information, navigation and coordination and medical decision-making (29 articles). Strategies were highly individual, sometimes ambivalent and dependent on social interactions. Older patients and patients with more depressive symptoms and lower levels of physical functioning, education and self-efficacy might have more difficulties with certain self-management strategies (six articles). Healthcare professionals perceived self-management as desirable and achievable if based on sufficient skills and knowledge and solid patient–professional partnerships (three articles).

Conclusion:

Self-management of patients with advanced cancer is highly personal and multifaceted. Strategies may be substitutional, additional or even conflicting compared to care provided by healthcare professionals. Self-management support can benefit from an individualised approach embedded in solid partnerships with relatives and healthcare professionals.
Drivers of care costs and quality in the last 3 months of life among older people receiving palliative care: A multinational mortality follow-back survey across England, Ireland and the United States
Authors: Yi Deokhee , Johnston Bridget M , Ryan Karen , Daveson Barbara A , Meier Diane E , Smith Melinda , McQuillan Regina , Selman Lucy , Pantilat Steven Z , Normand Charles , Morrison R Sean , Higginson Irene J
Published: February 2020

Background:

Care costs rise towards the end of life. International comparison of service use, costs and care experiences can inform quality and improve access.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to compare health and social care costs, quality and their drivers in the last 3 months of life for older adults across countries. Null hypothesis: no difference between countries.

Design:

Mortality follow-back survey. Costs were calculated from carers’ reported service use and unit costs.

Setting:

Palliative care services in England (London), Ireland (Dublin) and the United States (New York, San Francisco).

Participants:

Informal carers of decedents who had received palliative care participated in the study.

Results:

A total of 767 questionnaires were returned: 245 in England, 282 in Ireland and 240 in the United States. Mean care costs per person with cancer/non-cancer were US$37,250/US$37,376 (the United States), US$29,065/US$29,411 (Ireland), US$15,347/US$16,631 (England) and differed significantly ( F = 25.79/14.27, p < 0.000). Cost distributions differed and were most homogeneous in England. In all countries, hospital care accounted for > 80% of total care costs; community care 6%–16%, palliative care 1%–15%; 10% of decedents used ~30% of total care costs. Being a high-cost user was associated with older age (>80 years), facing financial difficulties and poor experiences of home care, but not with having cancer or multimorbidity. Palliative care services consistently had the highest satisfaction.

Conclusion:

Poverty and poor home care drove high costs, suggesting that improving community palliative care may improve care value, especially as palliative care expenditure was low. Major diagnostic variables were not cost drivers. Care costs in the United States were high and highly variable, suggesting that high-cost low-value care may be prevalent.
The Interaction between Price Negotiations and Heterogeneity: Implications for Economic Evaluations
Authors: O’Donnell Helen , McCullagh Laura , Barry Michael , Walsh Cathal
Published: February 2020

Economic evaluation is an important element of the decision making process for the reimbursement of drugs. Heterogeneity can be considered an explained variation in clinical or economic outcomes based on the clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of patients. However, to our knowledge, the relationship between price negotiations and population heterogeneity has not been considered in the literature to date. If a company offers a conditional discount that is dependent on obtaining reimbursement in 2 subgroups or indications, an interaction is generated between groups that should be accounted for in economic evaluations. Critically, where the drug has 2 indications but is only cost-effective in 1 indication at the full price (herein “indication 1”), the cost savings realized from implementation of the discount in indication 1 can be used to offset the incremental cost of extending reimbursement to indication 2 at the discounted price. This reduces the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio and increases the probability of positive reimbursement compared to a stratified approach. Given the additional complexity that this introduces, we introduce a framework deemed the “hybrid approach” to guide the economic assessment. We present 2 worked examples. We show that failure to account for the interaction can lead to inaccurate conclusions regarding a drug’s cost effectiveness and that adoption of strategic behavior could theoretically increase the reimbursement price of drugs. By adopting this framework, cost-effective interventions are identified that may have been previously misclassified as not being cost-effective and vice versa. Recognition of the interaction in the literature by pharmaceutical companies may influence the forms of discounts offered to decision makers. Therefore, we expect this research to have far-reaching effects on medical decision making.
Accuracy of talonavicular injection using ultrasound versus anatomical landmark: a cadaver study
Authors: Jha Aaradhana J , Viner Gean C , McKissack Haley , Anderson Matthew , Prather John , Shah Ashish B , Caycedo Francisco
Published: February 2020

Background

Intra-articular injections have diagnostic and therapeutic roles in foot and ankle pathologies due to complex anatomy, small size, diverse bones, and joints with proximity in this region. Conventionally, these injections are carried out using anatomical landmark technique and/or fluoroscopic guidance. The small joint space and needle size make the injection challenging. Fluoroscopy is not readily available in the clinical setting; ultrasound-guidance for injections is therefore increasingly being used. We compared the accuracy of intra-articular talonavicular injections using the anatomical landmark technique versus the ultrasound-guided method.

Purpose

To determine whether ultrasound guidance yields superior results in intra-articular injections of the talonavicular joint compared to injections using palpatory method guided by anatomical landmarks.

Material and Methods

The feet of 10 cadaveric specimens were held in neutral position by an assistant while a fellowship-trained foot-ankle orthopedic surgeon injected 2 cc of radiopaque dye using anatomical landmarks and palpation method in five specimens and under ultrasound guidance in the remaining five. The needles were left in situ in all specimens and their placement was confirmed fluoroscopically.

Results

In all five specimens injected under ultrasound guidance, the needle was found to be in the joint, whereas all five injected by palpation only were out of the joint, with one in the naviculo-cuneiform joint, showing ultrasound guidance to significantly increase the accuracy of intra-articular injections in the talonavicular joint than palpatory method alone.

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided injections not only confirm correct needle placement, but also delineate any tendon and/or joint pathology simultaneously.
Bladder mulberry-like fibroepithelial polyp with calcification and squamous cell metaplasia mimicking bladder carcinoma: case report and literature review
Authors: Zhu Shusheng , He Liang , Zheng Chao , Hou Yuchuan
Published: February 2020

Fibroepithelial polyps (FEPs) are a rare, benign disease in the urinary system. We present a clinical case of a 34-year-old woman with a symptomatic bladder tumor. Cystoscopy showed a mulberry-like mass with calcification in the bladder trigone. After transurethral resection, histopathology showed an FEP in the bladder with calcification and squamous cell metaplasia. The patient was discharged from hospital 3 days after surgery. We review the recent literature to summarize the clinical manifestations, treatments, and prognosis of bladder FEPs.
Visualising the scales of ethnic diversity in London using a multilevel entropy index
Authors: Harris Richard
Published: January 2020

A challenge emerging from the literature on measuring and modelling segregation at multiple scales is how to map the results. This Featured Graphic uses a method based on the CMY colour model, allowing each of the C, M and Y values to represent one of the micro-, meso- and macro-levels of analysis separately, then combining them in an overall map. It presents the method using a new index, a multilevel index of diversity, with a case study looking at the ethnic diversity of state-school pupils living in London’s neighbourhoods.
The mirror for (artificial) intelligence in capitalism
Authors: Moore Phoebe V
Published: February 2020

‘The mirror for (artificial) intelligence in capitalism’ expands on the historical episodes outlined in the article by Engster and Moore in the current Special Issue, to develop the historical materialist critique of the history of ideas leading up to and during the eras of artificial intelligence, but also as a way to critique the contemporary moment where machines are ascribed autonomous intelligence. Specifically, the history of the ideational manufacturing of human intelligence demonstrates a pattern of interest in calculation and computation, intelligent human and machinic behaviours that are, not surprisingly, ideologically aligned with capitalism. The simultaneous series of machinic and technological invention and related experiments shows how machines not only facilitate the processes of normalisation of what is considered intelligent behaviours, via both human and machinic intelligence, but also facilitate and enable the integration of capitalism into everyday work and life. Intelligent behaviours are identified as the capacity for quantification and measure and are limited to aspects of thinking and reasoning that can provide solutions to, for example, obstacles in the production and extraction of surplus value, based on the specific postulations and assumptions highlighted in this piece. Today, ideas of autonomous machinic intelligence, seen in the ways artificial intelligence is incorporated into workplaces outlined in the sections below, facilitate workplace relations via intelligent behaviours that are assistive, prescriptive, descriptive, collaborative, predictive and affective. The question is, given these now autonomous forms of intelligence attributed to machines, who/what is looking in the mirror at whose/which reflection?
Full-Scale Evaluation of an Innovative Joint Design between Adjacent Box Beams
Authors: Liu Zhengyu , Phares Brent M. , Shi Weizhuo , Shafei Behrouz
Published: January 2020

The longitudinal joints on adjacent precast, prestressed box beams used in bridge construction are vulnerable to cracking. These cracks provide a direct path for water and deleterious agents to enter the structural system, causing corrosion of the embedded steel bars and tendons. To avoid significant maintenance costs, safety concerns, or both, an innovative longitudinal joint between two adjacent box beams was designed in the current study. This joint is 6½ in. wide with roughened surfaces, filled with shrinkage compensating concrete and reinforced by steel bars. The joint was evaluated on a small-scale basis and satisfactory performance was obtained in resisting early-age cracks. In the current paper, the joint design is further evaluated through experiments on a 31 ft long specimen during the joint’s early age, and when it is subjected to multiple levels of cyclic loads. A finite element (FE) model that is capable of simulating the early-age concrete hardening was also developed and validated against the experimental data. The early-age, time-dependent stress development in the joint and at the interface of the joint and box beam was investigated using the FE model. Based on the results of laboratory tests and FE simulations, the innovative joint was found to remain crack free without the utilization of a shear key or transverse post-tensioning. The “compression-dominate” joint created by the expansive joint material and transverse reinforcing bars across the interface is expected to address the issues associated with early age, while ensuring the long-term durability and performance of box-beam bridges.