bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling an Automated Modeling Method for S0 Galaxies
Authors: Samararathna K. G. , Alahakoon A. G. P. D. , Kalawila Vithanage Sandanuwan , Barkhouse Wayne A. , De Silva W. M. K. , Perera H. A. D. S. D. , Mahanama G. D. K.
Published: June 2021

The objective of this study is to unveil an optimum and precise automated method to model S0 galaxies. Preliminary results of the study confirm that GALFIT—a two-dimensional image decomposition program—with a Sérsic profile can be used to model S0 galaxies. Since the input parameters affect the accuracy of the model, different combinations of parameters were tested to obtain the best-fit model. An automated GALFIT fitting process was developed using Python and Astropy module to increase the efficiency of the process. A sample of S0 galaxy images observed at the Kitt Peak National Observatory was used to test the precision of the implemented method. The accuracy of the created models was tested both visually and statistically. The new method will allow us to model a large sample of S0 galaxies accurately and determine their structure and properties.
Proposals (26–27): to conserve the names Nanocyperetalia Klika 1935 and Isoetetalia Braun-Blanquet 1936
Authors: Fernández-González Federico , Silva Vasco , Theurillat Jean-Paul
Published: June 2021

After a nomenclatural revision of the higher rank syntaxa of the classIsoeto-Nanojuncetea, the conservation of the order nameNanocyperetaliaagainstNanocypero-Polygonetaliaand a conserved type for the orderIsoetetaliaare proposed.

(26)NanocyperetaliaKlika 1935: 292, nom. cons. propos.

Typus:Nanocyperion flavescentisKoch 1926: 20–28 (holotypus)

(≡)Nanocypero-PolygonetaliaKoch 1926: 20, nom. rejic. propos.

(27)IsoetetaliaBraun-Blanquet 1936a: 142, typus cons. propos.

Typus:IsoetionBraun-Blanquet 1936a: 141 (typus cons. propos.)

Taxonomic reference: Euro+Med (2020).

Syntaxonomic reference: Mucina et al. (2016).

Abbreviations: ICPN = International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature.
Four new species of Aspidiotini (Hemiptera, Diaspididae, Aspidiotinae) from Panama, with a key to Panamanian species
Authors: Wei Jiufeng , Schneider Scott A. , Normark Roxanna D. , Normark Benjamin B.
Published: June 2021

Four new species of armored scale insect, Clavaspis selvaticasp. nov., Clavaspis virolaesp. nov., Davidsonaspis tovomitaesp. nov., and Rungaspis neotropicalissp. nov., are described and illustrated from Panama. We also transfer two previously described species of Panamanian Aspidiotini to new genera, Hemiberlesia crescentiae (Ferris) comb. nov. and Rungaspis rigida (Ferris) comb. nov., and report the first record of Selenaspidopsis browni Nakahara in Panama. A key to the species of Aspidiotini occurring in Panama is provided.
Irlande. Une croissance en trompe-l’œil face à la pandémie
Authors: Delahaie Noélie
Published: June 2021

Alors que l’Irlande fait face, comme le reste du monde, à la pandémie de Covid-19, elle est le seul État membre de l’Union européenne à enregistrer une croissance positive en 2020. Celle-ci est avant tout liée au dynamisme des secteurs de l’industrie pharmaceutique et des technologies de l’information et de la communication, qui sont dominés par des multinationales étrangères ayant profité de la crise sanitaire. Or une analyse des ressorts de la croissance montre que celle-ci ne profite pas aux résidents irlandais, ce qui soulève la nécessité d’un débat sur la fiscalité des entreprises.
Royaume-Uni. Covid-19 et inégalités sur le marché du travail
Authors: Freyssinet Jacques
Published: June 2021

L’expérience de la pandémie de Covid-19 illustre la complexité des rapports entre la politique de l’emploi et l’évolution des inégalités sur le marché du travail. La politique de l’emploi reproduit et souvent amplifie les inégalités déjà présentes ou en a fait surgir de nouvelles. Elles s’accroissent principalement en fonction de la structure des emplois et des caractéristiques sociodémographiques des personnes. Il en résulte des inégalités dans les revenus du travail ou dans les revenus de substitution à la perte d’emploi ainsi que l’amplification de la grande pauvreté.
Comparaison de l’impact de différentes actions RSE d’une enseigne sur sa relation avec ses consommateurs
Authors: Louis Didier , Lombart Cindy , Fleck Nathalie
Published: June 2021

Cette recherche étudie les contributions respectives de trois actions RSE (parrainage, produit-partage et CSR-linked sponsorship ), mises en place par une enseigne, au développement et au maintien d’une relation entre cette enseigne et ses consommateurs, dans le but de les fidéliser. 364 individus membres d’un panel interne ont été assignés à l’une de ces trois actions RSE. Les résultats obtenus indiquent que ces trois actions RSE permettent d’accroître ou d’entretenir la fidélité des consommateurs à une enseigne via sa personnalité, sa proximité identitaire et leur confiance dans cette enseigne, mais que le type d’actions RSE considéré a une influence sur les relations causales validées. D’un point de vue théorique, cette recherche complète les travaux antérieurs qui se sont surtout centrés sur l’efficacité des moyens de communication utilisés, afin de mettre en avant ces trois actions RSE, en termes de persuasion et d’attitude envers l’entité les mobilisant (Lii et Lee, 2012 ; Lii et al. , 2013 ; Uhrich et al. , 2014 ; Flöter et al. , 2016). Ces travaux ne les ont en effet jamais comparés comme outils de fidélisation. D’un point de vue managérial, elle indique un classement de ces actions RSE à privilégier en fonction de leurs poids sur les variables étudiées (personnalité, proximité identitaire, confiance et fidélité) et de leurs impacts sur celles-ci : 1) CSR-linked sponsorship  ; 2) parrainage et 3) produit-partage. Elle souligne enfin que les actions de parrainage et de produit-partage sont complémentaires et qu’il faut donc les lier entre elles.
Deleuze et Guattari opérateurs du dépassement nature/culture en anthropologie ? Anthropologie et philosophie chez Viveiros de Castro
Authors: Jacques Vincent
Published: June 2021

« Entre Deleuze et Guattari, Clastres et Eduardo Viveiros de Castro, il sera question dans cet article de l’échange fécond entre philosophie et anthropologie. En 1972, Pierre Clastres trouve chez Deleuze et Guattari la théorie du marquage qui sera déterminante dans l’élaboration de sa thèse de la société-contre-l’État. Huit ans plus tard, ces derniers développent une théorisation du nomadisme dans Mille plateaux où tient une place importante la thèse de l’anthropologue. Eduardo Viveiros de Castro, fin lecteur de Mille plateaux , y puise pour sa part des outils conceptuels, notamment le concept de devenir, lui permettant de dépasser le clivage entre nature et culture en anthropologie et développer une interprétation du perspectivisme et du cannibalisme amazonien. Il relit en retour Clastres pour décentrer la thèse de la société-contre-l’État de son “sociocentrisme” et l’ouvrir à une cosmopolitique “par-delà nature et culture” qui se dessine clairement à l’horizon de Mille Plateaux . »
Le rhizome deleuzo-guattarien « Entre » philosophie, science, histoire et anthropologie
Authors: Krtolica Igor
Published: June 2021

« En 1976, Deleuze et Guattari publient aux éditions de Minuit un petit livre intitulé Rhizome . Ce livre est un point de passage entre les deux tomes de Capitalisme et schizophrénie  : il enregistre d’une part l’écriture à deux de L’Anti-Œdipe publié en 1972, et il annonce d’autre part le programme de Mille plateaux auquel il servira d’introduction en 1980. Moment décisif de leur collaboration, Deleuze et Guattari y théorisent en effet pour la première fois la nouvelle image de la pensée qu’ils mobilisent – une image nomadique de la pensée (nomadologie) – et la nouvelle pratique de la philosophie qu’ils mettent en œuvre – une philosophie des multiplicités. Mais pourquoi Deleuze et Guattari ont-ils choisi d’exprimer ce renouvellement philosophique à travers un système végétal jusque-là privé de toute dignité conceptuelle ? Quel rapport peut-il bien y avoir entre le rhizome – l’igname, le manioc, la patate douce, etc. – et la nomadologie ? »
De nouvelles géométries et dynamiques au cœur de la nature et du vivant ? Vers un renouveau de la philosophie de la nature
Authors: Boi Luciano
Published: June 2021

« Les sciences s’éloignent de plus en plus de leur motivation première, d’une part parce qu’elles s’enferment dans leurs spécialisations respectives, de l’autre, parce qu’elles se réduisent à une pratique utilitariste ou purement calculatoire. Il faudrait s’employer à réhabiliter une pensée exigeante et transversale capable de repérer les similitudes à l’œuvre dans les disciplines et les phénomènes les plus différents. La compréhension spatiale et temporelle des phénomènes est le dénominateur commun capable de les unifier, tout en en reconnaissant les différences significatives. Dans cette perspective, les mathématiques, et plus particulièrement la géométrie et la topologie qui expriment une pensée qualitative riche et complexe, doivent acquérir à nouveau un rôle fondamental qui, abandonnant toute prétention d’exclusivité ou de supériorité par rapport aux autres formes de connaissance, renoue sur les plans heuristique et imaginatif avec la philosophie, les sciences de la nature et les études sur la société. Le principal propos d’une philosophie de la nature me semble être de clarifier les interactions entre espace et temps, matière et forme, corps et esprit. De nombreux phénomènes physiques et naturels, y compris plusieurs processus biologiques, peuvent être compris en termes de déploiement d’un noyau géométrique initial qui crée en quelque sorte un espace-temps spécifique aux propriétés caractéristiques. Sans épuiser la signification de ces phénomènes et processus, ce noyau constitue plutôt une vision spectrale incluant leurs divers modes d’organisation et de manifestation. »
La levée du boycott du Qatar, réconciliation ou aveu d’échec ?
Authors: Kajja Kamal
Published: June 2021

Le 41 e sommet du Conseil de coopération du Golfe (CCG) de 2021 a abouti à la signature d’un accord de réconciliation entre le Qatar d’une part, et l’Arabie saoudite, les Émirats arabes unis, le Bahreïn et l’Égypte d’autre part. Ces derniers avaient soumis Doha à un blocus aérien, terrestre et maritime en 2017, l’accusant entre autres de soutenir le terrorisme et lui reprochant ses relations avec l’Iran. Cet article revient sur les origines de la crise, puis examine les motifs de cette réconciliation, avant d’en envisager les conséquences.
La Bosnie-Herzégovine post-Dayton : la distanciation ethnique en tant que stratégie de pacification
Authors: Hernández Felipe
Published: June 2021

Les accords de paix de Dayton ont permis de mettre fin aux conflits armés en Bosnie-Herzégovine (1992-1995). De la même manière, ils ont instauré un système de gouvernance multipartite ( power-sharing ), un État sous tutelle internationale, ainsi qu’une logique de partition territoriale en faveur des peuples constitutifs (Bosniaques, Croates, Serbes). Ces accords ouvrent une nouvelle phase de l’histoire troublée de ce jeune État, notamment si l’on analyse la place politique et sociale des minorités ethniques. En dépit de leur statut juridique, défini par la loi sur la protection des minorités nationales, leur quotidien est marqué par de nombreuses difficultés d’ordre politique, juridique, socio-économique et culturel.
L’État et la révolution : Arnould versus Lénine
Authors: Cohen-Halimi Michèle
Published: June 2021

Deux livres intitulés chacun L’État et la révolution ont paru à quarante ans d’intervalle, le premier écrit en 1877 par le communard Arthur Arnould, le second en 1917 par Lénine, qui ignorait tout du premier. Leur confrontation est anachroniquement construite et orchestrée, selon la méthode du « plagiat par anticipation », afin de mesurer la force de la résistance qu’Arnould oppose à la capture idéologique de la Commune par Lénine et de saisir le dissensus irréductible non seulement des deux révolutionnaires mais, plus largement, du communalisme et du léninisme dans leur rapport respectif au pouvoir de l’État et à sa destruction.
Les femmes et la révolution : une lecture de la Commune de Paris
Authors: Shengelia Mariam
Published: June 2021

L’insurrection du 18 mars rend possible une nouvelle entrée des femmes sur la scène politique. Elles participent aux différentes composantes de la Commune et s’organisent pour mener des combats propres aux femmes. La question qui guidera notre article est celle de l’articulation des enjeux révolutionnaires avec la lutte des femmes. Pour ceci, nous analyserons la manière dont les différents bastions du pouvoir, ainsi que certains communards, réagissent à la participation des femmes à la révolution et notamment à leur effort militaire. Nous verrons, enfin, comment la révolution est vécue par certaines de ses combattantes elles-mêmes, en s’appuyant particulièrement sur les écrits de Louise Michel.
Achille Talon métadiégétique
Authors: Hüe Denis
Published: June 2021

La popularité durable de la bande dessinée Achille Talon , de Greg, a pu dissimuler sa richesse et sa créativité ; on montre ici que Greg participe à sa façon des courants littéraires de son temps, en déconstruisant la fiction et son personnage et en l’affirmant comme être de papier. Son approche ludique démonte le texte comme l’image et bouleverse les conventions de la fiction, brisant à sa façon la frontière qui sépare le monde du personnage de celui de son lecteur.
La bande dessinée : dimension pastorale et catéchétique
Authors: Félix Yves , Francart Roland
Published: June 2021

La bande dessinée (BD) est née à la fin du xix e  siècle. Les milieux catholiques et éducatifs ne l’apprécient pas. Vers les années 1930, les revues chrétiennes publient cependant Hergé et Jijé ( Don Bosco en 1941). En France, Fleurus et Bonne Presse éditent des vies de saints. De même en Belgique, Tintin ( Monsieur Vincent ) et Spirou ( Histoires de l’Oncle Paul ). Flandres, Angleterre, États-Unis et Mexique font de même. Depuis 1947 ( Emmanuel de Jijé), il y a peu de publications sur la Bible, sauf du côté protestant. Mais la BD générale est devenue adulte et la BD chrétienne est un parent pauvre, disponible uniquement en librairie religieuse. En 1985, l’association CRIABD (Centre religieux d’information et d’analyse de la BD) est fondée à Bruxelles pour promouvoir la BD chrétienne de qualité. La manière de présenter les hagiographies et la Bible a changé : des éditeurs classiques s’ouvrent au secteur chrétien. La BD chrétienne est aujourd’hui encore méconnue et mal distribuée.
Dietary exposure to mycotoxins of 1- and 2-year-old children from a Dutch Total Diet Study
Authors: Pustjens A.M. , Castenmiller J.J.M. , te Biesebeek J.D. , de Rijk T.C. , van Dam R.C.J. , Boon P.E.
Published: June 2021

In 2017, a Total Diet Study was conducted in the Netherlands in which mycotoxins were analysed in foods and beverages consumed by 1- and 2-year-old children. These mycotoxins were aflatoxins,Alternaria toxins, citrinin, ergot alkaloids, fumonisins, ochratoxin A, patulin, sterigmatocystin, trichothecenes, and zearalenone. Long-term exposure was calculated by combining concentrations in foods and beverages with consumed amounts of these products. Analysed foods and beverages with a concentration below the detection limit that could contain the mycotoxin, were assigned a concentration equal to half this limit value. To assess if the exposure could result in a possible health risk, the high long-term exposure (95th percentile) was compared with a health-based guidance value (HBGV) or a margin of exposure (MOE) was calculated. Exposure to aflatoxins,Alternaria toxins, ochratoxin A and T-2/HT-2 sum may pose a health concern. Foods that contributed most to the exposure of these mycotoxins were bread, biscuits, breakfast cereals, chocolates, dried fruit, follow-on formula and fruit juices.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Gerontological Nursing Competence Questionnaire in Iranian Hospitals
Authors: Purfarzad Zahra , Bahrami Masoud , Keshvari Mahrokh , Rafiei Mohammad
Published: June 2021

Background:

This study evaluated the Gerontological Nursing Competence Questionnaire-Farsi version (GNCQ-F) in Iranian hospitals.

Method:

This exploratory sequential study used a mixed-methods design. The questionnaire items were developed based on a qualitative descriptive exploratory study and a review of the literature. The psychometric properties of the initial questionnaire including face validity, content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, and stability were evaluated.

Results:

Exploratory factor analysis resulted in the extraction of 42 items in five factors including care competence and patient/older adult and family empowerment, ethical and compassionate care competence, patient safety competence, continuous professional development and self-care competence, and collaborative and team care competence. Cronbach's alpha coefficient confirmed the internal consistency of each subscale and the entire tool (0.942). The stability reliability was 0.973 and was determined by calculating the intra-cluster correlation coefficient.

Conclusion:

Nurses can use this self-evaluation instrument to assess their gerontological nursing competence.

[
J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2021;52(7):335–343.]
Egreso de los pacientes del manicomio general de la Castañeda, (1929-1958) ¿un problema familiar?
Authors: Remartínez Martín María Teresa
Published: June 2021

Entre 1929 y 1958, los directores del Manicomio General de la Castañeda culparon a las familias de los internos de la sobrepoblación del establecimiento, alegaron que los egresados o no tenían parientes o estos se negaban a recibir a sus deudos. Factores que, a su juicio, impedían reducir la población del nosocomio. En consecuencia, tanto la dirección de la institución como la entidad gubernamental adoptaron una serie de medidas dirigidas a localizar y convencer a los parientes de que asumieran la responsabilidad de la externación de sus enfermos y contribuyeran a su reinserción social. El presente trabajo analiza un conjunto de documentos burocráticos emitidos por la dirección del manicomio y por los responsables de la asistencia pública, relativos al proceso de egreso de los enfermos mentales en su vertiente familiar. Documentos que ponen de manifiesto la complejidad del proceso de externación de los enfermos mentales en un contexto de lucha contra la masificación de esta institución pública y muestran las dificultades, contradicciones y conflictos que se presentaron durante la ejecución de las medidas propuestas por las dependencias implicadas.
Aux sources de l’Éden éducatif nordique. Images véhiculées en France de l’instruction primaire finlandaise au cours de la deuxième moitié du XIXe siècle (1851-1911)
Authors: Egginger Johann-Günther
Published: June 2021

Auréolé du prestige de ses résultats aux évaluations internationales PISA, le système éducatif finlandais est l’objet de nombreuses études françaises qui cherchent à déterminer les secrets d’une telle réussite, et qui tendent à idéaliser ce « miracle » finlandais. Cet article propose l’hypothèse d’une mythification du système finlandais qui remonterait à la période plus ancienne des expositions universelles de la fin du XIXe siècle. Le corpus étudié est celui des imprimés relatifs aux expositions et collections scolaires. Une première analyse montre un système éducatif performant, dès la fin du XIXe, en ce qui concerne la maîtrise de la lecture par l’immense majorité de la population finlandaise.
Les nouveaux outils de la tricherie scolaire au lycée
Authors: Michaut Christophe
Published: June 2021

Avec l’arrivée des téléphones portables dans les classes et l’utilisation courante d’Internet dans les activités scolaires, les élèves ont davantage d’opportunités de plagier des documents ou de frauder lors des épreuves sur table. Les outils numériques se substituent-ils aux formes traditionnelles de tricherie ? Les élèves qui les utilisent présentent-il des caractéristiques particulières ? Nous émettrons l’hypothèse que ces nouveaux outils sont plus fréquemment utilisés par les élèves à faible capital scolaire et peu engagés dans les tâches scolaires. Les résultats de l’enquête réalisée auprès de 1909 lycéens révèlent que près de 20 % d’entre eux ont déjà utilisé, au cours de leur scolarité, un téléphone portable pour tricher. Cependant, la tricherie avec l’aide d’une antisèche ou d’une calculatrice reste la plus fréquente. Les analyses multivariées montrent que certaines caractéristiques sont communes aux différents outils, d’autres plus spécifiques : les élèves préparant un baccalauréat général auront, toutes choses égales par ailleurs, plus souvent recours à une calculatrice alors que les élèves ayant rencontré des difficultés au cours de leur scolarité et s’investissant peu dans leurs études vont davantage utiliser un téléphone.
Relapse profile and recurrence free survival of breast cancer patients – bridging the gap in Sri Lanka
Authors: Peiris Harshini , Mudduwa Lakmini , Thalagala Neil , Jayathilaka Kamani
Published: June 2021

This study was designed to determine the profile of recurrences, recurrence free survival (RFS) and the impact of the clinico-pathological features on the RFS of breast cancer (BC) patients in the Southern Sri Lanka. This retro-prospective study included BC patients presented to our unit from May 2006 to December 2012. Tumour grading and scoring for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and Her2 were done by principle investigator. The Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier model and the Cox-regression model were used for data analysis using SPSS. A total of 923 BC patients were included. Of 923, 188 had at least one recurrence (local-34, distant-154) during a mean follow up period of 45 months. Five year RFS was 74% (local- 94%, distance-78%). The RFS decreased with the increasing tumour size (p=0.002), Nottingham grade (p=0.002), lymph-node stage (p
Guidance from the Senior Engineers during the Undergraduate Training-A Case Study
Authors: Wijesinghe Praneeth , Jayawardane Thesara
Published: June 2021

Senior Engineers have an ethical responsibility to enhance the engineering knowledge and professional experience of trainee engineers who work under their authority through proper supervision and guidance. This research paper investigates the incidents where senior engineers have neglected such kinds of responsibilities as perceived by final year engineering students of a state university in Sri Lanka during their industrial training period as a case study followed with a qualitative survey. An open-ended question was given to 200 final year engineering undergraduates of a state university in Sri Lanka as per the convenient sampling strategy to describe any ethical violation observed or experienced by them during their industrial training. Only 30% had reported such incidents while the rest of the incidents belong to the violation of health and safety practices and integrity issues in engineering practice. Incidents which only belong to less supportive behaviour of senior engineers were selected and analyzed following inductive thematic analysis. This study reveals the emergence of 4 major themes. They are the senior engineers’ unwillingness to guide, assigning inappropriate tasks, unnecessarily blaming and negligence of training schedules. One-sided data collection is the major drawback of this research and further investigations can be done to identify the possible causes for the less supportive behaviour by having a few interviews with selected senior engineers in the industry. The outcomes of this case study will raise the awareness of senior engineers regarding their ethical responsibilities in guiding and supervision of trainee engineers to ensure proper professional development.
The 16S rRNA gene and cyanobacterial taxonomy; current problems and future prospects
Authors: Widana Gamage Shirani M. K.
Published: June 2021

Research into cyanobacterial diversity dates back to more than 150 years. Advancement in modern molecular, ultrastructural, ecophysiological and in vitro culture techniques broadened our understanding in the cyanobacterial diversity. Molecular data, especially 16S rRNA gene sequence provide basic criteria for present day cyanobacterial taxonomy. As more DNA sequence data become available it came into notice that morphology-based taxonomic classification is unreliable and it could not infer evolutionary relationships. Some strains belonging to the previously assembled taxa which were classified based on traditional morphological distinctness appeared phylogenetically unrelated when their 16S rRNA gene was sequenced. Therefore, this editorial note was written with the objective of highlighting the necessity in revising present system of cyanobacterial classification and importance in establishment of universal criteria for future taxonomic proposals for cyanobacteria. A cyanobacterial phylogenetic tree was reconstructed using past and present 16S rRNA sequence assemblages from the database and from our studies. Phylogenetic tree revealed polyphyletic origin of unicellular order Chroococcales and filamentous order Oscillatoriales. Strains in the genera Pseudanabaena from the present study were phylogenetically more distant from rest of the Oscillatorialeans in the database and may have independently diverged from the common ancestor at an early stage in the evolution. On the other hand, two Leptolyngbya strains from the present study clustered with Leptolyngbya accessions from the database, although two strains shared only 89% sequence identity. It appears that those two strains could be distinct species belong to the genera of Leptolyngbya and each may have independent evolutionary history. This hypothesis was supported by distinct morphological characters shown in axenic cultures. Present study highlight the importance in understanding that molecular data alone could only provide insights into genetic variability and phylogenetic relatedness, but could not recognize phenotypic variability and their ecological importance and ongoing diversification of strains etc. Thus, construction of an accurate taxonomic classification system requires a ‘polyphasic’ approach that combines molecular data with phenotypic, biochemical and ecophysiological data. Also it is necessary to revisit all past assemblages of taxa available in the database in order to avoid future taxonomic mislabelling.
Radial Probe Endobronchial Ultrasound Using Guide Sheath-Guided Transbronchial Lung Biopsy in Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions without Fluoroscopy
Authors: Hong Kyung Soo , Ahn Heeyun , Lee Kwan Ho , Chung Jin Hong , Shin Kyeong-Cheol , Jin Hyun Jung , Jang Jong Geol , Lee Seok Soo , Jang Min Hye , Ahn June Hong
Published: June 2021

Background: Radial probe endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial lung biopsy (RP-EBUS-TBLB) has improved the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopic biopsy of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). The diagnostic yield and complications of RP-EBUS-TBLB for PPLs vary depending on the technique, such as using a guide sheath (GS) or fluoroscopy. In this study, we investigated the utility of RP-EBUS-TBLB using a GS without fluoroscopy for diagnosing PPLs.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 607 patients who underwent RP-EBUS of PPLs from January 2019 to July 2020. TBLB was performed using RP-EBUS with a GS without fluoroscopy. The diagnostic yield and complications were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors affecting the diagnostic yields.Results: The overall diagnostic accuracy was 76.1% (462/607). In multivariable analyses, the size of the lesion (≥20 mm; odds ratio [OR], 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–3.33; p=0.003), positive bronchus sign in chest computed tomography (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.40–3.78; p=0.001), a solid lesion (OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.31–4.41; p=0.005), and an EBUS image with the probe within the lesion (OR, 6.98; 95% CI, 4.38–11.12; p<0.001) were associated with diagnostic success. Pneumothorax occurred in 2.0% (12/607) of cases and chest tube insertion was required in 0.5% (3/607) of patients.Conclusion: RP-EBUS-TBLB using a GS without fluoroscopy is a highly accurate diagnostic method in diagnosing PPLs that does not involve radiation exposure and has acceptable complication rates.
Differences in Clinical Characteristics of Invasive Tracheobronchial Aspergillosis according to the Presence of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Authors: Pak Chuiyong , Jo Woori , Kim Jin Hyoung , Im Jae Uk , Jeong Joseph , Cha Hee Jeong , Choi Eun-Young , Ra Seung Won
Published: June 2021

Background: The association of invasive tracheobronchial aspergillosis (ITBA) with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is not well established. We aimed to compare clinical characteristics between patients who exhibited ITBA with IPA and those who exhibited isolated ITBA (iITBA). Additionally, the usefulness of serum or bronchial galactomannan (GM) tests in diagnosing ITBA was evaluated.Methods: This retrospective single-center case-control study was conducted over a period of 4 years. Fifteen patients were enrolled after confirming the presence of ITBA using bronchoscopy-guided biopsy (iITBA, 7 vs. ITBA+IPA, 8). Clinical characteristics of patients and results obtained from serum or bronchial GM tests were compared between the two groups. Mortality was assessed using data collected from a 6-month follow-up period.Results: The ITBA+IPA group showed a higher prevalence of hematologic malignancy (75% vs. 14%, p=0.029), a greater number of patients with multiple bronchial ulcers (75% vs. 14%, p=0.029), lower platelet counts (63,000/μL vs. 229,000/μL, p<0.001), and a mortality rate which was significantly higher (63% vs. 0%, p=0.026) than the iITBA group. In the ITBA+IPA group, 57% of patients tested positive according to the serum GM assay, whereas in the iITBA group, all patients tested negative (p=0.070). The bronchial GM level was high in both groups, but there was no significant difference between them.Conclusion: Patients with ITBA+IPA had a greater number of hematologic malignancies with lower platelet counts and a poorer prognosis than patients diagnosed with iITBA. Findings obtained from bronchoscopy and bronchial GM tests were more useful in diagnosing ITBA than the serum GM test results.
Synthesis, characterization, and functional properties of a novel sodium carboxymethyl starch obtained from matured seeds of Brachystegia eurycoma
Authors: Atuchukwu Elizabeth , Adedokun Musiliu , Emeje Martins
Published: June 2021

Background and objective

Brachystegia eurycoma is an indigenous but underutilized legume crop in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to extract, purify, chemically modify, and characterize for its material and functional properties the starch from matured seeds of B. eurycoma and determine its suitability as an excipient in solid oral dosage formulations.

Materials and methods

Starch was extracted, purified, and subjected to carboxymethylation using modified methods. Micromeritic and rheological properties of the starch products were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry, powder radiograph diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis techniques, which were used to characterize the preparations. Granules were prepared using the method of wetting and massing. The bulk properties, solubility, and the disintegrant properties were evaluated in isoniazid capsules and tablets.

Results and discussion

The results show good compressibility and excellent flow of the modified starch. The solubility of the modified starch was increased by 2–10 folds, whereas the swelling capacity of the native starch was increased up to 9.0–16 times. Both differential scanning calorimetry and XRD results have shown a reduction of crystallinity, whereas the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated formation of carbonyl functional group and absence of interactions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed eruption and coalescence of starch granules after modification. XRD showed decreased thermal stability, and thermogravimetric analysis showed product decomposition at lower temperatures than the native starch. Disintegration was found to be faster with lower concentration of carboxymethylated starches.

Conclusion

The study concludes that derivatization of carboxymethylated starch from B. eurycoma seed yielded starch products with unique functional properties that could be explored for the formulation of controlled-release systems.
Integration of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography in Diagnostic Algorithm of Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Sharma Punit , Banerjee Suvro
Published: June 2021

Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) is a sinister complication, with high morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis is conventionally based on modified Duke Criteria. 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) has shown high accuracy in diagnosing PVE. Positive 18F-FDG uptake in prosthetic valves on PET-CT is now considered major criteria for diagnosis of PVE. We share our experience of 18F-FDG PET-CT imaging as a problem solving tool in a case of suspected PVE and review the relevant literature.
Do Current Radiation Safety Guidelines allow the Safe Release of a Thyroid Cancer Patient after High-dose Radioiodine Therapy? An Indian Perspective
Authors: Kheruka Subhash Chand , Shankar Nilesh , Ora Manish , Gambhir Sanjay
Published: June 2021

Aim:

Radionuclide therapy may produce a significant radiation exposure risk to the patient's caregivers. The study aims to assess the radiation exposure rate to caregivers after the patient's discharge from the isolation ward.

Materials and Methods:

Patients of the well-Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC)were given high-dose radioiodine therapy as an inpatient. Their radiation exposure was measured daily, and they were discharged once the exposure rate falls as per standard guidelines. Detail counseling of the patient and caregiver about radiation safety was done before admission and at the time of discharge. Caregivers were given thermoluminescence dosimeter (TLD) to wear as a locket for 7 days. Radiation exposure received by the caregiver was measure after that.

Results:

A total of 22 patients (8 male and 14 female) of DTC were recruited in the study. The mean age was 39.0 ± 14.5 years. Patients were treated with 3.79 ± 1.07 (102.4 ± 28.9 mCi) (1.85–5.55 (50–150 mCi) GBq of radioiodine. They were discharged from the isolation ward at a radiation level of 0.028 ± 0.015 mSv/h (3.193 ± 1.71 mR). The mean effective dose received by the caregiver was 14.60 ± 3.43 mSv (1460 ± 343 mR) (9.73–24.25 (973–2765 mR) mSv.

Conclusion:

Our study denotes that the caregivers of DTC patients receive a significant radiation dose. It was well above the caregiver's annual dose-limit constraints regarding the rationales well as international guidelines of 5 mSv/yr. These could be related to the long travel in public transport and housing conditions. There is a need for patient-specific discharge criteria rather than following standard guidelines to minimize radiation exposure to caregivers.
Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration
Authors: Lata Kanak , Kumar Navin , Shamim Shamim Ahmed , Agarwal Shipra
Published: June 2021

The case of a 39-year-old woman presented with symptoms of progressive cerebellar degeneration for few months preceding by the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The causative association was revealed with the strong positivity of antineuronal antibody. Because of the multidisciplinary team approach with surgery and adjuvant endocrine treatment, the patient did improve symptomatically and she is alive without any evidence of disease after 22 months following the initial diagnosis of the neurological disorder. Interestingly, neurological symptoms regressed partially after surgery. Early recognition and appropriate combined modality treatment of this rare presentation of breast cancer are imperative as it may be crucial for the disease outcome.
Humanoid Training Phantom for Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Biopsy
Authors: Singh Harmandeep , Kumar Rajender , Watts Ankit , Rana Nivedita , Vatsa Rakhee , Mittal Bhagwant Rai
Published: June 2021

Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT)-guided biopsy is being increasing practiced worldwide with indications in sampling of lung, abdominal, bone lesions, and among others. Training for PET-guided Interventions at select centers is carried out under supervision of an expert on real patients, similar to training for interventional radiology procedures. Simulation center training has been shown to be useful in improving efficiency of resident trainees. We report the development of concept, design, and practical application of a simplified humanoid training phantom for PET-guided interventions.
Pelvic Venous Thromboembolism Leading to Pulmonary Embolism in a Case of Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma Detected on FDG PET/CT
Authors: Prakash Anjali , Puranik Ameya D , Purandare Nilendu C , Agrawal Archi , Shah Sneha , Rangarajan Venkatesh
Published: June 2021

Chondroblastic osteosarcoma is an uncommon subtype of osteosarcoma, constituting about 25% of all osteosarcoma cases. It has shown high propensity for developing tumor thrombi and thromboembolism, with poor overall survival rate. Differentiation between tumor thrombus and bland thrombus is an important factor in making treatment decisions. 18 F fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography plays a very important role in detecting and differentiating bland thrombus from tumor thrombus.
Social cognition in siblings of patients with bipolar disorders
Authors: Choudhary Swati , Subodh BN , Grover Sandeep
Published: June 2021

Background:

Identifying people at risk of developing bipolar disorder (BD) using endophenotypes is of recent interest. Few studies on social cognition in first-degree relatives of patients with BD have shown inconsistent findings. This study aimed to evaluate the social cognitive deficits (SCD) and its correlates among siblings of patients with BD.

Methodology:

In this cross-sectional study, patients of BD (n = 32), their siblings (n = 32), and healthy control (HC) subjects (n = 38) matched for age, gender, and education were evaluated on social cognition rating tools in Indian setting and neurocognitive tests (color trail test, Wisconsin card sorting test [WCST], and Hopkin's verbal learning test [HVLT]).

Results:

When the siblings of patients with BD were compared with patients with BD and the HCs, siblings (mean 0.6 [standard deviation [SD]: 0.2]) performed worse than the HCs (mean 0.9 [SD: 0.1]) (P ≤ 0.001) on the Faux pas composite index. Compared to HCs, siblings performed worse on all the subtests of HVLT (Trial delayed) (P < 0.001) and WCST (total correct, total errors, and conceptual responses) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Presence of elevated level of SCD among siblings, especially the Faux pas composite index in comparison to HCs, imply that these are stable traits, which are more often present in the patients and at risk individuals. This implies that SCD can be considered as another important endophenotype for BD.
Breast and Thyroid Involvement in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Agarwal Lakshmi , Agarwal Manmohan , Rai Naresh , Saxena Rajeev
Published: June 2021

Extra medullary involvement of multiple myeloma is a known phenomenon, but breast and thyroid are rarely involved. This patient presented in onco-surgery OPD with breast lump and thyroid enlargement. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma involving both organs was made in a retrograde fashion. FNAC played a key role in diagnosing this lesion. A thorough clinical, radiological evaluation, strong suspicion and immunohistochemistry helped confirm the diagnosis of multiple myeloma.
Postintensive Care Unit Follow-up General Health Survey
Authors: Aljuhan Ohoud , Tirkistani Albatool , Albeeshy Muna , Alnahdi Afnan
Published: June 2021

Background:

Despite the tremendous efforts regarding post hospital discharge services, the literature regarding health status, social and medical support of ICU survivors in Saudi Arabia is very limited. The main aim of our study is to conduct a general survey to describe health, medical and social status of ICU survivors.

Methods:

This was a cross- sectional study conducted at a tertiary academic center in Saudi Arabia. The phone survey has been conducted by the study investigators after getting a verbal consent for participation. A list of patients who were discharged from the hospital after an intensive care unit's admission from January 2018 to December 2018 was obtained.

Results:

Majority of our participants have no issues in concentration and only small percentage reported that they experience one or more of anxiety, depression, despair, and blue mood. A larger percentage of our subjects were satisfied by the support they received from their relatives, social support, and access to medical services.

Conclusion:

ICU survivors discharged from one center in Saudi Arabia reported great general health and satisfied by social and medical support but functional and mental status and multidisciplinary team approach worth further investigations.
Iatrogenic Phenytoin Toxicity – Newer Lessons Learnt
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Anjishnujit , Kannamani Balaji , Saini Vikas , Ashok Vighnesh
Published: June 2021

Phenytoin is a widely prescribed anti-epileptic drug (AED), but overdoses are common given its narrow therapeutic index. A 24-year-old male, a previously diagnosed case of seizure disorder on multiple AEDs, including phenytoin presented with breakthrough seizures to the medical emergency. The subsequent medical management of this patient led to an inadvertent iatrogenic overdose of phenytoin resulting in encephalopathy in this patient. Given our experience in this patient, we suggest using a newer class of AED for seizure control in a patient already on phenytoin, particularly if immediate therapeutic plasma phenytoin level monitoring is not readily available.
Decision-Making for Autonomous Mobility Using Remotely Sensed Terrain Parameters in Off-Road Environments
Authors: Pandey Vijitashwa , Bos Jeremy P. , Ewing Jordan , Kysar Sam , Oommen Thomas , Smith William , Jayakumar Paramsothy , Gorsich David
Published: June 2021

Off-road vehicle operation requires constant decision-making under great uncertainty. Such decisions are multi-faceted and range from acquisition decisions to operational decisions. A major input to these decisions is terrain information in the form of soil properties. This information needs to be propagated to path planning algorithms that augment them with other inputs such as visual terrain assessment and other sensors. In this sequence of steps, many resources are needed, and it is not often clear how best to utilize them. We present an integrated approach where a mission’s overall performance is measured using a multiattribute utility function. This framework allows us to evaluate the value of acquiring terrain information and then its use in path planning. The computational effort of optimizing the vehicle path is also considered and optimized. We present our approach using the data acquired from the Keweenaw Research Center terrains and present some results.
Production of Metallic Iron from the Pudo Magnetite Ore using End-of-Life Rubber Tyre as Reductant: The Role of an Underlying Ankerite Ore as a Fluxing Agent on Productivity
Authors: Abotar E. , Dankwah J. B. , Koshy P. , Dankwah J. R.
Published: June 2021

This research work investigated the nature of a nonmagnetic ore from Pudo in the Upper West Region of Ghana and its fluxing effect on the extent of reduction of the Pudo titaniferous magnetite ore using pulverised samples of charred carbonaceous materials generated from end-of-life vehicle tyres (ELT) as reductants. Reduction studies were conducted on composite pellets of the Pudo titaniferous magnetite iron ore containing fixed amounts of charred ELT and varying amounts (0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%) of the nonmagnetic fluxing material in a domestic microwave oven and the extent of reduction was calculated after microwave irradiation for 40 minutes. Analyses by XRF, SEM/EDS and XRD of the nonmagnetic ore revealed an Ankerite type of ore of the form Ca0.95Fe0.95Mn0.1 (CO3)2. From the microwave reduction studies it was observed that premium grade metallic iron could be produced from appropriate blends of the Pudo iron ores using ELT as reductant, with a measured extent of reduction up to 103.8%. Further, the extent of reduction was observed to increase with an increase in the amount of the nonmagnetic fluxing material (Ankerite) that was added as fluxing agent.

 

Keywords: Ankerite, End-of-life Rubber Tyres, Fluxing Agent, Extent of Reduction
Arsenic Adsorption by Some Iron Oxide Minerals: Influence of Interfacial Chemistry
Authors: Koomson B. , Asiam E. K.
Published: June 2021

The dramatic increase in hydrometallurgical extraction of gold from arsenic bearing gold ores has inevitably resulted in the release of arsenic into the environment worldwide. Residual arsenic minerals in tailings storage facilities can be oxidised and mobilise arsenic into the environment. This can contaminate soils, ground and surface waters and eventually biota. In spite of well-established technologies and recent advances in arsenic remediation, there are limited knowledge and understanding of the iron oxide substrate (goethite, hematite and magnetite) mineralogy and the fate of arsenic on the surface charge of these iron oxide substrates in an aqueous media during adsorption. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of interfacial chemistry on arsenic adsorption onto selected iron oxide particles to assist in developing a better understanding and new knowledge in arsenic removal from contaminated waters. Bulk mineralogy and partial chemical composition of selected iron oxide minerals were obtained using quantitative x-ray diffractometry (QXRD) and acid digestion followed by metal determination using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) respectively. Zeta Potential measurements involving iron oxide particles as arsenic adsorbents were carried out to elucidate the influence of interfacial chemistry on the adsorption behavior of arsenic from solution. The study confirmed that the iron oxide minerals were predominantly hematite, magnetite and goethite with goethite containing significant amounts of quartz. Arsenic adsorption was pH dependent and strongly influenced the zeta potential and isoelectric point (IEP) of the iron oxide particles. The zeta potential of all substrates studied was strongly positive at pH 2 but indicated a reversal at pH ~ > 9. The interaction between substrates, arsenic and its hydrolysable products resulted in significant decrease in the magnitude of zeta potential and change in IEP indicating specific adsorption.

 

Keywords: Arsenic, Adsorption, Iron Oxide Minerals, Zeta Potential
Persuasive Technology and Energy: critical analysis of the state of the art
Authors: Cano Grégory , Laurillau Yann , Calvary Gaëlle
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a state of the art and an analysis of existing works dedicated to persuasive technologies for energy consumption. Thanks to a systematic analysis, a set of concepts of persuasion has been identified and organized into a six dimensional design space. In particular, the concept of persuasion function is identified and defined. Six persuasion functions are identified: Mirror, Explain, Recommend, What-if, What-for, Suggest-and-Adjust. This design space is used to characterize the works considered in this state of the art.

Cet article dresse un état de l’art et une analyse critique des travaux menés sur la persuasion technologique dans le cadre de la consommation énergétique. De cette analyse systématique est extrait un panel des concepts de persuasion ensuite organisé au sein d’un espace de classification comportant six dimensions dont le concept de fonction de persuasion. En particulier, six fonctions de persuasion sont identifiées et caractérisées : Mirror, Explain, Recommend, What-if, What-for, Suggest- and-Adjust. Cet espace de classification permet de caractériser les travaux de l’art.