bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial weight matrix in dimensionality reduction reconstruction for micro-electromechanical system-based photoacoustic microscopy
Authors: Ma Yuanzheng , Lu Chang , Xiong Kedi , Zhang Wuyu , Yang Sihua
Published: September 2020

A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) scanning mirror accelerates the raster scanning of optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR-PAM). However, the nonlinear tilt angular-voltage characteristic of a MEMS mirror introduces distortion into the maximum back-projection image. Moreover, the size of the airy disk, ultrasonic sensor properties, and thermal effects decrease the resolution. Thus, in this study, we proposed a spatial weight matrix (SWM) with a dimensionality reduction for image reconstruction. The three-layer SWM contains the invariable information of the system, which includes a spatial dependent distortion correction and 3D deconvolution. We employed an ordinal-valued Markov random field and the Harris Stephen algorithm, as well as a modified delay-and-sum method during a time reversal. The results from the experiments and a quantitative analysis demonstrate that images can be effectively reconstructed using an SWM; this is also true for severely distorted images. The index of the mutual information between the reference images and registered images was 70.33 times higher than the initial index, on average. Moreover, the peak signal-to-noise ratio was increased by 17.08% after 3D deconvolution. This accomplishment offers a practical approach to image reconstruction and a promising method to achieve a real-time distortion correction for MEMS-based OR-PAM.
The use of MRI in quantification of the atrial fibrosis in patients with rheumatic mitral disease
Authors: Ismail Ahmed Shehata , Baghdady Yasser , Salem Mohammad Ali , Wahab Amir Abdel
Published: September 2020

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common type of arrhythmia with higher incidence in countries with increased prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD), where AF contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in young population. Atrial fibrosis is a common feature of AF. Delayed enhancement MRI (DE-MRI) is a well-established method for characterizing fibrosis in ventricles. The use of DE-MRI to detect left atrial fibrosis helps to evaluate the extent of atrial structural remodeling non-invasively. The aim of this study is to evaluate the atrial fibrosis in patients with mitral valve disease, using the DE MRI, regarding its amount, distribution, and relation to AF.

Results

Patients with AF were older and have longer duration of symptoms, smaller valve area, larger LA size, and more fibrosis at the left atrium (with the posterior wall most frequently involved) in comparison to those with sinus rhythm. Patients with atrial fibrosis were older and have longer duration of symptoms, smaller valve area, and larger LA, and most of them had AF compared to those without fibrosis. The comparison between types of AF showed a significant difference in the amount of atrial fibrosis that increases across the spectrum of AF.

Conclusion

In patients with rheumatic mitral valve diseases, AF is associated with more atrial fibrosis as assessed by DE-MRI. Atrial fibrosis is the best independent predictor of AF.
Development and validation of stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of ertugliflozin pidolate and metformin hydrochloride in bulk and tablets
Authors: Kumari K. Sravana , Bandhakavi Sailaja
Published: September 2020

Background

In the present study, an improved simple, specific, rapid, sensitive, precise, accurate and stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for the simultaneous estimation of ertugliflozin pidolate and metformin hydrochloride in bulk and tablets was developed and validated. The separation of ertugliflozin pidolate and metformin HCl was achieved isocratically on Kromasil C18 column (150 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) using 0.1% ortho-phosphoric acid buffer (pH 2.7):acetonitrile (65:35% v/v) as mobile phase, pumped at a flow rate of 1 ml/min and column temperature of 30 ± 2 °C. HPLC grade water:ACN (1:1) was used as diluent. About 10 μl of standard solution of the drugs was injected, and the eluted analytes were detected at 224 nm.

Results

Metformin HCl was eluted at 2.170 min and ertugliflozin pidolate at 2.929 min with a run time of 5.0 min. Linearity of the developed method was observed in the concentration range of 0.9375–5.625 μg/ml for ertugliflozin pidolate and 62.5–375 μg/ml for metformin HCl with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 for both the drugs. LOD for ertugliflozin pidolate and metformin HCl were 0.025 μg/ml and 0.87 μg/ml respectively. LOQ for ertugliflozin pidolate and metformin HCl were 0.076 μg/ml and 2.63 μg/ml.

Conclusion

The developed RP-HPLC method for the simultaneous estimation of ertugliflozin pidolate and metformin HCl in bulk and tablets was simple, rapid, sensitive, accurate, precise, linear, and stability indicating. Hence, the developed method could be used for the routine quality control of the drugs in bulk and tablets.
Giant solid mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver in a neonate: case report
Authors: Hassan Moaied A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Mesenchymal hamartoma is the second most common benign liver tumor in children, with 20% of the cases diagnosed during the neonatal period. The exact etiology in still unclear, and most investigators believe that it is a developmental anomaly rather than a true neoplasm. The presentation of these tumors is highly variable depending on the lesion’s size, ranging from small asymptomatic lesions to very large tumors with life threatening complications. Radical surgical excision, whenever possible, is the gold standard for treating these lesions to avoid the problems of local recurrence and possible malignant transformation. We present the rare occurrence of an entirely solid, giant hepatic mesenchymal hamartoma in a 3-week-old male newborn and discuss the mode of presentation, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Case presentation

A 3-week-old male newborn was referred to our institution with huge abdominal distension and respiratory distress. Imaging studies confirmed the presence of a very large solid intraabdominal mass occupying the majority of the abdominal cavity and abutting the inferior aspect of the right lobe of the liver, but did not reveal the diagnosis. At laparotomy, a huge solid mass was found attached to the right lobe of the liver. Complete excision was done, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of mesenchymal hamartoma.

Conclusion

Although rare, mesenchymal hamartoma of the liver can present as a neonatal surgical emergency. Emergency intervention is required in symptomatic patients. Radical surgical intervention is possible and is the treatment of choice to relieve the patient’s symptoms and avoid future complications.
Delivering Cancer Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recommendations and Lessons Learned From ASCO Global Webinars
Authors: Jazieh Abdul Rahman , Chan Stephen L. , Curigliano Giuseppe , Dickson Natalie , Eaton Vanessa , Garcia-Foncillas Jesus , Gilmore Terry , Horn Leora , Kerr David J. , Lee Jeeyun , Mathias Clarissa , Nogueira-Rodrigues Angélica , Pierce Lori , Rogado Alvaro , Schilsky Richard L. , Soria Jean-Charles , Vandenberg Olivier , Warner Jeremy L. , Yoshida Kazuhiro
Published: September 2020

PURPOSE

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ASCO launched a Global Webinar Series to address various aspects of cancer care during the pandemic. Here we present the lessons learned and recommendations that have emerged from these webinars.

METHODS

Fifteen international health care experts from different global regions and oncology disciplines participated in one of the six 1-hour webinars to discuss the latest data, share their experiences, and provide recommendations to manage cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic. These sessions include didactic presentations followed by a moderated discussion and questions from the audience. All recommendations have been transcribed, categorized, and reviewed by the experts, who have also approved the consensus recommendations.

RESULTS

The summary recommendations are divided into different categories, including risk minimization; care prioritization of patients; health care team management; virtual care; management of patients with cancer undergoing surgical, radiation, and systemic therapy; clinical research; and recovery plans. The recommendations emphasize the protection of patients and health care teams from infections, delivery of timely and appropriate care, reduction of harm from the interruption of care, and preparation to handle a surge of new COVID-19 cases, complications, or comorbidities thereof.

CONCLUSION

The recommendations from the ASCO Global Webinar Series may guide practicing oncologists to manage their patients during the ongoing pandemic and help organizations recover from the crisis. Implementation of these recommendations may improve understanding of how COVID-19 has affected cancer care and increase readiness to manage the current and any future outbreaks effectively.
Benchmarks for Academic Oncology Faculty
Authors: Anthony Lowell , Atweh George , Bhatia Ravi , Carey Lisa A. , Chang Jenny C. , Edelman Martin J. , Kantoff Philip W. , Markham Merry Jennifer , Messersmith Wells , Nelson Edward L. , Oettel Kurt , O’Regan Ruth , Verschraegen Claire F. , Vose Julie M.
Published: September 2020

The role of clinical researchers is vital to cancer progress. The teaching, research, and leadership roles that academic oncologists hold need to be accounted for and appropriately compensated. National metrics are currently inexistent, but are necessary to move the oncology research field forward. Clinical research and routine clinical care must be harmoniously integrated without competing. This article reviews the national landscape of clinical cancer research and proposes a call for action.
Plasma Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Older Men and Women
Authors: Jia Xiaoming , Sun Caroline , Tang Olive , Gorlov Ivan , Nambi Vijay , Virani Salim S , Villareal Dennis T , Taffet George E , Yu Bing , Bressler Jan , Boerwinkle Eric , Windham B Gwen , de Lemos James A , Matsushita Kunihiro , Selvin Elizabeth , Michos Erin D , Hoogeveen Ron C , Ballantyne Christie M
Published: September 2020

Context

Lower dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) levels have been inconsistently associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) and mortality. Data are limited for heart failure (HF) and association between DHEA-S change and events.

Objective

Assess associations between low DHEA-S/DHEA-S change and incident HF hospitalization, CHD, and mortality in older adults.

Design

DHEA-S was measured in stored plasma from visits 4 (1996-1998) and 5 (2011-2013) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Follow-up for incident events: 18 years for DHEA-S level; 5.5 years for DHEA-S change.

Setting

General community.

Participants

Individuals without prevalent cardiovascular disease (n = 8143, mean age 63 years).

Main Outcome Measure

Associations between DHEA-S and incident HF hospitalization, CHD, or mortality; associations between 15-year change in DHEA-S (n = 3706) and cardiovascular events.

Results

DHEA-S below the 15th sex-specific percentile of the study population (men: 55.4 µg/dL; women: 27.4 µg/dL) was associated with increased HF hospitalization (men: hazard ratio [HR] 1.30, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.58; women: HR 1.42, 95% CI, 1.13-1.79); DHEA-S below the 25th sex-specific percentile (men: 70.0 µg/dL; women: 37.1 µg/dL) was associated with increased death (men: HR 1.12, 95% CI, 1.01-1.25; women: HR 1.19, 95% CI, 1.03-1.37). In men, but not women, greater percentage decrease in DHEA-S was associated with increased HF hospitalization (HR 1.94, 95% CI, 1.11-3.39). Low DHEA-S and change in DHEA-S were not associated with incident CHD.

Conclusions

Low DHEA-S is associated with increased risk for HF and mortality but not CHD. Further investigation is warranted to evaluate mechanisms underlying these associations.
Exenatide, Metformin, or Both for Prediabetes in PCOS: A Randomized, Open-label, Parallel-group Controlled Study
Authors: Tao Tao , Zhang Yi , Zhu Yu-Chen , Fu Jia-Rong , Wang Yu-Ying , Cai Jie , Ma Jing-Yu , Xu Yu , Gao Yi-Ning , Sun Yun , Fan WuQiang , Liu Wei
Published: September 2020

Context

Up to 40% of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have prediabetes; an optimal pharmacotherapy regimen for diabetes prevention in PCOS is yet to be established.

Objective

To evaluate clinical efficacy of exenatide (EX), metformin (MET), or combination (COM) for prediabetes in PCOS.

Design

Randomized, open-label, parallel-group controlled trial.

Setting

Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine.

Patients

PCOS with prediabetes (fasting plasma glucose 5.6-6.9 mmol/L and/or 2 hour post glucose 7.8-11.0 mmol/L on oral glucose tolerance test [OGTT]). A total of 150 out of 183 eligible enrollees completed the study.

Intervention

EX (10-20μg daily), MET (1500-2000 mg daily), or COM (EX plus MET) for 12 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures

Sustained remission rate of prediabetes (primary endpoint, a normal OGTT after 12 weeks of treatment followed by 12 weeks of washout on no drug treatment) along with anthropometric, hormonal, metabolic, and pancreatic β-cell function parameters (secondary endpoints) and potential mechanisms were assessed.

Results

Impaired glucose tolerance was found the dominant prediabetes phenotype. Overall sustained prediabetes remission rate was 50.7%. Remission rate of COM group (64%, 32/50) or EX group (56%, 28/50) was significantly higher than that of the MET group (32%, 16/50) (P = .003 and .027, respectively). EX was associated with superior suppression of 2-hour glucose increment in OGTT. A 2-step hyperglycemic clamp study revealed that EX had led to higher postprandial insulin secretion than MET, potentially explaining the higher remission rate.

Conclusions

Compared with MET monotherapy, EX or COM achieved higher rate of remission of prediabetes among PCOS patients by improving postprandial insulin secretion.
Real-World Estimates of Adrenal Insufficiency–Related Adverse Events in Children With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Authors: Ali Salma R , Bryce Jillian , Haghpanahan Houra , Lewsey James D , Tan Li En , Atapattu Navoda , Birkebaek Niels H , Blankenstein Oliver , Neumann Uta , Balsamo Antonio , Ortolano Rita , Bonfig Walter , Claahsen-van der Grinten Hedi L , Cools Martine , Costa Eduardo Correa , Darendeliler Feyza , Poyrazoglu Sukran , Elsedfy Heba , Finken Martijn J J , Fluck Christa E , Gevers Evelien , Korbonits Márta , Guaragna-Filho Guilherme , Guran Tulay , Guven Ayla , Hannema Sabine E , Higham Claire , Hughes Ieuan A , Tadokoro-Cuccaro Rieko , Thankamony Ajay , Iotova Violeta , Krone Nils P , Krone Ruth , Lichiardopol Corina , Luczay Andrea , Mendonca Berenice B , Bachega Tania A S S , Miranda Mirela C , Milenkovic Tatjana , Mohnike Klaus , Nordenstrom Anna , Einaudi Silvia , van der Kamp Hetty , Vieites Ana , de Vries Liat , Ross Richard J M , Ahmed S Faisal
Published: September 2020

Background

Although congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is known to be associated with adrenal crises (AC), its association with patient- or clinician-reported sick day episodes (SDE) is less clear.

Methods

Data on children with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency CAH from 34 centers in 18 countries, of which 7 were Low or Middle Income Countries (LMIC) and 11 were High Income (HIC), were collected from the International CAH Registry and analyzed to examine the clinical factors associated with SDE and AC.

Results

A total of 518 children—with a median of 11 children (range 1, 53) per center—had 5388 visits evaluated over a total of 2300 patient-years. The median number of AC and SDE per patient-year per center was 0 (0, 3) and 0.4 (0.0, 13.3), respectively. Of the 1544 SDE, an AC was reported in 62 (4%), with no fatalities. Infectious illness was the most frequent precipitating event, reported in 1105 (72%) and 29 (47%) of SDE and AC, respectively. On comparing cases from LMIC and HIC, the median SDE per patient-year was 0.75 (0, 13.3) vs 0.11 (0, 12.0) (P < 0.001), respectively, and the median AC per patient-year was 0 (0, 2.2) vs 0 (0, 3.0) (P = 0.43), respectively.

Conclusions

The real-world data that are collected within the I-CAH Registry show wide variability in the reported occurrence of adrenal insufficiency–related adverse events. As these data become increasingly used as a clinical benchmark in CAH care, there is a need for further research to improve and standardize the definition of SDE.
Bubbly Recessions
Authors: Biswas Siddhartha , Hanson Andrew , Phan Toan
Published: September 2020

We develop a tractable bubbles model with financial friction and downward wage rigidity. Competitive speculation in risky bubbles can result in excessive investment booms that precede inefficient busts, where post-bubble aggregate economic activities collapse below the pre-bubble trend. Risky bubbles can reduce ex ante social welfare, and leaning-against-the-bubble policies that balance the boom-bust trade-off can be warranted. We further show that the collapse of a bubble can push the economy into a “secular stagnation” equilibrium, where the zero lower bound and the nominal wage rigidity constraint bind, leading to a persistent recession, such as the Japanese “lost decades.” (JEL E22, E24, E32, E44, L26)
The Rise of Services and Balanced Growth in Theory and Data
Authors: León-Ledesma Miguel , Moro Alessio
Published: September 2020

We investigate the effect of structural transformation on the process of economic growth. Using a two-sector growth model we show that, in addition to Baumol’s cost disease, structural transformation from goods to services generates other predictions that are in line with cross-country growth facts: an increase in the real investment rate, a decline in the real interest rate and the marginal product of capital, and an acceleration of investment-specific technological change as the share of services increases. The model calibrated to US data can account for the elasticity of real investment rates to the share of services measured in cross-country data. (JEL E22, E23, E43, L16, O33, O41, O47)
Barriers and enablers to screening and diagnosing depression and diabetes distress in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus; protocol of a qualitative evidence synthesis
Authors: McGrath Niamh , McHugh Sheena , Kearney Patricia M. , Toomey Elaine
Published: September 2020

Background: Depression and diabetes distress are common in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). These conditions are independently associated with poorer T2DM outcomes and increased healthcare utilisation and costs. Questions remain regarding the most appropriate ways of initially detecting depression and diabetes distress in this group. Diabetes guidelines recommend depression screening in primary care for people with T2DM but their implementation in practice is suboptimal. As health care professionals influence detection practices, their perceptions and experiences of these guidelines can improve understanding of aspects of the guidelines that work, and those which are more difficult to implement in practice. This study describes the protocol for a qualitative evidence synthesis of primary care health professionals’ perceived barriers and enablers to screen for and diagnose depression and diabetes distress in people with T2DM.

Methods and analysis: Primary qualitative studies will be identified using a systematic search of electronic databases and supplementary searching. We selected ‘best-fit framework synthesis’ as the approach to synthesise primary data using the RETREAT (Review question-Epistemology-Time/Timescale-Resources-Expertise-Audience and purpose-Type of Data) framework. Quality appraisal of primary studies and confidence in the overall review findings will be determined using the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme) and the GRADE-CERQual (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research), respectively.

Discussion: The planned review will provide the first, single point of reference of the available synthesised qualitative evidence on this topic. It will apply recommended approaches to ensure rigor and robustness of study and contribute meaningfully to understanding of how depression and diabetes distress can be initially detected in people with T2DM. This protocol is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) [registration number: CRD42019145483].
Health system foundations for Sláintecare implementation in 2020 and beyond – co-producing a Sláintecare Living Implementation Framework with Evaluation: Learning from the Irish health system’s response to COVID-19. A mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Burke Sara , Thomas Steve , Stach Malgorzata , Kavanagh Paul , Magahy Laura , Johnston Bridget , Barry Sarah
Published: September 2020

All over the world, health systems are responding to the major shock of the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus is causing urgent and fast-paced change in the delivery of health and social care as well as highlighting pre-existing deficiencies and inequalities in the health system and broader society. In Ireland, COVID-19 is occurring during the second full year of Sláintecare’s implementation – Ireland’s 10-year plan for health reform to deliver universal access to timely, integrated care.

This research will coproduce a Living Implementation Framework with Evaluation (LIFE) linking evidence, policy and practice that feeds into real-world Sláintecare implementation. In partnership with senior leadership in the Sláintecare Programme Implementation Office, the Department of Health and the HSE, the researchers will scope, document, measure and analyse the Sláintecare relevant COVID-19 responses using qualitative and quantitative methods.

The LIFE will initially take the form of a live spreadsheet which contains the COVID-19 responses most relevant to Sláintecare. For each response, 3-4 indicators will be collected which enables monitoring overtime. The spreadsheet will be accompanied by a series of rapid reviews, narrative descriptions of multiple case studies, research papers, stakeholder engagement and formative feedback. These collectively make up the ‘LIFE’, informing dialogue with the project partners, which is happening in real time (living), influencing health policy and system decision-making and implementation as the project progresses. The LIFE will inform health system reform in Ireland in the months and years after the emergence of COVID-19 as well as contributing to international health systems and policy research.
Distance Learning Remains in Demand
Authors: Markov Anatoliy , Maksimova Ekaterina
Published: September 2020

This year, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, the world faced the urgent issue of mastering new forms of work and training. This also affected the process of improving the qualifications of specialists in the NDT. In a short time, training centers had to master modern technologies for distance learning and testing the knowledge of NDT specialists. The paper considers the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning using the example of advanced training of specialists in the analysis of flaws of multichannel rail flaws. Recommendations for improving the quality of distance learning are given.
Przekład elementów awangardowych w polskich i rosyjskich tłumaczeniach wierszy Charlesa Bukowskiego
Authors: Plichta Piotr
Published: September 2020

Elements of Avant-garde Poetics and Aesthetics in the Polish and Russian Translations of Charles Bukowski’s Poems

The poetics of Charles Bukowski’s lyrical verse can be considered avantgarde not only because of their scandalous and often scatological content. It also stems from the author’s philosophical fascination with the disintegration and ruthlessness of time, as well as the situation of the monadic isolation of the individual from the beings external to him. This, in turn, makes Bukowski a peripheral and separate phenomenon even within the polysystem of American culture: the translation of his poems is associated with inevitable shifts within the polysystem of the target culture and, at the same time, requires an in-depth analysis of the poetics of the original text. This article deals with the analysis of Polish and Russian translations of Bukowski’s two poems (Dreamlessly and Palm Leaves), paying particular attention to the issue of translating impersonal phrases and textual points.
Polski Derrida i frazeologiczne eksperymenty?
Authors: Szwebs Weronika
Published: September 2020

Polish Derrida and Phraseological Experiments? The Case of Cogito and the Story of Madness

The text summarizes several key themes in the Polish reception of Jacques Derrida’s writings, indicating the belief that his writing is unconventional (regardless whether this unconventionality is positively or negatively valued), and outlines their relationship with the phenomenon of translation. Against this background, an analysis of selected solutions from the Polish translations of Derrida’s text Cogito et histoire de la folie by Tadeusz Komendant and Krzysztof Kłosiński is presented. The focus is on opaque, surprising and more unconventional phrases than those used in the original, with particular emphasis on delexicalised phrases.
Sparse Solutions by a Quadratically Constrained ℓq (0 <q< 1) Minimization Model
Authors: Jiang Shan , Fang Shu-Cherng , Jin Qingwei
Published: September 2020

Finding sparse solutions to a system of equations and/or inequalities is an important topic in many application areas such as signal processing, statistical regression and nonparametric modeling. Various continuous relaxation models have been proposed and widely studied to deal with the discrete nature of the underlying problem. In this paper, we propose a quadratically constrained [Formula: see text] (0 < q < 1) minimization model for finding sparse solutions to a quadratic system. We prove that solving the proposed model is strongly NP-hard. To tackle the computation difficulty, a first order necessary condition for local minimizers is derived. Various properties of the proposed model are studied for designing an active-set-based descent algorithm to find candidate solutions satisfying the proposed condition. In addition to providing a theoretical convergence proof, we conduct extensive computational experiments using synthetic and real-life data to validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and to show the superior capability in finding sparse solutions of the proposed model compared with other known models in the literature. We also extend our results to a quadratically constrained [Formula: see text] (0 < q < 1) minimization model with multiple convex quadratic constraints for further potential applications.

Summary of Contribution: In this paper, we propose and study a quadratically constrained [Formula: see text] minimization (0 < q < 1) model for finding sparse solutions to a quadratic system which has wide applications in sparse signal recovery, image processing and machine learning. The proposed quadratically constrained [Formula: see text] minimization model extends the linearly constrained [Formula: see text] and unconstrained [Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text] models. We study various properties of the proposed model in aim of designing an efficient algorithm. Especially, we propose an unrelaxed KKT condition for local/global minimizers. Followed by the properties studied, an active-set based descent algorithm is then proposed with its convergence proof being given. Extensive numerical experiments with synthetic and real-life Sparco datasets are conducted to show that the proposed algorithm works very effectively and efficiently. Its sparse recovery capability is superior to that of other known models in the literature.
Infection prevention and control practice among traditional birth attendants in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Abazie Ogechi Helen , Eppie Williamson Ejenwi
Published: September 2020

Background

The World Health Organization has defined a traditional birth attendant as a ‘person who assists the mother during childbirth and initially acquired her skills by delivering babies herself or through apprenticeship to other traditional birth attendants’. It is estimated that over 40 million neonatal deaths occur annually worldwide; some of these deaths are the result of infection, which may be attributed to the practices of traditional birth attendants. In Nigeria, maternal mortality because of puerperal sepsis occurs in 12% of cases. This study aimed to assess infection prevention and control practice among traditional birth attendants in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Methods

This is a descriptive study of infection prevention and control among traditional birth attendants in the three local government areas of Ikorordu, Mushin and Surulere. Simple random sampling (balloting) was used to select 144 registered traditional birth attendants. A self-structured questionnaire made up of four sections (sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practice) was used for data collection. The participant knowledge scores were categorised into ‘good’ (60–100%) and ‘poor’ (0–59%). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data and tested for significance at P=0.005.

Results

The mean age of the respondents was 48 ± 10.6 years. Over one-third (37.5%) of the respondents had poor knowledge of infection control. There was a statistically significant association between respondent age and practice of infection prevention and control (P=0.003). There was no significant difference between the duration of practice and infection prevention and control (P=0.688). Additionally, there was no significant association between the length of training and infection prevention and control (P=0.890).

Conclusions

There is a need to increase the knowledge of traditional birth attendants by organising training for them on infection prevention and control. Over 70% of the respondents identified that practice could be improved by additional training. This will reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality caused by infection in Lagos, Nigeria.
Traumatic recto-vaginal fistula in two patients with congenital vaginal septum: a case report
Authors: Khisa Weston , Mwebia Winnie , Muli Alice , Nasengo Linda
Published: September 2020

Congenital vaginal septum is a rare form of genital tract anomaly. It presents with dyspareunia, dysmenorrhoea or primary amenorrhoea associated with hematometra and hematocolpos. Others may be asymptomatic, with the anomaly being found during routine pelvic examination. This case study presents two patients with congenital vaginal septae, who developed traumatic recto-vaginal fistulae. The first patient had two incomplete longitudinal vaginal septae, incidentally discovered during repair of a recto-vaginal fistula that had developed following sexual assault. The second patient developed a recto-vaginal fistula following repair of a transverse vaginal septum.
Context: a key dimension in midwifery decision making and practice for safe labour care
Authors: Chodzaza Elizabeth , Haycock-Stuart Elaine , Holloway Aisha , Kafulafula Ursula
Published: September 2020

Background/Aims

Research into midwifery decision making to date is limited and, where it exists, theoretical understanding has focused on the cognitive aspects of the process. Understanding the real-life context in which midwives work and how this influences their decision making during labour is important for safer maternity care. This study aimed to explore the contextual factors that influence the decision making of midwives at secondary and tertiary level health facilities during the first stage of labour in the real context of practice.

Methods

Using a focused ethnographic methodology, data from nine midwives working in two hospital labour ward settings were collected from October 2013 to May 2014. A total of 27 participant observations of midwives supporting women in the first stage of labour, 26 semi-structured interviews with midwives, and a documentary analysis of maternal labour records were conducted. All data were analysed using theme and category formation.

Results

Four major themes that influenced midwifery decision making for the safe care of women in labour were found: dominance of the medical profession over maternity care, shortage of midwifery staff, limited material resources, and midwifery strategies for maternal and child safety.

Conclusions

Understanding and improving clinical decision making requires consideration of contextual factors. For safe maternal care during the first stage of labour, midwives need to be supported to manage contextual factors for favourable outcomes for the mother and neonate.
The effect on the anaesthetised rabbit of warming the breathing circuit with 40°C liquid
Authors: Nógrádi Anna Linda , Battay Márton , Cope Iain , Németh Tibor
Published: September 2020

During every surgical procedure, one of the aims is to reduce the risk of anaesthesia. Some factors can be influenced, such as core body temperature. The authors wanted to investigate a method that was cheap, efficient and also easy to use in everyday veterinary practice, as well as in more remote settings. The study examined the temperatures of 30 rabbits during inhalational anaesthesia, when using a facemask and T-piece circuit. The rabbits were put in three groups, with two groups inhaling the warmed gas mixture. The inhalational breathing circuit in these two groups was immersed in a 40 ± 1°C heated water chamber. The circuit was 60 cm in the first group and 80 cm in the second group. The third control group inhaled a gas mixture at ambient room temperature. The results indicated that the longer the piece of circuit that was warmed, the less the body temperature of the rabbit dropped. In the control group, at the 40th minute of anaesthesia, the average drop in body temperature was −1.28°C, while in the 60 cm heated group it was −0.65°C, and in the 80 cm heated group it was −0.27°C.
DNA barcoding unravels three new species and a subspecies of Olepa Watson, 1980 (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae) from India, with morphotypes

Authors: KALAWATE APARNA SURESHCHANDRA , DINESH K. P. , SHABNAM A.
Published: September 2020

The genus Olepa is distributed in Palearctic and Oriental regions with more species in India and Sri Lanka. In the recent studies, morphological variations within the group were well established, with couple of first set of mt COI DNA barcodes for at least three species. In the present account, three new species and a new subspecies are described from the northern Western Ghats region of Maharashtra based on mt COI DNA barcode studies. Due to high morphological divergence and complete genetic homogeneity on the mt COI DNA, four morphotypes under two species are reported. Morphological and genital characters of male and female are provided along with their respective species morphotypes for the first time under this genus from India. The genitalia and the habitus of male and female are illustrated. Preliminary phylogenetic tree based on the mt COI DNA sequences available in the GenBank for the genus with the sequences for the new species also provided and discussed. Key words: new taxa, morphotype, Maharashtra, DNA barcoding, mt COI gene
EMPREENDEDORISMO SOCIAL EM REDES INTERORGANIZACIONAIS: O FLUXO MIMÉTRICO COMO ABSORÇÃO ADAPTATIVA NA FORMAÇÃO DE COMPETÊNCIAS PARA O EMPODERAMENTO SOCIAL
Authors: Bazanini Roberto , Da Silva Joanilson Rodrigues , Biffi Marcos Antonio
Published: September 2020

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar as ações implementadas no empreendedorismo social em redes com a utilização do fluxo mimético no processo de formação de competências pessoais e sociais para empoderamento da comunidade. Por meio de pesquisa exploratória, de natureza qualitativa, a pesquisa de campo foi realizada com a utilização de entrevistas semiestruradas junto ao diretor do I.F.P., a representante da Ecovila Portuguesa (Tamera) e os membros da comunidade.  Os resultados da pesquisa apontam que a atuação do empreendedor social em redes está vinculada aos espaços e contextos de aprendizagem, à liderança coletiva promotora de comportamentos decorrentes do estímulo para absorção do fluxo mimético junto aos membros da comunidade.  Ao final do estudo são apresentadas três proposições para futuras pesquisas.
Robotic surgery: training, competence assessment and credentialing
Authors: Dixon F , Keeler BD
Published: September 2020

As a topical domain, robotic surgery is a fast moving area of both research and innovation, but there seems to be a dearth of information about training and curricula. Looking at training and future practice for robotic surgery, the authors examine the current situation but also consider potential future directions in terms of mandatory curricula (for multiple specialties) and assessment of competence. The article also covers some general areas of implementation and learning curves for new technologies.

An international consensus on robotic surgical training is required to guarantee regulated uptake of this expanding area of innovation.
Ablation enhancement of fused silica glass by femtosecond laser double-pulse Bessel beam
Authors: Chu Dongkai , Yao Peng , Sun Xiaoyan , Yin Kai , Huang Chuanzhen
Published: September 2020

In this study, the double-pulse Bessel beam ablation of fused silica glass is investigated. Compared to a conventional Bessel–Gauss beam, a double-pulse Bessel–Gauss beam can greatly enhance the photo-modification zone. As the time delay increases, the photo-modification zone first increases and then decreases. By optimizing the processing parameter, the photo-modification zone with a diameter in the range of 1.5–3 µm and an aspect ratio of about 1500:1 can be fabricated. Compared to the zone processed by a single-pulse Bessel–Gauss beam, the photo-modification zone of a double-pulse Bessel–Gauss beam increases by a factor of 500. Furthermore, the processing parameter of the pulse energy distribution ratio is also investigated to optimize fabrication. In addition, the experimental results show that the obtained etching rate of the photo-modification zone processed by the double-pulse Bessel–Gauss beam with a time delay of 50 ps is four times that of the single-pulse Bessel–Gauss beam. As an application example, a microreaction cell is fabricated using a femtosecond laser, double-pulse Bessel–Gauss beam to demonstrate the advantage of the proposed method in fabricating three-dimensional microfunctional structures.
Media events and translation: The case of the Arab Spring
Authors: Morgner Christian , Aldreabi Haitham
Published: September 2020

This article contributes to the growing research on transnational and global media events by focusing on the role of translation in the process of mediated meaning-making of the so-called Arab Spring. Furthermore, the article focuses on the role of traditional media channels (television), and questions conflation of the Arab Spring and the Arab world. Therefore, a database was created of the English television coverage on Egypt’s and Syria’s uprisings done by ‘Russia Today’ and ‘Al Jazeera’. The coverage was analysed using narrative and discourse analysis focusing on the role of media reports translation. This analysis included different translations and also considered the impact of these translations on the overall framing of the media event. It demonstrated how translation positioned the narrative structure of media events and their internal dynamic; how these dynamics were reconfigured through recontextualization; how participants were repositioned; and how the competition impacted the further dynamics of the media event.
Applying McLuhan’s tetradic framework to the effects of 9/11 on US media reports and depictions of Muslims
Authors: Matusitz Jonathan
Published: September 2020

This article applies McLuhan’s tetradic framework to the impact of 9/11 on US media reports and portrayals of Muslims. The tetradic framework posits that transformations in media and world life happen through four fundamental steps. All forms of media (1) intensify specific aspects of media culture while, simultaneously, (2) making other characteristics of media culture obsolete. At some point, people tend to (3) discover new things about aspects in media culture that were ignored in the past (i.e. which obsolete aspects of culture do media retrieve?). Finally, (4) with this rise in information-seeking and discovery, media culture is experiencing continuous modification. Stated differently, the media go through a reversal when pushed too far or extended beyond the limits of their capacity. Overall, this analysis is able to inform readers on the full complexity of the long-term development of people’s perceptions of Muslims as a result of the constant metamorphosis of the media.
Authenticity and discourses in Aladdin (1992)
Authors: Bourenane Abderrahmene
Published: September 2020

Since the first encounters between the East and the West, many Western artistic productions have been produced to introduce the Orient to the Occident. Antoine Galland’s translation of the oriental folkloric tales, known as One Thousand and One Nights marked a cultural transfer through introducing an exotic, colourful and adventurous, yet unsafe, life-threatening and mysterious image of the Orient. Scholars question the authenticity of the translation, and reject the true belonging of the tale of Aladdin’s Wonderful Lamp to the oriental cultural heritage suggesting its Western construction. This fabrication suggests the existence of several discourses that are to be unfolded with the critical discourse analysis of the pictorial and textual discourse of the tale and its several filmic adaptations. The tale was fully or partially adapted in several cinematographic productions during the last century. For example, while Aladin (1906) faithfully adapted part of the original tale, the 1992 version directed by Clements and Musker is a loosely inspiration perceived through an orientalist filter. The aim of this article is to investigate the authenticity and disclose the discourses concealed in Galland’s translation and its 1992 filmic adaptation, the critical discourse analysis in addition to Edward Saïd’s Orientalism provide the theoretical framework to analyse the excerpts from the translation and scenes from the film, in order to disclose the colonial, orientalist and feminist discourses they encapsulate.
Modern Heroes, Modern Slaves? Listening to migrant domestic workers’ everyday temporalities
Authors: Parry-Davies Ella
Published: September 2020

This essay draws on multi-sited, performance art-led research with Filipinx migrant domestic workers in the UK and Lebanon. It explores a dichotomy at work in the portrayal of some workers as bagong bayani or ‘modern heroes’—a phrase coined by then Philippine president Corazon Aquino—and as ‘modern slaves’, a term more recently associated with the humanitarian and state processing of survivors of human trafficking and labour abuse. Simultaneously victimising and venerating workers, I argue that both terms spectacularise experiences of migrant domestic work, untethering it from lived, material conditions. In so doing, the everyday nature of exploitation and abuse encountered by many migrant domestic workers is obscured, as well as the everyday expertise that enables them to evade, de-escalate, and survive it. Through making collaborative soundwalks with migrant domestic workers—a creative form similar to site-specific audio guides—my research identifies ways in which performance methodologies can be attentive to the specific temporalities of their lived experiences and to their decisions about self-representation.
Infección del sitio quirúrgico tras cirugía raquimedular. Análisis de los factores de riesgo
Authors: Chisbert Genovés María Pilar , Moreno Oliveras Luis , Rey Doménech Tania , Parra Codoñer Víctor Manuel , Cervera Badía María José , Sánchez Salas María África , Piquer Belloch José
Published: September 2020

Objetivo: Determinar la incidencia de infección del sitio quirúrgico (ISQ) en los pacientes intervenidos de cirugía raquimedular y analizar los factores de riesgo intrínsecos y extrínsecos.Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo en el Servicio de Neurocirugía del Hospital Universitario de La Ribera (Valencia, España) que abarcó el periodo 2005-2015, donde se incluyeron los enfermos que habían sido intervenidos de cirugía de columna y que desarrollaron ISQ hasta un año después de la intervención.Resultados: De un total de 2301 cirugías vertebromedulares realizadas en 2090 pacientes, 20 presentaron ISQ en un tiempo medio de 37,7 días, lo que supone una incidencia acumulada de infección del 0,87%. Destacan factores como el tiempo quirúrgico mayor de 3 horas (65%), la cirugía invasiva vía posterior con material de osteosíntesis por lesión traumática (55%) y la fístula de líquido cefalorraquídeo (5%). En relación a la evolución del paciente, fueron variables estadísticamente significativas la obesidad y las infecciones coexistentes (p=0,043; OR=2,00).Conclusión: La obesidad o la presencia de infecciones coexistentes en el paciente sometido a cirugía raquimedular causa el doble de probabilidad de exitus por ISQ.
Determination of User’s Need and Comfort in Designing and Purchasing Green Buildings in Kano State, Nigeria
Authors: Yahuza Mukhtar Sabiu , Erçin Çilen
Published: September 2020

Green building is the modern method adopted to attain global sustainability through individual house level. The user’s demand for housing is increasing every day, also the demand for other house utility increases. These demands may include energy and water supply, refuse management, provision of new infrastructures etc. most of these demands are necessary for every user to survive. Therefore, most users engage in afforestation, increases carbon emission and rise in the Greenhouse gases level production to meet up with their demands, these activities causes’ disasters to our planet. Therefore users need and green approach to sustainability are two opposite factors. This paper examines the user’s need and comfort in designing or purchasing green buildings in Kano state, Nigeria. Relevant kinds of literature were revised in this work with the addition of a case study which was analysed using the descriptive approach method. A case study was picked in Kano state, Gwale Yan-Alawa quarters as an example of green building, which was analysed and rated using BREEAM and LEED assessment criteria. The result shows about 80% of user satisfaction was recorded. Also, the demand for green building keeps increasing in Kano state, which adds value to it. Keywords: Green building, users’ need, users’ demand, users’ perception, sustainability and green construction