bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protocol for a multi-site pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial: Surgery versus PhysiothErapist-leD exercise for traumatic tears of the rotator cuff (the SPeEDy study)
Authors: Littlewood Chris , Wade Julia , Butler-Walley Stephanie , Lewis Martyn , Beard David , Rangan Amar , Bhabra Gev , Kalogrianitis Socrates , Kelly Cormac , Mehta Saurabh , Singh Harvinder Pal , Smith Matthew , Tambe Amol , Tyler James , Foster Nadine E.
Published: January 2021

Background

Clinically, a distinction is made between types of rotator cuff tear, traumatic and non-traumatic, and this sub-classification currently informs the treatment pathway. It is currently recommended that patients with traumatic rotator cuff tears are fast tracked for surgical opinion. However, there is uncertainty about the most clinically and cost-effective intervention for patients with traumatic rotator cuff tears and further research is required.

SPeEDy will assess the feasibility of a fully powered, multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test the hypothesis that, compared to surgical repair (and usual post-operative rehabilitation), a programme of physiotherapist-led exercise is not clinically inferior, but is more cost-effective for patients with traumatic rotator cuff tears.

Methods

SPeEDy is a two-arm, multi-centre pilot and feasibility RCT with integrated Quintet Recruitment Intervention (QRI) and further qualitative investigation of patient experience. A total of 76 patients with traumatic rotator cuff tears will be recruited from approximately eight UK NHS hospitals and randomly allocated to either surgical repair and usual post-operative rehabilitation or a programme of physiotherapist-led exercise. The QRI is a mixed-methods approach that includes data collection and analysis of screening logs, audio recordings of recruitment consultations, interviews with patients and clinicians involved in recruitment, and review of study documentation as a basis for developing action plans to address identified difficulties whilst recruitment to the RCT is underway. A further sample of patient participants will be purposively sampled from both intervention groups and interviewed to explore reasons for initial participation, treatment acceptability, reasons for non-completion of treatment, where relevant, and any reasons for treatment crossover.

Discussion

Research to date suggests that there is uncertainty regarding the most clinically and cost-effective interventions for patients with traumatic rotator cuff tears. There is a clear need for a high-quality, fully powered, RCT to better inform clinical practice. Prior to this, we first need to undertake a pilot and feasibility RCT to address current uncertainties about recruitment, retention and number of and reasons for treatment crossover.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04027205) – Registered on 19 July 2019. Available via
Impact of a multimedia website with patient experiences of multiple sclerosis (PExMS) on immunotherapy decision-making: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial in a mixed-methods design
Authors: Barabasch Anna , Riemann-Lorenz Karin , Kofahl Christopher , Scheiderbauer Jutta , Eklund Desiree , Kleiter Ingo , Kasper Jürgen , Köpke Sascha , Lezius Susanne , Zapf Antonia , Rahn Anne Christin , Heesen Christoph
Published: January 2021

Background

A variety of management options (e.g. immunotherapies, lifestyle interventions, and rehabilitation) are available for people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Besides coping with the diagnosis, people with MS (pwMS) have to make complex decisions such as deciding about immunotherapies. In addition to factual information, reports of patient experiences (PEx) may support patients in decision-making. The added value of PEx in decision-making is not clear, and controlled studies are rare. Therefore, systematic methods are necessary to develop and analyse PEx. As there are no evaluated PEx for MS in Germany, we are currently creating a website presenting PEx structured according to topics and illustrated by video, audio, and text files. We aim to determine the feasibility of an intervention using PEx and evaluate whether PEx may help pwMS in their immunotherapy decision-making processes as a supplement to evidence-based information.

Methods

This project will follow the Medical Research Council framework for development and evaluation of complex interventions. After the development of a website with PEx, a randomised controlled pilot trial (pilot RCT) will be conducted in 2–3 MS centres, clinics, or rehabilitation centres including 55 pwMS and accompanied by a process evaluation. Patients with a RRMS diagnosis considering immunotherapy are eligible. The primary outcome is decision self-efficacy. Secondary outcomes include preparation for decision-making, decisional conflict, risk knowledge, confidence in active participation, affective forecasting, social support, and self-reported impact of eHealth on its users. Participants will be randomly assigned either to (i) an intervention group with 4 weeks access to an evidence-based patient information resource and the PExMS-website as an adjunct or to (ii) the control group with access to evidence-based information alone. A 6-member advisory panel involving representatives of pwMS, researchers, and neurologists, who accompany the whole project, will mentor this pilot RCT.

Discussion

The intervention was developed with systematic methods, created with active patient involvement and in critical appraisal by an expert advisory panel. The study is innovative as it contributes to the controversial evidence on the use of PEx in the context of evidence-based patient information.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04236544
Efficacy of Petiveria Alliacea (Linneaus) leaf and root bark powder in the control of filariasis vector Culex Quinquefasciatus
Authors: Akintan Michael Olarewaju , Akinneye Joseph Onaolapo , Ilelakinwa Oluwatosin Betty
Published: January 2021

Background

Mosquitoes are vectors of parasitic diseases such as malaria, lymphatic filariasis, yellow fever, and dengue fever among others. They are well known as public enemies for their noise nuisance, biting annoyance, sleeplessness, allergic reactions, and diseases transmission during the biting and feeding activities. This then necessitate the search for insecticides of plant origin which are bio-degradable, non-toxic, and readily available for man use.

Result

This study, evaluated the fumigant efficacy of the powder of P. alliacea to control the adult stage of Culex mosquito. Powder of Petiveria alliacea were administered at different dose of (1 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, and 5 g), respectively. Result obtained shows the fumigant effect of the powder were effective with percentage mortality of 18.33–60.00% for the leaf powder and 23.30–71.60% for the root powder within 2 h post-treatment period (P < 0.05). The synergistic effect of the leaf and root powder was also investigated. The lethal dosage (LD50) of the leaf, root, and synergistic effect of leaf and root bark powder required to kill 50% of the adult Culex quinquefasciatus was 3.76 g, 2.86 g, and 2.63 g, respectively. However, 25.06 g, 15.25 g, and 12.94 g of the leaf, root, and leaf and root powder were required to kill 90% (LD90) after a 2-h exposure period.

Conclusion

These finding suggested P. alliacea powder could be a good source of insecticide which may be used for the production of biopesticides. The present findings have important implications in the practical control of adult mosquito by using botanical insecticides. These plant powders are easy to prepare, inexpensive, and safe for use in mosquito control.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as a prophylactic treatment in migraine
Authors: Hammad Azza B. , Elsharkawy Rasha E. , Abdel Azim Ghada S.
Published: January 2021

Background

Clinical applications of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have shown promising results in the treatment of headache disorders, with migraine being one of the most encountered.

Objective

To assess the role of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as a preventive treatment of migraine (with and without aura) and correlate the results with the serum level of the inflammatory biomarker (neurokinin A).

Methods

Forty patients, with age ranging from 15 to 55 years, diagnosed with migraine (30 migraine without aura and 10 with aura) and 20 apparently healthy individuals, who were age and sex matched with the patient group, were included in this study.

A low-frequency (1 Hz) rTMS protocol was applied for all patients for five consecutive days interictally. Assessment of pain intensity using visual analogue scale and frequency and duration of attacks as well as number of pills taken by patients as an abortive treatment according to the Basic Diagnostic Headache Diary for 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after TMS sessions was done. In addition, the Migraine Disability Assessment scale (MIDAS) was applied to assess the severity and degree of disability caused by migraine.

Measurement of neurokinin A serum level was done by using ELISA for all patients before and after TMS and for control group once.

Results

There was a significant reduction in pain intensity, frequency and duration of migraine attacks, migraine disability scores, and number of pills taken as abortive treatment for attacks after rTMS (P < 0.001). Also, serum level of neurokinin A in the patients was significantly reduced after rTMS (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Low-frequency rTMS is an effective prophylactic treatment for migraine with and without aura.
A review on liquid chromatographic methods for the bioanalysis of atorvastatin
Authors: Wadhwa Karan , Rana A. C.
Published: January 2021

Background

The unsatisfied clinical need has encouraged the development and validation of bioanalytical procedures for the quantification of drugs in biological samples because the monitoring of drug concentrations helps in personalizing the patient’s pharmacotherapy, assessing the adherence to therapy, and is also extensively useful for pharmacokinetics and drug-drug interactions studies.

Main Body

The present review aimed to provide insightful information about the various liquid chromatographic methods developed till 2019 for the analysis and quantification of atorvastatin, its metabolites, and co-administered drugs in the various biological matrices like the serum, plasma, and urine with special emphasis on sample preparation techniques applied before chromatographic analysis along with different chromatographic conditions and their validation data. A total of 88 published papers that have used liquid chromatography techniques to quantify atorvastatin in biological fluids are included in the study. Out of the total reported liquid chromatographic methods, 34% used UV spectrophotometer as a detector, and 55% used MS/MS as a detector. Whereas 38% of them used protein precipitation procedure, 33% applied liquid-liquid extraction approach, and 12% employed solid-phase extraction technique for sample preparation.

Conclusion

In the last decade, numerous bioanalytical procedures have been developed for the quantification of atorvastatin in different biological samples using liquid chromatographic techniques. Moreover, advancement in technology developed several new and advanced sample preparation approaches like dispersive liquid-liquid extraction, microextraction by packed sorbent, which have high recovery rates than conventional procedures. Thus, the summarized review may be consulted as an informative tool to support the optimization of new bioanalytical methods for the quantification of atorvastatin.
Comparative evaluation of intranasally delivered quetiapine loaded mucoadhesive microemulsion and polymeric nanoparticles for brain targeting: pharmacokinetic and gamma scintigraphy studies
Authors: Shah Brijesh , Khunt Dignesh , Misra Manju
Published: January 2021

Background

Treatment in neurological disorders like schizophrenia requires continuous presence of drug in the brain for a prolonged period of time to achieve an effective therapeutic response. Delivery of antipsychotic drug quetiapine in the form of conventional delivery systems suffers from low oral bioavailability, first-pass metabolism, and frequent dosing. In addition to that biological obstacles present at the brain interface also hinders the transport of quetiapine across the brain. In the present study, nasal delivery of quetiapine loaded nanoparticles and microemulsion formulation were designed to evaluate their individual in vivo potential to achieve brain targeting. Chitosan-based polymeric nanoparticles and mucoadhesive microemulsion systems were developed through ionic gelation and water titration method respectively.

Results

Microemulsion showed globule size lower than 50 nm with 95% drug loading while, nanoparticles exhibited 65% drug loading with particle size of 131 nm. Nasal diffusion study showed highest diffusion with chitosan-based mucoadhesive microemulsion over nanoparticles suggesting permeation-enhancing effects of chitosan. Due to the overall hydrophilic nature, quetiapine-loaded nanoparticles could not diffuse superiorly across nasal mucosa, hence, showed 1.3 times lesser diffusion compared to mucoadhesive microemulsion. Pharmacokinetics in rats showed highest brain concentration and 1.9-folds higher nasal bioavailability with mucoadhesive microemulsion over nanoparticles suggesting direct brain transport through olfactory route bypassing blood-brain barrier.

Conclusion

Higher quetiapine transport with mucoadhesive microemulsion suggested that synergistic effects like tight junction modulation by chitosan and unique composition facilitating smaller globule size could be responsible for higher brain transport. Imaging study by gamma scintigraphy also supported pharmacokinetic outcomes and concluded that mucoadhesive microemulsion could be a promising nanocarrier approach for non-invasive nose to brain delivery.

Graphical abstract
Development of reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the estimation of HIV non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor drug efavirenz in the rat brain
Authors: Kakad Smita Prakash , Kshirsagar Sanjay Jayprakash
Published: January 2021

Background

The brain is the potential viral reservoir, and estimating the antiviral drug concentration in the brain is a hurdle to the researchers as very few animal models are available for this study. The objective of the study was to develop and validate the RP-HPLC method for the estimation of antiviral drug efavirenz (EFV) in the brain of healthy Wistar rats. EFV was the first-line antiretroviral medication. The optimized HPLC condition used for the analysis had the mobile phase methanol to water (9:1) ratio. The flow rate was set at 0.8 mL/min, while the detection wavelength was 248 nm.

Results

The retention time was found to be 5.7 min, and the % RSD was found within the limit. Recovery was found to be nearly 78%. The validation results were found to be within the limit range; hence, the obtained method was accurate, specific, rapid, and repeatable for estimation of EFV in the brain.

Conclusion

This method for estimation of EFV in the rat brain can be applicable for pharmacokinetic and toxicology study of EFV in the brain after administration of EFV to rats.

Graphical abstract

.
Environmental hazards and demographic and clinical data of childhood interstitial lung diseases in a tertiary institute in Egypt
Authors: Ishak Sally Raafat , Hassan Azza Mohammed , Kamel Terez Boshra
Published: January 2021

Background

The incidence of childhood interstitial lung diseases increased in the last years in Egypt. Changes in environmental and climatic conditions may be contributing factors. Also, raising birds at home increased in the past years due to financial issues. Other environmental factors include increased industries, traffic, and pollution.Our study aimed to assess the environmental hazards and the severity of childhood interstitial lung diseases.

Results

Sixty-five percent of patients with childhood interstitial lung diseases (chILD) were exposed to cigarette smoke; 45% were exposed to birds, 30% to industrial wastes, 20% to grass and pesticides, and 10% to animals.

Conclusions

Exposure to cigarette smoke and birds increases the risk of development of chILD.
How gas-hydrate saturation and morphology control seismic attenuation: A case study from the south Hydrate Ridge
Authors: Ji Aoshuang , Zhu Tieyuan , Marín-Moreno Héctor , Lei Xiong
Published: January 2021

Prior studies have shown an ambiguous relationship between gas-hydrate saturation and seismic attenuation in different regions, but the effect of gas-hydrate morphology on seismic attenuation of hydrate-bearing sediments was often overlooked. We have combined seismic data with rock-physics modeling to elucidate how gas-hydrate saturation and morphology may control seismic attenuation. To extract P-wave attenuation, we process the vertical seismic profile data within a frequency range of 30–150 Hz and the sonic logging data within 10–15 kHz from three wells in the south Hydrate Ridge, offshore Oregon (USA), collected during Ocean Drilling Program Leg 204 in 2000. We calculate the P-wave attenuation using spectral matching and centroid frequency shift methods, and we use Archie’s relationship to derive gas-hydrate saturation from the resistivity data above the bottom-simulating reflection at the same wells. To interpret the observed seismic attenuation in terms of the effects of the gas-hydrate saturation and the morphology, we use the hydrate-bearing effective sediment rock-physics model. By comparing the observed and model-predicted attenuation values, we infer that (1) seismic attenuation appears to not be dominated by any single factor — instead, its variation is likely governed by the gas-hydrate saturation and the morphology; (2) the relationship between seismic attenuation and gas-hydrate saturation varies with different hydrate morphologies; (3) the squirt flow, occurring at different compliances of adjacent pores driven by pressure gradients, may be responsible for the significantly large or small attenuation over a broad frequency range.
Smartphone Health Assessment for Relapse Prevention (SHARP): a digital solution toward global mental health
Authors: Rodriguez-Villa Elena , Mehta Urvakhsh Meherwan , Naslund John , Tugnawat Deepak , Gupta Snehil , Thirtalli Jagadisha , Bhan Anant , Patel Vikram , Chand Prabhat Kumar , Rozatkar Abhijit , Keshavan Matcheri , Torous John
Published: January 2021

Background

Predicting and preventing relapse presents a crucial opportunity and first step to improve outcomes and reduce the care gap for persons living with schizophrenia. Using commercially available smartphones and smartwatches, technology now affords opportunities to capture real-time and longitudinal profiles of patients’ symptoms, cognition, physiology and social patterns. This novel data makes it possible to explore relationships between behaviours, physiology and symptoms, which may yield personalised relapse signals.

Aims

Smartphone Health Assessment for Relapse Prevention (SHARP), an international mental health research study supported by the Wellcome Trust, will inform the development of a scalable and sharable digital health solution to monitor personal risk of relapse. The resulting technology will be studied toward predicting and preventing relapse among individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness.

Method

SHARP is a two-phase study with research sites in Boston, Massachusetts, and Bangalore and Bhopal, India. During phase 1, focus groups will be conducted at each study site to collect feedback on the design and features available on mindLAMP, a digital health platform. Individuals with serious mental illness will use mindLAMP for the duration of a year during phase 2.

Results

The results of the research outlined in this protocol will guide the development of technology and digital tools to help address pervasive challenges in global mental health.

Conclusions

The digital tools developed as a result of this study, and participants’ experiences using them, may offer insight into opportunities to expand digital mental health resources and optimize their utilisation around the world.
Does ATTRACT change our DVT management practice?
Authors: Das Marco
Published: January 2021

In 2017, the long awaited results of the ATTRACT trial were published in the New England Journal of Medicine leaving the scientific community with disappointment as the study did not show the expected results. Producing not the expected outcome is not uncommon in science – furthermore, it is important to disapprove common beliefs. But has the ATTRACT trial really the power to change our practice? Are the results correct in terms of evidence based on the methods used?
Benefits of using a photostimulable phosphor plate protective device
Authors: de Moura Graziela , Vizzotto Mariana Boessio , Tiecher Priscila Fernanda da Silveira , Arús Nádia Assein , Silveira Heraldo Luis Dias da
Published: January 2021

Objectives:

To develop and test a protective device (PD) to increase the resistance of photostimulable storage phosphor (PSP) plate to compressive load, and assess the resulting image quality.

Methods:

Two prototypes, polyvinylchloride sheets of 0.3 mm and 0.7 mm each, were developed for PSP plate size 2. The resistance to compressive load was tested using eight new PSPs divided into four test groups: (1) PSP, (2) PSP and paperboard protector, (3) PSP and 0.3 mm PD, and (4) PSP and 0.7 mm PD. The resulting images were analyzed by three oral radiologists, based on the consensus for image artifacts. Additionally, the objective image quality test was performed with four new PSPs, using an 8-step wedge aluminum scale. The mean gray values and standard deviation were measured in a total of 240 images, and the data were analyzed using analysis of variance with Bonferroni post-hoc test.

Results:

Artifacts were seen in the PSP control group starting at 40 n, and at 150 n, 175 n and 300 n in 0.3 mm PD, paperboard protector and 0.7 mm PD, respectively. Although there was no statistical difference among groups, there were differences between exposure times (0.06–0.25 s, 0.06–0.40 s, and 0.10–0.40 s). Scanning resolution of 20 lp/mm showed higher mean gray value than 25 and 40 lp/mm (p < 0.05)

Conclusion:

The developed PDs improved the PSP resistance to compressive forces, with low interference on the pixel gray values, regardless of exposure time and spatial resolution. Nevertheless, the 0.7 mm PD could withstand the maximum compressive load.
POLÍTICA DE INOVAÇÃO NAS UNIVERSIDADES FEDERAIS DO NORDESTE: REFLEXOS DAIMPLEMENTAÇÃO DOS NITS POR MEIO DA LEI DE INOVAÇÃO
Authors: Almeida Diana Beatriz , Pinheiro Helano Diógenes
Published: January 2021

A criação e a inovação acompanham a humanidade desde seus primórdios, e a preocupação em proteger essas descobertas é bem mais recente. Este artigo analisa o desenvolvimento da política de inovação nas universidades federais nordestinas por meio da Lei de Inovação, abordando o processo de institucionalização dos NITs. A pesquisa é descritiva, documental e bibliográfica, com a coleta dos dados centrada na identificação dos elementos elencados na lei de inovação nas instituições pesquisadas. O estudo revelou uma crescente mobilização das instituições na implementação das estruturas referentes à inovação prevista em instrumentos legais, porém com atuação ainda limitada a registro de patentes, seguindo normatização do INPI. Embora implantados, os NITs revelam iniciativas ainda incipientes de promoção da inovação. Esse avanço lento pode ser associado à necessidade de atualização da lei de inovação, representada pelo Marco Legal, em que se modificou grande parte da redação da lei de forma a torná-la mais clara e operacional.
UMA VISÃO RELACIONAL DAS CONTRIBUIÇÕES DAS INSTITUIÇÕES CIENTÍFICAS E TECNOLÓGICAS PARA A ADOÇÃO DE ESTRATÉGIAS DE INOVAÇÃO ABERTA POR MICRO E PEQUENAS EMPRESAS
Authors: Silva Silvio Bitencourt da , Junior Alexandre Zigunovas
Published: January 2021

Neste artigo, conduz-se uma investigação sobre as contribuições das Instituições Científicas e Tecnológicas (ICTs) para a adoção de estratégias de Inovação Aberta (IA) por Micro e Pequenas Empresas (MPEs). Ele é pautado por uma abordagem qualitativa, caracterizada como estudo de caso junto às ICTs do estado do Rio Grande do Sul - RS que alcançou destaque na primeira edição do Edital SEBRAE de Inovação ao ter o maior número de projetos aprovados em âmbito nacional, totalizando 27,5 % dos projetos. A coleta de dados se deu em formulário on-line disponibilizado via Google Forms aos responsáveis pelas ICTs, tendo alcançado 48 ICTs de um total de 54 mapeadas no Estado do RS. A análise das evidências ocorreu à luz dos elementos da Visão Relacional (VR) que problematizam, questionam e complementam a Visão Baseada em Recursos (VBR) e que permitem o desenvolvimento de recursos relacionais (estrutura de colaboração, o modo de relacionamento e os parceiros como recurso). As evidências obtidas sugerem que as ICTs podem contribuir para a adoção de estratégias de IA por MPEs ao estreitar suas relações com as MPEs, moldar mecanismos específicos de IA para MPEs e construir conexões entre outros atores, além de grandes empresas.
A REGIONALIDADE E A FORMAÇÃO DE ADMINISTRADORES: UM ESTUDO NO NORDESTE BRASILEIRO
Authors: Lima Tthales Batista de
Published: January 2021

Este artigo objetiva analisar a formação do administrador no Nordeste do Brasil por meio das dimensões histórico-política, estrutural-institucional e cultural-social. O método caracteriza-se pela perspectiva interpretativista e de cunho qualitativo, em que participaram da pesquisa nove docentes envolvidos com a criação e o desenvolvimento do curso de Administração na localidade. As entrevistas subsidiaram a categorização dos discursos divididos nas dimensões apresentadas. Os resultados revelaram que as dimensões do ambiente de aprendizagem efetivamente exercem um papel preponderante no ensino de Administração. Por fim, conclui-se que uma formação regionalizada se constitui em uma alternativa para promover a aproximação entre ensino e ambiente de aprendizagem de maneira a alinhar-se com as possibilidades de atuação profissional em Administração no Nordeste.
Effects Of Fish Amino Acid (Faa) Application on Growth and Development of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus) at Different Sampling Times
Authors: Johari Nor Syakina , Abdul Mutalib Asila , Ismail Zalina , Ismail Fazhana , Ab Latif Zahidah , Che Man Shaibatul ' Islamiah , Tang Jing Rui
Published: January 2021

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of fish amino acid (FAA) application on growth and development of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) with different sampling times. It was placed at Soil Science Laboratory, Blok Pakar at the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). The okra plant was treated with a different amount of FAA (5 mL and 10 mL). Total of experimental units were 24. The used experimental design was Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). The parameters such as root length, shoot length, plant biomass, soil pH and soil moisture content were analysed after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of transplanting. The data was analysed by using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and means comparison were using Tukey HSD test with significant level (P≤0.05). Results showed that FAA application and different sampling times were significantly affected the shoot length of okra. Besides, the volume of FAA and the number of weeks were significantly affected the soil pH and the soil moisture content, respectively. However, the addition of FAA application did not affect the root length and plant biomass of okra.
Review: The Comparison of Clay Modifier (Cloisite Types) in Various Epoxy-Clay Nanocomposite Synthesis Methods
Authors: Firdaus Muhammad Yunus , Octaviani Herlinda , Herlini Humaira , Fatimah Nurul , Mulyaningsih Tika , Fairuuz Zachnaz , Dani Nandiyanto Asep Bayu
Published: January 2021

Nanocomposites are a new material discovery in the 21st century. One of the nanocomposite materials which are useful in life is epoxy-clay nanocomposites. Epoxy clay nanocomposites have a reasonably wide application in industrial fields such as aerospace, defense, automobile, etc. The purpose of writing this review is to conduct a literature review on mechanical properties in various Cloisite as a filler of Epoxy-clay Nanocomposites. There are several examples of cloisite, namely Cloisite 10A, Cloisite 15A, Cloisite 20A, Cloisite 25A, Cloisite 30B, and Cloisite 93A. Cloisite has the advantage of producing mechanical properties, especially in the tensile modulus and strength, which is more increased than conventional reinforcing materials. These methods' synthesis results were then characterized using TEM, SEM, XRD, and other tests to determine their mechanical properties. The material parameters resulting from nanocomposites' synthesis are well seen from the high Tensile strength and modulus values. The highest increase in mechanical properties was found in the cloisite 93A by the ultrasonic synthesis method or mechanical stirring based on the study results.
Mothers’ employment and child behaviour: new evidence for Scotland
Authors: Jacob Marita , Kühhirt Michael
Published: January 2021

Given increasing maternal labour-market participation in many European countries, there is an ongoing scientific and public debate on the potential consequences for children’s development. Previous research has used both cross-sectional measures of maternal employment at a particular age of the child and measures capturing maternal employment history. Whereas the former approach cannot capture the cumulative impact of maternal employment on developmental outcomes, studies following the second approach have so far not accounted for the possibility that mothers may repeatedly change their labour-force participation in response to their children’s development or other dynamic context factors that are themselves affecting developmental outcomes.

The present study combines statistical techniques that can account for time-varying confounders with cumulative measurement of maternal employment to investigate its link with children’s behavioural problems around age eight. In addition, our study explores whether the effect of maternal employment history differs by mothers’ education. Using data from the Growing Up in Scotland study, we find that children’s behavioural problems around age eight are the less pronounced the more years their mothers have worked full-time or part-time. However, these associations reduced in size once we adjusted for potential confounders and they do not significantly differ between mothers with and without a tertiary degree. These results suggest that the association between maternal employment history and behavioural problems around age eight is mostly driven by confounding factors such as maternal education, child health and socio-economic status.
Consumer perceptions of corporate social responsibility and its relationship with consumer behaviour: Scale development and validation in an emerging market context
Authors: Oe Hiroko , Yamaoka Yasuyuki
Published: January 2021

This study aims to develop a conceptual framework on consumers' perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CPCSR) and the impacts of this on three types of consumer behaviour: company evaluation, company identification, and purchase intention. A quantitative method was applied
in this study. Structural equation modelling was performed on 401 samples attained from a survey conducted in Turkey to verify the proposed analytical model, with seven dimensions of CPCSR and three dimensions of consumer behaviour based on the perceptions of corporate social responsibility
(CSR).
 The dimensions of the model are all validated with Turkish consumers' perceptions. The results indicate that CPCSR can be explained and validated by the following seven dimensions: employee, customer, environment, community, societal, supplier, and shareholder factors. It
is also validated that consumer behaviour in response to CPCSR can be measured by three dimensions: company evaluation, company identification, and purchase intention. As a holistic model, the proposed framework has been approved with the Turkish consumers' dataset. However, it has been found
that CPCSR does not have a big impact on consumers' behaviour; the results of this study show that CPCSR has a weaker impact on consumers' CSR behaviour.
 While investigation into issues of CSR in emerging markets is essential for twenty-first-century business ethics, the research
theme of this study is how to support and guide consumers to be more proactive and responsive to CSR concepts. The validated and proposed model with practical dimensions can assist businesses to assess CPCSR relative to its impact on consumer behaviour.
Plasmonic Computational Compound-Eye Camera
Authors: Kogos Leonard , Li Yunzhe , Liu Jianing , Li Yuyu , Tian Lei , Paiella Roberto
Published: January 2021

Recently, we have reported a novel compound-eye camera architecture—one that leverages the great design flexibility of metasurface nanophotonics and the advanced data-processing capabilities of computational imaging, to provide an ultrawide FOV greater than 150° in a planar lensless format.
Versatile Diffractive Flat Optics
Authors: Majumder Apratim , Meem Monjurul , Banerji Sourangsu , Sensale-Rodriguez Berardi , Menon Rajesh
Published: January 2021

Recently, we have shown that allowing the phase in the image plane of a flat lens to be a free parameter enables imaging properties of unprecedented versatility in flat, multilevel diffractive lenses through careful design of different diffractive surfaces. The properties we have shown in such flat lenses include super-achromaticity, extreme depth-of-focus and high numerical aperture. These flat lenses can be easily fabricated using one-step grayscale lithography.
Customizing Caustics
Authors: Denz Cornelia , Zannotti Alessandro , Alonso Miguel A. , Dennis Mark R.
Published: January 2021

Caustics show up in contexts ranging from rainbows and water surfaces to light refracted through drinking glasses, but, despite their attractive propagation features, have rarely been artificially generated or exploited as basic entities for structured-light fabrication. We recently developed a general approach to design, customize and fabricate structured caustic light with arbitrary transverse shapes.
Single-Photon Imaging Goes Long Range
Authors: Li Z.-P. , Huang X. , Cao Y. , Xu F. , Pan J.-W.
Published: January 2021

Single-photon sensitivity and picosecond time resolution are desirable for long-range imaging in a variety of applications. In recent experiments, we were able to substantially exceed the previous single-photon-imaging range record, demonstrating single-photon 3D imaging at a range of up to 45 km in urban environments.
Unidirectional Light Propagation in Natural Crystals
Authors: Macêdo R. , McEleney C. A. , González-Jiménez M. , Wu X.
Published: January 2021

In recent work, we showed that one-way light propagation, with respect to the incidence angle, can occur in simple, natural crystalline materials, such as crystal quartz, at far-infrared frequencies. Our results support the idea that natural crystals can serve as efficient and functional oriented asymmetric absorbers, features that have led to the use of materials such as the quartz we have studied in developing on-chip devices.
Electrophysiological assessment and pharmacological treatment of blast-induced tinnitus
Authors: Lu Jianzhong , West Matthew B. , Du Xiaoping , Cai Qunfeng , Ewert Donald L. , Cheng Weihua , Nakmali Don , Li Wei , Huang Xiangping , Kopke Richard D.
Published: January 2021

Tinnitus, the phantom perception of sound, often occurs as a clinical sequela of auditory traumas. In an effort to develop an objective test and therapeutic approach for tinnitus, the present study was performed in blast-exposed rats and focused on measurements of auditory brainstem responses (ABRs), prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response, and presynaptic ribbon densities on cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs). Although the exact mechanism is unknown, the “central gain theory” posits that tinnitus is a perceptual indicator of abnormal increases in the gain (or neural amplification) of the central auditory system to compensate for peripheral loss of sensory input from the cochlea. Our data from vehicle-treated rats supports this rationale; namely, blast-induced cochlear synaptopathy correlated with imbalanced elevations in the ratio of centrally-derived ABR wave V amplitudes to peripherally-derived wave I amplitudes, resulting in behavioral evidence of tinnitus. Logistic regression modeling demonstrated that the ABR wave V/I amplitude ratio served as a reliable metric for objectively identifying tinnitus. Furthermore, histopathological examinations in blast-exposed rats revealed tinnitus-related changes in the expression patterns of key plasticity factors in the central auditory pathway, including chronic loss of Arc/Arg3.1 mobilization. Using a formulation ofN-acetylcysteine (NAC) and disodium 2,4-disulfophenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone (HPN-07) as a therapeutic for addressing blast-induced neurodegeneration, we measured a significant treatment effect on preservation or restoration of IHC ribbon synapses, normalization of ABR wave V/I amplitude ratios, and reduced behavioral evidence of tinnitus in blast-exposed rats, all of which accorded with mitigated histopathological evidence of tinnitus-related neuropathy and maladaptive neuroplasticity.
Identifying differences in gait adaptability across various speeds using movement synergy analysis
Authors: Ó’Reilly David , Federolf Peter
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The aim of this study was to identify movement synergies during normal-walking that can differentiate healthy adults in terms of gait adaptability at various speeds. To this end, the association between movement synergies and lower-limb coordination variability or Deviation Phase (DP) was investigated. This study also investigated the moderating effect of movement synergies on the relationship between DP and the smoothness of arm-swing motion (NJI).

Method

A principal component analysis of whole-body marker trajectories from normal-walking treadmill trials at 0.8m/s, 1.2m/s and 1.6m/s was undertaken. Both DP and NJI were derived from approx. 8 minutes of perturbed-walking treadmill trials. Principal movement components, PMk, were derived and the RMS of the 2nd-order differentiation of these PMk (PAkRMS) were included as independent variables representing the magnitude of neuromuscular control in each PMk. Each PAkRMS were input into maximal linear mixed-effects models against DP and (DP x NJI) respectively. A stepwise elimination of terms and comparison of models using Anova identified optimal models for both aims.

Results

The principal movement related to the push-off mechanism of gait (PA4RMS) was identified as an optimal model and demonstrated a significant negative effect on DP however this effect may differ considerably across walking-speeds. An optimal model for describing the variance in (DP x NJI) included a fixed-effect of PA6RMS representing Right—Left side weight transfer was identified.

Interpretation

The hypotheses that individuals who exhibited greater control on specific kinematic synergies would exhibit variations during perturbed walking was substantiated. Supporting evidence for the role of movement synergies during the double-support phase of gait in proactively correcting balance was presented as well as the potential for this approach in targeted rehabilitation. The potential influence of leg dominance on gait adaptability was also discussed. Future studies should investigate further the role of walking-speed and leg dominance on movement synergies and look to generalize these findings to patient populations.
Towards remote monitoring in pediatric care and clinical trials—Tolerability, repeatability and reference values of candidate digital endpoints derived from physical activity, heart rate and sleep in healthy children
Authors: Kruizinga M. D. , Heide N. van der , Moll A. , Zhuparris A. , Yavuz Y. , Kam M. L. de , Stuurman F. E. , Cohen A. F. , Driessen G. J. A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Digital devices and wearables allow for the measurement of a wide range of health-related parameters in a non-invasive manner, which may be particularly valuable in pediatrics. Incorporation of such parameters in clinical trials or care as digital endpoint could reduce the burden for children and their parents but requires clinical validation in the target population. This study aims to determine the tolerability, repeatability, and reference values of novel digital endpoints in healthy children.

Methods

Apparently healthy children (n = 175, 46% male) aged 2–16 were included. Subjects were monitored for 21 days using a home-monitoring platform with several devices (smartwatch, spirometer, thermometer, blood pressure monitor, scales). Endpoints were analyzed with a mixed effects model, assessing variables that explained within- and between-subject variability. Endpoints based on physical activity, heart rate, and sleep-related parameters were included in the analysis. For physical-activity-related endpoints, a sample size needed to detect a 15% increase was calculated.

Findings

Median compliance was 94%. Variability in each physical activity-related candidate endpoint was explained by age, sex, watch wear time, rain duration per day, average ambient temperature, and population density of the city of residence. Estimated sample sizes for candidate endpoints ranged from 33–110 per group. Daytime heart rate, nocturnal heart rate and sleep duration decreased as a function of age and were comparable to reference values published in the literature.

Conclusions

Wearable- and portable devices are tolerable for pediatric subjects. The raw data, models and reference values presented here can be used to guide further validation and, in the future, clinical trial designs involving the included measures.
Anxiety and depression symptoms, the recovery from symptoms, and loneliness before and after the COVID-19 outbreak among the general population: Findings from a Dutch population-based longitudinal study
Authors: van der Velden Peter G. , Hyland Philip , Contino Carlo , von Gaudecker Hans-Martin , Muffels Ruud , Das Marcel
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and loneliness in the general population. More specifically, the study focused on prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms, the extent to which individuals with existing symptoms recovered or not, the prevalence of subtypes of loneliness, and the extent to which loneliness before and during this pandemic was associated with anxiety and depression symptoms.

Methods

Data was extracted from the longitudinal LISS panel, based on a probability sample of the Dutch population, with assessments on loneliness in October 2019 (T1) and June 2020 (T4), and anxiety and depression symptoms in November 2019 (T2), March 2020 (T3) and June 2020 (T4; Ntotal = 4,084). Loneliness was examined with the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and anxiety and depression symptoms with the Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5).

Results

Repeated measures multivariate logistic regression analyses (RMMLRA) showed a statistical significant lower prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms after the outbreak (T4 = 15.3%) than before (T2 = 16.8%) and during the COVID-19 outbreak (T3 = 17.2%). According to the Reliable Change Index, the distribution of recovery categories (remission, improvement, unchanged and worsening symptoms) after the outbreak did not differ significantly from the distribution of these categories before the outbreak. RMMLRA revealed that the prevalence of emotional loneliness increased significantly after the outbreak (T1 = 18.4%, T4 = 24.8%). Among individuals who were not lonely before and after the outbreak the prevalence of symptoms decreased significantly (T2 = 7.0%, T4 = 4.4%) and, likewise, among those who were not lonely anymore after the outbreak (T2 = 21.5%, T4 = 14.5%). However, the prevalence of symptoms increased significantly among those who became lonely during the pandemic (T2 = 17.9%, T4 = 26.3%).

Conclusions

Findings suggest that this pandemic did not negatively affect the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms nor the normal recovery of symptoms among the general population during the first four months, but that emotional loneliness increased.
Immune alterations in subacute sclerosing panencephalitis reflect an incompetent response to eliminate the measles virus
Authors: Yentür Sibel P. , Demirbilek Veysi , Gurses Candan , Baris Safa , Kuru Umit , Ayta Semih , Yapici Zuhal , Adin-Cinar Suzan , Uysal Serap , Celik Yilmaz Gulden , Onal Emel , Cokar Ozlem , Saruhan-Direskeneli Güher
Published: January 2021

In subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) the persistence of measles virus (MeV) may be related to the altered immune response. In this study, cytokine responses of lymphocytes and monocytes were evaluated in SSPE compared to controls with non-inflammatory (NICON) and inflammatory (ICON) diseases. Patients with SSPE (n = 120), 78 patients with ICON and 63 patients with NICON were included in this study. Phenotypes of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) have been analyzed by flow cytometry. CD3 and CD28, andS.aureusCowan strain I (SAC) stimulated and unstimulated cells were cultured and IL-2, IL-10, IFN-γ, IL-12p40, IL-12p70 and IL-23 were detected in supernatants by ELISA. MeV peptides were used for MeV-specific stimulation and IFN-γ secretion of PBMC was measured by ELISPOT. Spontaneous and stimulated secretions of IL-10 were lower in SSPE compared to both control groups. T cell stimulation induced lower IFN-γ production than ICON group, but higher IL-2 than NICON group in SSPE. Stimulated PBMC produced lower IL-12p70 in SSPE and had decreased CD46 on the cell surface, suggesting the interaction with the virus. IFN-γ responses against MeV peptides were not prominent and similar to NICON patients. The immune response did not reveal an inflammatory activity to eliminate the virus in SSPE patients. Even IL-10 production was diminished implicating that the response is self-limited in controlling the disease.
Experiments on the influence of spot fire and topography interaction on fire rate of spread
Authors: Storey Michael Anthony , Price Owen F. , Almeida Miguel , Ribeiro Carlos , Bradstock Ross A. , Sharples Jason J.
Published: January 2021

Spotting is thought to increase wildfire rate of spread (ROS) and in some cases become the main mechanism for spread. The role of spotting in wildfire spread is controlled by many factors including fire intensity, number of and distance between spot fires, weather, fuel characteristics and topography. Through a set of 30 laboratory fire experiments on a 3 m x 4 m fuel bed, subject to air flow, we explored the influence of manually ignited spot fires (0, 1 or 2), the presence or absence of a model hill and their interaction on combined fire ROS (i.e. ROS incorporating main fire and merged spot fires). During experiments conducted on a flat fuel bed, spot fires (whether 1 or 2) had only a small influence on combined ROS. Slowest combined ROS was recorded when a hill was present and no spot fires were ignited, because the fires crept very slowly downslope and downwind of the hill. This was up to, depending on measurement interval, 5 times slower than ROS in the flat fuel bed experiments. However, ignition of 1 or 2 spot fires (with hill present) greatly increased combined ROS to similar levels as those recorded in the flat fuel bed experiments (depending on spread interval). The effect was strongest on the head fire, where spot fires merged directly with the main fire, but significant increases in off-centre ROS were also detected. Our findings suggest that under certain topographic conditions, spot fires can allow a fire to overcome the low spread potential of downslopes. Current models may underestimate wildfire ROS and fire arrival time in hilly terrain if the influence of spot fires on ROS is not incorporated into predictions.