bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creativity in primary schools: An analysis of a teacher’s attempt to foster childhood creativity within the context of the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence
Authors: Kyritsi Krystallia , Davis John M
Published: November 2020

The importance of creativity in education has been increasingly recognised by policy-makers and, as contemporary research argues, the way curricula are organised and implemented impact on children’s creativity. Scotland has recently introduced a new curriculum, the ‘Curriculum for Excellence’ (CfE), but there has yet been no research on how the implementation of the CfE has impacted on childhood creativity. This paper uses qualitative data (field-notes and interview transcripts) – from a case study conducted in one Scottish primary school classroom with 1 teacher and 25 children aged 11–12 – to explore what cultural and structural issues influence childhood creativity. This paper is primarily based on teacher’s data and also includes data from seven children. The study found that the CfE can be implemented in both rigid and flexible ways and that structural barriers to creativity emerge when, amongst other causes, cultivation of skills within a tick-box system is perceived as more important than exploration and risk-taking, and when teachers are pressured to evidence the outcomes of their work. This paper concludes that the cultivation of creativity requires schools to build participatory frameworks which leave space for reflection and co-construction and which value diversity, equity and collaboration.
Physical-radiation shielding properties of concrete contains colemanite and ulexite
Authors: Uçar Nazım , Çalık Adnan , Emre Muhammet , Akkurt Iskender
Published: November 2020

Radiation is an important phenomenon as it is used in a variety of different fields. However, its possible hazardous effect should be taken into account and it should be shielded. As the concrete is a widely used construction material, the mechanical and radiation shielding properties of concretes containing boron-bearing aggregate additives have been studied. The results show that the addition of colemanite or ulexite into concrete has significant effects on density, workability, compressive and flexural strength, elastic modulus and radiation shielding. The results also show that concrete containing colemanite or ulexite is no more effective in the attenuation of gamma rays than ordinary concrete.
Feminist matters, critique and the future of the political
Authors: Bargetz Brigitte , Sanos Sandrine
Published: November 2020

Over the last decades, many scholars, feminist and others, have argued that critique must be reframed in different and more ‘productive’ ways because its ‘conventional’ formulation and practice have outlived its usefulness as a conceptual tool. Instead, they have called for affirmation or affirmative critique and a more generative mode of critical engagement in the search for new imaginaries, transformative potentialities and other futures. New feminist materialist thought’s emergence is, we argue, symptomatic of this contemporary intellectual landscape that claims to move beyond critique. While sympathetic with the desire to rethink a form of critique that speaks to the (urgent) politics of the present and the remaking of political imaginaries, we argue that the theoretical gesture to move beyond critique may offer a potentially troubling remapping organised around certain kinds of repression (of the undetermined and ambivalent work of critique) and amnesia (of feminist genealogies and over different feminist projects’ conceptualisation of matter) that yield a politics without politics.
Interrogating the health condition of rails using the narrowband Rayleigh waves emitted by an innovative design of non-contact laser transduction system
Authors: Masurkar Faeez , Ming Ng Kim , Tse Peter W , Yelve Nitesh P
Published: November 2020

The article reports an innovative optical system that is designed to interrogate the health condition of macroscopically intact rail specimens by measuring its inherent nonlinearity using the narrowband Rayleigh waves. A line-arrayed pattern is developed through the optical system that generates narrowband Rayleigh waves with high power on the surface of the rail. As a result of lattice-anharmonicity, a second harmonic is produced in the wave that is sensed by a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer. The spectral amplitudes of the first and generated second harmonics are used to calculate the inherent nonlinearity using an amplitude-based nonlinearity equation. These measurements are carried out on the head, web, and foot of the rail. The performance of the non-contact experiment is also compared with that of a contact experiment carried out using wedge transducers. The experimentally evaluated nonlinearity of the rail steel is further compared with that obtained using a physics-based nonlinearity equation that relies on the higher-order elastic constants. Agreement of the results shows that the new optical system is effective in generating Rayleigh waves in rails and thereby measuring the inherent nonlinearity of the rail track. The estimation of inherent nonlinearity may help in diagnosing the health status of the macroscopically intact rail specimens in terms of their microstructural consistency and level of dissolved impurities before fixing them on a track.
An investigation into ethical issues in occupational therapists in adult with physical disabilities: Using the qualitative approach
Authors: Vahidi Hassan , Shafaroodi Narges
Published: November 2020

Background

Occupational therapists may be encountered with a variety of ethical issues. The aim of this study was to explore ethical issues of Occupational therapist’s practice in adult physical dysfunction field.

Methods

Ten graduated Occupational therapists were selected by purposive sampling method. Data were gathered by semi-structured interview. Data were analyzed by content analysis approach.

Results

Data analysis ultimately leads to the emergence of three themes which reflects Ethical issues in Occupational Therapy. These themes include: unethical practice of Occupational therapists, factors influencing ethical practice and Strategies to improving ethical practice.

Conclusion

The findings show that occupational therapists have various ethical problems related to client’s rights in addition to their clinical practice, that according to the participants in this study, lack of awareness about professional ethics related to the occupational therapy and also lack of comprehensive monitoring rules in this field are the major causes of unethical practice.
Ethics of triage for intensive-care interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic: Age or disability related cut-off policies are not justifiable
Authors: Riva Luciana , Petrini Carlo
Published: November 2020

Public health emergencies such as pandemics can put health systems in a position where they need to ration medical equipment and interventions because the resources available are not sufficient to meet demand. In public health management, the fair allocation of resources is a permanent and cross-sector issue since resources, and especially economic resources, are not infinite. During the COVID-19 pandemic resources need to be allocated under conditions of extreme urgency and uncertainty. One very problematic aspect has concerned intensive care medicine and age discrimination has been among the most hotly discussed issues, as age has been touted as a probable criterion for selection. In this paper we analyse some documents originating from scientific societies and medical associations, mainly related to EU sphere and available in English, French, Spanish and Italian (Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, France, England and Italy), concerning the criteria for admission to the intensive care units. We highlights how, in most of these documents, it is explicitly stated that “age itself” is not a criterion for patient selection. Our conclusion is that these criteria should be defined in advance of a crisis situation and be grounded in clinical indicators. Establishing “cut-off” policies with regard to criteria such as age or chronic disability is definitely an unjustifiable form of discrimination even in the context of a public health emergency.
Development, investigation and evaluation of smart multifunctional socks
Authors: Stygienė Laimutė , Varnaitė-Žuravliova Sandra , Abraitienė Aušra , Sankauskaitė Audronė , Skurkytė-Papievienė Virginija , Krauledas Sigitas , Mažeika Virginijus
Published: November 2020

The use of a new generation chemical fibers with various functional additives offers new possibilities for the development of advanced (multi)functional textile products. Such compounds as phase change materials (PCMs), metals (like cooper, silver), also natural or chemical insect repellents, FIR emitting ceramic particles and etc. incorporated into fibres’ structure are essential for development of knitted fabrics directly contacting to the skin with effective thermoregulation and such protective properties as: antimicrobial, antistatic, repellence against blood sucking insects. The main parts of socks investigated were knitted in plain plated single jersey pattern. The 3-ply twisted yarns of new structures were used in the outer layer of socks. Yarns were made by using single yarns with PCMs, insect repellent permethrin, ceramic and silver additives containing fibres (Cell Solution® Clima, Cell Solution® Protection, Resistex® Silver). The inner layer of socks was made of polyester (PES) 3-ply twisted yarns with different number of filaments resulted in different structures of socks’ fabric. Based on all obtained thermoregulating and protective characteristics of investigated different knitted fabric structures of socks, the optimal knitted socks were selected. The obtained results of investigations are significant for the development of other knitted fabrics worn next to the skin.
Passenger Pigeon Manifesto
Authors: Harangozó Adam
Published: November 2020

The Passenger Pigeon Manifesto addresses public institutions about the burning need for providing open access to digitalised cultural heritage. For this, the text uses the cautionary tales and historical photographs of extinct species as an example and metaphor.
3D printing of CF/nylon composite mold for CF/epoxy parabolic antenna
Authors: Chen Yi , Lu Jiang , Guo Qing , Wan Lei
Published: November 2020

Parabolic antennas, which are wildly used as high-gain antennas for point-to-point communications, need many iterations of design-fabrication-test in parabolic antenna development. However, traditional molding via mechanical processing takes a long manufacturing cycle and high cost. In this paper, a 3D-printed CF/nylon composite parabolic mold for CF/epoxy parabolic antenna is studied. It’s found that the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of 3D-printed CF/nylon composite is usually anisotropic due to the low adhesion between printed layers and the aligned short carbon fiber along the printing trace. Here an inclined mode of 3D printing could uniform the CTE of the antenna mold and solve the problems of large printing steps and the separation of supports and mold occurred in horizontal and vertical modes, respectively. The parabolic mold also reveals high profile precision with a low root mean square (RMS) deviation of 0.14 mm. Utilizing the 3D-printed CF/nylon composite mold, parabolic antenna skin with low surface RMS deviation of 0.16 mm was successfully fabricated by laying CF/epoxy prepreg and curing in autoclave. This research about isotropic and smooth 3D-printed CF/nylon mold may support the low-cost and rapid mold development for microwaves relay links on ground and satellite communication antennas.
Asthma in pregnancy: An update
Authors: Couillard Simon , Connolly Clare , Borg Catherine , Pavord Ian
Published: November 2020

Aim

To update obstetric care providers about asthma management.

Asthma is the most frequent comorbid chronic illness in pregnancy. Convincing evidence shows that uncontrolled asthma magnifies the risk of maternal, fetal and neonate complications. Unfortunately, one in four women take no inhaler during pregnancy, and it is likely that decreased adherence, rather than changes in pathology, explains uncontrolled maternal asthma. Patient surveys reveal a need for information and reassurance. Although some molecules are preferred in pregnancy, there is currently no basis to withhold any asthma medication – old or new. Biomarkers such as blood eosinophils and fractional exhaled nitric oxide are an effective way to assess the risk of asthma attacks and the likelihood of responding to inhaled steroids. Furthermore, practice-changing trials in mild asthma show that switching reliever-only regimens to as-needed ‘controller-and-reliever’ therapy is effective. We suggest that applying these changes can alleviate women’s concerns and improve outcomes.
Pipeline Embolization Device for intracranial aneurysms in a large Chinese cohort: factors related to aneurysm occlusion
Authors: Luo Bin , Kang Huibin , Zhang Hongqi , Li Tianxiao , Liu Jianmin , Song Donglei , Zhao Yuanli , Guan Sheng , Maimaitili Aisha , Wang Yunyan , Feng Wenfeng , Wang Yang , Wan Jieqing , Mao Guohua , Shi Huaizhang , Yang Xinjian
Published: November 2020

Background and Purpose:

The Pipeline Embolization Device (PED, Covidien/Medtronic) is widely used to treat intracranial aneurysms. This PED in China post-market multi-center registry study (PLUS) investigated safety and effectiveness of the PED for intracranial aneurysms in the Chinese population.

Methods:

This was a panoramic, consecutive, real-world cohort registry study. Patients treated with PED with or without coils between November 2014 and October 2019 at 14 centers in China were included, and those treated by parent vessel occlusion or other stents were excluded. Study outcomes included angiographic evaluation of aneurysm occlusion, complications, in-stent stenosis, and predictors of aneurysm occlusion. A central committee reviewed all imaging and endpoint events.

Results:

In total, 1171 patients with 1322 intracranial aneurysms were included. The total occlusion rate was 81.4% (787/967) at mean follow-up of 8.96 ± 7.50 months, with 77.1% (380/493) occlusion in the PED alone and 85.9% (407/474) in the PED plus coiling group. On multi-variate analysis, female sex, hyperlipidemia, vertebral aneurysms, PED plus coiling, and blood flow detained to venous phase were significant predictors of aneurysm occlusion. In posterior circulation cohort, there was no variable associated with aneurysm occlusion. In-stent stenosis predictors included current smoking and cerebral sclerosis/stenosis.

Conclusion:

In the largest series on PED of multi-center date of China, data suggest that treatment with the flow-diverting PED in intracranial aneurysms was efficacious. The treatment of PED combined coiling and blood flow detained to venous phase after PED implant were associated with aneurysmal occlusion. The occlusion rate of vertebral aneurysms was higher than other location aneurysms.

Clinical Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03831672.
Depression in patients with spondyloarthritis: prevalence, incidence, risk factors, mechanisms and management
Authors: Parkinson Joel T. , Foley Éimear M. , Jadon Deepak R. , Khandaker Golam M.
Published: November 2020

Depression is a major neuropsychiatric disorder common in patients with rheumatological conditions including spondyloarthritis (SpA). It is associated with higher disease activity, functional impairment, poor treatment response and quality of life in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Using ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) as examples, we have reviewed the evidence regarding the burden, risk factors, potential mechanisms and clinical management of depression in spondyloarthritis. The prevalence of depression is higher in patients with AS and PsA compared with the general population, with evidence of moderate/severe depression in about 15% of patients with AS or PsA. Mild depression is even more common and estimated to be present in about 40% of patients with AS. In addition to conventional risk factors such as stressful life events and socioeconomic deprivation, increased risk of depression in SpA may be associated with disease-related factors, such as disease activity, poor quality of life, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Emerging evidence implicates inflammation in the aetiology of depression, which could also be a shared mechanism for depression and chronic inflammatory conditions such as AS and PsA. It is imperative for clinicians to actively assess and treat depression in SpA, as this could improve treatment adherence, quality of life, and overall long-term clinical and occupational outcomes. The use of validated tools can aid recognition and management of depression in rheumatology clinics. Management of depression in SpA, especially when to refer to specialist mental health services, are discussed.
Economic Benefits, Local Participation, and Conservation Ethic in a Game Management Area: Evidence From Mambwe, Zambia
Authors: Bwalya Umar Bridget , Kapembwa Julius
Published: November 2020

This study examines views on economic benefits, local participation in wildlife management and conservation ethic among 267 residents of three chiefdoms in Mambwe district, Eastern Zambia. Results show that 68% of the residents who live in the Lupande Game Management Area are not in any way involved in community wildlife management. For those involved, the main reason advanced for participating was economic benefit (79%). Only a small minority of 17% of the residents participated due to motivations to conserve wildlife. Human-wildlife conflicts induced by wild animal crop raiding, property destruction, and loss of human life, and perceived low or non-existent economic benefits seemingly precluded the development of a conservation ethic among residents. The local chiefs asserted wildlife ownership, lamented low wildlife benefits and justified its illegal uptake. Proponents of community conservation projects could encourage pro conservation attitudes among residents by addressing human-wildlife conflicts and raising awareness on intrinsic values of wildlife.
Pulp Chamber Temperature Rise during Curing of Resin-Based Composites with Different Light-Curing Units
Authors: Durey Kathryn , Santini Ario , Miletic Vesna
Published: November 2020

Aims

The purpose of the present study was to measure the intrapulpal temperature rise occurring during polymerisation of different shades of resin-based composites (RBCs), and two light-emitting diode (LED) units.

Methods

Seventy non-carious permanent molars, that had been extracted for orthodontic purposes and stored in 2% thymol for not more than four months, were selected. Patient age range was 11–18 years. Standard cavity preparation with standardised remaining dentine thickness and placement of thermocouples (TCs) was prepared using a novel split-tooth technique. Cavities were filled with one of two shades of RBC (A2 and C4, Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany), and cured with two LED high-intensity units (Elipar Freelight2, 3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany; Bluephase, Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and a conventional halogen light-curing unit (LCU) (Prismetics Lite 2, Dentsply, Weybridge, Surrey, UK) as a control.

Results

Pulp temperature rises during bonding [A2 results: H;2.67/0.48:E;5.24/1.32;B;5.99/1.61] were always greater than during RBC curing [A2 results: 2.44/0.63;E3.34/0.70;B3.38/0.60], and these were significant for both LED lights but not for the halogen control, irrespective of shade (Mann-Whitney test: 95% confidence limits). Temperature rises were at times in excess of the values normally quoted as causing irreversible pulp damage. Pulp temperature rises during bonding were higher with the LED lights than with the halogen control. There was no significant difference in temperature rise between the two LED lights when bonding but there was a significant difference between the two LED lights and the halogen control LCUs (Kruskal-Wallis Test: 95% confidence limits).

Conclusions

The results support the view that there is a potential risk for heat-induced pulpal injury when light-curing RBCs. The risk is greater during bonding and with high energy, as compared to low-energy output systems. As the extent of tolerable thermal trauma by the pulp tissues is unknown, care and consideration should be given to the choice of LCU and the exposure time when curing RBCs, and especially during bonding.
Improved colour blindness symptoms associated with recreational psychedelic use: Results from the Global Drug Survey 2017
Authors: Anthony JEC , Winstock A , Ferris JA , Nutt DJ
Published: November 2020

It is well documented that psychedelic drugs can have a profound effect on colour perception. After previous research involving psychedelic drug ingestion, several participants had written to the authors describing how symptoms of their colour blindness had improved. The Global Drugs Survey runs the world’s largest annual online drug survey. In the Global Drugs Survey 2017, participants reporting the use of lysergic acid diethylamide or psilocybin in the last 12 months were asked,    We have received reports from some people with colour-blindness that this improves after they use psychedelics. If you have experienced such an effect can you please describe it in the box below, say what drug you took and how long the effect lasted. We received 47 responses that could be usefully categorised of which 23 described improved colour blindness. Commonly cited drugs were LSD and psilocybin; however, several other psychedelic compounds were also listed. Some respondents cited that the changes in colour blindness persisted, from a period of several days to years. Improved colour blindness may be a result of new photisms experienced in the psychedelic state aligning with pre-existing concepts of colour to be ascribed a label. Connections between visual and linguistic cortical areas may be enhanced due to disorder in the brain’s neural connections induced by psychedelics allowing these new photisms and concepts to become linked. This paper provides preliminary data regarding improved colour blindness accompanying recreational psychedelic use which may be further investigated in future iterations of the Global Drugs Survey or in a stand-alone Global Drugs Survey-managed psychedelics survey.
Development and Implementation of an Upper Respiratory Infection Treatment Protocol in a Primary Care Health Clinic
Authors: Aplin-Snider Christina , Cooper Denise , Dieleman Paul , Smith Autumn
Published: November 2020

Background and Purpose:

Acute viral respiratory infections (ARTIs) are among the most common reasons for a healthcare encounter throughout the industrialized world. Among the approximately100 million antibiotic prescriptions written every year for ARTI, half are prescribed inappropriately. Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for viral illnesses poses a serious threat since many organisms have become resistant to commonly used antibiotics. The aim of this study was to develop an ARTI treatment protocol in accordance with current practice guidelines to decrease the number of inappropriately prescribed antibiotics in a primary care health clinic.

Methods:

Patient subjects were obtained using convenience sampling and data collection was completed using ICD queries in the clinic’s EHR system. A retrospective chart review analyzing antibiotic prescribing practices was conducted pre- and post- implementation of an educational session detailing current ARTI practice guidelines.

Conclusions:

The results of this project showed clinical significance in that clinician education, focused on ARTI current practice guidelines and attentiveness in antibiotic prescription practices, reduced antibiotic use for viral ARTIs by 12.0%.

Implications for Practice:

Clinician education and implementation of current practice guidelines for ARTI will assist clinicians decrease both the unnecessary adverse effects of antibiotics, as well as the threat of antibiotic resistance.
Mapping the Mediasphere in Jammu & Kashmir
Authors: Showkat Nayeem
Published: November 2020

The article documents the mediasphere in the state of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). The analysis reveals a tremendous increase in the number of publications in the state of J&K over the period of time. On the basis of the data retrieved from the official website of the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI), periodicals were also identified district-wise and region-wise. Furthermore, language-wise analysis was also done to gauge the difference in the growth of press in various languages in the state. Besides, the study also maps radio, TV, internet and mobile phones, media schools, and so on in the state.
The Arrival of Information and Price Adjustment Across Extreme Quantiles: Global Evidence
Authors: Tripathi Abhinava
Published: November 2020

This study investigates the impact of information arrival on prices for 21 major global market indices for the period 1998–2018, employing quantile regression methodology. The results show that there is a contemporaneous and causal effect of volume on returns. This return-volume relation is a manifestation of systematic market-wide information that is released in an autocorrelated manner to market participants. This information is absorbed by the market participants over short horizons, within a day. This leads to uniform expectations and, in turn, lower volatility levels. The effect of volume on return is heterogeneous across the conditional quantiles, reflecting the contrasting patterns in the transmission of positive and negative news. This evidence is more pronounced when the intensity of information arrival is high (the tails of return distribution), which is consistent with the mixture of distribution hypothesis and information asymmetry hypothesis.
In the Name of Cow: Legal–Constitutional Discourse and the Contours of Contemporary Indian Politics
Authors: Parveen Nazima
Published: November 2020

The issue of cow preservation is predominantly seen as a battle between communal/orthodox and liberal/secular ideologies represented by Hindu nationalists and Congress, respectively. In this schema, Hindu nationalists projected themselves as protectors of cow, while Congress seemed to oppose such proposals. The question of how both regimes used cow as a significant symbol for strengthening their politics and positions for favourable political equilibrium in the past 60 years remains under-researched. The article argues that the dynamics of electoral politics in India should not merely be reduced to the ideologies of different political regimes; instead, a critical understanding of successful and timely appropriation of popular religious sensibilities needs to be explored.
In the Hindutva Heartland: Bharatiya Janata Party’s Superficial Democratization in Gujarat
Authors: Laliwala Sharik
Published: November 2020

This article examines Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s hegemony in Gujarat by studying the changes inaugurated by the party in the caste profile of Gujarati political elites. I showcase the transition of BJP from a party of elite castes to a limited accommodation of a few Hindu backward castes, especially under Narendra Modi’s chief ministership. However, I argue that the recruitment of Hindu backward castes as ministers represents a case of superficial democratization as they were appointed in non-influential ministries or were co-opted only near election time. Indeed, Modi’s developmentalist regime solidified the dominance of upper castes and Patels from an urban background and a few Rajputs, and led to a rural backlash in the form of Patel agitation. In the final section, I analyse these still emerging trends in Gujarat’s polity, which became visible on a rural–urban continuum in the 2017 state election.
Centrality in networks of geographically proximate firms and competitive capabilities
Authors: Larrañeta Bárbara , Molina-Morales F Xavier , Herrero Ines
Published: November 2020

We examine how a firm’s centrality within a network of geographically proximate firms affects its competitive capabilities. Our study of the total population of one Spanish cluster of fishing firms shows that the effects of centrality on a firm’s competitive capabilities are contingent on the effects of two relational characteristics of its direct ties: strength and degree of cognitive cohesion. Specifically, our results indicate that the centrality of a firm within the cluster network enhances its competitive capabilities as the strength of its direct ties increases. Furthermore, firms can capture the value of centrality for enhancing competitive capabilities with a combination of strong (or weak) direct ties and low (or high) degree of cognitive cohesion. We contribute to the network and strategy literatures by reconciling conflicting results with regard to the strategic benefits of a firm’s centrality in a cluster and the relational characteristics of its direct ties.

JEL CLASSIFICATION L14; M1; Q22; R10
Why Quasi-Alliances Will Persist in the Indo-Pacific? The Fall and Rise of the Quad
Authors: Kliem Frederick
Published: November 2020

The rise of and increasing assertiveness by China presents a significant structural challenge in the Indo-Pacific region (IPR). In an effort to retain the status quo, a number of states have signed-up to the ‘free and open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP). In support of FOIP, operational mechanisms have emerged—most importantly the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). The United States, Japan, Australia and India have come together in this informal format to exchange views on current security challenges and coordinate their strategic approaches. This article analyses both form and function of Quad and argues that both the diplomatic and military arrangements between Quad members are a direct response to ever-increasing Chinese assertiveness. Alongside a detailed empirical analysis of Quad, this paper addresses the question why Quad 2.0 will thrive although previous attempts at security networks failed. Balance of threat theory will illuminate why informal quasi-alliances vis-à-vis China are going to be the structural new normal for the IPR.
Caste: Understanding the Nuances from Ambedkar’s Expositions
Authors: Hiwrale Anup
Published: November 2020

Caste as a concept posed a great challenge to the academic world both due to its origin and implications. Most of the academics have analysed its existence and described the operations with some implications. Dr Ambedkar had not only written on the issues of caste inequality but also fought against it in India, especially for the human rights of ex-untouchables known as Dalit’s. Therefore, it is imperative to understand his views on caste inequality which is structural in nature. As we know that, caste is a foundation of the society and it has manifested in social, economic, political and educational inequalities among various classes of the Indian society, especially caste Hindus. However, this article attempts to understand his views in the present context of growing caste inequality. In fact, there has not been much attention paid to his thought in the Indian academic world. This article also aims to enhance the understanding of caste inequality in the face of increasing global inequality of the world. In the present context, the economic gap between higher castes and lower castes is increasing in all the sphere of human life. There are changes in caste inequality at the superficial level, but there are no changes at the structural level of caste. Caste inequality has manifested in a worst form of discrimination and untouchability on the basis of birth. This article deliberates on the distinctive ideas of Dr Ambedkar on caste and its annihilation. We view this on the background of writings on caste by a selective sociologist. One needs no reiteration of the fact that caste is deeply rooted in Indian society and strengthened through various catalysts. Annihilation of caste besides analysing the origin, its perpetuation also connotes a reconstruction of Indian society based on the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity, which were the basic commitments of Dr Ambedkar and embedded in Buddhism as the egalitarian religion of India. Here we touch up on the interdisciplinary contributions of Dr Ambedkar through his analysis of caste, never ever carried forward significantly. Annihilation of caste was not for a single religion, it was for all as well since all are infected by the hierarchy, if not caste. It is established here that the ideas of Ambedkar on caste and its annihilation are worth revisiting, when the discourses on caste are taking their wayward path. The article is divided into two parts. First, it explores the ideas of Ambedkar on the mechanism, genesis and development of caste; and second, how other scholars have understood caste in order to understand Indian society at large. Dr Ambedkar was a protagonist of modern democratic principles such as justice, liberty and equality.
Cast Metal Surgical Guides: An Affordable Adjunct to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Authors: Chakravarthy Chitra , Aranha Daisy , Malyala Santosh Kumar , Patil Ravi S
Published: November 2020

Additive manufacturing or 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology has an incredulous ability to create complex constructs with high exactitude. Surgical guides printed using this technology allows the transfer of the virtual surgical plan to the operating table, optimizing aesthetic outcomes, and functional rehabilitation. A vast variety of materials are currently being used in medical 3D printing, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. The guides fabricated with titanium have high strength, excellent biocompatibility, and are sterilizable but take time to print and are expensive. We have thus followed a hybrid approach to fabricate an inexpensive surgical guide using metal where the advantage of 3D printing technology has been combined with the routinely followed investment casting procedure to fabricate guides using nickel–chromium, which has all the advantages of a metal and is cost-effective.
COVID‐19 Status Differentially Affects Olfaction: A Prospective Case‐Control Study
Authors: Rubel Kolin , Sharma Dhruv , Campiti Vincent , Yedlicka Grace , Burgin Sarah J. , Illing Elisa A. , Kroenke Kurt , Ting Jonathan Y.
Published: November 2020

Objective

The symptoms and long‐term sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection have yet to be determined, and evaluating possible early signs is critical to determine which patients should be tested and treated. The objective of this ongoing study is to evaluate initial and short‐term rhinologic symptoms, olfactory ability, and general quality of life in patients undergoing SARS‐CoV‐2 testing.

Study Design

Prospective case‐control.

Setting

Academic institute.

Methods

Adult patients tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 were prospectively enrolled and separated into positive and negative groups. Each participant completed 4 validated patient‐reported outcome measures. The UPSIT (University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test) was distributed to patients who were SARS‐CoV‐2 positive.

Results

The positive group reported significantly decreased sense of smell and taste on the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) as compared with the negative group (mean ± SD: 3.4 ± 1.7 vs 1.2 ± 1.4, P <. 001). The positive group had a much higher probability of reporting a decrease in smell/taste as “severe” or “as bad as it can be” (63.3% vs 5.8%) with an odds ratio of 27.6 (95% CI, 5.9‐128.8). There were no differences between groups for overall SNOT‐22 domain scores, PHQ‐4 depression/anxiety (Patient Health Questionnaire−4), and 5‐Level EQ‐5D quality‐of‐life scores. Mean Self‐MOQ (Self‐reported Mini Olfactory Questionnaire) scores were 7.0 ± 5.6 for the positive group and 1.8 ± 4.0 for the negative group (P <. 001). The mean UPSIT score was 28.8 ± 7.2 in the positive group.

Conclusion

Symptomatic patients who are SARS‐CoV‐2 positive report severe olfactory and gustatory dysfunction via the Self‐MOQ and SNOT‐22 as compared with symptomatic patients testing negative.
A Resource-Efficient Modular Course Design for Co-Teaching Integrated Sustainability in Higher Education: Developing the Next Generation of Entrepreneurial Leaders
Authors: Carey Joanna C. , Beitelspacher Lauren S. , Tosti-Kharas Jennifer , Swanson Elizabeth
Published: November 2020

Society faces mounting pressures related to economic growth, social injustice, and environmental degradation. Building upon scholarly consensus regarding the necessity of multidisciplinary approaches to address such complex problems, the entrepreneurship classroom, broadly defined, can be a learning laboratory to integrate across disciplines, encouraging more impactful opportunity identification for students looking to create social, environmental, and economically inclusive value. We examined recent exit survey data from graduating seniors at a small, private business college in the US that emphasizes entrepreneurship, finding large gaps in skills and knowledge related to ethics and creative problem solving – both of which are key competencies central to meeting the challenges of building a more sustainable world. To address these identified needs, we developed a co-taught course focused on sustainability and consumerism across liberal arts, physical science, and business disciplines. We present our course material in the context of five key competencies related to teaching sustainability in higher education, and review the strengths and drawbacks of this approach for schools looking to implement a similar design. In a time of economic uncertainty in higher education, our model may be useful for other schools looking to integrate entrepreneurship across disciplines—with little added expense to the institution.
Design and rationale of two phase 3 randomised controlled trials (COUGH-1 and COUGH-2) of gefapixant, a P2X3 receptor antagonist, in refractory or unexplained chronic cough
Authors: Muccino David R. , Morice Alyn H. , Birring Surinder S. , Dicpinigaitis Peter V. , Pavord Ian D. , Assaid Christopher , Kleijn Huub Jan , Hussain Azher , La Rosa Carmen , McGarvey Lorcan , Smith Jaclyn A.
Published: November 2020

Background

We present study designs, dose selection and preliminary patient characteristics from two phase 3 clinical trials of gefapixant, a P2X3 receptor antagonist, in refractory chronic cough (RCC) or unexplained chronic cough (UCC).

Methods

COUGH-1 (NCT03449134) and COUGH-2 (NCT03449147) are randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group trials in subjects with RCC or UCC (age ≥18 years; cough duration ≥1 year; Cough Severity Visual Analogue Scale score ≥40 mm). The primary efficacy study periods are 12 weeks (40-week extension; COUGH-1) and 24 weeks (28-week extension; COUGH-2). Interventions include placebo, gefapixant 15 mg and gefapixant 45 mg (1:1:1 ratio). The primary efficacy endpoints are average 24-h cough frequency at Week 12 (COUGH-1) and Week 24 (COUGH-2). Awake cough frequency, patient-reported outcomes and responder analyses are secondary endpoints.

Results

The doses of 45 mg (to provide maximal efficacy and acceptable tolerability) and 15 mg (to provide acceptable efficacy and improved tolerability) were selected based on phase 1 and 2 studies. In COUGH-1, 730 participants have been randomised and treated; 74% are female with mean age of 59 years (39% over 65 years), and mean baseline duration of cough of 11.5 years. In COUGH-2, 1314 participants have been randomised and treated; 75% are female with mean age of 58 years (33% over 65 years), and mean baseline duration of cough of 11.1 years.

Conclusions

These global studies include participants with baseline characteristics consistent with previous RCC and UCC studies and will inform the efficacy and safety profile of gefapixant in the treatment of patients with RCC and UCC.
All nonadherence is equal but is some more equal than others? Tuberculosis in the digital era
Authors: Stagg Helen R. , Flook Mary , Martinecz Antal , Kielmann Karina , Abel Zur Wiesch Pia , Karat Aaron S. , Lipman Marc C.I. , Sloan Derek J. , Walker Elizabeth F. , Fielding Katherine L.
Published: November 2020

Adherence to treatment for tuberculosis (TB) has been a concern for many decades, resulting in the World Health Organization's recommendation of the direct observation of treatment in the 1990s. Recent advances in digital adherence technologies (DATs) have renewed discussion on how to best address nonadherence, as well as offering important information on dose-by-dose adherence patterns and their variability between countries and settings. Previous studies have largely focussed on percentage thresholds to delineate sufficient adherence, but this is misleading and limited, given the complex and dynamic nature of adherence over the treatment course. Instead, we apply a standardised taxonomy � as adopted by the international adherence community � to dose-by-dose medication-taking data, which divides missed doses into 1) late/noninitiation (starting treatment later than expected/not starting), 2) discontinuation (ending treatment early), and 3) suboptimal implementation (intermittent missed doses). Using this taxonomy, we can consider the implications of different forms of nonadherence for intervention and regimen design. For example, can treatment regimens be adapted to increase the �forgiveness� of common patterns of suboptimal implementation to protect against treatment failure and the development of drug resistance? Is it reasonable to treat all missed doses of treatment as equally problematic and equally common when deploying DATs? Can DAT data be used to indicate the patients that need enhanced levels of support during their treatment course? Critically, we pinpoint key areas where knowledge regarding treatment adherence is sparse and impeding scientific progress.
Mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide and copeptin as indicators of disease severity and therapy response in CTEPH
Authors: Kriechbaum Steffen D. , Scherwitz Lillith , Wiedenroth Christoph B. , Rudolph Felix , Wolter Jan-Sebastian , Haas Moritz , Fischer-Rasokat Ulrich , Rolf Andreas , Hamm Christian W. , Mayer Eckhard , Guth Stefan , Keller Till , Konstantinides Stavros V. , Lankeit Mareike , Liebetrau Christoph
Published: November 2020

Background

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) leads to right heart failure. Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) or balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) restore pulmonary haemodynamics and allow cardiac recovery. This study examined the relationship of copeptin and mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) levels to disease severity and therapy response.

Methods

This observational cohort study included 125 patients (55 PEA/70 BPA) who underwent treatment and completed a 6-/12-month follow-up. Biomarkers, measured at baseline, prior to every BPA and at follow-up, were compared to 1) severe disease at baseline (right atrial pressure (RAP) ≥8 mmHg and cardiac index ≤2.4 L·min−1·m−2) and 2) optimal therapy response (no persistent pulmonary hypertension combined with a normalised RAP (mean PAP ≤25 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) ≤3 WU and RAP ≤6 mmHg) or a reduction in mean PAP ≥25%, PVR ≥35% and RAP ≥25%).

Results

Severely diseased patients had higher levels of MR-proANP (320 (246–527) pmol·L−1versus133 (82–215) pmol·L−1; p=0.001) and copeptin (12.7 (7.3–20.6) pmol·L−1versus6.8 (4.4–12.8) pmol·L−1; p=0.015) at baseline than the rest of the cohort. At baseline, MR-proANP (area under the curve (AUC) 0.91; cut-off value 227 pmol·L−1; OR 56, 95% CI 6.9–454.3) and copeptin (AUC 0.70; cut-off value 10.9 pmol·L−1; OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.9) identified severely diseased patients. After PEA/BPA, levels of MR-proANP (99 (58–145) pmol·L−1; p<0.001) and copeptin (6.3 (3.7–12.6) pmol·L−1; p=0.009) decreased and indicated optimal therapy response (MR-proANP <123 pmol·L−1(AUC 0.70) and copeptin <10.1 pmol·L−1(AUC 0.58)).

Conclusion

MR-proANP and copeptin levels are affected in CTEPH and decrease after therapy. MR-proANP identifies a severe disease status and optimal therapy response.
Single-File Water Flux Through Two-Dimensional Nanoporous Membranes
Authors: Suk Myung Eun
Published: November 2020

Recent advances in the development of two-dimensional (2D) materials have facilitated a wide variety of surface chemical characteristics obtained by composing atomic species, pore functionalization, etc. The present study focused on how chemical characteristics such as hydrophilicity affects the water transport rate in hexagonal 2D membranes. The membrane–water interaction strength was tuned to change the hydrophilicity, and the sub-nanometer pore was used to investigate single-file flux, which is known to retain excellent salt rejection. Due to the dewetting behavior of the hydrophobic pore, the water flux was zero or nominal below the threshold interaction strength. Above the threshold interaction strength, water flux decreased with an increase in interaction strength. From the potential of mean force analysis and diffusion coefficient calculations, the proximal region of the pore entrance was found to be the dominant factor degrading water flux at the highly hydrophilic pore. Furthermore, the superiority of 2D membranes over 3D membranes appeared to depend on the interaction strength. The present findings will have implications in the design of 2D membranes to retain a high water filtration rate.
Clustering analysis of large-scale phenotypic data in the model filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa
Authors: Carrillo Alexander J. , Cabrera Ilva E. , Spasojevic Marko J. , Schacht Patrick , Stajich Jason E. , Borkovich Katherine A.
Published: November 2020

Background

With 9730 protein-coding genes and a nearly complete gene knockout strain collection, Neurospora crassa is a major model organism for filamentous fungi. Despite this abundance of information, the phenotypes of these gene knockout mutants have not been categorized to determine whether there are broad correlations between phenotype and any genetic features.

Results

Here, we analyze data for 10 different growth or developmental phenotypes that have been obtained for 1168 N. crassa knockout mutants. Of these mutants, 265 (23%) are in the normal range, while 903 (77%) possess at least one mutant phenotype. With the exception of unclassified functions, the distribution of functional categories for genes in the mutant dataset mirrors that of the N. crassa genome. In contrast, most genes do not possess a yeast ortholog, suggesting that our analysis will reveal functions that are not conserved in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To leverage the phenotypic data to identify pathways, we used weighted Partitioning Around Medoids (PAM) approach with 40 clusters. We found that genes encoding metabolic, transmembrane and protein phosphorylation-related genes are concentrated in subsets of clusters. Results from K-Means clustering of transcriptomic datasets showed that most phenotypic clusters contain multiple expression profiles, suggesting that co-expression is not generally observed for genes with shared phenotypes. Analysis of yeast orthologs of genes that co-clustered in MAPK signaling cascades revealed potential networks of interacting proteins in N. crassa.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that clustering analysis of phenotypes is a promising tool for generating new hypotheses regarding involvement of genes in cellular pathways in N. crassa. Furthermore, information about gene clusters identified in N. crassa should be applicable to other filamentous fungi, including saprobes and pathogens.