bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Military Propensity Among Israel Defense Forces’ Potential Conscripts: A Re-Examination and Differentiation by Personal Preferences of Enlistment Motivation
Authors: Waldman Anat , Tiargan-Orr Roni , Gal Reuven
Published: July 2022

Israel, a unique case in the Western world, maintains a whole-mandatory military service, thus maintaining a “People’s Army” model. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) enjoys a law-based compulsory recruitment system. Despite many significant changes occurring in recent decades, the motivation of Israeli youth to fulfill their military service has remained quite high and stable throughout the last decades. To understand the issues affecting the perpetuation of this trend over the years, this study suggests a new perspective of analyzing military motivation and its components. Utilizing a large survey sample of potential candidates for mandatory conscription, we analyzed both conscripts’ general willingness to enlist and their propensities toward and preference for specific types of service. The findings of the present study query Moskos’ original thesis of the Institution/Occupation (I/O) model and show the “coexistence” subsisting among Israeli youth between two seemingly conflicting propensities—the “Self-actualization” and “Contributing to nation’s security.”
Civil–Military Relations and Education of Military Elites in Türkiye: Lessons Learned From the Past
Authors: Ateş Barış
Published: July 2022

This article analyzes the relationship between civil–military relations and professional military education (PME) in Türkiye before the 2016 coup attempt. Its main argument is that an effective PME system could not be realized due to the problematic nature of civil–military relations. The dominant role of the military in politics turned PME into a domain reserved solely for soldiers; however, this autonomy did not help the officer corps to create an effective PME system. Based on historical analyses, this article concludes that civil–military cooperation is necessary for developing a successful PME system, and it endorses Mukherjee’s integrated model. Moreover, it shows that civil–military cooperation for the development of PME is a requirement regardless of the nature of civil–military relations.
Phaeochromocytomas of the Bladder
Authors: Khan O , Chisholm G D , Williams Gordon , Welbourn R B
Published: July 2022

Phaeochromocytomas of the bladder are rare, only about 100 cases having been reported previously. Four adults with these lesions have been managed at Hammersmith Hospital in the past 10 years. Three patients had hypertension, together with syncopal attacks and/or headaches, induced by micturition. The fourth patient presented with haematuria. After control of blood pressure and localization of the tumours by various combinations of cystoscopy, intravenous urography, venous sampling, ultrasound, angiography and computerized coaxial tomography (CT scanning), 3 patients underwent partial cystectomy, and the fourth pelvic exenteration. Two patients were apparently cured of the disease, but 2 were not. One developed nodal metastases and recurrence of hypertension after 18 months and one rapidly developed metastases in the lungs and elsewhere. Effective therapy probably requires a high index of suspicion in diagnosing the condition and possibly an aggressive surgical and radiotherapeutic policy.
Medicament Contact Dermatitis in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Ear Disease
Authors: Holmes R C , Wilkinson J D , Johns A N , Black M M , Rycroft R J G
Published: July 2022

Patch testing of 40 patients with chronic inflammatory ear disease demonstrated medicament allergic contact dermatitis in 35%. The most frequent sensitizers were neomycin, framycetin, clioquinol and gentamicin. Although allergic contact dermatitis to dewaxing ear drops was unusual, irritant reactions were common.
Hallucinations in Psychiatrically Disordered Children: Preliminary Communication
Authors: Garralda M E
Published: July 2022

In a retrospective study children with hallucinations and nonorganic psychiatric conditions were compared with matched controls. Hallucinations were found to be a rare symptom except in children with a diagnosis of psychosis of late onset where they were commonly present. Children with hallucinations were older than the majority of subjects seen in the Child Psychiatric Clinic. The perceptual symptoms were associated with precipitants of illness and mood changes. In the nonpsychotic subjects, they were also associated with symptoms suggestive of minor brain dysfunction. The results are discussed and ideas for future research suggested.
Lymphadenopathy Mimicking Lymphoma Associated with Cryoglobulinaemia and Arteritis
Authors: Slater David N , Bleehen Stanley S , Hancock Barry W , Messenger Andrew G , Harvey Leonard
Published: July 2022

Two patients are described with polyclonal IgG cryoglobulinaemia and necrotizing arteritis who developed severe lymphadenopathy which clinically mimicked malignant lymphoma. Histological studies demonstrated that the lymphadenopathy resulted from a pseudolymphomatous reaction associated with vascular damage.
The Lack, Magill and Bain Anaesthetic Breathing Systems: A Direct Comparison in Spontaneously-Breathing Anaesthetized Adults
Authors: Humphrey David
Published: July 2022

The performances of the Lack (Mapleson A), Magill (Mapleson A) and Bain (Mapleson D) anaesthetic breathing systems were compared in each of 20 anaesthetized adult patients breathing spontaneously with fresh gas flows of 70 ml kg−1 min−1. In every patient the Lack system caused the least rebreathing, as seen by the lowest inspired and end-expired CO2 tensions using capnography. The Magill caused more rebreathing than the Lack though less than the Bain.

Comparative fresh gas flows for each system at the point where rebreathing started to occur were examined in 10 further patients. The Lack system required approximately 51 ml kg−1 min−1, the Magill 72 ml kg−1 min−1 while the Bain required 153 ml kg−1 min−1.

Of the three systems the Lack is concluded to be the most efficient and economical system for spontaneous respiration in adults, with the additional advantages of convenient access to the exhaust valve, easy scavenging and low expiratory resistance. In addition, it also offers many useful advantages over the circle absorber system.
Diabetes Mellitus with Ketoacidosis Presenting as Fournier's Gangrene
Authors: Slater David N , Smith Geoffrey T , Mundy Keith
Published: July 2022

Two patients with Fournier's gangrene are described. In each case this was the presenting clinical feature of diabetes mellitus with ketoacidosis. Histological examination demonstrated that the probable cause was intravascular fibrin deposition. The association between diabetes mellitus and Fournier's gangrene is discussed.
Exchange Transfusion in Life-Threatening Sickling Crises
Authors: Van de Pette J E W , Pearson T C , Slater N G P
Published: July 2022

Five patients are reported with sickle cell syndromes (HbSS, HbSC and HbSthal) in whom rapid exchange transfusion led to resolution of life-threatening infarctive crises. The technique appears to be of value in the management of severe complications of sickle cell syndromes.
Cryocauterization of the Vas Deferens
Authors: Dias P L R
Published: July 2022

An isolated segment of the vas deferens 2–3 cm long was cauterized using cryotherapy in 10 acceptors of voluntary sterilization to determine whether this method could be successfully employed as an alternative to vasoligation and resection. Three months postoperatively 8 patients were azoospermic but 2 patients were oligospermic. Due to the high failure rate this method cannot be recommended as a routine procedure.
Systemic Candidiasis: Diagnosis from Cutaneous Manifestations
Authors: Slater David N , Harrington Christine I , Wylde Peter , Worth Richard
Published: July 2022

Three patients are described who developed systemic candidiasis. Each had either leukaemia or lymphoma, and developed a similar erythematous maculopapular rash which, in places, was purpuric. In the first patient the nature of the rash was not appreciated during life, but postmortem histology revealed candida within the lesions. In the other two patients, a diagnosis of systemic candidiasis was successfully established by skin biopsy. This paper emphasizes that a maculopapular rash can be a relatively characteristic clinical manifestation of systemic candidiasis and that skin biopsy can be diagnostic.
Experience with the Sukhtian–Hughes External Fixation System
Authors: Court-Brown Charles , Hughes Sean P F
Published: July 2022

External fixation of fractures is now used frequently in orthopaedics. This paper reviews the results of 30 fractures treated by a single bar system, the Sukhtian–Hughes, over a period of 4 years. The results are encouraging, particularly in compound tibial fractures and in patients with non-union of fractures.
Chordomas of the Skull Base
Authors: Mills Robert P
Published: July 2022

The results are presented of a retrospective study of 7 cases of chordoma affecting the spheno-occipital region and one sited in the upper cervical spine. Follow up data were available on 6 patients. Of these 2 are dead but the rest are alive and well, one of them after more than ten years. The mean survival time of the group so far is 5.2 years. The presentation, treatment and course of these lesions is discussed.
Patient Flow Patterns in a Recovery Room and Implications for Staffing
Authors: Bell M , Warner J A , Cameron A E
Published: July 2022

A detailed analysis of the occupancy of a new recovery room in a small district general hospital was undertaken during the initial three months of its use. The main problems were found to be irregular workload, consistently high patient occupancy over lunchtime, and difficulty in matching traditional nursing shifts to periods of heavy workload.
Investigation and Management of Loss of Efficacy of an Antiepileptic Medication Using Carbamazepine as an Example
Authors: Jain K K
Published: July 2022

Cases reported as loss of efficacy (secondary failure) of carbamazepine (CBZ) for epilepsy were analysed to determine the cause. In these cases, seizures previously controlled with CBZ, recurred or increased in frequency. The following causes were identified in 131 cases where adequate information was available: use for types of epilepsy where this drug is not recommended, lowering of the blood levels of the drug on switching over from branded to a generic CBZ, change in the galenic form, drug interactions, progression of the underlying brain pathology such as a brain tumor, and unexplained increase in the blood levels of the drug. In cases where the increase in seizures was transient no special measures or changes in therapy were required. Unexplained failure occurred only in seven cases (5.3%). Based on this information, a flow chart was designed to evaluate such a problem step by step and to take appropriate measures. Only when true therapeutic failure is identified, should another antiepileptic drug be substituted for CBZ. Similar approach can be used for other antiepileptic drugs.
Serum Alpha Interferon in Children with Right Iliac Fossa Pain
Authors: Chia Y W , Carachi R , Armstrong A A , McGarry G W , Carrington D
Published: July 2022

Serum α-interferon levels were analysed in 50 consecutive children admitted with right iliac fossa pain. Serum α-interferon levels were significantly raised in 33% of children without acute appendicitis when compared to 5.7% of children with histologically proven acute appendicitis and 9% of normal controls. This interesting phenomenon needs further investigation. A larger series may show it to be of clinical use in non-specific abdominal pain in childhood.
Incidence of Major Complications of Neurolytic Coeliac Plexus Block
Authors: Davies David Denison
Published: July 2022

The number of neurolytic coeliac plexus blocks carried out in England and Wales over a 5 year period (1986–1990) was ascertained. The number of cases of the major complications of permanent paraplegia and/or loss of anal and bladder sphincter function following on from such blocks, over the same period of time, was also ascertained. The information was obtained by means of a questionnaire which was sent to most of the pain clinics in England and Wales. There were 2730 neurolytic blocks carried out over the 5 year period. The number of cases of permanent paraplegia following on from the blocks was four. Of these four cases, three of them also had loss of anal and bladder sphincter function — loss of sphincter function never occurred in isolation. The incidence of major complications following neurolytic coeliac plexus block was thus one case per 683 blocks.
The Development of Alcohol Strategies in England and Wales
Authors: Wallace Simon A , Bennett Jennifer , Ward Brendan
Published: July 2022

Alcohol has become a major public health problem in the UK. In order to coordinate the work of both statutory and non-statutory agencies more efficiently and effectively, a government circular HN(89)4 has emphasized the need for development of local multi-agency alcohol misuse prevention strategies. Despite expressed enthusiasm for alcohol strategies, information about their development, effectiveness and overall national progress is scarce and needs to be improved.

This national survey reports the most recent and accurate information about the development of district and regional alcohol strategies in England and Wales. Although only 51 (27%) districts stated they had a strategy, it was encouraging to find 90 (47%) other districts that were in the process of, or planning to develop such a document.

Of the 51 districts with a strategy, the following key findings were noted:

Forty-three (84%) districts stated that they had started to implement their strategy, but none claimed to have fully implemented it. Thirty-six (71%) districts stated that their strategy had an action plan. Thirty-four (67%) districts stated that their strategy had been officially endorsed by the district health authority. Thirty-eight (76%) districts stated that they had identified an individual or group to monitor the strategies' implementation.

The results of the survey could be of interest to the Department of Health, the Faculty of Public Health Medicine, the Health Education Authority and the regional alcohol coordinators. The development of district and regional alcohol strategies has a role to play in achieving the alcohol targets in the recent Health of the Nation White Paper and is also a good example of the formation of healthy alliances to tackle a major public health problem.
Management of Alcohol Abusing Patients in Accident and Emergency Departments
Authors: Green M , Setchell J , Hames P , Stiff G , Touquet R , Priest R
Published: July 2022

A pilot study was undertaken in the Accident & Emergency (A & E) departments of two central London teaching hospitals to determine if patients who were abusing alcohol and had not received any prior medical treatment or counselling for their drinking problem were amenable to offers of help. During the 24-month study period 104 patients were identified as having a previously untreated alcohol problem, and of these 46% attended an appointment to discuss their drinking habits. The group identified was much smaller than would be expected from the number attending the A & E departments during the study period and the reasons for this are discussed. However, the important observation from the study is that almost half the patients identified as having an alcohol problem returned to the department the following day to seek advice. This suggests that A & E departments are an appropriate place to offer patients initial help about their drinking habits.
Special manifestations and treatment of rare cases of snoring with special facial features and hearing loss in children
Authors: Wu Jiali , Li Xiaoli , Chen Shumei
Published: July 2022

This current case report describes two rare cases of children with both hearing loss and snoring. Case 1, a 17-month-old male patient, and case 2, an 11-year-old male patient, both presented with nasal obstruction, snoring and hearing loss. Physical examinations showed obvious enlargement of the head circumference and special facial features. The two children underwent otolaryngology examinations, endoscopy, hearing tests, laboratory examinations for bone metabolism markers, cranial computed tomography, X-rays and genome-wide exon sequencing. The first case was diagnosed with craniometaphyseal dysplasia, which was relieved after giving a low-calcium diet. The second case was diagnosed with osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis by gene sequencing. Snoring improved after medication and the speech and quality of life improved with a hearing aid. Paediatric otolaryngological physicians need to have a deeper understanding of congenital diseases involving the bones. Only by genetic testing to determine the pathogenesis can those children be given the correct treatment, which is of great importance for improving their prognosis.
Inflammatory biomarkers, multi-morbidity, and biologic aging
Authors: St. Sauver Jennifer , Rocca Walter , LeBrasseur Nathan , Chamberlain Alanna , Olson Janet , Jacobson Debra , McGree Michaela , Mielke Michelle
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To study the association between multi-morbidity percentiles, which is a measure of clinical aging, and interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α.

Methods

Participants 50 to 95 years of age from the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging were assigned age- and sex-specific multi-morbidity percentiles using look-up tables that were reported previously (n = 1646). Percentiles were divided into quintiles for analysis. Plasma IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α levels were measured in 1595 participants. Median inflammatory marker levels were compared across multi-morbidity quintiles using nonparametric tests.

Results

People with higher multi-morbidity percentiles had significantly higher IL-6 and TNF-α levels compared with those with lower multi-morbidity percentiles. Tests for trend across five multi-morbidity quintiles were significant among women for IL-6 and among participants 70 years of age or older for IL-6 and TNF-α. IL-10 was not associated with multi-morbidity percentiles.

Conclusions

Multi-morbidity percentiles may be a useful clinical index of biological age for future studies, particularly in women and people 70 years of age and older.
Adoption of artificial intelligence in auditing: An exploratory study
Authors: Seethamraju Ravi , Hecimovic Angela
Published: July 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to transform the audit profession. This exploratory study, by utilising the technology–organisation–environment (TOE) framework and data from semi-structured interviews, identifies several technological (perceived benefits, compatibility, maturity), organisational (readiness, data quality, trust) and environmental (audit standards, regulation, client readiness) factors influencing the adoption of AI tools in audit practice. While AI has the potential to improve audit quality and deliver value-adding services to audit clients, our study concludes that AI adoption requires a rethink of audit practice considering the perceived lack of control in AI ‘black-box’ potentially rendering audit practice even more hidden from view and exposed to increased scrutiny over audit quality.

JEL Classification: M42, O31, O32, O33
Electrical applications in Internet of things and e-vehicles: Passive fire safety needs and solutions
Authors: Troitzsch Juergen H
Published: July 2022

The exponential growth of electrical devices in Internet of things and e-vehicles will lead to new fire safety challenges. As electric fires rank second among all fires and electrical equipment recalls show safety gaps, fire safety requirements must be better enforced and improved. The analysis of the current qualitative pass/fail requirements for electrotechnical products shows that they provide a basic level of fire safety. Fire testing of car and bus interiors, mandatory worldwide, is too low level. Alternative tests, such as the microscale combustion calorimeter, are discussed. Buses have to comply with additional fire tests. E-vehicles must meet a fire exposure test for electric powertrain and specifications to prevent thermal runaway of batteries. Charging stations must comply with fire and overheating requirements for enclosures, plugs, and sockets. Passive fire safety needs are primarily met by using flame retardants, and for preventing thermal runaway of batteries, by intumescent coatings, interlayers, and ceramifying products.
Experimental, analytical, and numerical investigations on the flexural and fatigue behavior of steel thin-walled X-section beam
Authors: İrsel Gürkan
Published: July 2022

Thin-walled hollow shapes are of great interest in many industries with weight constraints, due to their availability, low price, and strength-to-weight ratio. This paper presents the development, calculation, and production of a thin-walled X-section beam design with a unique section geometry. This hollow X-section beam geometry is a beam that has been developed to use shape-connected jaws on the beam and to use less bolts and mounting elements, and to easily change the positions of the parts mounted on the beam. The bending strength of this unique beam section was investigated, and the fatigue damage of the beam was also handled with technological methods. Using both experimental stress measurements and finite element solution, the static and fatigue strength of the beam were calculated with computer-aided engineering software. The FEM solution was performed nonlinearly by defining the linear elastic and plasticity properties of the material. Validation studies were carried out in the laboratory using three-point and four-point bending tests. These traditional experiments were supported by strain gauge technology that measures strain with 0.05% accuracy. The weight and bending strength of the X-section beam were compared with the hollow section square beam. X-section beam (S355J0H) has 13% lower bending strength than 120 × 120 × 8 mm (S355J0H) beam; however, it is 37% lighter. ANSYS-analytical test results of difference are 3.95%, and ANSYS-experimental test results of difference are 0.85%. Experiments showed that a ∼22% increase in strength is found in these corners depending on the production method. The fatigue behavior of the X-section beam was determined with the nCode DesignLife software using validated FEM solutions and fatigue curves of the materials. X-section beam developed for shape–connected assembly systems can be used especially in the formation of chassis with its superior assembly ability and bending strength, increasing functionality, and production speed.
System responses to Holocene relative sea-level rise and sediment supply in a macrotidal estuary
Authors: Best Louise , Kirby Jason R , Selby Katherine
Published: July 2022

Estuaries are at the interface of marine and terrestrial systems and as such, are subject to environmental change arising from multiple driving mechanisms, with the interplay between the dominant controls varying spatially and temporally. Relative sea-level (RSL) change and sediment supply can play a significant role in driving environmental change. This study examines the relative influence of these drivers during the Holocene. Biostratigraphic records and RSL data are presented from two locations in the inner portion and upper reaches of the macrotidal Humber Estuary, eastern England. The results provide a new terrestrial limiting point and six sea-level index points, two of which at c. 1500 cal years BP provide the youngest sea-level index points for the inner estuary. An early-mid Holocene tidal lagoon system, that lacks modern equivalent, is recorded at one site. The results indicate a shift in the dominance of RSL rise driving the early Holocene creation of wetlands, to sediment supply dominating changes in the mid-late Holocene against the backdrop of a reduced rate of RSL rise, with a submergence of wetlands evident after c. 4000 cal years BP. The persistence of fen carr evident between c. 6800 and 5500 cal years BP suggests stability and resilience of the peatland system to continuing RSL rise. As rates of contemporary RSL rise increase, combined with climate and human impacts on the landscape, the drivers of change in these type of estuary systems will shift, with the records providing analogues of potential system responses that can help inform coastal management strategies.
EDSAI Education: Start-up Valuation amidst nCOVID-19
Authors: Kulshrestha Ankur , Chhillar Palka
Published: July 2022

This article is a field case on business valuation woven around the dilemma for a young EdTech firm to choose between the two opportunities that came out as collaterals to the nCOVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The selection would be based on the principle of firm value maximization, for which the opportunities needed to be valued. Students will learn the application of the venture capital (VC) model used for start-up firms. Students are challenged to apply the discounted cash flow (DCF) model and the relative valuation (RV) model, and, in the process, learn to estimate the cost of equity using the capital asset pricing model (CAPM). The case provides an opportunity to learn how to build the narrative around numbers by augmenting a discussion on the impact of a pandemic on various input variables used in the valuation exercise. The case is most suitable for the course on business valuation in management and doctoral programmes.
Beyond Named Languages: A Step Too Far?
Authors: Menon Shailaja , Pallavi
Published: July 2022

Multilingual education is an urgent and pressing concern in the Indian educational scenario. While the National Education Policy (2020) acknowledges multilingualism as a resource in educational contexts and reiterates earlier policies calling for mother tongue-based education in elementary classrooms, it does not provide guidance in terms of how to productively accommodate multiple languages in the classroom. Multilingual education will be much stronger if it is based on a strong understanding of multilinguality—the idea that the human mind is fundamentally multilingual in nature. A new, but substantial paradigm of scholarship addressing multilinguality is that of ‘translanguaging’, which views named languages as socio-political constructs and argues that multilinguals have a unified linguistic repertoire that they flexibly, creatively and adaptively draw upon. Accepting the grounding assumptions of translanguaging would has important implications for curriculum, pedagogy and assessment in educational spaces. In this article, we describe and critique the translanguaging perspective, even while acknowledging its positive contributions. We point out, especially its failure to provide guidance in terms of how to productively accommodate translanguaging in classrooms.
Does Innovation Spur Export Performance across Countries? An Investigation from Meta-regression Analysis
Authors: Panda Sidheswar , Sharma Ruchi
Published: July 2022

Innovation plays a major role in determining exports of a country by strengthening domestic industries. The narratives of innovation and exports are important for national competitiveness. Therefore, this study, utilizing a meta-regression analysis, examines the impact of innovation on export performances. We conduct a meta-analysis from 27 empirical studies that contain 249 estimates undertaken during 1996–2019 with an aim to test whether the results of empirical studies are sensitive to various measures utilized and recognize possible policy implications. This study finds that innovation affects export performance across countries. We find strong evidence that developed countries’ domestic innovation enhance their exports; however, for developing countries, innovation does not contribute to their exports. It indicates that within developing countries, the level of innovation efforts varies and concomitantly their inability to translate such efforts into exports.
Americans Aging with Disabilities Are More Likely to Have Multiple Chronic Conditions
Authors: Brucker Debra L. , Lauer Eric , Boege Sarah
Published: July 2022

Using data from the 2010 to 2017 U.S. National Health Interview survey, the authors utilized bivariate and multivariate regression analyses to estimate the percentage and odds of having multiple chronic conditions (two or more, three or more) among U.S. adults ages 65 and over with and without disabilities, controlling for sociodemographic factors and presence of psychological distress. Older adults with and without disabilities in the United States most frequently reported having hypertension, arthritis, and diabetes. Regression results indicate that older adults with disabilities are significantly more likely to experience two or more and three or more chronic conditions than older adults without disabilities, controlling for sociodemographic factors and health behaviors. These findings highlight a need for improvement in coordinated care that considers both disability and multiple chronic conditions in the management of patient health to support well-being in aging.
Participatory Governance and Responsiveness: Do Motivational Interventions Increase Engagement with Citizen Input?
Authors: Wittels Annabelle S.
Published: July 2022

Bureaucrats are important agents in participatory governance processes, especially in local government where bureaucrats are awarded greater discretion to enact small changes to local policy. This study employs a large field experiment to test (1) whether bureaucrats tasked with policy design and implementation engage with citizen input and (2) whether bureaucrats’ engagement with citizen input can be increased by using non-monetary rewards and value-based communication. It finds low baseline engagement but that motivational interventions increase engagement with citizen input significantly and substantially. The study contributes to theories of public service motivation and the role of bureaucrats in serving the public. Empirically, its contribution centres on testing the potential for interventions to heighten the attention bureaucrats award to information that citizens legitimately relay to the bureaucracy via participatory initiatives.
Impact of Pandemic SARS COVID-19 on Different Construction Project Management: Problems and Solutions
Authors: Waheeb Rasha A. , Wheib Kusay A. , Andersen Bjørn S. , Al-Suhiili Rafea
Published: July 2022

This study discusses risk management strategies caused by pandemic-related (Covid-19) suspensions in thirty-six engineering projects of different types and sizes selected from countries in the middle east and especially Iraq. The primary data collection method was a survey and questionnaire completed by selected project crew and laborers. Data were processed using Microsoft Excel to construct models to help decision-makers find solutions to the scheduling problems that may be expected to occur during a pandemic. A theoretical and practical concept for project risk management that addresses a range of global and local issues that affect schedule and cost is presented and results indicate that the most significant delays are due to a lack of good project risk management skills and remote project management capability which is exacerbated by shortfalls in technical development and information technology.
Neurofilament Light in Cerebrospinal Fluid is Associated With Disease Staging in European Lyme Neuroborreliosis
Authors: Mens Helene , Fjordside Lasse , Gynthersen Rosa M. M. , Ørbæk Mathilde T. , Andersen Åse Bengaard , Andreasson Ulf , Blennow Kaj , Sellebjerg Finn , Zetterberg Henrik , Lebech Anne-Mette
Published: July 2022

Background

Drivers of differences in disease presentation and symptom duration in Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) are currently unknown.

Objectives

We hypothesized that neurofilament light (NfL) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) would predict disease location and sequelae in a historic LNB cohort.

Design

Using a cross-sectional design and archived CSF samples from 185 patients diagnosed with LNB, we evaluated the content of NfL in the total cohort and in a subgroup of 84 patients with available clinical and paraclinical information.

Methods

Individuals were categorized according to disease location: a. Central nervous system (CNS) with stroke (N=3), b. CNS without stroke (N=11), c. Peripheral nervous system (PNS) with cranial nerve palsy (CNP) (N=40) d. PNS without CNP (N=30). Patients with hospital follow-up more than 6 months after completed antibiotic therapy were categorized as having LNB associated sequelae (N=15).

Results

At diagnosis concentration of NfL exceeded the upper reference level in 60% (105/185), especially among individuals above 30 years. Age-adjusted NfL was not found to be associated with symptom duration. Age-adjusted NfL was significantly higher among individuals with CNS involvement. Category a. (stroke) had significantly higher NfL concentrations in CSF compared to all other categories, category b. (CNS involvement without stroke) had significantly higher values compared to the categories of PNS involvement. We found no significant difference between the categories with PNS involvement (with or without CNP). Significantly higher NfL was found among patients with follow-up in hospital setting.

Conclusion

Comparison of NfL concentrations between the 4 groups of LNB disease manifestations based on clinical information revealed a hierarchy of neuron damage according to disease location and suggested evolving mechanisms with accelerated injury especially when disease is complicated by stroke. Higher values of NfL among patients with need of follow-up in hospital setting suggest NfL could be useful to identify rehabilitative needs.
Individual and cumulative risk factors in developmental language disorder: A case-control study
Authors: Valade Florence , Béliveau Marie-Julie , Breault Chantale , Chabot Benjamin , Labelle Fannie
Published: July 2022

Many mental disorders (MD) share common etiology, fuelling debates about the specificity of clinical categories and whether the presence of specific risk factors (RF) can distinguish among them. The study of developmental language disorder (DLD), more specifically, has been further hindered by a lack of consensus regarding its definition. These limitations increase the risk of under-detection and lifelong consequences for affected children. This paper aims (1) to document which individual RF allow differentiating DLD from other MD and (2) to compare the cumulative RF between children with DLD versus other MD. This case-control design study used medical records of a psychiatric sample of 795 preschoolers (mean age 4:11, 75% boys). A logistic regression measured the predictive value of potential RF on DLD. Later first sentences, maternal immigration and family history of language delay were identified as significant in explaining 30% of the variance for DLD diagnosis. An ANCOVA revealed that children with DLD were exposed to a significantly higher number of RF than were children with other MD. Public health policies informed with the knowledge of specific RF associated with DLD, and their cumulative impact, could improve early detection and reduce the cascade of negative consequences associated with DLD.
The influence of filtration velocity on the full-sized fibrous filter performance
Authors: Yit Jing Ee , Yau Yat Huang , Chew Bee Teng
Published: July 2022

Filtration velocity is a fundamental parameter that influences fibrous filtration performance. The previous work focuses on the effect of velocity on filtration performance, mainly using downsized filters, a flat sheet media or numerical methods. In this study, the actual performance of the full-sized fibrous filters was simulated according to standard test procedures, ISO 16890:2016 at different filtration velocities. The experimental findings show that the filtration efficiency increases with increasing velocity as the inertial impaction increases at higher velocity. The initial pressure differential shows an increasing relationship at [Formula: see text] with increasing velocity. The dust cake specific resistance coefficient, K c increases linearly with the velocity at the depth filtration stage and the beginning of transitional filtration stage. K c exhibits a quadratic growth with filtration velocity since the middle stage of transitional filtration and surface filtration. Dust holding capacity would be reduced and the final pressure differential would be increased with the increasing velocity due to the greater force incurred by the higher velocity, causing the filter media to deform and rupture easily. The experimental outcome of this study can be applied directly to industrial and commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning design in consideration of the filter pressure differential for a lower energy consumption without compromising the efficiency for indoor air quality.
The Reel Politics of International Crisis: Benedict Cumberbatch’s Appeal for Syrian Refugees
Authors: Artime Michael Robert , Hershey Megan
Published: July 2022

How much can a celebrity’s involvement with a charity campaign change minds and shape political opinion? We explore this issue in the context of an appeal by Benedict Cumberbatch regarding the Syrian refugee crisis. We find that while the emotional, vivid images of the video did elicit a statistically significant increase in students’ positive feelings toward Syrian refugees and efforts to help them, surprisingly, Cumberbatch’s plea had no effect at all on these political views. Post-experiment focus groups allowed us to further probe these findings, and we suggest that viewer skepticism reduces celebrity influence, but that celebrity may be more effective as a “hook” in grabbing viewers’ attention, than in actually swaying their views. We also find that participation in a charity plea has the potential to benefit celebrities themselves by dramatically improving viewers’ perceptions of them.
We Story: Decoloniality in Practice and Theory
Authors: Mafile’o Tracie , Kokinai Clare Wedu , Redman-MacLaren Michelle
Published: July 2022

Western research and education draw heavily on evidence-based approaches underpinned by positivism. Reliance on this scientific approach informs what is to be counted, measured, and tested—what can be “known.” In our experience, evidence generated using this approach does not always bring the most useful outcomes in our diverse, naturalistic settings. In fact, often the proffered solution can distance and dehumanize the very people expected to be beneficiaries. In this article, we, as researchers and educators from different cultural and professional backgrounds in the “post-colonial” South Pacific, pose an alternative to this Western approach. We engage in a story saturated process akin to collaborative auto-ethnography. We first undertake a process of owning our stories, critically reflecting upon ourselves and how we approach evidence. In the context of values-driven, dialogical relationships, we experiment with intersectionality, interdisciplinarity, and experiences of time and space to critically explore our practice and experience of decoloniality and transformation. Then, through sharing our stories, we critically reflect upon creative, culturally relevant practices. These stories include using poetry in social work education and health research, cake art, and social work storytelling. We acknowledge cultural story forms, collaboration, and performance in a higher education setting. These experiences lead to creating new stories. We share examples of change; we “talk up” to and challenge rationalist, evidence-based approaches in our respective professional spaces. We examine relationality and Indigenous epistemology underpinning our use of story. We present the power of story as a process of transformation toward decoloniality of theory and practice.
Vitamin D supplementation higher than 2000 IU/day compared to lower dose on maternal–fetal outcome: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Irwinda Rima , Hiksas Rabbania , Lokeswara Angga Wiratama , Wibowo Noroyono
Published: July 2022

Introduction:

Although vitamin D is widely known as an essential micronutrient during pregnancy, the exact supplementation dose to prevent maternal–fetal outcomes remains a question. This study aims to provide a systematic review and a meta-analysis of data from randomized controlled trial on > 2000 IU/day vitamin D supplementation compared to ⩽ 2000 IU/day; and ⩽ 2000 IU/day compared to placebo, on their effects on the incidence of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, and differences on birth weight.

Methods:

A systematic literature search on PubMed, EBSCO-MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases was carried out to evaluate randomized controlled trial studies on the effects of oral vitamin D > 2000 IU/day versus ⩽ 2000 IU/day; and ⩽ 2000 IU/day versus placebo, on preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm birth and birth weight. Risk ratio, mean difference, and 95% confidence interval were calculated.

Results:

There were a total of 27 randomized controlled trials selected. Maternal vitamin D supplementation > 2000 IU/day had a positive effect only on gestational diabetes mellitus (seven randomized controlled trials; risk ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval: 0.51–0.95, I2 = 0). Vitamin D supplementation ⩽ 2000 IU/day has reduced the risk of preeclampsia (three randomized controlled trials; risk ratio = 0.29, 95% confidence interval: 0.09–0.95, I2 = 0), with no significant difference when compared to > 2000 IU/day (eight randomized controlled trials; risk ratio = 0.80, 95% confidence interval: 0.51–1.24, I2 = 31). No difference in preterm birth risk and birth weight after vitamin D supplementation. The quality of evidence varies from moderate to very low certainty. The risk of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus after high-dose versus low-dose vitamin D supplementation was the ones with moderate certainty.

Conclusion:

Vitamin D supplementation > 2000 IU/day might be important to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Lower dose vitamin D supplementation (⩽ 2000 IU/day) seemed adequate to reduce the risk of preeclampsia, with no significant difference compared to the higher dose.
Can an ethics code help to achieve equity in international research collaborations? Implementing the global code of conduct for research in resource-poor settings in India and Pakistan
Authors: Chatfield Kate , Lightbody Catherine Elizabeth , Qayum Iftikhar , Ohly Heather , Rasgado Marena Ceballos , Watkins Caroline , Lowe Nicola M
Published: July 2022

The Global Code of Conduct for Research in Resource-Poor Settings (GCC) aims to stop the export of unethical research practices from higher to lower income settings. Launched in 2018, the GCC was immediately adopted by European Commission funding streams for application in research that is situated in lower and lower-middle income countries. Other institutions soon followed suit. This article reports on the application of the GCC in two of the first UK-funded projects to implement this new code, one situated in India and one in Pakistan. Through systematic ethics evaluation of both projects, the practical application of the GCC in real-world environments was tested. The findings of this ethics evaluation suggest that while there are challenges for implementation, application of the GCC can promote equity in international research collaborations.
New cardiovascular events in the convalescent period among survivors of SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I , Baskett William I , Huang Wei , Akinci Yasemin , Suri M Fareed K , Naqvi S Hasan , French Brandi R , Siddiq Farhan , Gomez Camilo R , Shyu Chi-Ren
Published: July 2022

Background:

Patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may have an increased risk of acute cardiovascular events in the convalescent period.

Aims:

To determine whether patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection have an increased risk of cardiovascular events during the convalescent period.

Methods:

We analyzed 10,691 hospitalized adult pneumonia patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and contemporary matched controls of pneumonia patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection. The risk of new cardiovascular events following >30 days pneumonia admission (convalescent period) was ascertained using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to adjust for potential confounders.

Results:

Among 10,691 pneumonia patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, 697 patients (5.8%; 95% CI, 5.4–6.2%) developed new cardiovascular events (median time interval of 218 days post pneumonia admission; interquartile range Q1 = 117 days, Q3 = 313 days). The risk of new cardiovascular events was not significantly higher among pneumonia patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with those with pneumonia without SARS-CoV-2 infection (hazard ratio (HR), 0.90, 95% CI, 0.80–1.02) after adjustment for potential confounders. In addition, no significant difference in the rate of a new ischemic stroke (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.70–1.02) or ischemic heart disease (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.87–1.15) was observed between the pneumonia patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that new cardiovascular events rate in the convalescent period among pneumonia patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection was not significantly higher than the rate seen with other pneumonias.
Gait in cerebral small vessel disease, pre-dementia, and dementia: A systematic review
Authors: Blumen Helena M , Jayakody Oshadi , Verghese Joe
Published: July 2022

Background:

The interrelationships between gait, cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), and cognitive impairments in aging are not well-understood—despite their common co-occurrence.

Objective:

To systematically review studies of gait impairment in CSVD, pre-dementia, and dementia, and to identify key gaps for future research and novel pathways toward intervention.

Methods:

A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-guided search strategy was implemented in PubMed to identify relevant studies. Potential articles (n = 263) published prior to 1 December 2021 were screened by two reviewers. Studies with sample sizes >20 and including some adults over > 65 years (n = 202) were included.

Results:

The key findings were that (1) adverse gait and cognitive outcomes were associated with several (rather than select) CSVD pathologies distributed across the brain, and (2) poor gait and CSVD pathologies were more strongly associated with dementia with a vascular, rather than an Alzheimer’s disease-related, cause.

Discussion:

A better understanding of the interrelationships between gait performance in CSVD, pre-dementia, and dementia requires studies examining (1) comprehensive patterns in the clinical manifestations of CSVD, (2) racially/ethnically diverse samples, (3) samples followed for extended periods of time or across the adult life span, (4) non-traditional CSVD neuroimaging markers (e.g. resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)), and (5) continuous (e.g. wearable sensors) and complex (e.g. dual-task) walking performance.
Novel spiroheterocycles containing a 1,3,4-thiadiazole unit: Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization
Authors: Alazzawi Shaymaa K. , Al-Jumaili Mohammed Hadi Ali
Published: July 2022

We describe the preparation of a series of novel spiroheterocycles, namely 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives possessing an indane unit. These active heterocyclic compounds are prepared starting from thiocarbohydrazide and 2-indanone via an intermediate indan-2-thiocarbohydrazone which is used to afford the corresponding 2-(1-acetylhydrazino)-4 H-acetyl-5-spiro(indano-2-yl)-1,3,4-thiadiazoline in an acidic medium. The 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives are obtained in good yields by reaction with aromatic carboxylic acids at reflux temperature in the presence of POCl3 as a catalyst, their structure–activity relationships are discussed and the structures of the newly synthesized derivatives are confirmed by spectroscopic techniques.