bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International bureaucracy and the United Nations system: introduction
Authors: Thorvaldsdottir Svanhildur , Patz Ronny , Eckhard Steffen
Published: August 2021

Built on the administrative system of the League of Nations, since the Second World War, the United Nations has grown into a sizeable, complex and multilevel system of several dozen international bureaucracies. Outside of a brief period in the 1980s, and despite growing scholarship on international public administrations over the past two decades, there have been few publications in the International Review of Administrative Sciences on the evolution of the United Nations system and its many public administrations. The special issue ‘International Bureaucracy and the United Nations System’ aims to encourage renewed scholarly focus on this global level of public administration. This introduction makes the case for why studying the United Nations’ bureaucracies matters from a public administration perspective, takes stock of key literature and discusses how the seven articles contribute to key substantive and methodological advancements in studying the administrations of the United Nations system.
Adjustment Mechanisms in the Acute Phase of Myocardial Infarction in Men
Authors: Maria G. Charizopoulou , Christos A. Papanastasiou , Theodoros D. Karamitsos , Ioannis A. Nimatoudis , Charalambos I. Karvounis
Published: August 2021

Aim

Stress and Coping Model and Post-Traumatic Growth Theory indicate adjustment procedures concepts after a crisis. The objective of this study was to assess the relationships between causal attributions, coping strategies and post-traumatic growth in male patients with acute myocardial infarction and variable cardiac function severity.

Methods

Seventy-eight male patients surviving a myocardial infarction, were divided into two sub-groups based on left ventricular ejection fraction measurements [Group A (left ventricular ejection fraction: <45%, n = 34), Group B (left ventricular ejection fraction: ≥45%, n = 44)] and were interviewed after the acute phase of myocardial infarction, on the last day of their coronary unit stay. Medical data was obtained from their medical records. Causal Attributions’ List, Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory were used.

Results

Causal attributions were found to be related to active coping, emotional support, religious coping and self-blame in both groups. Planning, positive reinterpretation and active coping were the strategies associated positively with most of the post-traumatic inventory subscales in total data analyses.

Conclusions

Diverse coping strategies were associated with posttraumatic growth factors. It is important to assess adjustment mechanisms in the acute phase of myocardial infarction. A tailored scheme therapy, considering patient’s needs, has to be planned.
Microbiological profile and antibiotic resistance pattern of empyema thoracis in Calabar, Nigeria
Authors: Nwagboso CI , Ekeng BE , Etiuma AU , Ochang EA , Eze JN , Echieh CP
Published: August 2021

Targeted empirical antibiotic therapy based on local microbiology and antibiotic resistance patterns is essential for the treatment of empyema thoracis. Our retrospective review of 105 pleural empyema culture and sensitivity reports aimed at determining the causative microorganisms and their antimicrobial resistance pattern. Of 105 pleural aspirate samples, 46 (43.8%) were positive on culture. Gram-negative organisms (n = 43) were the predominant isolates, the commonest of which was Klebsiella pneumoniae. It was concluded that empyema thoracis is predominantly caused by Gram-negative organisms in our locality. This should guide protocols on the initiation of empirical therapy.
Overview: Lithic quarries in Pennsylvania: the archaeology of tool stone procurement
Authors: Raber Paul A.
Published: August 2021

This collection of papers, published in numbers 3 and 4 of this volume of North American Archaeologist, reflects recent research into the development of pre-contact period quarries in Pennsylvania and the surrounding Middle Atlantic region.
Diagnostic performance of imaging features in the HBP of gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI for microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis
Authors: Deng Yuhui , Yang Dawei , Xu Hui , Ren Ahong , Yang Zhenghan
Published: August 2021

Background

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a major risk factor for early recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Preoperative accurate evaluation of the presence of MVI could enormously benefit its treatment and prognosis.

Purpose

To evaluate and compare the diagnostic performance of two imaging features (non-smooth tumor margin and peritumor hypointensity) in the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) to preoperatively diagnose the presence of MVI in HCC.

Material and Methods

Original articles were collected from Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library up to 17 January 2021 linked to gadoxetate disodium–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on 1.5 or 3.0 T. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and summary area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were calculated and meta-regression analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 14 original articles involving 2193 HCCs were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of non-smooth tumor margin and peritumor hypointensity were 73% and 61%, and 43% and 90%, respectively, for the diagnosis of MVI in HCC. The summary AUC of non-smooth tumor margin (0.74) was comparable to that of peritumor hypointensity (0.76) ( z = 0.693, P = 0.488). The meta-regression analysis identified four covariates as possible sources of heterogeneity: average size; time interval between index test and reference test; blindness to index test during reference test; and risk of bias score.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis showed moderate and comparable accuracy for predicting MVI in HCC using either non-smooth tumor margin or peritumor hypointensity in HBP. Four discovered covariates accounted for the heterogeneity.
Spinal cord stimulation: a real-world data analysis on outcomes and differences between rechargeable and non-rechargeable implantable pulse generators
Authors: Luecke Thorsten , Kuhlmann Harald , May Melanie , Petermann Marius , Libutzki Berit , Jäehnichen Gunnar
Published: August 2021

Objective

In this analysis, we examined differences between rechargeable and non-rechargeable spinal cord stimulation (SCS) devices in patients with pain.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal claims data analysis using a German research database comprising 5 million statutory insured patients (2012–2017). Outcomes of demographics, patient pathways, and health care resource utilization (HCRU) in patients with initial SCS were collected.

Results

Of 150 patients in the database, 73 (49%) received a rechargeable device and 77 (51%) a non-rechargeable device. The average age was 62.5 years (51% female and 49% male patients). A significant decrease over a 3-year follow-up was observed in analgesic prescriptions (−18%), number of patient visits to a physician, and number of patients who were hospitalized. HCRU-related figures for patients with non-rechargeable neurostimulators increased in the last follow-up year whereas the group receiving rechargeable neurostimulators showed a steady decrease.

Conclusions

SCS seems to be an effective way for patients with chronic pain to decrease pain and improve quality of life. Rechargeable devices seem to be superior to non-rechargeable devices owing to greater longevity and were found to be associated with continuous reduction of pain diagnoses, hospitalization, physician visits, and use of pain medication in our study.
Idiopathic fibrous mediastinitis with refractory pleural effusion: a case report and literature review
Authors: Dong Shuangxia , Dai Xinjian , Jiang Yi , Zheng Jiyang
Published: August 2021

Fibrous mediastinitis is a rare progressive disease characterized by invasive proliferation of fibrous tissue in the mediastinum. This tissue proliferation leads to compression of the mediastinal structures in the thoracic cavity, including the pulmonary vessels, esophagus, and trachea, causing corresponding symptoms and complications such as pulmonary hypertension. In clinical practice, the diagnosis of fibrous mediastinitis is often delayed or missed because of the rarity and variable clinical manifestations of this condition. This article presents a case of idiopathic fibrous mediastinitis that manifested as pleural effusion of unknown etiology along with a review of the relevant literature.
Effectiveness of Loaded Wheel Tracking Test to Ascertain Moisture Susceptibility of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Akentuna Moses , Mohammad Louay N. , Sachdeva Sanchit , Cooper Samuel B. , Cooper Samuel B.
Published: August 2021

Moisture damage of asphalt mixtures is a major distress affecting the durability of asphalt pavements. The loaded wheel tracking (LWT) test is gaining popularity in determining moisture damage because of its ability to relate laboratory performance to field performance. However, the accuracy of LWT’s “pass/fail” criteria for screening mixtures is limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the capability of the LWT test to identify moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures with different moisture conditioning protocols. Seven 12.5 mm asphalt mixtures with two asphalt binder types (unmodified PG 67-22 and modified PG 70-22), and three aggregate types (limestone, crushed gravel, and a semi-crushed gravel) were utilized. Asphalt binder and mixture samples were subjected to five conditioning levels, namely, a control; single freeze–thaw-; triple freeze–thaw-; MiST 3500 cycles; and MiST 7000 cycles. Frequency sweep at multiple temperatures and frequencies, and multiple stress creep recovery tests were performed to evaluate asphalt binders. LWT test was used to evaluate the asphalt mixture samples. Freeze–thaw and MiST conditioning resulted in an increase in stiffness in the asphalt binders as compared with the control. Further, freeze–thaw and MiST conditioning resulted in an increase in rut depth compared with the control asphalt mixture. The conditioning protocols evaluated were effective in exposing moisture-sensitive mixtures, which initially showed compliance with Louisiana asphalt mixture design specifications.
Quantifying Bridge Element Vulnerability over Time
Authors: Das Subasish , Kong Xiaoqiang
Published: August 2021

The bridge has been a crucial element of the transportation system of the U.S.A. for many years. The National Bridge Inventory (NBI) reported more than 615,000 national bridges in 2018. Maintaining and fixing bridges is a crucial task for transportation agencies to keep the road network connected. Louisiana, which has 12,899 bridges, was selected as the study site for this study. The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) reported in 2019 that 13% of all Louisiana bridges were classified as structurally deficient. This study applies a data mining algorithm, the empirical Bayes geometric mean (EBGM) method, to identify critical patterns of the bridge inventory condition at element level as a measure of vulnerability, using NBI rating data from 2015 to 2018. It finds that severe condition is highly associated with the following elements, regardless of their structural importance: bridge joints, and “bridge rail timber,”“bearing other,” and “superstructure floor beam reinforced concrete” elements. Poor condition is highly associated with elements like “top flange reinforced concrete,”“bearing movable,” and “superstructure floor beam reinforced concrete.” The quantification scores developed in this study could help transportation agencies and bridge engineers to identify more easily the key element or combination of elements associated with poor or severe condition, so that they can make data-driven decisions in maintaining and repairing the most needed bridge elements.
Research on design and numerical optimization of bowed-twisted-swept cascade of low aspect ratio hydraulic turbine
Authors: Gong Yan , Wang Cong , Lin Meng , Gao Zhiguang , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: August 2021

The bowed-twisted-swept modeling technology of three-dimensional blade has been widely used in the gas impeller machinery and achieved good results. This paper introduces the two-dimensional flow theory and the bowed-twisted-swept modeling ideology into hydraulic turbine design. Simultaneously combined with the popular NSGA-II multi-objective optimization algorithm, a complete set of hydraulic turbine cascade design method was proposed. Taking the last-stage low aspect ratio hydraulic cascade of Ф175 type turbine as an example, the parametric model of this cascade was reconstructed by a high-precision automatic bridge coordinate measuring machine. The multi-objective optimization design of three-dimensional modeling of cascade was completed with the single-stage turbine output torque, efficiency and pressure drop as the objective targets. Finally the influence of the bowed-twisted-swept modeling technology on the hydraulic turbine performance was explored in detail by a professional rotating machinery CFD software. Numerical analysis shows that the twisted blade design achieves a 1.5 times increase in torque and 2 to 4 times increase in pressure diff at same working condition. Moreover, when bowing optimization design and sweeping optimization design are applied on the twisted blade individually, the output torque and the stage efficiency of the hydraulic turbine are respectively improved, and when both two methods are simultaneously applied on the twisted blade, it is beneficial to reduce the pressure drop loss. However, it is noticeable that when the bowed-swept modeling technology used in a straight blade using almost have no effect on the turbine performance.
Numerical investigation of turbocharger turbine temperature field based on conjugate heat transfer
Authors: Peng Liang , Chen Zhenlei , Hu Yi
Published: August 2021

Aiming at the issues of low accuracy and poor feasibility of the analytical results of the turbocharger turbine temperature field under operating conditions, a full-domain conjugate heat transfer numerical model was established by the conjugate heat transfer and finite volume method. The temperature field characteristics of each component of the turbocharger turbine were analyzed. The numerical and experimental test results were compared and analyzed. The global conjugate heat transfer model avoids the input of a large number of hypothetical data on the interface between fluid and solid in the traditional model, and makes the calculation process closer to the actual situation. Through the comparison with the experimental results, the accuracy of the turbine temperature field obtained by the global conjugate heat transfer model is more reasonable and more accurate than that of the traditional model, which verifies the reliability and accuracy of the global conjugate heat transfer model.
Mental health in patients with rheumatic diseases related to COVID-19 pandemic: Experience in a tertiary care center in Latin America
Authors: González-Rangel Jessica , Pérez-Muñoz Brenda , Casillas-Santos Daniela , Barrera-Vargas Ana , Vázquez-Cardenas Paola , Escamilla-Santiago Ricardo , Merayo-Chalico Javier
Published: August 2021

Objective

To determine the factors associated with anxiety, depression, and concern within the COVID-19 pandemic in a population with autoimmune diseases.

Methods

A telephonic survey was conducted during the early stages of the pandemic in a tertiary care center, which included patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. Mental health variables were assessed with Patient Health Questionnaire 2, General Anxiety Disorder 7 scores, and pandemic-related concern questions. Sociodemographic aspects were also evaluated.

Results

Of the total 334 participants, 291 (87.1%) were women, with a median age of 46 years; systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was the most frequent diagnosis (144, 43.2%); 44 patients (13.2%) showed depression and 32 (9.6%) anxiety. The variables associated with depression were all the pandemic concern items, body mass index, anxiety, and a higher COVID-19 symptom score. Anxiety was associated with depression, all pandemic concern items, and a higher COVID-19 symptom score. Women presented higher scores in all concern items. The SLE group presented higher scores in concern questions and difficulty finding medication.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 outbreak, rheumatic patients are vulnerable to psychiatric conditions, which makes it imperative for physicians who treat these patients to pay careful attention in order to detect them promptly and to settle coping strategies.
Francesco Maria Fiorentini (1603–1673): An Italian physician in ‘The Iron Century’
Authors: Mantile Noemi , Giuffra Valentina , Fornaciari Antonio
Published: August 2021

The aim of this paper is to shed light on the figure of Francesco Maria Fiorentini, a 17th-century physician from Lucca (Tuscany, Italy) and member of the Iatromechanical School, who distinguished himself for his role during the plague and the typhus epidemics that spread throughout Italy in the first half of that century. His work must be contextualized in a precise historical moment, which marked the gradual transition of Western medicine from the archaism of Galenic doctrine to that of the Iatromechanical School, when the foundations started to be laid for an experimental type of medicine that based its assumptions on the direct observation of phenomena concerning the human body. In this work, we mainly focus on the medical biography of Fiorentini and on the reasons why he enjoyed great social prestige among the most prominent figures of his time. However, Fiorentini should also be remembered as a multifaceted scholar, as evidenced by his numerous writings, which underline his erudition in disparate fields of knowledge.
Culturally Congruent Health Activities for the Prevention of Functional Disabilities Among Older Adults in Japan’s Forest Communities
Authors: Irie Yasuko , Hohashi Naohiro , Suto Shunji , Fujimoto Yu
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

In Japan’s forest areas, cultural capital and older adults play key roles in helping to sustain the community. The purpose was to explore cultural values/beliefs related to culturally congruent health activities among older adults in forest communities.

Method:

The qualitative ethnonursing research method was used. Data were collected through fieldwork and key informants’ interviews ( n = 14) over 1 year. The setting was a traditional village with 80% forest cover.

Results:

Findings included two universal cultural values/beliefs, which were “community identity as a community member” and “our cohesion and connection as community members.” Additionally, two diverse cultural values/beliefs were found: “gender-based differences” and “differences between those having experience working outside the forest community and those without this experience.” These were related to community-based health activities.

Discussion:

These values/beliefs were suggested to develop a multilayered network around health activities in order to prevent functional disabilities among older adults.
Midline catheters for extracorporeal photopheresis in hematological patients
Authors: Marche Bruno , D’Arrigo Sonia , Annetta Maria Giuseppina , Musarò Andrea , Emoli Alessandro , Sica Simona , Piccirillo Nicola , Putzulu Rossana , De Paolis Maria , Bernoldi Marco , Pittiruti Mauro
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

Peripheral venous access for extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) may be difficult in graft versus host disease (GVHD) patients, because of previous intravenous therapies and multiple peripheral cannulations; in this population of patients, ultrasound guided midline catheters may be an alternative option to central venous access.

Methods:

In this single-center, prospective preliminary study, we enrolled all consecutive patients with a diagnosis of GVHD and candidate to ECP, over a period of 10 months. We used inserted power injectable, non-valved, polyurethane, 20–25 cm single lumen midline catheters (MC).

Results:

Sixty-nine ECP procedures were carried out in six patients, using single-lumen MCs for outflow (5Fr in 74% and 4Fr in 26% of cases). For inflow, we used 5Fr or 4Fr MCs, or central venous access devices previously placed for other clinical reasons. There were no catheter-related complications during the entire period of ECP treatment. Mean outflow was significantly higher for 5Fr than for 4Fr MCs (35.8 ± 7.3 vs 29.2 ± 7.8 ml/min; p = 0.0008) and the procedure time was significantly shorter (92.9 ± 9.2 vs 108 ± 13.2 min; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion:

In GVHD patients, ECP can be performed efficiently and safely using single lumen polyurethane power injectable MCs. The best results are obtained with 5Fr rather than with 4Fr catheters. This strategy of venous access should be implemented in DIVA patients requiring ECP treatments, and probably also in other types of apheresis.
‘I am finding my path’: A case study of Swedish novice physical education teachers’ experiences when managing the realities and challenges of their first years in the profession
Authors: Westerlund Runa , Eliasson Inger
Published: August 2021

Novice teachers face several challenges during their first years of socialization in schools, often feeling unprepared in managing the full range of teaching duties. If teacher retention and attrition are to be improved, research on the difficulties encountered by novice teachers in diverse contexts and cultures is required. There is a lack of studies regarding physical education (PE) teachers’ induction processes, especially outside Anglophone countries. The aim of this study was, from an occupational socialization perspective, to examine how Swedish novice PE teachers experience, perceive and manage their induction process. Through a single-case study design with embedded multiple units of analysis, we interviewed eight Swedish novice PE teachers. Based on thematic analysis, the results show that Swedish novice PE teachers experience several challenges related to reality shock, marginalization and isolation during induction. We identified three approaches used by the novices as central to successfully managing challenges of induction in the Swedish context: (1) socializing into a community of colleagues, (2) performing the role of the PE teacher as health promoter and (3) maintaining a critical teaching perspective. We conclude that these novice teachers’ socialization relies heavily on the individual, and therefore we argue that the induction process could be further facilitated by formal organizational support. This paper confirms long-standing difficulties reported in other countries, and contributes with new knowledge of how the approaches used when managing challenges of induction are contextually dependent due to the social and political surroundings of education.
‘A Punch Has No Paternity!’: techniques, belonging and the Mexicanidad of Xilam
Authors: Jennings George
Published: August 2021

This article combines ethnographic and netnographic data to explore the relationships between body techniques and a sense of belonging through the contemporary Mexican martial art of Xilam. This art, founded by a female Mexican martial arts veteran, is slowly developing as a hand-to-hand sport, and has attracted critics for its supposed use of East Asian fighting techniques. Netnographic data reveal online debates on the origins and ‘true belonging’ of specific techniques while ethnographic fieldwork in a Xilam school demonstrates how the art is made ‘Mexican’ through specific accompanying practices and philosophy surrounding the movements. The movements of sitting, punching and standing are selected as key examples as understood through Mauss’s classic thesis. I conclude that Xilam follows a philosophical pedagogy that associates these techniques with a sense of Mexicanness – Mexicanidad.
The sensing eye: Intimate vision in couple dancing
Authors: Törnqvist Maria , Holmberg Tora
Published: August 2021

Vision tends to be associated with the mind and theorized as the least bodily sense. Notably, the eye often symbolizes distance. Foregrounding the fleshy embeddedness of the gaze through an analysis of jitterbug, the present article stresses the bodily and intimate significance of vision in dancing. Analyzing ethnographic observation and interview data, we develop a phenomenological approach to dance and gaze that stresses the need to address multi-sensoriality, adding vision to the perspective of tactile-kinesthetic touch. However, the article develops a more-than-optic perspective on “dancing as vision.” The “sensing eye” is analyzed, first, as a body technique central to couple dancing and, second, as the use and meaning of vision across spatial distance, as between dancers and bystanders. Throughout the article, the dance floor unveils connections between eye and body, self and other, and passive and active and thus pushes notions of emplacement and embodiment.
Effect of Early Rehabilitation on Gait, Wound and Home Discharge in Lower Extremity Chronic Wound Patients: A Japanese Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Maeshige, Ph Noriaki , Hayashi, PhD Hisae , Terashi, PhD, MD Hiroto , Fujii, PhD, MD Miki , Iwamoto, PhD Tetsuya , Watanabe, MSc Yu , Imaoka, MSc Shinsuke , Matsumoto, MSc Junichi , Nishikawa, BSc Mayo , Takeda, BSc Naoto , Mikawa, BSc Ryuzo , Tsuji, PhD, MD Yoriko , Higashita, PhD, MD Ryuji , Ayabe, MD Shinobu , Terabe, MD Yuta , Furukawa, MD Masahide , Tanaka, PhD, MD Junko , Ohura, PhD, MD Takehiko , Kawabe, PhD Nobuhide
Published: August 2021

This study investigated the effect of early rehabilitation on gait restoration, wound healing, and home discharge in patients with lower extremity (LE) chronic wounds. This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included 233 Japanese inpatients who received treatment for LE chronic wounds from April 2012 to March 2015. A multivariate analysis was conducted using outcomes of gait restoration, wound healing, and home discharge as dependent variables. Other survey items were used as independent variables. Early rehabilitation was extracted as an independent factor with gait restoration (hazard ratio [HR] 1.82, P < .01) and home discharge (HR 1.77, P < .001) as dependent factors by the stepwise method in Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis, but it was not extracted as an independent factor with wound healing as the dependent factor by the stepwise method as well as the forced entry method ( P = .44). A significant relationship between the presence of gait restoration and home discharge was observed in the chi-square test ( P<.001), and the duration from admission to gait restoration was significantly correlated to the duration from admission to home discharge (Pearson's product-moment correlation coefficient; r=.89, P<.0001). Early rehabilitation was a positive factor for gait restoration and home discharge in chronic LE wound patients.
Psychometric properties of the Korean Motor-free Visual Perception Test-4 in healthy people
Authors: Hong Deok-Gi , Ryu Tae-Kyeong , Kim Beom-Jun , Lee Yoon-Sun , Jeong Yunwha
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study was conducted to cross-culturally adapt the Motor-free Visual Perception Test 4 (MVPT-4) for use in Korean contexts and examine its psychometric properties.

Methods

The Korean MVPT-4 (K-MVPT-4) was developed via the process of translation, back-translation, and expert committee review. To establish internal consistency, test-retest reliability, concurrent validity and construct validity of the K-MVPT-4, 295 healthy people aged 10 to 79 years participated in this study. Participants completed the measures for the test-retest reliability on two occasions, 2 weeks apart.

Results

After three steps of cross-cultural adaptation, the K-MVPT-4 was revised to improve its alignment with Korean cultural norms. Cronbach’s α for internal consistency was .857 and intra-class correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was .949. The K-MVPT-4 scores were significantly correlated with those of three motor-reduced subscales of the Korean Developmental Test of Visual Perception-Adolescent (K-DTVP-A) ( r = .44–.46, p < .01). Participants’ age significantly influenced the K-MVPT-4 scores ( p < .001) while their gender did not affect those scores ( p = .409). As the age increased, the K-MVPT-4 scores decreased.

Conclusions

The findings indicated that the K-MVPT-4 is a reliable and valid test that Korean rehabilitation service providers can use with confidence to assess clients’ visual perceptual abilities.
Turning tool life reliability analysis based on approximate Bayesian theory
Authors: Gao Tianhong , Li Yuxiong , Huang Xianzhen , Li Honglei
Published: August 2021

Turning tool is a critical part of numerical control machining, and its reliability directly affects machining efficiency and stability of the entire system. Turning tool life reliability analysis has major theoretical and practical significance. Laboratory test data or information monitoring are one of commonly employed methods for assessing mechanical performance. This information is conducive for determining mechanical property distribution and assessing the structural reliability. Therefore, experimental monitoring data is incorporated into turning tool life reliability analysis to obtain adequate evaluation results. Considering tool wear process uncertainty, reliability model based on Taylor tool life equation is proposed. Approximate Bayesian theory is introduced to update reliability model parameters. According to obtained parameter posterior samples, tool life reliability is analyzed via Monte Carlo simulation. Effectiveness of the proposed method is validated against experimental samples of turning tool wear. Results of tool life reliability analysis are in accordance with the actual working conditions, which provides a theoretical basis for the selection of numerical control machining process parameters and tool replacement strategies.
Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2: A systematic review
Authors: Jeganathan Kristine , Paul Anthea BM
Published: August 2021

In this study, we discuss vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and assess various maternal and neonatal outcomes based on the current evidence available. This systematic review using PRISMA guidelines revealed a total of 47 eligible studies describing 1188 SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women and 985 neonates for review. Utilizing the ‘Shah’s Classification System for Maternal-Fetal-Neonatal SARS-CoV-2 Intrauterine Infections’ by Shah et al., we found vertical transmission confirmed in 0.3% ( n = 3), probable in 0.5% ( n = 5), possible in 1.8% ( n = 17), unlikely in 80.3% (724) and not infected in 17% ( n = 153).
Poliheuristic Theory and Indonesia’s Absence in Deep-Sea Mining (DSM)
Authors: Karim Moch Faisal , Yudha Willy Dwira
Published: August 2021

Indonesia is among the many states that have become interested in conducting deep-sea mining (DSM) since it first became viable in the 1970s. However, it was during the administration of President Joko Widodo (2014–2019) that DSM became an important viable endeavour, with the increasing depletion of Indonesia’s mineral and metal reserves. Nevertheless, Indonesia is yet to undertake DSM activity. This article aims to explain the absence of DSM in Indonesia by analysing the political dimensions of the decision-making process during President Widodo’s administration. This research utilises the poliheuristic theory (PHT) of decision-making. It shows that Indonesia’s DSM absence is the result of conscious decisions made by President Widodo to avoid loss in public support and drop in popularity. This article contributes to expanding the study of non-event or non-decision, which has been largely ignored in decision-making literature in Indonesia.
Societal fragilities and resilience: The emergence of peoplehood in Belarus
Authors: Petrova Irina , Korosteleva Elena
Published: August 2021

The article examines societal fragilities and local resilience strategies in Belarus with a particular focus on the notion of peoplehood. Premised on the idea of evolving forms of agency under the Anthropocene, and the emergent complexity-thinking in International Relations, the article draws on these approaches to societal fragilities and community resilience to understand and explain the unprecedented levels of mobilization occurring in Belarus since the disputed presidential election in August 2020. To this end, the article zooms onto the local communities to provide an analytical perspective on the study of resilience as self-organization. In line with complexity-thinking, it argues in favor of history-specific processual identities, shaped by the aspirations of a “good life,” and realized via local support infrastructures which lie at the heart of societal resilience in Belarus. Yet, the potential of all these elements to actualize into a sweeping transformative force, referred to as “peoplehood” in this article, is rare, and comes at a time of unprecedented crises and existential threats to the life of a community. The Belarusian society seems to be undergoing such a moment that not only makes it more resilient and adaptive to change; it also transforms it into a new form of societal being, self-aware of its worth, self-organized, and self-reliant on its inner capabilities to fight for a life of excellence. The article traces these moments of becoming with, and societal being, via a critical discussion of fragilities and the elements of resilience, actualized into peoplehood.
Phytochemical Analysis of the Essential Oils From Aerial Parts of Four Scutellaria “Skullcap” Species Cultivated in South Alabama: Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, S. Barbata D. Don, S. Incana Biehler, and S. Lateriflora L
Authors: Lawson Sims K. , Satyal Prabodh , Setzer William N.
Published: August 2021

Scutellaria (skullcap) are important medicinal plants. Scutellaria baicalensis and S.barbata have been used in Chinese traditional medicine, while S. incana and S. lateriflora were used as herbal medicines by Native Americans. In this work, the essential oils of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, Scutellaria barbata D. Don , Scutellaria incana Biehler, and Scutellaria lateriflora L. were obtained from plants cultivated in south Alabama and analyzed by gas chromatographic techniques, including chiral gas chromatography. The most abundant components in the Scutellaria essential oils were 1-octen-3-ol (31.2% in S. incana), linalool (6.8% in S. incana), thymol (7.7% in S. barbata), carvacrol (9.3% in S. baicalensis), ( E)-β caryophyllene (11.6% in S. baicalensis), germacrene D (39.3% in S. baicalensis), ( E)-nerolidol (10.5% in S. incana), palmitic acid (15.6% in S. barbata), phytol (19.7% in S. incana), and linolenic acid (8.0% in S. barbata). These analyses of the essential oil compositions and enantiomeric ratios of predominant aromatic molecules add to our understanding of the medicinal phytochemistry of the genus Scutellaria.
Affecting factors of cloud computing adoption in public hospitals affiliated with Zahedan University of Medical Sciences: A cross-sectional study in the Southeast of Iran
Authors: Alipour Jahanpour , Mehdipour Yousef , Karimi Afsaneh , Sharifian Roxana
Published: August 2021

Objective

Health care organizations require cloud computing to remain efficient and cost-effective, and provide high-quality health care services. Adoption of this technology by users plays a critical role in the success of its application. This study aimed to determine factors affecting cloud computing adoption in public hospitals affiliated with Zahedan University of Medical Sciences.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive and analytic study was performed in 2017. The study population comprised information technology and hospital information system authorities and hospital information system users. The sample consisted of 573 participants. The data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software using descriptive and analytical statistics.

Results

The mean score of environmental, human, organizational, technological, and intention dimensions of cloud computing adoption was 3.39 ± 0.81, 3.27 ± 0.63, 3.19 ± 0.71, 3 ± 0.43, and 3.55 ± 1.10, respectively. Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was found between intention of cloud computing adoption and environmental ( R = 0.521, p = 0.000), organizational ( R = 0.426, p = 0.000), human ( R = 0.492, p = 0.000), and technological dimensions ( R = 0.157, p = 0.000).

Conclusions

Benefits of cloud computing adoption, relative advantage, and competitive pressure were identified as the most influential factors in accepting cloud computing. Simplifying the users’ understanding of this technology and its application, improving the staff's technical capabilities, promoting executive managers’ understanding of the nature and functions of cloud computing, and fully supporting and increasing governmental mandates for adoption of new technologies are necessary for facilitating the adoption of cloud computing in given hospitals.
Single-session versus two-session placement of chest port and gastrostomy tube in patients with head and neck cancer: Is there any difference in the device-related early infection rates?
Authors: Skummer Philip , Kobayashi Katsuhiro , Schoeneck Mason , Patel Jamynkumer , Faridnia Masoud
Published: August 2021

Background

It is unknown whether placement of a chest port (port) and a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) in a single session increases the risk of the early device infections in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing chemoradiation.

Purpose

To compare the incidence of early (≤30 days) port and G-tube infections placed in a single session compared to two separate sessions in patients with HNC.

Material and Methods

Between January 2012 and December 2019, 169 patients with HNC undergoing chemoradiation had a port and a G-tube placed in a single session (single-session group), while 25 had both devices placed in two separate sessions (two-session group) within 30 days of each other. The incidence of early device infections was compared between groups. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine if the number of sessions was a variable affecting device infections.

Results

A total of 6 (3%) early port infections and 13 (6.7%) early G-tube infections were identified. The two groups did not significantly differ in the incidence of early port infections (3.0%, 5/169 and 4.0%, 1/25, p = 0.59) nor early G-tube infections (7.1%, 12/169 and 4.0%, 1/25, p = 1.0). The number of sessions for device placement was not a variable affecting overall device infections in logistic regression analyses (odds ratio: 1.24, 95% confidence interval: 0.20–7.82, p = 0.82) after controlling for potential confounding variables.

Conclusions

The risk of early device infections in single-session placement appeared to be the same as two-session placement in patients with HNC undergoing chemoradiation.
Rare Adult Subtype of Rhabdomyosarcoma, a Common Childhood Soft Tissue Carcinoma
Authors: Dondapati Manasa , Reyes Jonathan Vincent M. , Ahmad Saad , Stern Aaron S. , Lieber Joseph J.
Published: August 2021

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant soft tissue sarcoma of primitive mesenchymal cells, showing varying degrees of striated skeletal muscle cell differentiation. It is a very common cancer of childhood and adolescence, but rarely seen in the adult population. Here, we present a case of a 33-year-old male presented with a poorly differentiated desmin positive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in the left arm. The prognosis of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in adults is very poor, frequently detected at advanced stages or with metastases. The alveolar subtype in particular has been found to have a more aggressive course with a high rate of metastasis. Recent studies have shown that using pediatric treatment guidelines resulted in better survival outcomes and local control, but the survival rates are still below that of the pediatric population. Newer studies are looking into using specific molecular markers for more targeted therapy in hopes of further improving survival rates in the adult population.
The relationship between site planning and electricity consumption: An empirical analysis of multi-unit residential complexes in Seoul, Korea
Authors: Lim Jaebin , Kang Myounggu
Published: August 2021

To cope with the exacerbating housing problem due to urban population increase and rapid urbanization, the number of multi-unit residential complexes (MURCs) is sharply rising. MURCs account for approximately 30% or more of housing stocks in the New York and Los Angeles metropolitan areas; and much higher in developing world, for example, 58% in Seoul, Korea. Likewise, the share of electricity consumption of MURCs in cities is increasing. Most existing literature analyzed the electricity consumption at household or house level and neglected the electricity consumption in publicly shared spaces and utilities such as outdoor lighting, parking system, elevators (vertical transportation), playgrounds, site water and sewage, management offices, security offices, and so forth. Unlike single houses, MURCs with hundreds or thousands of houses tend to be planned and built all at once, under one site plan. Therefore, urban design or site planning can crucially affect the aggregated electricity consumption at neighborhood level with different land use patterns and spatial configurations, which change light, shade, wind, heat island, reflection for individual houses and public domain. Site plan attributes can also affect residents’ choice of indoor and outdoor activities. A few simulation studies tried to examine the effect of urban design at neighborhood level, but empirical analysis can be hardly found mainly due to data limitation. This study aims to empirically investigate the effect of urban design on aggregated electricity consumption at a neighborhood level. We collected the aggregated electricity consumption data of 1122 MURCs in Seoul during the first half of 2016 and adopted the panel analysis. This study confirmed that more building coverage roads and pavements increase the aggregated electricity consumption; more green open space reduces it. Interestingly, mid-rise and mid-open plan would be the optimum design because of the effect of the number of floors. As the number of floors increases, electricity consumption for vertical transportation increases faster and offsets the benefit of high-rise and high-open plan. The study is significant, because, unlike previous studies, it empirically analyzed the collective consumption of electricity at a neighborhood level, considering the site plan features. Furthermore, this study provides evidence-based implications for sustainable urban design, especially for MURCs.
A Review on Biosensors and Nanosensors Application in Agroecosystems
Authors: Sharma Pankaj , Pandey Vimal , Sharma Mayur Mukut Murlidhar , Patra Anupam , Singh Baljinder , Mehta Sahil , Husen Azamal
Published: August 2021

Previous decades have witnessed a lot of challenges that have provoked a dire need of ensuring global food security. The process of augmenting food production has made the agricultural ecosystems to face a lot of challenges like the persistence of residual particles of different pesticides, accretion of heavy metals, and contamination with toxic elemental particles which have negatively influenced the agricultural environment. The entry of such toxic elements into the human body via agricultural products engenders numerous health effects such as nerve and bone marrow disorders, metabolic disorders, infertility, disruption of biological functions at the cellular level, and respiratory and immunological diseases. The exigency for monitoring the agroecosystems can be appreciated by contemplating the reported 220,000 annual deaths due to toxic effects of residual pesticidal particles. The present practices employed for monitoring agroecosystems rely on techniques like gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, mass spectroscopy, etc. which have multiple constraints, being expensive, tedious with cumbersome protocol, demanding sophisticated appliances along with skilled personnel. The past couple of decades have witnessed a great expansion of the science of nanotechnology and this development has largely facilitated the development of modest, quick, and economically viable bio and nanosensors for detecting different entities contaminating the natural agroecosystems with an advantage of being innocuous to human health. The growth of nanotechnology has offered rapid development of bio and nanosensors for the detection of several composites which range from several metal ions, proteins, pesticides, to the detection of complete microorganisms. Therefore, the present review focuses on different bio and nanosensors employed for monitoring agricultural ecosystems and also trying to highlight the factor affecting their implementation from proof-of-concept to the commercialization stage.
General versus general anaesthesia combined with caudal block in laparoscopic-assisted Soave pull-through of Hirschsprung disease: a retrospective study
Authors: Lin Zhixiong , Fang Yifan , Yan Lei , Lin Yu , Liu Mingkun , Zhang Bing , He Yuanbing , Shen Yong , Wu Dianming , Zhang Longxin
Published: August 2021

Background

Caudal block is one of the most preferred regional anesthesia for sub-umbilical region surgeries in the pediatric population. However, few studies are available on caudal block performed in laparoscopic-assisted Soave pull-through of Hirschsprung disease (HD). We aimed to compare general anesthesia (GA) and general anesthesia combined with caudal block (GA + CA) in laparoscopic-assisted Soave pull-through of HD.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed in children with HD operated in our hospital between 2017 and 2020. Patients were divided into the GA and GA + CA group. The primary outcome was the duration of operation, and secondary outcomes included intraoperative hemodynamic changes, the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale, dose of anesthetics, and incidence of side effects.

Results

A total of 47 children with HD were included in the study, including 20 in the GA group and 27 in the GA + CA Group. The two groups were similar in age, gender, weight and type of HD (P > 0.05). The GA + CA group had significantly shorter duration of operation (especially the transanal operation time) (median 1.20 h vs. 0.83 h, P < 0.01) and recovery time (mean 18.05 min vs. 11.89 min, P < 0.01). The mean doses of sufentanil and rocuronium bromide during the procedure and FLACC scores at 1 h and 6 h after surgery were also lower in the GA + CA group (p < 0.01). The hemodynamic changes in the GA + CA group were more stable at time of t2 (during transanal operation) and t3 (10 min after transanal operation), but there was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative side effects between the two groups (P = 1.000).

Conclusion

General anesthesia combined with caudal block can shorten the duration of operation, and provide more stable intraoperative hemodynamics and better postoperative analgesia.