bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extrapolated Proximal Subgradient Algorithms for Nonconvex and Nonsmooth Fractional Programs
Authors: Boţ Radu Ioan , Dao Minh N. , Li Guoyin
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we consider a broad class of nonsmooth and nonconvex fractional programs, which encompass many important modern optimization problems arising from diverse areas such as the recently proposed scale-invariant sparse signal reconstruction problem in signal processing. We propose a proximal subgradient algorithm with extrapolations for solving this optimization model and show that the iterated sequence generated by the algorithm is bounded and that any one of its limit points is a stationary point of the model problem. The choice of our extrapolation parameter is flexible and includes the popular extrapolation parameter adopted in the restarted fast iterative shrinking-threshold algorithm (FISTA). By providing a unified analysis framework of descent methods, we establish the convergence of the full sequence under the assumption that a suitable merit function satisfies the Kurdyka–Łojasiewicz property. Our algorithm exhibits linear convergence for the scale-invariant sparse signal reconstruction problem and the Rayleigh quotient problem over spherical constraint. When the denominator is the maximum of finitely many continuously differentiable weakly convex functions, we also propose another extrapolated proximal subgradient algorithm with guaranteed convergence to a stronger notion of stationary points of the model problem. Finally, we illustrate the proposed methods by both analytical and simulated numerical examples.
Quo Vadis Kebijakan Affirmative Action dalam Sistem Demokrasi di Indonesia
Authors: Oktaviani Amelia , Megawati Megawati
Published: December 2021

Secara umum adanya penelitian ini ditujukan untuk mengetahui bagaimana pelaksanaan kebijakan affirmative action di Indonesia dan apakah pelaksanaan tersebut mencerminkan nilai-nilai keadilan beserta kendala-kendala apa saja dalam pelaksanaan kebijakan affirmative action tersebut. Dari hasil penelitian yuridis normatif ini menemukan fakta bahwaÂ  kebijakan affirmative action di Indonesia sendiri telah mulai diterapkan sejak pemilihan umum 2004 lalu. Akan tetapi dari sejak awal kebijakan tersebut diterapkan hingga saat ini belum pernah ada satu pun pemilihan umum yang berhasil mencapai angka 30 % keterwakilan perempuan di lembaga legislatif. Selain itu, pelaksanaan kebijakan affirmative action pun belum sepenuhnya dapat mencerminkan nilai-nilai keadilan. Di sisi lain, pelaksanaan kebijakan affirmative action juga terkendala oleh faktor sosio-kultural dan struktural seperti masih tertanam kuatnya budaya patriarki di masyarakat, adanya stereotipe terhadap perempuan, adanya beban ganda yang dipikul oleh perempuan, kurangnya modal politik, sosial dan ekonomi perempuan, adanya model politik yang masih sangat maskulin, belum optimalnya fungsi partai politik dan kurangnya political will untuk memperkuat regulasi dan implementasi kebijakan affirmative action dalam sistem demokrasi di Indonesia.
Assessment and management of issues in early pregnancy
Authors: Te Haara Sean Robert
Published: December 2021

Approximately 5% of the workload of UK emergency ambulance services involves managing obstetric patients. This places pregnancy firmly within the scope of prehospital care but training often focuses on critical illness during pregnancy rather than the range of presentations seen. This clinical review aims to discuss the implications of early pregnancy with a focus on ectopic pregnancy, rhesus incompatibility, miscarriage and hyperemesis gravidarum. Normal presentations of pregnancy and alternative management strategies, including early pregnancy units, are also discussed.
High slew rate pulsed electromagnetic field enhances bone consolidation and shortens daily treatment duration in distraction osteogenesis
Authors: Li Yucong , Yang Yongkang , Wang Ming , Zhang Xiaoting , Bai Shanshan , Lu Xuan , Li Yuan , Waldorff Erik I. , Zhang Nianli , Lee Wayne Yuk-Wai , Li Gang
Published: December 2021

Aims

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a useful orthopaedic procedure employed to lengthen and reshape bones by stimulating bone formation through controlled slow stretching force. Despite its promising applications, difficulties are still encountered. Our previous study demonstrated that pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatment significantly enhances bone mineralization and neovascularization, suggesting its potential application. The current study compared a new, high slew rate (HSR) PEMF signal, with different treatment durations, with the standard Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved signal, to determine if HSR PEMF is a better alternative for bone formation augmentation.

Methods

The effects of a HSR PEMF signal with three daily treatment durations (0.5, one, and three hours/day) were investigated in an established rat DO model with comparison of an FDA-approved classic signal (three hrs/day). PEMF treatments were applied to the rats daily for 35 days, starting from the distraction phase until termination. Radiography, micro-CT (μCT), biomechanical tests, and histological examinations were employed to evaluate the quality of bone formation.

Results

All rats tolerated the treatment well and no obvious adverse effects were found. By comparison, the HSR signal (three hrs/day) treatment group achieved the best healing outcome, in that endochondral ossification and bone consolidation were enhanced. In addition, HSR signal treatment (one one hr/day) had similar effects to treatment using the classic signal (three three hrs/day), indicating that treatment duration could be significantly shortened with the HSR signal.

Conclusion

HSR signal may significantly enhance bone formation and shorten daily treatment duration in DO, making it a potential candidate for a new clinical protocol for patients undergoing DO treatments. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(12):767–779.
Virtual Reality Safety Limitations
Authors: GREGA Matúš , NEČAS Pavel , LANCIK Branislav
Published: December 2021

Virtual reality is currently a phenomenon that is transmitted from the scientific field to real life more and more, and its application can be observed in several sectors. This technology provides a whole new perspective on various areas that we, as ordinary mortals, would find very difficult to reach. It allows us to see and even feel things, that are often very difficult to reach in real life. Starting with various simulations of dangerous work activities and ending with complicated scientific experiments, virtual reality provides a wide utilization, that pushes the boundaries of research and human capabilities further again. But is VR suitable for anyone, is it safe enough? Does VR have any limitations that make it impossible for it to be fully exploited and put into practice?
Competence in light of the challenges of the VUCA reality as an important element of human rights
Authors: Sobotka Bartosz , Florek Iwona
Published: December 2021

The article presents the genesis of human rights of the different generations in the aspect of development, describes the role and place of human beings in the context of technological change and competence mismatch as a challenge for the education system. The aim of the article is to consider the essence of understanding the content of human rights and in particular the right to education in the context of changing realities and changing competence needs under VUCA conditions. The research hypothesis is the claim that currently the understanding of the content of human rights is less and less adapted to the labile reality. The article contains a recommendation to start an international debate on the elaboration of a new international document (successor to the Sustainable Development Goals), the central element of which should be the partnership for education (Education Alliance 2050).
Artificial Intelligence, ethics, and the catholic church
Authors: Čunderlík ČerbováČunderlík Čerbová Veronika
Published: December 2021

The article focused on problems of Artificial Intelligence, questions of ethics and role and position of the Catholic Church. Pontifical Academy for Life, Microsoft, IBM, FAO, the Italia Government, signed on February 2020 the “Call for an AI Ethics”, a document developed to support an ethical approach to Artificial Intelligence and promote a sense of responsibility among organizations, governments, and institutions with the aim to create a future in which digital innovation and technological progress serve human genius and creativity and not their gradual replacement. The objective of the Pontifical Academy for Life is the defence and promotion of the value of human life and of the dignity of the person. Let us pray that the progress of robotics and artificial intelligence may always serve humankind, said pope Francis in November 2020.
Linear economy, civil economy and circular economy: education as a catalyst for transition
Authors: Indellicato Rosa
Published: December 2021

Many people today are raising the issue of sustainable development in the face of the danger of an ecological crisis. The economic, social and cultural evolution poses questions to which each of us is called to respond by reflecting on what are the emergencies of the planet, but at the same time to operate for the protection of health and the reduction of environmental damage. The natural disasters that have occurred in recent years lead us to reflect on the responsibility not only of man, but also the social responsibility of governments. So we ask ourselves: is it possible to achieve a green economy model? A famous economist has already mapped out a path to a non-violent economy, based on a model of accountability. This model states that every discovery must be evaluated by civil society, taking into account the balance between the resources used and the results obtained. To achieve a sustainable green economy, it will be essential to build a biodemocracy in which scientific options are widely supported and accepted.
Tourism and environment in cyberworld of cyber society
Authors: Krisafi Ksenofon , Vila Jonida
Published: December 2021

The nature is the origin of being. This is one of the reason why mostly the imagine of nature are present in any web-page. Searching and navigating on network we often are like tourist or better virtual tourist which explore unreachable real beauty of the moment. On it’s own human being desire to upgrade the state of his evolution. In nowadays we apprehend the motion of our everyday life through the mass use of Artificial Intelligence device which are influence by the rule created on the parallel dimension the cyber-world. The cyber-world is a dimension where each of us becomes part of the cyber-society that indicate much faster and foster the opinion which afterward will be spread through the words or news in the real life time. Aware for the multidimensional evolution of the science, we can benefit from facilitated opportunities and at the same time to have much more possibilities for reflecting our actions in positive light.
Exploring the gendered dimensions of meaningful non-profit work under marketised conditions
Authors: Sandberg Billie , Robichau Robbie Waters , Russo Andrew
Published: December 2021

Neoliberal marketisation is altering the nature of non-profit work, leaving workers to navigate a ‘double bind’ of mission- and market-based values. Some feminist scholars suggest these dynamics are particularly challenging for female workers. Drawing on a larger study of meaningful non-profit work and neoliberal marketisation as well as on contemporary critical and feminist scholarship, this exploratory study examines how neoliberalism’s entrepreneurial subject manifests along gender lines among non-profit managers. Data from interviews with 28 non-profit managers demonstrate that while both men and women evoke elements of neoliberalism’s entrepreneurial subject, female managers wrestle more with conflicting discourses of market and mission values and rhetoric as well as sociocultural expectations around gender, resulting in a ‘triple bind’. This article suggests that neoliberal market discourses are impactful in the manner suggested by feminist scholarship but not necessarily totalising nor deterministic.
Ultra-broadband near-perfect absorber based on a single-layer Ge-assisted metasurface
Authors: Zhang Haosen , Wu Kedi
Published: December 2021

We demonstrate a single-layer metasurface structure to achieve broadband near-perfect absorption at visible light to near-infrared wavelengths. The nanoposts with two different sizes in one unit cell excite the Mie resonances, thereby causing incident light to be efficiently coupled to the loss substrate and further enhance absorption. The metasurface and the supporting substrate are composed of the homogeneous material germanium. Broadband absorption can be achieved due to the coupling and overlapping of different orders of Mie resonances. The average absorption is 96% at wavelengths ranging from 400 to 1300 nm. The structure is polarization independent due to its

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symmetry. Our proposed structure also achieves an average absorption efficiency of 92% when the incident angle is up to 50°. This work may provide a paradigm for designing high-performance single-layer perfect absorbers, which is potentially applicable in advanced optical capture, integrated photon systems, and optoelectronic devices.
Compact scintillating-fiber/450-nm-laser transceiver for full-duplex underwater wireless optical communication system under turbulence
Authors: Guo Yujian , Kong Meiwei , Sait Mohammed , Marie Sohailh , Alkhazragi Omar , Ng Tien Khee , Ooi Boon S.
Published: December 2021

The growing need for ocean monitoring and exploration has boosted underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) technology. To solve the challenges of pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) in UWOC technology, herein, we propose a 450-nm-laser/scintillating-fiber-based full-duplex (FD)-UWOC system for omnidirectional signal detection in real scenarios. The FD-UWOC system has a −3 dB bandwidth of 67 MHz with a low self-interference level of −44.59 dB. It can achieve a 250-Mbit/s data rate with on–off keying modulation scheme. The system’s robustness was validated by operating over 1.5-m underwater channel with air-bubble-, temperature-, salinity-, turbidity-, and mobility-induced turbulence with a low outage probability. Under air-bubble-induced turbulence, the highest outage probability was 28%. With temperature-, salinity-, and turbidity-induced turbulence, the system performed adequately, showing a highest outage probability of 0%, 3%, and 4%, respectively. In mobile cases, the highest outage probability of the FD-UWOC system was 14%, compared to an outage probability of 100% without utilizing the fluorescent optical antenna. To further validate its robustness, a deployment test was conducted in an outdoor diving pool. The system achieved a 250-Mbit/s data rate over a 7.5-m working distance in the stationary case and a 1-m working range in the mobile case with a 0% outage probability. The scintillating-fiber-based detector can be employed in UWOC systems and would help relieve PAT issues.
Reflectance statistics from a thin weakly disordered optical media: application to detection of structural alterations in cells/tissues
Authors: Punnoose Alexander , Nanda Shirsendu , Pradhan Prabhakar
Published: December 2021

A linearized stochastic model is introduced to describe light-scattering from a thin weakly disordered optical medium with a mean refractive index (RI) different from that of the uniform surrounding medium. The parameters are chosen suitably to study scattering from biologically relevant cell/tissue samples using partial wave spectroscopy technique. Closed-form analytical results are derived for the statistics of the reflected light. We show in detail how they can be directly compared with experiments to extract the sample thickness and mean RI with the aim of determining the structural disorder parameter - changes in which are useful biological markers for disease related abnormal alterations in the intracellular structures. A strong spectral dependence of the auto-correlation function is found arising from the interaction between disorder scattering and thin-film interference leading to a new decorrelation lengthscale.
Gain-switched dual frequency comb at 2 µm
Authors: Russell E. , Corbett B. , Garcia Gunning F. C.
Published: December 2021

This article shows a dual frequency comb in the 2 µm wavelength region using mutually injection locked gain-switched semiconductor lasers. Strained InGaAs multi-quantum-well discrete mode lasers and gain switching were used to generate two optical frequency combs with repetition rates of 2 GHz and 2.0001 GHz respectively, centred at 2.002 µm. Each optical comb spanned approximately 100 GHz. Through mutual injection locking to an edge comb line common in both combs, a phase locked dual frequency comb was demonstrated with 44 beating tones unique to single comb line pair interactions. This scheme allows for the comb information to be compressed into a 5 MHz detection bandwidth and captured with millisecond acquisition times, which could be of benefit to a number of sensing applications.
Halogen-perovskite metasurfaces for trichromatic channel color holographic imaging
Authors: Zhao Shaoguang , Zhou Jiacheng , Hu Zhengda , Wu JingJing , Wang Jicheng
Published: December 2021

Halogen perovskites have high refractive indexes and adjustable bandgaps, making them promising materials for all-dielectric and tunable metasurfaces. Herein, we design tunable polarization-converted halogen-perovskite metasurfaces and explained their characteristics in theory by using the Jones matrix. We propose a halogen-perovskite color holographic metasurface with low crosstalk owing to the excellent monochromatic permeability of three halogen perovskites (MAPbCl3: 450 nm; MAPbBr3: 550 nm; MAPbI3: 740 nm). In addition, we build three independent imaging channels to prevent color crosstalk between them to achieve fantastic imaging applications. This study serves as a good reference for research on optical information storage, polarization optics, holographic image encryption.
Speckle reduction in digital holography with non-local means filter based on the Pearson correlation coefficient and Butterworth filter
Authors: Chen Kai , Chen Li , Xiao JiaQi , Li JinYang , Hu YiHua , Wen KunHua
Published: December 2021

This Letter presents a non-local means filter based on the Pearson correlation coefficient and Butterworth high-pass filter. In the method, the new gray value of the denoising pixel is equal to the weighted sum of the surrounding pixel values. We use the Pearson correlation coefficient between the pixels to calculate the weight of the surrounding pixels to the denoising pixel, then use Butterworth high-pass filter to optimize. Experimental results show that the method effectively reduces the speckle noise of digital holography and the image details are also very rich. At the same time, its performance is still better when compared with methods such as BM3D.
Prevalence of dyslipidemia and associated risk factors among newly diagnosed Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients in Kushtia, Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmmed Md. Saad , Shuvo Suvasish Das , Paul Dipak Kumar , Karim M. R. , Kamruzzaman Md. , Mahmud Niaz , Ferdaus Md. Jannatul , Elahi Md. Toufiq
Published: December 2021

Dyslipidemia is considered a significant modifiable risk factor for type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and has become one of the emerging health problems throughout the world. In Bangladesh, data on dyslipidemia among newly diagnosed T2DM patients are comparatively inadequate. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dyslipidemia and its associated risk factors in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted by a well-structured questionnaire from 132 newly diagnosed type-2 diabetic patients attending the Mujibur Rahman Memorial Diabetic Hospital in Kushtia, Bangladesh. Data regarding socio-demographic, anthropometric, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were collected from all the respondents. The association between dyslipidemia and its associated factors was analyzed using the multivariate logit regression model. The findings suggest that the prevalence rate of dyslipidemia was 75.7% in female and 72.6% in male T2DM patients. The odds of having dyslipidemia were 1.74 (95% Cl: 1.58–1.87) times significantly higher in female (p<0.001). The other factors associated with dyslipidemia encompassed age between 30–39 years (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.97–2.69), obesity (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 2.27–2.90), waist circumferences of male ≥90 and female ≥80 (OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.59–1.89), hypertensive patients (OR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.45–1.74), physically inactive (OR: 3.25, 95% CI: 1.84–4.68), and current smoker or tobacco user (OR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.85–2.13). This study concluded that the high prevalence of dyslipidemia was found among newly diagnosed type-2 diabetes patients and associated with gender, age, BMI, waist circumference, poor physical activity, and smoking, or tobacco use. This result will support increase awareness of dyslipidemia and its associated risk factors among type-2 diabetes patients.
Effects of teaching experience and culture on choral directors’ descriptions of choral tone
Authors: Frizzell Emily Y. , Windsor Leah Cathryn
Published: December 2021

In this study we examine the effects of experience and culture on choral teachers’ description of choral tone across a range of genres. What does a “good” choral music performance sound like? Is there an objective standard of performance excellence, or is beauty in the eye of the beholder? In teacher preparation programs, choral directors in the United States have been taught to identify and teach particular, culturally-bounded standards of choral tone in their students. Choral directors evaluate their students’ voices along two dimensions: health and appropriateness. They discern and describe whether the student’s musical instrument—their voice—is producing sound in a healthy and non-damaging way. They also judge whether the style of their sound is appropriate for the music they are singing. However, teacher preparation programs do not provide common standards or lexicon for describing tone. This may increase implicit bias of individual directors, and inadvertently exacerbate ethnocentrism and harm students’ self-perception. Using a computational text analysis approach, we evaluate the content of open-ended survey responses from teachers, finding that the language used to describe and rate choral performance varies by experience, and by the choral selection (e.g., whether it is a traditional Western or non-Western song). We suggest that regularizing the terminology and providing common training through professional organizations can minimize potential bias and generate more systematic, precise use of qualitative descriptors of health and appropriateness, which will benefit students and teachers.
Full immunization coverage and associated factors among children aged 12–23 months in Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Yadita Zemenu Shiferaw , Ayehubizu Liyew Mekonen
Published: December 2021

Objective

Despite those efforts in expanded programs of immunization, nearly one fifth of children in developing countries miss out basic vaccines. Moreover, many children who started vaccination fail to complete immunization.Identifying associated factorswhich is scarce in the study area, is crucial for interventions. This study assessed full-immunization and associated factors among children aged 12–23 months in Somali region, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from October 1–30, 2018, in selected rural and urban kebeles in Somali regionamong 612 children. Cluster sampling was employed and data was collected using structured questionnaire. Full-immunization was measured by maternal recall and vaccination card.Data entry and analysis was done by EpiData3.1 and SPSSversion.20 respectively. Binary logistic regression with Bivariate and Multivariable model was usedto identify predictors of full-immunization. Odd ratios were computed and P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

Based on maternal recall plus vaccination card 249(41.4%) of children were completed immunization, while vaccination only by card was 87(29.7%). Only 238(39.5%) of participants had good knowledge about vaccination. Not knowing to come back for next visits 197(55.8%) were the major reason for dropout. Residing in urban (AOR = 2.0, 95%CI: 1.0, 3.9),primary educated mothers(AOR = 2.2, 95%CI: 1.0, 5.0), married mothers (AOR = 4.2, 95%CI:1.0, 18), higher average monthly income (AOR = 2.5, 95%CI 1.1, 5.2)and delivered at health facilities (AOR = 3.8, 95%CI 1.9, 7.3)were significantly associated with full-immunization.

Conclusion

Coverage of full immunization was found to be low compared to the targets set in the Global Vaccine Action Plan(2011–2020).Two-third of the participants has poor knowledge about vaccination. Urban residence, mother education, higher family income, male child and institutional delivery were factors. This study suggests that awareness creation, behaviour change on vaccination and enhancing utilization of maternal health service including delivery service, should be stressed.
ECMO use in Germany: An analysis of 29,929 ECMO runs
Authors: Bercker Sven , Petroff David , Polze Nina , Karagianidis Christian , Bein Thomas , Laudi Sven , Stehr Sebastian N. , Voelker Maria Theresa
Published: December 2021

Background

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) use is increasing despite limited evidence. The aim of this study was to demonstrate heterogeneity of ECMO use and its association with hospital size and annual frequency in Germany.

Methods

This is a database analysis of all ECMO cases in Germany from 2010 to 2016 using the German Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) coding system for ECMO.

Results

During the study period, 510 hospitals performed 29,929 ECMO runs (12,572 vvECMO, 11,504 vaECMO, 1993 pECLA) with an increase over time. Mortality ranged between 58% and 66% for vaECMO cases and 66% and 53% for vvECMO cases. 304 (61%) hospitals performed only one ECMO per year. 78%% of all ECMO runs were performed in centres with more than 20 cases per year and more than half of all ECMO runs were performed in hospitals with >1.000 beds. Mortality for vv and vaECMO was highest in very small hospitals (< 200 beds; 70%; 74%) and very large hospitals (>1000 beds; 60%; 62%).

Conclusions

Use of ECMO is still increasing and a substantial proportion of hospitals performs very few ECMO runs. Small hospitals had a significantly higher mortality, but dependence on hospital size and ECMO mortality was irregular.
Pertussis immunisation in infancy and atopic outcomes: A protocol for a population-based cohort study using linked administrative data
Authors: Pérez Chacón Gladymar , Fathima Parveen , Jones Mark , Barnes Rosanne , Richmond Peter C. , Gidding Heather F. , Moore Hannah C. , Snelling Thomas L.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

The burden of IgE-mediated food allergy in Australian born children is reported to be among the highest globally. This illness shares risk factors and frequently coexists with asthma, one of the most common noncommunicable diseases of childhood. Findings from a case-control study suggest that compared to immunisation with acellular pertussis vaccine, early priming of infants with whole-cell pertussis vaccine may be associated with a lower risk of subsequent IgE-mediated food allergy. If whole-cell vaccination is protective of food allergy and other atopic diseases, especially if protective against childhood asthma, the population-level effects could justify its preferential recommendation. However, the potential beneficial effects of whole-cell pertussis vaccination for the prevention of atopic diseases at a population-scale are yet to be investigated.

Methods and analysis

Analyses of population-based record linkage data will be undertaken to compare the rates of admissions to hospital for asthma in children aged between 5 and 15 years old, who were born in Western Australia (WA) or New South Wales (NSW) between 1997 and 1999 (329,831) when pertussis immunisation in Australia transitioned from whole-cell to acellular only schedules. In the primary analysis we will estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the time-to-first-event (hospital admissions as above) using Cox proportional hazard models in recipients of a first dose of whole-cell versus acellular pertussis-containing vaccine before 112 days old (~4 months of age). Similarly, we will also fit time-to-recurrent events analyses using Andersen-Gill models, and robust variance estimates to account for potential within-child dependence. Hospitalisations for all-cause anaphylaxis, food anaphylaxis, venom, all-cause urticaria and atopic dermatitis will also be examined in children who received at least one dose of pertussis-containing vaccine by the time of the cohort entry, using analogous statistical methods. Presentations to the emergency departments will be assessed separately using the same statistical approach.
Prevalence and predictors of Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) after hospital discharge: A cohort study with 4 months median follow-up
Authors: Tleyjeh Imad M. , Saddik Basema , AlSwaidan Nourah , AlAnazi Ahmed , Ramakrishnan Rakhee K. , Alhazmi Deema , Aloufi Ahmad , AlSumait Fahad , Berbari Elie , Halwani Rabih
Published: December 2021

Background

Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) is an emerging healthcare burden. The risk factors associated with PACS remain largely unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of new or persistent symptoms in COVID-19 patients post hospital discharge and identify associated risk factors.

Methods

Our prospective cohort comprised of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between May and July 2020. The patients were interviewed through phone calls by trained physicians from 6 weeks up to 6 months post hospital discharge. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models were used to examine for predictors associated with persistence of symptoms and non-return to baseline health.

Results

222 COVID-19 patients responded to follow-up phone interviews after a median of 122 days post discharge. The majority of patients were men (77%) with mean age of 52.47 (± 13.95) years. 56.3% of patients complained of persistent symptoms; 66 (29.7%) experiencing them for >21 days and 64 (28.8%) reporting not having returned to their baseline health. Furthermore, 39 patients (17.6%) reported visiting an emergency room post discharge for COVID-19-related symptoms while 16 (7.2%) had required re-hospitalization. Shortness of breath (40.1%), cough (27.5%) and fatigue (29.7%) were the most frequently reported symptoms at follow-up. After multivariable adjustments, female gender, pre-existing hypertension and length of hospital stay were associated with an increased risk of new or persistent symptoms. Age, pre-existing lung disease and emergency room visits increased the likelihood of not fully recovering from acute COVID-19. Patients who were treated with interferon β-1b based triple antiviral therapy during hospital stay were less likely to experience new or persistent symptoms and more likely to return to their baseline health.

Conclusions

COVID-19 survivors continued to suffer from dyspnea, cough and fatigue at 4 months post hospital discharge. Several risk factors could predict which patients are more likely to experience PACS and may benefit from individualized follow-up and rehabilitation programs.
Effects of population mobility on the COVID-19 spread in Brazil
Authors: Chagas Eduarda T. C. , Barros Pedro H. , Cardoso-Pereira Isadora , Ponte Igor V. , Ximenes Pablo , Figueiredo Flávio , Murai Fabricio , Couto da Silva Ana Paula , Almeida Jussara M. , Loureiro Antonio A. F. , Ramos Heitor S.
Published: December 2021

This article proposes a study of the SARS-CoV-2 virus spread and the efficacy of public policies in Brazil. Using both aggregated (from large Internet companies) and fine-grained (from Departments of Motor Vehicles) mobility data sources, our work sheds light on the effect of mobility on the pandemic situation in the Brazilian territory. Our main contribution is to show how mobility data, particularly fine-grained ones, can offer valuable insights into virus propagation. For this, we propose a modification in the SENUR model to add mobility information, evaluating different data availability scenarios (different information granularities), and finally, we carry out simulations to evaluate possible public policies. In particular, we conduct a case study that shows, through simulations of hypothetical scenarios, that the contagion curve in several Brazilian cities could have been milder if the government had imposed mobility restrictions soon after reporting the first case. Our results also show that if the government had not taken any action and the only safety measure taken was the population’s voluntary isolation (out of fear), the time until the contagion peak for the first wave would have been postponed, but its value would more than double.
On the generalizability of same-day partial knee replacement surgery—A non-selective interventional study evaluating efficacy, patient satisfaction, and safety in a public hospital setting
Authors: Tveit Magnus
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Programs referred to as Fast-Track/Rapid Recovery/Enhanced Recovery After Surgery have proven both effective and safe in joint replacement surgery, to the degree where same-day discharge (SDD) has been attempted in carefully selected cases at specialized outpatient units. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate a same-day surgery protocol regarding safety using the minor partial knee replacement (PKR) procedure by non-selectively recruiting patients at a public hospital for one consecutive year.

Methods

33 unselected PKR cases were included in this open clinical trial. The inclusion/exclusion criteria were solely based on logistics, as all the procedures were medial PKRs, designated the first morning slots, and performed by one single-surgeon. Strict postoperative criteria based on vital parameters, urinary function, bleeding, and mobilization had to be met before discharge was considered. SDD rate, patient satisfaction, number of outpatient visits, adverse events and readmissions within 90 days were evaluated. A predetermined subgroup analysis was also conducted where patients <80 yrs. and with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification <III was compared with those aged ≥80 yrs. and/or ASA class ≥III.

Results

29 of 33 (88%) successfully achieved SDD. In a univariate comparison, 100% of the patients <80 yrs. and ASA class <III achieved SDD, whereas a corresponding 43% applied for those aged ≥80 yrs. and/or ASA class ≥III (p = 0.001). A 93% overall satisfaction rate was reached. Only 8% extra outpatient visits were required, all occurring within the first 2 weeks (well in line with routine practice.) One plausible transient ischemic attack and one readmission caused by a penetrating trauma not affecting the knee were identified, both of which happened 10 weeks after surgery. No adverse events or readmissions occurred within the first 48 hours of surgery.

Conclusion

When following strict criteria for discharge, same-day partial knee replacement surgery may be both feasible and safe, even without preselection of patients.
CD8+ cell somatic mutations in multiple sclerosis patients and controls—Enrichment of mutations in STAT3 and other genes implicated in hematological malignancies
Authors: Valori Miko , Jansson Lilja , Tienari Pentti J.
Published: December 2021

Somatic mutations have a central role in cancer but their role in other diseases such as common autoimmune disorders is not clear. Previously we and others have demonstrated that especially CD8+ T cells in blood can harbor persistent somatic mutations in some patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis. Here we concentrated on CD8+ cells in more detail and tested (i) how commonly somatic mutations are detectable, (ii) does the overall mutation load differ between MS patients and controls, and (iii) do the somatic mutations accumulate non-randomly in certain genes? We separated peripheral blood CD8+ cells from newly diagnosed relapsing MS patients (n = 21) as well as matched controls (n = 21) and performed next-generation sequencing of the CD8+ cells’ DNA, limiting our search to a custom panel of 2524 immunity and cancer related genes, which enabled us to obtain a median sequencing depth of over 2000x. We discovered nonsynonymous somatic mutations in all MS patients’ and controls’ CD8+ cell DNA samples, with no significant difference in number between the groups (p = 0.60), at a median allelic fraction of 0.5% (range 0.2–8.6%). The mutations showed statistically significant clustering especially to the STAT3 gene, and also enrichment to the SMARCA2, DNMT3A, SOCS1 and PPP3CA genes. Known activating STAT3 mutations were found both in MS patients and controls and overall 1/5 of the mutations were previously described cancer mutations. The detected clustering suggests a selection advantage of the mutated CD8+ clones and calls for further research on possible phenotypic effects.
Assessment of end-of-life vehicle recycling: Remanufacturing waste sheet steel into mesh sheet
Authors: Abdullah Ziyad Tariq
Published: December 2021

The automobile industry contributes significantly to global energy use and carbon emissions. Hence, there are significant economic and environmental benefits in recovering materials from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs). Here, the remanufacturing of waste steel sheet (WSS) from ELVs into useful mesh steel sheet (MSS) for metal forming applications was evaluated based on its technological, economic, and environmental feasibility. A remanufacturing plant with a dismantling capacity of over 30,171 ELV/year and a recovery capacity of 1000 m2/d of WSS was used as a case study. Remanufacturing can achieve a total reduction of ~3800 kg CO2/ELV and an economic benefit of ~775 USD/ELV compared with conventional recycling. The calculated feasibility indexes were similar to or exceeded standard feasibility thresholds, indicating that WSS remanufacturing is a viable sustainable development route and has synergistic benefits when combined with existing recycling plants, especially in developing countries as small-to-medium enterprises.
The risks of wearing Mr Punch and other costumed performances
Authors: Smith Lorraine
Published: December 2021

When identifying risk and ethical issues in live performance the focus is predominantly framed around the audience, and even more so with the popularity of immersive theatre. However, with the unpredictability of audience behaviour in immersive work, the safety of performers is starting to rise to the surface. For example, concerns of performer safety in the immersive work of Punchdrunk were raised in 2018, including allegations of sexual assault against performers by audience members who were veiled behind the anonymity of white masks. This visual article will refocus the discussion of risk onto the performer, as well as on the often overlooked theatrical element of costume and its potential impact on performer behaviour and embodiment, in addition to the impact it can have on the audience. The live performance case study Six O’clock Swill (2009), a piece based on Mr Punch, will be used to interrogate perspectives on these performative risks.
The answerability of false hope: Examining the unexpected outcomes of the Finnexia® public art intervention
Authors: Erdman Lisa
Published: December 2021

This article examines the unexpected ethical issues that emerged from Finnexia

®
, a performance art intervention. Finnexia consisted of an advertisement campaign for a fictitious medication that helps people learn the Finnish language. Presented in the Helsinki Central Railway Station, the Finnexia performance aimed to generate a space for public dialogue about the experience of immigrants in Finland and the process of learning the Finnish language. On a secondary level, Finnexia presented a satirical critique towards the excess of medicalization in society. Through a detailed description of the Finnexia performance and its outcomes, the author examines the complexity of ethical issues that emerged from the Finnexia performance. The responsibility of the artist is discussed in the context of public performance in art practice and in artistic research. The author proposes that artists approach ethical considerations during the creative process through self-reflection, dialogue with fellow performers and in consultation with experts in the field.
Ecodramaturgies: Theatre, Performance and Climate Change, Lisa Woynarski (2020)
Authors: Spalink Angenette
Published: December 2021

Review of: Ecodramaturgies: Theatre, Performance and Climate Change, Lisa Woynarski (2020)

Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, 239 pp.,

ISBN 978-3-03055-852-9, h/bk, £79.99

ISBN 978-3-03055-853-6, e-PDF/e-Pub, £63.99
Preservice Teachers’ Reflections on Their Teaching Self-Efficacy Changes for the First Professional Experience Placement
Authors:   Yanchen Teachers Universing, Ma Kang , Cavanagh Michael ,   Macquarie University, McMaugh Anne ,   Macquarie University
Published: December 2021

Professional experience plays a vital role in the formation of teaching self-efficacy (TSE), a construct which has attracted much attention from teacher education researchers. This study investigates how 18 preservice teachers (PTs) reported changes in their TSE for their first professional placement. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews with each PT and analysed in NVivo. Results show the majority of interviewees reported an increase in their TSE after completing the placement. Also, three patterns of individual TSE change were identified: beginning with a low level of TSE before quickly rising to a higher level at the end of the practice, experiencing growth from a medium starting level, and either decrease or increase from an initial high level of TSE. Variations of TSE in subdomains including classroom management, student engagement, instruction, and flexibility were also found. Teacher educators could facilitate PTs’ TSE development by providing extra assistance at the beginning of their placements, especially with their classroom management skills.
Napping on the Night Shift and Impact on Blood Pressure and HRV among EMS Workers
Authors: Parchuri Ektha , Paule James
Published: December 2021

Recent evidence linking exposure toshift work to cardiovascular disease (CVD) as well as incidence of myocardial infarction seems to be greater among night shift workers compared to day workers. Repeated exposure tonight shift work causes disruptions in normal circadian patterns of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate variability (HRV), which cause anincreased risk of CVD. Recent data suggest that allowing shift workers to nap during night shifts may help to normalize BP and HRV patterns and, over time, reduce the risk of CVD. The risk of CVD related to shift work is elevated for emergency medical services (EMS) shift workers due in part to long-duration shifts, frequent use of night shifts, and a high prevalence of multiple jobs. Therefore, the effect of SBP and HRV in EMS night shift workers is analyzed through stimulated night work and it's effect on CVD is characterized.
Effect of Cold Storage on Livability and Progressive Motility of Cauda Epididymal Spermatozoa of Red Sokoto Buck Recovered Post Mortem
Authors: Chinonye Eke Faith , Ahemen Terzungwe
Published: December 2021

Post mortem spermatozoa recovery is an important tool for harvesting germplasm. The study aimed to determine the effect of cold storage time at 4°C for 48 and 72 hours on the quality of sperm of Red Sokoto buck caudal epididymaly spermatozoa in terms of motility and livability recovered postmortem. Fifteen testicles with attached epididymis were collected and processed at 0, 48, and 72 hours of storage. The samples were divided into 3 groups according to the time processing after collection ; 0 hour, 48 hours and 72 hours, with a total of 5 samples per group. Each storage group motility and livability was evaluated, mean and the standard error of their mean was recorded. Mean percent sperm motility declined significantly ( p< 0.05) as postmortem storage time increased ( motility: 79.00+/- 2.92%, 40.00+/- 4.18, 37.00+/- 3.39) .There was no significant (p> 0.05) decrease in livability from the 0 hour storage to the 48 hour and 72 hours storage ( 75.60+/- 4.40, 73.60+/- 3.84, 68.20+/- 2.51). The current study has shown that viable spermatozoa can be recovered after 48 hours of storage at 4˚C of the cauda epididymides Red Sokoto buck.
Risk Factors for Bile Aspiration and its Impact on Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Rosen Rachel , Lurie Margot , Kane Madeline , DiFilippo Courtney , Cohen Alexandra , Freiberger Dawn , Boyer Debra , Visner Gary , Narvaez-Rivas Monica , Liu Enju , Setchell Kenneth
Published: December 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Bile reflux may cause for lung allograft rejection, yet there are no studies that determine (i) the relationship between gastric and lung bile concentrations, (ii) whether bile is present in lungs of nontransplant patients, (iii) the relationship between gastric dysmotility and lung bile, (iv) the impact of reflux therapies on lung bile, and (v) whether lung bile worsens outcomes in nontransplant patients. This study will address these gaps in the literature.

METHODS:

We prospectively recruited lung transplant (LTX) patients and nontransplant patients with respiratory symptoms (RP) and collected paired gastric and lung samples. Bile concentration and composition of samples was assessed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Bile results were compared with clinical parameters, including the presence of esophagitis, gastric dysmotility, and/or pathologic gastroesophageal reflux.

RESULTS:

Seventy patients (48 RP and 22 LTX) were recruited. Overall, 100% of gastric and 98% of bronchoalveolar lavage samples contained bile. The mean gastric bile concentrations in RP and LTX patients were 280 ± 703 nmol/L and 1,004 ± 1721 nmol/L, respectively (P = 0.02). There was no difference in lung bile concentrations between RP (9 ± 30 nmol/L) and LTX (11 ± 15 nmol/L, P = 0.7). Patients with delayed gastric emptying had higher lung bile concentrations (15.5 ± 18.8 nmol/L) than patients with normal gastric emptying (4.8 ± 5.7 nmol/L, P = 0.05) independently of reflux burden. Proton pump inhibitor use increased the proportion of unconjugated gastric bile acids. High lung bile concentrations were associated with an increased risk of hospitalization and longer hospital stays in RP patients (P < 0.05).

DISCUSSION:

Lung bile is almost universally present in symptomatic patients, and higher concentrations are associated with poorer respiratory outcomes.