bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Task-Sharing Between Pediatricians and Non-Physician Healthcare Professionals in Outpatient Child Health Care in Germany: Assessment of Need and Acceptance for Concept Development
Authors: Beyer Angelika , Rehner Laura , Hoffmann Wolfgang , van den Berg Neeltje
Published: November 2020

Although pediatricians in Germany work as general practitioners for children, they are planned and trained as medical specialists. In consequence, distances between practices and residences of patients can be very large. The implementation of task-sharing models is a promising option to sustain pediatric outpatient care in rural regions. In this study we assessed the need for and acceptance of delegation of tasks in outpatient pediatric healthcare to non-physician healthcare professionals and developed a task-sharing concept. A standardized questionnaire was developed and addressed a wide range of healthcare professionals. On the basis of the results of the questionnaire and a subsequent workshop involving representatives of the various fields of pediatric care a delegation-concept was developed. A total of 206 questionnaires were answered (response rate: 17%). About 70% of the respondents (n = 145) agreed with the delegation of counseling on prevention, 66% (n = 135) with the delegation of tasks in the transition process into adult medicine. All proposed tasks were conceivable for at least a third of the respondents. Mostly, pediatricians could envision delegation more than the non-physician health care professionals. A three-dimension-delegation-concept was developed: which tasks can be delegated to whom in which setting. Basically, if nurses or medical practice assistants are adequately qualified, all tasks can be delegated to both. The delegation was approved by most of the respondents. Implementation of task-sharing provides a new option to support pediatricians and create better access to outpatient pediatric health care in rural regions. The next step should be the implementation of the delegation concept in pilot projects.
Five thousand years of minimal access surgery: 1850 to 1990: Technological developments
Authors: Hargest Rachel
Published: November 2020

Summary

This is the second of a three-part series that charts the history of minimal access surgery from antiquity to current times. Although rapid developments in laparoscopic and robotic surgery have transformed surgical care over the last 30 years, our predecessors made significant advances in their time which set the principles for modern practice. Part I of this series described how ancient medical practitioners developed simple instruments, from metal or wood, for viewing body cavities. Improvements in the use of metal, glass and lighting allowed for inspection of deeper parts of the body. This second part of the series will show how advances in electrical technology allowed the development of improved lighting for endoscopy and laparoscopy along with the use of electrocautery for a wide range of therapeutic procedures.
Influence of gender and career interest on African university students’ perceived difficult concepts in the study of public administration
Authors: Awaah Fred , Okebukola Peter A , Ebisin Aderonke , Agbanimu Deborah , Peter Esther Oluwafunmilayo , Ajayi Oluseyi Abike , Gbeleyi Olasunkanmi Adio , Onyewuchi Francis Atusiaka , Oladejo Adekunle Ibrahim , Adewusi Michael Adelani , Ademola Ibukunolu , Onowugbeda Franklin , Odekeye Tokunbo , Lawal Rianat
Published: November 2020

There have been few studies on topic difficulty in the public administration curriculum of African universities. This is further problematized by non-existent literature on the relationships between gender, future career interest and country of study on student difficulty in the study of public administration. This is a gap in the public administration literature which this study attempts to fill. The work is significant to the extent that our understanding of ‘where the shirt tights’ regarding topics that students find difficult will guide teachers and other stakeholders in applying appropriate remedies. The purpose of the study is to find out (a) what topics in public administration students find difficult to learn; (b) if there are statistically significant relationship between gender and concept difficulty in the study of public administration in African universities; (c) if there are statistically significant relationship between student’s career interest and concept difficulty in the study of public administration; and (d) if there are statistically significant relationship between country of study and concept difficulty in the study of public administration. Quantitative method was employed with sample (N = 650). The study reports bureaucracy, decentralization, public policy and politics as moderately difficult; significant relationship between gender and concept difficulty; and significant relationship between student future career interest and concept difficulty. We suggest curriculum development that would improve students’ knowledge by laying more emphasis on the perceived difficult areas in the study of public administration, gender, and encourage early students’ interest in public sector career choices.
Ethical and Legal Aspects of Telepsychiatry
Authors: Raveesh Bevinahalli Nanjegowda , Munoli Ravindra Neelakanthappa
Published: November 2020

Ethical and legal frameworks are essential components in mental health care, due to inherent nature of illnesses and practice modules. These serve to safeguard rights and privileges of patients and mental health professional. Gradual evolution of technology and its’ application in assessments and interventions is making it as an essential part of mental health care delivery. This transition will bring innovative challenges for mental health care delivery in terms of practice, ethical and legal aspects. Existing ethical and legal frameworks are time tested for real time/face to face delivery of mental health care. Ongoing pandemic provided opportunity and necessitated use of technology for delivering health care needs. Newer operational and practice guidelines have emerged for practice of telemedicine in general and telepsychiatry in specific. These are in lines with existing ethical and legal frameworks. However, additional frameworks with specific definitions about what constitutes consultation, assessment methods, prescription modes and contents of prescription, documentation, certification, eligible platforms for telepsychiatry, need to be incorporated and observed. The article addresses these ethical and legal aspects in telepsychiatry practice with the background of existing practice guidelines and rules.
Evaluation of the Influence of Astrocytes on In Vitro Blood–Brain Barrier Models
Authors: García-Salvador Adrián , Domínguez-Monedero Alazne , Gómez-Fernández Paloma , García-Bilbao Amaia , Carregal-Romero Susana , Castilla Joaquín , Goñi-de-Cerio Felipe
Published: November 2020

In vitro blood–brain barrier (BBB) models are a useful tool to screen the permeability and toxicity of new drugs. Currently, many different in vitro BBB models coexist, but none stands out as being notably better than the rest. Therefore, there is still a need to evaluate the quality of BBB models under various conditions and assess their ability to mimic the in vivo situation. In this study, two brain endothelial cell lines (bEnd.3 and hCMEC/D3) and two epithelial-like cell lines (MDCKII and Caco-2) were selected for BBB modelling purposes. They were grown as monolayers of a single cell type, under the following conditions: in coculture with either primary or immortalised astrocytes; or in the presence of primary or immortalised astrocyte-derived conditioned media. A total of 20 different BBB models were established in this manner, in order to assess the effects of the astroglial components on the BBB phenotype in each case. To this end, six parameters were studied: the expression of selected tight junction proteins; the enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase and of gamma glutamyl transpeptidase; the transendothelial/transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER); restriction in paracellular transport; and efflux transporter inhibition were each evaluated and correlated. The results showed that coculturing with either primary or immortalised astrocytes led to a general improvement in all parameters studied, evidencing the contribution of this cell type to effective BBB formation. Furthermore, the permeability coefficient ( P e) of the tracer molecule, Lucifer Yellow, correlated with three of the six parameters studied. In addition, this study highlights the potential for the use of the Lucifer Yellow P e value as an indicator of barrier integrity in in vitro BBB models, which could be useful for screening the permeability of new drugs.
Stroke impairment categories: A new way to classify the effects of stroke based on stroke-related impairments
Authors: Gittins Matthew , Lugo-Palacios David , Vail Andy , Bowen Audrey , Paley Lizz , Bray Benjamin , Tyson Sarah
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To create a classification system based on stroke-related impairments.

Data source:

All adults with stroke admitted for at least 72 hours in England, Wales and Northern Ireland from July 2013 to July 2015 extracted from the Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme

Analysis:

Impairments were defined using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores at admission. Common combinations of impairments were identified based on geometric coding and expert knowledge. Validity of the classification was assessed using standard descriptive statistics to report and compare patients’ characteristics, therapy received and outcomes in each group.

Results:

Data from 94,905 patients were extracted. The items of the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (on admission) were initially grouped into four body systems: Cognitive, Motor, Sensory and Consciousness. Seven common combinations of these impairments were identified (in order of stroke severity); Patients with Loss of Consciousness ( n = 6034, 6.4%); those with Motor + Cognitive + Sensory impairments ( n = 28,226, 29.7%); Motor + Cognitive impairments ( n = 16,967, 17.9%); Motor + Sensory impairments ( n = 9882, 10.4%); Motor Only impairments ( n = 20,471, 21.6%); Any Non-Motor impairments ( n = 7498, 7.9%); and No Impairments ( n = 5827, 6.1%). There was a gradation of age, premorbid disability, mortality and disability on discharge. People with the most and least severe categories were least likely to receive therapy, and received least therapy (−20 minutes/day of stay) compared to −35 minutes/day of stay for the moderately severe categories.

Conclusions:

A classification system of seven Stroke Impairment Categories has been presented.
Application of Autogenous Urine-Derived Stem Cell Sheet Enhances Rotator Cuff Healing in a Canine Model
Authors: Chen Yang , Xu Yan , Li Muzhi , Shi Qiang , Chen Can
Published: November 2020

Background:

A repaired rotator cuff (RC) often heals with interposed scar tissue, making repairs prone to failure. Urine-derived stem cells (USCs), with robust proliferation ability and multilineage differentiation, can be isolated from urine, avoiding invasive and painful surgical procedures for harvesting the cells. These advantages make it a novel cell source for autologous transplantation to enhance RC healing.

Hypothesis:

Implantation of an autogenous USC sheet to the injury site will enhance RC healing.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

USCs isolated from urine were cultured using ascorbic acid and transforming growth factor β3 to form a cell sheet. Sixteen male mature beagles underwent bilateral shoulder surgery. The right shoulder underwent infraspinatus tendon (IT) insertion detachment and repair only, and the other was subjected to IT insertion detachment and repair, followed by autogenous USC sheet implantation. Among the animals, 3 received a Dil (1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate)- labeled USC sheet implant in the right shoulder and were sacrificed at postoperative 6 weeks for cell tracking. The other animals were sacrificed at postoperative 12 weeks, and the IT-humerus complexes were harvested for gross observation, micro–computed tomography evaluation and histological analysis (n = 5), and mechanical testing (n = 8). Additionally, 13 unpaired canine cadaveric shoulders were included as native controls.

Results:

Micro–computed tomography analysis showed that the USC sheet group had a significant increase in bone volume/total volume and trabecular thickness at the RC healing site when compared with the control group ( P < .05 for all). Histologically, the Dil-labeled USC sheet was still visible at the RC healing site, which suggested that the implanted USCs remained viable at postoperative 6 weeks. Meanwhile, the healing interface in the USC sheet group regenerated significantly more enthesis-like tissue than did that of the control group ( P < .05). Additionally, the healing interface in the USC sheet group presented a larger fibrocartilage area, more proteoglycan deposition, and higher collagen birefringence than did that of the control group ( P < .05 for all). Biomechanically, the USC sheet group showed significantly higher failure load and stiffness versus the control group ( P < .05 for all).

Conclusion:

A USC sheet was able to enhance RC healing in a canine model.

Clinical Relevance:

The findings of the study showed that USC sheet implantation could serve as a practical application for RC healing.
Slope-Correction Osteotomy with Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis and Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Is Highly Effective in Treating High-Grade Anterior Knee Laxity
Authors: Akoto Ralph , Alm Lena , Drenck Tobias Claus , Frings Jannik , Krause Matthias , Frosch Karl-Heinz
Published: November 2020

Background:

Both an elevated posterior tibial slope (PTS) and high-grade anterior knee laxity are often present in patients who undergo revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, and these conditions are independent risk factors for ACL graft failure. Clinical data on slope-correction osteotomy combined with lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) do not yet exist.

Purpose:

To evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing revision ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and slope-correction osteotomy combined with LET.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Between 2016 and 2018, we performed a 2-stage procedure: slope-correction osteotomy was performed first, and then revision ACLR in combination with LET was performed in 22 patients with ACLR failure and high-grade anterior knee laxity. Twenty patients (6 women and 14 men; mean age, 27.8 ± 8.6 years; range, 18-49 years) were evaluated, with a mean follow-up of 30.5 ± 9.3 months (range, 24-56 months), in this retrospective case series. Postoperative failure was defined as a side-to-side difference of ≥5 mm in the Rolimeter test and a pivot-shift grade of 2 or 3.

Results:

The PTS decreased from 15.3° to 8.9°, the side-to-side difference decreased from 7.2 to 1.1 mm, and the pivot shift was no longer evident in any of the patients. No patients exhibited revision ACLR failure and all patients showed good to excellent postoperative functional scores (mean ± SD: visual analog scale, 0.5 ± 0.6; Tegner, 6.1 ± 0.9; Lysholm, 90.9 ± 6.4; Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] Symptoms, 95.2 ± 8.4; KOOS Pain, 94.7 ± 5.2; KOOS Activities of Daily Living, 98.5 ± 3.2; KOOS Function in Sport and Recreation, 86.8 ± 12.4; and KOOS Quality of Life, 65.4 ± 14.9).

Conclusion:

Slope-correction osteotomy in combination with LET is a safe and reliable procedure in patients with high-grade anterior knee laxity and a PTS of ≥12°. Normal knee joint stability was restored and good to excellent functional scores were achieved after a follow-up of at least 2 years.
Flammability testing of wool/cellulosic and wool/synthetic fiber blends: Vertical flame spread and heat release results
Authors: Morgan Alexander B , Galaska Mary L
Published: November 2020

Wool is a natural fiber with lower heat release/flammability than some synthetic fabrics, but it has not been well studied for its heat release when other fibers such as cotton, linen, and nylon are present in the woven fabric. In this article, the heat release and vertical flame spread of six commercially available natural color fabrics is reported. This includes 100% wool, 80% wool/20% nylon, 70% wool/30% linen, 45% wool/55% cotton, and 40% wool/38% cotton/12% nylon/10% metallic thread fabric. Heat release was measured through cone calorimetry (ASTM E1354) as a function of the sample mounting method, through microscale combustion calorimetry (ASTM D7309), and flame spread was measured by ASTM D6413. The type of insulated backing used greatly affected the cone calorimeter results, and fabric types did show some effects in vertical flame spread and microscale combustion calorimeter testing.
Automatic Classification of Semantic Content of Classroom Dialogue
Authors: Song Yu , Lei Shunwei , Hao Tianyong , Lan Zixin , Ding Ying
Published: November 2020

Due to benefits for teaching and learning, an increasing number of studies have focused on classroom dialogue and how to make it productive. Coding, in which the transcribed conversation is allocated to a set of features, is commonly employed to deal with the textual data arising from this dialogue. This is generally done manually and cannot provide timely feedback to the participants. To address this issue, we explored the possibility of automatically classifying the semantic content of classroom dialogue. Seven categories (prior-known knowledge, analysis, coordination, speculation, uptake, agreement and querying) were distinguished automatically using an artificial neural network-based model. The model achieved acceptable performance and was comparable to human coding. Information about quality of dialogue can be identified in a timely manner. With this knowledge, classroom dialogue can be managed more skilfully, and a more productive form of dialogue is likely to be achieved by teachers and students.
Influence of low modulus Co-Zr alloys surface modification on protein adsorption and MC3T3-E1, NIH3T3 and RAW264.7 cell behaviour
Authors: Krishnadath Dewi Chrystal , Ruan Wei , Yang Hailin , Liu Jue , Zhou Xiongwen
Published: November 2020

Three types of Co-xZr (x = 5, 7.5, and 10 wt.%) were treated with hydroxyapatite (HA) and used as an object to investigate the effect of HA coating on the surface and biocompatibility of Co-xZr alloys. And the protein adsorption and the subsequent biological behaviour of osteoblast, fibroblast and macrophages were also investigated. The surface microstructure and wettability were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and static angle profilometer. To evaluate the biocompatibility of Co-xZr and Co-xZr-HA, we quantified plasma proteins adsorption by bicinchoninic acid assay (BCA), cytotoxicity and cell proliferation by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that Co-xZr-HA alloy surfaces were more hydrophilic and had higher affinity to plasma proteins. Higher protein concentrations were found adsorbed onto Co-7.5Zr-HA and Co-10Zr-HA alloys. Cytotoxicity analysis indicated that HA coating improved the biocompatibility of Co-xZr alloys. Furthermore, the comparable results of co-incubation of Co-xZr-HA alloys with cells reveal cellular attachments to HA surfaces. HA was successfully formed on Co-xZr alloys and modified the surface structure and biocompatibility of the alloys. Co-10Zr-HA and Co-7.5Zr-HA had the most favourable properties and cytocompatibility, and therefore can be potentially used for dental implants.
Exploring the Relationship Between Participation in an Adult-women’s Soccer League and Intimate Partner Violence in Rural Kenya
Authors: Barchi Francis , Winter Samantha C. , Mbogo Daniel , Thomas Bendettah , Ammerman Brittany
Published: November 2020

Rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) against women in Sub-Saharan Africa are among the highest of any region in the world. Empirical studies on the effectiveness of IPV-prevention programs in Africa, though few, suggest that successful programs have emphasized community-level engagement and attitudinal change around gender roles. This study explored the relationship between adult women’s participation in an all-women’s soccer league and IPV in rural Kenya. Nikumbuke Project is a health- and literacy-based program for 702 women in Kwale County, Kenya, that also hosts a women’s soccer league. A total of 684 Nikumbuke members completed surveys for this study, 543 of whom identified as having had a partner in the preceding 12 months and were included in this analysis. Participants in the study were, on average, in their late 30s, married with 4–6 children, a primary education or less, and no source of formal employment. Logistic regression models examined the association between a woman’s participation in the soccer league and the odds that she would have experienced recent IPV, controlling for other covariates. Women who played on soccer teams had 59% lower odds of reporting physical IPV in the preceding 12 months and approximately 43% lower odds of reporting any form of IPV during the same period compared to women who did not play soccer. Support of more gender-equitable norms was associated with lower odds of all forms of recent violence. More research is needed to identify the underlying reasons for these observed effects and to determine the presence of a causal or temporal relationship between adult women’s sports and IPV-risk reduction. Nonetheless, findings from this study point to a novel IPV intervention in communities that might otherwise be resistant to more overt attempts to address gender-based violence (GBV) or where social service agencies with the capacity for IPV-prevention programming may be limited.
Locked, Loaded, and Ready for School: The Association of Safety Concerns With Weapon-carrying Behavior Among Adolescents in the United States
Authors: Mukherjee Soumyadeep , Taleb Ziyad Ben , Baiden Philip
Published: November 2020

There is limited, if any, prior research exploring the potential link between adolescents’ safety concerns and their predisposition to possess weapons has been limited. This study aimed to examine the relationship between high school students’ perceived lack of safety and their weapons carrying behavior in a multiyear nationally representative sample of high school students. Information on self-reported weapons carrying in past month and gun carrying in past year, perceived lack of safety at school or during commute, being bullied and/or threatened, involvement in physical fights, and demographic characteristics were retrieved from Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey data for 1991-2017. Generalized linear mixed models were used to address data clustering by survey year. Sampling design and sample weights were accounted for. Of a total number of 195,280 respondents with valid responses during 1991-2017, 18%, 7%, and 5%, respectively, carried weapon(s) in general, weapon(s) to school, and gun. On an average, 5% skipped school due to safety concerns. Missing ≥2 school days was associated with weapon (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.94 -2.61) and gun (AOR: 3.18; 95% CI: 1.81 -5.58) possessions, as well as weapons possession in school (AOR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.96 -3.12). Experiences of weapons-induced injury(ies) or threat(s), and involvement in physical fights were other significant covariates in adjusted analyses. Compared with non-Hispanic whites, students of other racial/ethnic groups had significantly lower odds of possessing weapons. Perceived lack of safety emerged as a potential determinant of weapon carrying, a behavior with far-reaching public health concerns. While future research looking into the psychological motivations of possessing weapons is recommended, our findings offer a unique opportunity to address the crucial problems of school absenteeism induced by experiences of aggression and fears for safety as well as preempt the consequences of weapons-possession by adolescents.
Coriolis effects on MHD newtonian flow over a rotating non-uniform surface
Authors: Oke Abayomi S , Mutuku Winifred N , Kimathi Mark , Animasaun Isaac Lare
Published: November 2020

The roles of the simultaneous effect of Coriolis force and Lorentz force (resulting from MHD flow) in Sunspots, solar wind, and many other natural and physical phenomenon is undoubtedly significant. The impact of fluids heated by the Sun is influenced by the rotation of the earth’s surface and this necessitates the study of fluid flow over such surface as the Earth. For this reason, the significance of Coriolis force on MHD free-convection flow of Newtonian fluid over the rotating upper horizontal surface of paraboloid of revolution is explored. The relevant body forces are derived and included in the Navier-Stokes equations to obtain appropriate equations governing the flow. By nondimensionalizing the governing equations using similarity variables, the system of nonlinear partial differential equations is reduced to a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations which is solved using Runge-Kutta-Gills method along with Shooting technique and the results are depicted graphically. It is observed that simultaneous increase in both Coriolis force and Lorentz force causes an increase in the temperature profile of the flow. It is also observed that the effect of increasing Coriolis force on the Skin Friction and heat transfer rate is counter-balanced by increasing Lorentz force.
Dual solutions of a magnetohydrodynamic stagnation point flow of a non-Newtonian fluid over a shrinking sheet and a linear temporal stability analysis
Authors: Mortuja Sarkar Golam , Sahoo Bikash
Published: November 2020

The present study accentuates the magnetohydrodynamic and suction/injection effects on the two-dimensional stagnation point flow and heat transfer of a non-Newtonian fluid over a shrinking sheet. The set of Navier-Stokes equations are converted into a system of highly non-linear ordinary differential equations by employing suitable similarity variables. The obtained self-similar equations are then solved numerically with the aid of shooting technique. The similarity equations exhibit dual solutions over a certain range of the shrinking strength. It is observed that the solution domain increases as the suction/injection parameter, the non-Newtonian parameter and the magnetic parameter increase. Moreover, it is further noticed that these two solution branches show opposite behavior on the velocity and temperature profiles for the combined effects of the several flow parameters. Emphasis has been given to determine the most feasible and physically stable solution branch. Thus a linear temporal stability analysis has been carried out and the stability of the these two branches are tested by the sign of the smallest eigenvalue. The smallest eigenvalues are found numerically which suggest that the upper solution branch is stable and the flow dynamics can be describe by the behavior of the upper solution branch.
L2 norm-based finite-time stability and boundedness of singular distributed parameter systems with parabolic type
Authors: Zhou Xingyu , Wang Haoping , Tian Yang
Published: November 2020

In this study, the problem of finite-time stability and boundedness for parabolic singular distributed parameter systems in the sense of [Formula: see text] norm is investigated. First, two new results on [Formula: see text] norm-based finite-time stability and finite-time boundedness for above-mentioned systems, inspired by the light of partial differential equations theory and Lyapunov functional method, are presented. Then, some sufficient conditions of [Formula: see text] norm-based finite-time stability and boundedness are established by virtue of differential inequalities and linear matrix inequalities. Furthermore, the distributed state feedback controllers are constructed to guarantee the [Formula: see text] norm-based finite-time stable and bounded of the closed-loop singular distributed parameter systems. Finally, numerical simulations on a specific numerical example and the building temperature control system equipped with air conditioning are given to demonstrate the validity of the proposed methods.
Assessing the Quality of Bank Boards: Evidence from the Indian Banking Industry
Authors: Bhatia Madhur , Gulati Rachita
Published: November 2020

The article employs hand-collected data on 14 board characteristics for the period from 2004–2005 to 2016–2017 to empirically assess the evolution of board governance practices in the Indian banking industry. For this, we construct a comprehensive index for board governance and four sub-indices of board effectiveness. The study sheds light on how various characteristics of Indian bank boards have evolved over time. The mean value of the board index rose 33 per cent during the period of analysis, indicating a significant improvement in board governance practices of banks. The improvement in practices is primarily due to a considerable transition in the sub-dimensions of board structures and board independence. The transition in board structure results from the larger number of banks appointing different persons as CEOs and chairpersons; the change in board independence has principally emanated from the larger number of banks providing training to their independent directors, declarations and conducting separate meetings. Yet, our findings recommend room for further improvement in various aspects of board governance, including appointment of non-executive chairpersons, female directors and board independence.

JEL Classification: G21, G34, C23
Comparative Effects of Foreign Direct Investment from China and Other Sources on Africa’s Economic Growth
Authors: Ngundu Marvellous , Ngepah Nicholas
Published: November 2020

This study examines comparatively the growth effects of FDI from China, the European Union, the US and the rest of Asia in Sub-Saharan Africa for the period 2003–2012. We develop theoretical arguments from the existing literature to show that differences in FDI data sources, methodological and econometric approaches may be part of the explanation for mixed findings of previous empirical studies, precisely on the growth effects of Chinese FDI in Africa. Our results using bilateral FDI data compiled by UNCTAD, the FDI-augmented version of the Solow growth model and the 2SLS estimator indicate a significantly negative direct impact of Chinese FDI on growth in Sub-Saharan Africa while the impact of other FDI sources is statistically insignificant.

JEL Classification: B22, E22, F43
Geopolitical Imperatives in the Eastern Himalayas: Situating the Hills of Darjeeling
Authors: Saha Biswanath , Chakraborty Gorky
Published: November 2020

Scholarly discourses involving the peripheral regions often look through the binary lenses of ‘identity’ and ‘development’, which are then ascribed as the root causes, leading to the emergence of political movements in these regions. Analogies emanating from such visions entrapped solely on development deficit fall short in dealing with the interplay and intersections of history, geography and politics related to such regions. The analysis concerning the Gorkhaland Movement also seems to be trapped within such an explanatory binary of ‘identity’ and ‘development’. This article attempts to situate the hills of Darjeeling, where the movement is located, into a less discussed framework of geopolitics that not only politicizes the geographies of the Eastern Himalayas but also historicizes the communities and their aspirations as a response to the manoeuvrings by the concerned states. Within such a framework, we shall also discuss how the colonial geopolitics of migration, henceforth, has been succinctly carried forward by the post-colonial state in shaping its notions related to the hills of Darjeeling.
Sporting celebrity and conspicuous consumption: A case study of professional footballers in England
Authors: Law Graeme , Bloyce Daniel , Waddington Ivan
Published: November 2020

Association football is a lucrative sport with high financial rewards for top players. However, there has been little empirical work on the lifestyles of professional footballers. Based on interviews with 29 current and former male professional footballers, this paper examines the relationship between money, status and image management within and outside the changing room. The concept of conspicuous consumption is used to help explain players’ attitudes to money, their relationships with others within the football environment and how they advertise their earnings in an environment where open discussion of wages is seen as taboo. Our findings suggest that professional footballers are expected to display a particular image of the professional footballer and this constrains players, even those on lower incomes, to buy expensive clothes and accessories in order to be accepted by others. Players who do not conform to the expected image may be subject to sanctions by their teammates.
Contingent nationalism: The genesis of ultras’ nationalist discourse
Authors: Grodecki Mateusz
Published: November 2020

This article presents the results of a study on the historical development of nationalist discourse in Polish football stands. Its main objectives are: (a) to reveal the processes shaping the ultras’ nationalist discourse; and (b) to explain how it has been institutionalised and reproduced. Drawing on the post-foundational discourse analysis, the study conceptualises nationalist discourse as a set of structurally arranged practices of articulation which create a meaning of nation. In order to reconstruct the development of ultras’ nationalist discourse the study uses content analysis of nation-related ultras’ displays from 2002 to 2018 recaptured from the TMK ( To My Kibice, We, the fans) fanzine created by supporters and dedicated to football fan culture in Poland. The analysis identifies a sequence of four different forms of ultras’ nationalist discourse in the period under consideration and shows that they have been shaped by a contingency logic; that is, by rules stemming from the existing practices of articulation, rather than by the logic of ideological cohesion.
Internet Use and Resilience in Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sage Melanie , Randolph Karen , Fitch Dale , Sage Todd
Published: November 2020

Objectives:

The purpose of this systematic review is to examine ways a resilience framework might inform social workers’ understanding about how to mitigate risks for youth who use Internet and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

Eligibility criteria:

This review identified original research published between January 2006 and December 2019 that used a resilience framework to assess outcomes of youth, ages 10–19, who use ICTs.

Methods of synthesis:

A narrative synthesis grouped articles based on conceptualizations of resilience, risk, and protection; methods; and populations.

Results:

A search identified 13 peer-reviewed studies that used resilience and its relationship to outcomes. Most studies identified resilience as a mediator or moderator that buffers the effect of harm.

Conclusions:

Social workers who wish to mitigate risks for youth who use ICTs might focus on interventions that strengthen resilience. Currently, resilience is inconsistently conceptually defined, and more robust research is needed regarding ICT use by marginalized youth.
Pathways and Processes Linking Social Support to Health: Development of an Exploratory Model With South African Caregivers
Authors: Casale Marisa
Published: November 2020

Despite ample evidence of the protective role of social support for mental and physical health, key gaps remain in our understanding of the pathways and mediating processes explaining these relationships in specific vulnerable populations. The author applies a theoretical framework developed by House et al. to qualitative data, collected with 24 caregivers of children living in HIV-endemic South African communities, to explore potential effects and processes linking social support to health. The data used for this analysis were part of a sequential mixed-methods research study with caregivers of children; previous survey findings ( n = 2,477) showed significant associations between more social support and better mental health and self-reported physical health. Results point to multiple pathways and biopsychosocial mediating processes possibly explaining the support–health relationship. The author develops an exploratory model to illustrate these findings, based on the House et al. framework, and discusses implications for research, interventions, and theory.
Research on the intelligent generation method of MBD model 3D marking using predefined features
Authors: Jing Xuwen , Tang Mingming , Liu Jinfeng , Zhou Honggen , Zhao Peng , Wang Zhen , Cao Xuwu , Sheng Sushan , Wei Gang
Published: November 2020

Model-based definition (MBD) carries out a technological innovation for global manufacturing, application of MBD technology plays an important supporting in process design, product manufacturing and other development activities, rapid creation of MBD models have become a key to reduce time and cost for enterprises. However, interactive dimensioning method has severely hampered the efficiency of MBD model creation. This paper mainly studies the dimensions intelligent marking method based on the predefined features to solve the rapid modeling problem of MBD model. Firstly, the expression model of dimensions metadata is established based on the feature identifier. Secondly, by establishing an association mechanism between the dimensions and the predefined feature, the “model-feature-dimensioning” association model is formed. Thirdly, through analysis of the dimensioning type, the intelligent dimensioning algorithm process is determined. Moreover, the completeness check of the dimensions is guaranteed during the marking process. Finally, taking the connecting rod and crankshaft of marine diesel as the research object, the effectiveness of this method is verified.
Dermatological side effects of immunotherapy drugs and targeted cancer therapies: Importance of dermatology and oncology collaboration
Authors: Çelik Uğur , Aydemir Ertuğrul H , Engin Burhan , Oba Muazzez Ç , Yılmaz Mesut , Meşe Şermin Güven
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Novel anti-cancer drugs such as targeted cancer therapies and immune check-point inhibitors (ICIs) have adverse events, especially concerning the skin. The aim of this study is to report an overview of the commonly consulted dermatological side effects of ICIs and targeted cancer therapies in clinical practice, along with their management.

Methods

In this single-center study, we evaluated consecutive oncological patients who were referred from the oncology outpatient clinic to the dermatology outpatient clinic due to skin side effects of ICIs and targeted therapies. All patients were examined and treated at the same day of referral by experienced dermatologists. Patient characteristics, clinical findings, diagnostic workups and treatments were retrieved from outpatient records.

Results

Sixty three patients were enrolled. Most common diagnoses were lung carcinoma, melanoma and colon carcinoma. Fifty patients (79%) were using targeted therapies while 13 (21%) were using ICIs. Xerosis was the most common side effect (44%), followed by acneiform rash, paronychia, eczema and pruritus. Majority of the side effects were grade 2 and 3. Psoriasis was a common side effect of ICIs. One patient had a newly developed dysplastic nevus on vemurafenib treatment. Oncological treatment was not withheld in any of the patients.

Conclusions

This study revealed the most commonly consulted skin side effects of novel anti-cancer drugs and their management in daily practice. We underlie the importance of collaborative work of oncology and dermatology professionals as early management of cutaneous side effects of targeted therapies and ICIs improves patient outcomes.
Delayed hypersensitivity to oxaliplatin in a nigerian patient with colorectal cancer—A case report
Authors: Aliyu Usman M , Okwonna Charles O
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Oxaliplatin is a third generation anti-neoplastic platinum compound (organo-platinum complex) used in the treatment of several solid tumours either as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. Hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin are uncommon, with most reports indicating an incidence of 1–5%. The severity of reactions may vary from grade 1 side effect in line of skin flushing and/or rashes to very severe, life-threatening systemic anaphylaxis (grade 3/4). Following mild to moderate hypersensitivity reactions, steroids and/or antihistamines could be administered, after which the patient can be re-exposed to the drug. In severe hypersensitivity reactions however, oxaliplatin must be discontinued while alternative chemotherapeutic regimen or even other forms of therapy should be considered.

Case report

A 56 year old woman with colorectal cancer who was commenced on adjuvant oxaliplatin therapy developed Hypersensitivity reaction about 2 hours of the first oxaliplatin administration, for which the drug was discontinued and the symptoms improved. She had similar reactions in 2 subsequent attempts at administering same drug, after which the drug was changed. A placebo infusion was administered twice with no untoward reactions. Management and outcome: With each reaction, the drug was immediately discontinued and she was promptly given intranasal oxygen and corticosteroids. She was premedicated with anti-histamines and corticosteroids prior to subsequent cycles. Oxaliplatin was consequently discontinued and she experienced no further hypersensitivity reaction to the subsequent drug regimen.

Discussion

Hypersensitivity reactions to oxaliplatin, though a rare occurrence, are more likely idiosyncratic; with more cases being reported in recent times.
Late recurrence of idiopathic Brown’s syndrome successfully treated with oral corticosteroids
Authors: Lo Cody , Micieli Jonathan A
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Idiopathic Brown’s syndrome is a restrictive strabismus of the superior oblique tendon that often presents in pediatric populations and rarely occurs in adults.

Case description:

We present here a case of a 41-year-old man with an idiopathic left Brown’s syndrome that recurred after presenting with similar symptoms 14 years prior that was originally treated with oral corticosteroids. This patient had a negative work up for connective tissue disease and only exhibited subtle left trochlear thickening on orbital MRI with contrast. Since he had a good response to oral corticosteroids in the past, this repeat occurrence was treated with oral Prednisone and he promptly responded. His double vision resolved within 2 weeks and he continued to have a normal examination 6 months after presentation.

Conclusion:

We suspect this case was related to a subclinical inflammatory process resulting in the MRI findings and response to steroids. This case demonstrates that idiopathic Brown’s syndrome can recur more than a decade later in adults and oral corticosteroids are an effective treatment option even in the absence of an underlying rheumatological condition.
Three-year real-world outcomes of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapies in patients affected by myopic choroidal neovascularization
Authors: Corazza Paolo , Kabbani Jamil , Soomro Taha , Alam Mostafa Mohamed Ragheb , D’Alterio Francesco Maria , Younis Saad
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To describe real world data in patients affected by myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and to compare our results with previous studies and clinical trials.

Methods:

This retrospective monocentric cohort study analyzed 96 eyes of 96 myopic-CNV patients treated with an anti-VEGF pro-re-nata regimen over a 3-year-long follow up period. Aflibercept and Ranibizumab were considered as first-line agents whereas Bevacizumab was reserved on a compassionate basis in patients outside the criteria for treatment. All patients underwent a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) recording at each follow up visit.

Results:

Our data showed that all three molecules produced significant improvements in BCVA at year 1, with no significant differences between the three drugs. Moreover, during the second year of treatment, Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab showed a significant improvement in the visual function. However, at year 3 of treatment, the data available indicated the BCVA improvement was not significant with Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab. In addition, no significant difference in the average number of injections between the three groups was detected over the follow up period. No serious adverse events were recorded, but five minor adverse events documented.

Conclusion:

Our study correlates with previous studies showing significant BCVA gains with the use of these molecules. Similarly, all three molecules seem to provide a similar duration of effects as previous studies have shown, with a low ocular adverse event rate.
Outcome of surgery for near angle in patient with incomitant distance/near esotropia and without manifest deviation at distance
Authors: Scaramuzzi Matteo , Serafino Massimiliano , Nucci Paolo
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

To investigate how a subset of patients with partially accommodative esotropia, with a manifest deviation <10 Prism Diopters (PD) at distance and an angle of strabismus at near wider than 10 PD, could respond to a surgical approach based on the misalignment at near.

Methods:

Six patients examined from 2015 to 2019 met criteria for inclusion: partially accommodative esotropia, patients compliant to full correction for at least 6 months, angle of esotropia for near larger at least 10 PD, angle of misalignment obtained with the alternate prism cover test and simultaneous prism cover test at distance <10 PD. All patients underwent bilateral medial recti recession. They were examined at 3 weeks and at 6 months.

Results:

No significant difference in the angle of esotropia at distance was found at any follow-up (Baseline: 7.17 ± 1.33 PD vs 3 weeks: 7.0 ± 1.01 PD vs 6 months: 7.33 ± 1.03 PD, p = 0.65, and p = 0.36, respectively). No case of consecutive exotropia was described. Considering the angle at near, there was a significant reduction at 3 weeks (Baseline: 41.7 ± 6.83 PD vs 3 weeks: 9.33 ± 1.63 PD, p = 0.027), that remained stable at the final follow-up (9.0 ± 1.1 PD, p = 0.32). All patients were suppressors and had nil stereopsis pre-operatively, all of them developed fusion and a different degree of stereopsis [276 ± 284 arcseconds (Range 80–800)].

Conclusions:

A surgical approach based on the angle of strabismus for near could obtain satisfactory ocular alignment without consecutive exotropia in children with partially accommodative esotropia wearing full refractive correction, with a manifest deviation for distance <10 PD and a higher misalignment for near, at least for 6 months after surgery.