bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Influence of Chemical Corrosion on Mechanical Property of Fissured Granite
Authors: Zhang Fan , He Tao , JunjieKang  , Hu Dawei
Published: March 2021

The effect of chemical corrosion and natural joints on the damage characteristics and strength of rock masses is highly important for the construction of rock engineering and energy extraction. Therefore, the intact granite is processed into prefabricated fissured granite specimens with a fissure angle of 0°, 30°, and 45°. Chemical corrosion tests are then performed on the prefabricated fissured granites. The pH of the solution gradually becomes neutral; the mass loss of the granite specimens and the mineral compositions of the fissure surface are measured and analyzed. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and uniaxial compression tests are performed on the granite specimens after chemical corrosion. After chemical corrosion, the surface of the fissure becomes loose. The various mineral components of the specimens have been changed to different degrees or converted into other mineral components. The peak strength and elastic modulus of the prefabricated fissured granites with the three fissure angles present a clear decrease, as the time of chemical corrosion increases. The stress intensity factors at the fissured tip are also analyzed. The stress intensity factors of the specimens with a fissure angle of 0°, 30°, and 45° decrease from 0.017, 0.35, and 0.84 to 0.013, 0.30, and 0.74 MPa·m1/2, respectively, as the time of the chemical corrosion increases. And the chemical corrosion has the largest effect on the intensity factors of the specimens with a fissure angle of 45° among the three angles. These experimental results could improve the understanding of the long-term stability of underground engineering in the multifield coupling environment.
Salivary Cytokines as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease
Authors: Zian Zeineb , Bouhoudan Assia , Mourabit Nadira , Azizi Gholamreza , Bennani Mechita Mohcine
Published: March 2021

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by an unknown etiology and a highly variable clinical presentation. This clinical heterogeneity might be explained by dysregulation of tolerance to self and apoptotic mechanisms, overproduction of autoantibodies, and abnormal cytokine levels. Cytokine imbalance levels have been associated with disease activity and severity in SLE patients. In the last years, salivary cytokines related to SLE have gained significant attention and researchers have begun to focus on the identification of cytokines in the saliva of SLE patients using it as a diagnostic fluid for the inflammatory process underlying SLE. This review highlights and summarizes recent studies revealing the cytokines that have been identified in the saliva of individuals with SLE. Data reported and discussed in this report may provide useful additional information to better understand the mechanisms associated with the disease.
DOA Estimation for Sources with Large Power Differences
Authors: Fang Qingyuan , Jin Mengzhe , Liu Weidong , Han Yong
Published: March 2021

Sources with large power differences are very common, especially in complex electromagnetic environments. Classical DOA estimation methods suffer from performance degradation in terms of resolution when dealing with sources that have large power differences. In this paper, we propose an improved DOA algorithm to increase the resolution performance in resolving such sources. The proposed method takes advantage of diagonal loading and demonstrates that the invariant property of noise subspace still holds after diagonal loading is performed. We also find that the Cramer–Rao bound of the weak source can be affected by the power of the strong source, and this has not been noted before. The Cramer–Rao bound of the weak source deteriorates as the power of the strong source increases. Numerical results indicate that the improved algorithm increases the probability of resolution while maintaining the estimation accuracy and computational complexity.
RAGE and HMGB1 Expression in Orbital Tissue Microenvironment in Graves’ Ophthalmopathy
Authors: Łacheta Dominika , Poślednik Krzysztof B. , Czerwaty Katarzyna , Ludwig Nils , Molińska-Glura Marta , Kantor Ireneusz , Jabłońska-Pawlak Anna , Miśkiewicz Piotr , Głuszko Alicja , Stopa Zygmunt , Brzost Jacek , Szczepański Mirosław J.
Published: March 2021

Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder involving orbital tissues. A receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and its ligand high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein trigger inflammation and cell proliferation and are involved in the pathogenesis of various chronic inflammatory diseases. This study was aimed to evaluate RAGE and HMGB1 expression in GO to determine its potential clinical significance. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study showing RAGE and HMGB1 expression in orbital tissue using immunohistochemistry. Sections of orbital adipose tissue obtained from patients diagnosed with GO (23 patients; 36 orbits) and normal controls (NC) (15 patients; 15 orbits) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for RAGE and HMGB1 expression. Expression profiles were then correlated with clinical data of the study group. RAGE and HMGB1 expression were elevated in GO patients in comparison with NC (

p
=
0.001

and

p
=
0.02

, respectively). We observed a correlation between RAGE expression and occurrence of dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) (

p
=
0.05

) and levels of TSH Receptor Antibodies (TRAb) (

p
=
0.01

). Overexpression of RAGE and HMGB1 might be associated with GO pathogenesis. In addition, RAGE and HMGB1 proteins may be considered as promising therapeutic targets, but this requires further research.
A Quantitative Evaluation Method Based on Back Analysis and the Double‐Strength Reduction Optimization Method for Tunnel Stability
Authors: Sun Jinglai , Wang Fan , Wang Xinling , Wu Xu
Published: March 2021

Quantifying tunnel stability using the proposed combination of back analysis and the strength reduction method (SRM) is useful during construction. To feasibly and reliably obtain geotechnical parameters for the surrounding rock (which vary in different places), a real‐coded genetic algorithm is used in setting the initial parameters of the neural network to improve the prediction accuracy of the parameters via back analysis by reasonably selecting the selection operator, crossover operator, and mutation operator. After obtaining the parameters, the proposed SRM, i.e., the optimization double‐strength reduction method (ODSRM), which is based on the optimization method, is used to evaluate stability. By using this method, the cohesion and friction angle have different reduction factors that are more reasonable and accurate. The combined method is verified in an application to the Yu Liao Tunnel, where it is demonstrated that the combined method can use the measured displacements to obtain the safety factor. Compared with the traditional method, the proposed back analysis method can reduce errors in the predicted performance, and unlike the SRM, the ODSRM can avoid overestimating the safety factor with the same reduction factor. Finally, the presented methods can reduce the amount of calculation required and are convenient for evaluating tunnel stability with displacement.
FDA Approval Summary: Selumetinib for Plexiform Neurofibroma
Authors: Casey Denise , Demko Suzanne , Sinha Arup , Mishra-Kalyani Pallavi S. , Shen Yuan-li , Khasar Sachia , Goheer M. Anwar , Helms Whitney S. , Pan Lili , Xu Yuan , Fan Jianghong , Leong Ruby , Liu Jiang , Yang Yuching , Windsor Katherine , Ou Mei , Stephens Olen , Oh Byeongtaek , Reaman Gregory H. , Nair Abhilasha , Shord Stacy S. , Bhatnagar Vishal , Daniels Selena R. , Sickafuse Sharon , Goldberg Kirsten B. , Theoret Marc R. , Pazdur Richard , Singh Harpreet
Published: March 2021

On April 10, 2020, the FDA approved selumetinib (KOSELUGO, AstraZeneca) for the treatment of pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with neurofibromatosis type 1 who have symptomatic, inoperable plexiform neurofibromas. Approval was based on demonstration of a durable overall response rate per Response Evaluation in Neurofibromatosis and Schwannomatosis criteria and supported by observed clinical improvements in plexiform neurofibroma–related symptoms and functional impairments in 50 pediatric patients with inoperable plexiform neurofibromas in a single-arm, multicenter trial. The overall reponse rate per NCI investigator assessment was 66% (95% confidence interval, 51–79) with at least 12 months of follow-up. The median duration of response was not reached, and 82% of responding patients experienced duration of response ≥12 months. Clinical outcome assessment endpoints provided supportive efficacy data. Risks of selumetinib are consistent with MAPK (MEK) inhibitor class effects, including ocular, cardiac, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and dermatologic toxicities. Safety was assessed across a pooled database of 74 pediatric patients with plexiform neurofibromas and supported by adult and pediatric selumetinib clinical trial data in cancer indications. The benefit–risk assessment for selumetinib in patients with inoperable plexiform neurofibromas was considered favorable.
Interim Singapore guidelines for basic and advanced life support for paediatric patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19
Authors: Ong Gene Yong-Kwang , Zhi Ng Beatrice Hui , Mok Yee Hui , Ong Jacqueline SM , Ngiam Nicola , Tan Josephine , Lim Swee Han , Ng Kee Chong
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant challenges for the resuscitation of paediatric patients, especially for infants and children who are suspected or confirmed to be infected. Thus, the paediatric subcommittee of the Singapore Resuscitation and First Aid Council developed interim modifications to the current Singapore paediatric guidelines using extrapolated data from the available literature, local multidisciplinary expert consensus and institutional best practices. It is hoped that this it will provide a framework during the pandemic for improved outcomes in paediatric cardiac arrest patients in the local context, while taking into consideration the safety of all community first responders, medical frontline providers and healthcare workers.
Epidemiology of pelvic and acetabular fractures in a tertiary hospital in Singapore
Authors: Singh Amritpal , Lim Amaris Shu Min , Lau Bernard Puang Huh , O’Neill Gavin
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Pelvic and acetabular fractures (PAFs) usually result from high-energy, potentially life-threatening accidents. They are one of the major injuries that lead to death in patients involved in such accidents. We studied the recent epidemiology of these injuries in Singapore.

Methods:

This is a retrospective data analysis of all trauma patients who underwent surgery for PAFs from 2008 to 2016 in a tertiary trauma centre in Singapore. Data including patient demographics, mechanism of injury and associated injuries was collected.

Results:

A total of 169 patients were admitted for PAFs over the eight-year period. The majority (79.3%) were male. The mean age was 41 (range 13–79) years. Most patients (51.5%) were Chinese. The most common mechanisms of injury were road traffic accidents (53.8%), falls (33.1%) and crush injuries (13.0%). 46.2% sustained acetabular fractures, while 44.4% sustained pelvic fractures. PAFs were most commonly associated with upper and lower limb injuries, followed by spinal and thoracic injuries. Average of length of stay in hospital was 24 (range 2–375) days.

Conclusion:

PAF predominantly affects young working males. Compared to previously published local data, there has been a significant reduction in the incidence of PAFs, likely due to improved road and work safety. The demographics of PAFs have changed, with fewer injuries in females (20.7% vs. 33.3%), a reduction in the proportion of injuries in the Chinese (51.5% vs. 70.1%). While road traffic accidents remain the most common cause, crush injuries are now more prevalent (13.0%).
Theory of planned behaviour approach to understand pro-environmental behaviour among young green consumers in Malaysia
Authors: Ogiemwonyi Osarodion , Harun Amran Bin
Published: March 2021

The depletion of the natural environment and earth-wide natural resources have led to the increasing demand for green products. This has made young consumers carry on the green, and as a result, it affects the organization’s bottom line in building a positive image and goodwill message. This research explored the facet to investigate while applying some constructs from the Ajzen’s existing theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model with additional construct. 250 viable responses were applied and path modelling using SmartPLS 3.0 analyses was used to establish the model proposed. The results indicate that among the TPB constructs, perceived behavioural control (PBC), green perceived attitude (GPA), and other contextual constructs influence pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) positively. Looking at the relative importance of constructs, perceived green culture (PGC) followed by (GPA) had a stronger impact on PEB. The study provides evidence that young green consumers exhibit great concern towards environment, through model supportability and the inclusion of additional constructs which was supported in the TPB providing insight, and holding a sense of responsibility in the consumption pattern for a peaceful future. The obtained results can promote scientific progress in the respective research area and policy implications.
Acianthera bilobulata (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae), a new species from Southwestern Ecuador
Authors: ZAMBRANO ROMERO BOSCO JAVIER , SOLANO RODOLFO
Published: March 2021

Acianthera bilobulata is described and illustrated as new species. Information concerning distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status are provided. The new taxon is compared with the most similar species A. pubescens, from which it differs by its elliptic-lanceolate leaves, yellow-cream flowers suffused with red-purple, acute, marginally erose petals, and an oblong, obtuse, marginally entire lip with oblong, rounded lateral lobes. Furthermore, A. bilobulata is compared with other three morphologically similar species, A. breedlovei, A. henrici, and A. majakoluckae.
Justicia volkeri, a new name for Justicia fittonioides Lindau (Acanthaceae)

Authors: DESHMUKH UMAKANT BHOOPATI , GNANASEKARAN GUNADAYALAN
Published: March 2021

Justicia Linnaeus (1753: 15) is the largest genus in the family Acanthaceae with about 700 species mainly distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world (Mabberley 2017). After a through scrutiny of literature and type specimens, it was found that the name of a Brazilian endemic species, Justicia fittonioides Lindau (1904: 411) is illegitimate as it is a later homonym of an African endemic species, Justicia fittonioides Moore (1878: 134). Therefore, a new name is proposed here in accordance with the article 53.1 of Shenzhen Code (Turland et al. 2018).
The Role of Transaminases in Predicting Choledocholithiasis. A Novel Predictive Composite Score Development in a Cohort of 1089 Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Kokoroskos Nikolaos , Peponis Thomas , Lee Jae Moo , El Hechi Majed , Naar Leon , Nederpelt Charlie , Gaitanidis Apostolos , Mendoza April E. , Saillant Noelle , Kaafarani Haytham , King David , Velmahos George , Fagenholz Peter
Published: March 2021

Background

Optimal use of interventional procedures and diagnostic tests for patients with suspected choledocholithiasis depends on accurate pretest risk estimation. We sought to define sensitivity/specificity of transaminases in identifying choledocholithiasis and to incorporate them into a biochemical marker composite score that could accurately predict choledocholithiasis.

Methods

All adult patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy by our Emergency Surgery Service between 2010 and 2018 were reviewed. Admission total bilirubin (TB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was captured. Choledocholithiasis was confirmed via intraoperative cholangiogram, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) or C-statistic for AST, ALT, ALP, and TB as a measure of detecting choledocholithiasis was calculated. For score development, our database was randomly dichotomized to derivation and validation cohort and a score was derived. The score was validated by calculating its C-statistic.

Results

1089 patients were included; 210 (20.3%) had confirmed choledocholithiasis. The AUC was .78 for TB, .77 for ALP and AST, and .76 for ALT. 545 and 544 patients were included in the derivation and the validation cohort, respectively. The elements of the derived score were TB, AST, and ALP. The score ranged from 0 to 4. The AUC was .82 in the derivation and .77 in the validation cohort. The probability of choledocholithiasis increased from 8% to 89% at scores 0 to 4, respectively.

Conclusions

Aspartate aminotransferase predicted choledocholithiasis adequately and should be featured in choledocholithiasis screening algorithms. We developed a biochemical composite score, shown to be accurate in preoperative choledocholithiasis risk assessment in an emergency surgery setting.
Development of Mathematical Practices Through Word Problem–Solving Instruction for Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Cox Sarah K. , Root Jenny R.
Published: March 2021

The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics highlight the importance of not only content standards for mathematics but also mathematical practices such as communication, representation, and reasoning, skills that are often difficult for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Through a single-case multiple-probe-across-participants design, this study found modified schema-based instruction (MSBI) to be an effective strategy to increase the use of mathematical practices for middle school students with ASD when solving multiplicative word problems. Four students eligible for special education services under the area of autism enrolled in sixth-grade general education mathematics classes increased their use of mathematical practices for two problem types (multiplicative comparison and proportion) and maintained the use of mathematical practices 4 to 8 weeks after intervention. Additionally, all participants generalized their use of mathematical practices to novel multiplicative comparison problems containing extraneous information, and three of the participants generalized mathematical practice skills to proportion problems containing extraneous information. Implications for practice are discussed.
Ethnic Disproportionality in the Identification of High-Incidence Special Educational Needs: A National Longitudinal Study Ages 5 to 11
Authors: Strand Steve , Lindorff Ariel
Published: March 2021

We used pupil-level data from the National Pupil Database in England to conduct a longitudinal analysis of the identification of moderate learning difficulties (MLD) and social, emotional, and mental health difficulties (SEMH) among 550,000 pupils ages 5 to 11 years. Survival analysis was used to determine the hazard ratios (HRs) for time to first identification, controlling for prior attainment and social-emotional development at age 5 as well as socioeconomic variables. For MLD, the overrepresentation of Black Caribbean and Pakistani pupils compared with White British pupils was eliminated following age 5 controls, and the predominant picture was of ethnic-minority underrepresentation. For SEMH, Black Caribbean and mixed White and Black Caribbean (MWBC) pupils continued to be overrepresented even after age 5 controls (HR = 1.36 and 1.44, respectively), although this was not true for the larger group of Black African pupils, who were underrepresented in the adjusted analyses (HR = 0.62), as were most other ethnic-minority groups. The results indicate most ethnic-minority groups are underrepresented for special educational needs after adjusting for pupil characteristics on entry to school, though this varies by ethnic group and type of need.
Reputations for Resolve and Higher-Order Beliefs in Crisis Bargaining
Authors: Dafoe Allan , Zwetsloot Remco , Cebul Matthew
Published: March 2021

Reputations for resolve are said to be one of the few things worth fighting for, yet they remain inadequately understood. Discussions of reputation focus almost exclusively on first-order belief change— A stands firm, B updates its beliefs about A’s resolve. Such first-order reputational effects are important, but they are not the whole story. Higher-order beliefs—what A believes about B’s beliefs, and so on—matter a great deal as well. When A comes to believe that B is more resolved, this may decrease A’s resolve, and this in turn may increase B’s resolve, and so on. In other words, resolve is interdependent. We offer a framework for estimating higher-order effects, and find evidence of such reasoning in a survey experiment on quasi-elites. Our findings indicate both that states and leaders can develop potent reputations for resolve, and that higher-order beliefs are often responsible for a large proportion of these effects (40 percent to 70 percent in our experimental setting). We conclude by complementing the survey with qualitative evidence and laying the groundwork for future research.
Exploring the Prototypical Definitions of Intelligent Engineers Held by Irish and Swedish Higher Education Engineering Students
Authors: Buckley Jeffrey , Hyland Tomás , Gumaelius Lena , Seery Niall , Pears Arnold
Published: March 2021

Males are generally overrepresented in higher education engineering. However, the magnitude of this variance differs between countries and engineering fields. Evidence associated with the field-specific ability beliefs hypothesis suggests that perceptions of intelligence held by actors within engineering affects the engagement of underrepresented groups. This study examined perceptions of an intelligent engineer held by undergraduate and postgraduate engineering students in Ireland and Sweden, countries selected based on their levels of female representation in engineering education. It was hypothesised that there would be a significant difference in perceptions between countries. A survey methodology was employed in which a random sample of Irish and Swedish university students completed two surveys. The first asked respondents to list characteristics of an intelligent engineer, and the second asked for ratings of importance for each unique characteristic. The results indicate that an intelligent engineer was perceived to be described by seven factors; practical problem solving, conscientiousness, drive, discipline knowledge, reasoning, negative attributes, and inquisitiveness when the data was analysed collectively, but only the five factors of practical problem solving, conscientiousness, drive, discipline knowledge and negative attributes were theoretically interpretable when the data from each country was analysed independently. A gender × country interaction effect was observed for each of these five factors. The results suggest that the factors which denote intelligence in engineering between Irish and Swedish males and females are similar, but differences exist in terms of how important these factors are in terms group level definitions. Future work should consider the self-concepts held by underrepresented groups with respect to engineering relative to the factors observed in this study.
From the ‘Open door’ policy to the EU-Turkey deal: Media framings of German policy changes during the EU refugee ‘crisis’
Authors: Futák-Campbell Beatrix , Pütz Mira
Published: March 2021

This article explores Angela Merkel’s decision to open Germany’s borders to refugees in September 2015 and her support for the EU-Turkey statement in March 2016. While the first policy offered relief to refugees, the second was designed to significantly reduce the number of refugees coming to Europe. Besides the seemingly contradictory rationale behind these two foreign policy decisions, the role that domestic media played in Merkel’s decision to open the borders was remarkable. The connection between media reports and public opinion has long been established, whereas the connection between foreign policy and the media is more recent. However, the link between all three and how they operate together is yet to be studied. By exploring these connections, we show how foreign policy decisions can be accepted by locals within a language context that fosters identification with outsiders. Similarly, a shift in the discourse, which contributed to the perception of a divergence of interests between the local population and the refugees, helps to understand the subsequent change in foreign policy. In short, we show how this shift provides an insight into the parallels between domestic media discourses, public opinion and foreign policy decisions. We apply deductive qualitative content analysis to demonstrate this connection.
Parliamentary rules, party norms, and legislative speech
Authors: Alemán Eduardo , Micozzi Juan Pablo
Published: March 2021

This article examines speech participation under different parliamentary rules: open forums dedicated to bill debates, and closed forums reserved for non-lawmaking speeches. It discusses how electoral incentives influence speechmaking by promoting divergent party norms within those forums. Our empirical analysis focuses on the Chilean Chamber of Deputies. The findings lend support to the view that, in forums dedicated to non-lawmaking speeches, participation is greater among more institutionally disadvantaged members (backbenchers, women, and members from more distant districts), while in those that are dedicated to lawmaking debates, participation is greater among more senior members and members of the opposition.
Why states inform: Compliance with self-reporting obligations in universal treaty regimes
Authors: Karlas Jan
Published: March 2021

Why do some states largely comply with their self-reporting obligations in international institutions, while others fulfil them only irregularly? In this article, I conduct the first large- N analysis of self-reporting that comprises several important areas of international cooperation. This analysis relies on an original and large dataset that covers self-reporting within 25 universal arms control, environmental and human rights agreements. The empirical results find little evidence for an intuitive view that the support of states for the respective treaties and the conformity of state policies with the general goals of those treaties drive compliance with self-reporting obligations. Instead, the article reveals that this compliance is mainly influenced by the reporting behaviour of the country’s regional peers and by national economic and administrative capacities.
Gender and the Symptom Experience before an Atrial Fibrillation Diagnosis
Authors: Wilson Ryan E. , Rush Kathy L. , Reid R. Colin , Laberge Carol G.
Published: March 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the world. Despite the increasing prevalence, there remains a limited understanding of how the pre-diagnosis symptom experience varies by gender. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively explore gender differences/similarities in the pre-diagnosis period of AF. Twenty-six adults (13 men and 13 women) were interviewed guided by the Symptom Experience in AF (SEAF). Data were analyzed using a two-step approach to thematic analysis. Women had greater challenges receiving a timely diagnosis, with 10 women (77%) experiencing symptoms ≥1 year prior to their diagnosis, in comparison to only three (23%) of the men. Women also reported more severe symptoms, less AF-related knowledge, viewed themselves as low risk for cardiovascular disease, and described how their comorbid conditions confused AF symptom evaluation. This study provides a foundational understanding of differences/similarities in the AF symptom experience by gender.
Populism and nativism in contemporary regionalist and nationalist politics: A minimalist framework for ideologically opposed parties
Authors: Newth George
Published: March 2021

Recent literature on the centre–periphery debate in European politics has produced a wide range of composite paradigms of regionalism, nationalism, and populism and nativism. A number of these definitions, however, tend to overemphasise the importance of populism by either framing it as a core ideology or by conflating it with the nationalism or regionalism of a specific party. This article makes three innovative contributions to populist studies by sustaining an ideational approach to populism and its combination with regionalist and nationalist ideologies. First, the article addresses the varied and at times conflicting composite paradigms of regionalism, nationalism, and populism by proposing a minimalist ‘populist regionalist’ and ‘populist nationalist’ conceptual framework; this places the emphasis on the type of nationalism and regionalism (left- or right-wing, civic or ethnic) to which populism and (potentially) nativism are attached. Second, by emphasising a clear distinction between populism and nativism, the article adds to a growing field of literature which aims to address the problem of ‘populist hype’. Finally, the contribution of a brief comparative case study illustrates how populism represents a key link between nationalists and regionalists ranging from the far-left to the far-right which are otherwise separated by nativism.
Effect of word of mouth on m-payment service adoption: a developing country case study
Authors: Rahman Tazizur , Noh Mijin , Kim Yang Sok , Lee Choong Kwon
Published: March 2021

This study determines influential factors that account for mobile payment service adoption in a developing country and assesses the mediating effect of word of mouth on this platform. Our model combines multi-dimensions of trust and risk, and word of mouth to predict the target population’s use intention and use behavior. We use the structural equation modeling method to analyze the data collected by an online survey of 392 respondents who use mobile payment services in Bangladesh. This study’s results reveal that trust in service providers, trust in service, privacy risk, and security risk have significant impacts on the intention to use. The findings also indicate that word of mouth mediates the direct impacts of trust in service providers, trust in apps, and security risk on the intention to use. In addition, importance-performance map analysis depicts that word of mouth is the most critical performing factor, but performance is comparatively low.
Venoarterial to venovenous extracorporeal life support conversion in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Nakamura Yuki , Rudolph Kristina , Ricci Marco , Auslender Marcelo , Badheka Aditya
Published: March 2021

In patients with pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) and hemodynamic compromise who need venoarterial (VA) extracorporeal life support (ECLS), we have adopted a strategy to promote early VA-to-venovenous (VV) conversion since 2018. A single-center retrospective review was performed of all 22 patients who underwent ECLS for PARDS from 2008 to 2019. Variables were analyzed to determine factors affecting initial cannulation mode and in-hospital mortality. Outcomes were compared between before and after 2018. Of the 22 patients, 9 patients underwent initial VA-support. Small patient size and severe cardiopulmonary compromise prior to ECLS favored initial VA- over VV-support. Lactate level and vasoactive inotrope score at 24 hours post-ECLS initiation predicted in-hospital mortality. After 2018, all five patients with initial VA-support were converted to VV-support at 4.4 ± 1.3 days post-ECLS initiation without complications. In-hospital mortality decreased after 2018 (3/9) compared with before (10/13) (p = 0.041) despite longer ECLS run time (723.4 ± 384.2 vs 286.5 ± 235.1 hours, p = 0.003). The number of ECLS-related complications per ECLS 1000 run hours decreased after 2018 (7.2 ± 4.2 vs 46.9 ± 66.5, p = 0.063). Our strategy to promote early VA-to-VV conversion may be worth further evaluation in larger cohort studies.
Effects of inspiratory muscle training on walking capacity of individuals after stroke: A double-blind randomized trial
Authors: Vaz Lorena de Oliveira , Almeida Juliana de Carvalho , Froes Karla Simone dos Santos Oliveira , Dias Cristiane , Pinto Elen Beatriz , Oliveira-Filho Jamary
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

Identify the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on walking capacity, strength and inspiratory muscle endurance, activities of daily living, and quality of life poststroke.

Design:

Double-blind randomized trial.

Setting:

The Sarah Network of Rehabilitation Hospitals.

Subjects:

Adult poststroke inpatients with inspiratory muscle weakness.

Interventions:

The Experimental Group (EG) ( n = 23) underwent IMT for 30 minutes/day, five times/week over six weeks. The Control Group (CG) ( n = 27) performed sham IMT. Both groups underwent standard rehabilitation.

Main measures:

Primary outcome was post-intervention six-minute walking test (6MWT) distance. We also measured maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), inspiratory muscle endurance, activities of daily living (functional independence measure – FIM), and quality of life at baseline and post-intervention. Three months after intervention, we measured MIP, walking capacity and quality of life.

Results:

Baseline characteristics were similar, with mean age 53 ± 11 years and FIM 74 ± 10p. Both groups similarly increased the walking capacity at six weeks (63 vs 67 m, P = 0.803). Compared to the CG, the EG increased the inspiratory endurance (22 vs 7 cmH2O, P = 0.034) but there was no variation in MEP (14 vs 5 cmH2O, P = 0.102), MIP (27 vs 19 cmH2O, P = 0.164), FIM (6 vs 6, P = 0.966) or quality of life (0 vs 0.19, P = 0.493). Gains in both groups were sustained at three months.

Conclusion:

Adding IMT to a rehabilitation program improves inspiratory muscle endurance, but does not further improve MIP, 6-MWT distance, activities of daily living or quality of life of individuals after stroke beyond rehabilitation alone. Registered in Clinical Trials, NCT03171272.
A systematic review of classifications systems to determine complexity of patient care needs in palliative care
Authors: Grant Matthew , de Graaf Everlien , Teunissen Saskia
Published: March 2021

Background:

Providing the right care for each individual patient is a key element of quality palliative care. Complexity is a relatively new concept, defined as the nature of patients’ situations and the extent of resulting needs. Classifying patients according to the complexity of their care needs can guide integration of services, anticipatory discussions, health service planning, resource management and determination of needs for specialist or general palliative care. However, there is no consistent approach to interpreting and classifying complexity of patient needs.

Aim:

The aim of this article is to identify and describe classification systems for complexity of patient care needs in palliative care.

Design:

Narrative systematic review (PROSPERO registration number CRD42020182102).

Data sources:

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsychINFO databases were searched without time limitations. Articles were included that described classification systems for complexity of care requirements in populations with palliative care needs.

Results:

In total, 4301 records were screened, with nine articles identified reporting the use of patient classification systems in populations with palliative care needs. These articles included the use of six classification systems: HexCom, Perroca Scale, AN-SNAP, Hui Major Criteria, IDC-Pal and PALCOM. These systems were heterogenous in the manner they determined complexity of care needs. The HexCom and IDC-Pal systems contained items that covered all domains of complexity as described by Hodiamont; personal, social support, health care team and environment.

Conclusion:

Although six classification systems have been developed, they access differing aspects of care needs and their application has been limited. The HexCOM and IDC-Pal systems offer the broadest determinations of complexity from an individual perspective. Further research is needed to apply these systems to populations external to those in which they were developed, and to appreciate how they may integrate with, and impact, clinical care.
PARP1 rs1136410 Val762Ala contributes to an increased risk of overall cancer in the East Asian population: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xin Yijuan , Yang Liu , Su Mingquan , Cheng Xiaoli , Zhu Lin , Liu Jiayun
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To investigate the association between poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 ( PARP1) rs1136410 Val762Ala and cancer risk in Asian populations, as published findings remain controversial.

Methods

The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched, and references of identified studies and reviews were screened, to find relevant studies. Meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the association between PARP1 rs1136410 Val762Ala and cancer risk, reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 24 studies with 8 926 cases and 15 295 controls were included. Overall, a significant association was found between PARP1 rs1136410 Val762Ala and cancer risk in East Asians (homozygous: OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.06, 1.35; heterozygous: OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04, 1.17; recessive: OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.02, 1.25; dominant: OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06, 1.19; and allele comparison: OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03, 1.15). Stratification analyses by race and cancer type revealed similar results for gastric cancer among the Chinese population.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that PARP1 rs1136410 Val762Ala may be significantly associated with an increased cancer risk in Asians, particularly the Chinese population.
The Role of Edges in Line Drawing Perception
Authors: Hertzmann Aaron
Published: March 2021

It has often been conjectured that the effectiveness of line drawings can be explained by the similarity of edge images to line drawings. This article presents several problems with explaining line drawing perception in terms of edges, and how the recently proposed Realism Hypothesis resolves these problems. There is nonetheless existing evidence that edges are often the best features for predicting where people draw lines; this article describes how the Realism Hypothesis can explain this evidence.
A reassessment of the design of Carnegie public library buildings with a view to their future use: The case of Evanston Public Library, Illinois (1908)
Authors: Black Alistair , Prizeman Oriel
Published: March 2021

Based primarily on archival sources, this study focuses on the original design of the purpose-built Evanston Public Library, Illinois, opened in 1908. Throughout the course of its lifespan of half a century, the Library earned a reputation as one of the town’s most cherished and revered buildings. Its demise, along with that of other Carnegie library buildings, as well as the many that have survived, encourages us to reflect on the changing popularity of Carnegie libraries as public buildings in relation to their potential for ongoing use. Celebrating the legacy of the architectural progressivism inherent in Carnegie public library buildings enhances today's image of their origin, thereby helping to heighten expectations for their future. Re-assessing the reputation of the original designs of Carnegie libraries through case studies like Evanston adds weight to the argument that, where feasible, meaningful efforts should be made to conserve extant Carnegie library buildings.
Quantifying Environmental Benefits of Ridesplitting based on Observed Data from Ridesourcing Services
Authors: Liu Xinghua , Li Wenxiang , Li Ye , Fan Jing , Shen Zhiyong
Published: March 2021

The increasing emissions from the transportation sector pose substantial hazards to the environment and human health around the world. With the rapid development of information and communication technologies, ridesplitting, a form of ridesourcing service accessed via smartphone applications, enables passengers with similar origins and destinations to be matched to the same driver and share the ride. This is regarded as a promising travel mode that could mitigate air pollution. However, because of a lack of quantitative analysis, the environmental benefits of ridesplitting have not been rigorously justified. As vast amounts of observed data of ridesourcing have become increasingly available, this study quantifies the environmental benefits of ridesplitting based on the global positioning system (GPS) trajectory and trip order datasets of DiDi Chuxing in Chengdu, China. First, the saved distances of ridesplitting are calculated by analyzing the travel distances of both ridesplitting trips and the corresponding trips under non-ridesplitting conditions. Then, the emission factors of CO, NOx, and HC are estimated by a localized MOVES model. Combining the saved distances and emission factors, the emission reductions from each ridesplitting trip can be calculated. The results show that ridesplitting can decrease the travel distance by 22% on average compared with non-ridesplitting. As a consequence, the average emission reductions per ridesplitting trip are 10.601 g of CO, 0.691 g of NOx, and 1.424 g of HC, respectively. This study provides a better understanding of the environmental benefits of ridesplitting and theoretical guidance for the government’s decision-making in green transport planning.
Fascia Iliaca Block for Postoperative Pain Control After Hip Arthroscopy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Smith John-Rudolph H. , Kraeutler Matthew J. , Keeling Laura E. , Scillia Anthony J. , McCarty Eric C. , Mei-Dan Omer
Published: March 2021

Background:

Various analgesic modalities have been used to improve postoperative pain in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy.

Purpose:

To systematically review the literature to compare the efficacy of the fascia iliaca block (FIB) with that of other analgesic modalities after hip arthroscopy in terms of postoperative pain scores and analgesic consumption.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase up to April 2020 to identify randomized controlled trials that compared postoperative pain and analgesic consumption in patients after hip arthroscopy with FIB versus other pain control modalities. The search phrase used was “hip arthroscopy fascia iliaca randomized.” Patients were evaluated based on postoperative pain scores and total postoperative analgesic consumption.

Results:

Five studies (3 level 1, 2 level 2) were identified that met inclusion criteria, including 157 patients undergoing hip arthroscopy with FIB (mean age, 38.3 years; 44.6% men) and 159 patients among the following comparison groups: lumbar plexus block (LPB), intra-articular ropivacaine (IAR), local anesthetic infiltration (LAI), saline placebo, and a no-block control group (overall mean age, 36.2 years; 36.5% men). No significant differences in pain scores were reported in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) between the FIB and LPB (3.4 vs 2.9; P = .054), IAR (7.7 vs 7.9; P = .72), control group (no FIB: 4.1 vs 3.8; P = .76); or saline placebo (difference, –0.2 [95% CI, –1.1 to 0.7]). One study reported significantly higher pain scores at 1 hour postoperation in the FIB group compared with the LAI group (5.5 vs 3.4; P = .02). Another study reported significantly greater total analgesic consumption (in morphine equivalent dosing) in the PACU among the FIB group compared with the LPB group (20.8 vs 17.0; P = .02). No significant differences were observed in total PACU analgesic consumption between FIB and other analgesic modalities.

Conclusion:

In patients undergoing hip arthroscopy, the FIB does not appear to demonstrate superiority to other forms of analgesics in the immediate postoperative period. Therefore, it is not recommended as a routine form of pain control for these procedures.
Effect of single and multilevel artificial inter-vertebral disc replacement in lumbar spine: A finite element study
Authors: Biswas Jayanta Kumar , Rana Masud , Malas Anindya , Roy Sandipan , Chatterjee Subhomoy , Choudhury Sandeep
Published: March 2021

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) in lumbar spine is one of the major musculoskeletal disorders that cause low back pain (LBP). The intervertebral disc structure and dynamics of the lumbar spine are significantly affected by lumbar DDD, leading to a reduced range of motion (ROM), muscle weakness and gradual degradation. Spinal fusion and inter-vertebral disc replacement prostheses are two major surgical methods used for treating lumbar DDD. The aim of this present study is to examine biomechanical impacts of single level (L3-L4 and L4-L5) and multi level (L3-L4-L5) inter-vertebral disc replacement in lumbar spine (L2-L5) and to compare the performance with intact spine. Finite element (FE) analysis has been used to compare the mobility and stress distribution of all the models for four physiological movements, namely flexion, extension, left and right lateral bending under 6, 8 and 10 Nm moments. Spinal fusion implants completely restrict the motion of the implanted segment and increase disc stress at the adjacent levels. In contrast to that, the results single level ADR models showed closer ROM and disc stress to natural model. At the spinal segments adjacent to the implantation, single level ADR shows lower chance of disc degeneration. However, significantly increased ROM was observed in case of double level ADR.
Disease management in a patient diagnosed with COVID-19 disease during induction intravesical BCG therapy: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ok Fesih , Durmus Emrullah
Published: March 2021

Objective:

To discuss the patient diagnosed with COVID-19 disease while receiving intravesical induction bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, its management in the light of the literature.

Patient and methods:

A 52-year-old male patient, who received intravesical BCG treatment for high-grade pT1 papillary urothelial carcinoma, presented 12 h after taking the fourth dose of induction therapy 38.2° fever and chills. The patient’s reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test was positive, and Thorax CT imaging showed a few ground-glass pneumonic infiltrations in bilateral lung bases consistent with COVID-19 disease.

Results:

Although international urology associations have current recommendations regarding the pandemic process, only one study has made specific recommendations regarding the patient group diagnosed with COVID-19 while receiving intravesical BCG treatment. According to this recommendation, we interrupted our patient’s BCG treatment for 3 weeks and then completed the treatment for 6 weeks. A maintenance treatment not exceeding 1 year was planned.

Conclusion:

This group of patients’ recommendation is to delay BCG therapy for at least 3 weeks after initial symptoms to allow for complete recovery. Although the administration schedule varies, maintenance therapy is recommended for no more than 1 year.