bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lepidagathis rajasekharae (Acanthaceae), a new species from the Seshachalam hills of Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India

Authors: PRASAD KOTHAREDDY , REDDY ARAVEETI MADHUSUDHANA
Published: November 2020

A new species of Lepidagathis, L. rajasekharae is reported from the Seshachalam hills of Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh, India. The new species is closely allied to L. fasciculata but differs in many attributes which are discussed here. A detailed description, photographs and conservation status are provided for the new species.
A new species of Deuveia Minet, 2002 (Lepidoptera, Epicopeiidae) from China
Authors: KRUPITSKY ANATOLY V. , SHAPOVAL NAZAR A.
Published: November 2020

A new epicopeiid species, Deuveia panda sp. n., is described from northeastern Sichuan, China. The new species differs from the sole congeneric species, D. banghaasi (Hering, 1936), in the remarkable black and white colouration pattern of the wings, the shape of the wings and the shape of the valva, juxta and aedeagus. The new species is geographically isolated from all known localities of D. banghaasi by highlands of the Min Mountains.
The first new genus of the tribe Hypulini Seidlitz (Coleoptera: Melandryidae) described from late Eocene Baltic amber
Authors: ALEKSEEV VITALII I. , PANKOWSKI MAXIMILIAN G.
Published: November 2020

A new extinct monotypic genus of the false darkling beetles, Madelinia gedanoposita gen. et sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on an inclusion in Baltic amber. The new taxon from a northern European Eocene forest is compared with the morphologically similar extant beetles as well as fossil melandryid beetles found in Baltic amber. The specimen establishes that the tribe Hypulini dates back to at least the Eocene and represents the first fossil genus of the group described. The composition of the tribe is discussed, and its present-day geographic distribution is mapped.
New synonymies among species of Brontostoma (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: GIL-SANTANA HÉLCIO R.
Published: November 2020

The presence of the same general structure and vestiture, an overall similarity in coloration with merely a few minor differences, a broad range of intraspecific variation with several intermediate color varieties forms, and the similar structure of the male genitalia in three Neotropical species of Brontostoma Kirkaldy, 1904 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Ectrichodiinae) led to the hypothesis that all of them represent a single species, resulting in the following newly proposed subjective synonymies: B. basalis (Stål, 1859) = B. sanguinosum (Stål, 1872), syn. nov. = B. pallitarsis (Walker, 1873), syn. nov. The male genitalia of another nominal species, B. infensum Wygodzinsky, 1951, showed a set of differences which are judged to sufficiently support the recognition of it as a separate species. Intraspecific morphological and color variations of B. basalis are documented and discussed, and this species is recorded from French Guiana for the first time.
Description of new species of Ambrosiodmus Hopkins and Dryocoetoides Hopkins (Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) from Mexico
Authors: SILVA MAURICIO PÉREZ , ATKINSON THOMAS H. , MARTÍNEZ ARMANDO EQUIHUA , DE LA CRUZ MANUEL PÉREZ
Published: November 2020

Two new species of ambrosia beetles in the Xyleborini from southeastern Mexico are described and illustrated: Ambrosiodmus spinosus n. sp. and Dryocoeetoides tuberculatus n. sp.
Taxonomic notes on the antlion genus Distoleon Banks (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae) from Pakistan
Authors: HASSAN MUHAMMAD ASGHAR , ZHENG YUCHEN , LIU XINGYUE
Published: November 2020

The species of the antlion genus Distoleon Banks, 1910 (Myrmeleontidae, Myrmeleontinae, Nemoleontini) from Pakistan are revised. Three species, Distoleon sambalpurensis Ghosh, 1984, Distoleon tappa (Walker, 1853), and Distoleon verendus (Walker, 1853), all known from northern Pakistan, are re-described. Myrmeleon vesanus Walker, 1853 syn. nov. is assigned as a junior synonym of Distoleon verendus (Walker, 1853). The female of Distoleon tappa is described for the first time. Discussions about the geographical distribution of all these species are provided in detail. A key to known species of Distoleon from Pakistan is provided.
Currhaeus, a new genus of net-winged beetles and phylogenetic analysis of Eurrhacini (Coleoptera: Lycidae: Lycinae)
Authors: NASCIMENTO ELYNTON ALVES DO , BRESSAN TAMIRES DINIZ , BOCAKOVA MILADA
Published: November 2020

A new genus of Neotropical Lycidae, Currhaeus gen. nov., is herein proposed as the second Eurrhacini genus lacking parameres in male genitalia. Seven new species are described: Currhaeus striatus sp. nov., C. nigroapicalis sp. nov., C. championi sp. nov., C. tabascensis sp. nov., C. ruschii sp. nov., C. polegattoi sp. nov., and C. paranaensis sp. nov. Illustrations of diagnostic characters and a key to species identification are presented. Parsimony and maximum likelihood analyses of morphological data demonstrated that Currhaeus gen. nov. belongs in the crown Eurrhacini. Implied weighting parsimony trees recovered Currhaeus as sister to Eurrhacus Waterhouse.
Cirrus Cloud Top-of-the-Atmosphere Net Daytime Forcing in the Alaskan Subarctic from Ground-Based MPLNET Monitoring
Authors: Campbell James R. , Dolinar Erica K. , Lolli Simone , Fochesatto Gilberto J. , Gu Yu , Lewis Jasper R. , Marquis Jared W. , McHardy Theodore M. , Ryglicki David R. , Welton Ellsworth J.
Published: November 2020

Cirrus cloud daytime top-of-the-atmosphere radiative forcing (TOA CRF) is estimated for a 2-yr NASA Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (532 nm; MPLNET) dataset collected at Fairbanks, Alaska. Two-year-averaged daytime TOA CRF is estimated to be between −1.08 and 0.78 W·m−2 (from −0.49 to 1.10 W·m−2 in 2017, and from −1.67 to 0.47 W·m−2 in 2018). This subarctic study completes a now trilogy of MPLNET ground-based cloud forcing investigations, following midlatitude and tropical studies by Campbell et al. at Greenbelt, Maryland, and Lolli et al. at Singapore. Campbell et al. hypothesize a global meridional daytime TOA CRF gradient that begins as positive at the equator (2.20–2.59 W·m−2 over land and from −0.46 to 0.42 W·m−2 over ocean at Singapore), becomes neutral in the midlatitudes (0.03–0.27 W·m−2 over land in Maryland), and turns negative moving poleward. This study does not completely confirm Campbell et al., as values are not found as exclusively negative. Evidence in historical reanalysis data suggests that daytime cirrus forcing in and around the subarctic likely once was exclusively negative. Increasing tropopause heights, inducing higher and colder cirrus, have likely increased regional forcing over the last 40 years. We hypothesize that subarctic interannual cloud variability is likely a considerable influence on global cirrus cloud forcing sensitivity, given the irregularity of polar versus midlatitude synoptic weather intrusions. This study and hypothesis lay the basis for an extrapolation of these MPLNET experiments to satellite-based lidar cirrus cloud datasets.
Changes in Local and Global Climate Feedbacks in the Absence of Interactive Clouds: Southern Ocean–Climate Interactions in Two Intermediate-Complexity Models
Authors: Pfister Patrik L. , Stocker Thomas F.
Published: November 2020

The global-mean climate feedback quantifies how much the climate system will warm in response to a forcing such as increased CO2 concentration. Under a constant forcing, this feedback becomes less negative (increasing) over time in comprehensive climate models, which has been attributed to increases in cloud and lapse-rate feedbacks. However, out of eight Earth system models of intermediate complexity (EMICs) not featuring interactive clouds, two also simulate such a feedback increase: Bern3D-LPX and LOVECLIM. Using these two models, we investigate the causes of the global-mean feedback increase in the absence of cloud feedbacks. In both models, the increase is predominantly driven by processes in the Southern Ocean region. In LOVECLIM, the global-mean increase is mainly due to a local longwave feedback increase in that region, which can be attributed to lapse-rate changes. It is enhanced by the slow atmospheric warming above the Southern Ocean, which is delayed due to regional ocean heat uptake. In Bern3D-LPX, this delayed regional warming is the main driver of the global-mean feedback increase. It acts on a near-constant local feedback pattern mainly determined by the sea ice–albedo feedback. The global-mean feedback increase is limited by the availability of sea ice: faster Southern Ocean sea ice melting due to either stronger forcing or higher equilibrium climate sensitivity (ECS) reduces the increase of the global mean feedback in Bern3D-LPX. In the highest-ECS simulation with 4 × CO2 forcing, the feedback even becomes more negative (decreasing) over time. This reduced ice–albedo feedback due to sea ice depletion is a plausible mechanism for a decreasing feedback also in high-forcing simulations of other models.
Clarifying the Relation between AMOC and Thermal Wind: Application to the Centennial Variability in a Coupled Climate Model
Authors: Waldman Robin , Hirschi Joël , Voldoire Aurore , Cassou Christophe , Msadek Rym
Published: November 2020

This work aims to clarify the relation between the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and the thermal wind. We derive a new and generic dynamical AMOC decomposition that expresses the thermal wind transport as a simple vertical integral function of eastern minus western boundary densities. This allows us to express density anomalies at any depth as a geostrophic transport in Sverdrups (1 Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) per meter and to predict that density anomalies around the depth of maximum overturning induce most AMOC transport. We then apply this formalism to identify the dynamical drivers of the centennial AMOC variability in the CNRM-CM6 climate model. The dynamical reconstruction and specifically the thermal wind component explain over 80% of the low-frequency AMOC variance at all latitudes, which is therefore almost exclusively driven by density anomalies at both zonal boundaries. This transport variability is dominated by density anomalies between depths of 500 and 1500 m, in agreement with theoretical predictions. At those depths, southward-propagating western boundary temperature anomalies induce the centennial geostrophic AMOC transport variability in the North Atlantic. They are originated along the western boundary of the subpolar gyre through the Labrador Sea deep convection and the Davis Strait overflow.
Pioneer dataset and recognition of Handwritten Pashto characters using Convolution Neural Networks
Authors: Khan Sulaiman , Hafeez Abdul , Ali Hazrat , Nazir Shah , Hussain Anwar
Published: November 2020

This paper presents an efficient OCR system for the recognition of offline Pashto isolated characters. The lack of an appropriate dataset makes it challenging to match against a reference and perform recognition. This research work addresses this problem by developing a medium-size database that comprises 4488 samples of handwritten Pashto character; that can be further used for experimental purposes. In the proposed OCR system the recognition task is performed using convolution neural network. The performance analysis of the proposed OCR system is validated by comparing its results with artificial neural network and support vector machine based on zoning feature extraction technique. The results of the proposed experiments shows an accuracy of 56% for the support vector machine, 78% for artificial neural network, and 80.7% for the proposed OCR system. The high recognition rate shows that the OCR system based on convolution neural network performs best among the used techniques.
The synergistic effect of CNTs-polymeric surfactant on the properties of concrete nanocomposites: Comparative study
Authors: Güler Ömer , Cacim Nazlı N , Evin Ertan , Yahia Ibrahim S
Published: November 2020

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been used as reinforcing material for many different matrices. There are many studies in the literature reporting that reinforcement of CNTs into concrete matrix improved the properties of the concrete. In this study, first unmodified CNTs were reinforced to concrete and it was seen that there were partial decreases in strength despite the increasing rate of CNTs. Thereon, the surfaces of CNTs to be used as reinforcing material were modified with water-soluble surfactants (Polyvinyl alcohol-PVA, Polyvinylpyrrolidone-PVP, Poly (ethylene glycol)-PEG, Dodecylamine-DDA) and reinforced with concrete. In previous studies, many different surfactants were tried to functionalise the surfaces of CNTs. However, in this study, water-soluble polymeric surfactants were preferred without the need for an additional process in order to modify the surfaces of CNTs. In addition, the effect of the surfactants used on the mechanical properties of concrete was examined comparatively. Although the amount of CNTs reinforcement is very low like 0.05 wt%, the increase in strength was seen to be above 60%. The highest strength values were obtained in the sample in which PVA was used as surfactant. Through the surfactants used, bundles of CNTs were fully opened and distributed homogeneously into the concrete matrix, and all of the CNTs were embedded into the matrix by getting wet by the matrix. In the real application, it will be possible to use new generation concretes with higher strength and lighter weight by providing the ease of reinforcing CNTs to the concrete matrix.
Socio-economic and environmental barriers to increased agricultural production: New evidence from central Thailand
Authors: Apipoonyanon Chidchanok , Szabo Sylvia , Tsusaka Takuji W , Leeson Kevin , Gunawan Endro , Kuwornu John KM
Published: November 2020

Thailand’s agricultural production has played a major role in enhancing the sustainability of domestic food supplies and successful international exports. However, agricultural production and farm productivity remain relatively low, especially in rapidly ageing high out-migration areas and among small-scale farmers. In this study, we use new household survey data from Prachinburi Province to examine the probability of facing six specific barriers to agricultural production. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and a series of logistic regressions to identify the determinants. The results show that age of household head, off-farm income, farm size, and farm type were all associated with the likelihood of different productivity barriers. Gender of household heads was found to be associated with the probability of farm labour shortage, with female-headed households being at a disadvantage. We recommend that policies should be formulated to address these significant factors in order to overcome or circumvent the different barriers and enhance the livelihoods of the local population.
Adolescent Sleep Problems and Susceptibility to Peer Influence
Authors: Semenza Daniel C. , Jackson Dylan B. , Testa Alexander , Meldrum Ryan C.
Published: November 2020

Susceptibility to peer influence among adolescents is associated with a variety of negative interpersonal and psychosocial outcomes. Although proper sleep is crucial for adolescent development and well-being, no study to date has examined the influence of sleep problems on susceptibility to peer influence. We assess this relationship using two waves of data ( n = 907; 50% male, 18% non-White) from the Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD). Results of a series of multivariate regression models demonstrate that sleep problems are positively associated with susceptibility to peer influence, net of pertinent demographic characteristics, theoretical controls, and prior susceptibility to peer influence. These findings suggest that efforts to improve sleep quality and quantity among adolescents, including educational sleep hygiene programs and later school start times, may serve to curtail susceptibility to peer influence and improve various aspects of wellbeing.
Justification Crisis: Brexit, Trump, and Deliberative Breakdown
Authors: Milstein Brian
Published: November 2020

This essay explores the problem of legitimation crises in deliberative systems. For some time now, theorists of deliberative democracy have started to embrace a “systemic approach.” But if deliberative democracy is to be understood in the context of a system of multiple moving parts, then we must confront the possibility that that system’s dynamics may admit of breakdowns, contradictions, and tendencies toward crisis. Yet such crisis potentials remain largely unexplored in deliberative theory. The present article works toward rectifying this lacuna, using the 2016 Brexit and Trump votes as examples of a particular kind of “legitimation crisis” that results in a sequence of failures in the deliberative system. Drawing on recent work of Rainer Forst, I identify this particular kind of legitimation crisis as a “justification crisis.”
Hybrid Telepsychiatry: A United States Perspective with Relevance to India
Authors: Thippaiah Srinagesh Mannekote , Harbishettar Vijaykumar , Kumar T Manoj , Pandurangi Ananda
Published: November 2020

Telepsychiatry provides a platform for mental health care delivery in rural and remote areas. Hybrid Telepsychiatry model combines home-based telepsychiatry with domiciliary visits by community mental health workers. This involves use of different modes of teledevices which ensures safe and secure clinical platform. Research evidence supports that incorporating this model seems to use the specialist time efficiently where the resources are limited and services need to be catered for larger geographical community. The current telepsychiatry practice in the United States, specifically the hybrid model, has indisputably shown significant benefits in caring for psychiatric patients. Such valuable clinical model and its relevance to current mental practice and also its application in the Indian scenario can be helpful in providing comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment. This review evaluates and highlights the potential risks and benefits of adopting the hybrid telepsychiatry model in the Indian mental health system.
Defining the role of occupational therapy with people living with and beyond cancer: Perspectives of British and Irish occupational therapists
Authors: Mackenzie Lynette
Published: November 2020

Introduction

More people are surviving cancer treatment and face challenges in everyday life. Occupational therapists may often interact with people living with and beyond cancer. This study aimed to identify the perspectives of United Kingdom and Irish occupational therapists about their views on the role of occupational therapy with people living with and beyond cancer.

Method

A cross-sectional online survey was distributed via the United Kingdom and Irish occupational therapy professional associations, social media invitations and snowball sampling. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

A total of 141 occupational therapists (56.6% from Ireland and 43.4% from the United Kingdom) responded; however, some did not answer every question. The largest group were those who worked in publicly funded community service settings: National Health Service, Health Service Executive in Ireland and social care ( n = 49, 33.8%), or publicly funded hospitals ( n = 45, 31.0%), and 40% ( n = 54) frequently worked with people living with and beyond cancer. Participants rated the most common interventions used, therapeutic gaps, barriers to best practice in survivorship care and opinions about further education needed.

Conclusion

Participants agreed that the occupational therapy role with people living with and beyond cancer was under-developed. The study identified gaps in best practice that need to be addressed to accommodate the predicted growth in numbers of people living with and beyond cancer.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Women’s Reports of Past-Year Intimate Partner Violence: A Comparative Analysis of Six East African National Surveys
Authors: Kiwuwa-Muyingo Sylvia , Kadengye Damazo T.
Published: November 2020

Violence against women, in all its forms, has been acknowledged as a violation of basic human rights and research evidence shows that it could lead to adverse health consequences. In this study we aimed to determine the prevalence and coexistence of different forms of IPV as well as examine individual-level factors associated with ever experiencing any form of IPV in the 12 months preceding the survey using the most recent Demographic Health Survey data from six East African countries. Results show that the prevalence ranged between 16.5% (Burundi) and 29.3% (Uganda) for emotional, 16.8% (Ethiopia) and 26.6% (Tanzania) for physical, and 8.3% (Rwanda and Ethiopia) and 18.4% (Burundi) for sexual IPV. The prevalence of any IPV ranged from 26.7% to 39.3%. In terms of coexistence, 15.6% to 19.0% of women reported experiencing all the three forms of IPV, with higher proportions reporting experiencing two of the three forms of IPV. The prevalence of both physical and emotional IPV was highest in Tanzania (49.1%), both emotional and sexual IPV in Uganda (28.0%), and both physical and sexual IPV in Burundi (26.2%). A partner’s use of alcohol and a woman’s justification of wife beating were both statistically significant common risk factors for IPV across the six countries. Women whose partners got drunk often were found to be up to nine times more likely to experience IPV compared to those whose partners did not drink. Younger women and those with larger families were at an increased risk of experiencing IPV, while other significant factors were country specific. In conclusion, our findings highlight the need for integrated and context-specific approaches that deconstruct gendered norms related to power dynamics and patriarchal nuances at household and community level in order to holistically address different forms of IPV.
Design of shifting strategy for capacity adjustment device of power reflux hydraulic transmission systems based on working condition identification
Authors: Kan Yingzhe , Sun Dongye , Qin Datong , Luo Yong , Hu Minghui , Shi Junren
Published: November 2020

The performance of a wheel loader (WL) can be improved with the application of a power reflux hydraulic transmission system (PRHTS) with a capacity adjustment device (CA-device). However, due to CA-device’s unique working principle, the traditional shifting strategy is not suitable for CA-device. Apply traditional shifting strategy to CA-device will result in frequent or incorrect shifting. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes applying the working condition identification to the CA-device shifting strategy. Combining the working principle of PRHTS with CA-device and the analysis of WL V-condition, the requirement for the working condition identification algorithm of the CA-device shifting strategy is obtained, and a working condition identification algorithm for WL V-condition is designed. Simulation results show that applying the working condition identification algorithm to the CA-device shifting strategy can avoid frequent shifts and incorrect shifts. A hardware-in-the-loop platform is built to verify the real-time performance of the shifting strategy. Results show that the proposed shifting strategy exhibits a satisfactory level of real-time performance.
Beliefs, Benefits and Barriers Associated with Physical Activity: Impact of These Factors on Physical Activity in Patients With Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hsu Hsiang-Ju , Chung Ding-Tien , Lee Li-Yun , Lin I-Pei , Chen Shu-Ching
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to assess patients’ levels of belief, benefits and barriers toward physical activity, and to identify factors associated with physical activity performance in patients with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The study was carried out using cross-sectional correlation design. Subjects from the endocrinology and metabolism outpatient departments of a teaching hospital in northern Taiwan were recruited by consecutive sampling. A total of 149 patients with type II DM were recruited. More physical activity was associated with stronger physical activity beliefs, including recovery self-efficacy, action and coping planning, and maintenance self-efficacy, which explained 40.9% of variance in physical activity performance. Patient-centered physical activity programs (resistance exercise, daily walking, or Tai Chi exercise) can reduce patients’ barriers toward performing physical activity.
Rethinking Carbapenems: A Pharmacokinetic Approach for Antimicrobial Selection in Infected Necrotizing Pancreatitis
Authors: Maguire Christina , Agrawal Deepak , Daley Mitchell J. , Douglass Elizabeth , Rose Dusten T.
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To provide an overview of pathophysiological changes to the pancreas during infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP), optimal drug properties needed to penetrate the pancreas, human and animal studies supporting the use of antimicrobials, and carbapenem-sparing strategies in INP.

Data Sources:

A literature analysis of PubMed/MEDLINE was performed (from 1960 to September 2020) using the following key terms: infected necrotizing pancreatitis, necrotizing acute pancreatitis, and infected pancreatitis antimicrobial concentration. Individual antimicrobials were investigated with these search terms.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All relevant studies describing the management of INP, and human and animal pharmacokinetic (PK) data supporting antimicrobial use in the pancreas were reviewed for possible inclusion regardless of sample size or study design.

Data Synthesis:

Piperacillin/tazobactam and cefepime achieve adequate pancreatic tissue concentrations in INP studies. A majority of the literature supporting carbapenem use in INP involves imipenem, and meropenem Monte Carlo simulations suggest that standard dosing regimens of meropenem may not achieve PK targets to eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

Carbapenems are often utilized for INP treatment based on guideline recommendations. This review discusses PK data, the history of carbapenem use in INP, and the pathophysiology of pancreatitis to suggest carbapenem-sparing strategies and provides stewardship tactics such as when to start antimicrobials, which empirical antimicrobial to use, and when to discontinue antimicrobials in the INP setting.

Conclusions:

Noncarbapenem antipseudomonals, such as piperacillin/tazobactam and cefepime, are appropriate carbapenem-sparing options in INP, based on PK data, spectrum of activity, and risk of collateral damage.
Why Severe COVID-19 Patients Are at Greater Risk of Developing Depression: A Molecular Perspective
Authors: Bouças Ana P. , Rheinheimer Jakeline , Lagopoulos Jim
Published: November 2020

The prevailing evidence suggests that patients with severe COVID-19 seem to have an overreaction of the immune system demonstrating exacerbated levels of inflammation caused by a “cytokine storm.” At this early stage, the mechanisms underpinning COVID-19 are still subject to intense scrutiny and the long-term mental health consequences as a result of the disease are unknown. Here we discuss the hypothesis that patients who survive severe COVID-19 and who experience significant activation of the immune system, are at greater risk of developing depression. We posit that a phenomenon known as cytokine storm dramatically activates the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO-1), resulting in the increase in kynurenine metabolites. Kynurenine is metabolized by IDO-1 in the brain, producing chemokines, in which a prolonged exposure may result long-term brain impairment. In this article, we also propose the possibility that a SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion increases the local levels of angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 down-regulation. Thereby, angiotensin II could increase kynurenine metabolites producing pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory effects, resulting in impairment of cognitive function, enhanced oxidative stress and decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor. It is our premise that patients who experience such a cytokine storm may be at increased risk of long-term mental illness, such as depression.
Corneal flattening following collagen crosslinking for keratoconus: Findings at 5-year follow-up
Authors: Hoyek Sandra , Arej Nicolas , El Rami Hala , Saba Peggy , Antoun Joelle
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To study the corneal flattening effect of cross-linking (CXL) overtime and to look for a potential association with preoperative topographic variables and the central depth of demarcation line (DDL).

Methods:

201 eyes of 146 patients (mean age of 31.2 ± 7.3 years) with progressive keratoconus who underwent CXL between June 2007 and December 2012 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Follow-up visits were performed at different time intervals for at least 5 years. Preoperative parameters and depth of demarcation line were collected from LaserVision ophthalmology center in Lebanon. Corneal flattening was defined by a change in postoperative Kmax (ΔKmax) greater than 1.00 D.

Results:

ΔKmax increased from 50.25% to 61.69%, from first to last follow-up visits. The only factor significantly correlated to ΔKmax during all follow-up visits was preoperative maximum keratometry (Kmax) especially when greater than 50.00 D (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.10–3.34). All eyes showed a corneal demarcation line (mean central depth (DDL): 217.11 ± 26.54 μm), with no statistically significant correlation between DDL and ΔKmax.

Conclusion:

CXL effect on cornea can be cumulative overtime and delayed flattening occurs in some cases. ΔKmax is positively correlated with preoperative Kmax and no association was found between ΔKmax and DDL. Therefore, DDL may not be a valid measure for the efficacy of CXL.
Roma heteroidentification in the National Roma Integration Strategies of the European Union countries
Authors: Català-Oltra Lluís , Arza-Porras Javier , La Parra-Casado Daniel
Published: November 2020

As part of the EU’s social policy, the National Roma Integration Strategies (NRIS) have been in force until 2020. It was a pending task to systematically observe how these strategies define the Roma population and what element of the definition is prioritised. This is useful in understanding the limits of a unitary policy within the European Union concerning the Roma and also to analyse the orientation of said policies in each country. In this sense, we have previously defined what the Roma heteroidentification components are and we have selected the terms and lexemes that are associated with them. By using content analysis techniques, we have pinpointed the components in the NRIS and we have conducted a statistical analysis with the obtained data. The majority of EU countries define the Roma in their strategies as an ethnocultural, disadvantaged and discriminated group and, to a lesser extent, as foreigners or nomads. This heteroidentification is established based on the geopolitical bloc (East and West) to which the country belongs and the department in charge of the NRIS (mainly social departments or specific departments for minorities).
The changing value of higher education in England and Portugal: Massification, marketization and public good
Authors: Alves Mariana Gaio , Tomlinson Michael
Published: November 2020

This article examines how the value of higher education (HE) is currently being (re)framed in two European countries: England and Portugal. HE has been central to a global discourse on the future of knowledge economy, whilst also being subject to the policy framework of New Public Management. Being so, the changing value of HE is related to the ways in which its missions are understood and must be considered within the context of massification, as well as of a growing importance of employability. Drawing on published research and also considering national policy documents and statistical data produced by international organizations, the analysis demonstrates how HE in these two countries is currently being (re)framed, recognizing differences and similarities that express national specificities, as well as exploring how these have evolved within the wider national and pan-national policy context. Overall, the examination demanded going beyond the marketization approach by complementing it with the idea of public good and leads us to stress the importance of the tension between these two approaches as an analytical framework to better understand the changes occurring in different national contexts, within a transnational framework in which the knowledge economy and the central role of HE seems to be indisputably accepted.
Hardness, wear behavior and processing time of diluent and non-diluent nanocomposite laminates manufactured by vacuum infusion technique
Authors: Youssef Sherif M , Agwa MA , Ali-Eldin Soliman S , Megahed M
Published: November 2020

The manufacturing of nanocomposites using the Vacuum Resin Infusion (VRI) technique can be considered a challenging task. The reason for this challenge is the high viscosity of the nanofilled resin. For large composite laminates, the nanofilled resin may be cured before complete mold filling, and thus can be considered as a waste of money. In this study, different weight fractions of TiO2 nanoparticles (0.25 wt. % and 0.5 wt. %) were added to epoxy resin. Also, different weight fractions of ethanol (0.5 wt. % and 1 wt. %) were added to both unfilled and nanofilled epoxy. The processing time, hardness, and wear behavior of the composite laminates were investigated. It was found that the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles improved the hardness and wear behavior of composite laminates but the processing time was high. Also, results showed that adding a small amount of ethanol (0.5 wt. %) and 0.25 wt. % of TiO2 nanoparticles to epoxy reinforced with chopped/woven glass fiber not only reduced the processing time but also improved the hardness and wear resistance as compared to neat composite laminates. Moreover, adding 0.5 wt. % of ethanol and 0.25 wt. % of TiO2 nanoparticles to woven E-glass/epoxy (WN0.25E0.5) gives hardness and wear resistance close to that obtained with woven E-glass/epoxy filled with 0.5 wt. % of TiO2 nanoparticles (WN0.5). It is economical to manufacture WN0.25E0.5 rather than WN0.5 as the cost and processing time of WN0.25E0.5 is lower than WN0.5.
Distal Retrograde Access for Infrainguinal Arterial Chronic Total Occlusions: A Prospective, Single Center, Observational Study in the Office-Based Laboratory Setting
Authors: Leon Luis R. , Green Courtney , Labropoulos Nicos , Pacanowski John P. , Jhajj Sandeep , Pandit Viraj
Published: November 2020

Objective:

To assess the safety and efficacy of retrograde arterial recanalization of infrainguinal CTOs in the OBL setting.

Methods:

Consecutive patients who underwent interventions for lower extremity CTOs in the OBL setting by a single vascular surgeon were evaluated (January 2013-November 2017). If antegrade crossing was not possible, then a retrograde distal approach was used. Patient characteristics, CTO location, procedural time, contrast, anticoagulation and radiation doses and costs were recorded. Post-procedural complications were documented on post-procedure day 1 and 10-14 days post procedure. Three groups were compared: group 1—antegrade approach for femoropopliteal CTOs; group 2—antegrade approach for tibial CTOs, and; group 3—retrograde approach for femoropopliteal and tibial CTOs.

Results:

Two hundred and thirty-seven patients were studied. In 39 (16.5%), the lesions could not be crossed. A successful antegrade approach was used in 185 of them, of which 69% ( group 1, n = 128) patients had femoropopliteal CTOs and 31% ( group 2, n = 57) had tibial CTOs. Fourteen patients (5.9%, group 3) were treated by retrograde distal approach. Group 3 patients received higher contrast doses than groups 1 and 2 ( p = 0.01). However, patients in groups 1 and 2 received similar contrast doses. Group 3 patients had the highest operative time and treatment costs followed by group 1 and then group 2 ( p = 0.01). Three femoral pseudoaneurysms were noted in group 1, and 2 in group 2. No complications were seen in group 3.

Conclusions:

Although the operative times, costs, radiation and contrast dose are higher with retrograde arterial access, it represents a safe and effective method for the crossing of CTO infrainguinal lesions in an ambulatory venue.
Physiological responses on the Concept II BikeErg and Concept II RowErg in well-trained male rowers
Authors: Turner Kirstie J , Rice Anthony J
Published: November 2020

Stationary cycling is a common training mode of rowers, used to provide variety in training programs and prevent overuse injuries commonly associated with the repetitive nature of the rowing stroke. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in physiological responses on a Concept II BikeErg (Concept II BikeErg; Concept2 Inc., US) and Concept II RowErg (Concept II Model D; Concept2 Inc., US) at matched submaximal workloads so training load can be appropriately prescribed for stationary cycling. Ten well-trained, male rowers completed 6 min of exercise at four submaximal workloads (50%, 62.5%, 75% and 87.5% of their most recent 2000 m RowErg score) interspersed with 2-minute recovery periods on both ergometers in a single day. Ergometer order was randomised and balanced between groups. At matched power output (PO) results while on the RowErg were significantly higher across all workloads for rate of oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text]), rate of carbon dioxide production ([Formula: see text]), minute ventilation ([Formula: see text]) and heart rate (HR) (p < 0.05) and across the final two workloads for Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and blood lactate concentration (BLa) (p < 0.05). When oxygen uptake at a fixed value ([Formula: see text] = 3.5 L.min−1) was matched between groups results while on the RowErg were significantly lower for PO, BLa, [Formula: see text], RER and RPE whereas [Formula: see text] and HR were similar to the BikeErg. These results support the understanding that displayed power output on the RowErg does not account for all work done during the rowing stroke cycle, specifically during the recovery phase. In conclusion, the physiological responses on the Concept II BikeErg are no more closely aligned to the Concept II RowErg than previously shown for similar cycle ergometers from different manufacturers. Due to the lack of consistency between Concept II BikeErg and Concept II RowErg PO, HR is better suited for the prescription of training loads on the BikeErg.
Outcome measurement tools for communication, voice and speech intelligibility in the ICU and their clinimetric properties: A systematic review
Authors: Zaga Charissa J , Cigognini Bridie , Vogel Adam P , Berney Sue
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To identify outcome measurement tools used to evaluate communication, voice and speech intelligibility in the mechanically ventilated ICU population. Secondly, to evaluate, synthesise and compare the clinimetric properties of the tools identified.

Materials and methods

A systematic review of articles was undertaken via electronic databases in two parts. Eligibility criteria for selection: part one – quantitative or mixed methods studies which assessed communication, voice or speech intelligibility; part two – studies which evaluated a clinimetric property for one of the tools identified in part one. Two independent reviewers assessed articles for inclusion and used the consensus-based standards for health status measurement instruments (COSMIN) risk of bias checklist.

Results

The part one search yielded five included studies comprised of eight outcome measurement tools. The part two search yielded 22 included studies comprised of nine tools. Few studies had adequate reliability and measurement error properties. No studies established responsiveness. A notable proportion of studies utilised tools that have no clinimetric properties.

Conclusions

There is a relatively small number of studies which have established clinimetric properties for outcome measurement tools that evaluate communication, voice and/or speech intelligibility, and a fewer number which have done so in the mechanically ventilated ICU population.
Human induced pluripotent stem cells technology in treatment resistant depression: novel strategies and opportunities to unravel ketamine’s fast-acting antidepressant mechanisms
Authors: Marcatili Matteo , Sala Carlo , Dakanalis Antonios , Colmegna Fabrizia , D’Agostino Armando , Gambini Orsola , Dell’Osso Bernardo , Benatti Beatrice , Conti Luciano , Clerici Massimo
Published: November 2020

Approximately 30% of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) patients develop treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Among the different causes that make TRD so challenging in both clinical and research contexts, major roles are played by the inadequate understanding of MDD pathophysiology and the limitations of current pharmacological treatments. Nevertheless, the field of psychiatry is facing exciting times. Combined with recent advances in genome editing techniques, human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) technology is offering novel and unique opportunities in both disease modelling and drug discovery. This technology has allowed innovative disease-relevant patient-specific in vitro models to be set up for many psychiatric disorders. Such models hold great potential in enhancing our understanding of MDD pathophysiology and overcoming many of the well-known practical limitations inherent to animal and post-mortem models.

Moreover, the field is approaching the advent of (es)ketamine, a glutamate N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, claimed as one of the first and exemplary agents with rapid (in hours) antidepressant effects, even in TRD patients. Although ketamine seems poised to transform the treatment of depression, its exact mechanisms of action are still unclear but greatly demanded, as the resulting knowledge may provide a model to understand the mechanisms behind rapid-acting antidepressants, which may lead to the discovery of novel compounds for the treatment of depression. After reviewing insights into ketamine’s mechanisms of action (derived from preclinical animal studies) and depicting the current state of the art of hiPSC technology below, we will consider the implementation of an hiPSC technology-based TRD model for the study of ketamine’s fast acting antidepressant mechanisms of action.
Relationship Between the OF Classification and Radiological Outcome of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures After Kyphoplasty
Authors: Palmowski Yannick , Balmer Sophie , Hu Zhouyang , Winkler Tobias , Schnake Klaus John , Kandziora Frank , Pumberger Matthias
Published: November 2020

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives:

The OF classification is a new classification for osteoporotic vertebral fractures. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between preoperative OF subgroups and the postoperative outcome after kyphoplasty in patients with such fractures.

Methods:

Patients who underwent kyphoplasty of a single osteoporotic vertebral fracture were included and divided into groups according to the OF subgroups. Pre- and postoperative plain radiographs were analyzed in regard to the restoration of vertebral body height and local kyphotic angle (LKA). Additionally, clinical data including pre- and postoperative Visual Analogue Scale pain scores was documented. The clinical and radiological results were compared pre- and postoperatively within groups and between groups.

Results:

A total of 156 patients from OF subgroups 2 to 4 were included (OF 2: n = 58; OF 3: n = 36; OF 4: n = 62). Patients from all groups experienced significant pain relief postoperatively ( P < .001). Patients with OF 2 fractures showed a repositioning of the vertebral body height in the anterior and middle portions (both P < .001), but no significant improvement in LKA. For OF 3 and 4 fractures, there was a significant restoration of vertebral body height ( P < .001 for both) and a significant improvement of LKA ( P < .001 for both). The highest average restoration was noted in the OF 4 group.

Conclusions:

A higher OF subgroup is related to a higher radiological benefit from kyphoplasty. This confirms that the OF classification is an appropriate tool for the preoperative assessment of osteoporotic fractures.
Nostalgia decreases green consumption: The mediating role of past orientation
Authors: Wang Xuehua , Chao Chen-Ho
Published: November 2020

Nostalgia, a sentimental longing for one’s past, can influence consumption behavior. The present research investigates how nostalgia affects green consumption. Specifically, we propose that high nostalgia, chronic or primed, can lower consumers’ preference for green (vs regular) products. Results across four studies show that high-nostalgia consumers have lower preference for green products compared with low-nostalgia consumers. This effect is mediated by past orientation, such that high-nostalgia consumers tend to dwell on the past, which brings preference to the older products, usually regular rather than green ones that have future connotations, they grew up with. In addition, we find that mortality salience (MS) moderates the effect of nostalgia on green product preference, such that the negative effect of nostalgia on the preference for green products would be enhanced (vs mitigated) when MS is high (vs low). Implications for research and practice are discussed.

JEL CLASSIFICATION M3
The effect of conjunctivochalasis detected by anterior segment optical coherence tomography on tear function in an elderly population
Authors: Ozek Dilay , Karaca Emine Esra , Evren Kemer Ozlem
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to evaluate conjunctivochalasis (CCH) and its relationship with tear meniscus and tear function in an elderly population.

Materials and methods:

This prospective, observational study included 144 eyes of 144 patients aged >65 years who were referred to our clinic for various reasons. The patients were separated into group 1 including 64 eyes of 64 patients with CCH and group 2 including 80 eyes of 80 patients without CCH. All patients in both groups underwent a full ophthalmological examination, and the presence of CCH, fluorescein tear break-up time (FTBUT) test, Schirmer test, ocular surface staining (Oxford grading score) and OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) test results were recorded. Measurements of the conjunctivochalasis area (CCHA), tear meniscus height (TMH) and tear meniscus area (TMA) were taken using anterior segment optic coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Results:

Group 1 comprised 34 females and 30 males with a mean age of 71.15 ± 12.34 years. Group 2 comprised 43 females and 37 males with a mean age of 68.16 ± 6.05 years ( p = 0.122). The CCH rate was 44.4% in all of the examined patients. The OSDI score and the ocular surface staining test were significantly higher ( p < 0.05), and the FTBUT, TMH and TMA were significantly lower ( p < 0.05) in group 1 than in group 2. The Schirmer I test results were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of CCH is quite high in elderly individuals and may disrupt tear function in these patients.