bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural optimization of ultra-thin leaf spring for weakening elastic hysteresis effect and enhancing fatigue life
Authors: Zhang WW , Liu P , Fang JH , Xu JL
Published: January 2021

Small-size ultra-thin leaf spring as the key elastic sensitive member is widely used in the precision electro-mechanical products. However, owing to the unavoidable elastic hysteresis effect of leaf spring, it always suffers from a significant graceful degradation of designed deflection and subsequently fatigue fracture under the condition of cyclic loading. In order to weaken the elastic hysteresis effect, structural optimization according to sequential quadratic programming method for reducing stress concentration of leaf spring was first carried out by simulations, and then the identification of elastic hysteresis effect for optimal leaf spring was carried out by experiments. Compared with the original design, the maximum deflection deviation for single cycle is decreased from 0.026 mm to 0.002 mm. For the sake of predicting the fatigue life of optimal structure of leaf spring being on the service, a loading block with multistage variable stress amplitudes was experimentally recorded and fitted by normal probability density function, and then a statistical probability method by mathematical analysis was proposed. Compared with the original design, the predicted fatigue life of leaf spring is 736000 loading blocks, which is ten times than that before structural optimization. A structural optimization for reducing stress concentration can significantly weaken the elastic hysteresis effect and enhance the fatigue life, which is benefit for the elastic stability of leaf spring during engineering application.
Efficacy of minocycline in the treatment of early syphilis
Authors: Wu Haoqing , Qi Manli , Wang Huiping , Liu Quanzhong , Liu Yuanjun
Published: January 2021

Syphilis is the third prevalent infectious disease in China, caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum. Minocycline is a derivative of tetracycline used as an alternative treatment for syphilis, but there are few studies in this field. In this research, we compared the efficacy of benzathine penicillin and minocycline in the treatment of early syphilis patients and analyzed some of the factors affecting the efficacy of minocycline. A total of 276 eligible patients treated between January 2011 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed, and 158 patients received 100 mg of minocycline orally, twice daily for 28 days, while 118 patients received benzathine penicillin, 2.4 million units intramuscular injections, once a week, 1–2 times in all. All patients accepted rapid plasma regain (RPR) serological tests and followed up for 24 months to evaluate serological treatment responses. After comparison, the serological cure rate of the minocycline treatment group (85.44%) was similar to the benzathine penicillin treatment group (88.14%). Besides, patients in the minocycline treatment group with higher initial RPR titer (≥1:32) exhibited better treatment effect. In addition, during the 24-month follow-up, the serological cure rate of primary syphilis patients after minocycline treatment was significantly higher than that of secondary and early latent syphilis patients. Therefore, minocycline may be an effective alternative treatment to early syphilis when benzathine penicillin is not available.
Transnational transfer of lean production to a dependent market economy: The case of a French-owned subsidiary in Romania
Authors: Mihály Zoltán
Published: January 2021

This article addresses the implementation of lean production techniques in the Romanian subsidiary of a second-tier automotive supplier. Given the liberal institutional environment of the host country, the company anticipated a smooth transfer of lean production practices. However, the findings show that a host country’s economic dependence can be detrimental to the transfer of practices from the home country. The combination of low-complexity production and work intensification led to depressed employee motivation and frequent conflicts. These can be attributed to a mismatch between work organization and national economic profile, which suggests incompatibility between low-wage, low-complexity strategies and Japanese organizational models.
Power resources and supranational mechanisms: The global unions and the OECD Guidelines
Authors: Ford Michele , Gillan Michael
Published: January 2021

This article uses the power resources approach to analyse the Global Union Federations’ (GUFs) use of the specific instances mechanism associated with the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. While this mechanism has serious limitations, it has proved to be a useful tool when combined with public campaigns and the exercise of other power resources at multiple scales. This is so, we argue, because the fact that multi-national enterprises themselves operate across national boundaries creates an incentive to engage power resources at a supranational level, as well as within the countries where they, or their suppliers, are present. As this finding suggests, consideration of unions’ power resources benefits from deeper consideration of the multi-scalar and interrelated character of union action and of the role that intermediary coordinating organizations like GUFs play in supporting the exercise of power at the supranational level.
Increased cancer risk in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus and systemic lupus erythematosus compared with the general population: A Danish nationwide cohort study
Authors: Westermann Rasmus , Zobbe Kristian , Cordtz René , Haugaard Jeanette H , Dreyer Lene
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To investigate if patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have an increased risk of cancer compared with the general population, and furthermore to identify specific cancer types associated with increased risk.

Methods

This is an observational cohort study of 5310 patients with CLE or SLE identified in the Danish National Patient Register from 1 January 1995 to 31 December 2014. The cohort was followed up for cancer by linkage to the Danish Cancer Registry. Based on the age, sex, and calendar specific cancer rates of the general population of Denmark, standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated.

Results

The patients with CLE or SLE were followed for 40.724 person-years, each group’s average duration of follow-up being 6.9 and 8.1 years. The SIR for overall cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)) was increased in patients with CLE 1.35 (95%CI 1.15 to 1.58) and patients with SLE 1.45 (95%CI 1.30 to 1.62). Both groups had high risks of hematological – including a 3–4-fold increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma –, pancreatic, and lung cancers. Several cancers associated with oncogenic viruses as liver and tongue/mouth/pharynx were increased in the SLE group, while the risk of ovarian cancer was increased 2–4-fold only in the CLE group.

Conclusion

The overall risk of cancer was significantly increased in both patients with CLE and SLE. SIRs for hematological, pancreatic and lung cancers were elevated in both groups. Extra awareness of cancer in patients with SLE and patients with CLE should be considered.
Impact Assessment Study of NPAs and Rate of Recovery: Are Private Sector Banks in India Better off?
Authors: Bajaj Richa Verma , Sanati Gargi , Lodha Chetan
Published: January 2021

Our study significantly contributes in understanding a comparative framework and the interactions of idiosyncratic and systematic factors for determining non-performing assets (NPA) and rate of recovery for banks in India, as put forward by Basel committee. Although determinants of NPA is very well debated issue, the comparison of public and private sector banks in terms of their assets quality i.e. NPAs and rate of recovery and their determinants like collateral, operational inefficiency, GDP growth rate etc. are the added contribition of this study. We have employed Arrelano–Bond dynamic panel method on 35 banks in India for the period 1998–1999 to 2017–2018 for determinants of NPAs, while determinants of rate of recovery are studied for the period 2003–2004 to 2017–2018. Our findings show that the priority sector loan has significant differences in determining NPA across banks despite them having sufficient collateral. The negative relationship between collateral and recovery, especially for private sector banks, signifies low recovery for illliquid collateral. This study may recommend that a bank with high net interest margin (NIM), high proportion of secured and liquid collateral, and sufficient mix of long- and short-duration loans in line with bank’s asset liability policy can manage their portfolio well.
How Inclusive Are Indian States: Evidence from Inclusive Development Index
Authors: Aggarwal Suresh Chand
Published: January 2021

The current study aims to find an ‘Inclusive Development Index’ (IDI) for the selected Indian states for the year 2017–2018 and has tried to incorporate indicators encompassing different aspects of the economy and life of the people. The index has tried to be more comprehensive and contemporary and attempts to keep the interest alive in the all-important policy objective of an inclusive growth in India as well as in many other countries around the world. The study has followed the guidelines given by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD, 2008 , Handbook on constructing composite indicators: Methodology and user guide) to construct a composite index and has included two pillars of growth with a total of 14 dimensions (sub-pillars) represented by 62 indicators. Principal component analysis (PCA) has been applied at the indicators level and simple averaging at the dimension and pillar levels to obtain the composite IDI for 20 Indian states. The states are ranked based on their inclusiveness score on IDI and divided into the ‘front-runners’, the ‘achievers’ and the ‘aspirants’. IDI may help the states to identify their spheres of ‘low’ performance and learn from their ‘front-runner’ peers.

JEL: D63, F43, O40
Does Infant Orthopedics and Neonate Lip Surgery Influence the Occlusal Relationship in Patients With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate (UCLP)?
Authors: Galassi Thalita V. , Souza-Brosco Telma V. , Lopes Lucy D. , de Almeida Araci Malagodi , da Silva Dalben Gisele , de Paiva Joao B. , Neto José Rino , Ozawa Terumi O.
Published: January 2021

Objective:

To compare occlusal relationship in patients undergoing neonate versus conventional lip surgery (LS) with and without infant orthopedics (IO) by assessment of dental arch relationship in individuals with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Material and Methods:

Three groups treated by different protocols; Group I: neonate LS (1-15 days) + IO and palatoplasty (13-31 months); Group II: LS (3-12 months) + IO and palatoplasty (15-35 months); and Group III: LS (3-6 months) without IO and palatoplasty (12-18 months). The 112 intraoral photographs of individuals of all groups, obtained between 6 and 12 years of age, were assessed by the occlusal index for intraoral photograph rating. The groups were compared by the χ2 test. The correlation between surgical timing and the scores was tested by the Spearman test ( P < .05).

Results:

Group I presented the highest percentage of score 5, group II exhibited highest percentage of score 1, and group III presented the lowest percentage of score 5 according to the χ2 test ( P = .029). The Spearman correlation test revealed statistically significant difference between timing of LS and the occlusal index. The earlier the surgical timing, the higher the occlusal index ( P = .019).

Conclusions:

Infant orthopedics has demonstrated the possibility of postponing primary plastic surgeries. Patients submitted to late lip and palate repair had the best prognosis, while patients undergoing lip repair from 1 to 15 days of life, even operating the palate later, had the worst prognosis. Neonate LS negatively influenced the occlusal relationships.
Bridges and hobby-horses: John Stewart’s adventure of ideas
Authors: Di Paolo Ezequiel A
Published: January 2021

I briefly reflect on the work of John Stewart and his instrumental role in the development of enactive cognitive science, his outstanding ability to communicate across disciplines, and his research obsessions.
Individualized and accurate eco-design knowledge push for designers: a CAD-based feedback knowledge push method for the eco-design
Authors: Zhang Lei , Shao Shoutian , Chen Suxin , Li Xinyu , Jiang Rui , Li Ziqi
Published: January 2021

In the conceptual design phase of eco-products, the evaluation of products eco-design is often considered by designers after determining the design scheme. In order to improve the eco-design efficiency, a CAD-based feedback knowledge push method was proposed to meet the designer’s eco-design knowledge requirements. Combine with the designer knowledge background, classified eco-design knowledge, and decomposed design tasks, eco-design knowledge requirements of designers can be obtained. Based on the cosine similarity algorithm of the knowledge vector space model (VSM), the knowledge requirements of the designer and the knowledge in the knowledge database are matched, and the eco-knowledge is actively pushed to the designer. The feedback and evaluation of designers on the initial push of knowledge was recorded by the system. When the designer is assigned relevant eco-design tasks again, the system conducts secondary filtering of eco-design knowledge through previous feedback records and pushes the filtered knowledge to designers, so as to achieve accurate feedback knowledge push. A CAD-based eco-design knowledge push prototype system for automotive products is developed. The eco-design of the front-end module of the automotive is used as an example to verify the effectiveness of the above method.
Traditional Modified Broström vs Suture Tape Ligament Augmentation
Authors: Kulwin Robert , Watson Troy S. , Rigby Ryan , Coetzee J. Chris , Vora Anand
Published: January 2021

Background:

The modified Broström (MB) procedure has long been the mainstay for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). Recently, suture tape (ST) has emerged as augmentation for this repair. The clinical benefit of such augmentation has yet to be fully established. The purpose of this study was to determine if ST augmentation provides an advantage over the traditional MB.

Methods:

Adult patients were identified for inclusion in the study based on indications for primary lateral ligament reconstruction for CLAI. The primary outcome measure was time to return to preinjury level of activity (RTPAL). Secondary outcome measures included complications, ability to participate in an accelerated rehabilitation protocol (ARP), patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and visual analog pain scale (VAS). A total of 119 patients with CLAI were enrolled and randomized to the MB (59 patients) or ST (60 patients) treatment arm.

Results:

Average RTPAL was 17.5 weeks after MB and 13.3 weeks after ST ( P < .001). At 26 weeks, 12.5% of patients in the MB group and 3.6% of patients in the ST group had not managed RTPAL ( P = .14). The complication rate was 8.5% in the MB group vs 1.7% in the ST group ( P = .12). Four patients in the MB group failed to complete the ARP vs 1 in the ST group ( P = .144).

Conclusion:

Results from this multicenter, prospective, randomized trial suggest that ST augmentation allows for earlier RTPAL than MB alone. ST augmentation may support successful accelerated rehabilitation and did not result in increased complications or morbidity.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective comparative study.
What Is Culturally Informed Literacy Instruction? A Review of Research in P–5 Contexts
Authors: Kelly Laura Beth , Wakefield Wendy , Caires-Hurley Jaclyn , Kganetso Lynne Watanabe , Moses Lindsey , Baca Evelyn
Published: January 2021

This critical, integrative qualitative review explores how researchers approach, describe, and justify culturally relevant, culturally responsive, or culturally sustaining literacy instruction in prekindergarten through fifth-grade (P–5) classrooms. We reviewed 56 studies published between 1995 and 2018. We documented terms researchers use, theorists cited, methods, student outcomes, and student populations. We also analyzed how researchers talked about achievement gaps, addressed their own positionality, and determined that specific literacy instructional practices were culturally informed. We found that researchers most commonly claim to document culturally relevant or responsive instruction, in some cases conflating the terms and related theorists. Most studies were qualitative, occurred with traditionally marginalized students (usually Black or Latinx) in the United States, and involved students reading a text that researchers deem culturally informed. We make recommendations for teachers and researchers to move the field of culturally informed literacy forward.
Attraction, Social Presence, Sociability, and Booking Intentions: The Moderating Role of Homophily
Authors: Park Jeong-Yeol , Back Robin M. , Bufquin Diego , Nutta Marco W. W.
Published: January 2021

It is essential for hotel marketers to better understand how human images—found in website photographs—are perceived by customers, and how such perceptions can affect customers’ website experience and behavioral intentions. Given the lack of empirical studies related to the effects of human images and hotel website photographs, this study first assesses the influence of physical and social attraction evaluations—related to human images in hotel website photographs—on perceived social presence, in order to further examine the relationships between social presence, sociability, and booking intentions. Moreover, the moderating effects of background homophily, on the relationships between physical and social attraction and social presence, are also examined. This study, which adopts structural equation modeling and analyzes data collected from a sample of 417 U.S. travelers who have recently booked a hotel room directly through a hotel website, confirms all of the aforementioned relationships.
Beyond visual acuity: Patient-relevant assessment measures of visual function in retinal diseases
Authors: Puell María Cinta , Contreras Inés , Pinilla Isabel , Escobar José Juan , Soler-García Antonio , Blasco Antonio Javier , Lázaro Páblo
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To identify patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and other clinical outcome measures (contrast sensitivity (CS), low-luminance visual acuity (LLVA) and reading acuity or reading speed (RA-RS)), relevant to patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy (DR), which would be recommended for use in clinical practice.

Methods:

The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, based on the synthesis of the scientific evidence and the collective judgment of an expert panel using the two-round Delphi method, was applied. The evidence synthesis was performed by searching for articles on outcome measures for AMD and/or DR published between 2005 and 2018 in English or Spanish. The expert panel consisted of 14 Spanish ophthalmologists, who rated the recommendation degree for each outcome measure on a scale of 1 (extremely irrelevant) to 9 (maximum relevance). The recommended outcome measures were established according to the panel median score and the level of the panelists’ agreement.

Results:

Through the evidence search, 33 PRO-specific questionnaires (21 for visual function, six for AMD, three for DR, one for AMD and DR) and two treatment satisfaction questionnaires (one on AMD and one on DR) were identified. In addition, 21 methods were found for measuring CS, five for LLVA, and nine for RA-RS. According to the panel ratings, 11 of the 64 outcome measures evaluated for AMD, and seven of the 61 evaluated for DR were recommended.

Conclusion:

The AMD and DR outcome measures recommended will help ophthalmologists choose the outcome measure most appropriate for their patients. Furthermore, the use of PROs will contribute to shifting clinical practice towards patient-centered medicine.
Effectiveness of a New Drainage System for Decreasing Erosion in Road Hillslopes
Authors: Fernández-Raga María , García-Díez Iván , Campo Julian , Viejo Julio , Palencia Covadonga
Published: January 2021

Water is one of the most important erosive agents in roadside hillslopes. When these are built with ineffective drainage systems, erosion occurs, reducing road’s service life. However, these systems are not receiving the appropriate importance, given their strategic value. Therefore, a new drainage system called ‘branched’ is proposed in this study. Its technical and economic feasibility is compared with those of the traditional system, which consists of drainages with lines that follow maximum hillslope, to assess differences in relation to erosion, construction and maintenance costs, and service life. Different parameters were analysed, such as the average velocity of water (mm−1) running through the channels, its average specific energy (kJ), and its drag force (N). A scale model was constructed and used to test these factors before implementing it in natural terrain for testing it under field conditions. According to the theoretical and measured results, these factors were lower in the branched drainage than in the traditional one (from 24% to 34% in speed, from 37% to 60% in energy, and from 51% to 73% in force). The service life of hillslopes with a branched system of up to 0.5 m high and 1:2 grade is significantly longer than in those with a traditional drainage. Although the initial economic expense for the construction of the branched system is higher (€3534/m3 as opposed to €2930/m3 for the traditional one), its maintenance cost will be lower than the traditional one (€1230/m3 per year for the branched one as opposed to €1332/m3 per year for the traditional one). Consequently, under our experimental conditions, the proposed drainage will be profitable from the eighth year of construction, saving on the road maintenance in the following 15 years of service life.
Clowning around a polarized issue: Rhetorical strategies and communicative outcomes of a political parody performance by Loldiers of Odin
Authors: Laaksonen Salla-Maaria , Koivukoski Joonas , Porttikivi Merja
Published: January 2021

For decades, political activist groups have used humor for ridiculing their opponents and attracting media attention. This study analyzed the online presence of the Loldiers of Odin, a clown-disguised activist group created as a parody of the anti-immigration group Soldiers of Odin. By analyzing the rhetorical strategies of Loldiers’ performance, we show how absurd and naïve parody stunts were used to criticize anti-immigration street patrolling, distort radical right-wing discourses, and mobilize like-minded progressives. Furthermore, by analyzing Facebook commentary of the performance, we trace its communicative outcomes: support and legitimization, but also problematization and delegitimization. Our results highlight the unpredictable and ambivalent nature of humor in facilitating a political protest. We argue that while humor offers a compelling way for citizens to discursively engage with political issues such as the immigration question, the polysemic nature of parody paradoxically works to amplify and support existing polarized positions in online discussions.
The use of satellite data to support the structural health monitoring in areas affected by slow-moving landslides: a potential application to reinforced concrete buildings
Authors: Miano Andrea , Mele Annalisa , Calcaterra Domenico , Martire Diego Di , Infante Donato , Prota Andrea , Ramondini Massimo
Published: January 2021

The building stock around the world is exposed to different types of natural actions such as earthquakes or landslides. In particular, Italy is one of the countries worldwide most affected by landslides. Mitigation of landslide risk is a topic of great interest for the evaluation and management of its consequences. Periodical monitoring of the landslide-induced damage on structures require high costs due to the large number of exposed elements. With respect to the reinforced concrete structures, slow-moving landslides can affect primary structural elements, but more frequently damage occurs on the most vulnerable elements of the structure such as infills. The aim of this work is to demonstrate the potential utility of satellite data derived from a remote sensing technique, known as differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry, to support the structural health monitoring of reinforced concrete buildings affected by landslides. This article shows the structural health monitoring process for a reinforced concrete infilled building within a landslide-affected area, using the differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry data as input for the structural analysis in order to investigate the evolution of damage over the years. Three-dimensional structure, including the explicit infills consideration, has been modeled based on the information available from a visual survey, obtaining the missing parameters from a simulated design process and from the literature. In the field of the civil protection programs for the landslide risk reduction, this methodology can be quickly repeated for large sets of reinforced concrete buildings. Evidence of the visual survey showed a significant damage pattern in some infills. A good agreement has been found between analytical previsions and existing damage. Moreover, a global infills damage assessment of the case study building is proposed. Finally, assuming a constant increase in displacements in future years, a prediction of the future expected damage is shown.
Remembering 1989: A case study of anniversary journalism in Hong Kong
Authors: Chu Donna
Published: January 2021

This study analysed 487 news stories in 30 anniversary editions of a newspaper in Hong Kong, with an aim to systematically review what has been recorded and remembered about the commemoration on June 4th every year. Through analysis of recurring themes, the case sheds light on the ideological packages embedded in news stories, while also addressing emerging questions about anniversary journalism and collective memory. How Hong Kong remembers 1989 is a unique case in anniversary journalism. Contrary to the impression about commemoration, this study finds that both the quantity and the importance of the anniversary coverage increases over time. It is also found that these practices, while adhering to journalistic norms and routines, contributed to an increasingly stable theme about the remembrance. Remembering 1989, as well as remembering the commemoration, hence the values, emotional imprint, and moral clarity it comes to represent, is becoming equally important over time.
Cataract and associated factors among adults visiting ophthalmic clinic at Debre Markos comprehensive specialized hospital, northwest Ethiopia, 2020
Authors: Wale Mengistu Zelalem , Derbew Mengist , Tilahun Melkamu , Terefe Mesenbet
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Globally, it is estimated that 2.2 billion people have a visual impairment, of which around 65.2 million is due to cataract. Cataract is the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, with the greatest burden found in low-income countries. That is providing recent epidemiological data is very crucial to design intervention measures. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and associated factors of cataract among adults visiting ophthalmic clinic, Debre Markos comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods:

The sample size was calculated using single population formula and determined to be 174. All adult participants aged ⩾40 were the source population and those fulfilling the inclusion criteria were the study population. An institutional-based cross-sectional study design using a systematic random sampling technique was conducted from July to August, 2020. Semi-structured questionnaires and patients’ card were used to collect data. Data were entered into epi-data version 4.6 and the analysis was conducted using SPSS-25 software. Data were presented using graphs, tables and texts. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with cataract. Adjusted odds ratio with corresponding 95% confidence interval was computed to show the strength of association. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result:

From a total of 174 samples, 158 participated, giving a response rate of 90.8%. The prevalence of cataract was found to be 90 (57%). The variables—age 60–69 years (adjusted odds ratio = 6.667, 95% confidence interval: (1.662, 13.101)); age 70–79 years (adjusted odds ratio = 9.583, 95% confidence interval: (2.840, 32.342)), and single marital status (adjusted odds ratio = 2.945, 95% confidence interval: (1.241, 6.989))—had a significant association with cataract.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of cataract was found to be very high, which needs immediate intervention. Older age and single marital status were found to be significantly associated with cataract prevalence.
Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in a male with metabolic syndrome for 72 days: A case report
Authors: Islam SM Rashed Ul , Akther Tahmina , Sultana Sharmin , Munshi Saif Ullah
Published: January 2021

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) was first identified in Wuhan, China, and spread gradually throughout the world. There are multiple reports of prolonged viral shedding in people infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2); however, such findings have not been documented in Bangladesh. Herein, we present a case of metabolic syndrome that remained positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA over a prolonged period. On clinical and laboratory examination, the patient was diagnosed with obesity, raised blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and uncontrolled glycemia. However, upon taking appropriate measures and controlling the plasma sugar level, he tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA on the 72nd day since illness onset. We observed that COVID-19 patients with several comorbidities, such as metabolic syndrome, may shed the virus over a prolonged period. Therefore, strict public health measures and isolation rules should be followed by a high-risk population.
The Relationship Between High School Sophomores’ Purpose Orientations and Their Postsecondary Completion a Decade Later
Authors: Sharma Gitima , Kim Jungnam , Bernal-Arevalo Katherine
Published: January 2021

This study explored the relationship between high school sophomores’ purpose orientations and their postsecondary completion a decade later by examining the data from the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002. Among four types of purpose (career, interpersonal, altruistic, and self-oriented), career and interpersonal purpose orientations were positively related to postsecondary completion. We discuss implications for school counseling and future research.
Data-Driven Approach to Dual Service Failure Monitoring From Negative Online Reviews: Managerial Perspective
Authors: Joung Junegak , Kim Ki-Hun , Kim Kwangsoo
Published: January 2021

Monitoring of dual service failures (e.g., trends in service failures and consecutive service failures) in business is emphasized for service quality management. Previous studies analyzing negative online reviews to conduct dual service failure monitoring from a managerial perspective are scarce. Numerous negative online reviews are useful sources for dual service failure monitoring because they can be easily collected at a low cost. This article proposes a data-driven approach to monitor service failure trends and consecutive service failures from negative online reviews. In the proposed approach, first a classifier is developed to categorize newly collected negative reviews into service failures by Latent Dirichlet allocation. Subsequently, a threshold value is provided to identify a new type of service failure, which was not achieved previously using a control chart. Finally, the probability of consecutive service failures is obtained by association rule mining. A case study of Uber is conducted to validate the proposed approach. The results exhibit that the proposed approach can perform dual service failure monitoring. This study can increase marketing intelligence for dynamic management of service failure and allow rapid responses to service failures.
Norms for Familiarity, Concreteness, Valence, Arousal, Wordlikeness, and Recall Accuracy for Swahili–Portuguese Word Pairs
Authors: Lima Marcos Felipe Rodrigues de , Buratto Luciano Grüdtner
Published: January 2021

Normative studies are common in cognitive psychology because they allow us to estimate with more precision the attributes of the stimuli used in empirical studies. The studies reported here had four aims. The first three aims were to obtain estimates for (a) familiarity, concreteness, valence, and arousal for a single set of words in Brazilian Portuguese; (b) wordlikeness (similarity to Portuguese) of a set of foreign words (Swahili); and (c) recall accuracy of Swahili–Portuguese word pairs in a multitrial learning task. The fourth aim was to investigate if any of the assessed measures predicts recall accuracy. One-hundred twenty-eight participants took part in one of the three studies. In Studies 1a and 1b, participants judged 80 Portuguese words for familiarity, concreteness, valence, and arousal and 80 corresponding Swahili words for wordlikeness; in Study 2, participants carried out three study–test cycles of a set of Swahili–Portuguese word pairs. Overall, word-attribute estimates were reliable ( rs = .94–.98) and participants’ responses had high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .84–.98). Moreover, the relative difficulty of word pairs was retained across trials ( rs = .65–.88). Although different variables correlated with recall accuracy at different time points, multiple regressions indicate that none of the word-attribute variables predicted recall accuracy across trials. These norms may prove fruitful not only for Brazilian human memory researchers but also for international research teams, as it will enable the development of more controlled cross-cultural studies in this field.
The Effect of Peri-Bracket Excess Adhesive on Shear Bond Strength and Enamel–Adhesive Interface Morphology With Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy: An In Vitro Comparative Study
Authors: Almashali Banan , Alqahtani Nasser , Almahdy Ahmed
Published: January 2021

Aim:

To evaluate the effect of leaving excess adhesive around orthodontic brackets on the shear bond strength and on the enamel–adhesive interface characteristics.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred forty four human premolars were randomly divided into two groups according to the test performed. For the shear bond strength, 120 teeth were bonded with stainless steel orthodontic brackets using Transbond XT light cure adhesive composites. After positioning the bracket and before light curing, excess adhesive was removed according to the test group: group 1, all excess adhesive was removed (0 mm excess); group 2, 1 mm excess adhesive was left; group 3, 2 mm excess adhesive was left; shear bond strength was measured immediately and after three months of natural aging using a universal testing machine; and adhesive remnant index scores were also evaluated. For the enamel–adhesive interface characteristics, 24 teeth were bonded with stainless steel orthodontic brackets using Transbond XT light cure adhesive composites mixed with Rhodamine B fluorescent dye, excess adhesive was removed in the same manner according to the test groups, and teeth were evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy.

Results:

Time did not significantly affect the bond strength results ( P = .888) but the amount of excess adhesive significantly affected the results ( P < .05). Interaction terms were not significant ( P = .337). In both immediate and aged conditions, group 1 (0 mm excess) presented the highest bond strength results (MPa; P < .05). No significant difference was found in adhesive remnant index scores or enamel–adhesive interface characteristics.

Conclusion:

Excess adhesive around orthodontic bracket does not increase shear bond strength.
Cheilectomy With or Without Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane–Umbilical Cord Allograft for Hallux Rigidus
Authors: Galli Sara Heintzman , Ferguson Chad M. , Davis W. Hodges , Anderson Robert , Cohen Bruce E. , Jones Carroll P. , Odum Susan , Ellington J. Kent
Published: January 2021

Background:

For hallux rigidus, dorsal cheilectomy remains a treatment option even with advances in interposition techniques and devices. Cheilectomy aims to alleviate dorsal impingement and improve pain and function as well as range of motion. Cryopreserved umbilical cord allograft, with properties to mitigate inflammation and scar formation, has theoretical benefit for improving outcomes following cheilectomy. In this first prospective randomized and blinded cheilectomy study reported, we aimed to compare outcomes between cheilectomy alone and cheilectomy with umbilical cord allograft.

Methods:

Patients were randomized to cheilectomy alone (CA) or cheilectomy with cryopreserved umbilical cord (ie, amniotic membrane–umbilical cord [AM-UC]). Patients were evaluated with American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS), Foot Function Index (FFI), and visual analog scale (VAS) pain outcomes collected preoperatively and at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. In addition, radiographic range of motion data were collected using stress radiographs. Fifty-one patients (26 AM-UC, 25 CA) completed the study, with 5 bilateral surgeries in the AM-UC group and 2 in the CA group, totaling 31 and 27 feet, respectively.

Results:

The AM-UC group had statistically significant improved AOFAS and FFI scores at 1 year compared with the CA group, but there was no difference at 6 months. There was no significant difference between groups for VAS-pain scores at any time point, but overall VAS-pain improved in both groups from preoperative values. There was no significant difference in range of motion (total arc) between groups and changes in range of motion (total arc) in both groups from preoperative to 1 year postoperative were small.

Conclusion:

We present the results of the first randomized and blinded prospective study of cheilectomy surgery patients. When appropriately selected, cheilectomy remains a good option for patients with symptomatic hallux rigidus. Cryopreserved umbilical cord is a potential adjuvant to cheilectomy, with 1-year results showing improvements in functional outcome scores.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective comparative study.
OBF1 and Oct factors control the germinal center transcriptional program
Authors: Song Shuang , Cao Chun , Choukrallah Mohamed-Amin , Tang Fengyuan , Christofori Gerhard , Kohler Hubertus , Wu Fabian , Fodor Barna D. , Frederiksen Mathias , Willis Simon N. , Jackson Jacob T. , Nutt Stephen L. , Dirnhofer Stefan , Stadler Michael B. , Matthias Patrick
Published: January 2021

OBF1 is a specific coactivator of the POU family transcription factors OCT1 and OCT2. OBF1 and OCT2 are B cell–specific and indispensable for germinal center (GC) formation, but their mechanism of action is unclear. Here, we show by chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing that OBF1 extensively colocalizes with OCT1 and OCT2. We found that these factors also often colocalize with transcription factors of the ETS family. Furthermore, we showed that OBF1, OCT2, and OCT1 bind widely to the promoters or enhancers of genes involved in GC formation in mouse and human GC B cells. Short hairpin RNA knockdown experiments demonstrated that OCT1, OCT2, and OBF1 regulate each other and are essential for proliferation of GC-derived lymphoma cell lines. OBF1 downregulation disrupts the GC transcriptional program: genes involved in GC maintenance, such as BCL6, are downregulated, whereas genes related to exit from the GC program, such as IRF4, are upregulated. Ectopic expression of BCL6 does not restore the proliferation of GC-derived lymphoma cells depleted of OBF1 unless IRF4 is also depleted, indicating that OBF1 controls an essential regulatory node in GC differentiation.
A global analysis of CNVs in Chinese indigenous fine-wool sheep populations using whole-genome resequencing
Authors: Yuan Chao , Lu Zengkui , Guo Tingting , Yue Yaojing , Wang Xijun , Wang Tianxiang , Zhang Yajun , Hou Fujun , Niu Chune , Sun Xiaopin , Zhao Hongchang , Zhu Shaohua , Liu Jianbin , Yang Bohui
Published: January 2021

Background

Copy number variation (CNV) is an important source of genetic variation that has a significant influence on phenotypic diversity, economically important traits and the evolution of livestock species. In this study, the genome-wide CNV distribution characteristics of 32 fine-wool sheep from three breeds were analyzed using resequencing.

Results

A total of 1,747,604 CNVs were detected in this study, and 7228 CNV regions (CNVR) were obtained after merging overlapping CNVs; these regions accounted for 2.17% of the sheep reference genome. The average length of the CNVRs was 4307.17 bp. “Deletion” events took place more frequently than “duplication” or “both” events. The CNVRs obtained overlapped with previously reported sheep CNVRs to variable extents (4.39–55.46%). Functional enrichment analysis showed that the CNVR-harboring genes were mainly involved in sensory perception systems, nutrient metabolism processes, and growth and development processes. Furthermore, 1855 of the CNVRs were associated with 166 quantitative trait loci (QTL), including milk QTLs, carcass QTLs, and health-related QTLs, among others. In addition, the 32 fine-wool sheep were divided into horned and polled groups to analyze for the selective sweep of CNVRs, and it was found that the relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2) gene was strongly influenced by selection.

Conclusions

In summary, we constructed a genomic CNV map for Chinese indigenous fine-wool sheep using resequencing, thereby providing a valuable genetic variation resource for sheep genome research, which will contribute to the study of complex traits in sheep.
Production and statistical optimization of Paromomycin by Streptomyces rimosus NRRL 2455 in solid state fermentation
Authors: El-Housseiny Ghadir S. , Ibrahim Asmaa A. , Yassien Mahmoud A. , Aboshanab Khaled M.
Published: January 2021

Background

Paromomycin is a 2-deoxystreptamine aminocyclitol aminoglycoside antibiotic with broad spectrum activity against Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria and many protozoa. This study introduces a strategy for paromomycin production through solid-state fermentation using Streptomyces rimosus subsp. paromomycinus NRRL 2455. Solid state fermentation has gained enormous attention in the development of several products because of their numerous advantages over submerged liquid fermentation. After selecting the best solid substrate, a time course study of paromomycin production was carried out followed by optimization of environmental conditions using response surface methodology. Paromomycin yields obtained using this technique were also compared to those obtained using submerged liquid fermentation.

Results

Upon screening of 6 different substrates, maximum paromomycin concentration (0.51 mg/g initial dry solids) was obtained with the cost-effective agro-industrial byproduct, corn bran, impregnated with aminoglycoside production media. Optimization of environmental conditions using D-optimal design yielded a 4.3-fold enhancement in paromomycin concentration reaching 2.21 mg/g initial dry solids at a pH of 8.5, inoculum size of 5% v/w and a temperature of 30 °C.

Conclusion

Compared to submerged liquid fermentation, solid state fermentation resulted in comparable paromomycin concentrations, cost reduction of raw materials, less energy consumption and waste water discharge, which have major implications in industrial fermentation. Therefore, solid state fermentation is a promising alternative to submerged liquid fermentation for paromomycin production. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the optimized paromomycin production through solid state fermentation process.
Pharmacodynamics of efavirenz 400 mg in treatment-naïve Chinese HIV-infected patients in a prospective cohort study
Authors: Xu Ling , Peng Wenxiu , Song Xiaojing , Li Yanling , Han Yang , Zhu Ting , Fu Qiang , Du Xiaoli , Cao Wei , Li Taisheng
Published: January 2021

Background

The plasma concentration of patients treated with efavirenz (EFV) 600 mg was found to exceed the upper limit of the proposed therapeutic window in most Chinese HIV-infected individuals; thus, dosage reduction of EFV to 400 mg daily warranted consideration. This study aimed to assess the pharmacodynamics of EFV 400 mg for HIV-1-infected patients in China.

Method

Twenty cART-naïve individuals were enrolled in this study. EFV 400 mg combined with tenofovir (TDF) and lamivudine (3TC) as an initial antiretroviral regimen was administered for 48 weeks. EFV concentration and T cell subsets as well as HIV RNA load were evaluated at baseline and at 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks. Moreover, neuropsychiatric adverse effects were also assessed by the Hamilton depression (HAMD) scale and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI).

Results

Eighteen males and two females whose median age was 26 (interquartile range [IQR]: 23–32) years completed 48 weeks of follow-up. The median EFV concentrations were 1.88 (IQR: 1.54–2.42), 1.74 (IQR: 1.36–1.93), 1.93 (IQR: 1.66–2.22), and 1.85 (IQR: 1.54–2.14) mg/L at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48, respectively. The viral load was 4.59 (IQR: 4.10–5.19) log10 copies/mL at baseline, and it decreased by 4.6 (IQR: 3.98–5.18) log10 copies/mL from baseline to week 48. Three of 20 (15%), 10 of 20 (50.0%), 17 of 20 (85%), and 18 of 19 (95%) participants had a plasma viral load less than 50 copies/mL at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48, respectively. The median CD4 cell count was 330 (IQR: 237–410) cells/μL at baseline, and it increased to 473 (IQR: 344–574) cells/μL at 48 weeks. The HAMD score was 5 (IQR: 3–9.8) and 3 (IQR: 2.25–4) at baseline and 48 weeks, respectively. The PSQI score was 4 (IQR: 2–5.8) and 3 (IQR: 2–4) at baseline and 48 weeks, respectively. Dizziness was the most common event, occurring in 70% of patients within the first 2 weeks of treatment.

Conclusion

Patients prescribed with EFV 400 mg-containing agents demonstrated favourable virological and immunological responses. And the plasma EFV concentration was within the recommended therapeutic range, with fewer adverse reactions than with EFV 600 mg. EFV 400 mg was effective and safe in Chinese HIV-infected patients.

Trial registration

NCT04596488; Registered 21 October, 2020; Retrospectively registered.