bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Test characteristics of history, examination and investigations in the evaluation for septic arthritis in the child presenting with acute non-traumatic limp. A systematic review
Authors: Tu Jacky , Gowdie Peter , Cassar Julian , Craig Simon
Published: December 2020

Background

Septic arthritis is an uncommon but potentially significant diagnosis to be considered when a child presents to the emergency department (ED) with non-traumatic limp. Our objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of clinical findings (history and examination) and investigation results (pathology tests and imaging) for the diagnosis of septic arthritis among children presenting with acute non-traumatic limp to the ED.

Methods

Systematic review of the literature published between 1966 and June 2019 on MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. Studies were included if they evaluated children presenting with lower limb complaints and evaluated diagnostic performance of items from history, physical examination, laboratory testing or radiological examination. Data were independently extracted by two authors, and quality assessment was performed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool.

Results

18 studies were identified, and included 2672 children (560 with a final diagnosis of septic arthritis). There was substantial heterogeneity in inclusion criteria, study setting, definitions of specific variables and the gold standard used to confirm septic arthritis. Clinical and investigation findings were reported using varying definitions and cut-offs, and applied to differing study populations. Spectrum bias and poor-to-moderate study design quality limit their applicability to the ED setting.

Single studies suggest that the presence of joint tenderness (n=189; positive likelihood ratio 11.4 (95% CI 5.9 to 22.0); negative likelihood ratio 0.2 (95% CI 0.0 to 1.2)) and joint effusion on ultrasound (n=127; positive likelihood ratio 8.4 (95% CI 4.1 to 17.1); negative likelihood ratio 0.2 (95% CI 0.1 to 0.3)) appear to be useful. Two promising clinical risk prediction tools were identified, however, their performance was notably lower when tested in external validation studies.

Discussion

Differentiating children with septic arthritis from non-emergent disorders of non-traumatic limp remains a key diagnostic challenge for emergency physicians. There is a need for prospectively derived and validated ED-based clinical risk prediction tools.
Natural history of glaucomatous optic neuropathy in highly myopic Chinese: study protocol for a registry cohort study
Authors: Song Yunhe , Wang Wei , Lin Fengbin , Chen Shida , Jin Ling , Li Fei , Gao Kai , Cheng Weijing , Xiong Jian , Zhou Rouxi , Chen Meiling , Liang Jiaen , Zhang Jiani , Jonas Jost B , Zhang Xiulan
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Myopic maculopathy and glaucoma belong to the most common causes of irreversible blindness worldwide and, having an ocular axial elongation as one of their main risk factors, can occur together. The detection of glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) in highly myopic eyes is clinically and technically difficult, and there is no information available, neither about the natural course of GON or about the course of GON under intraocular pressure-lowering therapy. We therefore designed this study to explore the natural course of GON in highly myopic eyes.

Methods and analysis

In this single-centred longitudinal registry cohort study, 813 highly myopic individuals will be recruited and undergo detailed ophthalmic examinations. High myopia is defined by a myopic refractive error of ≥−6 D or an axial length of ≥26.5 mm. GON is defined by a glaucomatous appearance of the optic nerve head or glaucomatous visual field (VF) defects. GON progression is defined by either change of the optic disc or VF.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from the ethical committee of the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center (ZOC), Sun Yat-sen University, China (ID: 2019KYPJ079). All the participants are required to provide informed consents. Results will be disseminated through scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. The data will be deposited at the clinical research centre in ZOC using electronic data capture system, and a copy of paper files will also be kept. Only members of the project team will have access to these data.

Trial registration number

NCT04302220.
Quality indicators for cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction in China: a consensus panel and practice test
Authors: Zheng Xianghui , Zhang Maomao , Zheng Yang , Zhang Yongxiang , Wang Junnan , Zhang Ping , Yang Xuwen , Li Shan , Ding Rongjing , Siqin Gaowa , Hou Xinyu , Chen Liangqi , Zhang Min , Sun Yong , Wu Jian , Yu Bo
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves outcomes after myocardial infarction (MI), but it is underused in China. The purpose of this study was to develop a set of quality indicators (QIs) to improve clinical practices and to confirm the measurability and performance of the developed QIs for CR in Chinese patients after MI.

Design and setting

The QIs were developed by a Chinese expert consensus panel during in-person meetings. The five QIs most in need of improvement were selected using a national questionnaire. Finally, the completion rate and feasibility of the QIs were verified in a group of MI survivors at university hospitals in China.

Participants

Seventeen professionals participated in the consensus panel, 89 personnel in the field of CR participated in the national questionnaire and 165 MI survivors participated in the practice test.

Results

A review of 17 eligible articles generated 26 potential QIs, among which 17 were selected by the consensus panel after careful evaluation. The 17 QIs were divided into two domains: (1) improving participation and adherence and (2) CR process standardisation. Nationwide telephone and WeChat surveys identified the five QIs most in need of improvement. A multicenter practice test (n=165) revealed that the mean performance value of the proposed QIs was 43.9% (9.9%–86.1%) according to patients with post-MI.

Conclusions

The consensus panel identified a comprehensive set of QIs for CR in patients with post-MI. A nationwide questionnaire survey was used to identify the QIs that need immediate attention to improve the quality of CR. Although practice tests confirmed the measurability of the proposed QIs in clinical practice, the implementation of the QIs needs to be improved.

Trial registration number

This study is part of a study registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03528382).
Guided relaxation-based virtual reality versus distraction-based virtual reality or passive control for postoperative pain management in children and adolescents undergoing Nuss repair of pectus excavatum: protocol for a prospective, randomised, controlled trial (FOREVR Peds trial)
Authors: Olbrecht Vanessa A , Williams Sara E , O’Conor Keith T , Boehmer Chloe O , Marchant Gilbert W , Glynn Susan M , Geisler Kristie J , Ding Lili , Yang Gang , King Christopher D
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Virtual reality (VR) offers an innovative method to deliver non-pharmacological pain management. Distraction-based VR (VR-D) using immersive games to redirect attention has shown short-term pain reductions in various settings. To create lasting pain reduction, VR-based strategies must go beyond distraction. Guided relaxation-based VR (VR-GR) integrates pain-relieving mind–body based guided relaxation with VR, a novel therapy delivery mechanism. The primary aim of this study is to assess the impact of daily VR-GR, VR-D and 360 video (passive control) on pain intensity. We will also assess the impact of these interventions on pain unpleasantness, anxiety and opioid and benzodiazepine consumption. The secondary aim of this study will assess the impact of psychological factors (anxiety sensitivity and pain catastrophising) on pain following VR.

Methods and analysis

This is a single centre, prospective, randomised, clinical trial. Ninety children/adolescents, aged 8–18 years, presenting for Nuss repair of pectus excavatum will be randomised to 1 of 3 study arms (VR-GR, VR-D and 360 video). Patients will use the Starlight Xperience (Google Daydream) VR suite for 10 min. Patients randomised to VR-GR (n=30) will engage in guided relaxation/mindfulness with the Aurora application. Patients randomised to VR-D (n=30) will play 1 of 3 distraction-based games, and those randomised to the 360 video (n=30) will watch the Aurora application without audio instructions or sound. Primary outcome is pain intensity. Secondary outcomes include pain unpleasantness, anxiety and opioid and benzodiazepine consumption.

Ethics and dissemination

This study follows Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials guidelines. The protocol was approved by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s institutional review board. Patient recruitment began in July 2020. Written informed consent will be obtained for all participants. All information acquired will be disseminated via scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04351776.
Exploring women’s experiences of identifying, negotiating and managing perinatal anxiety: a qualitative study
Authors: Oh Soo , Chew-Graham Carolyn A , Silverwood Victoria , Shaheen Sirah Aksa , Walsh-House Jacqualyn , Sumathipala Athula , Kingstone Tom
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Anxiety affects around 15% of women during the perinatal period and can adversely impact both mother and child, with potential implications for long-term health; few studies have examined women’s experiences of perinatal anxiety (PNA). In the context of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence prioritising PNA, this study aimed to explore women’s experiences of the identification and management of PNA and their engagement with healthcare professionals.

Design

Qualitative study with semi-structured interviews and applying thematic analysis.

Setting

Recruitment materials were shared widely through maternal support groups, children’s centres, libraries, National Health Service (NHS) providers (primary and secondary care) operating in the West Midlands or North West of England and through social media.

Participants

Seventeen women (aged 25–42 years) with self-reported anxiety during pregnancy and/or up to 12 months postpartum. Interviews digitally recorded and transcribed with consent.

Results

Three main themes and corresponding sub-themes are described around a central concept of PNA as an individualised experience: barriers to disclosing PNA; help-seeking for PNA and establishing and engaging support networks. Disclosing, help-seeking and accessing systems of support were interconnected and contextualised by individualised experiences of PNA and pervaded by stigma.

Conclusions

This research provides new insights into PNA and calls for awareness to be improved to achieve parity alongside depression and avoid missed opportunities in the provision of care for women and families. Future research should seek to develop novel PNA-specific interventions aimed at prevention, management and/or combatting stigma to support more women to disclose mental health concerns and seek help early.
Development and validation of the Pressure Injury Prevention Barriers questionnaire in hospital nurses in Spain
Authors: Lopez-Franco Maria Dolores , Parra-Anguita Laura , Comino-Sanz Ines Maria , Pancorbo-Hidalgo Pedro L
Published: December 2020

Objective

To develop and validate a new questionnaire to measure the nurses’ perceptions of the barriers towards the prevention of pressure injuries (PIs) at hospitals.

Design

Validation study with mixed methods.

Setting

Four university hospitals in southern Spain.

Participants

The questionnaire was developed based on a literature review. A panel of 14 wound care experts rated the content validity. A sample of 438 nurses (registered nurses and assistant nurses) participated in the survey.

Main outcome measures

The psychometric properties of the Pressure Injury Prevention Barriers (PIPB) questionnaire evaluated were: content validity, internal consistency reliability and construct validity.

Results

The final version of the questionnaire has 25 items grouped into four factors (management and organisation, motivation and priority, knowledge, and staff and collaboration). The confirmatory factor analysis showed good fit and error indices for the model (Comparative Fit Index=0.92, root mean square error of approximation=0.074). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.90 (overall), and 0.89 (factor 1), 0.75 (factor 2), 0.72 (factor 3) and 0.45 (factor 4). Construct validity was good, demonstrated by the expected association with the scores on patient safety culture and on considering PIs as an adverse effect of hospital stay, but not with attitude score.

Conclusion

The PIPB questionnaire is an instrument useful for measuring nurses’ perceptions of the barriers to PIs prevention. The initial evidence shows that the questionnaire has good content validity, internal consistency and adequate construct validity. Relevance and comprehensiveness need to be assessed in further studies. It can be used both in research and in the evaluation of clinical settings to implementation of PIs preventive programmes in hospitals.
Incidence and risk factors of delirium after percutaneous coronary intervention in individuals hospitalised for acute myocardial infarction: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Kaizhuang , Lu Jiaying , Zhu Yaoli , Cheng Tao , Du Dahao , Qian Xueqin , Pan Haiyan , Wang Xiaohua , Yang Hong , Lou Shaofei
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Delirium in the postoperative period is a wide-reaching problem that affects important clinical outcomes. The incidence and risk factors of delirium in individuals with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been completely determined and no relevant systematic review and meta-analysis of incidence or risk factors exists. Hence, we aim to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to ascertain the incidence and risk factors of delirium among AMI patients undergoing PCI.

Methods and analyses

We will undertake a comprehensive literature search among PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Google Scholar from their inception to the search date. Prospective cohort and cross-sectional studies that described the incidence or at least one risk factor of delirium will be eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome will be the incidence of postoperative delirium. The quality of included studies will be assessed using a risk of bias tool for prevalence studies and the Cochrane guidelines. Heterogeneity of the estimates across studies will be assessed. Incidence and risk factors associated with delirium will be extracted. Incidence data will be pooled. Each risk factor reported in the included studies will be recorded together with its statistical significance; narrative and meta-analytical approaches will be employed. The systematic review and meta-analysis will be presented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

This proposed systematic review and meta-analysis is based on published data, and thus there is no requirement for ethics approval. The study will provide an up to date and accurate incidence and risk factors of delirium after PCI among patients with AMI, which is necessary for future research in this area. The findings of this study will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020184388.
Latest results on rare kaon decays from the NA48/2 experiment @CERN
Authors: Molokanova N.
Published: December 2020

The NA48/2 experiment at CERN reports the first observation of the [Formula: see text] decay from an exposure of [Formula: see text] charged kaon decays recorded in 2003–2004. A sample of 4919 candidates with 4.9% background contamination allows the determination of the branching ratio in the full kinematic region. The study of the kinematic space shows evidence for a structure-dependent contribution in agreement with predictions based on chiral perturbation theory. Several [Formula: see text]- and [Formula: see text]-violating asymmetries are also evaluated. The most precise measurement of the charged kaon semi-leptonic form factors obtained by NA48/2 with 4.4 million [Formula: see text] and 2.3 million [Formula: see text] events collected in 2004 will also be presented.
Study of sensitivity to dark matter scattering for liquid argon detectors in EFT framework
Authors: Grobov A. V. , Levashko N. M.
Published: December 2020

The framework of nonrelativistic effective field theory (NREFT) aims to generalize the standard analysis of direct detection experiments in terms of spin-dependent (SD) and spin-independent (SI) interactions. Here we performed EFT analysis and obtained sensitivity curves for liquid argon detectors to scattering of dark matter (DM) particles in case of different interaction models. DM velocity distribution and experimental dependencies are also described.
Primordial intermediate mass black holes as dark matter
Authors: Frampton Paul H.
Published: December 2020

Among particle theory candidates for the dark matter constituents. Axions and WIMPs are the most popular. In this paper, we discuss these then focus on our preferred astrophysical candidate, the Primordial Intermediate Mass Black Holes in the acronym DM[Formula: see text]=[Formula: see text]PIMBHs. The earliest experimental confirmation may come from microlensing of the Magellanic Clouds at the LSST 8 m telescope in the mid-2020s, or possibly a few years earlier in 2021 from work being pursued, using DECam data from the smaller Blanco 4 m telescope, at LLNL.
Angle sensitivity testing of equal-period plane diffraction grating fabricated through electron beam lithography line-by-line method
Authors: Dong Yunhui , He Wei , Zhang Wen , Dong Mingli
Published: December 2020

An equal-period plane diffraction grating fabricated through electron beam lithography line-by-line method was designed and applied to the experiment of angle sensitivity testing. The size of the fabricated grating region was [Formula: see text] mm and the period was 1526 nm. The incident light was transmitted via the Y-type fiber to collimator lens fixed on the angle disc, which can be adjusted to change the incident light angle. The diffraction spectra generated by the incident light irradiating the grating surface were collected by the optical spectrum analyzer. In this experiment, the incident light angle was fixed at 25[Formula: see text]. When the spot moved horizontally by 50 mm, the diffraction wavelength was basically unchanged. When the incident light angle was adjusted from 15[Formula: see text] to 31[Formula: see text], the diffraction wavelength was changed from 834.03 nm to 1589.80 nm, the angular sensitivity was 47.508 nm/[Formula: see text], and the linearity was 0.9998.
Transient Chaos, Hyperchaotic Dynamics, and Transport Properties in a Bailout Embedding Web Map
Authors: Magalhães Willames F. , Albuquerque Holokx A. , Manchein Cesar
Published: December 2020

In this work, we show that the bailout embedding method is responsible for creating different dynamical behaviors and for destroying intrinsic features present in mixed phase spaces of the area-preserving Hamiltonian maps, where the sticking to regular (or resonant) islands degrades chaotic properties. In particular, the base map chosen for the study is the two-dimensional (2D) Web Map (WM). The four-dimensional (4D) embedded Web Map dynamics is governed by four-parameters: ([Formula: see text]) in the WM control the nonlinearity and the type of symmetry structures (crystalline or quasi-crystalline) in phase space, respectively; ([Formula: see text]) in the embedding equations determine the mass density ratio and dissipation, respectively. For specific parameter combinations we explore the existence of transient chaos phenomenon, hyperchaotic dynamics and control the degradation of the underlying diffusive behaviors observed in phase space of the WM. If the WM is subjected to large enough dissipation through the embedding equations, stable periodic points (inside resonance islands) become sinks attracting almost all the surrounding orbits, destroying all invariant curves which divide the phase space into chaotic and regular domains. As area-preserving maps obtained from Hamiltonian flows usually share the crucial property that resonance islands can be found immersed in chaotic sea (characterizing the mixed phase space) for appropriated parameter combinations, the results obtained here for the 4D embedded WM should be considered generic for such whole class of nonlinear systems.
Codimension-Two Bifurcation Analysis on a Discrete Gierer–Meinhardt System
Authors: Liu Xijuan , Liu Yun
Published: December 2020

The stability and the two-parameter bifurcation of a two-dimensional discrete Gierer–Meinhardt system are investigated in this paper. The analysis is carried out both theoretically and numerically. It is found that the model can exhibit codimension-two bifurcations ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] strong resonances) for certain critical values at the positive fixed point. The normal forms are obtained by using a series of affine transformations and bifurcation theory. Numerical simulations including bifurcation diagrams, phase portraits and basins of attraction are conducted to validate the theoretical predictions, which can also display some interesting and complex dynamical behaviors.
Sur la structure galoisienne relative de puissances de la différente et idéaux de stickelberger
Authors: Sodaïgui Bouchaïb
Published: December 2020

Let [Formula: see text] be a number field, [Formula: see text] its ring of integers, [Formula: see text] its classgroup and [Formula: see text] the class number of [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be a finite group. Let [Formula: see text] be a maximal [Formula: see text]-order in the semi-simple algebra [Formula: see text] containing [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] its locally free classgroup. Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. We define the set [Formula: see text] of Galois module classes realizable by the [Formula: see text]th power of the different to be the set of classes [Formula: see text] such that there exists a Galois extension [Formula: see text] with Galois group isomorphic to [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]-extension), which is tamely ramified, and for which the class of [Formula: see text] is equal to [Formula: see text], where we clarify that if [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]th root of the inverse different [Formula: see text] (respectively, the different [Formula: see text]) if [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text]) when it exists. Let [Formula: see text] be a prime number and [Formula: see text] be a primitive [Formula: see text]th root of unity. In this article, we suppose that [Formula: see text] is cyclic of order [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are linearly disjoint. We prove, sometimes under an assumption on [Formula: see text], that [Formula: see text] is a subgroup of [Formula: see text], by an explicit description using a Stickelberger ideal. In addition, for each [Formula: see text], we determine the set of the Steinitz classes of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] runs through the tame [Formula: see text]-extensions of [Formula: see text], and prove that it is a subgroup of [Formula: see text], also sometimes under an hypothesis on [Formula: see text].
Irregular Register Allocation for Translation of Test-pattern Programs
Authors: Kim Minsu , Park Jeong-Keun , Moon Soo-Mook
Published: December 2020

Test-pattern programs
are for testing DRAM memory chips. They run on a special embedded system called
automated test equipment
(ATE). Each ATE manufacturer provides its own programming language, which is mostly low level, thus accessing the registers in the ATE directly. The register structure of each ATE is quite different and highly irregular. Since DRAM chipmakers are often equipped with diverse ATEs from different manufacturers, they employ automatic translation of a program developed for one ATE to a program for different ATEs. This raises an
irregular register allocation
problem during translation. This article proposes a solution based on partitioned Boolean quadratic programming (PBQP). PBQP has been used for a number of compiler optimizations, including
paired register allocation
, which our ATE register allocation also requires. Moreover, the
interleaved
processing in ATE incurs complex register constraints, which we could also formulate elegantly with PBQP. The original PBQP solver is not quite appropriate to use, though, since ATE register allocation does not allow spills, so we devised a more elaborate PBQP solver that trades off the allocation time and allocation search space, to find a solution in a reasonable amount of time. Our experimental results with product-level pattern programs show that the proposed register allocator successfully finds valid solutions in all cases, in the order of tenths of seconds.
SG
XL
Authors: Yadalam Sujay , Ganapathy Vinod , Basu Arkaprava
Published: December 2020

Intel’s SGX architecture offers clients of public cloud computing platforms the ability to create hardware-protected
enclaves
whose contents are protected from privileged system software. However, SGX relies on system software for enclave memory management. In a sequence of recent papers, researchers have demonstrated that this reliance allows a malicious OS/hypervisor to snoop on the page addresses being accessed from within an enclave via various channels. This page address stream can then be used to infer secrets if the enclave’s page access pattern depends upon the secret and this constitutes an important class of side-channels.

We propose SG
XL
, a hardware-software co-designed system that significantly increases the difficulty of any page address-based side-channels through the use of large pages. A large page maps address ranges at a much larger granularity than the default page size (at least 512× larger). SG
XL
thus significantly lowers resolution of the leaked page address stream and could practically throttle all flavors of page-address based side-channels. We detail the modifications needed to SGX’s software stack and the (minor) hardware enhancements required for SG
XL
to guarantee the use of large pages in the presence of adversarial system software. We empirically show that SG
XL
could be one of those rare systems that enhances security with the potential of improving performance as well.
Semi-interpenetrating Network Membrane from Polyethyleneimine-Epoxy Resin and Polybenzimidazole for HT-PEM Fuel Cells
Authors: Meng Chao , Huang Sheng , Han Dongmei , Ren Shan , Wang Shuanjin , Xiao Min
Published: December 2020

In the present work, a semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) high-temperature proton exchange membrane based on polyethyleneimine (PEI), epoxy resin (ER), and polybenzimidazole (PBI) was prepared and characterized, aiming at their future application in fuel cell devices. The physical properties of the semi-IPN membrane are characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and tensile strength test. The results indicate that the as-prepared PEI-ER/PBI semi-IPN membranes possess excellent thermal stability and mechanical strength. After phosphoric acid (PA) doping treatment, the semi-IPN membranes show high proton conductivities. PA doping level and volume swelling ratio as well as proton conductivities of the semi-IPN membranes are found to be positively related to the PEI content. High proton conductivities of

3.9
∽
7.8
×

10

−
2

 
S
 
c

m

−
1

are achieved at 160°C for these PA-doped PEI-ER/PBI series membranes. H2/O2 fuel cell assembled with PA-doped PEI-ER(1 : 2)/PBI membrane delivered a peak power density of 170 mW cm-2 at 160°C under anhydrous conditions.
Data‐Driven Model for the Prediction of Total Dissolved Gas: Robust Artificial Intelligence Approach
Authors: AlOmar Mohamed Khalid , Hameed Mohammed Majeed , Al-Ansari Nadhir , AlSaadi Mohammed Abdulhakim
Published: December 2020

Saturated total dissolved gas (TDG) is recently considered as a serious issue in the environmental engineering field since it stands behind the reasons for increasing the mortality rates of fish and aquatic organisms. The accurate and more reliable prediction of TDG has a very significant role in preserving the diversity of aquatic organisms and reducing the phenomenon of fish deaths. Herein, two machine learning approaches called support vector regression (SVR) and extreme learning machine (ELM) have been applied to predict the saturated TDG% at USGS 14150000 and USGS 14181500 stations which are located in the USA. For the USGS 14150000 station, the recorded samples from 13 October 2016 to 14 March 2019 (75%) were used for training set, and the rest from 15 March 2019 to 13 October 2019 (25%) were used for testing requirements. Similarly, for USGS 14181500 station, the hourly data samples which covered the period from 9 June 2017 till 11 March 2019 were used for calibrating the models and from 12 March 2019 until 9 October 2019 were used for testing the predictive models. Eight input combinations based on different parameters have been established as well as nine statistical performance measures have been used for evaluating the accuracy of adopted models, for instance, not limited, correlation of determination (R2), mean absolute relative error (MAE), and uncertainty at 95% (U95). The obtained results of the study for both stations revealed that the ELM managed efficiently to estimate the TDG in comparison to SVR technique. For USGS 14181500 station, the statistical measures for ELM (SVR) were, respectively, reported as R2 of 0.986 (0.986), MAE of 0.316 (0.441), and U95 of 3.592 (3.869). Lastly, for USGS 14181500 station, the statistical measures for ELM (SVR) were, respectively, reported as R2 of 0.991 (0.991), MAE of 0.338 (0.396), and U95 of 0.832 (0.837). In addition, ELM’s training process computational time is stated to be much shorter than that of SVM. The results also showed that the temperature parameter was the most significant variable that influenced TDG relative to the other parameters. Overall, the proposed model (ELM) proved to be an appropriate and efficient computer‐assisted technology for saturated TDG modeling that will contribute to the basic knowledge of environmental considerations.
Effects of Exercise on Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chen Xiaoke , Sun Xinzheng , Wang Chenghao , He Hui
Published: December 2020

Objective. Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and the occurrence of insulin resistance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise on inflammatory factors in patients with T2DM. Methods. A systematic review was conducted on five databases, Cochrane, Embase, Pubmed, Web of Science, and EBSCO. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between establishment of the database and November 2020 without restrictions on language were included. Studies evaluated the effects of exercise intervention on inflammatory cytokines in patients with T2DM were selected. Results. Twenty-three randomized controlled trials (1350 patients) were included in our meta-analysis. Exercise can significantly reduce the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) (MD: −0.79, 95% CI: −1.26 to −0.33,

p
=
0.0008

), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (MD: −2.33, 95% CI: −3.39 to −1.27,

p
<
0.0001

), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (MD: −0.42, 95% CI: −0.60 to −0.24,

p
<
0.0001

) in T2DM patients. Conclusion. The findings of this review suggest that exercise reduces inflammatory cytokines (CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6) in T2DM patients. More studies with high methodological qualities and large sample sizes need to be done to confirm which forms of exercise are most effective.
Enhanced Mechanical and Microstructural Properties of Portland Cement Composites Modified with Submicron Metakaolin
Authors: Wang Yaoyu , Li Jiye , Jiang Lihan , Zhao Lihua
Published: December 2020

This work aims to study the influence of submicron metakaolin (SMK) on the mechanical strength, pore structure, and microstructural properties of hardened cement‐based slurry (HCS). Portland cement was replaced by SMK at a proportion of 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt%. The compressive strength and flexural strength of the HCS samples were tested at a curing period of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days, and the pore structure of the specimens was analyzed by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) at a curing period of 3 and 28 days. The microstructure characteristics of the hardened samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was also employed to analyze the change in the chemical composition of the HCS. The results showed that the SMK could accelerate the hydration rate of the cement and could improve the mechanical properties of the HCS; the compressive strength and flexural strength of the HCS samples were remarkably enhanced, compared to those of the plain cement, by 67 and 46%, respectively, at a curing period of 3 days and by 33 and 35%, respectively, at a curing period of 28 days. The SMK had a significant impact on the internal pore structure of the hardened samples, and the number of pores with a diameter of larger than 3000 nm significantly decreased. Because the hydration products filled the pores, the microstructure of the HCS was further refined and densified with the addition of SMK. Submicron metakaolin has a simple process and high activity, which can significantly improve the performance of the cement slurry. Therefore, submicron metakaolin has the potential for practical engineering applications.
Neural Network‐Based Model for Predicting Preliminary Construction Cost as Part of Cost Predicting System
Authors: Car-Pusic Diana , Petruseva Silvana , Zileska Pancovska Valentina , Zafirovski Zlatko
Published: December 2020

A model for early construction cost prediction is useful for all construction project participants. This paper presents a combination of process‐based and data‐driven model for construction cost prediction in early project phases. Bromilow’s “time‐cost” model is used as process‐based model and general regression neural network (GRNN) as data‐driven model. GRNN gave the most accurate prediction among three prediction models using neural networks which were applied, with the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of about 0.73% and the coefficient of determination R2 of 99.55%. The correlation coefficient between the predicted and the actual values is 0.998. The model is designed as an integral part of the cost predicting system (CPS), whose role is to estimate project costs in the early stages. The obtained results are used as Cost Model (CM) input being both part of the Decision Support System (DSS) and part of the wider Building Management Information System (BMIS). The model can be useful for all project participants to predict construction cost in early project stage, especially in the phases of bidding and contracting when many factors, which can determine the construction project implementation, are yet unknown.
Proyecciones económicas y "mis preocupaciones"
Authors: García Carlos
Published: December 2020

Según las finanzas conductuales, las personas tienden a ser imprecisos en sus proyecciones. Algunas de estas imprecisiones -frecuentes- se producen por hacer proyecciones sólo con información reciente y escasa, tener sobre confianza en el futuro y ser lentos en incorporar nueva información. Sin duda, que todos estos elementos son una mezcla explosiva al momento de tratar de proponer en forma objetiva escenarios futuros. En otras palabras, el riesgo que se asocia a ciertos eventos, por lo general, puede estar mal medido. En ocasiones tan mal medido como para producir que un virus se expanda a escala global. Continuar leyendo...
Pediatric Trauma-Induced Testicular Torsion: A Surgical Emergency
Authors: Zhong Haijun , Bi Yunli
Published: December 2020

Objective: To evaluate the features of testicular torsion (TT) resulting from minor groin trauma and to raise the awareness of trauma-induced testicular torsion (TITT). Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of patients presenting with TT resulting from minor genital trauma that was performed from January 2010 to December 2018 at a single tertiary care institution. The demographic, clinical, and perioperative characteristics, as well as data on follow-up and complications, were analyzed. Results: Of the 155 patients treated for TT, 15 were included in this study. The average age of the patients was 10.3 years (range: 3.2–13.3 years). All patients experienced a direct scrotal trauma and subsequently presented with an ipsilateral scrotal or testicular pain secondary to the twisted testicle. Six patients were misdiagnosed as having scrotal inflammation or hematoma, and all were initially treated at local hospitals. The mean duration of symptoms before hospitalization was 138 h (range: 5–504 h). The mean degree of torsion was 390° (range: 180–720°). The testicular salvation rate, at 33%, was poor. No serious postoperative complications or recurrences of TT was observed. Conclusions: TITT is a rare entity and still has delayed diagnosis. This may subsequently lead to a low testicular salvation rate. Emergency surgeons, especially in local hospitals, should be aware of the possibility of TT following testicular trauma in pediatric patients. Improving the parents’ awareness regarding TT is also important.
Autoria coletiva em Poesia, de António Maria Lisboa
Authors: Bueno Danilo Rodrigues
Published: December 2020

Poesia, obra póstuma de António Maria Lisboa, organizada por Mário Cesariny, reúne parte da produção do poeta, composta por poemas coletivos, cartas abertas e pessoais, desenhos, bilhetes, textos críticos, manifestos, poemas em prosa e em verso. O livro é atravessado pela presença dos poetas surrealistas, ensejando a percepção de uma obra coletiva, preceito fundamental do surrealismo
homem, a terra e o imaginário em O Dia dos Prodígios, de Lídia Jorge
Authors: Saldanha Ana Maria
Published: December 2020

A narrativa portuguesa publicada depois da Revolução de Abril é uma narrativa de escrita em liberdade que supera os obstáculos a que, anteriormente, a censura a havia votado. Muitos autores, antes sob a ameaça do lápis azul, voltam ao processo criativo, questionando, refletindo e avivando a memória recente do país. Outros, ainda que não tendo publicado antes da Revolução, nascem como autores depois desta, servindo, então, a escrita como um processo de exumação de memórias recentes e de reflexão crítica sobre o passado ditatorial. Partindo da experiência criativa proporcionada pela Revolução de Abril (Lourenço, 1994; Lima, 1996; Reis, 2004), propomo-nos acompanhar o processo de representação literária que Lídia Jorge, na sua obra O Dia dos Prodígios, realiza do espaço rural português do sul, antes e depois da Revolução, assim como do processo estético criativo que, recorrendo a modalizações ficcionais da magia e do maravilhoso, alegoriza a realidade portuguesa contemporânea do tempo de escrita da narrativa.
“Sou sólido, e tenho (ou sou) uma obra": Herberto Helder e a ambição de ser poema
Authors: Silva Constance von Krüger de Alcântara e
Published: December 2020

O presente artigo tem como objetivo apresentar uma hipótese acerca da autoria na poesia de Herberto Helder. A partir da leitura de alguns poemas e também de algumas de suas obras reflexivas em prosa, percebe-se a possibilidade de que a participação do poeta em seus poemas, embora não confessional, possua caráter biográfico. Ainda: a misantropia do poeta (em seu voto de silêncio iniciado em 1968) seria indício de seu desejo de dizer-se somente por meio de sua obra; um desejo de ser poema. A apreensão da poesia de Herberto Helder, nesse sentido, possibilitaria o vislumbre borrado de um autorretrato.
Herberto Helder: da condição absoluta da poesia moderna
Authors: Ribeiro Fernando Jorge Oliveira
Published: December 2020

Da original modernidade na poesia de H.Helder: 1- Defesa da poesia de E.Bettencourt por H.Helder; 2- “Orpheu” e a defesa da sua modernidade revolucionária por H.Helder e E.Lourenço; 3- Para uma definição de poesia moderna de H.Helder por “Ein Brief ” (Uma Carta) de Hugo von Hofmannsthal; 4- Para uma definição de poesia moderna.
Lauro Chiazzese, lo studio delle interpolazioni e i confronti ‘ritrovati’
Authors: Varvaro Mario
Published: December 2020

A first draft of the Parte speciale of Chiazzese’s Confronti Testuali, projected as complement of the Parte generale published in 1933, was known for quite some time, but was only recently published by Falcone. Although this is an important transcription work of the manuscript, the reconstruction provided about the historical background – partially based on two different versions of an anecdote – should be read taking into account some clarifications.
The French Médersa in West Africa: Modernizing Islamic Education and Institutionalizing Colonial Racism, 1890s–1920s
Authors: Anderson Samuel D.
Published: December 2020

This article examines the origins and development of colonial Franco-Muslim education, with specific reference to the Médersa of Saint-Louis in Senegal. Often described as a failed experiment on the part of the French administration, the médersa nevertheless marked the first effort to “modernize” Islamic education in West Africa. This article argues that the médersa evolved, and eventually closed, in tandem with local engagement and the establishment of the racist idea of islam noir. It also highlights the role of Algerians and the Algerian médersa system in West Africa to argue for the importance of a trans-Saharan approach to Islamic education in the colonial period.
Theorizing Sunniyat as a Mode of Being: An Asadian Perspective from South Africa
Authors: Rafudeen Auwais
Published: December 2020

Reflecting on thoughts by Talal Asad, this paper suggests an approach to theorizing Sunniyat – the approach to Islam taken by those commonly called “Barelvis” – in South Africa by focusing on sensibilities and dispositions. It specifically examines the kinds of sensibilities that are cultivated by adherents in their relationship to the Prophet as well as in their practice of everyday ethics. The aim is to shed light on the embodied nature of these sensibilities and not just their discursive context. In Asad’s work, both dimensions are important, but discourse is a prelude to embodiment, with the latter constituting one’s mode of being in the world. In thinking about Sunniyat in this way, the works of Abdulkader Tayob and Seraj Hendricks provide important precedents for navigating both discursiveness and embodiment in a South African Muslim context.
Classes of Grammarians East and West: Ṭabaqāt al-naḥwiyyīn wa-l-lughawiyyīn of al-Zubaydī and Marātib al-naḥwiyyīn of Abū l-Ṭayyib al-Lughawī
Authors: Ghersetti Antonella
Published: December 2020

This article focuses on the internal organization of two biographical works about grammarians of Arabic: al-Zubaydī’s Ṭabaqāt and Abū l-Ṭayyib’s Marātib. An analysis of the macrostructure — the overall arrangement of the material in chapters or sections — and of the microstructure — the selection of information given in single entries — makes it possible to identify the criteria the authors used to organize their information and to highlight differences in their arrangement. This also allows us to understand the intended function of these works, as well as the aims and motives of their authors.
Introduction. Gift and Tribute in Early Modern Diplomacy: Afro-Eurasian Perspectives
Authors: Tremml-Werner Birgit , Hellman Lisa , van Meersbergen Guido
Published: December 2020

Gifts and tribute have become a mainstay of scholarship on early modern diplomacy, particularly in studies of intercultural contacts. While New Diplomatic History has shown that a much wider and more global range of actors participated in shaping diplomatic contacts than was traditionally assumed, we still remain some distance removed from a truly global account of the interactive development of diplomatic norms and practices. This introduction situates the contributions in the special issue on “Gifts and Tribute in Early Modern Diplomacy: Afro-Eurasian Perspectives” within a survey of recent literature. It suggests that future scholarship on early modern diplomacy ought to focus on the ways in which global entanglements affected the structures, norms, and practices of inter-polity relations on a global scale. To achieve such an integrated account, future research will need to draw on an expanded range of voices, languages, concepts, and sources, as well as more concerted scholarly collaborations.
A Diamond or a Bear: the Spanish Court’s Practices of Gift-Giving with Extra-European Embassies
Authors: Gonzalez-Cuerva Ruben
Published: December 2020

By the seventeenth century, the Spanish court had developed a well-established practice of gift-giving to foreign representatives. The richness and variety of such gifts pretended to foster the hegemonic and prestigious image of the Catholic king. However, those agents not pertaining to the medieval framework of Christendom posed several challenges: how to compare and commensurate their rank and dignity with European examples? How to adapt (and to what extent) the local system to quite different tastes and cultural backgrounds?
The Beauties of Lucknow: An Urdu Photographic Album
Authors: Hansen Kathryn
Published: December 2020

ʿAbbās ʿAlī of Lucknow published several volumes of photographs which were unique in being accompanied by text in English and Urdu.The Beauties of Lucknow(1874), an album of female performers and costumed actors from the Indar Sabhā, is attributed to him. Based on examination of the rare book in five archival locations, this article accounts for the variations among them. It distinguishes between the photographer’s authorial intentions and the agency of artisans, collectors, and others who altered the artifact at various stages. Comparison of the textual apparatus of the English and Urdu editions reveals the author’s mode of address to different audiences. The Urdu introduction, saturated with poetic tropes, provides insight into ways of viewing photographs as formulated among the local cognoscenti. The article proposes that ʿAbbās ʿAlī’s book was meant as a private gift, as well as a publication for wider circulation.