bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reduced failure rates associated with playing a new online game developed to support learning of core content in human systems physiology
Authors: Herkes Sharon M. , Gordon-Thomson Clare , Arnaiz Isabel A. , Muir Meloni M. , Wardak Dewa , King Dane A.
Published: September 2021

A digital mobile card-matching game called eFlip was developed to assist second-year undergraduate medical science students to learn core content and understand key associations in physiology. Our team developed customized content of core physiological associations, of increasing difficulty, for upload on a generic card-matching platform. The generic game was extended with add-ons coded to allow identification and access of student usage data for students who consented to have their game usage linked to academic performance such as final course marks and grades. Here, we describe the development of the eFlip game content, the student usage profile, and the game’s impact on learning. Students were invited to use eFlip prior to and during the final examination period. Of those who used eFlip, 152 students consented to participate in a study of game use on learning performance outcomes. Within the students who consented, 74 played the game and 78 did not play the game (nonplayers). The mean course mark of the students who played the game [69.57%; 95% confidence level (CI) (67.22, 71.92)] was higher than that of the nonplayers [65.33%; 95% CI (62.67, 67.99)] ( P = 0.02). Playing eFlip was also associated with reduced failure rates in students who played the game (1% failure rate) compared with the students who did not play the game (10% failure rate; P = 0.02). The number of games played by students peaked just prior to the course final examination. Overall, students who chose to play eFlip demonstrated improved grades that were associated with a higher probability of passing the physiology course.
Elevating neuroscience literacy and an approach for physiologists
Authors: Haynes Elijah M. K. , Jakobi Jennifer M.
Published: September 2021

The field of neuroscience has made notable strides that have contributed to progress and change in a number of academic pursuits. However, the lack of understanding of basic neuroscience concepts among the general public is likely to hinder, and in some instances possibly even prevent, the appropriate application of scientific advancements to issues facing society today. Greater neuroscience literacy among the general public is necessary for the benefits of neuroscientific discovery to be fully realized. By actively enhancing neuroscience literacy, scientists can dispel falsehoods established by early research that harmed underrepresented communities, ensure that public conversations concerning neuroscience (e.g., legalization of psychotropic substances) revolve around facts, and empower individuals to make better health decisions. The widespread implementation of communication technologies and various forms of media indicate there are numerous means to engage classroom learners across disciplines and age cohorts and the public to increase neuroscience knowledge. Thus, it is not only necessary but timely that neuroscientists seek meaningful ways to bridge the widening knowledge gap with the public.
Iranian COVID-19 Publications in LitCovid: Text Mining and Topic Modeling
Authors: Dastani Meisam , Danesh Farshid
Published: September 2021

COVID-19 is a threat to the lives of people all over the world. As a result of the new and unknown nature of COVID-19, much research has been conducted recently. In order to increase and enhance the growth rate of Iranian publications on COVID-19, this article aims to analyze these publications in LitCovid to identify the topical and content structure and topic modeling of scientific publications in the mentioned subject area. The present article is applied research performed by using an analytical approach as well as text mining techniques. The statistical population is all the publications of Iranian researchers in LitCovid. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and Python were used to analyze the data and implement text mining and topic modeling algorithms. Data analysis shows that the percentage of Iranian publications in the eight topical groups in LitCovid is as follows: prevention (39.57%), treatment (18.99%), diagnosis (18.99%), forecasting (7.83%), case report (6.52%), mechanism (3.91%), transmission (3.62%), and general (0.58%). The results indicate that patient, pandemic, outbreak, case, Iranian, model, care, health, coronavirus, and disease are the most important words in the publications of Iranian researchers in LitCovid. Six topics for prevention; four topics for treatment and case report and forecasting; three topics for diagnosis, mechanism, and transmission in general have been obtained by implementing the topic modeling algorithm. Most of the Iranian publications in LitCovid are related to the topic “pandemic status,” with 22.47% in the prevention category, and the lowest number of publications is related to the topic “environment,” with 11.11% in the transmission category. The present study indicates a better understanding of essential and strategic issues of Iranian publications in LitCovid. The results reveal that many Iranian studies on COVID-19 were primarily on the issues related to prevention, management, and control. These findings provided a structured and research-based viewpoint of COVID-19 in Iran to guide researchers and policymakers.
Determination of Cyclic Filling Length in Gob‐Side Entry Retained with Roadside Filling and Its Application
Authors: Zhang Zizheng , Xin Jinlin , Bai Jianbiao , Yu Xianyang , Yu Weijian , Deng Min
Published: September 2021

Gob‐side entry retained with roadside filling (GER‐RF) plays a key role in achieving coal mining without pillar and improving the coal resource recovery rate. Since there are few reports on the cyclic filling length of GER‐RF, a method based on the stress difference method is proposed to determine the cyclic filling length of GER‐RF. Firstly, a stability analysis mechanics model of the immediate roof above the roadside filling area was established, and then, the relationship between the roof stress distribution and the unsupported roof length was obtained by the stress difference method. According to the roof stability above the roadside filling area based on the relationship between the roof stress and its tensile strength, the maximum unsupported roof length and rational cyclic filling length were determined. Combined with the geological conditions of the 1103 thin coal seam working face of Heilong Coal Mine and the 1301 thick coal seam working face of Licun Coal Mine, the suggested method was applied to determine that the rational cyclic filling lengths were 2.4 m and 3.2 m, respectively. Field trial tests show that the suggested method can effectively control the surrounding rock deformation along with rational road‐in support and roadside support and improve the filling and construction speed.
CALL-Enhanced L2 Vocabulary Learning: Using Spaced Exposure through CALL to Enhance L2 Vocabulary Retention
Authors: Çakmak Fidel , Namaziandost Ehsan , Kumar Tribhuwan
Published: September 2021

CALL- and MALL-enhanced learning applications have dominated the field of second language (L2) learning recently. This study aims to investigate the effect of applying a CALL-enhanced L2 vocabulary learning software program on the L2 vocabulary development of English as Foreign Language (EFL) students. 76 preintermediate EFL students registered at a foreign language school were chosen from a total of 156 students after running an Oxford Quick Placement Test (OQPT). The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the experimental group (EG = 38) and the control group (CG = 38). A vocabulary test as pretest was administered to all the participants before the treatment. During the treatment, the EG learners were requested to utilize a computer-enhanced flashcard software program on their laptops, mobile phones, or other mobile devices at their discretion. By using the program, they could access and utilize a variety of flashcards on many subject matters such as languages, geography, math, and science as well as construct their own flashcards for multiple practices. The CG, on the other hand, was taught through traditional teaching without any CALL tools available. At the termination of the intervention, the vocabulary test was employed as a posttest to both groups to assess the learners’ vocabulary enhancement. The EG outperformed the CG. Findings have led to the reasonable interpretation that L2 vocabulary learning was more productive when the CALL-enhanced flashcard program was utilized for the learning processes.
Contact Toxicity Effects of Selected Organic Leaf Extracts of Tithonia diversifolia (Hemsl.) A. Gray and Vernonia lasiopus (O. Hoffman) against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Gitahi Stephen Maina , Ngugi Mathew Piero , Mburu David Nganga , Machocho Alex Kingori
Published: September 2021

Maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais) infestation results in a substantial reduction in the quantity and deterioration of the quality of stored maize. Most farmers control weevils using conventional pesticides which are usually associated with several human health risks as well as intoxication of the fauna and flora. However, bioinsecticides form an alternative intervention since they possess fewer side effects on human health, are ecofriendly, and are readily available. This study sought to validate and document, in a systematic way, the pesticidal properties of the species Tithonia diversifolia and Vernonia lasiopus used for many years by many people of the world on S. zeamais. The plant leaf samples were obtained from Embu County, Kenya. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate solvents were used to extract active phytochemicals from the dried plant sample powder. The GC-MS analysis of the obtained extracts was performed at ICIPE laboratories to identify their phytochemical compositions. Twenty grams of maize grains were put in 50 ml plastic vials and admixed with different treatments. The positive control group was treated with Actellic Super™, while the negative control was treated with the respective extracting solvent only. The experimental groups were separately treated with the plant leaf extracts at doses of 25, 50, 75, and 100%. After treatment, each of the six groups was infested with 10 male S. zeamais and weevil mortality as a result of contact toxicity of the treatments was assessed at 6, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after the insects were exposed to the extracts. Results of the study indicate that the selected organic leaf extracts of T. diversifolia and V. lasiopus possessed significant contact insecticidal effects that ranged between 1.67 to 99.98%. Furthermore, the GC-MS analysis revealed several active biocompounds in T. diversifolia and V. lasiopus extracts, which are known for their considerable insecticidal effects. Our data suggest that the organic leaf extracts of T. diversifolia and V. lasiopus have considerable insecticidal properties and would, therefore, be a valuable bioprotective agent for stored maize grains against S. zeamais.
Administration of a Probiotic Mixture Ameliorates Cisplatin-Induced Mucositis and Pica by Regulating 5-HT in Rats
Authors: Wu Yuanhang , Wu Jianlin , Lin Zhikun , Wang Qian , Li Ying , Wang Aman , Shan Xiu , Liu Jiwei
Published: September 2021

Probiotic-based therapies have been shown to be beneficial for chemotherapy-induced mucositis. Previous research has demonstrated that a probiotic mixture (Bifidobacterium brevis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Streptococcus thermophilus) can ameliorate chemotherapy-induced mucositis and dysbiosis in rats, but the underlying mechanism has not been completely elucidated. We aimed to determine the inhibitory effects of the probiotic mixture on cisplatin-induced mucositis and pica and the underlying mechanism, focusing on the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin) regulated by the gut microbiota. A rat model of mucositis and pica was established by daily intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (6 mg/kg) for 3 days. In the probiotic+cisplatin group, predaily intragastric injection of the probiotic mixture (

1
×

10

9

 
CFU
/
kg

BW) was administrated for 1 week before cisplatin injection. This was then followed by further daily probiotic injections for 6 days. Histopathology, pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative status, and 5-HT levels were assessed on days 3 and 6. The structure of the gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and quantitative PCR. Additionally, 5-HT levels in enterochromaffin (EC) cells (RIN-14B cell line) treated with cisplatin and/or various probiotic bacteria were also determined. The probiotic mixture significantly attenuated kaolin consumption, inflammation, oxidative stress, and the increase in 5-HT concentrations in rats with cisplatin-induced intestinal mucositis and pica. Cisplatin markedly increased the relative abundances of Enterobacteriaceae_other, Blautia, Clostridiaceae_other, and members of Clostridium clusters IV and XIVa. These levels were significantly restored by the probiotic mixture. Importantly, most of the genera increased by cisplatin were significantly positively correlated with colonic 5-HT. Furthermore, in vitro, the probiotic mixture had direct inhibitory effects on the 5-HT secretion by EC cells. The probiotic mixture protects against cisplatin-induced intestine injury, exhibiting both anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties. These results were closely related to the reestablishment of intestinal microbiota ecology and normalization of the dysbiosis-driven 5-HT overproduction.
MRI Findings of Acute Sports Injury of the Gastrocnemius Muscle
Authors: Xue Li
Published: September 2021

Objective.To investigate the MRI findings of acute sports injury of the gastrocnemius muscle and to provide evidence for clinical diagnosis. Methods. The MRI imaging data of 16 cases of gastrocnemius muscle group sports injury were compared, analyzed, and collated. In this paper, the variation of MRI image entropy before and after gastrocnemius muscle injury was studied by using the texture characteristics of the muscle image. Results. The experiment demonstrated that the entropy of MRI images before and after fatigue showed a decrease after muscle tissue was raised; that is, after muscle tissue underwent centrifugal and centripetal contraction. This result is more effective and convenient for nondestructive prediction of the gastrocnemius muscle injury state. Conclusion. MRI can show the site and pathological changes of acute gastrocnemius injury.
Investigation of the Definition of De Novo Oligometastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Hongmei , He Fang , Wang Xuejun , Tao Haoyun , Huang Zhihao , Yuan Yawei , Zhang Weijun
Published: September 2021

Background. The prognosis of metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (mNPC) is highly heterogeneous. As a special stage of distant metastasis of mNPC, quite a few oligometastatic NPC (omNPC) patients can still achieve a long-term survival after treatment. However, there is no uniform standard for the definition of omNPC until now. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the survival data of 191 patients with de novo mNPC at the Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University between 2010 and 2017 and specifically analyzed the clinical outcomes associated with the number of metastatic organs/lesions and tried to find a cohort with relatively better prognosis to define as omNPC. Results. The median overall survival (OS) of the entire group of patients was 21.5 months (95% CI 15.0–28.0), and the 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year OS rates were 72.2%, 46.1%, and 34.3%, respectively. Multiple-organ metastases (

P
<
0.001

) and >5 metastatic lesions (

P
<
0.001

) were adverse influencing factors of prognosis, and the number of metastatic lesions (

P
<
0.001

) was the independent factor influencing the prognosis of de novo mNPC. The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with ≤5 metastatic lesions were significantly better than those of patients with >5 metastatic lesions. Conclusion. Patients with ≤5 metastatic lesions presented a better survival, and this criterion may be a definition standard for the de novo omNPC.
Phonosurgery Training in Human Larynx Preserved with Thiel’s Embalming Method
Authors: Salazar Jhonder , Gras Juan-Ramón , Sanchez-Guillen Luis , Sánchez-Del-Campo Francisco , Arroyo Antonio
Published: September 2021

Background: To describe the suitability of larynges preserved with Thiel’s embalming method for phonosurgery training. Methods: A training model for phonosurgery techniques simulating vocal pathology and glottal insufficiency is developed to compare and evaluate the perception of embalmed vocal cords through a voluntary and anonymous survey rated on a scale of 1–5. A total of 10 residents and young otolaryngologists participated in the surgical training in phonosurgery. Results: Ten larynges preserved in formalin and 10 Thiel’s embalmed larynges were used for the investigation. Phonosurgery procedures were performed following microflap and injection laryngoplasty techniques. The larynges preserved with Thiel’s method demonstrated vocal cords that maintain their pliability and good tissue quality allowing a sensation of realism compared to the living body and providing suitable conditions for realistic laryngeal training. Participants held a positive experience, believed them to be useful and that these models of embalmed larynges were similar to the clinical setting and improved skills and confidence in performing phonosurgery. Conclusions: The human larynges embalmed with Thiel’s method maintain the pliability of the vocal cords, thus representing a unique model to practice and reproduce training for endolaryngeal procedures without the risks of contamination, anatomical variation, or rigidity of other models.
Ibrutinib in Advanced Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: Lower Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation
Authors: Yang Shenmiao , Zhu Rong , Li Nan , Feng Yu , Zuo Rui , Gale Robert Peter , Huang Xiaojun
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) with drugs such as ibrutinib and rituximab is often associated with immune suppression, opportunistic infections, and reactivation of virus infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV). This risk is especially important in geographical regions like Asia where many potential therapy recipients have HBV infection. Also, whether safety and efficacy of ibrutinib in Asians and Europeans with advanced CLL/SLL are similar is unknown. We determined the safety and efficacy of ibrutinib compared with rituximab in advanced CLL/SLL including persons with HBV infection. We compared outcomes with data published from trials in persons of European descent. Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of a multicenter, phase-3 trial (NCT01973387). Subjects with advanced CLL/SLL were randomized 2:1 to receive ibrutinib, 420 mg/day, or rituximab, 500 mg/mE + 2, for 6 cycles. Subjects with resolved HBV infection were included. Endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR), survival, and adverse events including resolved HBV reactivation. Results: 131 subjects received ibrutinib (N = 87) or rituximab (N = 44) including 53 with resolved HBV infection. Median follow-up was 31 months (95% confidence interval: 28, 32 months). ORR was 61% (50, 71%) versus 7% (2, 18%; p < 0.001). Median PFS was not reached in the ibrutinib cohort but must be >40 months versus 8 months (7, 9 months; p < 0.0001) in the rituximab cohort. Median survival was not reached but must be >40 months versus 27 months (17 months, NE; p = 0.0006). In multivariable analyses, receiving ibrutinib increased PFS (hazard rate [HR] for failure = 0.12 [0.06, 0.23]; p < 0.001) and decreased risk of death (HR = 0.31 [0.15, 0.63]; p < 0.001). Median duration of exposure to ibrutinib was significantly longer than exposure to rituximab (28 vs. 5 months). The safety profile of ibrutinib was consistent with that observed in previous studies with no new safety signal. No subject receiving ibrutinib had HBV reactivation versus 2 receiving rituximab, despite much greater use of drugs to prevent HBV reactivation in the rituximab cohort. Outcomes were like those reported in persons of European descent, except ORR which, was unreliably correlated with PFS in Asians. Conclusion: Ibrutinib is safe and effective in persons with advanced CLL/SLL and better than rituximab in all therapy outcomes including risk of HBV reactivation. Outcomes with ibrutinib in Chinese were like those reported in persons of predominately European descent.
The Clinical and Prognostic Significance of Protein Arginine Deiminases 2 and 4 in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Gijon Mohamed , Metheringham Rachael L. , Toss Michael S. , Paston Samantha J. , Durrant Lindy G.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Protein arginine deiminases (PADIs) are a family of enzymes that catalyse the post-translational modification of proteins. Association between PADI expression and clinicopathology, protein expression, and outcome was determined. Methods: PADI2 and PADI4 expression was assessed immunohistochemically in a cohort of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Results: CRC tissues expressed variable levels of PADI2 which was mainly localised in the cytoplasm and correlated with patient survival (p = 0.005); high expression increased survival time from 43.5 to 67.6 months. Expression of cytoplasmic PADI2 correlated with the expression of nuclear β catenin, PADI4, and alpha-enolase. In contrast, expression of nuclear PADI2 correlated with a decrease in survival (p = 0.010), with high expression decreasing survival from 76.4 to 42.9 months. CRC tissues expressed variable levels of PADI4 in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Expression of cytoplasmic PADI4 correlated with survival (p = 0.001) with high expression increasing survival time from 48.1 to 71.8 months. Expression of cytoplasmic PADI4 correlated with expression of nuclear β catenin, alpha-enolase (p ≤ 0.0001, p = 0.002), and the apoptotic related protein, Bcl-2. Expression of nuclear PADI4 also correlated with survival (p = 0.011), with high expression of nuclear PADI4 increasing survival time from 55.4 to 74 months. Expression of nuclear PADI4 correlated with p53, alpha-enolase, and Bcl-2. Multivariate analysis showed that TNM stage, cytoplasmic PADI2, and PADI4 remained independent prognostic factors in CRC. Both PADI2 and PADI4 are good prognostic factors in CRC. Conclusion: High expression of cytoplasmic PADI2, PADI4, and nuclear PADI4 were associated with an increase in overall survival.
Dilated Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Predicts Poor Outcome in Acute Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Xu Haoli , Li Yuting , Liu Jinjin , Chen Zhonggang , Chen Qian , Xiang Yilan , Zhang Mingyue , He Wenwen , Zhuang Yuandi , Yang Yunjun , Chen Weijian , Chen Yongchun
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose: Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) enlargement occurs in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the relationship between ONSD and prognosis of ICH is uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of ONSD on poor outcome of patients with acute spontaneous ICH. Methods: We studied 529 consecutive patients with acute spontaneous ICH who underwent initial CT within 6 h of symptom onset between October 2016 and February 2019. The ONSDs were measured 3 mm behind the eyeball on initial CT images. Poor outcome was defined as having a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score of 1–3, and favorable outcome was defined as having a GOS score of 4–5 at discharge. Results: The ONSD of the poor outcome group was significantly greater than that of the favorable outcome group (5.87 ± 0.86 vs. 5.21 ± 0.69 mm, p < 0.001). ONSD was related to hematoma volume (r = 0.475, p < 0.001). Adjusting other meaningful predictors, ONSD (OR: 2.83; 95% CI: 1.94–4.15) was associated with poor functional outcome by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the ONSD improved the accuracy of ultraearly hematoma growth in the prediction of poor outcome (AUC: 0.790 vs. 0.755, p = 0.016). The multivariable logistic regression model with all the meaningful predictors showed a better predictive performance than the model without ONSD (AUC: 0.862 vs. 0.831, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The dilated ONSD measured on initial CT indicated elevated intracranial pressure and poor outcome, so appropriate intervention should be taken in time.
A Safe Mobilisation Program to Improve Functional Mobility and Reduce Fall Risks in Cognitively Impaired Older Adults with Higher Level Gait Disorders: A Pilot Study
Authors: Zhang Weihong , Low Lee-Fay , Gwynn Josephine Diana , Beveridge Alexander Harry , Harper Elizabeth , Mills Nicholas , Clemson Lindy
Published: September 2021

Background: The association between gait and cognition, and their combined impact on postural stability may underlie the increased fall risk in older adults with dementia. However, there are few interventions to improve functional mobility and reduce fall risks in people with cognitive impairment. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a Safe Mobilisation Program for cognitively impaired older adults with higher level gait disorders. It also explores the potential effectiveness of the program on mobility and fall risks. Methods: Fifteen community-dwelling older adults participated in a 3-week pre-post intervention study. They were trained to take steady steps in transfers and mobilization using errorless learning and spaced retrieval teaching techniques. Results: The intervention program was feasible, all the participants completed the program and were able to mobilize safely. The program was acceptable and participants reported an increase in safety awareness, improvement in confidence while transferring and mobilising, and better quality of life. There was a trend of improvement in Falls Efficacy Scale-international (FES-I), 360° turn and Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA), which may indicate improvement in balance and mobility. Conclusion: The Safe Mobilisation Program was feasible and acceptable in older adults with cognitive impairment and gait disorders and warrants further evaluation.
Capela da Fazenda Veneza: análise comparativa da precisão de nuvens de pontos obtidas por diferentes ferramentas e técnicas de fotogrametria
Authors: Dias Maíra Sebastião , Cuperschmid Ana Regina Mizrahy , Santiago Cauê Carneiro , Godoy Marcos Alexandre , Skubs Danielle , Righetto Adriana Volpon Diogo , Silva Melina Lopes , Oliveira Henrique Candido
Published: September 2021

A Capela da Fazenda Veneza, projetada pelo arquiteto Decio Tozzi, é uma edificação de grande importância tanto pela sua plasticidade e representatividade, quanto para o patrimônio da arquitetura moderna brasileira. A edificação, localizada na cidade de Valinhos, SP, já conquistou diversas premiações nacional e internacionalmente. Considerando a importância da obra, viu-se a necessidade de realizar um levantamento geométrico por meio da Fotogrametria digital. Tendo em vista o leque disponível de software para processamento fotogramétrico, esta pesquisa tem como objetivo comparar a precisão das dimensões das nuvens de pontos densas, em relação às dimensões reais da edificação, geradas nos programas mais utilizados em pesquisas científicas. Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida a partir das seguintes etapas: (i) Revisão Sistemática da Literatura (RSL); (ii) Medição in loco da edificação; (iii) Planejamento de voo: livre com utilização de alvos (V1); e autônomo com double grid e utilização de pontos de controle estabelecidos por meio de estação total (V2); (iv) coleta de dados por Fotogrametria aérea com sistema de aeronave remotamente pilotada (V1 e V2); (v) Processamento dos dados obtidos nos programas mais utilizados (V1 e V2); (vi) Comparação das dimensões reais com as medidas obtidas nas nuvens densas; e (vii) Análise estatística. Observou-se que a precisão da nuvem de pontos é influenciada pelas técnicas e equipamentos utilizados na coleta de dados e pelo software empregado no processamento. Esta investigação contribui para realização de futuros levantamentos Fotogramétricos, uma vez que aponta as melhores práticas para alcançar maior precisão.
Quantitative Lesion Water Uptake as Stroke Imaging Biomarker: A Tool for Treatment Selection in the Extended Time Window?
Authors: Broocks Gabriel , Kemmling Andre , Teßarek Svenja , McDonough Rosalie , Meyer Lukas , Faizy Tobias D. , Kniep Helge , Schön Gerhard , Nawka Marie Teresa , Elsayed Sarah , van Horn Noel , Cheng Bastian , Thomalla Götz , Fiehler Jens , Hanning Uta
Published: September 2021

Background and Purpose:

Patients presenting in the extended time window may benefit from mechanical thrombectomy. However, selection for mechanical thrombectomy in this patient group has only been performed using specialized image processing platforms, which are not widely available. We hypothesized that quantitative lesion water uptake calculated in acute stroke computed tomography (CT) may serve as imaging biomarker to estimate ischemic lesion progression and predict clinical outcome in patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy in the extended time window.

Methods:

All patients with ischemic anterior circulation stroke presenting within 4.5 to 24 hours after symptom onset who received initial multimodal CT between August 2014 and March 2020 and underwent mechanical thrombectomy were analyzed. Quantitative lesion net water uptake was calculated from the admission CT. Prediction of clinical outcome was assessed using univariable receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and logistic regression analyses.

Results:

One hundred two patients met the inclusion criteria. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, net water uptake (odds ratio, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.64–0.95],
P
=0.01), age (odds ratio, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.88–0.99];
P
=0.02), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (odds ratio, 0.88 [95% CI, 0.79–0.99],
P
=0.03) were significantly and independently associated with favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤1), adjusted for degree of recanalization and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score. A multivariable predictive model including the above parameters yielded the highest diagnostic ability in the classification of functional outcome, with an area under the curve of 0.88 (sensitivity 92.3%, specificity 82.9%).

Conclusions:

The implementation of quantitative lesion water uptake as imaging biomarker in the diagnosis of patients with ischemic stroke presenting in the extended time window might improve clinical prognosis. Future studies could test this biomarker as complementary or even alternative tool to CT perfusion.
An Offer You Can Refuse: A Host Country's Strategic Allocation of Development Financing
Authors: Hwang Jyhjong
Published: September 2021

Hydropower projects are one of the leading energy sectors being developed in Africa. In the past two decades, this demand has been increasingly met by Chinese financing and Chinese contractors, creating an impression that host countries have no choice but to accept Chinese advances against their preferences. This essay demonstrates through the case study of the Mount Coffee hydropower project in Liberia that host countries strategically allocate financing from different sources to different projects, based on domestic development needs, administrative capacity, flexibility of financiers, and institutional memory between the host and the financiers. This essay also shows that concerns over Chinese contractors' environmental- and social-impact records reflect a combination of host enforcement, financier self-sorting, and Chinese contractors' own perceptions of their comparative advantage. More broadly, this case study provides empirical observations of host countries' agency and strategic calculus in the financier-host relation, as well as the limits of China's role in Africa's hydropower sector.
Effects of biotic and abiotic stressors on asymmetries and head size in two sympatric lizard species
Authors: Alagić Ajša , Krofel Miha , Lazić Marko , Žagar Anamarija
Published: September 2021

Organisms face numerous environmental stressors, which can affect developmental precision, including symmetry of various physical characteristics. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) has therefore been suggested as a simple and efficient tool for assessing sub-lethal stress levels. We analyzed FA in two sympatric lizard species (Iberolacerta horvathi and Podarcis muralis) to determine potential effects of interspecific competition and urbanization, as proxies of stress, taking into account sexual dimorphism and environmental conditions. We sampled 16 syntopic and allotopic populations and used geometric morphometrics of head morphology. We detected significant but mixed effects on the head asymmetry from the environment and the syntopic occurrence that differed between species. P. muralis lizards had more asymmetric heads at higher altitudes, while I. horvathi lizards did at mid altitudes, which may be explained by P. muralis experiencing environmental stress of colder conditions at higher altitudes. The mid-altitude effect on asymmetries in I. horvathi might be explained by a lower availability of stony walls and higher abundance of P. muralis, thus higher competition. The asymmetry of supraciliary granules was affected by the presence of other species. However, lizards from allotopic populations attained larger asymmetries compared to lizards from syntopic populations, which was the opposite from what was expected. There was no effect of urbanization in P. muralis, which could be due to relatively low pollution and habitat degradation in study locations. Overall, we highlighted the possibility of using lizards and FA for bioindication of environmental stressors and especially improved the knowledge gap in the research of biotic stressors.
The Population of European Cities from 700 to 2000
Authors: Buringh Eltjo
Published: September 2021

This article presents an expanded dataset of the historical urban population in Europe, European urban population, 700–2000 (https://www.doi.org/10.17026/dans-xzy-u62q). This dataset contains new and improved estimates of the urban population (in thousands of inhabitants) between the years 700 and 2000 in 2,262 European settlements, including European cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. The dataset is based on previous historical demographic sources that have been critically assessed and systematically complemented with new population estimates for additional time windows, deriving from either quantitative sources or proxies. Missing data are covered by city-specific and time-specific imputations. The applied time windows are whole centuries before 1500 and half a century afterwards. The article discusses the robustness checks that have been performed to validate the reliability of the imputed numerical results.
A Threat to Invade Cyprus: Pope John XXII, Walter of Brienne Duke of Athens, and the Latin East in 1331
Authors: Edbury Peter W.
Published: September 2021

The Brienne family first laid claim to the throne of Cyprus in the 1260s. The family subsequently rose high in the service of the Angevin kings of Naples and continued to assert their claim from time to time, but they seem never to have been a serious threat to Lusignan rule. Nevertheless, recently discovered papal letters demonstrate that as late as 1331 there were concerns that Walter VI of Brienne, duke of Athens, would divert to Cyprus a planned expedition against the Catalans occupying his duchy. Although King Robert the Wise of Naples was the rival of King Hugh IV of Cyprus for the title of king of Jerusalem, the letters also reveal that Pope John XXII called upon Robert to prevent such an invasion, as other newly uncovered letters show the pope to have done when the Genoese threatened to send invasion fleets to the island in 1317 and 1328. The new letters are published in an appendix.
Samuel Khachikian and the Crime Thriller in Iran
Authors: Askari Kaveh
Published: September 2021

Samuel Khachikian was the most successful director of crime films in Iran during the genre’s heyday in the late 1950s and early 60s. Debates among critics about his films highlight how the crime film was able to thrive as a prestige form in the years before boundaries had solidified between commercial films and intellectual films made in Iran. Film noir, from its earliest transatlantic imaginings to its recent global circuits, has consistently engaged with an imagined elsewhere through its modernist style. In many parts of the world, it allowed a kind of performance of exuberant cinephilia while also attracting attention about its originality. In Tehran, as elsewhere, the genre accompanies the global circulation of modern design with strong, but mixed, feelings.
Hyperiids (Amphipoda, Hyperiidea) collected during the TALUD cruises in western Mexico. 5. Family Amphithyridae, with the description of a new species of Amphithyropsis Zeidler
Authors: GASCA REBECA , SUÁREZ-MORALES EDUARDO , HENDRICKX MICHEL E.
Published: September 2021

In order to complete the information related to the little studied deep-sea planktonic fauna of western Mexico, samples from a wide depth range (surface to 1550 m depth) were obtained using different gear. Six species and 108 individuals of hyperiid amphipods of the family Amphithyridae were collected at 26 localities, including a new species of Amphithyropsis Zeidler, 2016, which is herein described based on an adult male and a gravid female. Other species include Amphithyrus bispinosus Claus, 1879, the most abundant and frequently collected species (70 specimens at 17 localities), A. muratus Volkov, 1982 (11 specimens at 8 localities), A. sculpturatus Claus, 1879 (14 specimens at 7 localities), Paralycaea gracilis Claus, 1879 (10 specimens from 6 localities), and P. hoylei Stebbing, 1888 (one specimen from one locality). Worldwide and regional distributions are provided for each species.
Most trumpet moths don’t feed on plants of the nettle family but Paratischeria does: the first discovery of Tischeriidae (Lepidoptera) on Urticaceae in Asia
Authors: STONIS JONAS R. , DIŠKUS ARŪNAS , MONRO ALEXANDRE K. , DAI XIAOHUA , XU JIASHENG
Published: September 2021

This is the first record of Urticaceae-feeding trumpet moths (Tischeriidae) from Asia. We describe Paratischeria boehmerica Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov. and P. grossa Diškus & Stonis, sp. nov., two distinctive new species of Tischeriidae recently discovered from Laos, South East Asia, feeding on plants of the nettle family. Urticaceae is a rare host-plant family for leaf-mining Tischeriidae worldwide. The new species are illustrated with photographs of the adults, male and female genitalia, and the leaf mines.
He shoots, he misses again, but what about our goalie…: A response
Authors: Hughes Aaron W
Published: September 2021

This article provides a response to the previous set of papers that have engaged my From Seminary to University: An Institutional History of the Study of Religion in Canada (University of Toronto Press, 2020).
Understanding the impact of mandatory accrual accounting on management practices: interpretation of Japanese local governments’ behavior
Authors: Kuroki Makoto , Ishikawa Keiko , Yamamoto Kiyoshi
Published: September 2021

Accompanying the spread of “new public management” since the 1980s, accrual accounting and results-based management has become a global standard. However, whether accrual accounting results in successful outcomes and which drivers lead to the intended impacts of the reform have been contested. Given the mixed arguments in the literature, we set out two research questions: (1) “Have public sector organizations realized any positive impacts on management practices by adopting mandatory accrual accounting?”; and (2) “What are the primary drivers of such impacts?” To answer these questions, we examine the impact on management practices by analyzing a survey to ascertain how financial department officers in Japanese local governments perceive the benefits of adopting mandatory accrual accounting on management practices. The results indicate that they have so far not recognized the intended benefits, though they had expected higher benefits in internal control. Then, we use technical-rational, socio-political, and institutional isomorphic perspectives in a comprehensive approach to understand the impacts on management practices. The logistic analysis shows that financial managers in local governments that do not have a majority party in the assembly, but consist of several parties in power, as well as in those with greater financial dependence on the central government, perceive higher benefits. Further, we find that financial managers that imitate other local governments as a form of mimetic pressure perceive fewer benefits. The results show that some technical-rational tools, socio-political conditions, and institutional pressures change the perceived benefits for public managers of adopting mandatory accrual accounting.

Points for practitioners

We find that some technical-rational, socio-political, and institutional factors explain the intended internal benefits of the mandatory adoption of accrual accounting. In practice, financial managers in local government feel the merits of accrual accounting in less autonomy in not only politics, but also finance, and few mimetic conditions. It might be understood that difficult situations would drive practitioners to use mandatory information.
Modern French Policy on the African Continent: Transformations of a Françafrique Model
Authors: Medushevskiy Nikolay A , Shishkina Alisa R
Published: September 2021

This article focuses on the policy of France’s Fifth Republic on the African continent, primarily in the area of historical French influence formed during the colonial period. We analyze the conditions, prerequisites, and mechanisms for the development of cooperation between France and the African states, with reference to the implementation of France’s national interests. In this study, we aim to identify and generalize the models and methods of pursuing French national interests on the African continent, including in connection with the development of individual African states, as well as the impact of globalization.
Authority and Immigration
Authors: Miller David
Published: September 2021

States claim to have authority over prospective immigrants who have not yet been admitted but are nonetheless expected to comply with immigration law. But what could ground such an authority claim? The service conception of authority defended by Raz appears not to apply in this case. Nor can it be argued that immigrants give their consent to the state by applying for admission. Another approach appeals to the practice of reciprocity between states in respecting each other’s immigration regimes, but many immigrants will fall outside of its scope. Instead, the article defends the view that the natural duty of justice requires immigrants to comply with the state’s immigration regime provided that it is reasonably just. This does not require that the immigrant herself should have authorised the regime through democratic participation. However, the natural duty argument has to be qualified by recognising that some migrants can legitimately appeal to necessity as grounds for breaching the duty and entering unauthorised.
Analysis of the reliability of patient COVID-19 screening data compared against their actual test data
Authors: Albargi Abdulaziz M , Assiry Ali A , Bahammam Hammam A , Alassiri Mohand Y , Marya Anand , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali
Published: September 2021

Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate the truthfulness of patients about their pre-appointment COVID-19 screening tests at a dental clinic.

Methods:

A total of 613 patients were recruited for the study from the dental clinic at the Faculty of Dentistry, Najran University, Saudi Arabia. The data collection was done in three parts from the patients who visited the hospital to receive dental treatment. The first part included the socio-demographic characteristics of the patients and the COVID-19 swab tests performed within the past 14 days. The second part was the clinical examination, and the third part was a confirmation of the swab test taken by the patient by checking the Hesen website using the patient ID. After data collection, statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 26.0. Descriptive analysis was done and expressed as mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage (%). A cross-tabulation, also described as a contingency table, was used to identify trends and patterns across data and explain the correlation between different variables.

Results:

It was seen from the status of the swab test within 14 days of the patient's arrival at the hospital for the dental treatment that 18 (2.9%) patients lied about the pre-treatment swab test within 14 days, and 595 (97.1%) were truthful. The observed and expected counts showed across genders and diagnosis a statistically significant difference ( p < 0.001), and there was no significant difference seen across different age groups ( p = 0.064) of the patients.

Conclusions:

Dental healthcare workers are worried and assume a high risk of COVID-19 infection as the patients are not truthful about the pre-treatment COVID-19 swab test. Routine rapid tests on patients and the healthcare staff are a feasible option for lowering overall risks.
The fatigue and quality of life in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases
Authors: Szymanska-Chabowska Anna , Juzwiszyn Jan , Tański Wojciech , Świątkowski Filip , Kobecki Jakub , Chabowski Mariusz
Published: September 2021

Background:

Patients with pulmonary diseases often experience fatigue. Severe fatigue is associated with a worse health status and worse physical and social functioning. The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between fatigue and quality of life in patients with nonmalignant pulmonary diseases.

Methods:

The St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) was used to assess health status and the Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) to measure the level of fatigue. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to test for normal distribution. Correlations were described as Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.

Results:

The study included 200 consecutive patients (mean age, 57.7) with the following diagnoses: COPD (26%), asthma (36%), obstructive sleep apnoea (19%), pneumonia or bronchitis of various aetiologies (8.5%), bronchiectasis (2.5%), interstitial lung disease (3%). The mean score in the SGRQ was 44.62 ± 24.94. The mean score in the MFIS was 28.64 ± 15.8. The strongest correlations appeared between quality-of-life scales and fatigue as measured by physical functioning (symptoms r = 0.622; activity r = 0.632; impact r = 0.692; p < 0.001 for all subscales); however, all the correlations between SGRQ and MFIS were significant.

Conclusions:

Patients with chronic pulmonary diseases were revealed to have a reduced level of quality of life and an increased level of fatigue. The negative influence of fatigue on quality of life highlights the need for careful and routine assessment of this symptom in pulmonary patients. Treating fatigue may improve quality of life and increase the ability of patients with chronic pulmonary diseases to perform activities in daily life.