bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
6G Green IoT Network: Joint Design of Intelligent Reflective Surface and Ambient Backscatter Communication
Authors: Liu Qiang , Sun Songlin , Wang Heng , Zhang Shaowei
Published: June 2021

Ambient backscatter communication (AmBC) is one of the candidate solutions for the 6G green internet of things (IoT) network. However, the uncontrollability of the radio frequency (RF) environment is one of the main obstacles hindering the popularization of AmBC. The intelligent reflective surface (IRS) can improve the radio frequency environment by adjusting the phase and amplitude of the incident signal, which provides the possibility for the widespread deployment of AmBC. Currently, there is no discussion about the joint optimization of AmBC and IRS. In this paper, we introduce a novel IRS and AmBC joint design method. The purpose of this method is to jointly design the beamforming vector, the IRS phase shift, and the reflection coefficient of AmBC to minimize the AP’s transmit power while ensuring the quality of service of the AmBC system and the primary communication system. Due to the nonconvexity of the problem, the time complexity of solving the problem through exhaustive search will be very high. Therefore, we propose a joint design method based on an iterative beamforming vector, IRS phase shift, and reflection coefficient to minimize the AP’s transmit power. This method can effectively reduce the transmission power of the access point (AP), and the simulation results prove the effectiveness of the method.
Postanesthetic Cold Sensibility Test as an Indicator for the Efficacy of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Patients with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis of Mandibular Molars
Authors: El Sayed Mohamed , Gaballah Kamis
Published: June 2021

Aim of the Work. The goal of the current study was to investigate the capability of the cold test to predict the profound pulpal anesthesia before starting the endodontic treatment of mandibular first molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP). Materials and Methods. This study was conducted on the mandibular first molars of 54 patients (35 males and 19 females) with signs and symptoms of SIP. To anesthetize the affected molars, all patients received a single carpule of 2% lidocaine with 1 : 100000 epinephrine using a standardized inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) technique. The cold test was conducted before beginning the endodontic procedures and after gaining lip numbness, and the results were reported as either positive or negative response. The root canal preparation (RCP) was then initiated and the patients’ responses were documented (Gold standard test). True pulpal anesthetic failure was described as a pain perception during the access cavity and pulp tissue removal. True pulpal anesthesia was defined as no pain or discomfort during the access cavity and pulp extirpation. The qualitative variables frequencies and percentages of patients with true/false positive and negative responses were determined and then compared using the Chi-square test. The pain perception of male and female patients during the cold test and gold standard was compared using the Fisher exact test. The following diagnostic parameters were calculated using an online statistical calculator: sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, accuracy, and Youden index. In addition, a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was constructed and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Results. The overall percentage of actual failure of pupal anesthesia was 57%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy, and Youden index for the cold test were 0.87, 0.91, 0.93, 0.84, 0.89, and 0.78, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between male and female patients regarding their responses to cold testing and the gold standard test (

P
>
0.05

). Besides, the patients’ reactions to the cold test were significantly matched with their reactions to the gold standard test (

P
<
0.05

). The area under the ROC was mostly 0.9. Conclusion. The cold test could be a valuable and accurate method for predicting the potential pupal anesthesia before beginning the endodontic treatment of mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, particularly after obtaining postanesthetic soft tissue numbness.
Relationship of Serum Total Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 with Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I and Glucose Tolerance in Korean Children and Adolescents
Authors: Kim Sun-Young , Kim Minsun , Oh Youngman , Lee Dae-Yeol
Published: June 2021

Insulin is important in glucose metabolism. However, insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) also plays an important role in glucose homeostasis, although the IGF-independent role of IGFBP-3 in the glucose intolerance state is poorly understood. We investigated the relationship of serum IGF-I with total IGFBP-3 levels and glucose tolerance in Korean children and adolescents who underwent the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A total of 187 children without known diabetes underwent OGTT, and data related to their clinical and laboratory parameters were collected. Serum IGF-I and total IGFBP-3 levels, fasting plasma glucose levels, lipid profiles, insulin levels, C-peptide levels, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were measured. Serum IGF-I and total IGFBP-3 levels were significantly higher in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes (DM) than in those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (

P
<
0.05

). Serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels were correlated with age, HbA1c, C-peptide, insulin, and HOMA-IR in the NGT group. However, these relationships were altered in patients with glucose intolerance, especially in those with DM. In the DM group, serum IGF-I and total IGFBP-3 levels were positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels. In addition, total IGFBP-3 levels were positively correlated with total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and IGF-I levels but not with age or body mass index. The IGF-I-IGFBP-3 axis, especially IGFBP-3, may be involved in the pathogenesis and metabolic control of glucose intolerance, specifically in diabetes patients. Moreover, IGFBP-3 might be a therapeutic marker.
Extramammärer Morbus Paget und Melanom: Zwei Fälle zweifacher Krebserkrankungen
Authors: Lydrup Erika , Berg Jais Oliver , Hjorth Sofie Vetli , Hølmich Lisbet Rosenkrantz , Lock-Andersen Jørgen , Chakera Annette Hougaard
Published: June 2021

Extramammärer Morbus Paget (EMP) ist eine seltene, intraepidermale neoplastische Erkrankung. Ein Zusammenhang zwischen EMP und zugrunde liegenden malignen Erkrankungen ist umfassend belegt. Jedoch liegen bisher erst wenige Berichte über Fälle von EMP in Kombination mit kutanen Melanomen vor. In diesem Fallbericht werden zwei solche Fälle von zweifacher maligner Erkrankung vorgestellt; ein Patient mit einem Kollisionstumor und eine Patientin mit zwei Neoplasien unterschiedlicher Lokalisation. Wir diskutieren die Pathogenese und Behandlung sowie die Bedeutung einer gründlichen klinischen und radiologischen Untersuchung und eine Literaturübersicht.
Considerações sobre permanência, inovação e resistência como pauta para o urbanismo
Authors: Luz Vera Santana , Rodrigues André Paiva
Published: June 2021

À ordem hegemônica da ciência moderna – presa à concepção de progresso ilimitado, condicionada à acumulação capitalista – contrapomos a necessidade de formação de um ethos oposto ao caráter instrumental do urbanismo, reconhecido menos pela capacidade de promover cidades equânimes do ponto de vista da relação entre os homens e do equilíbrio ambiental, que pela dominação do território. A ideia de inovação derivada de uma ciência transformada em força produtiva dá sinais de uma teleologia de colapso e catástrofe, como desdobramento da crise do sistema de produção que lhe dá sentido, demandando a constituição de novos paradigmas.
A intervenção contemporânea no patrimônio arquitetônico e a indústria cultural
Authors: Csepcsényi Ana Cristina , Ribeiro Rosina Trevisan Martins
Published: June 2021

A industrialização da cultura é um fenômeno que tem várias repercussões, inclusive no processo de intervenção contemporânea no patrimônio arquitetônico. Mas, até que ponto a intervenção mobilizada pelos interesses da indústria cultural pode comprometer o bem? Tendo como premissa a preservação desse patrimônio na qualidade de referência histórica, o objetivo deste artigo é estabelecer um parâmetro que pode definir tal comprometimento nessa conjuntura. Por meio de revisão bibliográfica, conclui-se que o discurso que prevalece com a intervenção (o da preexistência ou um novo discurso que a subjuga) pode conferir se houve o comprometimento do bem como referência histórica.
O pequeno volume contínuo na cidade: projeto para o novo MAM em São Paulo, 2013
Authors: Banate Samir Set El , Silva Neto Manoel Lemes da , Teixeira Julia Naves
Published: June 2021

O artigo tem como objetivo analisar o projeto do Museu de Arte Moderna proposto pelo arquiteto Ângelo Bucci e colaboradores como estudo de caso, para entender como seria possível construir alternativa de ocupação e de configuração do espaço na cidade de forma distintas as atuais, modelo edifício no lote. E consequentemente retratar o período de criação do Parque e a contextualização do MAM até sua anexação não planejada no projeto inicial da marquise. Processo analítico-descritivo, bem como revisão bibliográfica crítica é utilizado para a investigação e determinação dos resultados. Há uma preocupação com o existente que é evidente no projeto para o novo MAM-SP tendo uma relação direta com a cidade de São Paulo.
Áreas de Preservação Permanente Urbanas e Parques Lineares na Região Norte: conflitos na Lagoa dos Índios, Macapá – Amapá
Authors: Medeiros José Marcelo Martins , Uliana Brenda Beserra , Araújo Dayanne dos Santos
Published: June 2021

As áreas de preservação permanente têm sido ocupadas e degradadas pela expansão urbana sem planejamento nas cidades amazônicas. As áreas úmidas estão nessa categoria, e são conhecidas como “áreas de ressaca” na cidade de Macapá, capital do Amapá. Um trecho da ressaca da Lagoa dos Índios, objeto deste estudo, foi recentemente aterrado para a ampliação de uma rodovia e sofreu um Termo de Ajustamento de Conduta pelo ministério público do estado, visando a criação de um grande parque urbano. A ideia inicial do parque foi alterada com a delimitação de uma nova Área de Proteção Ambiental - APA. Esta pesquisa busca analisar os conflitos para a efetivação de um parque linear ao longo das margens da Lagoa dos Índios.
Terra urbana aforada: a regulação da produção social do espaço urbano em Jeriquara/SP
Authors: Piccinato Junior Dirceu , Salgado Ivone
Published: June 2021

A cidade de Jeriquara, situada no interior do estado de São Paulo, região de Ribeirão Preto, apresenta um sério problema quanto a gestão de seu espaço urbano. Nos processos de solicitação de verbas ou financiamento de obras junto aos governos estadual e federal é comum o poder público municipal ter suas solicitações denegadas. Tal fato acontece porque os representantes locais não conseguem comprovar a titularidade do imóvel. Essa dificuldade contemporânea de gerenciamento da cidade tem origem na fundação. Para tanto, o objetivo do presente artigo é o de examinar a conformação da terra urbana aforada para que se possa compreender a realidade atual da cidade.
Introduction to Comparative Theology in Australia and Asia
Authors: Clooney Francis X.
Published: June 2021

Comparative theology is a form of theology, and as such, a matter of “faith seeking understanding.” Like other forms of Christian theology, it is indebted to scripture and tradition, attentive to texts, and also to images, ritual practice, piety, and experience. Like other forms of theological reflection, it also needs to be contextually nuanced, lest it be too much identified with the North American and Western European academic contexts. The growth of comparative theology in Asia and Australia over the last decade is one of the most exciting developments in the field. These essays, the majority of which were given at an international conference at the Australian Catholic University in July 2019, signal the ways in which comparative theology benefits from its clarification and adaptation in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea.
The Early Buddho-Daoist Encounter as Interreligious Learning in the Chinese Context
Authors: Yu Fu
Published: June 2021

This paper contends that the methodological tool of comparative theology, arising from and developing in Euro-American academia, resonates strongly with the historical interreligious learning praxis of China. Attention to comparative theology may indeed help us rethink the formation of a Chinese cultural identity vis-à-vis its religious others. A malleable way of doing comparative theology may offer nothing less than the mutual transformation of the interreligious interlocutors in a way consonant with Chinese history.

A historical review of the interaction between Chinese Buddhism and Daoism shows that the adoption of Daoist terminology and concepts facilitated the Buddhist entry into the local milieu, while medieval Chinese Buddhism became paradigmatic for the elaboration of Daoist doctrine. The Buddho-Daoist interaction coheres with the enterprise of comparative theology with respect to the nature of interaction between religious traditions, the appropriative yet distinctive religious self-identification, and the transformation of the self and the other.
Salvation Through Saving Others
Authors: Sawai Makoto
Published: June 2021

Every year various disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and floods hit Japan. In the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, approximately 16,000 people lost their lives due to the tsunami and the consequent collapse of buildings. Voluntary groups and religious institutions came to affected areas from every part of Japan to help the recovery of those struck by disasters. Drawing on the idea of “path” that is so prominent in Asia, including in Japan, Tenrikyo and Islam teach their adherents the importance of voluntary activities such as hinokishin in Tenrikyo and ṣadaqah in Islam, as the sure path to salvation. Various motivations are found in the activities and reverential attitudes to God by the adherents in both religious traditions. In this paper, by paying attention to the relationship between religious doctrines and voluntary activities in Tenrikyo and Islam, I try to compare the characteristics of both from the viewpoint of “salvation,” according to the practice of comparative theology.
Becoming a Christian and Practicing Comparative Theology for a Korean Theologian
Authors: Lee Yongho Francis
Published: June 2021

Koreans live in a religiously pluralistic and tolerant society, and the idea of an exclusive membership of one religion is still foreign to many. In the first part of this paper, I will explore the development of the concept of “religion” and “religious belonging” or “religious identity” in the West, and its imposition on Asian people. Then I will reflect on the establishment of my own religious identity, that is, becoming a Christian in a religiously pluralistic society. In the second part, I will discuss further how my studying comparative theology as an Asian convert to Christianity is distinguished from the work of western Christian comparative theologians.
New austral-most records of the genus Heterostylum Macquart (Diptera: Bombyiliidae) in Argentina
Authors: TORRETTA JUAN P. , HAEDO JOANA P. , MARRERO HUGO J. , LAMAS CARLOS J.E.
Published: June 2021

Bee flies of the genus Heterostylum Macquart are medium-sized species (10–15 mm) characterized primarily by a robust body covered with long pile and by an indented hind margin of the eye (Cunha et al. 2007). There are several studies on the immatures of some species of Heterostylum (Bohart et al. 1960; Yeates & Greathead 1997), which are considered ectoparasites of fossorial solitary bee larvae and pupae (Yeates & Greathead 1997).
The surf flies of the Mascarene Islands (Diptera: Canacidae: Canacinae), with the description of a new species
Authors: MUNARI LORENZO , KIRK-SPRIGGS ASHLEY H. , MCGREGOR GILLIAN K.
Published: June 2021

A survey of the surf flies (Canacinae) of the main Mascarene Islands of La Réunion, Mauritius, and Rodrigues was undertaken between 2015 and 2018. It encompassed intertidal material from 38 sampling stations on the islands and included records supplied by Martin J. Ebejer from La Réunion. No specimens of surf flies were collected on Rodrigues Is., which lacks suitable rocky shore habitats. A new species of Isocanace Mathis, 1982, that is deemed closely related to I. briani Mathis, 1982 described from Aldabra Is. and Madagascar, is described and figured from Mauritius (I. mauritiana Munari sp. nov.). Nocticanace mahensis (Lamb, 1912) is also reported from La Réunion and Mauritius and Procanace pninae Mathis & Freidberg, 1991 from Mauritius (all representing first records for the islands concerned). The Procanace grisescens species-group is also reported from Mauritius for the first time, representing a first record of this species-group from the Mascarenes. An identification key to Afrotropical species of Isocanace is provided and the distributions of all species are mapped.
Development of Oral Chewable Tablets Containing Montelukast Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Childhood Asthma: Preclinical Study in Animal Model
Authors: Liu Ye , Xia Guihua , Liu Shaosheng , Song Zhenyu
Published: June 2021

The aim of the present study was to formulate oral chewable tablets of Montelukast (MTL) in the form of nanoparticles (NP’s). The MTL loaded NP’s were formulated by ionotropic external gelation method using tripolyphosphate (TPP) as crosslinking agent and Tween 60 as surfactant.
NP’s were characterized for drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, surface morphology, saturation solubility, particle size, zeta potential and polydispersity index. The optimized NP formulation was used for development of chewable tablets using direct compression method. The prepared
tablets were characterized for disintegration test, dissolution, thickness, hardness, friability and assay. The optimized formulation was evaluated in asthamatic animals to demonstrate the efficiency in asthama. The encapsulation efficiency of NP’s was found between 91.24 to 98.21% while
drug loading was in the range of 10.09–14.25%. All formulations were found of nanosized in nature (110 to 200 nm) with excellent zeta potential (20.12 to 22.27 mV). PDI of all NP formulations were found within acceptable limit (less than 0.3). The nanoparticles were found spherical in
shape with smooth surface. The saturation solubility of MTL was enhanced nearly 10 times (92 mg/ml) as compared to pure MTL saturation solubility. All physical parameters of the tablets were found within range. The optimized tablets showed disintegration time of 20 sec while other formulations
showed DT in the rage of 35–57 sec. Tab1 (Optimized formulation) showed almost 100% MTL release from chewable tablets within the period of 30 min. Reduction in lung resistance (RI) was found in animals treated with Tab1. This reduction in RI was found nearly two fold and three fold as
compare to MTL treated and control group animals. These observations clearly support the efficacy of chewable tablets containing nanoparticulate MTL in asthmatic animals.
miRNA-491-5p Inhibited Cell Proliferation in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Through Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhou Weike , Zhu Qian , Shen Jiang
Published: June 2021

miRNA-491-5p was a short, noncoding RNA, usually down-expressed in various human tumors and regulated biological functions. However, the connection between miRNA-491-5p and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remained unclear. Therefore, the role of miRNA-491-5p played in HCC has been detected
in this research. The results indicate that miRNA-491-5p is obviously diminished in tissues and cells of HCC (P < 0.001; P < 0.05). After miRNA-491-5p over-expressing, cell multiplication as well as invasion viability were significantly inhibited (P < 0.01). Double luciferase
reporter gene detection system demonstrated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene was considered directly target miR-491-5p, along with suppressed EGFR was observed in cells over-expressed miRNA-491-5p. Moreover, miRNA-491-5p functioned via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Generally,
this study illustrated that miRNA-491-5p promoted HCC progression via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway targeting EGFR, while miRNA-491-5p mimicking therapeutics may provide viable avenue for the medication of HCC.
The Effect of Sirtuin 2 (Sirt2) Overexpressing Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Growth of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (Her-2) Breast Cancer Cells and Its Mechanism
Authors: Chen Xiaolin , Wang Yan , Jiang Sunlu
Published: June 2021

Our study investigates the effect of high expression of Sirt2 in MSCs (MSCs-Sirt2) on Her-2 breast cancer cell proliferation. A mouse subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was established and MSCssirt2 analysis was performed on nude mice. TUNEL staining, flow cytometry, western-blot, real-time
PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to detect cancer cell apoptosis. The number of NK cells infiltrated by flow cytometry detected the tumor tissue of tumor-bearing mice, and its killing activity on tumor-bearing mice was detected by isotope labeling and release method. The levels of TNF-α,
IFN-γ, IL-8, IL-6 and IL-10 were detected by ELISA. Caspase-3 level was decreased in the MSCs group (P <0.01) while increased in the MSCs-sirt2 group (P <0.001). However, PCNA expression showed an opposite profile in the Her-2 group and MSCs-sirt2 group compared to
Caspase-3 level (P <0.01). The tumor volume and weight in the MSCs-sirt2 group was significantly reduced (P < 0.01), while increased in the MSCs group significantly (P < 0.05). The number of Ki-67-positive tumor cells in MSCs-sirt2 group was significantly reduced
(P <0.01) and increased in MSCs group (P < 0.001) with oppositive number of TUNEL-positive tumor cells in the MSCs-sirt2 group and MSCs group (P <0.01). IFN-γ level showed an upward trend (P <0.001). The NK cell toxicity of MSCs-Sirt2 group was
significantly higher (P <0.001). MSCs-Sirt2 has an inhibitory effect on Her-2 breast cancer cell growth by enhancing the local inflammatory response of NK cells.
The sequence of heavy precipitation and flash flooding of 12 and 13 September 2019 in eastern Spain. Part II: A hydro-meteorological predictability analysis based on convection-permitting ensemble strategies
Authors: Amengual A. , Hermoso A. , Carrió D. S. , Homar V.
Published: June 2021

On 12 and 13 September 2019, widespread flash flooding caused devastating effects across eastern Spain. Within the framework of the HyMeX program, this study examines predictability of the long-lasting heavy precipitation episode (HPE) conducive to flash flooding. A set of short-range, convection-permitting ensemble prediction systems (EPSs) is built to cope with different sources of meteorological uncertainty. Specifically, the performance of an Ensemble Kalman Filter, tailored bred vectors and stochastic model parameterizations is compared to more standard ensemble generation techniques such as dynamical downscaling and multiple physics. Results indicate EPS focusing on sampling model uncertainties related to parameterization of subgrid process are skillful, especially when deep convection and its interaction with complex orography are important. Furthermore, representation of small-scale thermodynamical aspects is improved through data assimilation, leading to an enhanced forecasting skill as well. Nevertheless, predictability remains relatively low at the catchment scale in terms of exceedance probabilities in cumulative precipitation and peak discharge. The analysis presented herein could serve as a basis for the future implementation of real-time flash flood warning systems based on skillful meteorological EPSs over small-to-medium, semi-arid watersheds in eastern Spain and, by extension, over the flood-prone Western Mediterranean region.
Feeling Lonely Increases Interest in Previously Owned Products
Authors: Huang Feifei , Fishbach Ayelet
Published: June 2021

Consumption of used products has the potential to symbolically connect present and previous users of these products, something that may appeal to lonely consumers. Accordingly, across seven studies, feeling lonely increased consumers’ preference for previously owned products. Specifically, the authors found that the proportion of lone shoppers was higher in a used versus a regular bookstore, lone individuals (vs. those sitting in pairs) were more likely to select a used over a new product, people without (vs. with) a date on Valentine’s Day expressed stronger preference for used products, and individual differences in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic predicted interest in used products. Other studies documented that the desire to symbolically connect underlies the effect of loneliness on consumption. At a time when loneliness is on the rise, the authors discuss implications for the marketing of used products and how loneliness might motivate consumers to reduce waste.
Fault detection and isolation for discrete-time Markovian jump systems with generally bounded transition probabilities: A zonotope-based method
Authors: Lu Dunke , Zhang Xinyu , Lan Yunsheng , Wang Xiaohua
Published: June 2021

This paper addresses the fault detection and isolation for a class of discrete-time Markovian jump system with generally bounded transition probabilities. The proposed method is mainly based on a bank of [Formula: see text] robust observers, which can detect the actuator fault occurrence and, even more, can locate those subjected to the fault. Furthermore, the performance and the robustness of the designed [Formula: see text] robust observer are disseminated respect to disturbances and measurement noises. In particular, we propose the zonotop-based dynamic threshold to predict the ranges of the residual, which shows less conservatism in comparison to traditional methods. Finally, pertinent simulations are performed to corroborate the potential and superiority of the proposed method. In general, the proposed method offers effective fault detection and isolation scheme for Markovian jump systems, which can detect the fault timely and accurately with lowering the rate of fault missing report to a great extent, thus having practical value.
Change in Spontaneous Swallowing Frequency in HNC Patients Undergoing C/RT
Authors: Carnaby Giselle D. , Madhavan Aarthi , Barikroo Ali , Crary Michael
Published: June 2021

Objective

This study sought to evaluate the role and trajectory of spontaneous swallowing frequency (SFA) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing chemoradiotherapy (C/RT).

Study Design. Prospective cohort.

Setting

University comprehensive cancer center.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 80 patients with HNC was followed from baseline to 3 months post‐C/RT. Subjects were evaluated for performance on swallowing function, functional diet consumed, weight, swallowing frequency rate, perceived xerostomia, perceived pain, and mucositis. Relationships were evaluated using univariate correlations, t tests, and repeated‐measures analysis of variance. The diagnostic accuracy of SFA to express dysphagia was calculated by area under the curve (AUROC) and displayed using receiver operator characteristic curves.

Results

In general, patients with HNC demonstrated a parabolic decline in most measures over the C/RT trajectory. SFA and perceived xerostomia did not show improved recovery by 3 months. SFA was related to swallow function, xerostomia, and functional diet consumed posttreatment and pain at 3 months. The ability of SFA to correctly identify clinical dysphagia (Mann Assessment of Swallowing–Cancer version [MASA‐C]) and reduced oral intake (Functional Oral Intake Scale [FOIS]) at posttreatment was strong (AUROC MASA‐C: 0.824 [95% CI, 0.63‐1.00], P <. 0018; AUROC FOIS: 0.96 [95% CI, 0.87‐0.96], P <. 0001).

Conclusion

This exploratory study suggests SFA may provide a useful method to identify dysphagia after HNC treatment. Furthermore, SFA may offer a simple, objective measure of swallowing function change in HNC over the C/RT trajectory.
Sadie Hawkins in American Life, 1937-1957
Authors: Parkin Katherine
Published: June 2021

In 1937, Al Capp introduced Sadie Hawkins Day in his Li’l Abner comic strip. In its first year, Americans embraced the day with girl-chase-boy races and girl-ask-boy fall dances. Cream of Wheat used Sadie Hawkins to sell their cereal, further entrenching it in American life. Sadie Hawkins purported to be an empowering opportunity for girls. However, a belief that men feared marriage, even to beautiful women, and that women were always desperate to be dating and married, fueled the passion for this traditional, heteronormative phenomenon. Capp’s misogyny led him to sort single women into desirable and undesirable categories.
Safety and Satisfaction in High-Definition Power-Assisted Liposculpture in Men Under Local Anesthesia
Authors: von Waechter-Gniadek Paul , Kündig Thomas , Johansen Pål , Boeni Roland
Published: June 2021

In high-definition liposculpture (HDL), the body is shaped in such a way that an athletic appearance and a defined, contoured look is created. Typical areas in the male patient include arms, pectoralis region, the area over the serratus muscle, lower back, as well as medial and lateral abdomen. This procedure is sometimes combined with fat grafting to areas over the deltoid muscle and/or pectorals. The objective was to evaluate the safety and satisfaction of HDL in a large series of patients using reciprocating power-assisted liposuction under local anesthesia. In this bicenter study, we performed HDL on 82 male patients using reciprocating power-assisted liposuction under tumescent local anesthesia with both lidocaine and prilocaine. No drains were used. Intraoperative and postoperative data were collected, and complication and satisfaction rates were evaluated after 6 months. All overall patients’ satisfaction was high. There were no major complications. Minor complications included seroma (n = 4), and 3 patients required touch-up surgery. There were no side-effects from the anesthesia, and there was no fluid overload. High-definition liposculpture using reciprocating power-assisted liposuction in local anesthesia is a safe procedure with a high satisfaction rate.
Imaging for Predicting Hemorrhagic Transformation of Acute Ischemic Stroke—A Narrative Review
Authors: Ande Sudharsana Rao , Grynspan Jonathan , Aviv Richard I. , Shankar Jai Jai Shiva
Published: June 2021

Hemorrhagic transformation is caused by extravasation of blood products from vessels after acute ischemic stroke. It is an undesirable and potentially devastating complication, which occurs in 10%-40% of clinical cases. Hemorrhagic transformation is classified into four subtypes based on European cooperative acute stroke study II. Predicting hemorrhagic complications at presentation can be useful life saving/altering decisions for the patient. Also, understanding the mechanisms of hemorrhagic transformation can lead to new treatments and intervention measures. We highlighted various imaging techniques that have been used to predict hemorrhagic transformation. Specifically, we looked at the usefulness of perfusion and permeability imaging for hemorrhagic transformation. Use of imaging to predict hemorrhagic transformation could change patient management that may lead to the prevention of hemorrhagic transformation before it occurs. We concluded that the current evidence is not strong enough to rely on these imaging parameters for predicting hemorrhagic transformation and more studies are required.
The investigation of wear on three-dimensional printed spur gears
Authors: Tunalioglu Mert Safak , Torun Turgut
Published: June 2021

Gears are commonly used in every field of industry as power and motion transmission elements. According to the usage areas, they are manufactured from materials such as steel, aluminium, plastics, cast and bronze. There are different manufacturing methods according to material type. Plastic gears are preferred in textile, automotive and aviation industries where the supported load is low, and corrosion and lightness are considerably important. They work more quietly than metal gears. Plastic gears are manufactured by an injection moulding or hobbing method. The disadvantages of the plastic injection method are high cost of the injection moulds and strength losses in the moulded parts due to the internal clearance faults, whereas the disadvantage of the hobbing method is defects in tooth profiles due to operational faults. In this study, wear strengths of plastic spur gears manufactured via a three-dimensional printer with the fused deposition modelling technique as an alternative manufacturing method were experimentally examined. In the experimental studies, polylactic acid pinion gear manufactured with the three-dimensional printer was subjected to wear tests with St37-2 gear. Wear strengths of plastic spur gears were compared in wear tests performed with Forschungsstelle für Zahnrader und Getriebebau equipment under various loads and rotational speeds. Wear depths that occurred in plastic gears were examined via coordinate measuring machine equipment. As a result of the experimental studies, it is found that wear is increased with the increase of load affecting the gear, and wear is decreased with the increase of rotational speed. As a result of this study, it was shown that plastic spur gears manufactured with three-dimensional printers can be used in areas where lightness and corrosion resistance is important under low loads.
The Germans and Air Power at Dieppe: The Raid and its Lessons from the ‘Other Side of the Hill’
Authors: Shelley James
Published: June 2021

Despite the vast academic and popular interest in the Dieppe raid of 19 August 1942, there remains a curious oversight of the German side of the story. This contribution interrogates German sources in order to explore the Dieppe air battle and its consequences from the perspective of the German armed forces. The paper ultimately demonstrates that the Germans learnt much about the role of air power in coastal defence from their experiences at Dieppe, but that the implementation of those lessons was lacking.
A Multiple Case Study of Music Cooperating Teacher Roles in Mentoring Dialogues
Authors: Munroe Angela
Published: June 2021

While music education researchers have examined cooperating teacher and student teacher interactions via classroom observations and interviews, there is little research on extended dialogues between the cooperating teacher and student teacher or various mentoring roles (coach, guide, model, and evaluator) assumed by cooperating teachers. During one 8-week student teaching placement period, I recorded extended dialogues between four student teacher-cooperating teacher pairs, along with individual interviews. Data were analyzed using the mentor roles in dialogues model. The mentoring role assumed during dialogues reflected the student teaching context, perceptions about appropriate roles, cooperating teacher and student teacher personalities, and their relationship. Mentoring dialogues were especially influenced by unique features of the music ensemble class.
Transient non-Fourier thermoelastic fracture analysis of a cracked orthotropic functionally graded strip
Authors: Yang Wenzhi , Pourasghar Amin , Chen Zengtao
Published: June 2021

In this work, the fracture problem of an orthotropic functionally graded strip containing an internal crack parallel to its surfaces subjected to thermal shocks is examined. To eliminate the paradox of infinite heat propagation speed and take the microstructural interactions of thermal energy carriers into account, the non-Fourier, dual-phase-lag theory is employed to investigate the transient heat conduction and the associated thermal stresses response. By utilizing Laplace transform and Fourier transform, the thermoelastic problems are finally reduced to the Cauchy-type singular integral equations, which are solved by the Lobatto–Chebyshev technique numerically. The temperature field and thermal stress intensity factors are evaluated by the numerical inversion of Laplace transform to illustrate the effects of two thermal lags and nonhomogeneous parameters. The results show the fracture risks accompanied by the dual-phase-lag heat conduction can be higher than the classical analysis and it would be more conservative to consider non-Fourier effects in designing the orthotropic functionally graded materials.
Perceived Barriers to Mental Health Services among the Elderly in the Rural of Vietnam: A Cross Sectional Survey in 2019
Authors: Van Nguyen Hang Nguyet , Thi Khanh Huyen Nguyen , Hue Mai Thi , Luong Nguyen Thanh , Quoc Thanh Pham , Duc Duong Minh , Thi Thanh Mai Vu , Hong Tran Thi
Published: June 2021

While the burden of neurological and mental disorders has been drastically increased in Vietnam, the current mental healthcare services do not meet the public demand. In order to determine perceived barriers to the use of mental health services, we conducted a cross-sectional study on 376 elderly people from a rural district in Hanoi, Vietnam. We found that depression may be an important indicator of the need for formal and informal community and home care mental health services. Barriers to mental healthcare access were categorized into 7 groups namely stigma, emotional concerns, participation restrictions, service satisfaction, time constraints, geographic and financial conditions, and availability of services. The most significant barriers are the limited availability of and accessibility to health professionals and services in rural areas. Our study highlights the urgent efforts that need to be made in order to enhance availability of mental healthcare services in rural areas of Vietnam.
Researching publics in datafied societies: Insights from four approaches to the concept of ‘publics’ and a (hybrid) research agenda
Authors: Møller Hartley Jannie , Bengtsson Mette , Schjøtt Hansen Anna , Sivertsen Morten Fischer
Published: June 2021

Datafication has become an all-encompassing infiltrator in societal processes, among other the formation of publics and the actors that support such processes (i.e. journalism and information technologies). This article reviews four approaches to the study of public formation. These are (1) public and civic connections, (2) issue publics, (3) networked publics and (4) algorithmic publics. The review is a point of departure to conceptually discuss how to study the formation of public in a datafied era and to present a hybrid research agenda with four entry points that can open up for critical analysis of how datafication challenges the relationship between journalism, platforms, algorithms and audiences. Our argument is that a holistic, interdisciplinary and hybrid research approach is needed if the complexity of datafication and its transformative effects on the formation of publics is to be fully grasped.
Interim data monitoring in cluster randomised trials: Practical issues and a case study
Authors: Hemming K , Martin J , Gallos I , Coomarasamy A , Middleton L
Published: June 2021

Background

There is an abundance of guidance for the interim monitoring of individually randomised trials. While methodological literature exists on how to extend these methods to cluster randomised trials, there is little guidance on practical implementation. Cluster trials have many features which make their monitoring needs different. We outline the methodological and practical challenges of interim monitoring of cluster trials; and apply these considerations to a case study.

Case study

The E-MOTIVE study is an 80-cluster randomised trial of a bundle of interventions to treat postpartum haemorrhage. The proposed data monitoring plan includes (1) monitor sample size assumptions, (2) monitor for evidence of selection bias, and (3) an interim assessment of the primary outcome, as well as monitoring data completeness. The timing of the sample size monitoring is chosen with both consideration of statistical precision and to allow time to recruit more clusters. Monitoring for selection bias involves comparing individual-level characteristics and numbers recruited between study arms to identify any post-randomisation participant identification bias. An interim analysis of outcomes presented with 99.9% confidence intervals using the Haybittle–Peto approach should mitigate any concern regarding the inflation of type-I error. The pragmatic nature of the trial means monitoring for adherence is not relevant, as it is built into a process evaluation.

Conclusions

The interim analyses of cluster trials have a number of important differences to monitoring individually randomised trials. In cluster trials, there will often be a greater need to monitor nuisance parameters, yet there will often be considerable uncertainty in their estimation. This means the utility of sample size re-estimation can be questionable particularly when there are practical or funding difficulties associated with making any changes to planned sample sizes. Perhaps most importantly interim monitoring has the potential to identify selection bias, particularly in trials with post-randomisation identification or recruitment. Finally, the pragmatic nature of cluster trials might mean that the utility of methods to allow for interim monitoring of outcomes based on statistical testing, or monitoring for adherence to study interventions, are less relevant. Our intention is to facilitate the planning of future cluster randomised trials and to promote discussion and debate to improve monitoring of these studies.
An evaluation of toxigenic Clostridioides difficile positivity as a patient outcome metric of antimicrobial stewardship in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Okeahialam Christopher A , Rabaan Ali A , Bolhuis Albert
Published: June 2021

Background:

Antimicrobial stewardship has been associated with a reduction in the incidence of healthcare-associated Clostridium difficile infection (HA-CDI). However, CDI remains under-recognised in many low and middle-income countries where clinical and surveillance resources required to identify HA-CDI are often lacking. The rate of toxigenic C. difficile stool positivity in the stool of hospitalised patients may offer an alternative metric for these settings, but its utility remains largely untested.

Aim/objective:

To examine the impact of antimicrobial stewardship on the rate of toxigenic C. difficile positivity among hospitalised patients presenting with diarrhea

Methods:

A 12-year retrospective review of laboratory data was conducted to compare the rates of toxigenic C. difficile in diarrhoea stool of patients in a hospital in Saudi Arabia, before and after implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship programme.

Result:

There was a significant decline in the rate of toxigenic C. difficile positivity from 9.8 to 7.4% following the implementation of the antimicrobial stewardship programme, and a reversal of a rising trend.

Discussion:

The rate of toxigenic C. difficile positivity may be a useful patient outcome metric for evaluating the long-term impact of antimicrobial stewardship on CDI, especially in settings with limited surveillance resources. The accuracy of this metric is, however, dependent on the avoidance of arbitrary repeated testing of a patient for cure, and testing only unformed or diarrhoea stool specimens. Further studies are required within and beyond Saudi Arabia to examine the utility of this metric.
Emotional Labor and Depressive Symptoms Among Healthcare Workers: The Role of Sleep
Authors: Zhang Yuan , ElGhaziri Mazen , Siddique Sundus , Gore Rebecca , Kurowski Alicia , Nobrega Suzanne , Punnett Laura
Published: June 2021

Background:

Depression is the second leading cause of disability worldwide. Health care workers report a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than the general population. Emotional labor has contributed to poor health and work outcomes. However, the mechanism for the potential association between emotional labor and depressive symptoms has not been well studied. This study examines the relationship between emotional labor and depressive symptoms and whether sleep plays a role in explaining this relationship.

Methods:

In 2018, health care workers ( n = 1,060) from five public sector facilities in the northeast United States participated in this cross-sectional survey. The survey included questions on participants’ surface-acting emotional labor (masking one’s feelings at work), depressive symptoms, sleep duration and disturbances, and socio-demographic characteristics. Multivariable linear and Poisson regression modeling were used to examine associations among variables.

Findings:

There was a significant association between emotional labor and depressive symptoms (β = 0.82, p < .001). Sleep disturbances, but not short sleep duration, partially mediated this association. Neither sleep variable moderated this association.

Conclusions/Application to Practice:

Depressive symptoms were prevalent among health care workers and were associated with emotional masking. Sleep disturbances play an important intermediate role in translating emotional labor to depressive symptoms in these workers. Effective workplace programs are needed to reduce health care workers’ emotional labor to improve their mental health. Sleep promotion should also be emphasized to mitigate the negative effect of emotional labor and promote mental wellbeing.
Patients and Partners in Research: Patient and Caregiver Perceptions of Research Engagement and the Role of Their Psychosocial States in Participation
Authors: Hawkins-Taylor Chamika , Ngorsuraches Surachat , Frost Natasha , Sage Starr K , Anderson Holly
Published: June 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common, nontraumatic, disabling diseases diagnosed in adults. Self-empowered patients and families are valued members of the MS research team. The objective of this study was to explore patient and family perceptions of the influence of psychosocial state on their willingness to be research partners. Researchers conducted 5 focus groups with MS patients and family from the Upper Midwest Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The researchers asked questions addressing psychosocial factors influencing ability and willingness to work with MS researchers as partners. Relevant themes were identified including comfort level of individuals in formulating research questions, comfort level engaging in research, understanding of the meaning of research and self-perception about skills, research training, and knowledge needs. The findings of this study support the role of MS patients’ perspectives about MS, their understanding of the science of MS, and role of their psychosocial states as all these factors were patient identified as being key to their ability to be active, engaged and willing research participants.