bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Filtered orthogonal frequency division multiplexing for improved 5G systems
Authors: Sahrab Ammar A. , Yaseen Alaa Doohee
Published: July 2021

Wireless communications became an integrated part of the human life. Fifth generation (5G) is the modern communication which provides enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra reliable low latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine type communication (mMTC). Thus, 5G have to provide coverage to multi-numerology devices, therefore, modulation and access schemes are suggested in the literature such as cyclic prefix orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (CP-OFDM) and filtered OFDM (f-OFDM). CP-OFDM suffers from the high out of band emission which limited the multi-numerology applications. In f-OFDM, the out of band emission can be suppressed to an accepted extent such that different numerologies can be coexisting. On the other hand, f-OFDM can be more improved by using a proper filtering approach. In this paper three different filters are suggested based windowed-sinc function; Hanning, Hamming, and Blackman. Simulation results show that the proposed filters are promising for high spectral efficiency and out of band emission rejection. Furthermore, the bit error rate, error vector magnitude, and power spectral density are further improved with respect to CP-OFDM scheme but some trade-off is present. Overall, the suggested windowed-sinc filters are outperforming the traditional CP-OFDM. As a conclusion, the suggested windnowed-sinc filters have no limitations on the modulation order or the number of subcarriers utilized in the system.
Mode of Response Students’ Engagement (MORSE): Basis for Improving Science Performance of Students
Authors: Arzadon Eleazer T.
Published: July 2021

In educational system, just like in a classroom setting, there is a degree or sense of uncertainty or ambiguity on how teaching-learning process will take place. It is the duty and responsibility of the teacher to structure the classroom in maximizing students learning by engaging in all modalities such as hearing, visual, olfactory, kinesthetic and gustatory. Moreover, by bringing students together in the classroom to produce group interaction that facilitates learning in different individuals. I, the Researcher, had facilitated an active learning through the use of Mode of Response for Students Engagement (MORSE). Intervention was the use of personalized card, dyad, work cell group and random calling conducted twice a week for the duration of the 1st grading period. The 29 respondents from experimental group were subjected to MORSE and 29 respondents from control group were given traditional classroom engagement. The proponent sought to answer the following research questions: What was the effect on the academic performance of the students who were subjected to MORSE? Was there a significant difference in the pre-test and post-test result using the traditional method and of the MORSE method? Lastly, what was the implication of MORSE method in teaching Earth Science among grade 10 students? The collected data of pre-test and post-test results were gathered and treated using paired sample t-test of difference and mean. Sample paired t-test result showed that the computed t value of 7.45 is greater than the t critical value of 1.701 at level of significance of 0.05. There is significant difference on the post test result between the control group and experimental group. The Experimental group, who were subjected to MORSE techniques achieved higher post-test than the control group. Based from the analysis gathered, MORSE methods is highly effective as means of engaging students to actively participate and improve academic performance in Earth Science. Therefore, I, the proponent recommended the use of MORSE in classroom activities. Likewise, teachers can make use other MORSE techniques or devices to facilitate active learning in the classroom for whole class engagement.
Versatile Vidyasagar: A Superior Scholar, Modern Philosopher, Real Educationist & True Social Reformer
Authors: Mahato Ujjwal , Murmu Dilip Kr.
Published: July 2021

In the period of the 19th century, India has given birth to a starlike personality in the name of Ishwar Chandra Bandopadhyay. He was a real hero and down to earth in his habit. He dedicated his life for draw out the nation to light from the darkness. He was a polymath, educator, social reformer, writer, and philanthropist. He was one of the greatest intellectuals and activists of the 19th century and one of the pillars of the Bengal Renaissance who had given a shape and direction. Above All, he is a strong symbol of a versatile personality. He is called in the name of Vidyasagar (The Ocean of Knowledge) and Dayarsagar (The Ocean of Kindness) for her dignified thoughts and works. Researchers have highlighted the versatility of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar in their theoretical research. From their research, Vidyasagar will be known as such a meritorious student; Similarly, there will be an opportunity to know Vidyasagar's philosophical thoughts, educational thoughts, social reform, responsibility towards women's education, etc.
Project N.E.W. - N.O.R.M.A.L. Navigating Electronic World to Numerous Online Resources of Modality Approaches in Learning
Authors: Jimenez Edward C.
Published: July 2021

The advent of the current COVID-19 pandemic almost halted the education process between teachers and students. Nonetheless, the government strived and overcame all the challenges posited by the pandemic and forged forward to continue the learning experience of students. This paper introduces the proposal entitled Project NEW-NORMAL which will provide substantial support in the learning modalities of students and cater the basic needs of teachers and students for the teaching and learning process. Different learning modalities provided various avenues to the learners to the most con-venient and available modes of learning to which they preferred to select and experience. Printed learning modality was one the options where provision of self-learning modules is necessary that could stand without the help of the teachers. Likewise, digitized learning modality offered the utilization of technological platform through social networking sites, media, fora, etc. to download the materials provided by the teachers and the Department. The increased of technological and adversity quotients created a strong hold to face the current situation brought by the pandemic.
Uma vocação natural
Authors: Battistella Linamara Rizzo
Published: July 2021

A Acta Fisiátrica já nasceu grande e fortalecida! Resultado de uma necessidade no que diz respeito a atualização e reciclagem do conhecimento, foi recebida com entusiasmo por nossos colegas e a partir deste número é também o órgão oficial da Divisão de Medicina Física do Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do Hospital das Clínicas e da Academia Brasileira de Medicina de Reabilitação.
Distrofia simpático reflexa no pé e tornozelo
Authors: Imamura Marta , Ignacio L. A. , Salomão Osny , Chung Tae Mo , Teixeira Manoel  Jacobsen , Imamura Satiko Tomikawa
Published: July 2021

A etiologia da distrofia simpático reflexa (DSR) é desconhecida, porém a teoria mais aceita é a de uma disfunção do Sistema Nervoso Simpático. Os achados clínicos caracterizam-se por dor neuropática, distúrbios nasomotores e sudomotores e alterações tróficas da pele que aumentam em estágios mais avançados. O diagnóstico é feito através da história clínica, exame físico, radiografias, cintilografia óssea e termografia. O tratamento baseia-se em meios físicos, como hidroterapia e exercícios terapêuticos. Quando há necessidade são utilizados medicamentos que interferem no sistema modulador da dor como os antidepressivos tricíclicos e os neurolépticos. O objetivo deste estudo é o de apresentar os resultados do tratamento de 13 pacientes com DSR que foram submetidos a meios físicos e terapia medicamentosa quando necessário.
The Three Choruses of Plato’s Laws and their Function in the Dialogue
Authors: Pfefferkorn Julia
Published: July 2021

This article questions a longtime credo concerning Plato’s Laws, namely that the three choruses introduced in Book 2 are institutions of the dialogue’s political project. A detailed analysis of relevant passages shows that the evidence is insufficent. Rather, it is argued, this part of Book 2 is essentially plurivalent: on three separate semantic layers, the choruses illustrate political, moral-psychological and key educational issues of the Laws. Apart from explaining the disappearance of the choruses after Book 2, the proposed reading aims to bring to light an impressively artful philosophical and literary strategy of Plato’s.
Banned and Branded: The Mesopotamian Background of Šamata
Authors: Paz Yakir
Published: July 2021

The verb √šmt and noun šamata, attested in the dialects of Eastern Aramaic in the Sasanian period, would seem at first to be synonymous with the Palestinian term nidui, ‘excommunication’. However, a closer examination reveals that šamata has a different semantic value. It is not simply conceived as a social sanction of excommunication but is understood as a curse involving divine violence; is closely associated with binding; and is often perceived as the property of powerful agents. In this article I argue that √šmt is derived from the Akkadian šamātu, ‘to mark’, ‘to brand’, especially in its more restricted sense ‘to brand temple slaves’ and ‘to dedicate a person to a deity’. Understanding the Mesopotamian roots of šamata might help us better explain its unique regional features, shared by the Aramaic speaking groups in the Sasanian Empire.
Eriophyoid mites (Acari: Prostigmata) from Brazil: an annotated checklist
Authors: NAVIA DENISE , DUARTE MERCIA ELIAS , FLECHTMANN CARLOS H. W.
Published: July 2021

The superfamily Eriophyoidea constitute a group of phytophagous mites of particular economic and evolutionary interest due to their intimate association with host plants and their agricultural importance as harmful or beneficial organisms. Studies on the Eriophyoidea fauna in Brazil started in the early 1900s with botanical works on cecidias and were continued with researchers looking for and reporting on eriophyid mites causing damage to agricultural crops. Therefore, in this annotated checklist, we compile information from just over a century on eriophyid mites reported or described from Brazil. Its purpose is to facilitate plant protection strategies and guide future work on this important group of phytophagous mites. In addition to taxonomy, we present information on host plants and general aspects of cecidia attributed to eriophyoid mites but without genus/species identification. Compilation was based on: i) literature, including papers, books, theses and congress/symposium publications; ii) specimens deposited in mite collections in Brazil. On each species we present: i) suprageneric/generic classification, synonyms and previous genus/era assignments, including references on original and/or additional descriptions; ii) type host plant and other host(s) plant(s) found in the country; iii) host relationships and remarks on symptoms; iv) localities of occurrences at States/Federal District and municipal levels; and v) host plant status in Brazil as well as biomes where they occur or are cultivated. A total of 234 valid eriophyoid mite species are recorded: 196 Eriophyidae, 20 Diptilomiopidae and 18 Phytoptidae, distributed in 92 genera. Host plants comprised 233 species, belonging to 141 genera and 56 plant families. Four new reports of eriophyoid mites in Brazil are presented based on specimens deposited in reference collections. A new combination is presented for Propeaciota secundum (Flechtmann, Amrine & Stasny) in the genus Khanthongella. In addition, data on observations and descriptions of 67 cecidias attributed to eriophyoid mites in five states and on 21 plant families are presented. Geographically, the distribution of species reports of eriophyoids around Brazil is highly uneven, with more than 64% of species (151 spp.) in the Southeast region, which surely reflects a lack of research elsewhere. Regarding host plant specificity, 77.7% are reported on only one host species, 88.9% on one host genus and 98.3% on one host family. Regarding host status 64.1% of species are exclusively associated with native host plants, 27% with naturalized or exotic cultivated host plants, and 6.4% from both native and naturalized or exotic host plants.
The Status and Future of Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) in Operational Meteorology
Authors: Pinto James O. , O’Sullivan Debbie , Taylor Stewart , Elston Jack , Baker C. B. , Hotz David , Marshall Curtis , Jacob Jamey , Barfuss Konrad , Piguet Bruno , Roberts Greg , Omanovic Nadja , Fengler Martin , Jensen Anders A. , Steiner Matthias , Houston Adam L.
Published: July 2021

The boundary layer plays a critical role in regulating energy and moisture exchange between the surface and the free atmosphere. However, the boundary layer and lower atmosphere (including shallow flow features and horizontal gradients that influence local weather) are not sampled at time and space scales needed to improve mesoscale analyses that are used to drive short-term model predictions of impactful weather. These data gaps are exasperated in remote and less developed parts of the world where relatively cheap observational capabilities could help immensely. The continued development of small, weather-sensing uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), coupled with the emergence of an entirely new commercial sector focused on UAS applications, has created novel opportunities for partially filling this observational gap. This article provides an overview of the current level of readiness of small UAS for routinely sensing the lower atmosphere in support of national meteorological and hydrological services (NMHS) around the world. The potential benefits of UAS observations in operational weather forecasting and numerical weather prediction are discussed, as are key considerations that will need to be addressed before their widespread adoption. Finally, potential pathways for implementation of weather-sensing UAS into operations, which hinge on their successful demonstration within collaborative, multi-agency-sponsored testbeds, are suggested.
Effect of suicide prevention law and media guidelines on copycat suicide of general population following celebrity suicides in South Korea, 2005–2017
Authors: Jang Jihoon , Myung Woojae , Kim Seongcheol , Han Minhee , Yook Vidal , Kim Eun Ji , Jeon Hong Jin
Published: July 2021

Objective:

To prevent copycat suicides following media reporting of celebrity suicides, the South Korean government enacted a ‘suicide prevention law’ in 2012 and revised the media guidelines for suicide reporting in 2013. This study examined how these two regulatory measures affected suicide trends among the general population in South Korea.

Methods:

We analyzed the individual effect estimates for the general population within 30 days following the media report of 24 celebrity suicides using multivariate negative binomial regression. We performed a meta-analysis to compute the pooled rate ratios of the two regulations. We examined the trends in daily suicides by month during three time intervals before and after enactment using an autoregressive model and tested their significance using a piecewise linear regression.

Results:

Total suicides increased by 6.27 daily during the 30-day period after celebrity suicides. Compared with the 30 days prior to the reports on the suicide of 24 celebrities, the number of suicidal deaths in the general population increased by 13% during the 30 days after the reports were announced (pooled rate ratio 1.13, 95% confidence interval: 0.06–0.18; p < 0.001). There was a significant downward trend in the average daily suicide deaths, and no significant increase in suicide rates, after the enactment of the suicide prevention law ( p < 0.001) and revision of the media guidelines ( p = 0.014).

Conclusions:

Suicide prevention and media guidelines were effective in reducing the effect of celebrity suicides. In addition to regulating media reporting of celebrity suicide, measures are needed to address viral republication on social media and to prevent suicide among entertainers.
Closing Open Government: Grassroots Policy Conversion of China’s Open Government Information Regulation and Its Aftermath
Authors: Kim Jieun , Stern Rachel E. , Liebman Benjamin L. , Wu Xiaohan
Published: July 2021

How and when do opportunities for political participation through courts change under authoritarianism? Although China is better known for tight political control than for political expression, the 2008 Open Government Information (OGI) regulation ushered in a surge of political-legal activism. We draw on an original dataset of 57,095 OGI lawsuits, supplemented by interview data and government documents, to show how a feedback loop between judges and court users shaped possibilities for political activism and complaint between 2008 and 2019. Existing work suggests that authoritarian leaders crack down on legal action when they feel politically threatened. In contrast, we find that courts minted, defined, and popularized new legal labels to cut off access to justice for the super-active litigants whose lawsuits had come to dominate the OGI docket. This study underscores the power of procedural rules and frontline judges in shaping possibilities for political participation under authoritarianism.
What Do Teacher-Education College Students Know about Parental Involvement: A Comparative Study between the U.S. and Israel
Authors: Fisher Yael , FitzGerald Anne Marie , Olson Amy
Published: July 2021

Given that the professional literature provides ample evidence of the importance of parental involvement and its effect on learners’ academic outcomes and positive social/emotional states, the aim of this quantitative study was to understand and compare the perceptions of preservice teachers regarding parental involvement and family engagement in Israel and the U.S. Fisher’s Perception of Parental Involvement Scale (PPIS; Fisher, 2011) was used to survey 469 education-college students: 269 American students and 200 Israeli students. Analysis indicated that the model was a better fit for Israeli students and an acceptable fit for U.S. students. However, in general, Israeli and US students in teaching colleges agreed on many of the components of parental involvement. Some results differed by gender, age, level of education, and prior teaching experience. These results may suggest that the fundamental concepts that constitute the family engagement are not culturally bound, but rather may be common among different cultures and nations. Further research is required to confirm this. Notwithstanding, gaining a general understanding of pre- and in-service teachers’ perceptions regarding parental involvement and family engagement could prompt the colleges to expand their teacher-education programs to better address this important issue.
We now know … a little bit more: Canada’s Cold War defectors
Authors: Sayle Timothy Andrews
Published: July 2021

Igor Gouzenko’s defection might have been the first—and most famous—of the Cold War in Canada, but it was hardly the last. Recently opened after Access to Information Act requests made by the Canadian Foreign Intelligence History Project, a number of records cast brighter light on this aspect of Canada’s intelligence history. This article offers an overview of how the Government of Canada established its policy to manage defection and those who defected. It offers a number of possible leads for future research projects, some, but not all, of which, will require the release of further material, whether under the Access to Information Act or a broader declassification framework from the Government of Canada.
Physical Disability at Work: How Functional Limitation Affects Perceived Discrimination and Interpersonal Relationships in the Workplace
Authors: Carr Deborah , Namkung Eun Ha
Published: July 2021

Adults with disability have significantly lower rates of labor force participation relative to persons without disability, although it is unclear whether this disparity extends to subjective workplace experiences. Using data from the 2004 to 2006 wave of the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (n =2,030), we evaluate: (1) whether U.S. workers with physical disability report higher levels of perceived job discrimination and unequal workplace opportunities and lower levels of supervisor and coworker support and (2) whether these patterns differ by sex, age, and occupation group. We find that workers with physical disability fare significantly worse on all four outcomes net of covariates. Disability takes a particularly large toll on men’s perceived workplace opportunities and white-collar employees’ relationships with coworkers. Young adult workers (ages 30–39) with disability report significantly more support from their supervisor relative to their counterparts without disability. We discuss implications for research and policy.
Overcoming the Cold Start Problem of Customer Relationship Management Using a Probabilistic Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Padilla Nicolas , Ascarza Eva
Published: July 2021

The success of customer relationship management programs ultimately depends on the firm's ability to identify and leverage differences across customers—a difficult task when firms attempt to manage new customers, for whom only the first purchase has been observed. The lack of repeated observations for these customers poses a structural challenge for firms to infer unobserved differences across them. This is what the authors call the “cold start” problem of customer relationship management, whereby companies have difficulties leveraging existing data when they attempt to make inferences about customers at the beginning of their relationship. The authors propose a solution to the cold start problem by developing a probabilistic machine learning modeling framework that leverages the information collected at the moment of acquisition. The main aspect of the model is that it flexibly captures latent dimensions that govern the behaviors observed at acquisition as well as future propensities to buy and to respond to marketing actions using deep exponential families. The model can be integrated with a variety of demand specifications and is flexible enough to capture a wide range of heterogeneity structures. The authors validate their approach in a retail context and empirically demonstrate the model's ability to identify high-value customers as well as those most sensitive to marketing actions right after their first purchase.
Front End to Back End: Teacher Preparation, Workforce Entry, and Attrition
Authors: Goldhaber Dan , Krieg John , Theobald Roddy , Goggins Marcelle
Published: July 2021

We use a database of over 15,000 teacher candidates from 15 teacher education programs in Washington state to investigate the connections between specific teacher preparation experiences and the likelihood that these candidates enter and stay in the state’s public teaching workforce. As has been found in prior research, candidates with endorsements in hard-to-staff subjects like math and special education are more likely to enter the public teaching workforce than other candidates. We also find large differences in hiring rates over time, as candidates who graduated in the years prior to and during the Great Recession are far less likely to be hired than candidates in recent years. Finally, teacher candidates hired into the same school type (elementary, middle, or high school) or into schools and classrooms with similar student demographics as their student teaching placement are more likely to stay in the teaching workforce than candidates who experience less alignment.
A simulation-driven online scheduling algorithm for the maintenance and operation of wind farm systems
Authors: Pérez Eduardo
Published: July 2021

Wind turbines experience stochastic loading due to seasonal variations in wind speed and direction. These harsh operational conditions lead to failures of wind turbines, which are difficult to predict. Consequently, it is challenging to schedule maintenance actions that will avoid failures. In this article, a simulation-driven online maintenance scheduling algorithm for wind farm operational planning is derived. Online scheduling is a suitable framework for this problem since it integrates data that evolve over time into the maintenance scheduling decisions. The computational study presented in this article compares the performance of the simulation-driven online scheduling algorithm against two benchmark algorithms commonly used in practice: scheduled maintenance and condition-based monitoring maintenance. An existing discrete event system specification simulation model was used to test and study the benefits of the proposed algorithm. The computational study demonstrates the importance of avoiding over-simplistic assumptions when making maintenance decisions for wind farms. For instance, most literature assumes maintenance lead times are constant. The computational results show that allowing lead times to be adjusted in an online fashion improves the performance of wind farm operations in terms of the number of turbine failures, availability capacity, and power generation.
A simulation and analytic hierarchy process based decision support system for air cargo warehouse capacity design
Authors: Sencer Asli , Karaismailoglu Adnan
Published: July 2021

Warehouse design is critical in the air cargo industry, where service standards are high and competition is fierce. The designers of air cargo warehouses consider various criteria like costs, system failure risks, customer perception, and marketing power to evaluate alternative designs. The issue of designing an air cargo warehouse is generally considered by design and consulting companies, which have broad experience in operational design are lacking in suggesting robust alternatives that build upon on a well-structured theoretical framework. The alternative warehouse designs are generated by considering different combinations of resource capacities such as the number of gates, workstations and storage areas. The evaluation of these alternative designs requires the use of analytical methodologies for multi-criteria decision-making. At this point, two methodologies from literature may be helpful: (i) simulation, which is a popular tool to evaluate operational performance and (ii) the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), which provides the ability to evaluate qualitative as well as quantitative criteria. In this study, a flexible and user-friendly decision support system (DSS) is developed based on combining simulation and AHP. The DSS is used to generate design alternatives, evaluate their quantitative performance via simulation, and subsequently rank the best scoring ones via AHP according to a set of quantitative as well as qualitative decision criteria. The graphical interfaces are designed with a keen eye on man-machine interaction to increase their functionality. The environment is tested and validated with real-time data in one of Europe’s largest air cargo carriers.
Post-Pregnancy Factors Predicting Teen Mothers’ Educational Attainment by Age 30 in Two National Cohorts
Authors: Maslowsky Julie , Stritzel Haley , Gershoff Elizabeth T.
Published: July 2021

Women who begin childbearing as teenagers attain lower levels of education than women who delay childbearing until age 20 and later. Little is known about post-pregnancy factors that predict educational attainment among teen mothers. The current study examined whether teen mothers’ environment and experiences 2 years after their first birth contribute to their educational outcomes by age 30, net of selection factors associated with teenage childbearing. Data were from two cohorts, the National Longitudinal Surveys of Youth 1979 ( N = 241) and 1997 ( N = 378). Multinomial logistic regression modeling was used to assess associations of post-pregnancy factors with teen mothers’ educational attainment. Having child care was associated with increased odds of attaining a high school diploma and of attending college in both cohorts. Providing regular and subsidized child care for teen mothers is an opportunity to support teen mothers in achieving higher levels of educational attainment.
Development and Application of a Web-based Integrated Support Service Program for Infertile Women
Authors: Park Jummi , Shin Nayeon
Published: July 2021

Online-based infertility education provides a health management system to patients using electronic information and technology and no face-to-face interaction with patients and experts. This is a study to develop a web-based integrated support service system to meet the health care and nursing needs of infertile women. To develop a system that is most suitable and practically helpful to infertile women, who are end users of this system, research was conducted. This education system consists of introduction to women’s health care, information on women’s health, information on organizations for women, community for infertile women, and request for consultation for health management and nursing education of infertile women. This study introduced and applied a user-centered design that maximizes the value of use by first understanding the user’s convenience and needs when developing a program.
Navigating self-managed conflict resolution: A case study
Authors: Olson Kristine J , Hopkins Benjamin
Published: July 2021

This study examines how an organization-wide self-managed interpersonal conflict resolution system is experienced from the point of view of permanent and seasonal employees. Twenty semi-structured interviews and observations at a single agricultural organization were used to assess the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) system. Employee reports were coded by determining if the conflict was owing to processes, relationships, or tasks problems, as well as determining if each conflict was resolved with accommodating, aggressive, avoidant, or collaborative resolution tactics. Interestingly, it was the permanent employees who initiated a majority of conflict resolution processes. Furthermore, only permanent employees opted to utilize aggressive tactics, usually by demanding that their colleagues quit the job at the organization. The findings indicate the importance of ADR training in order to develop confidence among seasonal employees to initiate resolution processes as well as the importance of teaching resolution tactics as a means of reducing employee termination.
Educational Challenges of School-Age Children in Skipped Generation Households in Nigeria
Authors: Popoola Bayode I. , Togonu-Bickersteth Funmi , Aransiola Joshua , Akintomide Akinjide , Ekundayo Opeyemi
Published: July 2021

The article investigated educational challenges of Nigerian children raised in an unusual family context, the skipped generation households (SGHs). Specifically, it determined the proportion of school-age children in SGHs enrolled in schools and investigated children’s perception of the effect of SGHs on their education. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data were collected from 2144 indexed children from the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria. The results showed that 88.2% of children in SGHs were enrolled in schools, and that significant regional variations existed in school attendance by the children. Specific educational challenges of the children in SGHs included having to do assignment alone, not getting enough time to study, difficulty in paying school fees, and late coming to school. The article brought to the fore the need for government to improve the welfare of children raised in SGHs in order to mitigate the educational challenges confronting them.
The story of “Beat”: A concert program in kindergartens
Authors: Ben Moshe Hilla , Gluschankof Claudia
Published: July 2021

Orchestras all over the world have concert programs in various formats for children, including some designed for preschoolers. Presenting concerts to children in kindergartens and schools is a long-standing tradition in Israel. The uniqueness of these programs and their main innovation is the preparatory work and process through which the children are prepared for the concert—which is the culmination of the whole process. This case study focuses on the first 10 years (2005–15) of one of these programs—“Beat”—implemented in Israeli kindergartens. We aim to characterize the development of the various stages of this program, and to describe its integration into kindergarten life. The data were collected from semi-structured interviews with 26 program participants over the years (kindergarten teachers, music teachers in kindergartens, musicians, etc.), as well as documents (concert programs, preparation booklets, etc.) from its collaborating bodies. The main findings show the importance and impact of the cooperation between kindergarten teachers and music teachers during the preparatory stages, making music a part of daily life in kindergarten.
Intraoperative completion cone-beam computed tomography for the assessment of residual lesions after primary treatment of proximal venous outflow obstructions
Authors: Baccellieri Domenico , Apruzzi Luca , Ardita Vincenzo , Bilman Victor , De Cobelli Francesco , Melissano Germano , Chiesa Roberto
Published: July 2021

Objective

Report the usefulness of completion cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) as an adjunct tool during femoro-ilio-caval recanalization post stent placement.

Methods

Data from patients who underwent complex endovenous recanalization for chronic proximal outflow obstruction from January 2018 to May 2020 were analyzed. Two groups of patients were obtained based on the execution or not of completion CBCT. Outcomes, radiation, and contrast doses in the two groups were compared.

Results

Fifteen patients (9 female, mean age 46.9 ± 13.3) in the control group and ten patients (7 female, 58.3 ± 14) in the CBCT group were included. In the CBCT group, one patient underwent an intraprocedural revision due to a residual lesion. The median total kerma area product (KAPtotal) and the total volume of contrast injected were not statistically different in the two groups.

Conclusions

Completion CBCT after endovenous procedures might identify residual stenosis or stent malposition without a significant increase of total contrast injected and KAPtotal.
The effectiveness of different treatment methods in isolated telangiectasia and reticular vein treatment: A single-center prospective randomized study
Authors: Aydın Ufuk , Engin Mesut , Türk Tamer , Ata Yusuf
Published: July 2021

Background

There are opinions that telangiectasis and reticular veins are asymptomatic and constitute a cosmetic problem only. However, it has been proven that telangiectasis and reticular veins also affect the quality of life and are symptomatic.

Methods

Ninety consecutive female patients who were admitted to our outpatient clinic and did not have insufficiency in deep, superficial and perforating veins were included in this study. All participants were divided into three groups as the compression group (Group 1), medical treatment group (Group 2), and sclerotherapy group (Group 3). The initial complaint severities of all patients were noted. Except for patient compliance assessment, baseline, 1st month (T1), 3rd month (T2) and 6th month (T3) evaluation records were kept in all three groups.

Results

The study began with a total of 90 patients, 30 patients in each group. The mean ages of Groups 1, 2 and 3 were 39.73 ± 8.51 years, 39.30 ± 8.67 years, and 40.77 ± 9.45 years, respectively. The rates of decrease in pain, itching, restless leg, and muscle cramps were similar among the patient groups at all times (P > 0.05). The rate of reduction in swelling was similar between the groups at T1 and T2 (P > 0.05), while there was a significant difference between the groups at T3 (P = 0.009). The groups significantly differed in terms of appearance concern at all times (P = 0.002 for T1, P < 0.001 for T2 and T3).

Conclusion

We showed that symptoms such as swelling and heaviness in leg can be improved with medical treatment, but the patient's cosmetic satisfaction can increase with sclerotherapy.
Clozapine rechallenge following neutropenia using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor: A Quebec case series
Authors: Béchard Laurent , Corbeil Olivier , Plante Maude , Thivierge Marc-André , Lafrenière Charles-Émile , Roy Marc-André , Demers Marie-France
Published: July 2021

Background:

Clozapine has a unique efficacy profile among individuals suffering from treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but is associated with hematological side effects. The use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF) to allow clozapine continuation or rechallenge has emerged as a promising option, but evidence is still scarce.

Aim:

To describe the largest case series so far published regarding this practice.

Method:

A national clozapine hematological monitoring database was consulted to identify all patients who had had neutrophil count <1.5 × 109/L since 2004 in Quebec and was cross-referenced with hospital pharmacy software to identify patients who had received at least one dose of G-CSF, such as filgrastim, while being exposed to clozapine. All data were collected retrospectively, using patients’ medical files, from January to July 2019.

Results:

Using G-CSF, three out of eight patients could maintain clozapine despite neutropenia episodes that otherwise would have required treatment discontinuation. The only side effect reported was mild short-lived back pain, over a mean 3-year follow-up period. In all but one case, filgrastim was used on an “as-needed” basis at doses of 300 mcg administered subcutaneously.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that the “as-needed” use of G-CSF is well-tolerated and may allow clozapine rechallenge in some well-selected patients, adding to the paucity of data regarding long-term safety and efficacy of this strategy. More research may help to better define potential candidates and optimal regimen of such practice.
Trauma-informed care psychoeducational group-based interventions for foster carers and adoptive parents: A narrative review
Authors: Lotty Maria , Bantry-White Eleanor , Dunn-Galvin Audrey
Published: July 2021

Trauma-informed care (TIC) psychoeducational group-based interventions for foster carers and adoptive parents are growing, but evidence about their effects have not been integrated. A narrative review was undertaken of studies that evaluated the effects of these interventions. It found that they appear to increase carers’ capacity to provide children with TIC and reduce child trauma-related difficulties. Three core components – psychoeducation, reflective engagement and skills building – were identified as helping to explain how the interventions work. However, the evidence is weak due to the mixed findings, diverse research designs, varied measures and methodological deficiencies, so results should be interpreted with caution. This highlights the urgent need for more rigorous research. Implications for practice, policy and research are discussed.
A Systematic Review of Tools Assessing the Perspective of Caregivers of Residents With Dementia
Authors: Harper Alexandra E. , Rouch Stephanie , Leland Natalie E. , Turner Rose L. , Mansbach William E. , Day Claire E. , Terhorst Lauren
Published: July 2021

In collaboration with stakeholders, we conducted a systematic review of psychometric evidence for self-report tools measuring the perspective of family caregivers of nursing home residents with dementia. Our rationale for this review was based on evidence that nonpharmacological interventions can ameliorate dementia symptoms in nursing home residents. Such interventions require caregiver participation, which is influenced by perspectives. Yet, no existing tool measures the multidomain caregiver perspective. Our review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses protocol. The final sample included 42 articles describing 33 tools measuring domains of nursing home dementia care such as behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, resident quality of life, dementia-specific knowledge, communication, and medication use. We uncovered evidence gaps for tools measuring dementia-specific knowledge, communication, and medication use, all of which were important to our stakeholders. Future research should focus on development of psychometrically sound tools in alignment with the multidomain caregiver perspective.
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis: Potential Benefits in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Kulkarni Supriya , Freitas Vivianne , Muradali Derek
Published: July 2021

Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) is gradually being implemented in routine clinical breast imaging practice. The technique of image acquisition reduces the confounding effect of overlapping breast tissue, which substantially affects cancer detection, abnormal recall, and interval cancer rates in a screening/ surveillance setting. In a diagnostic setting, tomosynthesis also allows for improved lesion localization and characterization over conventional imaging, which potentially improves the accuracy and improved workflow efficiency. To optimize the utility of tomosynthesis, imagers should be aware of the pertinent aspects of image acquisition as it relates to interpretation, the appearance of benign and malignant pathologies, and sources of possible misinterpretation. This article aims to provide a practical knowledge base of DBT and demonstrate its potential benefits when incorporated into routine clinical practice.
A Retrospective Review of Four-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate for Factor Xa Inhibitor-Related Bleedings
Authors: Hitchcock Zachary R. , Smith Spencer D. , Le Lamanh T. , Lees Lauren R. , Brandt Matthew D.
Published: July 2021

Background:

The use of factor Xa inhibitors has grown in popularity; however, the risk of major bleeding events requires for the appropriate reversal agent. The recent approved agent for factor Xa inhibitor reversal, andexanet alfa, has limited clinical efficacy and safety data, and it can be a financial burden on healthcare systems due to its high cost. Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) has been utilized off label in patients with factor Xa inhibitor-related bleedings. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of 4F-PCC in managing factor Xa inhibitor-related bleedings.

Methods:

This is an observational, retrospective review of 4F-PCC usage in treating factor Xa inhibitor-related bleeds from May 2014 to December 2018 at a single health system. Efficacy was evaluated using the assessment criteria described by Sarode et al. Secondary outcomes analyzed included thromboembolic events, length of stay, mortality, and discharge disposition.

Results:

Fifty-nine patient charts were reviewed, and 48 patients were included in the study analysis. The administration of 4F-PCC achieved effective hemostasis in 33 patients (68%), and effective hemostasis was achieved in 12 patients (86%) who had intracranial hemorrhage and did not receive any surgical intervention. Thromboembolic events occurred in 4 patients within 30 days from 4F-PCC use. A majority of patients (85.4%) were discharged from the hospital to home or long-term care; 7 patients (14.6%) expired in the hospital.

Conclusion:

Efficacy was achieved in over half of the patient population in this cohort who received 4F-PCC for factor Xa inhibitor-related bleeding events.
Impact of Tocilizumab on Clinical Outcomes in COVID-19-Associated Cytokine Release Syndrome: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Raja Karan , Daniel Nicole , Morrison Susan , Patel Ruben , Gerges Jessica , Nadeem Komal , Chen Brandon , Kang Soo , Patel Mitesh , Beggs Donald , Attalla Mark , Ballem Naveen , Philips Mona
Published: July 2021

Background:

Tocilizumab is an interleukin-6 receptor antagonist hypothesized to blunt the uncontrolled immune response, cytokine release syndrome, in severe COVID-19 and prevent attributable morbidity and mortality. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of tocilizumab on clinical outcomes in COVID-19-associated cytokine release syndrome.

Methods:

Single-center, retrospective cohort study assessing sixty-nine adult patients receiving tocilizumab for suspected COVID-19 cytokine release syndrome. The primary outcome was change in WHO clinical status scale on day seven post-dose analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Secondary outcomes assessed impact of timing of administration on clinical outcome. Safety analyses included development of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, transaminitis, and sepsis within 7 days post-dose. Statistical analyses were conducted using Microsoft Excel.

Results:

No aggregate clinical change was found between day 0 and day 7. Eleven patients improved, twenty-seven worsened, and thirty-one showed no change. Clinical outcomes were weakly correlated with time from symptom onset (rs = 0.21; p = 0.08) or hospital admission (rs = -0.08; p = 0.49) to dose. In-hospital mortality was 63%. Sepsis was diagnosed in 21 patients, five of which were post-dose. Transaminitis, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia occurred in seven, one, and six patients, respectively.

Conclusion:

Tocilizumab did not appear to influence clinical outcomes in our study population, irrespective of timing of administration. Adverse events were not considered drug-related.
Influence of tip clearance distribution on blade vibration of vaneless radial turbine
Authors: Pan Lei , Yang Mingyang , Murae Shouta , Sato Wataru , Shimohara Naoto , Yamagata Akihiro
Published: July 2021

As vehicle turbochargers are developed toward higher performance and lower turbo lag, high cycle fatigue (HCF) of radial turbine blades is becoming increasingly common which greatly threatens the reliability of turbochargers. Tip leakage vortex is one of potential sources of blade excitation and it’s profoundly influenced by blade tip clearance. This paper studies the influence of tip clearance distribution on blade excitation of a vaneless radial turbine via experimentally validated one-way fluid-structure interaction (FSI) numerical method. The results suggest that blade vibration response is significantly influenced by tip clearance distribution in the meridional direction. Generalized energy method is proposed to determine the key factors for blade excitation. The results manifest that complex distributions of harmonic pressure amplitude on the blade dominate blade vibration response. Detailed flow field analysis is carried out to further investigate the mechanism of blade excitation. The results show that distributions of harmonic pressure amplitude on pressure surface (PS) and suction surface (SS) are both dominated by tip leakage vortex, whereas the roles that tip leakage vortex plays are quite different. Specifically, tip leakage vortex influences harmonic pressure amplitude on SS directly because of short distance between vortex core and SS, whereas it influences harmonic pressure amplitude on PS indirectly by interfering the evolution of passage vortex. This research can guide new designs for durable vaneless radial turbines without sacrificing aerodynamic performance.