bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanded vermiculite-filled flexible polymer composites
Authors: Cetin Mukaddes Sevval , Toprakci Ozan , Taskin Omer Suat , Aksu Abdullah , Toprakci Hatice Aylin Karahan
Published: July 2021

This study focuses on the fabrication and characterization of vermiculite-filled flexible polymer composites. Exfoliated vermiculite was incorporated into triblock thermoplastic elastomer copolymer, styrene- b-(ethylene- co-butylene)- b-styrene (SEBS), at various levels from 1 to 15 wt% by a high shear mixer. The composite films were obtained by the combination of solvent casting and compression molding. The morphological, structural, thermal, and mechanical properties and contact angle of the composites were determined. Some micro-morphological differences were observed between the samples and the difference was assumed to be caused by high shear mixing and filler concentration. High shear mixing was found effective in terms of the detachment of vermiculite layers at all concentrations. However, at low filler loading, that behavior was more obvious. At 1 wt% filler concentration, mechanical properties increased that was probably caused by good filler-matrix interaction stemmed from smaller particle size. At higher vermiculite concentrations, fillers found to show agglomerations that led to a decrease in mechanical strength and strain at break. Elastic and secant modulus showed an increasing trend. Contact angle measurements were carried out to determine the oleophilic character of the samples. An increase in the vermiculite content resulted in higher oleophilic character and the lowest contact angle was obtained at 15 wt% VMT loading. In addition to these, thermal stability, thermal dimensional stability and flame retardancy were improved by the incorporation of VMT. 15 wt% vermiculite-filled sample showed the best performance in terms of thermal stability and flame retardancy.
A generic multi-sensor fusion scheme for localization of autonomous platforms using moving horizon estimation
Authors: Osman Mostafa , Mehrez Mohamed W , Daoud Mohamed A , Hussein Ahmed , Jeon Soo , Melek William
Published: July 2021

In this paper, a generic multi-sensor fusion framework is developed for the localization of intelligent vehicles and mobile robots. The localization framework is based on moving horizon estimation (MHE). Unlike the commonly used probabilistic filtering algorithms – for example, extended Kalman filter (EKF) and unscented Kalman filter (UKF) – MHE relies on solving successive least squares optimization problems over the innovation of multiple sensors’ measurements and a specific estimation horizon. In this paper, we present an efficient and generic multi-sensor fusion scheme, based on MHE. The proposed multi-sensor fusion scheme is capable of operating with different sensors’ rates, missing measurements, and outliers. Moreover, the proposed scheme is based on a multi-threading architecture to reduce its computational cost, making it more feasible for practical applications. The MHE fusion method is tested using simulated data as well as real experimental data sequences from an intelligent vehicle and a mobile robot combining measurements from different sensors to get accurate localization results. The performance of MHE is compared against that of UKF, where the MHE estimation results show superior performance.
Refusal versus massive investment: Qualitative study of parenthood among adopted adults in France
Authors: Despax Johanna , Bouteyre Evelyne , Halidi Onsua
Published: July 2021

Adoptees are studied more as children than as adults. While there is nevertheless a large body of research on adopted adults, little of this has focused on the families they build. Adoptees’ parenthood has been particularly neglected. The few studies conducted on this subject up to now all had serious methodological flaws, and were not interested in adoptees who either refuse to become parents or, at the other extreme, invest massively in parenthood. In the present study, our objective was therefore to better understand the experience and determinants of two specific attitudes toward parenthood among adoptees: refusal and massive investment. We carried out semistructured interviews with 13 adopted adults who held just such attitudes toward parenthood. The interview transcripts were submitted to a thematic analysis using QDA Miner 5 software. This analysis shed light on the experiences of adoptees who either refuse parenthood (satisfaction, parenting by proxy, views on child adoption) or invest massively in it (parenting style, desire for children, difficulties encountered), as well as on the determinants of these positions (impact of adoptee status, relationships with adoptive parents and with partners). These results enhance current understanding of the potential distress of adoptees regarding parenthood, as well as the challenges that this life stage can pose for them and their children. We discuss the theoretical and clinical implications.
South Africa: from apartheid to xenophobia
Authors: Khan Pervaiz
Published: July 2021

How to explain the violent xenophobic attacks in South Africa in recent years? Two militant South African activists, Leonard Gentle and Noor Nieftagodien, interviewed here, analyse the race/class bases for the anti-foreigner violence in terms of the echoes/reverberations of apartheid and the rise of neoliberalism. They argue that remnants of apartheid have endured through the reproduction of racial and tribal categories, which has contributed to the entrenchment of exclusionary nationalist politics and the fragmentation of black unity. South Africa’s specific history of capitalist development, the African National Congress’s embraces of neoliberalism, on the one hand, and rainbowism, on the other, have produced the underlying conditions of precarity and desperation that resulted in the normalisation of xenophobia. The unions, too, have failed to recognise the new shape of the ‘working class’. Gentle and Nieftagodien outline the need to contend with the broader social conditions, the global economic crisis, neoliberalism and the deep inequalities it engenders in order to counteract the rising tide of xenophobia and build working-class unity.
Evaluation of heterogeneous mechanical tests for model calibration of sheet metals
Authors: Oliveira Miguel G , Thuillier Sandrine , Andrade-Campos António
Published: July 2021

The accuracy of strategies combining heterogeneous mechanical tests and full-field strain measurement techniques is dependent on many factors. Recently, many heterogeneous mechanical tests with different specimen shapes have been proposed using optimization techniques or empirical knowledge. However, a comparison of heterogeneous mechanical tests is a difficult task because studies use different materials and different representations of the strain and stress states. This work discusses metrics, calculated from the stress and strain tensors, to evaluate heterogeneous mechanical tests and proposes a metric to evaluate the tests’ sensitivity to anisotropy. To illustrate the approach, four heterogeneous mechanical tests are evaluated through the use of the suggested metrics. Results show that the use of various metrics provides a good basis to evaluate heterogeneous mechanical tests. Moreover, this work identifies a heterogeneous mechanical test achieving a high range of mechanical states and high values of equivalent plastic strain.
A case study of change and innovation: Addiction and Mental Health Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington
Authors: Swan Bruce Harry , Dean Betty Jo , Ravnaas Carol
Published: July 2021

Addiction and Mental Health Services of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington is emerging from years of fractured leadership and operational experiences to a new era of promise—with lessons learned along the way. A case study of change and innovation describes the journey Addiction and Mental Health Services of Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington has been on since 2020, including making a transition from a Chief Executive Officer to a Joint Executive Leadership model to meet organizational needs, and adopting an approach to governance that is collaborative and integrates existing stakeholder governance representatives to mirror the current provincial Ontario Health Team vision of service.
Experimental and extended finite element simulations for tensile fracture phenomenon of cryorolled aluminium alloy 5754
Authors: Kumar Pankaj
Published: July 2021

In present work, cryorolling is performed to obtain the higher mechanical strength of the received material. Close to 50% and 30% increments in tensile and yield strengths of the material are observed for 40% thickness reduction. However, limited ductility has been obtained for cryorolled samples. Post annealing heat treatment is performed on cryorolled samples to obtain combined enhancement in strength and ductility of the alloy. Difference in the ductile fracture along with crack initiation and its advancement with plastic straining is also compared for cryorolled and annealed cryorolled samples. Fracture angle and crack propagation behavior at vicinity of gauge section is evaluated by using extended finite element method (XFEM) and compared with experimental tested work piece. XFEM has been adopted to simulate the crack growth behavior from nucleation till fracture of the investigated alloy. Triaxial stress contour plots are also captured by XFEM near to the crack initiation zone.
Response Bias Reflects Individual Differences in Sensory Encoding
Authors: Rahnev Dobromir
Published: July 2021

Humans exhibit substantial biases in their decision making even in simple two-choice tasks, but the origin of these biases remains unclear. I hypothesized that one source of bias could be individual differences in sensory encoding. Specifically, if one stimulus category gives rise to an internal-evidence distribution with higher variability, then responses should optimally be biased against that stimulus category. Therefore, response bias may reflect a previously unappreciated subject-to-subject difference in the variance of the internal-evidence distributions. I tested this possibility by analyzing data from three different two-choice tasks ( ns = 443, 443, and 498). For all three tasks, response bias moved in the direction of the optimal criterion determined by each subject’s idiosyncratic internal-evidence variability. These results demonstrate that seemingly random variations in response bias can be driven by individual differences in sensory encoding and are thus partly explained by normative strategies.
Holocene hydroclimate changes in continental Croatia recorded in speleothem δ13C and δ18O from Nova Grgosova Cave
Authors: Surić Maša , Columbu Andrea , Lončarić Robert , Bajo Petra , Bočić Neven , Lončar Nina , Drysdale Russell N , Hellstrom John C
Published: July 2021

We present the first stable isotope (δ13C and δ18O) speleothem record from continental Croatia retrieved from two coeval stalagmites from Nova Grgosova Cave. U-Th dates constrain the stalagmite growth history from 10 ka to the present, revealing coeval growth between 7.8 and 5.6 ka. We interpret δ18O as an autumn/winter hydrological proxy related to changes of vapor source, precipitation amount, and/or seasonal rainfall distribution, while δ13C predominantly responds to spring/summer vegetation status and soil microbial activity. We identify several centennial to millennial-scale hydroclimate oscillations during this period that result from multiple forcing factors. Along with amount and source effect, it appears that some centennial variations were governed also by seasonal moisture balance. From 9.2 to 8.8 ka BP, the local environmental setting was characterized by enhanced vegetation activity, while during the 8.2 ka event the main feature was a change in precipitation seasonality. The most prominent change, identified in both δ13C records, is a sudden decline of vegetation and soil biological activity around 7.4 ka, indicating a precipitation decrease at a time of maximum plant growth in spring and summer and likely also reduced precipitation in autumn and winter. Although small in magnitude in these speleothems, a peak in δ18O and δ13C values at 4.3–4.1 ka suggests that both summer and winter conditions were substantially drier during the 4.2 ka event, in accordance with increased Mediterranean aridity and consistent with other global climate changes reported at this time. Compared to the present North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) influence, we assume that millennial Holocene NAO-like variations were persistent through the Holocene via their effect on modifying local/regional air temperature, vapor origin, and inter- and intrannual precipitation distribution. Anthropogenic deforestation, which was the first major human impact on the environment during the Neolithic agricultural revolution, is excluded as a leading factor in δ13C variability since the first sedentary settlements were established further to the east in more arable locations along river valleys. However, the impact of intensive mining around the cave site during the last millennium is evident, with substantial deforestation driving an increase in δ13C.
Tessier 30 Facial Clefts—A Literature Review of 72 Cases (1996-2020), Suggested Treatment Protocol, Outcome Measures, Minimum Dataset for Future Case Reports, and Registries
Authors: Valk Ruben van der , Magill Stephen , Pellatt Annie , Ahmadi-Lari Nazanin , Hall Simon P. , Cobb Alistair R. M , Walker Tom W. M.
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

Tessier 30 facial cleft is a rare anomaly presenting in the soft and hard tissues over the central lower face. Owing to the rarity of cases and difficulty of treatment, there is no universally accepted surgical management strategy. The last comprehensive literature review of Tessier 30 clefts was in 1996. This report aims to update the literature to inform decision-making on treating Tessier 30 cases.

Methodology:

A literature search was performed. PubMed, SCOPUS, and OVID databases were searched. A total of 72 cases in 51 articles were analyzed, looking at demographics, extent of cleft, parent health, family history, procedures, follow-up, existence of other anomalies, and stages of repair.

Results:

Surgeons are increasingly choosing to repair Tessier 30 defects in one rather than multiple stages. Of the 72 cases studied, only 31 had documented the completed repair of the cleft. All completed soft tissue only defects were repaired in 1 stage of repair (n = 11). Where both soft tissue and mandible was involved (n = 20), 55% (n = 11) had undergone 1-stage repair to address the Tessier 30 cleft.

Discussion:

We argue that a single-stage approach is preferable to multistage. Primary mucogingivoperiosteoplasty should be undertaken in children at the time of management of the soft tissue cleft. The timing of this procedure should be in the latter half of the first year of life, as this is when mandibular symphyseal fusion normally occurs. We have suggested a treatment protocol and we hope that future case reports use our minimum data set.
Influence of the running-in process on the working ability of contact surfaces in lubricated sliding conditions
Authors: Dimić Aleksandar , Vencl Aleksandar , Ristivojević Mileta , Mitrović Radivoje , Mišković Žarko , Milivojević Aleksandar
Published: July 2021

The influence of the running-in process operating parameters on tribological properties of the block-on-disc samples in lubricated sliding conditions is analyzed and discussed in detail. Different running-in regimes are achieved by varying the normal load and sliding speed. After the running-in period, during which the operating parameters are varied, all samples are placed in a working regime under the same set of operating conditions. At the end of the running-in period, as well as at the end of the working period, an analysis of the changes in the surface roughness, microhardness, wear rate, and coefficient of friction is performed. Less desirable properties in terms of wear rate and steady-state coefficient of friction are noticed for the samples that were run-in with the operating conditions which were the same as the working regime operating conditions. In the defined test conditions, it is shown that the intensity of normal load applied during the running-in process has a dominant influence on the amount of wear and coefficient of friction value. It was also shown that the running-in process can significantly improve the roughness of the initially rough contact surfaces. The results of experimental testing indicate that the variation of the operating parameters during the running-in process can be used to improve the working ability of the sliding contact surfaces under the mixed lubrication regime.
Social workers as state and citizen-agents. How social workers in a German, Dutch and Flemish public welfare organisation manage this dual responsibility in practice
Authors: Tier Michelle van der , Hermans Koen , Potting Marianne
Published: July 2021

Professional standards state that social workers in public welfare organisations should act as state and citizen-agents. However, the literature provides little insight into how social workers navigate this dual responsibility in their daily work. To address this gap, we used Maynard-Moody and Musheno’s theory on state and citizens-agent narratives to analyse street-level practices of social workers in three local welfare organisations in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. This article explores how three specific organisational mechanisms (decision-making authority; the role of the front-line manager and the degree of specialisation) affect the ways social workers navigate both agent narratives in public welfare organisations. The data were gathered by a mixed method design of in-depth interviews and focus groups.

Findings

Our study shows that social workers struggle with the tensions that intrude between the state and citizen-agent narrative. We found that the extent to which both narratives are adopted by social workers is affected by a complicated interaction between the beliefs of social workers about social justice and responsiveness and the selected organisational mechanisms. Moreover, we found that critical reflection and a supportive attitude of front-line managers can help social workers to manage their double responsibility in practice.

Application

Our cross-national study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relationship between organisational mechanisms and the moral deliberations of social workers regarding their dual responsibility. It provides in-depth insights into the tensions and conflicts social workers in different contexts face daily on account of their dual responsibility.
Depictions of teachers and teacher practices in picture books about starting kindergarten
Authors: Cutler Laura , Slicker Gerilyn
Published: July 2021

Educators and families frequently use children’s picture books to introduce young children to unfamiliar experiences, including the start of school. In this study, we examine 52 U.S. picture books portraying the transition to kindergarten. Specifically, this content analysis explores the depiction of kindergarten teachers, including the demographic characteristics of these teachers, the extent to which these teacher characteristics mirror those of the kindergarteners in their classrooms, the ways teachers interact with kindergarteners, and the learning environments teachers create for entering kindergarteners. Results show that teachers are generally portrayed as abled and female, with White teachers depicted more frequently than teachers from any other racial or ethnic group. Our findings also indicate that many books about starting kindergarten do not depict a mix of racially diverse kindergarteners and teachers or teacher-student racial and ethnic match. Finally, we find that teachers are portrayed in narrow ways; characterized as classroom supervisors who have relatively limited engagement with children and who rarely inspire students in their intellectual pursuits. Overall results indicate a need for an expanded offering of books about starting kindergarten that are more representative of diverse kindergarten experiences, including both more teacher and student diversity as well as images of kindergarten teachers who are actively engaged in children’s kindergarten transition.
Periphery fandom: Contrasting fans’ productive experiences across the globe
Authors: Botorić Vlada
Published: July 2021

The article introduces the concept of periphery fandom, a concept that is new in the debate on consumer culture, to interrogate global fan community productive experiences from various geographical locations. Periphery fandom is defined as a sub-ordinated fan community experience, where members are deprived of access to their objects of fandom. Periphery fandom also refers to a fan productive experience that is detrimental to the fan community ethos. This notion of periphery fandom is underpinned by insights from fandom studies, brand community scholarship, and core and periphery theories. Using adult fans of LEGO as an example, this article demonstrates the character of periphery fandom. By contrasting the data gathered from 2014 to 2019 during UK, Japan, USA, and Brazil LEGO fan events, this study reveals how fans’ divergent productive practices and community experiences are influenced by their geographical location. Moreover, the fan productive experiences from the periphery further hinder their creative expressions and visibility, creating a more fragmented global brand fandom landscape. This study overall advances a contribution to the fandom debates by contrasting fan production and fan brand experiences.
Beyond the project: Building a strategic theory of change to address dementia care, treatment and support gaps across seven middle-income countries
Authors: Breuer Erica , Comas-Herrera Adelina , Freeman Emily , Albanese Emiliano , Alladi Suvarna , Amour Rochelle , Evans-Lacko Sara , Ferri Cleusa P , Govia Ishtar , Iveth Astudillo García Claudia , Knapp Martin , Lefevre Michael , López-Ortega Mariana , Lund Crick , Musyimi Christine , Ndetei David , Oliveira Deborah , Palmer Tiffany , Pattabiraman Meera , Sani Tara Puspitarini , Taylor Dubglas , Taylor Eileen , Theresia Imelda , Thomas Priya Treesa , Turana Yuda , Weidner Wendy , Schneider Marguerite
Published: July 2021

Evidence from middle-income countries indicates high and increasing prevalence of dementia and need for services. However, there has been little investment in care, treatment or support for people living with dementia and their carers. The Strengthening Responses to Dementia in Developing Countries (STRiDE) project aims to build both research capacity and evidence on dementia care and services in Brazil, Indonesia, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico and South Africa. This article presents the Theory of Change (ToC) approach we used to co-design our research project and to develop a strategic direction for dementia care, treatment and support, with stakeholders. ToC makes explicit the process underlying how a programme will achieve its impact. We developed ToCs in each country and across the STRiDE project with researchers, practitioners, people living with dementia, carers and policymakers at different levels of government. This involved (1) an initial ToC workshop with all project partners (43 participants); (2) ToC workshops in each STRiDE country (22–49 participants in each); (3) comparison between country-specific and overall project ToCs; (4) review of ToCs in light of WHO dementia guidelines and action plan and (5) a final review. Our experiences suggest ToC is an effective way to generate a shared vision for dementia care, treatment and support among diverse stakeholders. However, the project contribution should be clearly delineated and use additional strategies to ensure appropriate participation from people living with dementia and their carers in the ToC process.
Reusing ground tire rubber powder as thermoplastic elastomers with excellent superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning performance
Authors: Zhang Xingshuo , Feng Ruotao , Wang Zhaobo
Published: July 2021

A simple, effective and inexpensive method was proposed to reuse ground tire rubber (GTR) powder by preparing a superhydrophobic surface via a molding process. The obtained superhydrophobic surface was based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) / ground tire rubber (GTR) thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) where the styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) was used as compatibilizer and series sandpapers were used as templates. The mechanical properties, hydrophobic properties, surface morphology and self-cleaning property were investigated systematically. The results showed that both of the mechanical properties and superhydrophobicity could be greatly improved with a certain amount of SBS. The superhydrophobic surface based on molded LDPE/SBS/GTR (weight ratio = 40/15/60) TPE exhibited excellent superhydrophobicity (with a contact angle of 164.6° ± 3.0° and a tilt angle of 4.4° ± 1.9°). Furthermore, abundant tearing microstructure could be found obviously by morphology observation. Optical images indicated the surface possessed of low adhesion force and self-cleaning property.
The study of hydrophobicity and oleophilicity of 3D weft-knitted spacer fabrics integrated with silica aerogels
Authors: Islam Syed Rashedul , Alassod Abeer , Naveed Tayyab , Dawit Hewan , Ahmed Khalil , Jiang Jinhua
Published: July 2021

The interest in multifunctional textile materials has been increased due to the health and safety measures of living beings, especially in severe conditions. Therefore, this study investigated the hydrophobicity, oil sorption capacity, and bending properties of untreated or uncoated and treated or coated 3D weft-knitted spacer fabric samples (92% polyester/8% spandex), i.e. sample 1, sample 2, and sample 3, having thicknesses of 2 mm (300 gm−2), 3 mm (350 gm−2), and 4 mm (540 gm−2), with silica aerogels (SAs) through the sol-gel method. SEM, FTIR-ATR, and surface roughness test of fabric samples were analyzed to comprehend the influence of SAs. The experimental results revealed the excellent hydrophobicity and oleophilicity of all the treated 3D weft-knitted spacer fabric samples, providing a higher water contact angle (CA) 142 ± 0.84° and an oil sorption capacity 7.51 ± 0.08g/g and 6.88 ± 0.06g/g for vegetable oil and engine oil, especially of sample 2 owing to the most silica particles. The statistical analysis also demonstrated a significant performance (P < 0.05) of treated spacer fabric samples at the 0.05 level. Thus, these fabrics are suitable for an industrial application of hydrophobic and oleophilic properties.
MiR-296-5p ameliorates deep venous thrombosis by inactivating S100A4
Authors: Pan Zhichang , Zhang Yu , Li Chuanyong , Yin Yuan , Liu Rui , Zheng Guangfeng , Fan Weijian , Zhang Qiang , Song Zhenyu , Guo Ziyue , Rong Jianjie , Shen Yixin
Published: July 2021

Deep venous thrombosis is one of the most common venous thromboembolic diseases and has a low cure rate and a high postoperative recurrence rate. Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates that microRNAs are involved in deep venous thrombosis. miR-296-5p is an important microRNA that plays a critical role in various cellular functions, and S100A4 is closely related to vascular function. miR-296-5p is downregulated in deep venous thrombosis patients, and its predicted target S100A4 is upregulated in deep venous thrombosis patients. Therefore, it was hypothesized that miR-296-5p may play a vital role in the development of deep venous thrombosis by targeting S100A4. An Ox-LDL-stimulated HUVEC and deep venous thrombosis mouse model was employed to detect the biological functions of miR-296-5p and S100A4. Dual luciferase reporter assays and pull-down assays were used to authenticate the interaction between miR-296-5p and S100A4. ELISA and Western blotting were employed to detect the protein levels of thrombosis-related factors and the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT)-related factors. The miR-296-5p levels were reduced, while the S100A4 levels were enhanced in deep venous thrombosis patients, and the miR-296-5p levels were negatively correlated with the S100A4 levels in deep venous thrombosis patients. miR-296-5p suppressed S100A4 expression by targeting the 3ʹ UTR of S100A4. MiR-296-5p knockdown accelerated ox-LDL-induced HUVEC apoptosis, oxidative stress, thrombosis-related factor expression, and EndMT, while S100A4 knockdown antagonized these effects in ox-LDL-induced HUVECs. S100A4 knockdown reversed the effect induced by miR-296-5p knockdown. Moreover, the in vivo studies revealed that miR-296-5p knockdown in deep venous thrombosis mice exacerbated deep venous thrombosis formation, whereas S100A4 knockdown had the opposite effect. These results indicate that elevated miR-296-5p inhibits deep venous thrombosis formation by inhibiting S100A4 expression. Both miR-296-5p and S100A4 may be potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for deep venous thrombosis.
A novel single-tube multiplex real-time PCR assay for genotyping of thiopurine intolerance-causing variant NUDT15 c.415C>T
Authors: Lian Xiaoyun , Li Yanwei , Li Lan , U Kaicheng , Wang Wenxia , Shi Yinmin , Ma Jiying , Wang Huijuan
Published: July 2021

Thiopurines are commonly used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and autoimmune conditions, can be limited by myelosuppression. The NUDT15 c.415C>T variant is strongly associated with thiopurine-induced myelosuppression, especially in Asians. The purpose of this study was to develop a fast and reliable genotyping method for NUDT15 c.415C>T and investigate the polymorphic distribution among different races in China. A single-tube multiplex real-time PCR assay for NUDT15 c.415C>T genotyping was established using allele-specific TaqMan probes. In 229 samples, the genotyping results obtained through the established method were completely concordant with those obtained by Sanger sequencing. The distributions of NUDT15 c.415C>T among 173 Han Chinese, 48 Miaos, 40 Kazakhs, and 40 Kirghiz were different, with allelic frequencies of 0.06, 0.02, 0.07, and 0, respectively. This method will provide a powerful tool for the implementation of the genotyping-based personalized prescription of thiopurines in clinical settings.
Self-Reported and Objective Sleep Measures in Stroke Survivors With Incomplete Motor Recovery at the Chronic Stage
Authors: Fleming Melanie K. , Smejka Tom , Henderson Slater David , Chiu Evangeline Grace , Demeyere Nele , Johansen-Berg Heidi
Published: July 2021

Background. Stroke survivors commonly complain of difficulty sleeping. Poor sleep is associated with reduced quality of life and more understanding of long-term consequences of stroke on sleep is needed. Objective. The primary aims were to (1) compare sleep measures between chronic stroke survivors and healthy controls and (2) test for a relationship between motor impairment, time since stroke and sleep. Secondary aims were to explore mood and inactivity as potential correlates of sleep and test the correlation between self-reported and objective sleep measures. Methods. Cross-sectional sleep measures were obtained for 69 chronic stroke survivors (mean 65 months post-stroke, 63 years old, 24 female) and 63 healthy controls (mean 61 years old, 27 female). Self-reported sleep was assessed with the sleep condition indicator (SCI) and sleep diary ratings, objective sleep with 7-nights actigraphy and mood with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Upper extremity motor impairment was assessed with the Fugl-Meyer assessment. Results. Stroke survivors had significantly poorer SCI score ( P < .001) and higher wake after sleep onset ( P = .005) than controls. Neither motor impairment, nor time since stroke, explained significant variance in sleep measures for the stroke group. For all participants together, greater depression was associated with poorer SCI score ( R2adj = .197, P < .001) and higher age with more fragmented sleep ( R2adj = .108, P < .001). There were weak correlations between nightly sleep ratings and actigraphy sleep measures ( r s = .15–.24). Conclusions. Sleep disturbance is present long-term after stroke. Depressive symptoms may present a modifiable factor which should be investigated alongside techniques to improve sleep in this population.
Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in hip fracture surgery: A comparative study of 613 patients
Authors: AlSumadi Mutaz , Mahmood Aatif , Whittam David , Kharma Lara , Ashour Rami , Banim Ronan
Published: July 2021

Background

Blood loss is a major concern in the frail elderly patient undergoing hip fracture surgery. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss and allogenic blood transfusions. The study also investigated the safety profile by comparing rates of thromboembolic events,

Methods

A total of 613 patients with hip fractures were included in the study. Patients received 1g of tranexamic acid on induction of anaesthesia. Postoperative haemoglobin was measured on day one. Blood loss was calculated, and blood transfusion was recorded.

Results

Tranexamic acid use resulted in a higher mean postoperative haemoglobin (110.3 ± 15.9 vs 106.8 ± 16.2; p = 0.023) and reduced mean estimated blood loss (571.3 ± 150.4 vs 678.3 ± 201.2; p = 0.001). There was also a significantly reduced number of transfusions in tranexamic acid group (13% vs 28%; p = 0.002). There was no difference in rates of deep vein thrombosis (4 vs 3; p = 0.98) or pulmonary embolism (2 vs 2; p = 1).

Conclusion

The use of tranexamic acid is effective in reduction of blood loss and rates of blood transfusion, without an apparent increase in adverse thromboembolic events.
Sequence of mixed ophthalmic operating lists: A national survey of UK consultants
Authors: Kishikova Lyudmila , Bardan Ahmed S , Hawkes Elizabeth , Diab Rawya A , Avadhanam Venkat , Zarei-Ghanavati Mehran , Liu Christopher
Published: July 2021

Ophthalmic surgical operating lists include intraocular and extraocular procedures, as well as clean non-infectious and dirty infectious cases. Patient age, diabetic status, local or general anaesthesia must be considered during ophthalmic theatre scheduling. Traditionally children and ‘clean cases’ are prioritised. However, factors such as the need for an interpreter, patient transport and latex allergy affect the sequencing of ophthalmic lists. An electronic survey was sent to all UK ophthalmology consultants through the Royal College of Ophthalmologists registry, enquiring about their preference in sequencing mixed theatre lists, what operations they considered clean and dirty, and the presence of departmental protocol for list sequencing. There was a 16.9% response rate ( n = 222/1311). A majority of 75.2% ( n = 167/222) had mixed operating lists of intraocular and extraocular cases. Of those performing mixed operating lists, 44.3% ( n = 74/167) stated they would operate on intraocular cases before extraocular cases, and 92.8% ( n = 155/167) would perform ‘clean’ before ‘dirty’ cases. Fifty-nine per cent ( n = 98/167) have a departmental protocol to help determine list order. This survey has demonstrated that there is a trend to perform ‘clean’ before ‘dirty’ and intraocular before extraocular cases. Given the results of the survey, we outline our recommendation on how to sequence mixed ophthalmic theatre lists.
Ethnic Restaurants: Bringing Uniqueness to the Table Through Handwriting
Authors: Chen Faye Feier , Liu Stephanie Q. , Mattila Anna S.
Published: July 2021

While the restaurant industry is seeing an unprecedented rise of ethnic restaurants, the existing hospitality literature provides little guidance on how to enhance perceived uniqueness of ethnic menu offerings through visual design. The present research offers an innovative marketing strategy (i.e., using real handwriting in menus) to boost consumer evaluations. From a consumer behavior perspective, we examine the impact of menu style (handwriting vs. print) and the moderating roles of restaurant busyness (busy vs. non-busy) and gender (female vs. male) on consumers’ menu processing. Findings of this research show that handwriting offers a competitive advantage when the restaurant is less busy and when the consumer is a male. Moreover, the moderated mediation results reveal that perceived uniqueness of ethnic menu offerings is the underlying mechanism explaining the impact of menu style, busyness, and gender on consumer attitudes toward the menu. Theoretical and managerial implications for hospitality managers are discussed.
Effects of Face Mask Use on Objective and Subjective Measures of Thermoregulation During Exercise in the Heat
Authors: Yoshihara Ayami , Dierickx Erin E. , Brewer Gabrielle J. , Sekiguchi Yasuki , Stearns Rebecca L. , Casa Douglas J.
Published: July 2021

Background:

While increased face mask use has helped reduce COVID-19 transmission, there have been concerns about its influence on thermoregulation during exercise in the heat, but consistent, evidence-based recommendations are lacking.

Hypothesis:

No physiological differences would exist during low-to-moderate exercise intensity in the heat between trials with and without face masks, but perceptual sensations could vary.

Study Design:

Crossover study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

Twelve physically active participants (8 male, 4 female; age = 24 ± 3 years) completed 4 face mask trials and 1 control trial (no mask) in the heat (32.3°C ± 0.04°C; 54.4% ± 0.7% relative humidity [RH]). The protocol was 60 minutes of walking and jogging between 35% and 60% of relative VO2max. Rectal temperature (Trec), heart rate (HR), temperature and humidity inside and outside of the face mask (Tmicro_in, Tmicro_out, RHmicro_in, RHmicro_out) and perceptual variables (rating of perceived exertion (RPE), thermal sensation, thirst sensation, fatigue level, and overall breathing discomfort) were monitored throughout all trials.

Results:

Mean Trec and HR increased at 30- and 60-minute time points compared with 0-minute time points, but no difference existed between face mask trials and control trials ( P > 0.05). Mean Tmicro_in, RHmicro_in, and humidity difference inside and outside of the face mask (ΔRHmicro) were significantly different between face mask trials ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in perceptual variables between face mask trials and control trials ( P > 0.05), except overall breathing discomfort ( P < 0.01). Higher RHmicro_in, RPE, and thermal sensation significantly predicted higher overall breathing discomfort ( r2 = 0.418; P < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Face mask use during 60 minutes of low-to-moderate exercise intensity in the heat did not significantly affect Trec or HR. Although face mask use may affect overall breathing discomfort due to the changes in the face mask microenvironment, face mask use itself did not cause an increase in whole body thermal stress.

Clinical Relevance:

Face mask use is feasible and safe during exercise in the heat, at low-to-moderate exercise intensities, for physically active, healthy individuals.
Does pain sensitivity correlate with gastrointestinal symptoms in runners? An observational survey study
Authors: Ehlert Alex , Wilson Patrick B
Published: July 2021

Objective:

Heightened pain sensitivity is common in functional gut disorders, but no research has examined whether it corresponds to exercise-associated gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. We sought to explore whether scores on a questionnaire of pain sensitivity would correlate with GI symptoms during running.

Design:

This is a cross-sectional study.

Subjects:

The study involves 290 (137 male, 153 female) distance runners.

Methods:

Runners completed a survey inquiring about demographic, anthropometric and training information and rated GI symptoms at rest and during runs. In addition, the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ) was used to quantify pain sensitivity across all items (PSQ-Total) and on items typically rated as minor (PSQ-Minor). Spearman rho correlations were utilized to assess the associations between pain sensitivity and GI symptoms. Partial correlations were used to evaluate the associations after controlling for age, gender, running experience, body mass index and sleep problems.

Results:

PSQ scores weakly correlated with several GI symptoms at rest (rho = 0.13–0.20; p < 0.05), which remained largely intact in partial correlation analyses (partial rho = 0.12–0.18). PSQ scores weakly correlated with fullness, bloating and gas during runs (rho = 0.12–0.18; p < 0.05); fullness and bloating remained significant in the partial correlation analyses (partial rho = 0.12–0.15). These results were relatively consistent for both the PSQ-Total and PSQ-Minor.

Conclusions:

Although PSQ scores only weakly correlate with certain GI symptoms among runners, the effect sizes are similar to that of other predictors of GI distress. These results suggest a minor possible role of pain sensitivity in the development of certain GI symptoms in runners.
Is the Greater Trochanter the Ideal Freehand Landmark for the S2AI Screw Angle in the Caudal Direction? Commentary on “Extra-articular Portion of the Sacroiliac Joint—Between the Sacral and Pelvic Tuberosities: An Anatomical Guide for the S2-Alar-Iliac Screw Trajectory” by Tatara et al
Authors: Yang Panyi , Tang Xueyang
Published: July 2021

The author introduced a novel freehand technique for S2-Alar-Iliac screw placement Which demonstrated good clinical safety. However the optimal anatomical landmarks of the screw angle in the caudal direction have not been unified. The tip of the greater trochanter(TGT) was one of the most frequently chosen landmark in fluoroscopic or navigation guidance technique. Additional adjustments are always needed according to these studies. The freehand technique of the present study also choose the TGT as the as the landmark of the S2AI screw angle in the caudal direction, whether it also need any adjustment? We hope the author could explain more about this issue. Besides, the relationship between TGT and the sacral iliac bone is not static, which will make the reliability of the pre-surgery navigation software simulation doubtful.
Information Adequacy and Strategic Behavioral Change Communication as a Pandemic Management Tool: The Mediating Role of Interaction Resonance
Authors: Bashir Hassan , Nangoli Sudi , Musaasizi Yunia , Nakajubi Florence , Basemera Mellan , Ayibo Christine
Published: July 2021

A strategic approach to behavioral change communication streamlines communication processes of a health institution in a crisis setting like COVID-19 pandemic. In such a setting, it is important to focus communication efforts to reach the different audience groups and ensure common understanding and willingness to act by all the groups in order to achieve the institution’s mission of curbing the pandemic. This study contributes to these efforts by examining the mediating effect of interaction resonance in the relationship between information adequacy and strategic behavioral change communication. The study adopted a cross sectional survey design that involved collecting quantitative data from 223 health organizations of Uganda’s health sector in the different regions of the country. In order to test the study hypotheses, the study used Structural Equation Modeling of AMOS and the bootstrapping approach to test the mediating role of interaction resonance. The results revealed that interaction resonance fully mediates in the relationship between information adequacy and strategic behavioral change communication. This implied that having adequate information per say, does not cause behavioral change among the intended message recipients but requires a communication system that enables high quality interactions.
Burbankite and pseudomorphs from the Main Intrusion calcite carbonatite, Lofdal, Namibia: association, mineral composition, Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Sitnikova Maria A. , Do Cabo Vicky , Wall Frances , Goldmann Simon
Published: July 2021

The Neoproterozoic Lofdal alkaline carbonatite complex consists of a swarm of carbonatite dykes and two plugs of calcite carbonatite known as the ‘Main’ and ‘Emanya’ carbonatite intrusions, with associated dykes and plugs of phonolite, syenite, rare gabbro, anorthosite and quartz-feldspar porphyry. In the unaltered Main Intrusion calcite carbonatite the principal rare-earth host is burbankite. As burbankite typically forms in a magmatic environment, close to the carbohydrothermal transition, this has considerable petrogenetic significance. Compositional and textural features of Lofdal calcite carbonatites indicate that burbankite formed syngenetically with the host calcite at the magmatic stage of carbonatite evolution. The early crystallisation of burbankite provides evidence that the carbonatitic magma was enriched in Na, Sr, Ba and light rare earth elements. In common with other carbonatites, the Lofdal burbankite was variably affected by alteration to produce a complex secondary mineral assemblage. Different stages of burbankite alteration are observed, from completely fresh blebs and hexagonal crystals through to complete pseudomorphs, consisting of carbocernaite, ancylite, cordylite, strontianite, celestine, parisite and baryte. Although most research and exploration at Lofdal has focused on xenotime-bearing carbonatite dykes and wall-rock alteration, this complex also contains a more typical calcite carbonatite enriched in light rare earth elements and their alteration products.
Risk factors for post-COVID-19 condition in previously hospitalised children using the ISARIC Global follow-up protocol: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Osmanov Ismail M. , Spiridonova Ekaterina , Bobkova Polina , Gamirova Aysylu , Shikhaleva Anastasia , Andreeva Margarita , Blyuss Oleg , El-Taravi Yasmin , DunnGalvin Audrey , Comberiati Pasquale , Peroni Diego G. , Apfelbacher Christian , Genuneit Jon , Mazankova Lyudmila , Miroshina Alexandra , Chistyakova Evgeniya , Samitova Elmira , Borzakova Svetlana , Bondarenko Elena , Korsunskiy Anatoliy A. , Konova Irina , Hanson Sarah Wulf , Carson Gail , Sigfrid Louise , Scott Janet T. , Greenhawt Matthew , Whittaker Elizabeth A. , Garralda Elena , Swann Olivia V. , Buonsenso Danilo , Nicholls Dasha E. , Simpson Frances , Jones Christina , Semple Malcolm G. , Warner John O. , Vos Theo , Olliaro Piero , Munblit Daniel
Published: July 2021

Background

The long-term sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children remain poorly characterised. This study aimed to assess long-term outcomes in children previously hospitalised with COVID-19 and associated risk factors.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of children (≤18 years old) admitted to hospital with confirmed COVID-19. Children admitted between 2 April 2020 and 26 August 2020 were included. Telephone interviews used the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium (ISARIC) COVID-19 Health and Wellbeing Follow-up Survey for Children. Persistent symptoms (>5 months) were further categorised by system(s) involved.

Results

518 out of 853 (61%) eligible children were available for the follow-up assessment and included in the study. Median (interquartile range (IQR)) age was 10.4 (3–15.2) years and 270 (52.1%) were girls. Median (IQR) follow-up since hospital discharge was 256 (223–271) days. At the time of the follow-up interview 126 (24.3%) participants reported persistent symptoms, among which fatigue (53, 10.7%), sleep disturbance (36, 6.9%) and sensory problems (29, 5.6%) were the most common. Multiple symptoms were experienced by 44 (8.4%) participants. Risk factors for persistent symptoms were: older age “6–11 years” (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.37–5.75) and “12–18 years” (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.41–5.4), and a history of allergic diseases (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.04–2.67).

Conclusions

A quarter of children experienced persistent symptoms months after hospitalisation with acute COVID-19 infection, with almost one in 10 experiencing multisystem involvement. Older age and allergic diseases were associated with higher risk of persistent symptoms at follow-up.