bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sound transmission control through a hybrid smart double sandwich plate structure
Authors: Hasheminejad Seyyed M , Jamalpoor Ali
Published: March 2020

A three-dimensional analytical model is developed for control of sound transmission through an acoustically baffled simply supported hybrid smart double sandwich panel partition of rectangular planform. The hybrid structure includes spatially distributed piezoelectric (PZT) and electro-rheological fluid (ERF) actuator layers arranged in a non-collocated configuration in the incident or transmitted panels. The basic formulation utilizes the relevant classical thin plate theories, Kelvin-Voigt viscoelastic damping model, Maxwell’s equations of electrodynamics, and the linear acoustic wave equations coupled by the pertinent structure/fluid compatibility relations. The conventional multi-input multi-output sliding mode control (MIMOSMC) strategy is subsequently applied to improve the sound transmission loss (STL) through the composite partition by smart (semi-active) variation of the stiffness/damping characteristics of the ERF core layer in collaboration with the (active) uniform force PZT actuator layer according to the control commands. Extensive numerical simulations present both the uncontrolled and controlled STL performances of the composite sandwich structure for four different arrangements of the active and semi-active control elements (i.e. PZT/PZT, ERF/ERF, ERF/PZT, and PZT/ERF) as well as for the single partition (ERF, PZT) sandwich panels at selected incident angles and air cavity dimensions. Four different types of vibroacoustic resonances for the composite structure are identiﬁed and briefly discussed, namely, the mass-air-mass resonance, the sandwich panel resonances, the cavity standing-wave resonances, and the coincidence resonance. The remarkable overall advantages of all four MIMOSMC-based double panel control configurations in significant attenuation of sound transmission at very low frequencies, and in the vicinity of the coupled mass-air-mass resonances as well as at the panel resonance frequency dips, are demonstrated. In particular, the proposed hybrid smart double panel (ERF/PZT or PZT/ERF) configuration (which integrates the high performance, precision, and capability of the active PZT-based panel with simplicity, reliability, and stability robustness of the semi-active ERF-based panel) is observed to display a considerably smoother broadband sound proof ability in comparison with the conventional full active (PZT/PZT) system. More importantly, it is particularly capable of delivering up to 90% of the full active control performance, with inherently less energy and actuation demands. Limiting cases are considered and validity of the formulation is rigorously confirmed by comparison with the FEM results as well as with the available data.
Elasticity solution for a sandwich plate having composite facesheets with in-plane grading
Authors: Ravindran Adarsh , Bhaskar K
Published: March 2020

A convergent series solution based on the theory of elasticity is presented for bending of a sandwich plate strip with an isotropic homogeneous core and composite orthotropic facesheets with variable fibre volume fraction in the in-plane direction. The accuracy of first-order shear deformation theory is assessed against this benchmark solution. Further, it is shown that the benefit of using functionally graded material facesheets depends critically on the span-to-thickness ratio of the plate.
Analysis of factors for post–percutaneous transluminal angioplasty primary patency rate in hemodialysis vascular access
Authors: Miyamoto Kanyu , Sato Takashi , Momohara Keisuke , Ono Sumihisa , Yamaguchi Makoto , Katsuno Takayuki , Sakurai Hiroshi , Imai Hirokazu , Ito Yasuhiko
Published: March 2020

Background:

Although percutaneous transluminal angioplasty has been established as a first-line therapy for access failure in dialysis, there are few reports on primary patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. We investigated factors associated with primary patency following the first percutaneous transluminal angioplasty performed after vascular access construction in patients with arteriovenous fistula, including blood flow volume before and after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and previously reported factors.

Methods:

We used medical records at six dialysis centers to retrospectively identify and analyze prognostic factors for primary patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in 159 patients with arteriovenous fistula who underwent initial percutaneous transluminal angioplasty after vascular access construction.

Results:

Multivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazard model showed that primary patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in patients with arteriovenous fistula was significantly associated with lesion length (hazard ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–3.07; P = 0.045), and blood flow volume after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (hazard ratio, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–0.84; P < 0.001). When blood flow volume after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was classified into three categories, risks of outcome events defining the end of primary patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty were significantly lower for 400–630 mL/min (hazard ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, 0.21–0.68; P = 0.001) and >630 mL/min (hazard ratio, 0.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.06–0.40; P < 0.001) compared with <400 mL/min.

Conclusion:

Our study showed that blood flow volume after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is an important prognostic factor for primary patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in patients with arteriovenous fistula.
Dietary patterns and depressive symptoms among Iranian women
Authors: Lahouti Maryam , Zavoshy Roza , Noroozi Mostafa , Rostami Reza , Gholamalizadeh Maryam , Rashidkhani Bahram , Doaei Saeid
Published: March 2020

We aimed to investigate the association between dietary patterns and depressive symptoms among 217 Iranian women aged 20–45 years. In this study, dietary intake was assessed using a valid and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. A principal component analysis was applied to detect the major dietary patterns. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess the depressive symptoms. Two major dietary patterns were identified: the “semi-Mediterranean” dietary pattern and the “western” dietary pattern. Participants with the “western” dietary pattern had a higher rate of depressive symptoms ( p < 0.05). However, the “semi-Mediterranean” dietary pattern had no significant association with the depressive symptoms.
The Long 2015 in Germany: Activists’ Pro-Refugee Frames and Media Counter Frames
Authors: Fadaee Simin
Published: March 2020

In September 2015, Germany opened its doors to refugees arriving via the Balkan Route. The influx of refugees generated support and solidarity among individuals, civil society groups and political and cultural institutions and various social movements. In this article, I analyse the frames proffered by two pro-refugee groups based in Berlin and contrast them with the propagated media counter frames which ultimately dominated the public discourse. I demonstrate that despite an explicit intention and commitment to foster support for refugees, the pro-refugee groups’ choice of frames could have been more strategic if they would have not neglected media counter frames. I argue that although the literature’s focus on dynamics of movement and media frames has provided useful tools for analysing the relation between the two, engaging with media counter frames is as equally important, especially if we are concerned with questions around strategy and the outcomes of social mobilizations. Empirically, this article provides a unique insight into micro politics of pro-refugee mobilizations in Europe. Theoretically, it contributes to a better understanding of media and movement frames by emphasizing the significance of dynamic engagement with media counter frames for creation of progressive political alliances with the wider public.
Women's experiences buying sex in Australia – Egalitarian powermoves
Authors: Caldwell Hilary , de Wit John
Published: March 2020

Evidence in this article addresses two popular political and scholarly concepts, female sexuality and sex-worker rights, which limit gender equality. Through description of interviews with 21 diverse women buying sexual services in Australia, and examination using interpretative phenomenological analysis, we introduce new ideas about women's therapeutic and pleasure-based motivations to buy sex and their concerns about their safety, money, laws, and stigma. Interviewees of the study described feeling transformative powers in pleasure as they gained skills and confidence to initiate, negotiate and control sexual activity. The experiences of the women who bought sex in this study directly challenge concepts of female sexual passivity and objectification generally and specifically in commercial sex settings. This article also promotes aspects of the sex industry as beneficial to society and demonstrates that destigmatisation and decriminalisation of the sex industry has potential to reduce harms experienced by sex workers and their clients.
Simplified method for modeling reinforced concrete column–steel beam connections with tube plate
Authors: Jafari Rahman , Attari Nader KA , Nikkhoo Ali , Alizadeh Saeid
Published: March 2020

In this article, the cyclic behavior of reinforced concrete column–steel beam connections is investigated. In this research, an experimental and numerical study is conducted on the performance assessment of the through-beam connections with two detailing. The model details consist of the tube plate and steel doubler plate for the joints. The results show that the steel doubler plate increases the yielding capacity and initial stiffness of the connection but has no effect on the maximum capacity of the connection. Results show that using tube plate alone could have a good performance and there is no need for doubler plates. Furthermore, in order to model this type of connection with tube plate, modified model based on the Cordova’s proposed model is presented, and the load-cycle repetition on the connection at both specimens is simulated utilizing the OpenSees software by taking into account the bearing distortions and joint shear, and the obtained results are verified with the experimental ones as well.
Career volunteering as good work in do-it-yourself heritage institutions: A serious leisure perspective
Authors: Cantillon Zelmarie , Baker Sarah
Published: March 2020

In recent decades, the heritage sector has become increasingly precarious amid the rise of austerity neoliberalism, impacting both the efficacy of heritage institutions and the labour experiences of those who run them. While scholarly literature has regularly examined these impacts for mainstream heritage institutions, little work considers volunteer-run, do-it-yourself (DIY) community heritage organisations. This article takes a serious leisure perspective to explore what constitutes ‘good work’ for volunteers in a DIY heritage institution, the Australian Jazz Museum (AJM). Drawing on interviews with 26 AJM volunteers, we discuss some of the ‘rewards’ and ‘costs’ of career volunteering in this institution. Our research suggests that the conditions for good work are contingent on the efforts of volunteers in management roles, while the conditions for bad work are heightened by austerity policies affecting funding opportunities. The case study also highlights the need to consider the value of work beyond remuneration.
The power of the tongue: Inherent labeling of persons with disabilities in proverbs of the Akan people of Ghana
Authors: Moasun Festus Yaw , Mfoafo-M’Carthy Magnus
Published: March 2020

Proverbs are an important feature of any language worldwide. In Africa, for instance, people in their everyday conversations use proverbs to add special effects and flavour. However, the inclusion of proverbs in speech goes beyond mere decoration. As a repository of African knowledge and culture, proverbs serve as a medium for educating present and future generations about society’s cultural values, beliefs, and ethics. In this powerful role, proverbs may have significant effects on speakers and their listeners. While these effects may be positive, in terms of their references to certain groups of people, proverbs may have telling effects. In this paper, we examined samples of Ghanaian Akan proverbs on mental and physical disabilities and their meanings, using critical discourse analysis and guided by labeling theory. We conclude that Akan proverbs predominantly label people with disabilities negatively, thereby leading to their stigmatization, marginalization, and exclusion. We recommend using proverbs with negative connotations for people with disabilities as a tool to educate society on how not to treat people with disabilities.
All in this together? The reconstitution of policy discourses on teacher collaboration as governance in post-crisis Europe
Authors: Milner Alison L , Browes Natalie , Murphy Timothy RN
Published: March 2020

With the rise of network governance, and its concomitant fragmentation of public education systems across Europe, international studies have recommended teacher collaboration as a means to bring educational stakeholders together. Yet, despite some agreement over the potential benefits to student, professional and organisational learning, there is limited comparative research into the policy response of national governments to this recommendation and the discourses in which any initiatives might be embedded. Such inquiry is important during a time of decreased public investment in education when policymakers might seek to encourage ‘alternative’ forms of collaboration. Employing Fairclough’s three-dimensional framework to Critical Discourse Analysis, this article compares dominant policy discourses on collaboration in England, the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland. Our findings reveal restricted discourses on teacher collaboration in these national contexts. Rather, in line with a global modernisation agenda for education, organisational collaboration and private actor engagement support the shift towards network governance while developing new forms of hierarchical and market control. Future research might therefore consider the impact of these reforms on teachers’ individual and collective practices at the school level and on public education more generally.
Investigation on influence of time on tear behaviour of airship envelope
Authors: Singh Gaurav , Bairwa Dev K , Chattopadhyay R , Joshi Mangala , Setua DK
Published: March 2020

An experimental investigation on tearing behaviour of a coated fabric used in aerostat/airship has been undertaken. The tear tests have been conducted on bi-axial set up and pressurised cylinder. Tear propagation was studied by inducing dynamic tear on a bi-axially stressed coated fabric through a falling dagger. The influence of traverse rates, 1–500 mm/min, on tear strength under uniaxial loading was also studied. Thiele’s empirical equation has been found to fit the data of bi-axial tests and cylinder tests. The instantaneous tear on a bi-axially stressed fabric when left under constant stress for some duration lead to failure of fabric at even 15% lesser than critical tear slit length in about 15 min. The tear strength of the coated fabric was found to be less at 1 mm/min traverse rate while remaining nearly constant for higher rates of traverse. The critical tear length not only depends upon inherent tear strength of material, diameter and pressure of envelope but also on the time for which the tear remains under creep.
A secure image permutation–substitution framework based on chaos and compressive sensing
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xiao Di
Published: March 2020

Existing secure image acquisition works based on compressive sensing, viewing compressive sensing–based imaging system as a symmetric cryptosystem, can only achieve asymptotic spherical security denoting that the ciphertext only leaks information about the energy of plaintext. Thereby, compressive sensing–based secure image acquisition systems usually work in some scenarios of friendly attack, such as brute-force attack for the entire key space and ciphertext-only attack for the complete plaintext. In this article, a novel permutation–confusion strategy using chaos and compressive sensing is put forward to protect the privacy-crucial images from more threatening malicious attacks, including known-plaintext attack and chosen-plaintext attack. Security guarantee is provided by one-time random projection of compressive sensing, sample-level permutation, and bit-level substitution. It is noteworthy that double confidentiality is embedded in compressive sensing–based image acquisition process using the key-related measurement matrix and sparsifying basis and the randomicity is improved. Simulation experiments and security analyses suggest that the proposed framework can achieve a high-level security and the performance of image reconstruction can be distinctly improved.
Qualitative Interviewing in Ethnic-Chinese Contexts: Reflections From Researching Taiwanese Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Gu Chien-Juh
Published: March 2020

Qualitative interviewing is a broadly used method of data collection, but its discussions have rarely been situated in ethnic-Chinese contexts and immigrant communities. What factors are crucial for conducting effective interviews with ethnic-Chinese subjects? In what contexts do general principles not apply, thereby needing adjustments, and how? Reflecting on the experience of interviewing approximately 100 Taiwanese immigrants in the United States, I discuss the importance of mindfulness, cultural sensitivity, and triangulation. I argue that researchers need to be mindful of the potential effects of interviewers’ and interviewees’ structural positions on the interview process, quality, and outcomes. Cultural understanding is necessary when assessing ethical issues and designing interview questions. However, researchers also need to set aside their knowledge of ethnic-Chinese culture from time to time in order to capture the nuanced cultural meanings. Finally, conducting ethnographic observations helps researchers understand the lived contexts of subjects’ experiences and their varied interpretations. Using examples from two research projects, I illustrate significant factors that facilitate or hinder the proceeding of qualitative interviewing with ethnic-Chinese subjects. These reflections foster researchers’ understanding and practice of reflexivity at the crossroads of methods and ethnic culture.
Data-driven product design toward intelligent manufacturing: A review
Authors: Feng Yixiong , Zhao Yuliang , Zheng Hao , Li Zhiwu , Tan Jianrong
Published: March 2020

With the arrival of the big data era, a lot of valuable data have been generated in the entire product life cycle. The gathered product data contain a lot of design knowledge, which brings new opportunities to enhance the production efficiency and product competitiveness. Data-driven product design is an effective and popular design method, which can provide sufficient support for designers to make smart decisions. This article focuses on a comprehensive review of the existing research in data-driven product design. Based on the product design process, this article summarizes the data-driven design methods into the following aspects: customer requirement analysis, conceptual design, detailed design, and design knowledge support tools. In the customer requirement analysis stage, through data mining and transformation methods, customer requirements are predicted and then mapped to obtain accurate requirement expressions for aiding designers to explore the design space. In the conceptual design stage, the intelligent algorithms and data warehouse technologies are discussed in detail for function reasoning and scheme decision-making to achieve the iterative mapping from customer space to solution space. In the detailed design stage, data modeling languages and methods are introduced to support the simulation verification of the design process. For the design knowledge support tools, the methods of extracting knowledge from product data are discussed in detail, and the realization of computer-aided conceptual design is assisted through the development of knowledge-oriented design tools. Finally, this article summarizes the key points of data-driven product design research and provides an outlook for future research directions.
The importance of dignity and choice for people assessed as having intellectual disabilities
Authors: Frounfelker Savra Anne , Bartone Anne
Published: March 2020

Individuals assessed as having an intellectual disability often spend a significant amount of time in day treatment/day habilitation programs after they graduate from school. The quality of these programs varies widely and is not federally legislated. The purpose of the current study is both to explore factors that lead to higher satisfaction for participants in these programs and to better understand what participants want in a program. Using a grounded theory approach, researchers interviewed 25 participants, staff, and family members in focus group settings to collect qualitative data. Interviews focused on what worked and what could be improved at a program located in Western New York. Using the constant comparative method, themes emerged from the data that pointed to the importance of dignity and choice in a day program to facilitate empowerment, higher levels of satisfaction and self-confidence.
Risky Eating: Shanghai Families’ Strategies to Acquire Safe Food in Everyday Life
Authors: Fihl Ingrid
Published: March 2020

Resourceful parents and grandparents in Shanghai go a long way in search of safe and healthy food for the children of their families. From an ethnographical perspective, this article delves into the risk of eating in everyday family life in urban China, and it investigates the complexity of navigating the urban food market and trusting advice from Internet sources, mommy groups, friends, and family members in order to avoid often incomprehensible health risks posed by polluted or chemically treated foods. It describes how family caregivers feel a moral obligation of doing their best to handle food risks in everyday life, and how they exchange practical knowledge in private networks. It argues that food risks are tackled with individual strategies aiming towards a feeling of peace of mind ( fangxin), and that buying, preparing, and eating safe food is a moral issue within the family.
Demographic Distribution of Foot and Ankle Surgeries Among Orthopaedic Surgeons and Podiatrists: A 10-Year Database Retrospective Study
Authors: Burton Alex , Aynardi Michael C. , Aydogan Umur
Published: March 2020

Background: Foot and ankle surgeries in the United States (US) are currently performed by orthopaedic surgeons or podiatrists with specialty surgical training. With the trend in healthcare now placing increased emphasis on quality and standardizing patient care, this study aimed to characterize the distribution, volume, and trends of certain foot and ankle surgeries performed in the US by both orthopaedic surgeons and podiatrists. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed using the Marketscan Claims Database (Truven Health Analytics, Ann Arbor, Michigan) which covers most privately insured patients under the age of 65 in the USA from 2005 to 2014. We searched current procedural terminology (CPT) codes for total ankle replacement (TAR), triple arthrodesis, hallux valgus correction, pilon fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), calcaneus fracture ORIF, and ankle fracture ORIF. We recorded the timing and nature of procedures along with various features associated with the surgeon and the geographic location of the treatment facility. Results: We found that the number of foot and ankle procedures performed annually is steadily increasing. Orthopaedic surgeons are the main treating surgeon for common foot and ankle traumatic conditions or complex hind foot cases like TAR. On the other hand, our study showed that podiatrists perform almost 9 out of 10 hallux valgus correction surgeries. Discussion: Our study showed the trends in surgical volumes and differences between surgical podiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons and the evolution of these volumes over a ten year period and differences in surgical repertoire between orthopaedists and podiatrists.

Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Case series, Clinical research
Preoperative Squid embolization of carotid paragangliomas with direct puncture
Authors: Pérez-García Carlos , Rosati Santiago , Serrano-Hernando Francisco Javier , López-Ibor Aliño Luis , Moreu Manuel
Published: March 2020

Background and purpose

Preoperative embolization of carotid paragangliomas is a common procedure in interventional neuroradiology. Direct puncture embolization has shown less morbidity and mortality than endovascular embolization and a higher percentage of devascularization. We describe our experience using Squid® as the only embolic agent in direct puncture glomus embolization.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed pre-embolization imaging tests, emphasizing the volume of the lesion, clinical history data, technical aspects of the procedure, as well as the approximate amount of blood lost during the surgical procedure in all patients with preoperative embolization of carotid paragangliomas performed at our tertiary care hospital.

Results

Six patients met our criteria from May 2017 to August 2018. The volume of the mass ranged from 1.4–18.5 mL and the quantity of Squid® injected varied from 1.1–15 mL. Total devascularization was achieved in almost all cases (>90%), with one puncture needed in all but one patient, who was punctured two times. No hemorrhagic complications were described in surgery, no blood transfusions were needed, and the mean decrease of hemoglobin after surgery was 1.04 g/dL.

Conclusions

Direct puncture embolization of carotid paragangliomas only using Squid® is a safe and relatively simple procedure that facilitates the subsequent surgery with minimal blood loss.
Coiling for a saccular aneurysm on the caudal channel in double origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery
Authors: Maeda Kazushi , Takagishi Soh , Kawano Yosuke , Maehara Naoki , Michiwaki Yuhei , Nagaoka Shintaro , Gi Hidefuku , Kanemoto Yukihide
Published: March 2020

Background

Double origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (DOPICA) is a rare cranial imaging finding with an incidence of 0.36–6% reported in various retrospective studies. Aneurysms on a DOPICA are even rarer.

Case description

A 34-year-old women hospitalised for subarachnoid haemorrhage showed a ruptured aneurysm arising from the caudal channel of the DOPICA. Endovascular treatment was selected, and the aneurysm was successfully and completely embolised using two coils.

Conclusions

To date, a total of three previous saccular aneurysms of the DOPICA itself have been reported, all of which were treated using endovascular methods. Our case is the first report of a ruptured saccular aneurysm arising from the non-branching segment of the caudal channel of the DOPICA.
The position of youth justice in EU criminal law: No game for kids
Authors: Leenknecht Jantien , Put Johan
Published: March 2020

In criminal matters, the European Union (EU) managed to establish several mechanisms to strengthen and facilitate judicial cooperation over the years but does not clearly nor uniformly define the concepts of ‘criminal matters’, ‘criminal proceedings’, ‘criminal responsibility’ and so on in any of the cooperation instruments themselves. It is however important to know as to what the EU understands by the notion ‘criminal’ because Member States have developed specific rules in response to delinquent behaviour of minors, which are somewhat different from ‘general’ criminal law. The question arises whether the existing cooperation mechanisms only apply to ‘adult’ criminal matters or also include youth justice matters. This article therefore aims to find out whether a consistent and shared view exists on the meaning of the concept ‘criminal’ and to subsequently clarify to what extent the existing EU instruments in criminal matters also apply to juvenile offenders.
Use of digital marketing in estate agency industry in Malawi
Authors: Matidza Isaac , Ping Tao , Nyasulu Chimango
Published: March 2020

The study aimed at finding out the adoption of digital marketing in estate agency companies in Malawi. The key issue in this study is to check if the companies have embraced the current dominating use of online advertising of the services that they offer to the community they serve through digital marketing. Specifically, the study focused on finding out the digital marketing channels that are used in the industry, the challenges and the strategies in place to achieve the digital marketing goals. The study targeted 10 major real estate companies in Lilongwe city, the capital of Malawi. Out of these 10, six (60%) companies responded to the questionnaire. The study established that estate agency companies in Malawi have adopted online use of digital marketing in selling their services. The channels that are currently in use include Email, Affiliate Marketing, Website and Social Media. On social media, the companies are using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and WhatsApp. Further, the study revealed that the companies face numerous challenges in their digital marketing drive. These include expensive purchase costs for digital gadgets, lack of well-trained personnel in digital marketing, high operating cost on data usage from Internet service providers and unreliable Internet connectivity. Considering these challenges, some organizations have put in place measures aimed at minimizing the current situation and increasing their customer base through development of mobile apps, linking of websites to other news websites for broader access and frequent updates of their respective websites. Lastly, the study therefore recommends that organizations should aim at equipping their personnel with digital marketing skills, investing more finances in purchase of digital gadgets to increase the level of interaction with the consumers on the property market.
Improving bystander defibrillation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests at home
Authors: Karlsson Lena , Hansen Carolina M , Vourakis Christina , Sun Christopher LF , Rajan Shahzleen , Søndergaard Kathrine B , Andelius Linn , Lippert Freddy , Gislason Gunnar H , Chan Timothy CY , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Folke Fredrik
Published: March 2020

Aims:

Most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home with dismal bystander defibrillation rates. We investigated automated external defibrillator coverage of home arrests, and the proportion potentially reachable with an automated external defibrillator before emergency medical service arrival according to different bystander activation strategies.

Methods and results:

Cardiac arrests in homes (private/nursing/senior homes) in Copenhagen, Denmark (2008–2016) and registered automated external defibrillators (2007–2016), were identified. Automated external defibrillator coverage (distance from arrest to automated external defibrillator) and accessibility at the time of arrest were examined according to route distance to nearest automated external defibrillator and emergency medical service response time. The proportion of arrests reachable with an automated external defibrillator by bystander was calculated using two-way (from patient to automated external defibrillator and back) and one-way (from automated external defibrillator to patient) potential activation strategies. Of 1879 home arrests, automated external defibrillator coverage ≤100 m was low (6.3%) and a two-way bystander could potentially only retrieve an accessible automated external defibrillator before emergency medical service in 31.1% (n=37) of cases. If a bystander only needed to travel one-way to bring an automated external defibrillator (≤100 m, ≤250 m and ≤500 m), 45.4% (n=54/119), 37.1% (n=196/529) and 29.8% (n=350/1174) could potentially be reached before the emergency medical service based on current automated external defibrillator accessibility.

Conclusions:

Few home arrests were reachable with an automated external defibrillator before emergency medical service if bystanders needed to travel from patient to automated external defibrillator and back. However, nearly one-third of arrests ≤500 m of an automated external defibrillator could be reached before emergency medical service arrival if the bystander only needed to travel one-way from the automated external defibrillator to the patient.
Post‐induction infliximab trough levels and disease activity in the clinical evolution of pediatric ulcerative colitis
Authors: Moore Hillary , Dolce Pasquale , Devas Nina , Baldassano Robert , Martinelli Massimo
Published: March 2020

Background and aims

Recent adult evidence suggests that infliximab (IFX) trough levels (TL) in patients with severe ulcerative colitis (UC) may be decreased. The aims of our study were to compare post‐induction IFX TL of children with severe versus moderate UC and to evaluate short‐ and long‐term outcomes.

Methods

In this single‐center retrospective study, children with a diagnosis of UC starting IFX with a Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) ≥35 and with available post‐induction TL were recruited. UC characteristics, IFX dosage and interval, primary non‐response, IFX failure, and surgery after 24 months were collected. Post induction TL, anti‐IFX antibodies, and laboratory evaluations at the time of starting IFX were also acquired.

Results

A total of 90 children were enrolled, of whom 39 (43.3%) were classified as severe UC and 51 (56.6%) as moderate UC. Median post‐induction IFX TL were lower in severe UC versus moderate group (5.5 vs 10.3; p  = 0.03), despite a more frequently intensified IFX regimen. Children in the higher TL quartiles showed increased rates of clinical, biological, and combined remission (p  = 0.04, p  < 0.001, and p  = 0.01, respectively). In a multivariate analysis, a PUCAI ≥65 and time interval from last IFX infusion were the only predictors associated with IFX TL. At 24 months, children in the higher TL quartiles had a decreased risk of IFX failure (p  = 0.002). The severe UC group showed a higher risk of IFX failure at 24 months (16/23 (41%) vs. 11/40 (21.6%); p  = 0.05). Kaplan–Meier methods demonstrated a trend toward statistical significance, with a two‐year cumulative colectomy rate of 15.38% (95% confidence interval (CI) 8.1–15.6%) in children with severe UC and 3.92% (95% CI 2.9–10.8%) in patients with moderate UC (logrank test p  = 0.06).

Conclusions

Children starting IFX with severe UC showed lower post‐induction TL and poor disease outcomes. Achieving adequate TL was associated with better efficacy outcomes.
Photodynamic detection of a feline meningioma using 5-aminolaevulinic acid hydrochloride
Authors: Osaki Tomohiro , Gonda Kengo , Murahata Yusuke , Sunden Yuji , Amaha Takao , Kunisue Narumi , Takahashi Kiwamu , Ishizuka Masahiro , Tanaka Tohru , Li Liming , Yokoe Inoru , Yamashita Masamichi , Azuma Kazuo , Tsuka Takeshi , Ito Norihiko , Imagawa Tomohiro , Okamoto Yoshiharu
Published: March 2020

Case summary

The present study describes the case of a feline meningioma that was detected using 5-aminolaevulinic acid hydrochloride (5-ALA)-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence at surgery. An extra-axial mass in the temporoparietal region was observed by MRI. Following craniectomy and durotomy, photodynamic detection (PDD) was performed for detection of the tumour. Intratumour PpIX was detected using fluorescence spectrum evaluation and high-performance liquid chromatography. PDD revealed bright fluorescence of PpIX induced by 5-ALA, facilitating fluorescence-guided resection of the tumour tissue. Postoperative examination demonstrated an intratumour PpIX protein concentration of 16.8 nmol/g, and based on histopathological findings we diagnosed the mass as meningioma.

Relevance and novel information

PDD using 5-ALA has been used to identify the surgical margins during resection of primary human brain tumours. Recently, we have reported post-mortem PDD using 5-ALA for a canine glioblastoma. To our knowledge, this technique has not been previously used for the detection and resection of feline brain tumours. Our findings suggest that PDD using 5-ALA is useful for intraoperative fluorescence-guided resection of malignant meningioma in cats.
Returning to Work After Articular Cartilage Repair Intervention: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nimkingratana Puwapong , Brittberg Mats
Published: March 2020

Background:

The process of returning to work after cartilage treatment has not been studied in depth, even though a better understanding of potential outcomes could lead to significant benefits for the general population.

Purpose:

To determine which surgical interventions are most effective in helping patients return to work after cartilage repair and to identify factors that affect the ability to return to work.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

This systematic review followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines in analyzing reports on articular cartilage treatment and return to work published from January 1966 (when the first system of classifying articular cartilage injuries based on the mechanism of injuries and type of lesions was developed) to January 2019. General surgical information and available clinical scores were used to assess outcomes.

Results:

Only 5 studies describing 283 patients were found to be relevant to our objectives and were therefore included in the analysis. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and osteochondral allografts were the only 2 procedures for which information was included regarding patient return to work rates. The mean (overall) return-to-work time after a cartilage repair operation was 4.80 ± 3.02 months. ACI was the most common procedure (3 studies; 227 patients). Return to work after ACI or ACI with high tibial osteotomy (HTO) occurred in almost 100% of cases, whereas the rate of return to work was 51.78% for patients who underwent osteochondral allograft ( P < .01); further, patients who had ACI or ACI+HTO returned to work sooner compared with patients who underwent osteochondral allograft. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) scores were significantly higher in patients who fully returned to work. No significant difference was found in rates of return to work after ACI related to sex, area of the lesion, or size of the defect.

Conclusion:

The vast majority of published results on articular cartilage repair do not include data on return to work. Although available data on articular cartilage repair in the general population reveal a high rate of return to work, including those patients treated with ACI, the data do not stratify patients by the type and demand of work. No randomized studies have examined return-to-work rates. Hence, authors should include these data in future studies. A refined definition of work intensity, rather than just return to work, may provide a clearer picture of the relative effectiveness of different surgical interventions. To that end, the authors propose a return to work prognostic score called the Prognostic Cartilage Repair Return to Work Score, or PROCART-RTW score.
Book review: Tobias Grill, Jews and Germans in Eastern Europe, Shared and Comparative Histories
Authors: Överoğlu Hale
Published: March 2020

Tobias Grill, Jews and Germans in Eastern Europe, Shared and Comparative Histories (Berlin: De Gruyter), 2018, 320 pp.
Promising therapeutic drug delivery systems for glaucoma: a comprehensive review
Authors: Singh Rohan B. , Ichhpujani Parul , Thakur Sahil , Jindal Sumeet
Published: March 2020

The delivery of ophthalmic drugs is challenging despite easy accessibility via the ocular surface. Topical instillation of eye drops is a relatively easy and most commonly used as a conduit for drug delivery for treating a myriad of ocular morbidities, particularly involving the anterior segment, and has an additional benefit of avoiding the first-pass metabolism while passing through the systemic circulation. The primary challenges of drug administration through traditional methods include—inadequate patient education for proper drug instillation technique, compliance, adherence, and persistence. Various dynamic (choroidal and conjunctival blood flow, lymphatic clearance, and tear dilution) and static (namely, different layers of cornea, sclera, and retina including blood aqueous and blood–retinal barriers) ocular barriers limit drug delivery to the target ocular tissues. The maintenance of the therapeutic drug levels on the ocular surface for a prolonged duration is an added challenge, thus preventing persistent delivery for longer durations. These factors result in inadequate management, leading to poor prognosis in vision loss in as many as 27% of the patients diagnosed with glaucoma. We have reviewed the research and advancements in the development of novel and well-tolerated drug delivery systems with the common goal of overcoming the factors limiting adequate drug delivery to the target tissues in glaucomatous patients with traditional techniques. In the recent past, multiple research groups have successfully designed noninvasive, sustained drug delivery systems, promoting the efficacy as well as the feasibility of delivering topical drugs to the anterior segment.
Examining Displacement, Resettlement and Rehabilitation Processes: The Case of Rengali Dam Displaced Communities in Odisha, India*An earlier version of this article, titled—‘Why Development Brought Vulnerability for Them? A Situational Analysis of Resettled Colonies of Displaced Communities’, was presented at the International Conference on ‘Conflict Resolution and Sustainable Development’ organised between 10 and 11 December 2016 at Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre For Development Studies, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
Authors: Sahoo Uttam , Jojo Bipin
Published: March 2020

This article aims to examine the outcomes of state-led resettlement and rehabilitation processes in the resettled colonies of Rengali Dam displaced communities in the state of Odisha, India. By employing the descriptive research design and analysing qualitative and quantitative field data, it presents several consequences of the displacement process and how people and communities are impacted by it. It argues that while the Indian state has responded to development-led displaced people with promises of ‘resettlement and rehabilitation’, in most cases, the State 1 1 The authors are referring to the ‘State’ at national, provincial and local levels. has only confined itself to ‘resettlement’, neglecting the ‘rehabilitation’ of displaced communities—many of them Dalits, Adivasis and marginal farmers. Referring to the doctrine of the ‘eminent domain of the state’, it points out the failure of public policies in the equitable distribution of growth benefits and how it has intensified the vulnerability of the displaced communities. This analysis has implications for future development-led displacement and resettlement and rehabilitation of people and their communities.
Evaluation of natural periods and modal damping ratios for seismic design of building structures
Authors: Xiang Yijun , Naeim Farzad , Zareian Farzin
Published: March 2020

A comprehensive technique for identification of modal properties (i.e. natural periods and equivalent modal damping ratios) of building structures is presented. The proposed identification technique employs a combination of multiple system identification methods; it utilizes the benefits and suppresses the shortcomings of each method to provide a succinct set of modal properties for building structures. Using the proposed modal identification technique, modal properties of 80 buildings with a total of 896 distinct seismic event and building direction records were identified. Simplified and practical equations for modal quantities along with the variation of such parameters for different structural system types, building height, and amplitude of excitation are studied and presented. A critical assessment of other similar studies and results are presented.
Ensemble disease gene prediction by clinical sample-based networks
Authors: Luo Ping , Tian Li-Ping , Chen Bolin , Xiao Qianghua , Wu Fang-Xiang
Published: March 2020

Background

Disease gene prediction is a critical and challenging task. Many computational methods have been developed to predict disease genes, which can reduce the money and time used in the experimental validation. Since proteins (products of genes) usually work together to achieve a specific function, biomolecular networks, such as the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and gene co-expression networks, are widely used to predict disease genes by analyzing the relationships between known disease genes and other genes in the networks. However, existing methods commonly use a universal static PPI network, which ignore the fact that PPIs are dynamic, and PPIs in various patients should also be different.

Results

To address these issues, we develop an ensemble algorithm to predict disease genes from clinical sample-based networks (EdgCSN). The algorithm first constructs single sample-based networks for each case sample of the disease under study. Then, these single sample-based networks are merged to several fused networks based on the clustering results of the samples. After that, logistic models are trained with centrality features extracted from the fused networks, and an ensemble strategy is used to predict the finial probability of each gene being disease-associated. EdgCSN is evaluated on breast cancer (BC), thyroid cancer (TC) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and obtains AUC values of 0.970, 0.971 and 0.966, respectively, which are much better than the competing algorithms. Subsequent de novo validations also demonstrate the ability of EdgCSN in predicting new disease genes.

Conclusions

In this study, we propose EdgCSN, which is an ensemble learning algorithm for predicting disease genes with models trained by centrality features extracted from clinical sample-based networks. Results of the leave-one-out cross validation show that our EdgCSN performs much better than the competing algorithms in predicting BC-associated, TC-associated and AD-associated genes. de novo validations also show that EdgCSN is valuable for identifying new disease genes.