bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of health coaching on frequent attenders’ adherence to health regimens and lifestyle factors: a quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Kivelä Kirsi , Elo Satu , Kyngäs Helvi , Kääriäinen Maria
Published: October 2020

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nurse‐led health coaching on adherence to health regimens and lifestyle factors among frequent attenders in primary health care.

Methods

One hundred and ten patients were enrolled in the quasi‐experimental study. The experimental group (n = 52) received nurse‐led health coaching and the control group (n = 58) received conventional care at primary healthcare centres between 2015 and 2016. Data were collected before the intervention and 12 months afterwards using a questionnaire on adherence to health regimens and lifestyle factors. The intervention consisted of individual health coaching provided by a nurse, health‐coaching sessions, and a written action plan.

Results

Frequent attenders exhibited good adherence to health regimens. After the intervention, there were no significant differences in adherence to health regimens and/or lifestyle factors between the experimental and control groups. However, nurse‐led health coaching improved adherence to health regimens and physical activity in the experimental group.

Conclusion

Nurse‐led health coaching appears to promote participation and adherence to health regimens among frequent attenders at primary healthcare facilities. Before starting the health‐coaching programme, it is recommended to carefully specify the content of health coaching and test the nurses’ health‐coaching competence.
The Case of Cubans: Racial Inequality in U.S. Homeownership and Home Values
Authors: Martinez Brandon P.
Published: October 2020

Prior research finds that human capital may explain racial housing inequality, whereas others note the historical role that race played in creating unequal housing conditions. This study uses the case of Cubans in the United States to examine whether human capital explains Black–White housing inequalities, or if they are a result of nativity/cohort differences—a proxy for the federal policies that supported Cubans’ economic and social incorporation. Using pooled data from the American Community Survey, I examine how human capital characteristics and nativity/migration cohorts shape odds of homeownership and predicted home values among Cubans. Extended analyses using decomposition methods find that although human capital characteristics are important, they play a smaller role in explaining Black–White differences in homeownership and home values. Indicative of the changing structure of racial stratification in the United States, results reveal substantial inequality among the oldest of Cuban immigrants and U.S.‐born Cubans, despite a trend toward declining inequality among recent arrivals. Supported by the literature of systemic racism, the case of Cubans shows how human capital explanations do not sufficiently explain racial housing inequalities and how the future of racial stratification is one of inter‐ and intra‐ethnic group inequality.
Effects of Charter School Competition on District School Budgeting Decisions: Experimental Evidence from Texas
Authors: DeAngelis Corey A. , Barnard Christian
Published: October 2020

Objective

The effects of competition from public charter schools on district school budget decisions are theoretically ambiguous. Competitive pressures could increase desired budget autonomy since they give district school leaders more flexibility; however, competition could decrease desired budget autonomy if district school leaders are generally riskaverse or if they believe that central office staff are in better positions to make school‐level budget decisions. Competitive pressures could also increase or decrease changes in school‐level spending depending on school leaders’ beliefs about how to efficiently allocate resources.

Methods

We randomly assign surveys to district school leaders in Texas in the 2019–2020 school year to determine the effects of anticipated competition from public charter schools on reported desire for budget autonomy and expectations about future school‐level spending decisions.

Results

We find the first experimental evidence to suggest that anticipated charter school competition has large negative effects on school leaders’ reported spending on certain categories of support staff, and reduces, or has no effect on, the reported desire for more school‐level budget autonomy. The negative effects on spending for support staff tend to be larger for school leaders with more experience.

Conclusion

Although more research is needed, these results suggest that competition from public charter schools could lead to reductions in spending for certain categories in district‐run public schools if school leaders have the autonomy to make budget decisions.
Design and evaluation of Taqman low density array for monitoring post‐transplant viral infections
Authors: Cleland Alexander , Malloy Kristen , Donnelly Mhairi C. , Davidson Janice , Simpson Kenneth J. , Petrik Juraj
Published: October 2020

Background

The majority of transplant recipients undergo immunosuppressive treatment to prevent organ or tissue rejection. Consequently, they are more susceptible to infection agents including a number of viruses causing a significant morbidity and mortality. Only a limited number of viruses are currently tested for in transplant donors and recipients due to the cost and complexity. Taqman low density array (TLDA) may provide a suitable format to address more systematic testing approach.

Methods

One hundred and one liver transplant recipient samples were retrospectively tested for 48 viral targets including two controls (bovine viral diarrhea virus and MS2) and two common viruses (TTV and HPgV), using a custom designed TLDA. Eight samples were analysed simultaneously on 384‐well TLDA. Samples giving a signal considered positive/indeterminant were re‐tested by different individual confirmatory assays.

Results

Infections with six previously untested for viruses—EBV, HPIV3, HuPuV9, KIV, HMPV and HPV—were detected in fourteen patients. Previously detected HCV infections were also confirmed. These infections did not seem have an effect on 5 year post‐transplant outcome. 55 of 79 and 17 of 87 samples available for confirmatory assays were positive for TTV and HPgV, included for the evaluation of the TLDA performance.

Conclusions

The custom viral TLDA can be successfully used for simultaneous detection of a range of post‐transplant viral infections. To fully exploit its potential for monitoring and intervention, a whole blood testing should be applied in a prospective setting.
SMIM1 missense mutations exert their effect on wild type Vel expression late in erythroid differentiation
Authors: van der Rijst Marea V. E. , Abay Asena , Aglialoro Francesca , van der Schoot C. Ellen , van den Akker Emile
Published: October 2020

Background

Vel expression on erythrocytes is variable due to polymorphisms, complicating Vel typing. Weak Vel expression can be caused by mutations within SMIM1 in a heterozygous setting, suggesting a dominant negative effect of SMIM1 mutants on wild type (wt)SMIM1 expression. Here we report how SMIM1 expression is regulated during erythropoiesis, to understand its variable expression on erythrocytes.

Study Design and Methods

Peripheral blood reticulocytes at different stages, cultured erythroid precursors and HEK293T cells were used to investigate expression and putative competition between wtSMIM1 and mutated SMIM1 VEL*01W.01, (c.152T>A (p.Met51Lys)), VEL*01W.02 (c.152T>G (p.Met51Arg)), and VEL*01W.03 (c.161T>C (p.Leu54Pro)).

Results

Depending on the mutations in SMIM1 an effect on total and membrane expression of SMIM1 was observed in transfected HEK293T cells, but co‐expression of wtSMIM1 and mutatedSMIM1 did not have an effect on wtSMIM1 membrane expression. During differentiation of donors expressing VEL*01W.01, VEL*01W.03, Vel‐positive, Vel‐negative (homozygote SMIM1*64_80del), and Vel‐heterozygote SMIM1*64_80del primary human erythroblasts no overt defect was found in Vel expression dynamics or total SMIM1 expression levels when compared with wtSMIM1 erythroblasts. However, during enucleation, total Vel expression was significantly lower on reticulocytes of Vel‐weak donors expressing heterozygote mutated SMIM1 compared to Vel‐positive or Vel‐heterozygote SMIM1*64_80del donors, while Vel expression on extruded nuclei was maintained. In addition, reticulocyte maturation in vivo showed further loss of Vel expression in these individuals and nearly absent on erythrocytes.

Conclusion

These results suggest that SMIM1 mutations exert a dominant negative effect on wtSMIM1 probably by affecting SMIM1 multimerization and thereby Vel epitope presentation at the latest stages of erythroid differentiation.
Product‐level estimates of exchange rate pass‐through: Evidence from Turkey*☆
Authors: Akgunduz Yusuf Emre , Bastan Emine Meltem , Demiroglu Ufuk , Tumen Semih
Published: October 2020

We estimate the export and import pass‐through rates using product‐level data from Turkey. We find that the Turkish lira (TRY) exchange rate changes are mostly passed on to TRY prices of exports and imports—and, therefore, modestly to their prices in trading partners' currencies. The rate of average pass‐through to TRY prices is estimated at 89% for imported goods and 82% for exported goods, with no apparent lags in the impact. Pass‐through estimates by sector show variation and are relatively low for food and agricultural products. We argue that the fine‐grained product‐level data enable us to estimate the pass‐through rates with better reliability and precision than we could by using only aggregated time‐series data. We also introduce a pooled equation to estimate the difference between the export and import pass‐through rates—a potentially useful statistic—in a way that allows for statistical inference.
Evaluation of point‐of‐care coagulation tests as alternatives to anti‐Xa activity for monitoring the anticoagulant effects of rivaroxaban in healthy dogs
Authors: Lynch Alex M. , Ruterbories Laura K. , Griffith Emily H. , Hanel Rita M. , Stablein Alyssa P. , Brooks Marjory B.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To evaluate a panel of coagulation assays for their potential utility in rivaroxaban monitoring as alternatives to the rivaroxaban‐specific anti‐Xa activity (RIVA).

Design

Prospective experimental study.

Setting

University research laboratory.

Animals

Five healthy neutered male Beagles.

Interventions

Dogs were administered a median dose of 1.8 mg/kg rivaroxaban (range, 1.6–1.8 mg/kg) orally once daily for 2 consecutive days as part of a pharmacodynamic study. Blood was collected from a preplaced jugular catheter at time points relative to their rivaroxaban administration (0, 2, 4, 8, 24, 36, and 48 h) for measurement of RIVA, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time, RapidTEG, and thrombin generation variables.

Measurements and main results

One hundred forty data points were available for analysis. There was poor correlation between RIVA and RapidTEG variables: R time (R) (min) (r = 0.554,P < 0.0001), K time (K) (min) (r = –0.204,P = 0.016), alpha angle (degrees) (r = 0.152,P = 0.073), Maximum amplitude (MA) (mm) (r = 0.106,P = 0.215), and G value (G) (dynes/s) (r = 0.108,P = 0.205). A good correlation was noted between thrombin generation variables and RIVA: lag time (min) (r = 0.827,P < 0.0001), peak (nM) (r = –0.752,P < 0.0001), and endogenous thrombin potential (nM·min) (r = –0.762,P < 0.0001). There was an excellent correlation between PT and RIVA (r = 0.915,P < 0.0001) and a good correlation between activated partial thromboplastin time and RIVA (r = 0.772,P< 0 .0001).

Conclusions

Of all the coagulation tests investigated, the PT correlated best with RIVA. There is potential for PT being a convenient second‐line monitoring option in dogs receiving rivaroxaban, but further work is necessary to validate other PT assays. Thromboelastography performed with strong activators correlated poorly with anti‐Xa activity.
Application of Goertzel Algorithm to Piezoresistive Pressure Sensing Fabric for Custom Fitting of Wheelchair Cushions
Authors: Trzeciak Justin , Mynderse James A.
Published: October 2020

Pressure sores are a costly, painful problem for wheelchair users, caused by prolonged periods of mechanical loading. A common location of pressure sores in wheelchair users is the tissue between the ischial tuberosities and the seating surface. The pressure exerted on the tissue, or interface pressure, can be measured using piezoresistive fabric. This work demonstrates the use of the Goertzel algorithm for efficiently acquiring interface pressure data from a fabric assembly consisting of a layer of piezoresistive fabric between two layers of fabric with conducting and non-conducting stripes. The Goertzel algorithm was used to sample sums of sine waves from the conductive columns of the fabric assembly and calculate the amplitudes of each component sine wave corresponding to the local interface pressure. The Goertzel algorithm is more efficient for this application than a fast Fourier transform due to the limited number of calculated frequency bins needed for this application and more freedom in choice of sample size. The algorithm was successfully used to generate two-dimensional, 32 × 32 sensel interface pressure maps once per second. The Goertzel algorithm can be used in tandem with generated sine waves to measure interface pressure from piezoresistive fabric. Low-cost, accurate interface pressure measurements will help lessen the risk of pressure sores in wheelchair users.
Spreading of SARS-CoV-2 via Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems—An Overview of Energy Perspective and Potential Solutions
Authors: Sleiti Ahmad K. , Ahmed Samer F. , Ghani Saud A.
Published: October 2020

The role of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) in spreading SARS-CoV-2 is a complex topic and has not been studied thoroughly. There are some existing strategies and technologies for health and high performance buildings; however, applications to other types of buildings come at large energy penalty: cost; design, regulations and standards changes, and varied public perception. In the present work, different factors and strategies are reviewed and discussed and suggested mitigations and solutions are provided including the required air flowrates with the presence of infectors with and without mask and disinfection techniques including ultraviolet (UV) light. Experimental and numerical research in open literature suggests that the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is sufficiently likely. However, in situ detailed experimental studies are still needed to understand the different scenarios of the virus spread. Displacement ventilation, underfloor air distribution, chilled beams, radiant ceiling panels, and laminar flow systems have varied effectiveness. High-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filters and UV light can clean viruses but at high energy cost. Suggested solutions to reduce the infection probability include recommended levels of ventilation and a combination of virus sampling technologies including cyclones, liquid impinger, filters, electrostatic precipitators, and water-based condensation.
Enhancing Productivity of V-Trough Solar Water Heater Incorporated Flat Plate Wick-Type Solar Water Distillation System
Authors: Murugan M. , Saravanan A. , Murali G. , Kumar Pramod , Reddy V. Siva Nagi
Published: October 2020

This experimentation deals with the comparative study of a flat plate wick-based solar water distillation system (SWDS) with and without V-trough (VT) solar collector (SC) under the actual environmental conditions of Salem, Tamilnadu, India, as an attempt to enhance the productivity of the solar water distillation system. The influences of wick material, solar intensity, flow rate, and ambient temperature on productivity are also proposed. To ensure accuracy in the experimentation, the overall observation is divided into four spells with four different wick materials. The hourly productivity of the proposed still is compared with the standard theoretical equation, and the deviation between them is well accepted with ±10.14%. The maximum convective and evaporative heat transfer coefficients are observed during spell 3 as 2.488 W/m2K and 25.321 W/m2K, respectively. The prediction of Nusselt number and Sherwood number are also proposed to validate the heat transfer and mass transfer, respectively. Compared to polyester, terry cotton, and jute wick materials, fur fabric wick yielded maximum productivity of 4.40 l/day and 6.29 l/day for SWDS alone and SWDS with VT, respectively. The results revealed that the productivity of the SWDS coupled with V-trough SC is 30.12% greater than SWDS alone.
Human–Robot Collaboration in Smart Manufacturing: Robot Reactive Behavior Intelligence
Authors: Nicora Matteo Lavit , Ambrosetti Roberto , Wiens Gloria J. , Fassi Irene
Published: October 2020

To enable safe and effective human–robot collaboration (HRC) in smart manufacturing, seamless integration of sensing, cognition, and prediction into the robot controller is critical for real-time awareness, response, and communication inside a heterogeneous environment (robots, humans, and equipment). The specific research objective is to provide the robot Proactive Adaptive Collaboration Intelligence (PACI) and switching logic within its control architecture in order to give the robot the ability to optimally and dynamically adapt its motions, given a priori knowledge and predefined execution plans for its assigned tasks. The challenge lies in augmenting the robot’s decision-making process to have greater situation awareness and to yield smart robot behaviors/reactions when subject to different levels of human–robot interaction, while maintaining safety and production efficiency. Robot reactive behaviors were achieved via cost function-based switching logic activating the best suited high-level controller. The PACI’s underlying segmentation and switching logic framework is demonstrated to yield a high degree of modularity and flexibility. The performance of the developed control structure subjected to different levels of human–robot interactions was validated in a simulated environment. Open-loop commands were sent to the physical e.DO robot to demonstrate how the proposed framework would behave in a real application.
Optimization of Managed Drawdown for a Well With Stress-Sensitive Conductivity Fractures: Workflow and Case Study
Authors: Wei Yunsheng , Wang Junlei , Jia Ailin , Liu Cheng , Luo Chao , Qi Yadong
Published: October 2020

The effect of bottomhole-pressure (BHP) drawdown schedule on the well performance is generally attributed to the stress sensitivity in propped finite-conductivity fractures. The purpose of this work is to develop a detailed workflow of optimizing BHP drawdown schedule to improve long-term performance by finding a tradeoff between delaying conductivity degradation and maintaining drawdown. First, according to experimental data of propped fracture, an alternative relationship between conductivity and pressure drawdown is developed to mimic the change of fracture conductivity with effective stress. Second, based on the dimension-transformation technique, the coupled fracture-reservoir model is semi-analytically solved and seamlessly generates the time-dependent equation (i.e., transient inflow performance relationship (IPR)) which provides the production rate response to any BHP variation. Next, the value of BHP on the reversal behavior of rate is defined as the optimum BHP on the specified time-dependent IPR, and then the optimum profile of BHP drawdown over time is achieved. Finally, we corroborate the effectiveness of this workflow with a field case from Zhaotong shale in China. Field case substantiates that (1) the well with restricted drawdown has more advantage of improving the performance than that with unrestricted drawdown and (2) after inputting the optimum BHP drawdown into the history-unrestricted case, the long-term cumulative gas production could indeed be increased.
Denisovan DNA found in cave on Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: October 2020

"Molecular caving" shows archaic humans visited high-altitude cave over long period.
Power to the people
Authors: O'Grady Cathleen
Published: October 2020

Nations are turning to citizen assemblies to weigh up climate policies.
A profound plan to save the seas
Future Sea: How to Rescue and Protect the World's Oceans
Deborah Rowan Wright
University of Chicago Press, 2020. 200 pp.
Authors: Hannibal Mary Ellen
Published: October 2020

Rejecting piecemeal strategies, a conservationist encourages total ocean protection
Conceptualising, operationalising and measuring trust in participatory health research networks: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Gilfoyle Meghan , MacFarlane Anne , Salsberg Jon
Published: October 2020

Introduction

A participatory approach to co-creating new knowledge in health research has gained significant momentum in recent decades. This is founded on the described benefits of community-based participatory research (CBPR), such as increased relevance of research for those who must act on its findings. This has prompted researchers to better understand how CBPR functions to achieve these benefits through building sustainable research partnerships. Several studies have identified ‘trust’ as a key mechanism to achieve sustainable partnerships, which themselves constitute social networks. Although existing literature discuss trust and CBPR, or trust and social networks, preliminary searches reveal that none link all three concepts of trust, CBPR and social networks. Thus, we present our scoping review protocol to systematically review and synthesise the literature exploring how trust is conceptualised, operationalised and measured in CBPR and social networks.

Methods and analysis

This protocol follows guidelines from Levacet al(Scoping studies: advancing themethodology. Implement Sci 2010;5:69), which follow the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley. This scoping review explores several electronic databases including Scopus, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and PsychINFO. Grey literature such as theses/dissertations and reports will be included. A search strategy was identified and agreed on by the team in conjunction with a research librarian. Two independent reviewers will screen articles by title and abstract, then by full text based on pre-determined exclusion/inclusion criteria. A third reviewer will arbitrate discrepancies regarding inclusions/exclusions. We plan to incorporate a thematic analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics is not required for this review specifically. It is a component of a larger study that received ethical approval from the University of Limerick research ethics committee (#2018_05_12_EHS). Translation of results to key domains is integrated through active collaboration of stakeholders from community, health services and academic sectors. Findings will be disseminated through academic conferences, and peer review publications targeting public and patient involvement in health research.
Thermodynamics of soft wall model of AdS/QCD in Einstein–Maxwell–Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Sachan Shobhit , Siwach Sanjay
Published: October 2020

We investigate the thermodynamics of the confinement–deconfinement transition in the soft wall model of QCD with Gauss–Bonnet corrections using anti-de Sitter – conformal field theory (AdS/CFT) correspondence. In bulk AdS space–time the transition is geometric and is known as Hawking–Page transition. The Hawking–Page transition between two geometries, namely, charged AdS black hole and thermally charged AdS, have been studied with Gauss–Bonnet corrections up to first order. The Gauss–Bonnet coupling modifies the transition temperature of the system, but qualitative features remain unchanged. We obtain the curves between chemical potential and transition temperature for different values of Gauss–Bonnet couplings. We find that there exists a point in the μ–T plane where lines with different values of Gauss–Bonnet coupling cross. This point may be the onset of the transition from first-order to cross over behavior. The results are compared with that of the hard wall model.
MADE IN SINGAPORE
Authors: CHANG PAO-LI , NGUYEN PHUONG T. B.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we characterize the position of Singapore in global value chains and identify Singapore’s key upstream and downstream trade partners. We trace how the position of Singapore in global value chains has changed in the past two decades: whether it has moved upstream or downstream, how involved it is in global value chains, how its trend compares with the other major Asian exporters (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong), and which key sectors of Singapore play a major role in these global trade networks.
The effect of vacancy-defects on the magnetic properties of ZnSn1−xVxAs2: An ab initio study
Authors: Orudzhev G. S. , Jafarova V. N. , Huseynova S. S. , Gasimova E. K.
Published: October 2020

This paper presents the results of first-principle calculations of the magnetic properties of vanadium-doped and a vacancy-defected chalcopyrite semiconductor ZnSnAs2. It was shown that adding a transition element contributes to the magnetization of ZnSnAs2. The calculations for a number of supercells showed that a ferromagnetic spin ordering is favorable when V substitutes Sn. Besides, the Zn, Sn and As vacancies affect the magnetization. While V(Sn) substitution of the vacancies strengthens magnetization, a slight weakening of the magnetization occurs due to the arsenic atoms. Four As atoms chemically bonded to V dopant were found to be most contributive.
Shock-induced vorticity variation model of supersonic planar mixing layers
Authors: Feng Junhong , Lu Junyong , Shen Chibing
Published: October 2020

Vorticity variation in a supersonic planar mixing layer interacting with an oblique shock wave is investigated analytically and numerically. A model that simplifies the mixing layer to a discontinuous flow is established to solve the post-shock flow parameters, and it is validated through qualitative and quantitative comparisons with the Buttsworth’s model and numerical results. A model to estimate the shock-induced Maximum Vorticity Amplification (MVA) is obtained, which agrees well with the numerical results. The model could estimate the growth rate and maximum vorticity of the shocked mixing layer. The vorticity of the mixing layer is amplified by the shock impingement, even though the vorticity thickness decreases, which can improve the mixing performance for different practical applications.
Satellite Image Classification Using Cellular Automata
Authors: Poonkuntran S. , Alli P. , Ganesan T. M. Senthil , Moorthi S. Manthira , Oza M. P.
Published: October 2020

The satellite image classification plays a vital role in remote sensing for analyzing the images and recognizing the patterns. Supervised classification is one of the methods in which pixels of an image are grouped based on training samples. The uncertainty is one of the major issues in a supervised classification, where the pixel is classified into more than one class. This is happened due to the use of spectral values without considering contextual values in classification. Hence, this paper proposes Cellular Automata (CA)-based Classifier for Satellite Images Classification, where spectral values are combined with contextual values to improve the accuracy of the classifier. The proposed CA classifier combines the spectral values with contextual values in iteration until the uncertainty is resolved. Thereby, the proposed scheme improves the accuracy of the classical supervised classifier of parallel piped, minimum distance, DSVM and KNN classifier by 7% at an average.
Non-Markovianity leading to coherence revivals in an open quantum system
Authors: Yugra Y. , De Zela F.
Published: October 2020

Coherence and quantum correlations have been identified as fundamental resources for quantum information tasks. As recently shown, these resources can be interconverted. In multipartite systems, entanglement represents a prominent case among quantum correlations, one which can be activated from coherence. All this makes coherence a key resource for securing the operational advantage of quantum technologies. When dealing with open systems, decoherence hinders full exploitation of quantum resources. Here, we present a protocol that allows reaching the maximal achievable amount of coherence in an open quantum system. By implementing our protocol, or suitable variants of it, coherence losses might be fully compensated, thereby leading to coherence revivals. We provide an experimental proof of principle of our protocol through its implementation with an all-optical setup.
Normative Values of QuickDASH in the Elderly Japanese: a Cohort Survey Randomly Sampled from a Basic Resident Registry
Authors: Isobe Fumihiro , Nishimura Hikaru , Ido Yoshikazu , Ikegami Shota , Horiuchi Hiroshi , Takahashi Jun , Kato Hiroyuki
Published: October 2020

Background: To determine normative values for the QuickDASH questionnaire in the elderly Japanese population and their associated factors.

Methods: Three-hundred and eighty-one residents between 50 and 89 years of age were randomly selected from residents of a town in Japan. All participants completed a QuickDASH questionnaire. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify associated factors.

Results: Males and females aged 70–79 and 80–89 showed significantly higher QuickDASH scores than the 50–59 age groups. Females aged 50 to 59 showed significantly higher QuickDASH scores than males aged 50–59. Motion pain or tenderness at the shoulder and side pinch strength showed a significant effect on QuickDASH scores.

Conclusions: The mean QuickDASH score was 5.7. As an associated factor for the QuickDASH, aging, female, and shoulder disorders were confirmed.
A Study Comparing the Outcomes of Transverse Ulnar Shortening Osteotomy Fixed with a DCP to Oblique Osteotomy Fixed with a Procedure Specific Plate
Authors: Singhal Rohit , Mehta Nisarg , Brown Phil , Cheung Graham , Brown Daniel J.
Published: October 2020

Background: Ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) is a well-established procedure for ulnar impaction syndrome. Various types of osteotomies have been described.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare the results of transverse osteotomy (TO) fixed with a small fragment dynamic compression plate (Synthes, Pennsylvania, USA), to oblique osteotomy (OO) fixed with a procedure specific plate and instrumentation system (Acumed LLC, Oregon, USA). A total of 39 patients underwent TO and 62 patients underwent OO between 2007 and 2016. The main outcomes compared were rate of union, duration of radiological healing, implant removal rate and other complications.

Results: The two groups were comparable with regards to demographics, side operated and smoking status (p > 0.05). Amongst the TO group; 36 out of 39 patients (92.3%) achieved union, 3 patients (7.7%) developed non-union. Six out of the 36 healed TO (16.6%) required removal of hardware due to implant-related pain. No other complications were recorded amongst TO group needing surgical intervention. Amongst the OO group, 2 of the early cohort of 62 patients (3.2%) sustained acute failure of the metalwork due to technical error. One of the remaining 60 patients (1.6%) developed non-union giving an overall union rate of 95.2%. Two patients out of 59 healed OO (3.3%) required removal of hardware.

Conclusions: Although there were 2 early failures, there was a trend towards improved union rate with OO, but this did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). There was a significantly higher hardware removal rate recorded in TO group (p = 0.023). The OO showed shorter duration for radiological healing than TO (p < 0.05). USO performed with an OO and fixed with procedure specific plate has lower implant removal rate, a shorter duration for radiological healing and comparable union rate to TO fixed with DCP, but needs careful attention to detail.
Changes in the Rate of Postoperative Flexor Tendon Rupture in Patients with Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Hirasawa Rui , Itadera Eichi , Okamoto Seiji
Published: October 2020

Background: Flexor tendon rupture is a major complication after volar locking plating for distal radius fracture (DRF). Few studies have investigated changes in the rate of postoperative flexor tendon rupture in patients with DRFs. The present study aimed to investigate the changes in the rate of postoperative flexor tendon rupture and to assess plate placement and reduction positions.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients in whom more than 24 months had passed since DRF surgery. The patients were interviewed by telephone. Forty-nine patients (50 fractures; 2007–2009) from institution A were included in group 1 and 81 patients (84 fractures; 2013–2016) from institution B were included in group 2. The DRF surgery method was similar between the two groups. The rate of flexor tendon rupture, Soong classification grade, and radiological index (i.e., volar tilt [VT], radial inclination [RI], and ulnar variance [UV]) were statistically investigated in both groups.

Results: Patient epidemiology was not significantly different between the two groups. The flexor tendon rupture rates were 2% and 0% in groups 1 and 2, respectively, without a significant difference. With regard to the Soong grade, 44 fractures were grade 2 and 6 were grade 1 in group 1, whereas 18 were grade 2, 38 were grade 1, and 28 were grade 0 in group 2, with a significant difference (p < 0.05).

With regard to the radiological index, the mean VT values were 5° and 11° in groups 1 and 2, respectively, with a significant difference (p < 0.05). However, RI and UV showed no significant difference.

Conclusions: Plate placement and reduction positions, which are risk factors for flexor tendon ruptures after DRFs, have improved recently when compared with previous findings. With these changes, the rate of flexor tendon rupture is presumed to have decreased.
A Rare Finding in Dupuytren’s Disease - Heterotopic Ossification
Authors: Hediger Sebastian , Höller Sylvia , Mende Konrad
Published: October 2020

We present the case of a severe and long-standing Dupuytren’s contracture where intraoperatively an ossified nodule was encountered within the diseased tissue. Histologically palmar fibromatosis in contact with cartilaginous tissue with central ossification could be confirmed, compatible with metaplasia. Our finding suggests that metaplastic activity inherent to longstanding, severely diseased Dupuytren’s tissue can lead to heterotopic ossification.
Study on Internal Force of Tunnel Segment by Considering the Influence of Joints
Authors: Dong Linwei , Yang Zhiyong , Wang Zhenyong , Ding Yaowen , Qi Weiqiang
Published: October 2020

The mechanical performance of segments is an important aspect of the safety of tunnel structures. Study on the internal force of tunnel segment by considering the influence of joints is beneficial for obtaining a better understanding of the influence of various factors on the internal force of the segments. Based on the mechanical characteristics of shield segment joints, in which the displacements and stiffness are discontinuous, a mechanical model of the segment component under the constraints of elastic support was established. The elastic centre method and the principle of superposition were used to quantify the influence of joint displacements on the internal force of the segment component. Combined with a practical engineering application, the internal force of the segment component with joint rotation and dislocation was analysed. The displacements of the segment joints cause an unloading effect of the corresponding internal force of the joints, leading to internal force redistribution of each segment cross section. According to the spline interpolation results of the load test data of the segment joints, the internal force of the segment component under an external load is solved by the iterative method.
ID1 As a Prognostic Biomarker and Promising Drug Target Plays a Pivotal Role in Deterioration of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Qiu Xiangmin , Gu Yuping , Ni Yilu , Li Qianyin
Published: October 2020

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common cancers in the world. Our aim is to identify prognostic biomarkers that contribute to the progression of early stage ccRCC and clarify the mechanism. Here, the mRNA microarray expression profile of ccRCC samples was obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) (GSE68417). 62 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were gained by R Studio, including 31 upregulated genes and 31 downregulated genes. Pathway enrichment analysis was performed in DAVID database. Then, the protein‐protein interaction network was obtained through STRING database and visualized by Cytoscape. Subsequently, among the network, only inhibitor of DNA Binding 1 (ID1) was significant between low‐grade and high‐grade ccRCC patients in TCGA data set. After analysis of the corresponding clinical information in R Studio, it is shown that low ID1 expression correlated with poor survival, high probability of tumor metastasis, and relatively high serum calcium. Later, functional enrichment of ID1 in GeneMANIA uncovered that regulating DNA binding is a main characteristic of ID1 in ccRCC, which was validated by Kaplan‐Meier curve of ID1 associated genes using KM plotter database and R Studio. Immune infiltration analysis performed by Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) revealed that CD8+ T cells and macrophages were prognostic factors. Furthermore, Valproic acid was analyzed to be the most convinced target drug of ID1 identified by Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD). Taken together, ID1, a biomarker of clinical outcome in early stage ccRCC patients, has the potential function of preventing deterioration in ccRCC progression and metastasis.
A New Green Efficiency-Based Carbon Taxing Policy and Its Effects on a Production-Inventory System with Random Carbon Emissions and Green Investment
Authors: Datta Tapan Kumar
Published: October 2020

In this study, the author proposes a new carbon taxing policy. This proposed carbon tax has two tax components. The first component is constant, and the second component depends on the green efficiency of production. The green efficiency of production is measured by the average amount of emissions per unit production in an assessment year. The green efficiency-based tax component can be reset every year. Lesser average emission rate indicates better green efficiency. The second component of this proposed carbon tax forces the firm to improve the green efficiency of production, which results in cleaner production. The author incorporates this new carbon tax policy in a production-inventory system with a price-sensitive demand rate. A rule is provided for the implementation of this new tax. Emissions during setup, production, and storage are considered as independent random variables. The firm has the opportunity of investing in green technologies to improve green efficiency. A profit maximization policy is adopted to solve the developed model. A solution algorithm is also provided. The model is illustrated by numerical examples with randomly generated model parameters. The results of numerical examples show the environmental benefits of the proposed carbon tax.
Effects of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Tang Luo Ning on Intestinal Flora and Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Wei Xiaoyi , Zong Wenjing , Gao Yanbin , Peng Siyang , Liu Ke , Zheng Yalin
Published: October 2020

Objective. To determine the effects of TLN on glycolipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and intestinal flora in diabetic rat. Materials and Methods. Thirty‐five male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats (180–200 g) were divided into two groups. The normal group was fed a standard‐chow diet, whereas, in the model group, diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (STZ) combined with a high‐fat sucrose diet. Then, the model group was randomly allocated to four groups: DM (diabetes model) and TLNH (TLN high dose), TLNL (TLN low dose), and NAC (N‐acetylcysteine). Rats in the TLNH, TLNL, and NAC groups were intragastrically administered TLN and NAC for 12 weeks. Subsequently, their weights, fasting glucose levels, serum lipids, serum insulin, serum ROS, and intestinal flora were determined. Results. The weight and intestinal flora abundance of the DM group were significantly lower than those of the normal group, whereas their total serum cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), serum reactive oxygen species (ROS), and serum insulin (INS) levels were significantly higher than those of the normal group. TC and LDL‐C levels in the TLNL group and DM group were similar, whereas FBG, INS, and ROS levels in the TLNL group were obviously lower than those in the DM group. Compared with the DM group, there was a significant increase in intestinal flora abundance in the TLNL group. At the phylum level, the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (core microbiota) varied in all groups. However, in the DM group, Firmicutes abundance decreased, whereas that of Bacteroidetes increased. An opposite trend was observed in the TLN‐treated groups. Conclusions. TLN, which showed a dose‐dependent therapeutic effect, can effectively decrease serum lipid, serum insulin, blood glucose, and serum ROS levels. It can also rebalance the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. Furthermore, the low‐dose TLN treatment was most efficacious.
Modelling the Potential Impact of Social Distancing on the COVID-19 Epidemic in South Africa
Authors: Nyabadza F. , Chirove F. , Chukwu C. W. , Visaya M. V.
Published: October 2020

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to be a global health problem whose impact has been significantly felt in South Africa. With the global spread increasing and infecting millions, containment efforts by countries have largely focused on lockdowns and social distancing to minimise contact between persons. Social distancing has been touted as the best form of response in managing a rapid increase in the number of infected cases. In this paper, we present a deterministic model to describe the impact of social distancing on the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 in South Africa. The model is fitted to data from March 5 to April 13, 2020, on the cumulative number of infected cases, and a scenario analysis on different levels of social distancing is presented. The model shows that with the levels of social distancing under the initial lockdown level between March 26 and April 13, 2020, there would be a projected continued rise in the number of infected cases. The model also looks at the impact of relaxing the social distancing measures after the initial announcement of the lockdown. It is shown that relaxation of social distancing by 2% can result in a 23% rise in the number of cumulative cases whilst an increase in the level of social distancing by 2% would reduce the number of cumulative cases by about 18%. The model results accurately predicted the number of cases after the initial lockdown level was relaxed towards the end of April 2020. These results have implications on the management and policy direction in the early phase of the epidemic.
Moxibustion as an Adjuvant Therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of 23 Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhou Xu , Wu Qingni , Wang Yanping , Ren Qing , Zhu Weifeng , Yao Ziqian , Chen Jianrong
Published: October 2020

Objective. This systematic review aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of moxibustion for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods. Nine databases were searched to identify relevant evidence up to March 8, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that tested moxibustion + basic treatments versus basic treatments alone for patients with CKD and reported, at least, one of the outcomes of interest were included. In the meta‐analyses, the mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to measure the effect size. Results. Twenty‐three RCTs (n = 1571) with a moderate to high risk of bias were included. The pooled estimates showed that compared with the controls, patients after moxibustion had a significant reduction in serum creatinine (MD −17.34 μmol/L, 95% CI −28.44 to −6.23; I2 = 87%), 24‐hour urine protein excretion (MD −0.75 g/h, 95% CI −1.07 to −0.42; I2 = 84%), and blood urea nitrogen (MD −0.63 mmol/L, 95% CI −1.09 to −0.18; I2 = 37%) and a significant improvement in the quality of life (MD 10.18, 95% CI 3.67 to 16.69; I2 = 57%). Moxibustion did not show a significant effect on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), creatinine clearance, or hemoglobin. The subgroup analyses showed that a longer course of moxibustion (>8 weeks) and indirect moxibustion had a greater effect on reducing serum creatinine. The effect of moxibustion on blood urea nitrogen changed to be nonsignificant after excluding RCTs with a high risk of bias (MD −0.96 mmol/L, 95% CI −2.96 to 1.03). Only one adverse event of burn was reported. Conclusions. This systematic review suggests that, as an adjuvant therapy, moxibustion may improve serum creatinine, urinary protein excretion, blood urea nitrogen, and quality of life in patients with CKD. Moxibustion may not have effects on eGFR, creatinine clearance, or hemoglobin. The quality of evidence is weakened by the limitations of risk of bias, heterogeneity, and imprecision.
Formation Tracking for High-Order Time-Invariant Swarm Systems with Limited Energy and Fixed Topologies
Authors: Yang Jianye , Wang Cheng , Dang Hongtao , Han Xinzhong
Published: October 2020

The current paper investigates design and analysis problems of formation tracking for high-order linear time-invariant swarm systems, where communication topologies among agents have leader-following structures and the whole energy supply is limited. Firstly, the communication topology of a swarm system is depicted by a directed graph with a spanning tree, where the communication channels from the leader to followers are directional and the communication channels among followers are bidirectional, and a new formation tracking protocol with an energy integral term and a given upper bound is proposed to achieve formation tracking with the limited energy. Then, sufficient conditions for time-varying formation tracking design and analysis with the limited energy are presented, respectively, which include two/three linear matrix inequality constraints associated with the maximum and minimum nonzero eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrix of a communication topology. Especially, time-invariant formation tracking criteria are further deduced. Finally, two numerical examples are revealed to verify main theoretical conclusions.
Vibration Test and Shock Absorption of Coal Crusher Chambers in Thermal Power Plants (I): Field Test and Assessment
Authors: Zhu Lihua , Yuan Hanquan , Zhou Haoyi , Jiang Dong , Liu Baoquan , Fan Chunzhu , Tang Liujiu
Published: October 2020

A field vibration test was conducted on the coal crusher chamber of a thermal power plant to evaluate its vibration performance. The vibration displacements and velocities of the structure, coal crusher body, and vibration-isolation platform were tested. The vibration safety of the coal crusher chamber and the vibration-isolation efficiency of the spring vibration-isolation system were evaluated based on the test results, and the reason the vibration exceeded the limit was analyzed. This study showed that the vibration displacement of a coal crusher with a spring vibration-isolation system met the code requirements, but the equipment had greater vibration displacements, which were related to the connection between the equipment and the platform. Compared to a steel platform, the vibration displacement of a concrete platform was smaller, and the vibration-isolation efficiency was greater. The vibration displacements of the coal crusher body could be reduced by controlling the vibration displacements of the platform.