bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration transmission characteristic analysis of the metro turnout area by constant-Q nonstationary Gabor transform
Authors: Tao Sang , Caiyou Zhao , Yuhang Wang , Xin Gao , Liuchong Wang
Published: September 2020

The problem of vibration in turnout zones caused by passing trains has become increasingly serious due to the complexity of the structure and force of metro turnouts. However, there are only a few studies focusing on the vibration transmission characteristics in turnout zones. In this paper, three typical turnouts in a city were studied to test the vibration responses of track slabs and a tunnel wall in the switch zone and the crossing zone when a train was passing a turnout. First, the short-time Fourier transform, wavelet transform, and constant-Q nonstationary Gabor transform (CQ-NSGT) were applied to the typical time-domain signal of tunnel wall respectively. The comparison results showed that CQ-NSGT delivered a higher time resolution and a higher frequency resolution. Based on this, the CQ-NSGT was used to analyze the vibration signal of the track slabs and specifically study the vertical vibration characteristics of the track slabs in the turnout zone toward the tunnel at the time when a train was passing. The result showed the vibration signal transmitted to the tunnel wall from the track slabs in both the switch and crossing zones will experience high-frequency vibration attenuation. It was noted that different train types have no effects on the vibration signal transmission rule, but an increase in the train speed will increase the vibration energy and expand the frequency band when the signal was transmitted to the tunnel wall.
Public service bargains and non-partisan ministerial advisors: servants of two masters
Authors: Cole Rose
Published: September 2020

To what extent can the public service bargain framework be applied to non-partisan ministerial advisors? Public service bargains are defined as ‘explicit or implicit agreements between public servants – the civil or uniformed services of the state – and those they serve’. The public service bargain framework has increasingly been used as an analytical tool with which to examine the elements of the bargain as experienced by various actors in different jurisdictions. The elements of the public service bargain framework are explored through the experiences of a distinct subgroup of non-partisan advisors – portfolio private secretaries – serving in the politicised environment of ministers’ offices. The minister’s office has been characterised as the ‘purple zone’ where politics (represented by the colour blue) and administration (represented by the colour red) converge to transform political will into administrative action. This qualitative research article: briefly reviews the public service bargain literature; describes the actors and setting; gives voice to their experience of the public service bargain; applies the public service bargain heuristic; and reveals new insights into how the public service bargain operates with dual principals.

Points for practitioners

The public service bargain framework allows for dual principal–single agent relationships within public administration settings. Applying the public service bargain heuristic to this group of non-partisan advisors: enables a view of how the public service bargain operates at different levels (macro, meso and micro); shows that the public service bargain for these advisors has changed over time in response to administrative reforms; and demonstrates that these advisors are professionally and personally affected through the misaligned expectations of dual principals.
Fundamental Frequency and Regional Variation in Lifou French
Authors: Torres Catalina , Fletcher Janet , Wigglesworth Gillian
Published: September 2020

This study presents two experiments aimed at investigating tune-to-text alignment and pitch scaling in Lifou French, a variety spoken by bilingual speakers of French and Drehu. Descriptions of New Caledonian French have focussed on language use of European descendants or the variety spoken in the urban region, neglecting emergent varieties spoken by the indigenous population in rural areas, like the island Lifou. Due to the reduced inventory of pitch accents, dialectal variation in French intonation has proved to be difficult to detect, which has led to the assumption that French has a relatively homogeneous intonation system across its varieties. This study shows that fine-grained phonetic differences in speaking tempo and at the level of tonal alignment as well as in the scaling of AP-final peaks can be attributed to dialectal variation.
Examining the Structure of the PERMA Theory of Well-Being in Veterans With Mental Illnesses
Authors: Umucu Emre
Published: September 2020

Assessing and improving veterans’ well-being, especially those veterans who are at risk for or experiencing mental illnesses, has received national attention. We examined (a) the structural validity of the Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA) theory of well-being and (b) psychometric properties of the PERMA-Profiler in veterans with mental illnesses. The sample consisted of one-hundred and fifty-six veterans with mental illnesses. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and hierarchical CFA were conducted to test one-factor, five-factor, and a second-order PERMA model. Our findings indicated that re-specified second-order model was found to have best model fit indices. The subconstructs of the PERMA were correlated with resilience and functional limitations in theoretically expected direction. The PERMA-Profiler scale was found to have strong internal consistency and acceptable concurrent validity in a sample of veterans with mental illnesses. Rehabilitation counseling clinicians and researchers can use the PERMA-Profiler to screen the five pillars of well-being and overall well-being in veterans with mental illnesses through the lens of an empirical PERMA theory of well-being.
Internet of Things, cybersecurity and governing wicked problems: learning from climate change governance
Authors: Carr Madeline , Lesniewska Feja
Published: September 2020

The implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) is central to what the World Economic Forum has coined the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’; a technological revolution built upon cyber-physical systems that will blur the lines between the physical, digital and biological spheres. Novel interconnections will emerge as a result, challenging traditional relations and modes of governance. However, a central feature of the IoT is that the implications of cyber (in)security are no longer abstract. The IoT also returns us to the world of kinetic effects in international relations; more familiar territory for IR. The resulting cooperation and coordination challenges are transboundary in nature, occur at multiple levels across sectors, between institutions, and will impact all actors, both public and private, in complex, often highly politicised ways. In this article we argue that advances in global climate governance appear to be offering an early model of a consensual rules-based approach within the existing international order that provides space for advancing agility, flexibility, and polycentrism to meet the demands of ‘wicked problems’ like the cybersecurity of the IoT. Perhaps one of the most important lessons to be drawn across from climate governance is the role of robust mechanisms for knowledge exchange – specifically between the technical and policy communities.
How Consistency in Closeness to God Predicts Psychological Resources and Life Satisfaction: Findings from the National Study of Youth and Religion
Authors: Culver Julian
Published: September 2020

With survey data from the National Study of Youth and Religion (NSYR), this study investigates the association between across-time consistency in closeness to God and well-being. I focus on God-believing individuals who are Protestant, Catholic, or Latter-day Saint, and present across Waves 1–3 (n = 1,333). Outcomes include Wave 3 psychological resources (i.e., life purpose and personal mastery) and life satisfaction. Key predictors include two novel indicators of across-time consistency in closeness to God: (1) a four-category pattern variable and (2) a discrete numeric summary score. The pattern variable indicates respondents who become less close to God across time fare worse than those who remain consistently close to God. In addition, respondents consistently distant from God did not differ from their consistently close counterparts in terms of life purpose and personal mastery. The summary score indicates high levels of consistency in closeness to God predict high levels of life purpose and satisfaction.
Circular RNA circ-NCOR2 accelerates papillary thyroid cancer progression by sponging miR-516a-5p to upregulate metastasis-associated protein 2 expression
Authors: Luan Sha , Fu Peng , Wang Xinyu , Gao Yue , Shi Ke , Guo Youmin
Published: September 2020

Objective

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is one of the most prevalent endocrine malignancies and the fifth most common cancer in women. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to play vital functions in cancers, but few studies have focused on the functions and mechanism of dysregulated circRNAs in PTC.

Methods

Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was used to measure circ-NCOR2 levels in PTC tissues and cell lines. The functions of circ-NCOR2 in PTC were examined by analysis using the cell counting kit-8, clone forming, flow cytometry, and Transwell experiments. Bioinformatic analysis and dual luciferase reporter gene testing were used to identify the mechanisms of circ-NCOR2.

Results

Circ-NCOR2 overexpression was observed in PTC tissues and cells. Silenced or overexpressed expression of circ-NCOR2 strikingly attenuated or facilitated, respectively, the growth, migration, and invasion of PTC cells. Mechanistically, miR-615a-5p was identified as the target of circ-NCOR2. Moreover, circ-NCOR2 enhanced the expression of metastasis-associated protein 2 (MTA2) by sponging miR-615a-5p, thereby facilitating PTC cell progression.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings reveal a novel circ-NCOR2/miR-615a-5p/MTA2 axis in PTC, which could become a potential therapeutic target for this disease.
Characteristics of the intestinal flora in patients with peripheral neuropathy associated with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wang Yayun , Ye Xiaolong , Ding Dafa , Lu Yibing
Published: September 2020

Objective

To study the characteristics of the intestinal flora in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and analyze the association between the intestinal flora and clinical indicators.

Methods

We classified 80 subjects into three groups: patients with DPN (n = 45), patients type 2 diabetes without DPN (n = 21), and healthy controls (n = 14). The intestinal flora composition was compared among the three groups, and the correlation between the intestinal flora and clinical indicators was analyzed.

Results

At the phylum level, the richness of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria was elevated in the DN group, and that of Bacteroidetes was decreased. At the genus level, the richness of Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium was significantly decreased in the DPN group, whereas that of Escherichia- Shigella, Lachnoclostridium, Blautia, Megasphaera, and Ruminococcus torques group was increased. The homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index was positively correlated with Megasphaera richness. Glycine ursodeoxycholic acid was positively correlated with Ruminococcus gnavus group and Phascolarctobacterium richness. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid was positively correlated with Ruminococcus gnavus group and Parabacteroides richness.

Conclusion

There was obvious intestinal microbiota disorder in patients with DPN, which may be related to insulin resistance. These changes may have important roles in the development of DPN.
A rare case of schwannomatosis of the extremities
Authors: Fodor Lucian , Samuila Sergiu , Bodog Florian
Published: September 2020

A schwannoma is a benign tumor that arises from the myelin-producing Schwann cells that surround nerves. We herein report a case involving a 55-year-old man who first presented to our clinic with a schwannoma of the posterior tibial nerve and 5 years later with a schwannoma of the ulnar nerve. This is the first report of schwannomatosis of the ulnar and posterior tibial nerves.
Patterns of supraclavicular area failure after mastectomy in breast cancer patients: implications for target volume delineation
Authors: Lin Pei-cheng , Lin Xi-jin , Li Jin-luan , Lin Fei-fei , Zhuang Qing-yang , Tang Li-rui , Huang Yun-xia , Zhang Xue-qing , Wu Jun-xin
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To characterize the pattern of post-mastectomy supraclavicular lymph node (LN) metastases in patients with breast cancer (BC) and to provide insights for individualized clinical target volume delineation for radiotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 88 patients with BC who developed post-mastectomy regional LN metastases. The affected regional LNs were categorized as the ipsilateral medial supraclavicular LN area (IMSC-LN), ipsilateral lateral supraclavicular LN area (ILSC-LN), ipsilateral infraclavicular LN area (IIC-LN), and ≥2 groups in the ipsilateral clavicular LN area (MMIC-LN). Clinical characteristics were included in a multivariate analysis to identify risk factors for clavicular LN metastases.

Results

The ILSC-LNs (68.2%) were the most common metastatic site. IMSC-LN metastases showed a significant association with estrogen-receptor (ER) negative status, left-sided BC, and positive axillary LNs. Tumor size ≥2.4 cm and Her2 type were predictors of ILSC-LN metastases. Additionally, tumor size ≥2.4 cm, and level I ipsilateral axillary metastases were associated with MMIC-LN metastasis.

Conclusion

ILSC-LN was the most frequently affected group of supraclavicular lymph nodes. ER-negative status, left-sided BC, tumor size, and positive ipsilateral axillary LNs are potentially associated with the pattern of supraclavicular LN metastatic involvement.
Giant axillary tumor resection using ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block and serratus anterior plane block
Authors: Luo Ruimin , Gu Yu , Deng Xu , Wu Wenfeng , Yao Yonghua
Published: September 2020

Herein, we report the combined use of interscalene brachial plexus block and serratus anterior plane block for surgical removal of a large neoplasm that was embedded deep in the axilla and chest wall of a patient with high-risk hypertension. With the combined use of conventional and novel nerve blocks, the large neoplasm was successfully resected without obvious complications.
Remote practicals in the time of coronavirus, a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Bangert K , Bates J , Beck SBM , Bishop ZK , Di Benedetti M , Fullwood J , Funnell AC , Garrard A , Hayes SA , Howard T , Johnson C , Jones MR , Lazari P , Mukherjee J , Omar C , Taylor BP , Thorley RMS , Williams GL , Woolley R
Published: September 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, universities across the world have curtailed face to face teaching. Associated with this is the halt to the delivery of the practical experience required of engineering students. The Multidisciplinary Engineering Education (MEE) team at The University of Sheffield have responded to this problem in an efficient and effective way by recording laboratory experiences and putting videos, quizzes and data online for students to engage with. The focus of this work was on ensuring all Learning Outcomes (LOs) for modules and courses were preserved. Naturally, practical skills cannot be easily provided using this approach, but it is an effective way of getting students to interact with real data, uncertainty and equipment which they cannot access directly. A number of short case studies from across the range of engineering disciplines are provided to inspire and guide other educators in how they can move experiments on line in an efficient and effective manner. No student feedback is available at the time of writing, but anecdotal evidence is that this approach is at least acceptable for students and a way of collecting future feedback is suggested. The effort expended on this approach and the artefacts produced will support student learning after the initial disruption of the lockdown has passed.
Carer stress in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: the implications of data from the UK national specialist FASD clinic for training carers
Authors: Mohamed Zameer , Carlisle Alexandra CS , Livesey Alexandra C , Mukherjee Raja AS
Published: September 2020

Medical research literature is increasingly reporting high levels of stress among carers of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). However, while there are a growing number of evidence-based innovations around the world for carer stress generally, there are no programmes in the UK for those looking after children with FASD. The aim of this study, therefore, is to provide an up-to-date profile of stress faced by these carers, to explore its sources and suggest directions for service development. Seventy-one carers and their child with FASD participated in a study designed for this purpose. Parental stress levels were assessed using the Parental Stress Index (PSI) and the characteristics of their children – cognition, adaptive behaviour, sensory processing and externalising behaviour function – by a battery of measures. Further correlational and regression analyses were carried out to explore the nature and source of the carer stress identified. When the levels of stress in families was measured, all six Child Domains on the PSI showed results that were above the clinically significant cut-off for high stress, while all seven Parent Domains were below this threshold. Significant associations were found between the PSI and child behaviours, but generally the Parent Domain and Child Behaviours were not correlated. Regression analysis found executive functioning difficulties in children to be the main predictors of carer stress but sensory difficulties were not significant, despite 83% of the children having elevated problems of this kind. Total stress scores among carers of children with FASD were elevated and far exceeded the threshold score on the PSI, suggesting a need for ‘further professional consultation’. Consideration of parental needs and the development of evidenced-based interventions specific for these carers are highlighted as areas for future development.
Serving the ‘Divine Economy’: St Joseph’s Asylum for Aged and Virtuous Females, Dublin, 1836–1922
Authors: Frehill Olivia
Published: September 2020

St Joseph’s Asylum for Aged and Virtuous Females catered for Catholic aged, single women from 1836 to 1993. The focus of this article on the period 1836–1922. Founded prior to the 1838 advent of poor law, St Joseph’s embodied an alternative miniature welfare system for its inmates, which served the wider ‘divine economy’. Operating at a time of limited labour market opportunities for females, functional age and inability to earn serve as important factors for considering why individuals might enter, particularly younger inmates. Chronological and cultural definitions of age also remain significant. This article discusses St Joseph’s management, financing, model of life, values and provides a sense of life within, to demonstrate how this system functioned. Despite a paucity of source material documenting lived experience, inmate emotional responses are tentatively probed. It argues that Catholicism is an important lens for understanding not solely the ethos and funding of St Joseph’s but the rhythm of daily life and death.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing HOPE Treatment and Present-Centered Therapy in Women Residing in Shelter With PTSD From Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Johnson Dawn M. , Zlotnick Caron , Hoffman Lesa , Palmieri Patrick A. , Johnson Nicole L. , Holmes Samantha C. , Ceroni Taylor L.
Published: September 2020

The current study is a randomized controlled trial comparing HOPE ( Helping to Overcome PTSD through Empowerment) to an adapted version of present-centered therapy (PCT+) in residents of domestic violence shelters with posttraumatic stress disorder from intimate partner violence. HOPE is a cognitive-behavioral treatment that adopts an empowerment approach. PCT is an attention-matched control condition frequently used in posttraumatic stress disorder treatment research. PCT+ was adapted to include safety planning. We collected data from 172 women from one of six shelters, randomizing participants to receive either HOPE or PCT+. Participants in both treatments received up to 16 sessions during shelter and the first 3 months post-shelter. Follow-up assessments occurred at post-shelter, post-treatment, and 6- and 12-months post-treatment. Results of multivariate models found that both HOPE and PCT+ were associated with significant and large reductions in intimate partner violence–related posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Further, both treatments resulted in significant small to medium effects on intimate partner violence, depression, empowerment, posttraumatic cognitions, and health-related quality of life. Results suggest that both HOPE and PCT+ are viable and efficacious treatments of intimate partner violence–related posttraumatic stress disorder in women residing in shelters. As PCT+ has the potential to be delivered by paraprofessionals and individuals without mental health expertise, PCT+ may be the preferred treatment model for shelters. Additional online materials for this article are available on PWQ’s website at http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/suppl/10.1177/0361684320953120
A comparison of fuzzy logic and TOPSIS methods for landfill site selection according to field visits, engineering geology approach and geotechnical experiments (case study: Rudbar County, Iran)
Authors: Chamchali Manoochehr Mortazavi , Ghazifard Akbar
Published: September 2020

The present study evaluated and selected the best location among susceptible landfill sites in Rudbar County using 27 criteria, as the maximum effective criteria, in the decision-making process. The emergence and comparison between the two methods of fuzzy and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) with an engineering–geological approach have been conducted to obtain the best results. In this regard, inappropriate regions for landfill construction have been restricted after the conflation of two maps based on the restriction criteria. Then, the direction of prevailing winds and proper area for landfill construction was investigated for a 20-year perspective, and the regions that had more than 35-hectare area and were not located in the direction of the prevailing winds have been identified as responsive sites for landfill construction. Ultimately, selected susceptible regions were prioritized separately based on the TOPSIS and fuzzy methods. To ascertain the accuracy of the results and the reality of the resulted models, complementary field studies, geotechnical digging, and engineering–geological experiments have been used as verification parameters. According to the results of the verification, the fuzzy model having maximum matches with the verified data has been suggested for prioritizing susceptible regions.
Minding the Gap: The Art and Science of Teaching Guided by Humanbecoming
Authors: Ursel Karen L.
Published: September 2020

Designing learning activities to teach psychomotor skills utilizing the lens of humanbecoming required deep reflection on the principles of structuring meaning, configuring rhythmical patterns, and cotranscending with possibles to bridge the theory-to-practice gap. Teaching essential psychomotor skills presented a challenge when trying to ensure the provision of safe, competent, and compassionate care tailored to the individual’s unique experience. There are a wide variety of teaching approaches and strategies available, but few have used a theoretical framework to guide the design of the teaching-learning activities to guide development of these skills. The humanbecoming paradigm and humanbecoming teaching-learning model guided the research, design, and presentation of the teaching-learning activities to encompass the science and performing art of nursing.
Resilience: An Integrated Review
Authors: Daly Lisa Morelli
Published: September 2020

Resilience is a phenomenon discussed by scholars in many disciplines; it holds similar definitions across the human, social, and physical sciences. It is important to understand the phenomenon from a variety of disciplines. Therefore, the author of this article reviews the existing literature on resilience from the disciplines of psychology, sociology, philosophy, education, and nursing. The three themes that emerged from a thorough review of the existing literature were (a) hardiness strengthens the ability to harness resources, (b) regulatory flexibility fosters positive functioning, and (c) challenges enhance the ability to rebound.
Community in Flux
Authors: Bunkers Sandra Schmidt , Hegge Margaret
Published: September 2020

This article describes some of the changes occurring with community in the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The humanbecoming community change model along with other views on community are presented to address some of the living quality questions and challenges of a community in flux.
Language, Simulation, and Human Connectedness: Thoughts During the 2020 Pandemic
Authors: Carroll Karen
Published: September 2020

Language provides cadences of sounds, silences, and movements that bring to light meaning, which in turn transforms human connections, understanding, and knowledge. When coupled with disciplinary knowledge and opportunities to illuminate with simulation, there are opportunities to influence human connectedness, which is meaningful even in times of a pandemic.
Reinventing the People’s House: Time, Space and Activism in Multiethnic Stockholm
Authors: Schierup Carl-Ulrik , Ålund Aleksandra , Kellecioglu Ilhan
Published: September 2020

The paper focuses on an anti-austerity and anti-racist urban movement, emerging from the multiethnic precariat in Sweden’s most disadvantaged metropolitan areas. It has catalysed the reinvention of a common space with roots in the labour movement of the late 19th century, The People’ House, a meme for contemporary community centres, loaded with hopes of contesting racial stigma and structurally conditioned precarity of citizenship and labour. Scrutinising a specific case, the authors address the ambiguous emplacement of a People’s House in a Stockholm wrought by financialisation, polarising processes of segregation, the commodification of welfare institutions and interventions by competing NGO coalitions in a post-political age.
Impact of a Pharmacist-Driven Protocol to Improve Guideline-Concordant Prescribing of Diabetes Medications in Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Freudenberg Dakota L. , Covington Les P. , Young Rodney B. , Lopez Nicole D. , Patel Miti V. , MacLaughlin Eric J.
Published: September 2020

Purpose:

To determine whether a pharmacist-driven protocol improves guideline-concordant prescribing of diabetes medications in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Methods:

A retrospective pre- and post-intervention study was conducted at a university-based family medicine clinic. A pharmacist-driven protocol was implemented which involved the creation of an algorithm recommending specific diabetes medications in patients with ASCVD. An in-service presentation reviewing the algorithm and process for referral of eligible patients to an appointment with a clinical pharmacist was delivered to providers. Clinical pharmacist appointments focus was on improving diabetes management and initiating cardiovascular risk-reducing medications if appropriate.

Results:

A total of 234 patients were screened, and 108 met inclusion criteria. Upon completion of patient outreach, 34% were scheduled with a pharmacist. Forty-three percent of patients (16 of 37) attended the appointment. Of those, 31% were initiated on an evidence-based regimen indicated for diabetes and ASCVD. In comparing pre- to post-implementation of the pharmacist-driven protocol, the rate of guideline-concordant prescribing increased by 48% (3.8% to 5.6%).

Conclusion:

Implementation of a pharmacist-driven protocol can increase guideline-concordant prescribing. However, further exploration of patient- and system-level barriers is necessary to implement such a program more broadly.
Dynamic behaviour of bridges under critical articulated trains: Signature and bogie factor applied to the review of some regulations included in EN 1991-2
Authors: Museros Pedro , Andersson Andreas , Martí Victor , Karoumi Raid
Published: September 2020

The information contained in this paper will be of interest not only to bridge engineers, but also to train manufacturers. The article provides practical insight into the degree of coverage of real articulated trains (ATs) that Eurocode EN1991-2 guarantees. In both the design of new railway bridges, as well as in the assessment of existing ones, the importance of a detailed knowledge of the limits of validity of load models cannot be overemphasised. Being essential components of the rail transportation system, the capacity of bridges to withstand future traffic demands will be determined precisely by the load models. Therefore, accurate definition of the limits of validity of such models reveals crucial when increased speeds and/or increased axle loads are required by transportation pressing priorities. The most relevant load model for a significant portion of the bridges in high-speed railway lines is the so-called HSLM-A model, defined in EN1991-2. Their limits of validity are described in Annex E of such code. For its singular importance, the effects of vibrations induced by HSLM-A are analysed in this paper with attention to the response of simply supported bridges. This analysis is carried out in a view to determine whether the limits of validity given in Annex E of EN1991-2 cover the largest part of cases of interest. Specifically, the vibration effects of HSLM-A are compared with those of the ATs described in such Annex E, and the response is analysed in depth for simply supported bridges, which are structures especially sensitive to passing trains at high speeds. New theoretical approaches have been developed in order to undertake this investigation, including a novel, simplified expression of the train signature for ATs that is convenient for its low computational cost. The mathematical proofs are included in the first part of the paper and two separate appendices.
Microalgal potential for nutrient-energy-wastewater nexus: Innovations, current trends and future directions
Authors: Panda Sandeep , Mishra Srabani , Akcil Ata , Kucuker Mehmet Ali
Published: September 2020

Agricultural, domestic and industrial activities contribute in releasing several organic and inorganic substances into the water streams that result in environmental pollution. Biological treatment of industrial and domestic wastewater using Activated Sludge Nutrient Removal (ASNR), the conventional process, is well known; however, it is relatively expensive due to the requirement for high energy inputs. Microalgal applications have been gaining interest as they offer potential cost-effective measures for the treatment of wastewater in the peri-urban and rural areas. Such systems provide an interesting tertiary biological treatment method where valuable biomass is produced with simultaneous uptake of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous with reduction in coliform bacteria, heavy metals, chemical and biochemical oxygen demand (COD & BOD) and the removal/degradation of xenobiotic compounds etc. This paper provides a systematic review on the current microalgal applications (phycoremediation) for wastewater treatment with advanced information on their role towards nutrient recovery and energy (biogas) production under the third generation biorefinery concept. The use of advanced algal pond systems for wastewater treatment including pollutant degradation, microalgal cultivation and employing such facilities for biogas production in view of technology applications is emphasized. This inter-linked network indicating microalgal role into the Nutrient-Energy-Wastewater nexus with future directions and concluding remarks are discussed.
Prevalence, involved domains, and predictor of cognitive dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Yue Rui , Gurung Ishwor , Long Xin-Xin , Xian Jia-Yi , Peng Xue-Biao
Published: September 2020

Background

Cognitive Dysfunction (CD) can occur in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) before the occurrence of Neuropsychiatric Lupus Erythematosus (NPSLE). Given the reversibility and fluctuation of SLE-related CD, the research for possible predictors is of great significance for early detection and intervention.

Objective

We sought to determine the prevalence, involved domains, and possible predictors of CD in SLE patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study at Nanfang Hospital from 2018 to 2019. A total of 78 SLE patients were recruited. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale was used to screen cognitive function. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics were collected. The serum anti-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) antibody and S100β were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Multivariate logistic regression analysis and ROC curve were used to assess the predictor of SLE-related CD.

Results

Of 78 recruited patients,53 (67.9%) had CD. It mainly involved delayed recall, abstract generalization, verbal repetition, and fluency. The disease activity index (SLEDAI) was not associated with SLE-related CD ( p > 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that an increase in each year of education there was a decrease in the likelihood of CD (OR 0.261, CI 0.080-0.857, p = 0.027) whereas with each unit increase in serum anti-NMDAR antibody there was an increased likelihood of SLE-related CD (OR 1.568, CI 1.073–2.292, p = 0.020).

Conclusion

The prevalence of SLE-related CD was 67.9% in our study and SLE-related CD was not associated with disease activity. Serum anti-NMDAR antibody can be used as a predictor for SLE-related CD.
Analysing body composition as compositional data: An exploration of the relationship between body composition, body mass and bone strength
Authors: Dumuid D , Martín-Fernández JA , Ellul S , Kenett RS , Wake M , Simm P , Baur L , Olds T
Published: September 2020

Human body composition is made up of mutually exclusive and exhaustive parts (e.g. %truncal fat, %non-truncal fat and %fat-free mass) which are constrained to sum to the same total (100%). In statistical analyses, individual parts of body composition (e.g. %truncal fat or %fat-free mass) have traditionally been used as proxies for body composition, and have been linked with a range of health outcomes. But analysis of individual parts omits information about the other parts, which are intrinsically co-dependent because of the constant sum constraint of 100%. Further, body mass may be associated with health outcomes. We describe a statistical approach for body composition based on compositional data analysis. The body composition data are expressed as logratios to allow relative information about all the compositional parts to be explored simultaneously in relation to health outcomes. We describe a recent extension to the logratio approach to compositional data analysis which allows absolute information about the total of the compositional parts (body mass) to be considered alongside relative information about body composition. The statistical approach is illustrated by an example that explores the relationships between adults’ body composition, body mass and bone strength.
Pull-out resistance of shape memory alloy nickel-titanium ribbons embedded in silicone matrix for development of flexible composites
Authors: Gomes da Silva Gleryston Thiago , Nobre Dantas Grassi Estephanie , de Amorim Wanderley Ferreira , de Araújo Carlos José
Published: September 2020

Active flexible composites can be developed through the coupling of silicone matrices and smart materials such as NiTi shape memory alloys (SMA). This work evaluates the mechanical behavior and adhesion of NiTi SMA ribbons embedded in a silicone matrix for the development of active flexible composites. Ribbons with cross-section of 0.15 × 0.8 mm2 were cold-rolled from superelastic NiTi wires with 0.4 mm in diameter. These ribbons were heat treated to either obtain characteristics of superelasticity (SE) or shape memory effect (SME) at room temperature. Silicone, NiTi wire, and ribbons were characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), and tensile tests. Adhesion between SMA ribbons and silicone matrix was evaluated with pull-out tests. The use of an adhesion promoter proved to be indispensable to ensure a good pull-out strength and shear stress at the NiTi ribbon and silicone interface. A silicone rubber cylinder with an embedded SME ribbon was built to evaluate the functionality of the NiTi ribbon in the development of flexible structures, which was demonstrated by the resistive heating and deformation of the SMA/silicone rubber composite.
Mobile Applications for Advance Care Planning: A Comprehensive Review of Features, Quality, Content, and Readability
Authors: McDarby Meghan , Llaneza Danielle , George Login , Kozlov Elissa
Published: September 2020

Mobile applications that facilitate each stage of the advance care planning process (i.e., obtaining knowledge, contemplating options, and acting on decisions) may be one effective way to support patient-centered care and patient autonomy. The purpose of the current review was to identify and evaluate advance care planning mobile applications for patients. Our specific aim was to examine app features, design quality, content, and readability. We searched the Apple iOS and Google Play stores using keywords developed in conjunction with an academic librarian. Two coders with expertise in palliative care applied guidelines from a previous review and used a consensus coding procedure. We also calculated a Flesh Reading Ease score for each app. Nine apps met criteria and could be evaluated. Overall, apps are limited in features and poor in terms of design quality, layout, and functionality. Regarding content, most apps emphasize making decisions or taking action about advance care planning: 6 apps permit users to document a preferred decision maker, and 6 apps offer a mechanism to distribute and share advance care planning documentation. Three apps focus on knowledge about advance care planning, and only 4 support contemplation about advance care planning. Apps range in terms of readability, from very difficult to fairly easy. This review identifies limitations in features, design quality, and content of existing advance care planning mobile apps. We present recommendations based on the results of this review for the development of future advance care planning apps.
Treatment of Lower Extremity Edema by Controlled Subcutaneous Drainage at Home: A Case Report
Authors: Julião Miguel , Costa Elisabeth , Calaveiras Patrícia , Daniel Sara , de Sousa Paulo Faria , Dias Rute
Published: September 2020

Lower severe edema is a common condition faced by advanced cancer patients with an impact on comfort, quality of life, and care planning. Diuresis and mechanical interventions are the mainstream options for the treatment of edema, but, although effective, may not be indicated for frail, bed-bound, and dependent patients cared for in the community setting.

We present a case report of a young female with severe edema to her right lower limb, which accepted controlled subcutaneous fluid drainage at her home. Subcutaneous fluid drainage at home was effective, safe, and feasible and improved the patient’s comfort and well-being.
Revisiting Location in a Digital Age: How Can Lead Markets Accelerate the Internationalization of Mobile Apps?
Authors: Shaheer Noman , Li Sali , Priem Richard
Published: September 2020

Firms strategically expand to countries that offer important location advantages. Yet, for digital firms, which can instantly release their technologies worldwide, it is unclear whether a focus on specific locations can still provide strategic advantages. The authors argue that digital firms reap critical demand-side location advantages for the internationalization of their technologies by strategically interacting with users in lead markets that exhibit either high within-country demand heterogeneity or preference overlaps with several other countries. Simply penetrating a lead market is not enough, however, as both demand-side and supply-side factors influence the digital firm’s potential to take advantage of lead markets. On the demand side, a digital firm should avoid focusing on paying users or acquiring light users. On the supply side, the digital firm must deploy adequate technological and marketing capabilities to benefit from user interactions in lead markets. Thus, the authors link demand-side opportunities and supply-side firm capabilities to develop nuanced theory on how digital firms can spur international expansion. They find empirical support for their arguments by analyzing a large multicounty database of mobile apps in Apple’s App Store.
Patients With Lung Cancer Have High Susceptibility of COVID-19: A Retrospective Study in Wuhan, China
Authors: Dai Meng-Yuan , Chen Zhen , Leng Yan , Wu Meng , Liu Yu , Zhou Fuxiang , Ming Chen , Shao Ningyi , Liu Miao , Cai Hongbing
Published: September 2020

Patients with lung cancer are presumed to be at high risk from COVID-19 infection due to underlying malignancy. A total of 31 COVID-19 patients with pre-diagnosed lung cancer and 186 age and sex matched COVID-19 patients without cancer in 6 hospitals in Wuhan, China were identified in our study. There was a significantly higher level of IL-6 in lung cancer group showed by multifactorial analysis. The restricted mean survival time in 10, 20, and 53 days in COVID-19 patients with lung cancer were ealier than non-cancer COVID-19 patients in the same observation time (all P values < 0.05). Our results indicated that pre-diagnosed lung cancer was associated with higher morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 patients.
Pharmacist value-added to neuro-oncology subspecialty clinics: A pilot study uncovers opportunities for best practices and optimal time utilization
Authors: Lee Grant W , Mathur Anupama D , Andrick Benjamin J , Leese Erika , Zally Durga , Gatson Na Tosha N
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To evaluate neuro-oncology clinician time utilization for medication management and identify a cost beneficial role for integration of a dedicated pharmacy specialists.

Methods

A pharmacist was temporarily integrated into a neuro-oncology clinic for a 30-day period to evaluate the clinical practice and perform a 14-day clinical chart evaluation and patient interactions as part of a single institutional exploratory analysis. The pharmacist completed screenings for drug-drug interactions, new therapies, medication reconciliation, and advanced interventions as part of a collaborative practice agreement for pharmacist autonomy. Pharmacist time spent was calculated and documented within the patient encounters to support physician decision-making. A comparative estimate of pharmacist versus physician time utilization and cost for each was completed to derive a savings analysis for integration of a dedicated clinic pharmacist.

Result

During the 14-day clinical assessment, the pharmacist completed 147 encounters with 338 interventions. Of the encounters, 90% (n = 132) were higher complexity requiring plan modification, and approximately 48% (n = 162) of all interventions required ≥10 minutes of the pharmacist’s time. Physician non-patient-facing time devoted to medication tasks was 5-hours weekly (0.125 FTE, full time equivalents), an estimated direct salary cost of $937/week ($45,000 yearly). Hire of a part-time pharmacist at 0.50 FTE would cover the clinical need with supported documentation and medication monitoring at a cost of $45,000/year.

Conclusion

Defining the roles for dedicated neuro-oncology clinic pharmacists allows for cost-savings through re-allocation of physician time and improves subspecialty clinic operations as well as patient care.
What is the image of refugees in Central European media?
Authors: Průchová Hrůzová Andrea
Published: September 2020

Of late, the national and the international politics of Central Europe have been preoccupied with the issue of migration, an issue labelled ‘the refugee crisis’ by the media. This article examines whether the strong anti-immigrant rhetoric which has become common in the countries of the Visegrad Group (CZ, SK, PL, HU) can also be found in the photographs of refugees produced and circulated by their most popular online media. The systematically designed mixed-method visual analysis, which is applied to pictures from a 1-year period between April 2015 and April 2016, reveals a set of repeatedly displayed visual figures such as a young female victim, children imprisoned behind a fence or a silent mass of bodies. The research shows that these figures are not only common to all the Visegrad countries, but they also significantly correspond to the transnational image of refugees. The text deconstructs a three-part story of the ‘refugee crisis’ and how it was told by Central European online media. It emphasises the stereotypical gender construction of the figures of refugees, links the visual analysis to several theories of the photography of suffering and, finally, provides a description of how a collective symbolic imagination of refugees operates through media in the Central European region.
Trends in older people’s drinking habits, Sweden 2004–2017
Authors: Raninen Jonas , Agahi Neda
Published: September 2020

Aims:

To examine if and how the drinking habits of older people aged 60–79 years in Sweden have changed during 2004–2017, with a specific focus on age groups and gender.

Data and measures:

A Swedish, nationally representative, repeated cross-sectional telephone survey covering the years 2004–2017 ( n = 225,134) was used. Four aspects of alcohol consumption were investigated: proportion of alcohol consumers, frequency of drinking, amount per drinking occasion, and prevalence of heavy episodic drinking.

Results:

Three of the four measures investigated showed increases in alcohol consumption in the older age groups, particularly among women. Proportion of alcohol consumers, frequency of drinking and prevalence of heavy episodic drinking during the past month increased in most older age groups among both women and men, while the average amount per drinking occasion remained stable. Thus, total consumption in older age groups has increased over time, since the proportion of drinkers and the frequency of drinking has increased. Increases were particularly marked among women and in the age groups 70–74 and 75–79 years. In age groups below 60 years, these measures showed either declines or stability.

Conclusions:

There has been a steady increase in alcohol consumption across all the older age groups studied, which implies that the changing drinking habits are not isolated only to certain birth cohorts. Instead there seems to be a continuous shift in older people’s drinking habits which can be expected to continue. However, these increases are from very low levels, and older people’s drinking is still at modest levels. Public health implications must be studied further.