bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance of combined spectral collocation method and artificial compressibility method for 3D incompressible fluid flow and heat transfer
Authors: Zhang Jing-Kui , Cui Miao , Li Ben-Wen , Sun Ya-Song
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a combined method for three-dimensional incompressible flow and heat transfer by the spectral collocation method (SCM) and the artificial compressibility method (ACM), and further to study the performance of the combined method SCM-ACM for three-dimensional incompressible flow and heat transfer.

Design/methodology/approach

The partial differentials in space are discretized by the SCM with Chebyshev polynomial and Chebyshev–Gauss–Lobbatto collocation points. The unsteady artificial compressibility equations are solved to obtain the steady results by the ACM. Three-dimensional exact solutions with trigonometric function form and exponential function form are constructed to test the accuracy of the combined method.

Findings

The SCM-ACM is developed successfully for three-dimensional incompressible flow and heat transfer with high accuracy that the minimum value of variance can reach. The accuracy increases exponentially along with time marching steps. The accuracy is also improved exponentially with the increasing of nodes before stable accuracy is achieved, while it keeps stably with the increasing of the time step. The central processing unit time increases exponentially with the increasing of nodes and decreasing of the time step.

Research limitations/implications

It is difficult for the implementation of the implicit scheme by the developed SCM-ACM. The SCM-ACM can be used for solving unsteady impressible fluid flow and heat transfer.

Practical implications

The SCM-ACM is applied for two classic cases of lid-driven cavity flow and natural convection in cubic cavities. The present results show good agreement with the published results with much fewer nodes.

Originality/value

The combined method SCM-ACM is developed, firstly, for solving three-dimensional incompressible fluid flow and heat transfer by the SCM and ACM. The performance of SCM-ACM is investigated. This combined method provides a new choice for solving three-dimensional fluid flow and heat transfer with high accuracy.
Energy-saving parameterized design of buildings based on genetic algorithm
Authors: Zhang Kele
Published: March 2020

Purpose

With the problem of environment and energy becoming prominent, energy conservation and emission reduction have received more attention. In the using process, buildings not only have the inherent energy consumption but also have the energy consumption of equipment that is installed for improving the indoor environment. This study aims to investigate how to reduce the energy consumption of buildings through utilizing natural resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper briefly introduces three objective functions in the building energy-saving model: building energy consumption, natural lighting and natural ventilation. Genetic algorithm was used to optimize the building parameters to achieve energy conservation and comfort improvement. Then a two-story rental building was analyzed.

Findings

The genetic algorithm converged to Pareto optimal solution set after 10,000 times of iterations, which took 61024 s. The lowest energy consumption of the scheme that was selected from the 70 optimal solutions was 5580 W/(m2K), the lighting coefficient was 5.56% and Pressure Difference Pascal Hours (PDPH) was 6453 h; compared with the initial building parameters, the building energy consumption reduced by 3.40%, the lighting coefficient increased by 11.65% and PDPH increased by 9.54%.

Originality/value

In short, the genetic algorithm can effectively optimize the energy-saving parameters of buildings.
Experiencing time in prison: the influence of books, libraries and reading
Authors: Garner Jane
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to explore the influence of books, libraries and reading on the experience of time within the prison environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Using semi-structured interviews with Australian adult prisoners, and a phenomenological data analysis method, the researcher has been able to identify lived experiences that explain how books, libraries and reading influence the experience of time, within a prison environment.

Findings

Prisoners' experience of time differs from the experience of time outside prison. Unlike readers and library users outside prison, prisoners are motivated to use books, libraries and reading to pass time. They are using books, libraries and reading to assist in their struggle to manage the negative effects of excessive quantities of unstructured time.

Research limitations/implications

Research regarding the motivation to read and use libraries in the general population does not identify the desire to pass time as a factor. In contrast, the current study identifies readers and library users in prisons are strongly motivated to read and visit libraries as a means of passing time. This study adds a new understanding of the motivation to read and visit libraries within prison environments and provides insight into the beneficial influence of prison libraries on prisoner wellbeing.

Originality/value

This research contributes valuable new knowledge regarding the experience of time in prison, and the influence of books, libraries and reading on this experience.
Credit constraint and intra-country production reorganization – Evidence from the unorganized textile industry in Maharashtra
Authors: Dutta Meghna , Dhar Niladri Sekhar
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Evidence suggests that unorganized manufacturing units are extremely credit-starved. The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of such credit unavailability for small firms, and to see if it has altered the erstwhile production organization in a way which has led to the withdrawal of the small firms from both input and output market, leading to increased production outsourcing between the formal and informal firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on data collected from two textile clusters in Maharashtra, India, the study shows that credit unavailability has led small firms to increasingly work for bigger firms as outsourced units. The paper uses a measure of technology and productivity to undertake logistic regression and sub-sample regressions to confirm production reorganization resulting from credit unavailability. This would provide additional insights for standard measures of intra-country intra-industry trade

Findings

The exclusion of the unorganized production units from the formal lending process has, over the years, led to a reorganization of the existing production structure, whereby the small firms are forced to work for bigger formal firms on piece-rate basis. To circumvent their credit issues, the small unorganized sector firms have increasingly started to work for bigger firms as outsourced units.

Originality/value

This is an original research work. The paper fulfils the identified need of addressing how the plaguing social issue of financial exclusion of unorganized firms has led to production reorganization.
君子 Junzi leadership in Singapore: governance and human capital development
Authors: Le Queux Stéphane , Kuah Adrian T.H.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper provides insights as to how a Confucian-inspired Junzi style of leadership translates into initiatives toward human capital development in Singapore. After reviewing tripartite governance in Singapore, we discuss the character of Confucian leadership: how does this value system inform the moral economy of the Singaporean corporatist model and inherently come to impact upon the conception and significance of human capital.

Design/methodology/approach

The case approach was employed using multiple sources of secondary data, supplemented by interviews with high-profile informants in Singapore. Multiple sources led to data triangulation in presenting a mutually consistent set of evidence. The paper also draws from a longitudinal observation of Singapore's industrial relations and human resource development (HRD) policies over the last 10 years since the Global Financial Crisis.

Findings

Organized along two thematic areas: governance and human capital development, this paper proposes and finds that governance in Singapore displays an institutionalized form of Junzi leadership that translates into policymaking toward human capital development.

Originality/value

This paper brings about an Asian perspective of Junzi leadership toward management and governance. The Confucian value system intrinsic to tripartite governance provides an original heuristic lens that helps shed a light on the significance of human capital development in Singapore.
Utilization of recycled hazardous waste bagasse as reinforcement to develop green composite material
Authors: Dwivedi Shashi Prakash , Dwivedi Garima
Published: March 2020

Purpose

In the current scenario, air pollution and soil pollution from the industries wastes are one of the major problems all over the world. Further, disposal of these wastes from industries are very costly. However, several attempts were carried out by various researchers in the past to use these wastes. One of the most common waste products is bagasse from sugar industries. These hazardous bagasse wastes lead to air and soil pollution. This study aims to recycle bagasse waste in the development of aluminium base composite as partial replacement of ceramic particles.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present investigation, recycled bagasse waste was used in the development of aluminium base composite as partial replacement of ceramic particles such as SiC, Al2O3 and B4C. Production industries of these ceramic particles (SiC, B4C and Al2O3) emit huge amount of greenhouse gases such as N2O3, CH4, CO2 and H2O. These green house gases produce lots of environment problem. Furthermore, production of these ceramic particles is also costly. AA6061 aluminium alloy was taken as matrix material. Composite material was developed using the stir casting technique.

Findings

Microstructure results showed proper distribution of bagasse ash and MgO powder in the aluminium base metal matrix composite. It was notified from analysis that minimum corrosion loss and minimum porosity were found for Al/2.5% bagasse ash/12.5% MgO powder composite. For the same composition, hardness and thermal expansion were also observed better as compared to other selected compositions. However, density and cost of composites continuously decrease by increasing percentage of bagasse ash in development of composite.

Originality/value

Results showed about 11.30% improvement in tensile strength, 11.64% improvement in specific strength and 40% improvement in hardness by using bagasse ash as reinforcement with MgO powder in development of aluminium base composite.
Demonstrations, demoralization, and de‐policing
Authors: Marier Christopher J. , Fridell Lorie A.
Published: March 2020

Research Summary

This study examined relationships between public antipathy toward the police, demoralization, and de‐policing using pooled time‐series cross sections of 18,413 surveys from law enforcement officers in 87 U.S. agencies both before and after Ferguson and contemporaneous demonstrations. The results do not provide strong support for Ferguson Effects. Post‐Ferguson changes to job satisfaction, burnout, and cynicism (reciprocated distrust) were negligible. Although Post‐Ferguson officers issued fewer citations and conducted less foot patrol, effect sizes were minimal in magnitude. Cynicism, which was widespread both before and after Ferguson, was associated with reduced officer activity.

Policy Implications

Post‐Ferguson protests in 2014 did not appreciably worsen police morale nor lead to substantial withdrawal from most police work, suggesting that the police institution is resilient to exogenous shocks. Low job satisfaction, however, was associated with fewer citations, and cynicism was negatively associated with both citations issued and community meeting attendance, indicating that agencies may need to address officer attitudes—irrespective of legitimacy crises—to promote proactive policing and community engagement.
Genome‐wide association studies for iris pigmentation and heterochromia patterns in Large White pigs
Authors: Moscatelli G. , Bovo S. , Schiavo G. , Mazzoni G. , Bertolini F. , Dall’Olio S. , Fontanesi L.
Published: March 2020

Eye colour genetics have been extensively studied in humans since the rediscovery of Mendel’s laws. This trait was first interpreted using simplistic genetic models but soon it was realised that it is more complex. In this study, we analysed eye colour variability in a Large White pig population (n = 897) and report the results of GWASs based on several comparisons including pigs having four main eye colour categories (three with both pigmented eyes of different brown grades: pale, 17.9%; medium, 14.8%; and dark, 54.3%; another one with both eyes completely depigmented, 3.8%) and heterochromia patterns (heterochromia iridis – depigmented iris sectors in pigmented irises, 3.2%; heterochromia iridum – one whole eye iris of depigmented phenotype and the other eye with the iris completely pigmented, 5.9%). Pigs were genotyped with the Illumina PorcineSNP60 BeadChip and GEMMA was used for the association analyses. The results indicated that SLC45A2 (on chromosome 16, SSC16), EDNRB (SSC11) and KITLG (SSC5) affect the different grades of brown pigmentation of the eyes, the bilateral eye depigmentation defect and the heterochromia iridis defect recorded in this white pig population respectively. These genes are involved in several mechanisms affecting pigmentation. Significant associations for the eye depigmented patterns were also identified for SNPs on two SSC4 regions (including two candidate genes: NOTCH2 and PREX2) and on SSC6, SSC8 and SSC14 (including COL17A1 as candidate gene). This study provided useful information to understand eye pigmentation mechanisms, further valuing the pig as animal model to study complex phenotypes in humans.
Patient and surgery factors associated with the incidence of failed and difficult intubation
Authors: Schnittker R. , Marshall S.D. , Berecki‐Gisolf J.
Published: March 2020

Estimates of the rate and risk‐factors for difficult airway rarely include a denominator for the number of anaesthetics. Approaches such as self‐reporting and crowd‐sourcing of airway incidents may help identify specific lessons from clinical episodes, but the lack of denominator data, biased reporting and under‐reporting does not allow a comprehensive population‐based assessment. We used an established state‐wide dataset to determine the incidence of failed and difficult intubations between 2015 and 2017 in the state of Victoria in Australia, along with associated patient and surgical risk‐factors. A total of 861,533 general anaesthesia episodes were analysed. Of these, 4092 patients with difficult or failed intubation were identified; incidence rates of 0.52% (2015–2016) and 0.43% (2016–2017), respectively. Difficult/failed intubations were most common in patients aged 45–75 and decreased for older age groups, with risk being lower for patients aged >85 than patients aged 35–44. The risk for failed/difficult intubation increased significantly for: patients undergoing emergency surgery (OR 1.80); obese patients (OR 2.48); increased ASA physical status; and increased Charlson Comorbidity Index. Across all age groups, procedures on the nervous system (OR 1.92) and endocrine system (OR 2.03) had the highest risk of failed/difficult intubation. The relative reduced risk for failed/difficult intubations in the elderly population is a novel finding that contrasts with previous research and may suggest a ‘compression of morbidity’ effect as a moderator. Administrative databases have the potential to improve understanding of peri‐operative risk of rare events at a population level.
Changes of clinical parameters at implants: A retrospective comparison of implants versus natural teeth over 5 years of supportive periodontal therapy
Authors: Sonnenschein Sarah K. , Kohnen Rebecca , Ciardo Antonio , Ziegler Philipp , Seide Svenja , Kim Ti‐Sun
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To compare clinical parameters of implants versus natural teeth over a period of 5 years during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).

Material and Methods

A total of 421 SPT patients were screened for implants (I) and corresponding control teeth (C). Data (patient level [P]: sex, age, smoking status, systemic diseases, adherence, oral hygiene indices, mean probing depth [PD]P, bleeding on probing [BOP]P, periodontal risk profile; implant/control tooth level [I/C]: PDI/C, BOPI/C; site level at implants [SITE]: position, dental arch, aspect, BOPSITE) were assessed at the first SPT session where the implant was probed (T1) and 5 years later (T2). The influence of patient and implant/control‐related factors on PDI/C/BOPI/C was tested (linear mixed model) as well as the influence of site‐specific factors on the PDSITE change (multilevel regression).

Results

A total of 70 patients (151 implants) were included. Mean PDI was 2.75 ± 0.85 mm (T1) and 2.87 ± 0.79 mm (T2). Mean PDC was 2.42 ± 0.66 mm (T1) and 2.49 ± 0.71 mm (T2). BOPI increased from 8.62 ± 15.01% (T1) to 24.06 ± 26.79% (T2) and BOPC from 9.97 ± 17.78% (T1) to 15.52 ± 22.69% (T2). The differences between implants and controls were significant for BOP (p = .0032). At T2, BOPI/C was associated with periodontal risk (p = .0351). The site‐specific analysis revealed an association of BOPSITE at T1 with the progression of PDSITE (p = .0058).

Conclusions

Probing depths of implants and controls seem to change similarly during SPT but retention of inflammation‐free conditions at implants appears to be more difficult compared to natural teeth. Patients with a high‐risk profile appear to have an increased susceptibility for BOP around implants, and BOP at implants seems to be a predictor for further PD increase.
Neoliberalism, accounting, and the transformation of subjectivities in social work: A study on the implementation of personal budgets
Authors: Chow Danny , Bracci Enrico
Published: March 2020

This study examines, through the case of Personal Budgets in England, the role of accounting in transforming the subjectivities of social workers through a Foucauldian lens. The findings show how accounting can reshape the subjectivities of social workers serving as intermediaries responsible for the frontline implementation of neoliberal reforms. It does so through an empirical demonstration on how accounting harnesses an individual's autonomy and responsibility to nurture “productive” relationships between citizens and the state. Furthermore, the findings also highlight the vulnerability of social workers’ subjectivities from the installation of an accounting infrastructure with multiple capabilities. This study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how neoliberal policies transform subjectivities in social work and adds to the literature on accounting's biopolitical role in the reconstitution of such subjectivities. It also addresses the relative neglect of studies examining the role of accounting in neoliberal transformations of social work that, despite its significance for an ageing society and its attendant consequences for public finances, receives far less attention than healthcare reforms.
Chief financial officers’ perceptions of their roles inside nonprofit organizations
Authors: Daff Lyn
Published: March 2020

Chief financial officers (CFOs) are a vital support to the effective management of organizations in all sectors. The focus of this study is the role CFOs play in nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits have unique features impinging on CFOs’ roles. The study analyzed interviews with 15 nonprofit CFOs, drawing on role theory. Participants’ role perceptions clustered around four significant themes: “protector,” “supporter,” “innovator,” and “strategist.” The protector role tended to moderate the innovator role so innovations attempted were low risk. Those who embraced innovation tended to be strategists. Challenges nonprofit CFOs faced owing to the unique features of their sector were found to influence role perceptions and lead to role conflicts and extra‐role activities.
Fabrication and characterization of polymer‐derived high‐entropy carbide ceramic powders
Authors: Du Bin , Liu Honghua , Chu Yanhui
Published: March 2020

Polymer‐derived ceramic (PDC) route has been widely used to fabricate various ceramics or ceramic‐matrix composites in recent years. However, the synthesis of high‐entropy ceramics via PDC route has rarely been reported until now. Herein, we successfully synthesized a class of high‐entropy carbides, namely (Hf0.25Nb0.25Zr0.25Ti0.25)C (HEC‐1), via PDC route. The polymer‐derived HEC‐1 ceramics consisted of numerous superfine particles with the average particle size ~800 nm. Meanwhile, they possessed a rock‐salt structure of metal carbides and high‐compositional uniformity from nanoscale to microscale. In addition, the as‐obtained HEC‐1 ceramics had a low oxygen impurity content of 0.51% and a low free carbon impurity content of 2.56%. This work will open up a new research field on the fabrication of high‐entropy ceramics or high‐entropy ceramic‐matrix composites via PDC route.
Poisson’s ratio of porous and cellular materials with randomly distributed isometric pores or cells
Authors: Uhlířová Tereza , Pabst Willi
Published: March 2020

The porosity dependence of Poisson's ratio of materials with random microstructure is investigated via analytical and numerical modeling. It is shown that all analytical models predict porosity independence if the solid Poisson ratio is 0.2 and for low porosities a converging trend toward this value with increasing porosity. From all theory‐based relations, only power‐law and exponential relations allow for auxetic behavior. Numerical calculations on computer‐generated digital microstructures (overlapping and isolated spherical pores, pores between overlapping spherical grains, wall‐based cellular materials/closed‐cell foams, and strut‐based cellular materials/open‐cell foams) confirm the general qualitative trends of the analytical models, although a closer look reveals significant quantitative differences. Cellular materials and foams exhibit similar features as porous materials in general, but lack their converging trend toward values around 0.2. Comparison of our results with the classical Roberts‐Garboczi results shows good agreement, with subtle differences due to the different microstructures generated.
Caregivers’ and parents’ explanatory models of intellectual disability in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Mkabile Siyabulela , Swartz Leslie
Published: March 2020

Background

Post‐apartheid, understanding and management of intellectual disability remain poor in South Africa, complicated by various contextual and cultural explanations used to describe and conceptualize this condition.

Method

We conducted 20 semi‐structured interviews with primary caregivers and parents of children with intellectual disability residing in Khayelitsha, a low‐income setting in Cape Town, South Africa. We used Kleinman's Explanatory Models (EMs) of illness to explore terms used to describe and conceptualize this condition.

Results

Carers’ explanatory models included biomedical causes, injuries during pregnancy or birth, as well as spiritual causes. It was reported that there were significant difficulties in accessing services and support, and difficulties with coping in the context of extreme poverty and deprivation.

Conclusions

Current findings highlight a need for collaboration between the biomedical and alternative healthcare systems in educating carers and parents regarding intellectual disability.
Impact factor rankings for sleep research journals between 2005 and 2018
Authors: Marshall Nathaniel S. , Hoyos Camilla M.
Published: March 2020

Impact factors and ranking lists of research journals are very often used to judge our career achievements and progression by employers and granting bodies. However, a comprehensive list for the interdisciplinary field of sleep research does not currently exist because our journals tend to be placed into discipline‐specific lists that do not cope well with our historic interdisciplinarity, which embraces many core disciplines. We aimed to build a ranking list specifically for sleep research journals based on the journal impact factor and the google scholar H5 indices. We then searched for all sleep journals given an impact factor by Thomson Reuters from 2005 to 2018 and all journals given a current H5 index by Google Scholar. We provide a ranking list specifically for sleep journals that might be useful for researchers to cite when providing context in their applications for employment, promotion and funding.
53Mn and 60Fe in iron meteorites—New data, model calculations
Authors: Leya Ingo , David Jean‐Christophe , Faestermann Thomas , Froehlich Michaela , Kivel Niko , Koll Dominik , Korschinek Gunther , McIntyre Sarah , Merchel Silke , Pavetich Stefan , Rugel Georg , Schumann Dorothea , Smith Thomas , Wallner Anton
Published: March 2020

We measured specific activities of the long‐lived cosmogenic radionuclides 60Fe in 28 iron meteorites and 53Mn in 41 iron meteorites. Accelerator mass spectrometry was applied at the 14 MV Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility at ANU Canberra for all samples except for two which were measured at the Maier‐Leibnitz Laboratory, Munich. For the large iron meteorite Twannberg (IIG), we measured six samples for 53Mn. This work doubles the number of existing individual 60Fe data and quadruples the number of iron meteorites studied for 60Fe. We also significantly extended the entire 53Mn database for iron meteorites. The 53Mn data for the iron meteorite Twannberg vary by more than a factor of 30, indicating a significant shielding dependency. In addition, we performed new model calculations for the production of 60Fe and 53Mn in iron meteorites. While the new model is based on the same particle spectra as the earlier model, we no longer use experimental cross sections but instead use cross sections that were calculated using the latest version of the nuclear model code INCL. The new model predictions differ substantially from results obtained with the previous model. Predictions for the 60Fe activity concentrations are about a factor of 2 higher, for 53Mn, they are ~30% lower, compared to the earlier model, which gives now a better agreement with the experimental data.
Left ventricular (LV) pacing in newborns and infants: Echo assessment of LV systolic function and synchrony at 5‐year follow‐up
Authors: Silvetti Massimo Stefano , Muzi Giulia , Unolt Marta , D'Anna Carolina , Saputo Fabio Anselmo , Di Mambro Corrado , Albanese Sonia , Ammirati Antonio , Ravà Lucilla , Drago Fabrizio
Published: March 2020

Background

Small retrospective studies reported that left ventricular (LV) pacing is likely to preserve LV function in children with isolated congenital complete atrioventricular block (CCAVB). The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate LV contractility and synchrony in a cohort of neonates/infants at pacemaker implantation and follow‐up.

Methods

Patients with CCAVB who underwent LV pacing were evaluated with electrocardiogram and echocardiogram in a single‐center, prospective study. Data were collected at implantation, at 1‐month and every year of follow‐up, up to 5 years. LV ventricular dimensions (diameters and volumes), systolic function (ejection fraction [EF] and global longitudinal strain [GLS]), and synchrony were evaluated. Data are reported as median (25th‐75th centiles).

Results

Twenty consecutive patients with CCAVB underwent pacemaker implantation (12 single‐chamber pacemaker [VVIR] and eight dual‐chamber pacemaker [DDD]) with epicardial leads: 17 on the LV apex and three on the free wall. Age at implantation was 0.3 months (1 day‐4.5 months). Patients showed good clinical status, normal LV dimensions, preserved systolic function, and synchrony at 60 (30‐60) months follow‐up. EF increased to normal values in patients with preimplantation EF <50%. Presence of antibodies and pacing mode (DDD vs VVIR) had no impact on the outcome.

Conclusions

LV pacing preserved LV systolic function and synchrony in neonates and infants with CCAVB at 5‐year follow‐up. LV EF improved in patients with low preimplantation EF. Pacing mode or the presence of autoantibodies did not demonstrated an impact on LV contractility and synchrony.
Logarithmic calibration for multiplicative distortion measurement errors regression models
Authors: Zhang Jun , Yang Yiping , Li Gaorong
Published: March 2020

In this article, we propose a new identifiability condition by using the logarithmic calibration for the distortion measurement error models, where neither the response variable nor the covariates can be directly observed but are measured with multiplicative measurement errors. Under the logarithmic calibration, the direct‐plug‐in estimators of parameters and empirical likelihood based confidence intervals are proposed, and we studied the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators. For the hypothesis testing of parameter, a restricted estimator under the null hypothesis and a test statistic are proposed. The asymptotic properties for the restricted estimator and test statistic are established. Simulation studies demonstrate the performance of the proposed procedure and a real example is analyzed to illustrate its practical usage.
Rapid Identification of Mycoplasma bovis Strains from Bovine Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry after Enrichment Procedure
Authors: Bokma Jade , Van Driessche Laura , Deprez Piet , Haesebrouck Freddy , Vahl Marianne , Weesendorp Eefke , Deurenberg Ruud H. , Pardon Bart , Boyen Filip
Published: March 2020

Mycoplasma bovis
is a leading cause of pneumonia in modern calf rearing. Fast identification is essential to ensure appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a protocol to identify
M. bovis
from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALf) with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF MS and to determine the diagnostic accuracy in comparison with other techniques. BALf was obtained from 104 cattle, and the presence of
M. bovis
was determined in the following three ways: (i) rapid identification of
M. bovis
with MALDI-TOF MS (RIMM) (BALf was enriched and after 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation and was analyzed using MALDI-TOF MS), (ii) triplex real-time PCR for
M. bovis
,
Mycoplasma bovirhinis
, and
Mycoplasma dispar
, and (iii) 10-day incubation on selective-indicative agar.
Type B lactic acidosis: a rare oncological emergency
Authors: Liu Qiuying Selina , Harji Farzana , Jones Anna , Tarnower Amy C
Published: March 2020

Type B lactic acidosis is a rare metabolic complication of malignancy, more commonly in haematological malignancies. Due to the lack of formal prospective trials, treatment of lactic acidosis associated with malignancy is based on case reports. Given the poor prognosis, early recognition of type B lactic acidosis and prompt treatment are crucial. We report the first case of type B lactic acidosis in metastatic melanoma, followed by a brief literature review on the proposed pathophysiology and treatment.
The mystery of the ureteric stent in the lumen of the terminal ileum
Authors: Jimie Joachim , Siraj Mamoon , Lyttle Margaret , Alaaraj Hazem
Published: March 2020

A 65-year-old comorbid female patient presented to our urology department with a history of multiple interventions to treat severe overactive bladder symptoms. She had a history of clam ileocystoplasty, which was then converted to an ileal conduit due to failure to resolve her symptoms. She subsequently developed multiple complications, most significantly ureteroileal stenosis, managed with bilateral ureteric stents. She later decided on bilateral nephrostomies and subsequent antegrade stent insertion. At follow-up, the proximal end of the left stent remained within the kidney and the distal end was free within the abdominal cavity. There was further migration of the stent in its entirety into the lumen of the terminal ileum on subsequent imaging. She denied any significant gastrointestinal symptoms, signs or peritonitis. Consideration was made for the endoscopic removal of the stent by the gastrointestinal team; however, the patient refused any further procedures preferring to be monitored.
Fulminating deep tissue space infection withStreptococcus constellatuspresenting initially as a sore throat
Authors: Glover Joe , Kovacevic Gorana , Walton Gary , Parr David
Published: March 2020

Management of sore throat requires robust decision-making to balance successfully the conflicting risks of unnecessary antibiotic use against those of untreated bacterial infection. We present a case of fulminant sepsis caused byStreptococcus constellatus,presenting as a sore throat, initially managed conservatively. Despite subsequent appropriate anti-microbial therapy and surgical drainage, contiguous spread ultimately involved the deep neck spaces, mediastinum and thoracic wall, and was complicated by severe aspiration pneumonia, pharyngocutaneous and bronchopleural fistulation. The complexity and widespread extent of the infected spaces, in conjunction with the catabolic response to sepsis, created a life-threatening situation. Surgical closure of the pharyngeal defect, using a pectoralis-major pedicle flap, was successfully undertaken to ensure source control of the infection and heralded a complete recovery. We describe our management of this case, discuss the current approach to the management of patients presenting with a sore throat, and review the literature onS. constellatusinfections.
Reducing the risk of NSAID related gastrointestinal problems: an update
Authors: Bradley Martin
Published: March 2020

Topics for DTB review articles are selected by DTB’s editorial board to provide concise overviews of medicines and other treatments to help patients get the best care. Articles include a summary of key points and a brief overview for patients. Articles may also have a series of multiple choice CME questions.
Current treatment for Wilms tumor: COG and SIOP standards
Authors: Wang Jinhu , Li Minju , Tang Daxing , Gu Weizhong , Mao Junqing , Shu Qiang
Published: March 2020

Background

Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common renal malignant tumor in children. It occurs primarily at preschool age. The purpose of this review is to present current standards of diagnosis and treatment of WT around the world.

Data sources

All the recent literature on diagnosis and treatment of WT were searched and reviewed.

Results

Most cases with WT are sporadic. The current survival in patients with WT is high (90%). Involvement of mutidisciplinary collaborative groups in the diagnosis and treatment of WT. National Wilms Tumor Study Group (NWTSG)/Children’s Oncology Group (COG) and The International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) are two major guidelines used for the current management of WT worldwide. The major difference exists in the two guidelines is the timing of surgery: SIOP recommends using preoperative chemotherapy, and NWTSG/COG prefers using primary surgery before any adjuvant treatments.

Conclusions

Most patients with WT have good overall survival outcomes. Further studies should be highlighted on how to use chemotherapy and radiotherapy under more accurate risk-stratified strategies. Surgeons must be more focusing on how to maximize preoperative and postoperative treatment possibilities for achieving optimal results of patients with WT.
Treatment efficacy of tolterodine versus belladonna mixture in children with idiopathic overactive bladder
Authors: Xu Zheming , Wu Dehua , Tao Chang , Zhou Juan , Zheng Zhihui , Tang Daxing
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Children with symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency and incontinence are common in the clinic. The aim of the present study was to compare the tolerability and efficacy of tolterodine, a bladder-selective muscarinic receptor antagonist, with belladonna mixture, a traditional anticholinergic drug, in the treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder in children.

Methods

Children aged 5–10 years with a history of diurnal urgency, frequency and incontinence were randomly divided into two groups. Participants in group 1 were given tolterodine 1 mg twice a day for 14 days. If the results were found to be mildly ineffective, after the first 14 days of therapy, prolonged course with 2 mg twice a day was given. In group 2, the children were treated with belladonna mixture 5 mL twice a day for 14 days. Anticholinergic side effects were recorded during the therapy and efficacy was evaluated with voiding diary recorded by the parents at the beginning and end of therapy.

Results

A total of 668 cases were included in this study and 334 for each 25 group (496 boys and 172 girls). Evident anticholinergic side effects which could cease the therapy, such as dry mouth, constipation, mood changes, irritability, and so on, exhibited only on 2% of participants in the tolterodine group but 69% in the belladonna mixture group (p≤0.05). The symptoms of detrusor overactivity disappeared or significantly improved in 80% of children in the tolterodine group and 37% in the belladonna mixture (p≤0.05) group.

Conclusions

Tolterodine had better tolerability and efficacy than belladonna mixture in treating overactive bladder in children.
CT quantification of ventricular volumetric parameters based on semiautomatic 3D threshold-based segmentation in porcine heart and children with tetralogy of Fallot: accuracy and feasibility
Authors: Xu Jiajun , Tian Yangfan , Wang Jinhua , Xu Weize , Shi Zhuo , Fu Jianzhong , Shu Qiang
Published: March 2020

Background

To investigate the accuracy and feasibility of CT in quantification of ventricular volume based on semiautomatic three-dimensional (3D) threshold-based segmentation in porcine heart and children with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF).

Methods

Eight porcine hearts were used in the study. The atria were resected and both ventricles of the eight porcine hearts were filled with solidifiable silica gel and performed CT scanning. The water displacement volume of silica gel casting mould was referred as gold standard of ventricular volume. Results of left and right ventricular volumes measured by CT were compared with reference standard. Twenty-three children diagnosed with TOF were retrospectively included. The ventricular volumetric parameters were assessed by cardiac CT before and 6 months after surgery.

Results

Left ventricular and right ventricular volumes of porcine hearts measured by CT were highly correlated to casting mould (r=0.845, p=0.008; r=0.933, p=0.001), and there were no statistically significant differences (t=−1.059, p=0.325; t=−1.121, p=0.299). In children with TOF, right ventricular end-systole volumes 6 months after operation were higher than that before surgery, 21.93±4.44 vs 19.80±4.52 mL/m2, p=0.001. Right ventricular ejection fractions 6 months after surgery were lower compared with that before surgery 59.79%±4.26% vs 63.05%±5.04%, p=0.000.

Conclusions

CT is able to accurately assess ventricular volumetric parameters based on semiautomatic 3D threshold-based segmentation. Both of the right and left ventricular volumetric parameters could be evaluated by CT in children with TOF.
Comparison of inconclusive rates between suction rectal biopsy and open strip rectal biopsy in children of different age groups: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Ng Liet Hing Cedric Ian , Teng Roy , Porrett Liesel , Thompson Richard
Published: March 2020

Background

Rectal biopsy for the diagnosis for Hirschsprung's disease (HD) can be performed in several ways. Suction rectal biopsy (SRB) is the most widely used method for neonates and younger infants while open strip biopsy (OSB) is reserved for older children. Current notions suggest that SRB should not be used in older infants due to perceived thicker fibrous tissue in their rectal walls leading to higher rates of inconclusive results. This study aims to compare the inconclusive rates of both methods in children of different age groups.

Methods

A retrospective study were carried out with patients aged 13 years who underwent SRB or OSB during a 4-year period in a single center. Rectal biopsies were performed on patients with HD with previous endorectal pull-through surgeries excluded. Primary outcomes were rates of inconclusive results for SRB and OSB overall and when divided into different age groups.

Results

79 biopsies (57 SRB and 22 OSB) were included in the study. 12 biopsies (9 SRB and 3 OSB) were deemed inconclusive. There was no significant difference in the rate of inconclusive results between patients underwent SRB and OSB overall (15.8% vs 13.6%, p=1.000). The same results were obtained when patients were divided into under one year and over one year groups or other different age groups (30.0% vs 33.3%, p=1.000).

Conclusions

Despite low biopsy numbers, our study suggests that SRB provides comparable rates of inconclusive results with OSB in children of all age groups.
Prevention and control strategies for emergency, limited-term, and elective operations in pediatric surgery during the epidemic period of COVID-19
Authors: Tang Daxing , Tou Jinfa , Wang Jinhu , Chen Qingjiang , Wang Wei , Huang Jinjin , Zhao Hangyan , Wei Jia , Xu Zheming , Zhao Dongyan , Fu Junfen , Shu Qiang
Published: March 2020

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread to more than 100 countries. Children approved to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Preventing and controlling the epidemic while ensuring orderly flows of pediatric surgery clinical work has proven to be a big challenge for both patients and clinicians during the epidemic. Based on the transmission characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and the requirements for prevention and control of COVID-19, the authors proposed some concrete measures and practical strategies of managing emergency, limited-term, and elective pediatric surgeries during the epidemic period.
Thermoacoustics as a tool for teaching thermodynamics in secondary schools
Authors: Tasnádi Anikó Márta
Published: March 2020

This article presents a possible way of teaching thermodynamic cyclic processes to secondary school students and also explains the importance of teaching heat pumps. Two simple classroom experiments demonstrating heat engines and heat pumps are described. The first is a thermoacoustic test-tube heat engine, which emits a loud sound due to heating. The second is the reverse, a thermoacoustic refrigerator, where a temperature difference is generated by a loud sound. A qualitative, secondary school level explanation of the observed phenomena is suggested. To quantify the performance of different cyclic processes, the terms efficiency and coefficient of performance are introduced and defined.
Elastic scattering phase shift generalizations to two spin-3 2 particles: On the determination of Ω–Ω scattering phase amplitudes in elongated boxes
Authors: Li Ning , Liu Chao-Chen , Wu Ya-Jie
Published: March 2020

The relationship between the elastic scattering phase shifts of the [Formula: see text] system and the two-particle energy spectrum in elongated boxes is established in center-of-mass frame under periodic boundary conditions. The formulas are also extended to cubic boxes to confirm the results in elongated boxes. Our analytical results will be helpful to the study of [Formula: see text] interaction on lattice by using Lüscher’s finite volume method.
Effects of Nintedanib in an Animal Model of Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Wollin Lutz , Togbe Dieudonnée , Ryffel Bernhard
Published: March 2020

Systemic sclerosis can affect multiple internal organs, including the liver and lungs. Nintedanib, an antifibrotic approved for treatment of interstitial lung disease associated with systemic sclerosis, may have activity outside of the lungs. This study explored the effect of preventive and therapeutic nintedanib treatment in a 3‐week carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)‐induced (500 mg/kg/day twice weekly for 3 weeks) model of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in C57Bl/6 mice (aged 8 weeks, n = 5 per group). Mice also received nintedanib (30 or 60 mg/kg/day) either each day for 21 days (preventive treatment) or from day 7 or day 14 (therapeutic treatment). Preventive nintedanib treatment at both doses significantly reduced CCL4‐induced increases in myeloperoxidase (p < 0.01), hepatic collagen (p < 0.001), and interleukin (IL)‐6 (p < 0.01) in the liver. Nintedanib also significantly reduced hepatic necrosis (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05), inflammation (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05), fibrosis (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05) and IL‐1β (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001) at both 30 and 60 mg/kg/day, respectively. Therapeutic treatment with nintedanib at 30 and 60 mg/kg/day significantly reduced CCL4‐induced serum alanine aminotransferase from day 7 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001) and day 14 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05), respectively. Increases in tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 were significantly reduced by nintedanib at 60 mg/kg/day from day 7 only (p < 0.001), and nintedanib completely blocked elevation of IL‐6 and IL‐1β levels regardless of dose or start of treatment (p < 0.05–p < 0.001). In both the preventive and therapeutic treatment schedules of the study, nintedanib treatment was beneficial in attenuating CCL4‐induced pathology and reducing hepatic injury, inflammation, and fibrosis, demonstrating that nintedanib has antifibrotic and anti‐inflammatory activity outside of the lungs.
Antioxidant and Nephroprotective Effects of Okra Pods Extract (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) against Lead Acetate-Induced Toxicity in Mice
Authors: Wahyuningsih Sri Puji Astuti , Savira Nadyatul Ilma Indah , Anggraini Devinta Wahyu , Winarni Dwi , Suhargo Listijani , Kusuma Baskara Wiku Adi , Nindyasari Faradita , Setianingsih Nur , Mwendolwa Adamu Ayubu
Published: March 2020

In this study, we determine the curative effects of okra pods (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) extract against lead acetate toxicity in mice kidney. n-Hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol solvent were used for extracting okra pods. The role of the extract as an antioxidant was tested by DPPH and FRAP methods. The methanol extract was used for experiments in animals. A total of 30 male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six equal groups: normal control, negative control (lead-induced), and treatment groups (lead-induced for 28 days and administration of methanol extract at doses of 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW for the 28 days). The following were analyzed in all groups: activity of the antioxidant enzymes, namely, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT); oxidant level, namely, malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO); and markers of kidney injury, namely, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cre). Kidney histopathology was also evaluated. This study showed that the methanol extract showed the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 is 35.21 µg/mL, and FRAP is 57.58 µM Fe2+/g). The CAT and SOD activities increased significantly in okra-treated groups (P<0.05). The okra administration groups experienced a significant decrease in MDA, NO, BUN, and Cre levels (P<0.05). Thickness of the epithelial proximal tubule, diameter of the proximal tubule, and percentage of necrotic cells in proximal tubule decreased, but the diameter ratio of glomerular Bowman’s capsule in mice treated with okra was optimally improved and repaired like normal control (P<0.05). The results of this study reveal that methanol extract has a very strong antioxidant effect and can reduce the influence of toxicity induced by lead acetate in mice kidney.