bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Quality Analysis of Bony Specimens for Optimal Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) Decalcification
Authors: Craig J. Cody , Freeman Michelle , Walton Schaundra , Rogers Demonica , Mehrad Mitra , Gordetsky Jennifer B.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Weak acids, such as etheylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), chelate calcium ions from the surface of tissues, decalcifying slowly but preserving molecular structures for ancillary testing. There is a need for optimization of EDTA protocols for specimen decalcification. We studied the effects of EDTA on different types of bony specimens for quality assurance. Methods: Specimens included: proximal femur curettage (0.7 g), fibula shave (1 mm thick, 0.5 g), tibia shave (2 mm thick, 0.9 g), and femur 11-gauge core biopsies. Curettage and shave specimens were placed in formalin then EDTA (Newcomersupply, Middleton, WI, USA) with continuous stirring. Specimens were removed at 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours. Core biopsies were processed in EDTA with heat at 4, 8, 12, and 16 hours. X-ray imaging (Kubtec Xpert 40, Stratford, CT, USA) was obtained. Histological processing was attempted and H&E slides compared to radiologic imaging. Results: Fibula and tibia sections showed appropriate radiolucency at 120 hours and 7 days, respectively. Curettage specimens showed radiolucency of medullary bone at 48 hours. Curettage and fibula sections showed quality histology at 96 hours and 120 hours, respectively. Quality tibia sections were obtained at 7 days, requiring one hour of additional block surface decalcification with 1% HCL solution. Medullary and cortical core biopsies showed quality histology at 12 and 16 hours with heat, respectively. Conclusion: Imaging can determine appropriate decalcification of bony specimens. Medullary bone undergoes more rapid decalcification in EDTA than cortical bone. EDTA decalcification is best used for curettage and core biopsy specimens.
Guarding the Firewall: How Political Journalists Distance Themselves From the Editorial Endorsement Process
Authors: Perreault Gregory , Kananovich Volha , Hackett Ella
Published: March 2022

Through a lens of boundary work and role conception, this study seeks to understand how political journalists discursively construct the role of the newspaper editorial endorsement. Researchers conducted long-form interviews with political journalists in the United States ( n = 64) to understand how journalists conducted boundary work relative to endorsements. Journalists argued that the 2016 election was a decisive event in which political news endorsements lost their original objective. Political journalists described laboring to discursively distance themselves from the endorsement process and viewed political endorsements not only as ineffective, but also as jeopardizing their news organizations’ independence.
Long-term outcome of spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection in different angiographic types
Authors: Liu Dingxiao , Shu Chang , Li Ming , Li Xin , Yang Chenzi , Zhang Weichang
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study aimed to compare the follow-up and outcomes of spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD) in different angiographic types and to determine the optimal therapeutic options for SISMAD patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 61 SISMAD patients between December 2010 and January 2019 in a single center. Data analysis consisted of demographics, clinical data, radiology review, treatment, follow-up, and outcomes.

Results

A total of 61 SISMAD patients were reviewed in this study. Median age was 53 (quartile, 47.5–63.0), 90.2% were males with hypertension (50.8%), dyslipidaemia (54.1%), and smoking history (60.7%). Among all, 43 patients underwent periodic follow-up of computed tomography (CT) angiography for follow-up analysis. 11 (25.6%) patients showed “No Change” during follow-up, including 6 type I patients. 23 patients (53.5%) were “Partially Remodelled” and 18 of them were type II patients. 7 “Completely Remodelled” patients (16.3%) were all in type II group. Two type III patients (4.6%) died after the emergent surgical intervention within 30 days.

Conclusions

Different SISMAD angiographic types present with variant progression. Type I SISMAD may be inclined to remain “unchanged.” Type II SISMAD shows a clear trend to remodeling, especially type IIb patients. The progression of type III SISMAD varies in the extent of collateral bypasses.
Winning the second half: The perceived and actual impact of the coach's half-time speech on basketball players’ performance
Authors: Zach Sima , Avugos Simcha , Bakalo-Kuffler Liat , Bar-Eli Michael
Published: March 2022

This study was designed to explore coaches’ half-time speeches and whether players perceive these speeches as having an impact on their performance later in the game. A mixed-methods convergent design was used. Participants were nine male basketball players aged 19–34 (M = 27, SD = 4.76) from a team playing in the Israeli Basketball Premier League, as well as their head coach (aged 41) and two assistant coaches (aged 51 and 34). Data were collected on the coach's speeches at half-time in games during the regular season. In addition, face-to-face semi-structured interviews with the players and the two assistant coaches were conducted at midseason. The average speech duration was approximately 3 min, and messages were delivered at an average pace of one theme every 13 s. The most frequent theme was psychological, with more negative themes delivered compared to positive ones. Psychological themes appeared 50% more than informational. We discuss the differences in the features of the talks between games in which the team was trailing at half-time, and games in which they reached half-time with a leading score. A surprising gap exists between the participants’ perception regarding the contribution of the half-time speech to players’ performance, and the actual score at the end of the game.
Drive-Through Urgent Care Centers: Could They Be the Future of Healthcare Facilities?
Authors: Aghaei Parsa , Bayramzadeh Sara , Ahmadpour Sahar
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study assessed the perception of people toward drive-through healthcare services, their willingness to use them, and the scope of services they would like to receive in a post-pandemic world.

Background

The abrupt spread of COVID-19 urged healthcare facilities to adopt new infection-control measures. Drive-through testing facilities were implemented as one of the measures to minimize physical contact between healthcare workers and test-takers. Many studies describe drive-through models’ merits, but people’s opinions about them as a permanent attachment to healthcare facilities are unclear.

Methods

An online survey was distributed through snowball sampling. The survey solicited feedback from adults who lived in the United States. The survey consisted of Likert-type and multiple-choice questions and was completed by176 eligible participants.

Results

The use of drive-through pharmacies increased after the spread of COVID-19. Most people agreed drive-through healthcare services could be more convenient and safer to use. People prefer to have their vitals checked, and vaccinations received in a drive-through because of the improved infection-control matters and increased comfort; however, they are neutral about the level of privacy they have and the hygiene of drive-through healthcare settings.

Conclusions

This study shows permanent drive-throughs offering medical services benefit people in times of crisis for the perceived infection control purposes and the improved convenience. A drive-through model can redefine the waiting experience and serve as a new safe triage system in urgent care centers. Drive-through urgent care centers can be adopted as a hybrid of telemedicine and in-person visits.
Ne bis in idem in the context of an Interpol red notice: Effective law enforcement versus fundamental right (case note on C-505/19 WS)
Authors: Heimrich Chad , Scharpf Michaela
Published: March 2022

This case note examines the Court of Justice of the European Union’s decision in WS (C-505/19) concerning the application of the ne bis in idem principle enshrined in Article 54 CISA and Article 50 Charter in the context of an Interpol red notice. It examines whether a person may be provisionally detained on the basis of a red notice in cases where investigation proceedings have previously been closed by a judicial decision. The case note closes with a commentary on the decision as well as an outlook for legal practitioners in the field.
Characteristics of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients Pre- and During COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learnt From a National Referral Hospital in Indonesia
Authors: Yunir Em , Tarigan Tri Juli Edi , Iswati Eni , Sarumpaet Angela , Christabel Eunike Vania , Widiyanti Delina , Wisnu Wismandari , Purnamasari Dyah , Kurniawan Farid , Rosana Martha , Anestherita Fitri , Muradi Akhmadu , Tahapary Dicky L.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most terrifying diabetic complications for patients, due to the high mortality rate and risk for amputation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many diabetic patients limited their visits to the hospital, resulting in delays for treatment especially in emergency cases.

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the characteristics of patients with DFU pre- and during COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study using foot registry data. We compared our patients’ characteristics pre-COVID-19 pandemic period (1 March 2019-28 February 2020) and during COVID-19 pandemic period (1 March 2020-28 February 2021).

Results:

Cohorts of 84 and 71 patients with DFU pre- and during COVID-19 pandemic period, respectively, were included in this study. High infection grade (66.7% vs 83.1%, P = .032), osteomyelitis event (72.6% vs 87.3%, P = .04), leukocyte count (15 565.0/μL vs 20 280.0/μL, P = .002), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (7.7 vs 12.1, P = .008), waiting time-to-surgery (39.0 h vs 78.5 h, P = .034), and number of major amputation (20.2% vs 39.4%, P = .014) were significantly higher during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Conclusion:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with DFU had more severe infection, higher proportion of osteomyelitis, longer waiting time for getting surgical intervention, and higher incidence of major amputation.
Adaptation and Validation of the Spine Oncology Study Group Outcomes Questionnaire in Italian Language
Authors: Brodano Giovanni Barbanti , Pesce Eleonora , Griffoni Cristiana , Carretta Elisa , Noli Luigi Emanuele , Errani Costantino , Trentin Federica , Leopardi Martina Piccinni , Mavilla Loredana , Gasbarrini Alessandro
Published: March 2022

Study design

Prospective observational study

Objective

The population of patients with advanced stages of cancer, including metastatic spinal disease, is growing because of better treatment options allowing for longer control of disease. The main goal of treatment for these patients is to improve or maintain their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). A spine oncology-specific outcome measure has been developed by the Spine Oncology Study Group and validated through international studies. We proposed to translate and validate the questionnaire in Italian language.

Methods

The cross-cultural adaptation of the questionnaire has been performed according to guidelines previously proposed. After this process, an observational prospective study has been conducted to validate the efficacy of SOSGOQ in Italian language. SOSGOQ has been compared to SF-36 (Short Form Health Survey-36), a generic validated questionnaire to assess HRQOL. Starting from January 2020, SOSGOQ and SF-36 questionnaires were auto-administered to 150 patients affected by spinal metastases who provided written informed consent for study participation.

Results

The confirmatory factor analysis on the 4 domains examined showed a good model fit (comparative fit index, .95; RMSEA .07 (90% CI, .05-.09) and SRMR, .05), endorsing construct validity. The analysis of concurrent validity demonstrated strong correlation for physical function, pain and mental health domains with the corresponding domain scores of SF-36. The reliability across item was high with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .91.

Conclusions

The statistical analysis of the results will allow to accept the Italian version of SOSGOQ as a specific and efficient tool to measure HRQOL in Italian-speaking patients affected by spinal metastases.
Radiological Features in Type II Odontoid Fractures in Older Adults After High- and Low-Energy Trauma
Authors: Lenga Pavlina , Issa Mohammed , Krull Lennart , Kiening Karl , Unterberg Andreas W. , Schneider Till , Oskouian Rod J. , Chapman Jens R. , Ishak Basem
Published: March 2022

Study design

Retrospective study.

Objectives

Although type II odontoid fractures mainly occur due to high-energy trauma (HET), the number of odontoid type II fractures after low-energy trauma (LET) in the elderly is on the rise. However, there is a paucity of conclusive evidence on the relationship between trauma mechanism and cervical spine alignment in the elderly population. Consequently, we examined cervical alignment and osteoporotic and osteoarthritic patterns in elderly individuals (aged ≥65 years) with type II odontoid fractures.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed cervical spine alignment in 76 elderly individuals who experienced type II odontoid fractures after HET (n = 36) and LET (n = 40) between 2005 and 2020. Osteoporotic and osteoarthritic changes on computed tomography and cervical alignment parameters on sagittal plane radiographs were examined.

Results

Moderate and severe osteoporosis of the dens-body junction and osteoarthritis of the atlanto-odontoid joint were more prevalent in the LET than the HET group ( P<.005). The anterior atlantodental interval (ADI) was significantly smaller in the LET group than in the HET group (.7 [.7] millimeter vs 1.2 [.8] mm; P=.003). An ADI equal 0 mm indicative for anterior fusion of C1/C2 was present in 37.5% of patients of the LET group. The C0-C2 angle, C1-C2 lordosis, and C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis were significantly different (HET vs LET: 33.2 [7.2]° vs 41.6 [11.4]°, P=.005; 28.1 [7.0]° vs 34.0 [8.0]°, P=.002; and 16.1 [11.1] millimeter vs 27.1 [12.4] mm, P=.008; respectively).

Conclusion

Significantly higher rates of osteoporotic and degenerative changes were observed after LET. Furthermore, previous cervical malalignment represents a risk factor for type II odontoid fractures after LET.
A Proposed Multi-Criteria Optimization Approach to Enhance Clinical Outcomes Evaluation for Diabetes Care: A Commentary
Authors: Wan Thomas T.H. , Matthews Sarah , Luh Hsing , Zeng Yong , Wang Zhibo , Yang Lin
Published: March 2022

There are several challenges in diabetes care management including optimizing the currently used therapies, educating patients on selfmanagement, and improving patient lifestyle and systematic healthcare barriers. The purpose of performing a systems approach to implementation science aided by artificial intelligence techniques in diabetes care is two-fold: 1) to explicate the systems approach to formulate predictive analytics that will simultaneously consider multiple input and output variables to generate an ideal decision-making solution for an optimal outcome; and 2) to incorporate contextual and ecological variations in practicing diabetes care coupled with specific health educational interventions as exogenous variables in prediction. A similar taxonomy of modeling approaches proposed by Brennon et al (2006) is formulated to examining the determinants of diabetes care outcomes in program evaluation. The discipline-free methods used in implementation science research, applied to efficiency and quality-of-care analysis are presented. Finally, we illustrate a logically formulated predictive analytics with efficiency and quality criteria included for evaluation of behavioralchange intervention programs, with the time effect included, in diabetes care and research.
“Let Me Show You How I Think About This Problem…”: Impactful Nuances of Shared Medical Decision-Making
Authors: Rouhi Armaun D , Millstein Jeffrey H
Published: March 2022

Shared decision-making is a key component of patient-centered care. In this clinical vignette, we illustrate the value of bringing patients into the clinical thought process as part of shared decision-making.
Benefits and concerns associated with blockchain-based health information exchange (HIE): a qualitative study from physicians' perspectives
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Pouyan
Published: March 2022

Background

Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize information sharing in companies. Many studies suggest using blockchain-powered platforms to replace existing mechanisms for health information exchange (HIE) across healthcare organizations. However, very few blockchain-based projects have been implemented in the healthcare sector. This study takes a qualitative approach to explore benefits, concerns, and barriers to the rollout of blockchain in HIE projects from physicians' perspectives.

Methods

The Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) framework was used to help us better understand root causes, existing problems, perceived risks, perceived benefits, and suggestions. In-depth interviews have been conducted with 38 physicians in six months. The data were analyzed and coded using NVIVO to classify conceptually similar themes mentioned by the interviewees.

Results

In total, seven themes have been identified. The key benefits are categorized into three themes: innovative technological features, collaborative ecosystem, and system performance. The main concerns and risks are categorized into four themes: individual, organizational, technological, and market-related issues. The findings can contribute to knowledge by highlighting key values expected from blockchain technology in HIEs. The results also explore obstacles to leveraging the blockchain in healthcare from the perspectives of an important stakeholder (physicians).

Conclusions

The results show that although blockchain technology may create several benefits (e.g., innovative technological features, collaborative ecosystem, and system performance), its applications in healthcare are still in their early stages. The perceptions of the individual issues (e.g., lack of knowledge), organizational issues (e.g., implementation issues), technological issues (e.g., blockchain model types), and market-related issues (e.g., regulatory concerns) indicate that blockchain-based applications in healthcare continue to be an emerging field. This study has practical implications as understanding these concerns can help developers and healthcare managers identify potential issues in the planning, developing, and implementing blockchain-based HIE systems. Addressing these barriers would support the widespread use of blockchain-based HIEs in different healthcare settings and facilitate interoperability and connectivity in regional and community health information networks.
Neurobiological and epigenetic perspectives on hedonism, altruism and conscience
Authors: De Silva Prasanna N.
Published: March 2022

This article examines notions of hedonism, altruism and conscience in relation to the activity of four neurotransmitter pathways: the dopamine reward, noradrenaline fight or flight, serotonin calming and glutamine learning pathways. Associated brain areas that modulate behaviour are highlighted: the prefrontal cortex (activity planning, risk mitigation), the hippocampus (memory retrieval) and the insular cortex (integration of information to decide on action). Putative epigenetic changes influencing adult behaviours after childhood privation are discussed. Pharmacological and psychological means of mitigating harmful behaviours are summarised, alongside the ethics of epigenetic screening to predict future addictive and violent tendencies.
A World of Entrepreneurs: The Establishment of International Agribusiness During the Spanish Pork and Poultry Boom, 1950–2000
Authors: CLAR ERNESTO
Published: March 2022

The development of intensive livestock farming in Western Europe after 1950 has been somewhat overlooked by historians, except in a number of macroeconomic works. This process has generally been understood as the application of the American agribusiness model to the European livestock sector through the direct and vertical connection between large feed companies and local farmers. Spain is a good place to test this idea, given the phenomenal expansion experienced by its livestock sector in the second half of the twentieth century and the strong influence large multinational, particularly American, feed manufacturers had on this growth. Oral histories offer insight into the microeconomic forces at work in the recent development of Spanish livestock farming and highlight the role of local entrepreneurs in the establishment of livestock agribusiness.
Ανάπτυξη εργαλείων για την υποστήριξη λήψης αποφάσεων στην παράκτια ζώνη
Authors: Πατέρα Αναστασία
Published: March 2022

H υπέρμετρη ανάπτυξη του πληθυσμού στις παράκτιες ζώνες και των παράκτιων και θαλάσσιων δραστηριοτήτων έχουν οδηγήσει στην αύξηση των πιέσεων στις περιοχές αυτές οι οποίες θεωρούνται ύψιστης περιβαλλοντικής και οικονομικής σημασίας. Οι εν λόγω δραστηριότητες αυξάνονται συνεχώς σε αριθμό και ένταση, με αποτέλεσμα να γίνονται πολλές φορές ανταγωνιστικές μεταξύ τους ή να έχουν αρνητικές επιπτώσεις στο περιβάλλον. Κατά συνέπεια, υπάρχει ανάγκη για κατάλληλες μεθόδους και εργαλεία για την αξιολόγηση της υφιστάμενης κατάστασης και τον σχεδιασμό των μελλοντικών δραστηριοτήτων, ώστε να διασφαλιστεί η μακροχρόνια παροχή των παράκτιων και θαλάσσιων οικοσυστημικών υπηρεσιών. Κατάλληλα μέτρα τόσο σε ευρωπαϊκό όσο και σε εθνικό επίπεδο έχουν θεσμοθετηθεί κατά καιρούς ώστε η ανάπτυξη των οικονομικών δραστηριοτήτων να εξασφαλίζει τη βιωσιμότητα του περιβάλλοντος.Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή προτείνονται μεθοδολογίες οι οποίες είναι ικανές να υποστηρίξουν τη διαδικασία λήψης αποφάσεων στη διαχείριση της παράκτιας ζώνης προάγοντας σε μεγάλο βαθμό τη συμμετοχικότητα διαφόρων ομάδων στη λήψη των αποφάσεων αυτών. Καινοτομία της διδακτορικής διατριβής αποτελεί ο συνδυασμός διαφόρων χωρικών / πολυκριτηριακών μεθόδων για τον σκοπό αυτό, η ενσωμάτωσή και λειτουργία τους σε περιβάλλον διαδικτυακού ΓΣΠ και η εφαρμογή τους στον Ελλαδικό χώρο. Με τα εργαλεία που αναπτύχθηκαν είναι δυνατή η αξιολόγηση της κατάστασης ευτροφισμού στο θαλάσσιο περιβάλλον, η διαχείριση της παράκτιας ζώνης και η υποστήριξη της διαδικασίας λήψης αποφάσεων συνεκτιμώντας κοινωνικο-οικονομικά και περιβαλλοντικά κριτήρια, η μελέτη των υφιστάμενων συγκρούσεων δραστηριοτήτων στη θαλάσσια και παράκτια ζώνη, η αξιολόγηση της έντασης των συγκρούσεων αυτών λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τις υπάρχουσες περιβαλλοντικές πιέσεις και η υποστήριξη της εφαρμογής εναλλακτικών σεναρίων χωροθέτησης δραστηριοτήτων στο πλαίσιο του θαλάσσιου χωροταξικού σχεδιασμού.Τα εργαλεία που αναπτύχθηκαν είναι διαθέσιμα διαδικτυακά και η εφαρμογή τους είναι εφικτή μέσω διαδικτυακής δι-επιφάνειας Γεωγραφικού Συστήματος Πληροφοριών που αναπτύχθηκε για τον σκοπό αυτόν η οποία είναι φιλική προς τον χρήστη. Η εφαρμογή των εργαλείων και τα αποτελέσματα, τους οπτικοποιούνται στη διαδικτυακή επιφάνεια με τρόπο κατανοητό ακόμη και για χρήστες που δεν έχουν εξειδικευμένες γνώσεις στα Γεωγραφικά Συστήματα Πληροφοριών ή/και στις μεθόδους που εφαρμόζονται. Κατά τον τρόπο αυτό επιτυγχάνεται η μέγιστη δυνατή συμμετοχή των εμπλεκόμενων φορέων στη διαδικασία λήψης αποφάσεων (διοίκηση, επιστήμονες, ενδιαφερόμενα μέρη, κοινό), διασφαλίζοντας σε σημαντικό βαθμό ότι η χάραξη πολιτικής στην παράκτια ζώνη πραγματοποιείται σε ένα δημοκρατικό πλαίσιο γεφυρώνοντας το χάσμα μεταξύ των εμπλεκόμενων φορέων.
The manuscripts of Saint Catherine's monastery (Sinai) through the photographic lens
Authors: Κασωτάκης Δαμιανός
Published: March 2022

Η Μονή της Αγίας Αικατερίνης στο Σινά χτίστηκε τον 6ο αιώνα ως βυζαντινό φρούριο, προστατεύοντας τόσο τους μοναχούς όσο και τα λειτουργικά τους αντικείμενα. Η Μονή Σινά χαρακτηρίζεται από την απομακρυσμένη τοποθεσία της, την απομόνωση και τη συνεχή μοναστική ζωή των τελευταίων 15 αιώνων. Οι παράγοντες αυτοί έχουν συμβάλει σημαντικά όχι μόνο στο σχηματισμό μιας ασκητικής πνευματικότητας, αλλά και στη διατήρηση πολύτιμων κειμηλίων. Συγκεκριμένα, η Βιβλιοθήκη του Σινά θεωρείται δεύτερη μετά την Βιβλιοθήκη του Βατικανού σε σπουδαιότητα και αριθμό χειρογράφων. Η απομακρυσμένη τοποθεσία της Μονής έχει προστατεύσει τα χειρόγραφα από πολέμους και λεηλασίες και το ξηρό κλίμα της ερήμου έχει διατηρήσει τα αντικείμενα χάρη στα χαμηλά επίπεδα σχετικής υγρασίας. Η διατριβή αυτή επικεντρώνεται στις φωτογραφικές αποστολές και τα έργα που έλαβαν χώρα εντός των τειχών της Μονής του Σινά μεταξύ του 19ου και του 21ου αιώνα. Η διατριβή χωρίζεται σε δύο κύρια μέρη. Το πρώτο μέρος εξετάζει τις ιστορικές αποστολές μέχρι τη σύγχρονη εποχή (1894-2010). Το δεύτερο μέρος διερευνά τα πιο πρόσφατα έργα ψηφιοποίησης (2011-2021) που περιλαμβάνουν την φασματική φωτογράφιση παλίμψηστων χειρογράφων, την ψηφιοποίηση ολόκληρης της συλλογής χειρογράφων του Σινά, καθώς και μια ξεχασμένη συλλογή γυάλινων πλακών του 20ου αιώνα. Είναι η πρώτη φορά που όλες οι τεκμηριωμένες φωτογραφικές αποστολές χειρογράφων του Σινά διερευνώνται και περιγράφονται σε ένα μέρος. Η ιστορική πτυχή του πρώτου μέρους της διατριβής παρέχει μια πλατφόρμα σύγκρισης και εκπαίδευσης από τις εμπειρίες διαφορετικών αποστολών που πραγματοποιήθηκαν σε διαφορετικές εποχές. Η τεχνική εμβάθυνση του δεύτερους μέρους σε τρία σύγχρονα έργα ψηφιοποίησης, όλα διαφορετικά μεταξύ τους, δίνει μια ευρεία οπτική για το περιεχόμενο των συλλογών της Βιβλιοθήκης του Σινά. Από διαγραμμένα και ξαναγραμμένα κείμενα (παλίμψηστα) μέχρι εύθραυστα χειρόγραφα περγαμηνής και ξεχασμένες γυάλινες φωτογραφικές πλάκες, η Βιβλιοθήκη του Σινά είναι ένα πολύτιμο ερευνητικό κέντρο. Τα τελικά αποτελέσματα της διατριβής προσφέρουν νέες πληροφορίες βασισμένες σε ερευνητικό υλικό που δεν έχει δημοσιευθεί στο παρελθόν και συμβάλλουν στην καλύτερη κατανόηση της ιστορίας της Μονής της Αγίας Αικατερίνης και της Βιβλιοθήκης της.
Investment Efforts Under Complementary Sourcing: The Role of Market Risk and Endogenous Pricing
Authors: Wang Yimin , Yin Rui , Chen Xiangjing , Webster Scott
Published: March 2022

Problem definition: Complementary sourcing, with which a product depends on both a supplier’s and a manufacturer’s engineering and production efforts, is ubiquitous in modern supply chains. A unique feature of complementary sourcing is that efforts by one party enhance the marginal value of the other party’s efforts. Whereas this positive spillover effect can benefit both parties, it is well-established in the literature that it paradoxically induces a first-mover disadvantage; neither party is willing to exert efforts ex ante, resulting in significant lost opportunities for improving sourcing performance. The question we consider in this paper is whether the first-mover disadvantage is a valid concern in more realistic sourcing environments in which the market is risky and price is endogenous. Methodology/results: We analyze a sequential-investment model and investigate how market risk and endogenous pricing affect the first-mover disadvantage. In the presence of market risk, the first mover may face greater market uncertainty than the second mover and, thus, is at an apparent disadvantage. Surprisingly, we find the introduction of market risk can favor the first mover. In effect, the presence of market risk weakens the second mover’s ability to free ride on the first mover’s investment, which increases the leverage of the first mover. This finding persists with exogenous pricing even if the first mover has weak power. Managerial implications: Our results suggest that the first-mover disadvantage identified in the extant literature ignores the operational aspect of practical sourcing environments, and sourcing managers should recognize that advance effort investment is often beneficial in more realistic complementary sourcing environments.
PRIORITIZING CRITERIA TO EVALUATE PROJECT SUCCESS: MODELING WITH THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS (AHP)
Authors: Azevedo de Souza Luciano , Gomes Costa Helder , Oliveira de Araujo Fernando
Published: March 2022

Despite numerous attempts to systematize the evaluation of project success, the topic remains unaddressed, mainly because of the lack of appropriate models for dealing with the subjectivity associated with evaluation. This paper aims to contribute to this discussion by proposing a model for determining the relative importance of the criteria based on a multi-criteria technique (AHP). A core feature of the AHP is determining the relative weights of the criteria, considering the subjectivity associated with the problem. The proposed model was applied to a set of data collected through structured interviews from a sample of 54 respondents consisting of managers and project professionals in a given organization. The criteria with the highest priorities were 'learning opportunities' (20.4%), 'scope' (15.8%) and 'innovation' (14.1%). Unexpectedly, the criteria ‘cost’, ‘schedule’, and ‘scope’, although widely used in evaluating success, did not rank as most important. This proposed prioritization can be useful to top management when making decisions about the application of resources that contribute to the success of the projects in the organization, as well as to guide project managers as they decide what actions are necessary to address the most relevant aspects in the context of the organization.
Improving foveal avascular zone segmentation in fluorescein angiograms by leveraging manual vessel labels from public color fundus pictures
Authors: Hofer Dominik , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula , Orlando José Ignacio , Goldbach Felix , Gerendas Bianca S. , Seeböck Philipp
Published: March 2022

In clinical routine, ophthalmologists frequently analyze the shape and size of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) to detect and monitor retinal diseases. In order to extract those parameters, the contours of the FAZ need to be segmented, which is normally achieved by analyzing the retinal vasculature (RV) around the macula in fluorescein angiograms (FA). Computer-aided segmentation methods based on deep learning (DL) can automate this task. However, current approaches for segmenting the FAZ are often tailored to a specific dataset or require manual initialization. Furthermore, they do not take the variability and challenges of clinical FA into account, which are often of low quality and difficult to analyze. In this paper we propose a DL-based framework to automatically segment the FAZ in challenging FA scans from clinical routine. Our approach mimics the workflow of retinal experts by using additional RV labels as a guidance during training. Hence, our model is able to produce RV segmentations simultaneously. We minimize the annotation work by using a multi-modal approach that leverages already available public datasets of color fundus pictures (CFPs) and their respective manual RV labels. Our experimental evaluation on two datasets with FA from 1) clinical routine and 2) large multicenter clinical trials shows that the addition of weak RV labels as a guidance during training improves the FAZ segmentation significantly with respect to using only manual FAZ annotations.
Comparison of methods for end-to-end co-optimization of optical systems and image processing with commercial lens design software
Authors: Fontbonne Alice , Sauer Hervé , Goudail François
Published: March 2022

We compare three different methods to co-optimize hybrid optical/digital imaging systems with a commercial lens design software: conventional optimization based on spot diagram minimization, optimization of a surrogate criterion based on a priori equalization of modulation transfer functions (MTFs), and minimization of the mean square error (MSE) between the ideal sharp image and the image restored by a unique deconvolution filter. To implement the latter method, we integrate – for the first time to our knowledge – MSE optimization to the software Synopsys CodeV. Taking as an application example the design of a Cooke triplet having good image quality everywhere in the field of view (FoV), we show that it is possible, by leveraging deconvolution during the optimization process, to adapt the spatial distribution of imaging performance to a prescribed goal. We also demonstrate the superiority of MSE co-optimization over the other methods, both in terms of quantitative and visual image quality.
The Gambia has eliminated trachoma as a public health problem: Challenges and successes
Authors: Aboe Agatha , Joof Balla Musa , Kanyi Sarjo Kebba , Hydara Abba , Downs Philip , Bush Simon , Courtright Paul
Published: March 2022

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness in the world and has been known to be a major public health problem in The Gambia for over 60 years. Nationwide blindness surveys, including trachoma, in 1986 and 1996 provided the foundation for a comprehensive plan to implement a trachoma elimination strategy. Impact and pre-validation surveillance surveys in 2011–13 demonstrated that active trachoma was below WHO threshold for elimination but trichiasis remained a public health problem. Trichiasis-only surveys in 2019 demonstrated that trichiasis was below WHO thresholds for elimination and in 2020 the Government of The Gambia completed and submitted its dossier for validation of elimination as a public health problem. Challenges that The Gambia faced on the pathway to elimination included effective use of data for decision making, poor trichiasis surgical outcomes, lack of access to antibiotic treatment for low prevalence districts, high attrition of ophthalmic nurses trained as trichiasis surgeons, unexpected active trachoma in madrassas, the misalignment of elimination of active trachoma and trichiasis, trichiasis in urban settings, and maintaining the quality of surgery post-elimination when trichiasis cases are rare. Elimination of trachoma does not end with the submission of an elimination dossier; The Gambia will need to sustain monitoring and support over the coming years.
Health care cost of crusted scabies in Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, Australia
Authors: Campbell Margaret , van der Linden Naomi , Gardner Karen , Dickinson Helen , Agostino Jason , Dowden Michelle , O’Meara Irene , Scolyer Meg , Woerle Hannah , Viney Rosalie , van Gool Kees
Published: March 2022

Background

Crusted scabies is a debilitating dermatological condition. Although still relatively rare in the urban areas of Australia, rates of crusted scabies in remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory (NT) are reported to be among the highest in the world.

Objective

To estimate the health system costs associated with diagnosing, treating and managing crusted scabies.

Methods

A disease pathway model was developed to identify the major phases of managing crusted scabies. In recognition of the higher resource use required to treat more severe cases, the pathway differentiates between crusted scabies severity grades. The disease pathway model was populated with data from a clinical audit of 42 crusted scabies patients diagnosed in the Top-End of Australia’s Northern Territory between July 1, 2016 and May 1, 2018. These data were combined with standard Australian unit costs to calculate the expected costs per patient over a 12-month period, as well as the overall population cost for treating crusted scabies.

Findings

The expected health care cost per patient diagnosed with crusted scabies is $35,418 Australian dollars (AUD) (95% CI: $27,000 to $43,800), resulting in an overall cost of $1,558,392AUD (95% CI: $1,188,000 to $1,927,200) for managing all patients diagnosed in the Northern Territory in a given year (2018). By far, the biggest component of the health care costs falls on the hospital system.

Discussion

This is the first cost-of-illness analysis for treating crusted scabies. Such analysis will be of value to policy makers and researchers by informing future evaluations of crusted scabies prevention programs and resource allocation decisions. Further research is needed on the wider costs of crusted scabies including non-financial impacts such as the loss in quality of life as well as the burden of care and loss of well-being for patients, families and communities.
A comparative cross-reactivity and paraspecific neutralization study on Hypnale hypnale, Echis carinatus, and Daboia russelii monovalent and therapeutic polyvalent anti-venoms
Authors: Sandesha Vaddaragudisalu D. , Darshan Bhaskar , Tejas Chandrashekar , Girish Kesturu S. , Kempaiah Kemparaju
Published: March 2022

Envenoming by the hump-nosed pit viper (Hypnale hypnale) raises concern as it inflicts significant debilitation and death in the Western Ghats of India and in the adjacent island nation of Sri Lanka. In India, its medical significance was realized only during 2007 due to its misidentification as Echis carinatus and sometimes as Daboia russelii. Of late, several case reports have underlined the ineptness of the existing polyvalent anti-venom therapy against H. hypnale envenoming. Currently, H. hypnale bite has remained dreadful in India due to the lack of neutralizing anti-venom therapy. Hence, this study was undertaken to establish a systematic comparative, biochemical, pathological, and immunological properties of Sri Lankan H. hypnale venom alongside Indian E. carinatus, and D. russelii venoms. All three venoms differed markedly in the extent of biochemical activities including proteolytic, deoxyribonuclease, L-amino acid oxidase, 5’-nucleotidase, hyaluronidase, and indirect hemolytic activities. The venoms also differed markedly in their pathological properties such as edema, hemorrhage, myotoxic, cardiotoxic, and coagulant activities. The venoms showed stark differences in their protein banding pattern. Strikingly, the affinity-purified rabbit monovalent anti-venoms prepared against H. hypnale, E. carinatus, and D. russelii venoms readily reacted and neutralized the biochemical and pathological properties of their respective venoms, but they insignificantly cross-reacted with, and thus failed to show paraspecific neutralization of any of the effects of the other two venoms, demonstrating the large degree of variations between these venoms. Further, the Indian therapeutic polyvalent anti-venoms from VINS Bioproducts, and Bharath Serums and Vaccines failed to protect H. hypnale venom-induced lethal effects in mice.
Use of gentamicin-collagen sponge (Collatamp® G) in minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery: A propensity score-matched study
Authors: Lee Kil-yong , Lee Jaeim , Park Youn Young , Oh Seong Taek
Published: March 2022

Background

Minimally invasive surgery is commonly used to treat patients with colorectal cancer, although it can cause surgical site infections (SSIs) that can affect the oncologic outcome. Use of a gentamicin-collagen sponge may help reduce the occurrence of SSIs. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of a gentamicin-collagen sponge in reducing SSIs in minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 310 patients who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer at our hospital and underwent minimally invasive surgery between December 1, 2018, and February 28, 2021. Propensity score matching was conducted with a 1:1 ratio using logistic regression. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSIs in the mini-laparotomy wound. The secondary endpoints were factors affecting the incidence of SSIs.

Results

After propensity score matching, 130 patients were assigned to each group. There were no differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups. SSIs occurred in 2 (1.5%) and 3 (2.3%) patients in the gentamicin-collagen sponge and control groups, respectively (p<0.999). The following factors showed a statistically significant association with SSIs: body mass index >25 kg/m2 (odds ratio, 39.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.90–802.21; p = 0.018), liver disease (odds ratio, 254.8; 95% confidence interval, 10.43–6222.61; p = 0.001), and right hemicolectomy (odds ratio, 36.22; 95% confidence interval, 2.37–554.63; p = 0.010).

Conclusion

Applying a gentamicin-collagen sponge to the mini-laparotomy wound did not reduce the frequency of SSIs. Further studies should be conducted on whether the selective use of gentamicin-collagen sponges may help reduce SSIs in high-risk patients.
A rapid rise in hormone receptor-positive and HER2-positive breast cancer subtypes in Southern Thai women: A population-based study in Songkhla
Authors: Chuaychai Aungkana , Sriplung Hutcha
Published: March 2022

The incidence of breast cancer is increasing in low- and middle-income countries, including Thailand. However, its molecular immunohistochemical (M-IHC) subtypes have not been summarized in a population-based cancer registry. Thus, we aimed to estimate the breast cancer incidence and trends based on the hormone receptor and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status. This cross-sectional study included 2,883 women diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer between 2009 and 2018 from the Songkhla Cancer Registry. After imputing the missing values of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 status, the cases were classified into four subtypes: HR+/HER2−, HR+/HER2+, HR−/HER2−, and HR−/HER2+. The age-specific incidence rate of 5-year age groups and age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) were calculated. An age-period-cohort (APC) model was used to describe the effects of age, birth cohort, and period of diagnosis. Finally, the incidence trends were extrapolated to 2030 based on the APC and joinpoint models. The results showed, HR+/HER2− had the highest ASR in breast cancer. The incidence trends of HR+/HER2− and HR+/HER2+ increased with an annual percent change of 5.4% (95%CI: 2.5% to 8.3%) and 10.1% (95%CI: 4.9% to 15.5%), respectively. The rate ratio was high in the younger generation and recent period of diagnosis. The joinpoint and APC model projections showed that the ASR of HR+/HER2− would reach 30.0 and 29.2 cases per 100,000 women, while ASR of the HR+/HER2+ would reach 8.8 and 10.4 cases per 100,000 women in 2030. On the other hand, the incidence trends of the HR−/HER2− and HR−/HER2+ subtypes were stable. The rising trends of HR-positive and a part of HER2-positive breast cancer forecast a dynamicity of the future health care budgeting, resource allocation, and provision of facilities.
Phylogenetic analysis of 17271 Indian SARS-CoV-2 genomes to identify temporal and spatial hotspot mutations
Authors: Ghosh Nimisha , Nandi Suman , Saha Indrajit
Published: March 2022

The second wave of SARS-CoV-2 has hit India hard and though the vaccination drive has started, moderate number of COVID affected patients is still present in the country, thereby leading to the analysis of the evolving virus strains. In this regard, multiple sequence alignment of 17271 Indian SARS-CoV-2 sequences is performed using MAFFT followed by their phylogenetic analysis using Nextstrain. Subsequently, mutation points as SNPs are identified by Nextstrain. Thereafter, from the aligned sequences temporal and spatial analysis are carried out to identify top 10 hotspot mutations in the coding regions based on entropy. Finally, to judge the functional characteristics of all the non-synonymous hotspot mutations, their changes in proteins are evaluated as biological functions considering the sequences by using PolyPhen-2 while I-Mutant 2.0 evaluates their structural stability. For both temporal and spatial analysis, there are 21 non-synonymous hotspot mutations which are unstable and damaging.
Numerical simulations of hydraulic transients in PHPP Fužine
Authors: Lakusic Stjepan
Published: March 2022

Hydraulic transients in pumping hydroelectric power plant (PHPP) Fužine were simulated with 1D unsteady pipe flow model. High accuracy of the model was accomplished with the use of nonconservative formulation of unsteady pipe flow model incorporating unsteady friction model and second order flux limited numerical scheme. Simulation results show very good agreement between the computed and measured piezometric heads, both in amplitude and frequency of the oscillation.
Strategi Penghimpunan, Pengelolaan dan Penyaluran Wakaf Tunai
Authors: Herlena Winceh , Mujib Abdul
Published: March 2022

The type of qualitative research by using a type of purposive sampling: first use of samples with consideration and specific purpose. Second, the data in this study were collected through observation, documentation and interviews. As for the respondents to this study are four people. For knowing management and distribution of Waqf money through observation,  whereas the documentation as a supporter of the results of observation and interviews of researchers in the field. Then the data should be analysis by means of the reduction of data, presenting data and tethering conclusion.The results of this research show that collecting, management and distribution strategy of cash endowments Baitul Maal Indonesia BMT BIF includes two steps : internal and external. Collecting the internal way include directors, managers, employees and members. While the external covering, collecting the way the general public, study of social media, brochures, which include Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Website. Strategy management of cash by means of Waqf invested towards Tanwil Bina Ihsanul Fikri. While channeling cash endowments Baitul Maal BMT BIF to orphanages and boarding schools Al-Amin, entrepreneurial, small-scale village boarding school, mentoring Da'i-dai coastal and other social activities. Keywords : Cash Endowments; BMT; Social Media.
Tinjauan Normatif dan Yuridis Terhadap Pelaksanaan Wakaf Uang Secara Online Pada Lembaga Wakaf
Authors: Umaiya Shiska Imadul , Ibrahim Malik
Published: March 2022

Kajian ini membahas mengenai tinjauan normatif dan yuridis terhadap pelaksanaan wakaf uang secara online pada lembaga Wakaf Salman ITB. Dewasa ini semakin banyak lembaga yang menyediakan layanan wakaf uang secara online. Wakaf uang secara online semakin dilirik oleh masyarakat karena kemudahan dan efesiansi waktu. Dasar hukum pelaksanaan wakaf secara online terdapat pada Peraturan Badan Wakaf Indonesia Nomor 1 Tahun 2009 tentang Pedoman Pengelolaan dan Pengembangan Wakaf Bergerak Berupa Uang. Berdasarkan penelitian ini pelaksanaan wakaf uang secara online di Wakaf Salman belum sesuai dengan anjuran dari Undang-Undang Wakaf. Undang-Undang menganjurkan bahwa wakaf uang dikelola secara produktif, sementara dalam Wakaf Salman sendiri pemanfaatan harta wakaf dipergunakan untuk pengadaan wakaf fisik. Meskipun belum memenuhi anjuran dari undang-undang, wakaf uang secara online di Wakaf Salman sendiri membeli banyak dampak positif untuk membantu kesejahteraan masyarakat. Kata Kunci : Wakaf Uang; Online; Lembaga Wakaf.
Violent xenophobic episodes in South Africa, 2008 and 2015
Authors:   Stellenbosch University, Simon Bekker
Published: March 2022

A comparison between the 2015 and 2008 violent xenophobic episodes in South Africa is made, identifying both similarities and differences. Since government and other commentators, in both 2015 and 2008, differ considerably in deciding whether these episodes ought to be considered as essentially xenophobic in character, a number of prominent interpretations employed by these commentators will be identified and discussed. The perpetrators mobilised during these events are drawn from the same pool as the protesters mobilised during current country-wide violent service delivery protests. Accordingly, this article concludes by suggesting that an insightful interpretation covering both categories of actors belonging to South Africaâ€™s urban working and under-class may be made. The violent collective behaviour that is becoming widespread country-wide stems, to a significant extent, not from their deep-seated xenophobic attitudes, but rather from the unfulfilled expectations of what they believe should be their just entitlements.