bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salivary Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Stroke Patients: From Basic Research to Clinical Practice
Authors: Maciejczyk Mateusz , Bielas Marzena , Zalewska Anna , Gerreth Karolina
Published: April 2021

Cerebral stroke is a serious worldwide health problem, as can be seen by the global epidemic of the disease. In this disorder, when the blood flow is compromised by ruptures or blocked arteries, sudden death of neurons is observed as a result of a lack of oxygen and nutrients. Numerous severe problems and frequent complications also exist in stroke patients; therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic, diagnostic, and prognostic methods for the disease. At present, the diagnosis of stroke is based on a neurological examination, medical history, and neuroimaging, due to the fact that rapid and noninvasive diagnostic tests are unavailable. Nevertheless, oxidative stress and inflammation are considered key factors in stroke pathogenesis. Oxygen free radicals are responsible for oxidation of lipids, proteins, and DNA/RNA, which in turn contributes to oxidative damage of the brain. Toxic products of the oxidation reactions act cytostatically on the cell by damaging cell membranes and leading to neuronal death by apoptosis or necrosis. Thus, it seems that redox/inflammatory biomarkers might be used in the diagnosis of the disease. Nowadays, saliva is of increasing interest in clinical laboratory medicine. Redox biomarkers could be obtained easily, noninvasively, cheaply, and stress‐free from saliva. This minireview is aimed at presenting the current knowledge concerning the use of salivary biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in the diagnosis and prognosis of stroke.
Research on Business English Translation Framework Based on Speech Recognition and Wireless Communication
Authors: Wu Leida , Wu Lianguan
Published: April 2021

In order to improve the accuracy of English translation, reduce the error rate of translation results, and increase the correction rate of translation, this paper proposes a business English translation architecture design based on speech recognition and wireless communication. The architecture is partitioned according to the functions of the overall system design, and the voice acquisition module, voice processing module, and peripheral circuit module are designed according to functional requirements. Among them, speech recognition helps users to perform language translation to reduce the possibility of errors in the translation process. At the same time, it uses wireless communication technology to construct a business English translation corpus to meet the personal needs of users. The paper also uses an improved translation model for translation error correction and intelligent proofreading, which improves the reliability of translation results. Experimental results show that the system has a high error correction rate and error correction rate, and the translation results have a certain degree of reliability, which fully verifies the effectiveness and application value of the system.
A Method for Internal Curing Water Calculation of Concrete with Super Absorbent Polymer
Authors: Zhang Shouqi , Lu Zhenbao , Li Yongxin , Ang Yuan , Zhang Kechao
Published: April 2021

The internal curing method is effective in reducing the self‐desiccation of concrete, and the amount of internal curing water (IC water) is greatly important to the shrinkage and strength of concrete. A method for calculating IC water of concrete with and without mineral admixture has been developed. The method is derived from Powers’ model for the phase distribution of a hydrating cement paste. To verify the method, a series of autogenous shrinkage and compressive strength of concrete with and without super absorbent polymer (SAP) were evaluated compared with the method proposed previously. To explain the macro performance of hardened concrete, the nonevaporable water content and calcium hydroxide content measurement were utilized to evaluate the degree of hydration of cement pastes. And, mercury intrusion method and image analysis method were used to explore the pore structure in hardened cement pastes and air void characteristics in hardened concrete, respectively. Furthermore, the evolution process was also studied for the relative humidity inside the concrete.
Statin-Induced Triad of Autoimmune Myocarditis, Myositis, and Transaminitis
Authors: Ajmal Muhammad , Singh Amitoj , Kubba Saad , Hershman Michelle , Acharya Tushar
Published: April 2021

Despite well-established cardiovascular benefits, statins have been associated with myopathic side effects ranging from myalgias to rhabdomyolysis and autoimmune necrotizing myositis. Statins have not been previously shown to cause myocarditis. Our case highlights this rare entity.
Reconstruction of Generative Adversarial Networks in Cross Modal Image Generation with Canonical Polyadic Decomposition
Authors: Ma Ruixin , Lou Junying , Li Peng , Gao Jing
Published: April 2021

Generating pictures from text is an interesting, classic, and challenging task. Benefited from the development of generative adversarial networks (GAN), the generation quality of this task has been greatly improved. Many excellent cross modal GAN models have been put forward. These models add extensive layers and constraints to get impressive generation pictures. However, complexity and computation of existing cross modal GANs are too high to be deployed in mobile terminal. To solve this problem, this paper designs a compact cross modal GAN based on canonical polyadic decomposition. We replace an original convolution layer with three small convolution layers and use an autoencoder to stabilize and speed up training. The experimental results show that our model achieves 20% times of compression in both parameters and FLOPs without loss of quality on generated images.
Improving Loanword Identification in Low‐Resource Language with Data Augmentation and Multiple Feature Fusion
Authors: Mi Chenggang , Zhu Shaolin , Nie Rui
Published: April 2021

Loanword identification is studied in recent years to alleviate data sparseness in several natural language processing (NLP) tasks, such as machine translation, cross‐lingual information retrieval, and so on. However, recent studies on this topic usually put efforts on high‐resource languages (such as Chinese, English, and Russian); for low‐resource languages, such as Uyghur and Mongolian, due to the limitation of resources and lack of annotated data, loanword identification on these languages tends to have lower performance. To overcome this problem, we first propose a lexical constraint‐based data augmentation method to generate training data for low‐resource language loanword identification; then, a loanword identification model based on a log‐linear RNN is introduced to improve the performance of low‐resource loanword identification by incorporating features such as word‐level embeddings, character‐level embeddings, pronunciation similarity, and part‐of‐speech (POS) into one model. Experimental results on loanword identification in Uyghur (in this study, we mainly focus on Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Turkish loanwords in Uyghur) showed that our proposed method achieves best performance compared with several strong baseline systems.
Pachychoroid Neovasculopathy Disguising as Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treated by Spironolactone and Anti-VEGF Combination Therapy
Authors: Keidel Leonie F. , Schworm Benedikt , Priglinger Siegfried G. , Siedlecki Jakob
Published: April 2021

Nonresponse of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy can often be attributed to misdiagnosis, and pathologies mimicking AMD might require different therapeutic concepts. In the following, we want to outline a case of presumed nAMD which revealed to be pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) and was successfully treated by the addition of spironolactone. A 67-year-old female patient was referred for nonresponse of nAMD on her left eye after 29 intravitreal injections of aflibercept with no complete resolution of subretinal fluid. On fundoscopy, both maculae presented with pigment epithelium alterations, while the left eye showed subretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography (OCT) with an associated pigment epithelium detachment, which revealed to contain a neovascular network on OCT angiography. There was faint leakage on fluorescence (FAG) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and some focal vascular dilation of the neovascular network on ICGA. Due to the absence of Drusen on any eye, a thick choroid, and the presence of a gravitational tract on blue autofluorescence (BAF), chronic central serous chorioretinopathy with a choroidal neovascularization, defined as PNV in the pachychoroid disease was diagnosed. Upon the addition of spironolactone to anti-VEGF treatment, choroidal thickness significantly decreased, and subretinal fluid resolution was observed and maintained for the first time. In conclusion, PNV should be ruled out in cases of presumed nAMD nonresponding to anti-VEGF. In these cases, a combination therapy of anti-VEGF and mineralocorticoid antagonists can facilitate fluid resorption.
Autologous Retinal Transplantation with the Use of Air Tamponade for the Treatment of a Primary Large Chronic Macular Hole
Authors: Hernández-Da Mota Sergio E.
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this case report is to describe a chandelier-assisted bimanual autologous retinal transplantation (ART) with air tamponade technique for the treatment of a large macular hole (MH). A patient with a primary chronic large MH, who underwent chandelier-assisted bimanual ART with the use of air tamponade is described. The MH diameter was 888 μm. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were measured postoperatively; clinical pictures and optical coherence tomography were analyzed. Baseline preoperative BCVA was 20/400. Closure of the MH was achieved. At 7 months, post-surgery BCVA improved to 20/50. Optical coherence tomography examinations showed the integration of the autologous transplant with the adjacent macular tissue and continuity preservation of the ellipsoid layer. In conclusion, chandelier-assisted bimanual ART with air tamponade technique was effective in achieving complete MH closure and long-term visual improvement.
Alcohol Use during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Self-Reported Changes and Motives for Change
Authors: Bramness Jørgen G. , Bye Elin K. , Moan Inger Synnøve , Rossow Ingeborg
Published: April 2021

Background: In Europe, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a range of restrictive measures, which may have impacted alcohol consumption. Objectives: We explored perceived changes in alcohol consumption, their association with sociodemographic characteristics and past year alcohol consumption, and self-reported reasons for change after CO­VID-19 restrictions in Norway. Method: A web-based survey was sent to Norwegians aged 18 years and older in June–July 2020. Respondents reporting any past year alcohol use (n = 1,200) were asked whether they drank less, approximately the same, or more after the COVID-19 restrictions compared to before and reasons for drinking less or more. Results: Almost a third (29.9%) reported they drank less, whereas 13.3% reported they drank more. Females, younger respondents, and Oslo residents were more likely to report both less and more drinking (p values between 0.001 and 0.029). Past year alcohol use was associated with less drinking (OR = 0.93; p < 0.001) and more drinking (OR = 1.07; p < 0.001). More drinking was also associated with living with child(ren) (p = 0.023) and high educational level (p = 0.029). The most frequently reported reasons for drinking less pertained to fewer social occasions and less on-premise drinking, whereas reasons for drinking more pertained to treating oneself to something good and fewer consequences of drinking more. Conclusions: After the COVID-19 restrictions were implemented, a substantial proportion of Norwegians changed their drinking behaviour.
Escolas de samba: comunicação e pedagogia a resistência do quilombismo
Authors: Prudente Celso Luiz , Costa Haroldo
Published: April 2021

O samba no Rio de Janeiro é resultado da organização social dos migrantes nordestinos, fugidos da perseguição a Canudos, no interior da Bahia, que formaram a primeira favela carioca. Constituíram um lumpesinato negro que influenciou a formação do nomo carioca, fundamental para a distinção do “charme” da cidade no turismo, que encontrou na escola de samba sua centralidade. O nascimento negro do carnaval no Egito foi a homenagem à deusa Ísis e ao boi Ápis, consagrados no agradecimento às colheitas abundantes desse grupo sedentário no vale do Rio Nilo, que formou a primeira civilização. Originário no ticumbi e sendo um fenômeno negro, a escola de samba se tornou o paradigma das relações carnavalescas e foi à síntese da africanidade gregária das manifestações culturais do negro e da miscigenação ibero-ásio-afro-ameríndia. Concluímos que o samba-enredo é a oralidade do griot, depositário da cultura da comunidade e o principal veículo de comunicação pedagógica da axiologia dos marginalizados da escola de samba.
Relação entre as escolas de samba, os bailes black paulistanos e o hip hop
Authors: Félix João Batista de Jesus
Published: April 2021

No início, este artigo analisa o programa O Negro da Senzala ao Soul, exibido pela TV Cultura em 1977, no qual há uma comparação entre as escolas de samba e os bailes black paulistanos. O argumento do programa defendia que o samba aliena, enquanto os bailes trazem condições para o aumento da consciência do negro sobre sua situação social. Em seguida, os bailes black paulistanos Chic Show e Zimbabwe são analisados, revelando não haver um distanciamento tão grande entre as escolas de samba e os bailes, como defendido no programa da TV Cultura. Ao final, após uma investigação sobre a relação entre o movimento hip hop e as escolas de samba, é salientado que, embora o hip hop tenha sérias críticas às escolas de samba, alguns sambistas são respeitados por eles.
Cardiac Late Sodium Channel Current Is a Molecular Target for the Sodium/Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor Empagliflozin
Authors: Philippaert Koenraad , Kalyaanamoorthy Subha , Fatehi Mohammad , Long Wentong , Soni Shubham , Byrne Nikole J. , Barr Amy , Singh Jyoti , Wong Jordan , Palechuk Taylor , Schneider Chloe , Darwesh Ahmed M. , Maayah Zaid H. , Seubert John M. , Barakat Khaled , Dyck Jason R.B. , Light Peter E.
Published: April 2021

Background:

SGLT2 (sodium/glucose cotransporter 2) inhibitors exert robust cardioprotective effects against heart failure in patients with diabetes, and there is intense interest to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms that afford this protection. Because the induction of the late component of the cardiac sodium channel current (late-
I
Na
) is involved in the etiology of heart failure, we investigated whether these drugs inhibit late-
I
Na
.

Methods:

Electrophysiological, in silico molecular docking, molecular, calcium imaging, and whole heart perfusion techniques were used to address this question.

Results:

The SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin reduced late-
I
Na
in cardiomyocytes from mice with heart failure and in cardiac Nav1.5 sodium channels containing the long QT syndrome 3 mutations R1623Q or ΔKPQ. Empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and canagliflozin are all potent and selective inhibitors of H
2
O
2
-induced late-
I
Na
(half maximal inhibitory concentration = 0.79, 0.58, and 1.26 µM, respectively) with little effect on peak sodium current. In mouse cardiomyocytes, empagliflozin reduced the incidence of spontaneous calcium transients induced by the late-
I
Na
activator veratridine in a similar manner to tetrodotoxin, ranolazine, and lidocaine. The putative binding sites for empagliflozin within Nav1.5 were investigated by simulations of empagliflozin docking to a three-dimensional homology model of human Nav1.5 and point mutagenic approaches. Our results indicate that empagliflozin binds to Nav1.5 in the same region as local anesthetics and ranolazine. In an acute model of myocardial injury, perfusion of isolated mouse hearts with empagliflozin or tetrodotoxin prevented activation of the cardiac NLRP3 (nuclear-binding domain-like receptor 3) inflammasome and improved functional recovery after ischemia.

Conclusions:

Our results provide evidence that late-
I
Na
may be an important molecular target in the heart for the SGLT2 inhibitors, contributing to their unexpected cardioprotective effects.
Novel Approach to Risk Stratification in Left Ventricular Non‐Compaction Using A Combined Cardiac Imaging and Plasma Biomarker Approach
Authors: Ramchand Jay , Podugu Pooja , Obuchowski Nancy , Harb Serge C. , Chetrit Michael , Milinovich Alex , Griffin Brian , Burrell Louise M. , Wilson Tang W. H. , Kwon Deborah H. , Flamm Scott D.
Published: April 2021

Background

Left ventricular non‐compaction remains a poorly described entity, which has led to challenges of overdiagnosis. We aimed to evaluate if the presence of a thin compacted myocardial layer portends poorer outcomes in individuals meeting cardiac magnetic resonance criteria for left ventricular non‐compaction .

Methods and Results

This was an observational, retrospective cohort study involving individuals selected from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation cardiac magnetic resonance database (N=26 531). Between 2000 and 2018, 328 individuals ≥12 years, with left ventricular non‐compaction or excessive trabeculations based on the cardiac magnetic resonance Petersen criteria were included. The cohort comprised 42% women, mean age 43 years. We assessed the predictive ability of myocardial thinning for the primary composite end point of major adverse cardiac events (composite of all‐cause mortality, heart failure hospitalization, left ventricular assist device implantation/heart transplant, ventricular tachycardia, or ischemic stroke). At mean follow‐up of 3.1 years, major adverse cardiac events occurred in 102 (31%) patients. After adjusting for comorbidities, the risk of major adverse cardiac events was nearly doubled in the presence of significant compacted myocardial thinning (hazard ratio [HR], 1.88 [95% CI, 1.18‒3.00];
P
=0.016), tripled in the presence of elevated plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (HR, 3.29 [95% CI, 1.52‒7.11];
P
=0.006), and increased by 5% for every 10‐unit increase in left ventricular end‐systolic volume (HR, 1.01 [95% CI, 1.00‒1.01];
P
=0.041).

Conclusions

The risk of adverse clinical events is increased in the presence of significant compacted myocardial thinning, an elevated B‐type natriuretic peptide or increased left ventricular dimensions. The combination of these markers may enhance risk assessment to minimize left ventricular non‐compaction overdiagnosis whilst facilitating appropriate diagnoses in those with true disease.
Aligning Ukrainian Concepts and Standards in Defence, Safety, and Cybersecurity to NATO and EU Developments
Authors: Zaslavskyi Volodymyr
Published: April 2021

Problems of global international security increasingly depend on high-tech solutions, computer systems and information technologies, which are aimed at adapting the security and defence of countries to new realities and challenges in the context of hybrid wars and the Covid-19 pandemic. In this context, this volume of “Information & Security” presents six original articles addressing development in NATO the European Union, and Ukraine, focusing on the challenges in attempts to align Ukrainian concepts and standards to established good practice in the experience of the West.
Ecosystem Platform for the Defence and Security Sector of Ukraine
Authors: Polischuk Oleksandr
Published: April 2021

While success in current and future conflicts will increasingly be predicated by optimisation of high-tech solutions rather than military capabilities based on mass, the application of modern business approaches is of key importance for reforms aiming to adapt security and defence to the new realities. This article presents detailed analysis of ways to adapt the security and defence sector of Ukraine to Euro-Atlantic standards, taking into account Ukraine’s trajectory and growing interaction with the international security systems and the specific context shaped by the external aggression against Ukraine. Based on the analysis of existing legislation and review of theoretical sources, the author concludes that the present archaic, post-Soviet type security and defence sector of Ukraine is not adequate to the future complex challenges. Further, he applies the ecosystem approach to elaborate recommendations for the development of a modern model of national security and defence organisation based on functional integration of the capabilities of all main security and defence actors, emphasising the strategic importance of the integration of Ukraine’s security and defence sector into European and Euro-Atlantic security systems.
On the Use of UAVs with a Slantrange Sensor System for Estimation of Crop Safety
Authors: Pasichnyk Natalia , Lienkov Serhii , Shvorov Sergey , Komarova Larysa , Komarchuk Dmytro , Opryshko Oleksiy
Published: April 2021

The article addresses applied aspects of using UAVs for monitoring winter wheat crops to assess the aftereffects of herbicides remaining on the culture of the predecessor. The issue has a local specificity related to inconsistencies of plant cultivation technologies and the inadequate study of the impact of modern plant protection products in domestic soil conditions. Restoring the crop yields is possible by timely identification of the causes of stress, but the time for decision-making is limited. This time can be reduced by state-of-the-art monitoring technologies applied at industrial scale. Laboratory studies using phyto cameras and spectral and spectral-spatial monitoring methods unambiguously testified to the stress caused by the aftereffect of herbicides, but did not allow to establish clear criteria. Therefore, we conducted field studies using UAV-mounted Slantrange complex and analyzing the DJI Matrice 200 to define the distribution of stress areas on the field. It was found that the reliability of monitoring data can increased computer data processing and computer training in the search for correlation links between the distribution of stress plants in the field and the implementation of technological operations, terrain topography, etc.
DIVERSITY OF GRACILARIACEAE (RHODOPHYTA) IN BRAZIL: INTEGRATING MORPHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR DATA
Authors: LYRA GOIA DE MATTOS , NUNES JOSÉ MARCOS DE CASTRO , PESTANA EDILENE MARIA DOS SANTOS , DE MATOS JOÃO CARLOS GAMA , CAIRES TAIARA AGUIAR , DE JESUS PRISCILA BARRETO , DA SILVA COSTA EMMANUELLE , OLIVEIRA MARIANA CABRAL
Published: April 2021

The Gracilariaceae comprises 242 mainly tropical species, including some with significant economic value for the food and pharmaceutical industry. Accurate taxonomy is crucial for the selection of species for cultivation. However, species identification is still challenging taxonomists. Nineteen species of Gracilariaceae have so far been referred to the Brazilian coast. We describe this diversity across approximately 32 degrees of latitude, using mitochondrial (COI-5P) and plastid (UPA and rbcL) markers in species delimitation analyses (ABGD and SPN). We provide phylogenetic (based on a concatenated three-genes tree and a taxa rich rbcL tree) and barcoding analyses from a broad and partially original collection combined with morphoanatomical data, including information resulting from analyses of type specimens and topotype material. We identified twenty-five specific entities occurring on the Brazilian coast, including four new species yet to be described. Spermatangial arrangements and aspects of thallus morphology were the most useful characters for species and genera delimitation, while characters based on the anatomy of the cystocarp overlap. Our morphological analyses demonstrate the lack of exclusive characters that justify the recently proposed Gracilariaceae infrafamilial categories, and therefore we use in this work the Gracilaria sensu lato genus concept. We provide descriptions, illustrations and a dichotomous key for the identification of species occurring in Brazil.
Typification of the name Ephedra nebrodensis (Ephedraceae)
Authors: DEL GUACCHIO EMANUELE , CAMBRIA SALVATORE , BRULLO SALVATORE
Published: April 2021

Ephedra Tourn. ex Linnaeus (1753: 1040) (Ephedraceae) includes about 80 species occurring worldwide (WCSP 2020 onwards). Ephedra nebrodensis Tineo ex Gussone (1844: 638) is a Macaronesian-Mediterranean nanophanerophyte, growing in dry and rocky places (Pignatti et al. 2017). However, if on one hand the application of this name is unequivocal, on the other hand, when E. major Host (1831: 671) and E. nebrodensis are regarded as synonyms (e.g., Freitag & Maier-Stolte 1993, Bartolucci et al. 2018, WCSP 2020 onwards), the name by Host claims priority. Nevertheless, E. major is a nomen ambiguum (Greuter et al. 1984), considered by some authors as a synonym of E. foeminea Forsskål (1775: 219) (Nouviant 1999), so that Brullo & Del Guacchio (2021) made a formal proposal to reject the name according to Art. 57.1 of the ICN (Turland et al. 2018). Such a proposal, if accepted, automatically will establish E. nebrodensis as the priority name (see WCSP 2020 onwards for a list of heterotypic synonyms).
Spontaneous Congenital Perilabyrinthine Cerebrospinal Fluid Fistulas
Authors: Lovin Benjamin D. , Appelbaum Eric N. , Makoshi Latifah , Whitehead William E. , Sweeney Alex D.
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

To report a recalcitrant spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula arising from multiple, anatomically-linked lateral skull base defects, and to review the available literature to determine optimal techniques for operative repair of congenital CSF fistulae.

Methods:

A patient with recurrent episodes of otologic meningitis was found to have a patent tympanomeningeal fissure, also known as a Hyrtl’s fissure, and internal auditory canal (IAC) diverticulum that communicated with the jugular bulb. A systematic review of the literature characterized all reports of spontaneous congenital perilabyrinthine CSF leaks, and all cases of Hyrtl’s fissures.

Results:

An 11-year-old female was referred for recurrent meningitis. Imaging demonstrated a fistulous connection between the middle ear and IAC diverticulum via the jugular foramen. Specifically, a Hyrtl’s fissure was identified, as well as demineralized bone around the jugular bulb. Obliteration of the fissure was initially performed, and a fistula reformed 4 months later. Multifocal CSF egress in the hypotympanum was identified on re-exploration, and middle ear obliteration with external auditory canal (EAC) overclosure was performed. A systematic review of the literature demonstrated 19 cases of spontaneous congenital perilabyrinthine CSF leaks. In total, 6 cases had multiple sources of CSF leak and 2 had history suggestive of intracranial hypertension. All of these noted cases demonstrated leak recurrence. Middle ear obliteration with EAC overclosure was successful in 4 recalcitrant cases.

Conclusions:

Repair of spontaneous congenital perilabyrinthine CSF leaks in cases demonstrating multiple sources of egress or signs of intracranial hypertension should be approached with caution. Middle ear obliteration with EAC overclosure may provide the most definitive management option for these patients, particularly if initial attempt at primary repair is unsuccessful.
TLM Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Glottic Pre-Malignancy and Early Malignancy; A 12-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Jones Heidi , Ross Elizabeth , Jose Jemy
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

UK population ageing and associated cancer risk predicts an increase in the prevalence of laryngeal cancer in elderly patients. Whilst trans-oral laser microsurgery (TLM) has been demonstrated to achieve excellent control of early disease with few complications, data specifically related to its safety and efficacy in older patients is lacking. We report the largest series to date.

Objectives:

To assess the safety and efficacy of TLM in elderly patients with glottic pre-malignancy and early malignancy.

Methods:

A retrospective review and statistical analysis of the clinical records of patients aged 70 or over undergoing TLM for early and premalignant glottic disease.

Results:

The records of 106 patients over the age of 70 were identified. Thirteen records were excluded, 4 due to failure to meet the inclusion criteria (stage I/II disease, primary site of lesion in the glottis) and 9 due to incomplete follow up data capture. Most surgeries (>70%) were performed as a day case or overnight admission, with only 2 admissions >2 days. One patient required hospital readmission with dysphagia, resulting in an altered diet. No patients required tracheostomy or tube feeding. No treatment related deaths or intensive care admissions were observed. Ten patients had recurrent disease within 5 years; 1 received radiotherapy, 1 underwent salvage laryngectomy, the remainder had further TLM without complication. Five-year disease specific survival rates were >90%.

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrate that TLM is safe and effective for elderly patients, with outcomes comparable to those reported in large, non-age selected cohorts. Although our patients underwent more conservative cordectomy types (I-III) than those with similar disease stages reported elsewhere, our recurrence rates were not higher. This supports the oncological effectiveness of surgery whilst reducing the risk of associated functional compromise.
Initial impacts of COVID-19 on youth offending: An exploration of differences across communities
Authors: McCarthy Molly , Homel Jacqueline , Ogilvie James , Allard Troy
Published: April 2021

A number of international studies have found that the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with reductions in crime, primarily due to changes in the routine activities of the population. However, to date there has been no targeted exploration of how COVID-19 may have influenced youth offending, which may be more heavily impacted by the changes heralded by COVID-19 containment measures. This study examines changes in youth offending in an Australia jurisdiction, Queensland, following the implementation of COVID-19 containment measures from the period April to June 2020. Additionally, differences in impacts across community types were explored. Findings from the panel regression indicated significant declines in youth property offending, offences against the person and public order offences in this period, but no significant changes in illicit drug offences. There were also significant differences across communities according to socio-economic status, per cent Indigenous population, and the extent of commercial or industrial land use. Findings are explored with reference to environmental crime theories and the potential impacts of social, economic and policing changes that occurred in this period.
Even a Small Conductor Can Lead a Large Orchestra: How Startups Orchestrate Ecosystems
Authors: Lingens Bernhard , Böger Maximilian , Gassmann Oliver
Published: April 2021

Contrary to existing literature, startups can be successful orchestrators of ecosystems. Based on nine qualitative case studies, this article introduces four archetypes that shed light on how a startup can fulfill the tasks of an orchestrator and overcome challenges. The findings identify dimensions of standardization/customization and sources of value creation as defining the role of ecosystem orchestrators and demonstrate the consequences for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), corporates, investors, and accelerators involved in such ecosystems.
Implementing Partnering for Change in Québec: Occupational Therapy Activities and Stakeholders’ Perceptions
Authors: Camden Chantal , Campbell Wenonah , Missiuna Cheryl , Berbari Jade , Héguy Léa , Gauvin Cheyenne , Dostie Rosalie , Ianni Lina , Rivard L ,   GOLD Research Team, Anaby Dana
Published: April 2021

Background.

The occupational therapy school-based Partnering for Change (P4C) model has mostly been documented in Ontario.

Purpose.

This implementation study describes the implementation of P4C in two Québec elementary schools (P4C-Q), as well as therapy practices, their impacts, factors perceived to influence implementation, and recommendations.

Method.

A sequential mixed-methods design was applied. Therapists (n=2) completed daily journals, describing activities by P4C-Q level. Therapists and other school-stakeholders (n=11) participated in semi-structured interviews, analyzed through a content analysis framework.

Findings.

Daily journals illustrated that the majority of therapy time was spent on activities targeting the entire classroom, and on collaboration with educators. Interviews illustrated how coaching was used across different practices and the impact of these practices for schools (e.g., capacity-building) and children (e.g., increased functioning), and highlighted how relationship-building is key to facilitating the implementation of this model.

Implications.

Lessons learned may be helpful for others implementing P4C in their own contexts.
Governing healthcare in India: a policy capacity perspective
Authors: Bali Azad Singh , Ramesh M.
Published: April 2021

After decades of neglect, in 2008, the Indian government launched a national health insurance programme to address the needs of the bulk of the population that could not afford healthcare. This was followed by the launch of another national programme in 2018 that further expanded insurance coverage. These schemes envision a large single-payer, insurance-based system covering about 110 million families. The central objective of this article is to assess the government’s capacity to implement these ambitious programmes. We employ the policy capacity framework developed by Wu et al. to examine the types of capacities needed to achieve desired objectives in the health sector. The central argument of the article is that there are critical capacity deficits, especially along operational dimensions. Our conclusions are generalisable to other middle-income countries currently in the process of implementing similar prospective-payment health policy reforms.

Points for practitioners

This article highlights the need for governments to prioritise the capacity for implementing health policy reforms. Efforts to achieve and sustain universal healthcare are contingent not only on appropriate policy design, mobilising required resources and building political support, but also on overcoming capacity deficits in implementation. The framework presented in this article serves as a useful tool for governments to diagnose strengths and weaknesses in the specific types of capacities (analytical, operational, and political) needed for universal health coverage.
‘All social work takes place in a macro context’: The gap between international social work training and practice
Authors: Kim Hanna , Sussman Tamara , Khan Mohammad Nuruzzaman , Kahn Sarilee
Published: April 2021

This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study combined data from an online survey with international social workers ( N = 44), and key informant qualitative interviews ( N = 6), to identify gaps and synergies between what is taught in graduate social work programmes and expected by employers. Findings suggested that although social work values align well with international social work, gaps exist between the macro knowledge and skills required for international work and that which graduate training offers. Findings further suggested that if unaddressed, these incompatibilities may contribute to the invisibility of social work as a viable training ground for practice in international aid agencies.
Employer and employer association matters in Australia in 2020
Authors: Thornthwaite Louise , Sheldon Peter
Published: April 2021

The emphasis of employers and employer associations, when 2020 began, was largely business as usual. With the pandemic’s advent, employers and associations reoriented some industrial relations activity, which encouraged cooperation while also highlighting sharp divisions. As the year progressed, however, it became increasingly apparent that the federal government’s responses to the pandemic provided unanticipated opportunities for the employer movement to push intensively their long-expressed desires for changes to the institutional structures of industrial relations, and hence also bargaining and other processes. This article examines these and other activities which preoccupied employers and their associations in 2020 while also analysing some broader environmental, social and governance challenges affecting employer groups, which impact on their purpose and place within the employer movement more generally.
Modelling Determinants of Deaths Attributable to External Causes Among Adults in India
Authors: Sil Apyayee , Sil Arpan , Dhillon Preeti
Published: April 2021

The study aimed at finding the risk factors associated with adult mortality (15–59 years) due to external causes (accidents, suicide, poisoning, homicide, and violence). Using National Family Health Survey data-4 consisting of 1,756,867 sample, we applied a Robust Poisson Regression Model to determine the potential risk factors. Findings suggest that the highest proportion of deaths due to external causes was in the age group 20–24 years. The prevalence of these deaths was higher among older adults (age 50 years and above). The risk was more among males (Incident Rate Ratio (IRR) for females is: 0.29, p < 0.001), rural residents (IRR: 1.16, p < 0.001), exposed to mass-media (IRR: 1.08, p < 0.05), residing in female-headed households, in households having a member with higher education. This risk decreased for large families (IRR: 0.89, p < .001). A need to strengthen awareness and mentorship programs for young-adults and middle-aged people to control such avoidable deaths is recommended.
Predicting Lactate Threshold With Rate of Perceived Exertion in Young Competitive Male Swimmers
Authors: da Silva Jhonny K. F. , Sotomaior Bruna B. , Carneiro Carolina F. , Rodrigues Patrick , Wharton Lee , Osiecki Raul
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of the rate of perceived exertion threshold (RPET) for predicting young competitive swimmers’ lactate threshold (LT) during incremental testing. We enrolled 13 male athletes ( M age = 16, SD = 0.6 years) in an incremental test protocol consisting of eight repetitions of a 100-meter crawl with 2-minute intervals between each repetition. We collected data for blood lactate concentration ([La]) and Borg scale rate of perceived exertion (RPE) at the end of each repetition. The results obtained were: M RPET = 4.98, SD = 1.12 arbitrary units (A.U.) and M lactate threshold = 4.24, SD = 1.12 mmol.L−1, with [La] and RPE identified by the maximal deviation (Dmax) method without a significant difference ( p > 0.05) and large correlations between DmaxLa and DmaxRPE at variables for time (r = 0.64), velocity (r = 0.67) and percentage of personal best time (PB) (r = 0.60). These results suggest that RPET is a good predictor of LT in young competitive swimmers.
Carbon footprint and water footprint assessment of virgin and recycled polyester textiles
Authors: Qian Weiran , Ji Xiang , Xu Pinghua , Wang Laili
Published: April 2021

Recycled polyester textile fibers stemming from waste polyester material have been applied in the textile industry in recent years. However, there are few studies focusing on the evaluation and comparison of the environmental impacts caused by the production of virgin polyester textiles and recycled polyester textiles. In this study, the carbon footprint and water footprint of virgin polyester textiles and recycled polyester textiles were calculated and compared. The results showed that the carbon footprint of the virgin polyester textiles production was 119.59 kgCO2/100 kg. Terephthalic acid production process occupied the largest proportion, accounting for 45.83%, followed by polyester fabric production process, ethylene production process, paraxylene production process, ethylene glycol production process and polyester fiber production process. The total carbon footprint of waste polyester recycling was 1154.15 kgCO2/100 kg, approximately ten times that of virgin polyester textiles production. As for the water footprint, it showed that virgin polyester fabric production and recycled polyester fabric production both had great impact on water eutrophication and water scarcity. Chemical oxygen demand caused the largest water eutrophication footprint, followed by ammonia-nitrogen and five-day biochemical oxygen demand. The water scarcity footprint of virgin polyester fabric production and recycled polyester fabric production was 5.98 m3 H2Oeq/100 kg and 1.90 m3 H2Oeq/100 kg, respectively. The comprehensive evaluation of carbon footprint and water footprint with the life cycle assessment polygon method indicated that the polyester fabric production process exhibited greater environmental impacts both for virgin polyester and recycled polyester.
Effective treatments for enhancing carbon fiber/epoxy interfacial properties and carbon yarn weavability
Authors: Yao Lan , Ruan Xinyi , Hong Shiting , Yang Jiahua , Fan Xiujun , Lin Huoyue , Sun Shiyuan , Zheng Xianhong , Tang Huarong , Qiu Yiping
Published: April 2021

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites have wide applications in the automotive, aerospace and construction industries, etc. However, due to the chemically inert surface of carbon fiber, interfacial problems always exist when the carbon fiber is infiltrated by the resin. In this study, polypyrrole (PPy) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were deposited on the carbon fiber surface in order to improve the interfacial properties between the carbon fiber and epoxy resin. After treatment, the interfacial shear strength increased as high as 55.7%, which was verified by microstructure characterization, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. In addition, PPy and CNTs were added to the epoxy sizing agent to strengthen the weavability of carbon yarns. The results showed that the abrasion resistance of the sized carbon yarns was significantly improved, and the fuzz weights were reduced.
Envisioning a Just Response to the Catholic Clergy Sexual Abuse Crisis
Authors: Beste Jennifer
Published: April 2021

In this article, I argue that the only way Catholics will experience the conversion of heart necessary to engage in authentic Christian discipleship and respond justly to the clergy sexual abuse crisis is to enter empathetically into the traumatic reality of the crisis. Recognition of the degree to which clergy abuse harms victim-survivors and subverts the church’s purpose to be the body of Christ leads to the moral obligation to prioritize urgent action on two objectives: (1) solidarity with clergy sexual abuse survivors and (2) effective prevention of clergy sexual abuse globally.
Mass Intentions: Twentieth-Century Theology and Pastoral Reform [Part Two]
Authors: Baldovin John F.
Published: April 2021

The question of Mass intentions received a good deal of theological scrutiny in the course of the twentieth century, especially in the work of Maurice de la Taille, Karl Rahner, and Edward Kilmartin. Each of these theologians criticized the widely accepted Scotist three-fold division of the fruits of the Mass. Combined with the post-Vatican II reform of the Catholic liturgy and further contemporary reflection in Eucharistic theology, these advances provide the basis for a proposal to re-think the practice of Mass intentions as well as monetary offerings (stipends) associated with them. [ Editor’s note: This is the second of two parts. This first was published in the December 2020 issue.]
Socioeconomic Factors and Health Status Disparities Associated with Difficulty in ADLs and IADLs among Long-Lived Populations in Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nóbrega Júlia Cristina Leite , Medeiros Juliana Barbosa , Santos Tácila Thamires de Melo , Alves Saionara Açucena Vieira , Freitas Javanna Lacerda Gomes da Silva , Silva Jaíza M.M. , Simões Raisa Fernandes Mariz , Brito Allisson de Lima , Weller Mathias , Santos Jair Lício de Ferreira , Menezes Tarciana Nobre , Duarte Yeda Aparecida de Oliveira , Zatz Mayana , Matheson David , Santos Silvana
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To evaluate the association between socioeconomic factors, health status, and Functional Capacity (FC) in the oldest senior citizens in a metropolis and a poor rural region of Brazil.

Method:

Cross-sectional study of 417 seniors aged ≥80 years, data collected through Brazil’s Health, Well-being and Aging survey. FC assessed by self-reporting of difficulties in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs). Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using “R” statistical software.

Results:

Socioeconomic and demographic inequalities in Brazil can influence FC in seniors aged 80 years and older. Comparatively, urban long-lived people had a higher prevalence of difficulties for ADLs and rural ones showed more difficulties for IADLs. Among urban oldest seniors, female gender and lower-income were correlated with difficulties for IADLs. Among rural oldest seniors, female gender, stroke, joint disease, and inadequate weight independently were correlated with difficulties for ADLs, while the number of chronic diseases was associated with difficulties for IADLs.

Conclusion:

Financial constraints may favor the development of functional limitations among older seniors in large urban centers. In poor rural areas, inadequate nutritional status and chronic diseases may increase their susceptibility to functional decline.
Customer-Based Place Brand Equity and Tourism: A Regional Identity Perspective
Authors: Bose Sunny , Pradhan Sudeepta , Bashir Makhmoor , Roy Sanjit K.
Published: April 2021

The major purpose of place branding is to attract tourists and investors by enhancing the value proposition of a place through its unique regional identity. We undertake two studies to test the impact of regional identity on destination brand loyalty, and thereby on investment attractiveness. Study 1 involves identifying the dimensions of customer-based place brand equity (CBPBE) from a regional identity perspective. Data were collected from the state of West Bengal in India. Results of exploratory factor analysis show a four-dimensional structure of CBPBE consisting of brand salience, brand meaning, perceived quality, and brand attachment. Based on 290 responses collected from Thailand, we use these CBPBE dimensions in study 2 to develop and validate the psychometrically robust CBPBE-RI instrument. Finally, we test for the impact of CBPBE-RI dimensions on destination brand loyalty and investment attractiveness. The results have managerial and theoretical implications.