bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynastic aura: Proximity to the powerful and its promise in corporate South Korea
Authors: Prentice Michael M.
Published: August 2021

This article discusses the experiences of high-level managers at a South Korean conglomerate named ‘Sangdo’ who worked within the corporate group’s head office under the owner-executive family. These highly credentialled professionals were attracted to the idea of working directly under or alongside an elite, wealthy corporate dynasty who both owned the conglomerate and were its top executives. Rather than seeing this as a site of inherent conflict between the familial and the professional, I describe how the idea of working alongside and for such elites was enhanced by a ‘dynastic aura’. Through the concept of dynastic aura, I highlight how, in South Korea, families that own business groups are objects of public fascination, particularly as indicators of the future of the economy. In the context of Sangdo, I describe how managers were drawn to the potential of working with a new generation of Sangdo ownership, who sought to centralize and systematize expertise within a holding company. I show how this aura figuratively wore off for managers as they came to understand that ownership was just as entangled in the corporate form – not necessarily above or outside of it – as they were. The article highlights how certain aspects of kinship (such as dynasties and generational succession) still animate capitalist labour, even for non-family members. Additionally, the article calls attention to the way that actors engage with and understand powerful actors in their own right, going beyond accounts of anthropologists’ own direct encounters with the powerful.
Rich man, poor man, middleman, thing: Distributing power
Authors: Hertz Ellen
Published: August 2021

The author reviews the fine ethnographic analyses in this special issue and argues that they become more coherent if power is understood as a sociotechnological network. This further implies that anthropologists' conclusions about how power is exercised must be modest, both historically situated and politically targeted, if the discipline wishes to contribute meaningfully to holding the powerful to account.
Strategies to Enhance the Resilience of an Urban Rail Transit Network
Authors: Chen Jinqu , Liu Jie , Peng Qiyuan , Yin Yong
Published: August 2021

An urban rail transit (URT) system is an important component of an urban infrastructure system; however, it is vulnerable to disturbances, such as natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Constructing a highly resilient URT network has practical significance for enhancing its capability to respond to disturbances. In this paper, models are developed to optimize a URT network’s structure with regard to resilience and to enhance the resilience of a disrupted URT network. A bi-level programming model that aims to maximize a URT network’s global accessibility and global efficiency is formulated to optimize the structure of the network. A novel repair strategy, called the simulation repair strategy, is proposed to enhance the resilience of a disrupted URT network by optimizing the repair sequence of failed stations. The models are utilized to enhance the resilience of the Chengdu subway network. The result indicates that the bi-level programming model guides the construction of new links to optimize the structure of the Chengdu subway network. Deliberate attacks are more harmful to the Chengdu subway network than random attacks. The network’s operators need to pay attention to the operations of critical stations (e.g., Chunxi Road station and Tianfu Square station) to prevent disturbances from exerting considerable negative effects on the network’s normal operations. The simulation repair strategy exhibits higher repair efficiency than the conventional repair strategy, and it effectively enhances the resilience of the disrupted Chengdu subway network.
Cyberbullying and Delinquency in Adolescence: The Potential Mediating Effects of Social Attachment and Delinquent Peer Association
Authors: Guo Siying
Published: August 2021

Adopting the integrated model of General Strain Theory (GST), the current study tested the relations between cyberbullying roles (i.e., cyberbully, cybervictim, and cyberbully-victim) and delinquent behaviors (i.e., physical fighting and substance use), as well as the potential mediating effects of delinquent peer association and perceived social attachment from parents, friends, and teachers. This was conducted in a cross-sectional sample of 12,642 American adolescents via the use of structural equation models. The results indicated that being involved in cyberbullying might be not only directly associated with an increase in delinquent behaviors, but also indirectly via delinquent peer associations and perceived social attachment from parents, friends, and teachers. Furthermore, both direct and indirect (mediating) relationships between cyberbullying and delinquency might depend upon specific cyberbullying roles and the types of delinquency. Potential implications for prevention and intervention strategies were discussed.
Bridging Potential in Friend Networks and Cognitive Function in Older Korean Americans
Authors: Jang Yuri , Kim Jangmin , Yoon Hyunwoo , Park Nan Sook , Chiriboga David A.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To examine the associates of bridging potential in networks of friends and its impact on cognitive function in older Korean Americans.

Methods

Data came from 308 participants in Central Florida who were part of the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA). Using data from a name generator of three close friends in local Korean communities, non-overlapping networks were quantified for bridging potential. Linear regression models for bridging potential and cognitive function were examined.

Results

Bridging potential was greater among those with stronger social ties with friends in general and higher levels of activity engagement. The direct benefit of bridging potential on cognitive function was also confirmed. In addition, bridging potential was found to mediate the effect of social ties with friends on cognitive function.

Discussion

Findings underscore the interconnectedness of older immigrants’ social and cognitive function and shed light on interventions.
Free vibration and buckling of heavy column with regular polygon cross-section
Authors: Lee Joon Kyu , Lee Byoung Koo
Published: August 2021

This paper deals with the free vibration and buckling of heavy column, considering its own self-weight. The column has a regular polygonal cross-section with a constant area. The column is applied to an external axial load as well as the self-weight. The five end conditions of the column are considered. Based on equilibrium equations of the column element, differential equations governing the vibrational and buckled mode shapes of column are derived. In solution methods, differential equations are numerically integrated by the direct integration method and eigenvalues of the natural frequency, buckling load and self-weight buckling length are calculated by the determinant search method. The numerical results of this study were in good agreement with those of the reference. Parametric study of the end condition, side number and self-weight on the natural frequency and buckling load was carried out.
Working-condition diagnosis of a beam pumping unit based on a deep-learning convolutional neural network
Authors: Ye Zhewei , Yi Qinjue
Published: August 2021

At present, beam pumping units are the most extensively-applied component in rod pumping systems, and the analysis of the indicator diagram of a rod pump is an important means of judging its downhole working condition. However, the synthetic study and judgment of the indicator diagram by manual means has a low efficiency, large error, and poor immediacy, and it is difficult to apply the conclusions in time and accurately to adjust the operating parameters of the pumping units. Moreover, expert systems rely on expert experience and conventional machine learning requires manual pre-selection of geometric features such as moments and vector curves, which will reduce the accuracy of recognition when similar indicator diagrams appear. To solve the above technical defects, in this paper, a deep-learning convolutional neural network (CNN) is proposed using the CNN model based on AlexNet. The automatic recognition of the indicator diagram is thus realized, and, on the basis of previous studies, this model simplifies the structure of the model and takes into account 15 common downhole working conditions of the pumping unit. In this model, the batch normalization (BN) layer is used to replace the local response normalization (LRN) and dropout layers and all kinds of indicator diagrams are put into the same model frame for automatic identification. The experimental application of the measured data shows that the model not only has a short training time, but also has a working-condition diagnosis accuracy of 96.05%, which can solve the deficiencies and defects of artificial identification, expert systems, and conventional machine learning to a certain extent. A deep-learning CNN can provide a new reference for fast working-condition diagnosis of indicator diagram, making indicator-diagram judgment timely and accurate, and thus it is possible to provide a direct basis for parameter adjustment of pumping units.
Rock hardness identification based on optimized PNN and multi-source data fusion
Authors: He Ying , Tian Muqin , Song Jiancheng , Feng Junling
Published: August 2021

To solve the problem that it is difficult to identify the cutting rock wall hardness of the roadheader in coal mine, a recognition method of cutting rock wall hardness is proposed based on multi-source data fusion and optimized probabilistic neural network. In this method, all kinds of cutting signals (the vibration signal of cutting arm, the pressure signal of hydraulic cylinders and current signal of cutting motor) are analyzed by wavelet packet to extract the feature vector, and the multi feature signal sample database of rock cutting with different hardness is established. To solve the problems of uncertain spread and complex network structure of probabilistic neural network (PNN), a PNN optimization method based on differential evolution algorithm (DE) and QR decomposition was proposed, and the rock hardness was identified based on multi-source data fusion by optimizing PNN. Then, based on the ground test monitoring data of a heavy longitudinal roadheader, the method is applied to recognize the cutting rock hardness, and compared with other common pattern recognition methods. The experimental results show that the cutting rock hardness recognition based on multi-source data fusion and optimized PNN has higher recognition accuracy, and the overall recognition error is reduced to 6.8%. The recognition of random cutting rock hardness is highly close to the actual. The method provides theoretical basis and technical premise for realizing automatic and intelligent cutting of heading face.
Calculation method of belt material parameters for finite element tire model
Authors: Zhang Lu , Wang Shaohua , Li Bing
Published: August 2021

The radial tire belt is composed of multi-layered fiber-reinforced cords with a very complex structure. Restricted by the computing speed, the simplified finite element (FE) tire model with equivalent belt is usually applied in the vehicle dynamic simulation. However, it is always difficult to obtain the material parameters of the equivalent belt. In this paper, a calculation method of equivalent belt material parameters for the simplified FE tire model is proposed based on the three-dimensional (3-D) anisotropic elasticity of the cord reinforced composites. The simulation results of the static radial stiffness, modal characteristics, and dynamic responses for the simplified FE tire model with parameters obtained by the calculation method were compared with experiment results. The results show that the deviation between the experiment and simulation is acceptable, and the validity of the calculation method is verified.
Land Governance: Paradigm Shift in Tribal Land Records in Indo-Nepal Border
Authors: Joshi Richa
Published: August 2021

Land ownership is determined by the land title possessed by an individual and protects the rights of the owner. Due to the rampant growth in population and scarcity of land, mutation, unclear land titles, and prices are soaring and have led to benami transactions. Land documentation is not an easy task in India where different methods and departments are involved with a lack of efforts at bringing commonality into the system of land records. Therefore, to bring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in dealing with the cases of land disputes and associated litigation, there is an immediate need for compilation, maintenance, and updation of the land records to instill a sense of security among landowners. Therefore, the central theme of the article revolves around the hindrances and issues in an entire process, flaws in land records, poor updation of data, online mutation, and automatic flow of information. The adequacy of the updated land information can answer to disputes in boundary, unauthorized construction, permission related to land use, fraud registration of the property, and incomplete mutation and could lower the cost of transactions. The other multidimensions which are focused while understanding the land records in a tribal regime are tenure rights, disputes in common areas, customary rights, and acquisition of land by other communities.
Increased Behavioral Sensitivity to Repeated Experiences of Punishment in Children With ADHD: Experimental Studies Using the Matching Law
Authors: Furukawa Emi , Alsop Brent , Shimabukuro Shizuka , Sowerby Paula , Jensen Stephanie , Tripp Gail
Published: August 2021

Background: Research on altered motivational processes in ADHD has focused on reward. The sensitivity of children with ADHD to punishment has received limited attention. We evaluated the effects of punishment on the behavioral allocation of children with and without ADHD from the United States, New Zealand, and Japan, applying the generalized matching law. Methods: Participants in two studies (Furukawa et al., 2017, 2019) were 210 English-speaking (145 ADHD) and 93 Japanese-speaking (34 ADHD) children. They completed an operant task in which they chose between playing two simultaneously available games. Rewards became available every 10 seconds on average, arranged equally across the two games. Responses on one game were punished four times as often as responses on the other. The asymmetrical punishment schedules should bias responding to the less punished alternative. Results: Compared with controls, children with ADHD from both samples allocated significantly more responses to the less frequently punished game, suggesting greater behavioral sensitivity to punishment. For these children, the bias toward the less punished alternative increased with time on task. Avoiding the more punished game resulted in missed reward opportunities and reduced earnings. English-speaking controls showed some preference for the less punished game. The behavior of Japanese controls was not significantly influenced by the frequency of punishment, despite slowed response times after punished trials and immediate shifts away from the punished game, indicating awareness of punishment. Conclusion: Punishment exerted greater control over the behavior of children with ADHD, regardless of their cultural background. This may be a common characteristic of the disorder. Avoidance of punishment led to poorer task performance. Caution is required in the use of punishment, especially with children with ADHD. The group difference in punishment sensitivity was more pronounced in the Japanese sample; this may create a negative halo effect for children with ADHD in this culture.
Gangrenous Cholecystitis as a Potential Complication of COVID-19: A Case Report
Authors: Alam Walid , Karam Karam
Published: August 2021

While primarily a respiratory disease, COVID-19 can affect several organ systems and has been recently linked to cases of acalculous cholecystitis. We present a previously healthy elderly patient who presented to the emergency department with sepsis and was found to have COVID-19 after initially testing negative on PCR, along with suspected concomitant acalculous gangrenous cholecystitis. The patient passed away before any surgical intervention could be made. This case aims to discuss the potential relationship between acalculous cholecystitis and COVID-19.
Staff Perceptions of Job Satisfaction and Life Situation before and 6 and 12 Months after Increased Information Technology Support in Dementia Care
Authors: Engström Maria , Ljunggren Birgitta , Lindqvist Ragny , Carlsson Marianne
Published: August 2021

We measured staff members’ satisfaction with their work before and after increased information technology (IT) support in dementia care. Comparisons were also performed of perceived life satisfaction and sense of coherence. Data were collected before, and 6 and 12 months after implementation of the first part of an IT support project. Instruments used were the Satisfaction with Work Questionnaires, the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (LSQ) and the Sense of Coherence (SOC) scale. The study was performed in a residential home for persons with dementia. The participants were 33 staff members. The IT technology included general and individualized passage alarms, sensor-activated night-time illumination, fall detectors and Internet communication. Results showed that staff members’ job satisfaction and perceived quality of care improved in comparison with the control group. Personal development, workload, expectations and demands, internal motivation and documentation, as well as the total scores for ‘psychosocial aspects of job satisfaction’ and ‘quality of care aspects’, increased in the experimental group. There were significant interaction effects for the factors family relation, close friend relation (LSQ), the total SOC scale and the meaningfulness subscale. The study showed that IT support in dementia care increased staff members’ satisfaction with their work in several ways.
The challenge of repurposed technologies for youth: Understanding the unique affordances of digital self-tracking for adolescents
Authors: Freeman Jaimie Lee , Neff Gina
Published: August 2021

Adults’ digital self-tracking practices are relatively well studied, but these pre-existing models of digital self-tracking do not fit for how adolescents use these technologies. We apply the mechanisms-and-conditions framework of affordance theory to examine adolescents’ imagined affordances of self-tracking apps and devices. Based on qualitative data from an online survey of 16- to 18-year-olds in the United Kingdom, we find the following three key themes in how adolescents imagine the affordances of digital self-tracking: (1) the variability of use across adolescents and with adults, (2) the role of the social control of data in school settings, and (3) the salience of social comparisons among their peers. Using these findings, we show how social and institutional configurations come to matter for technological affordances. By examining adolescents’ imagined affordances for self-tracking, we suggest self-tracking research move away from a “one size fits all approach” and begin to highlight the differences in practices from adults and across adolescents.
“We take responsibility!”: Governing the neighborhood—governing the self
Authors: McCorry Timothy , Fuller Paul C
Published: August 2021

This ethnographic study of a neighborhood association focuses on the process of organizing residents to collective action. Situated in the post-industrial city of Buffalo, New York, the Urban Community Collaborative (UCC) employs two main governing techniques: (1) “taking responsibility” and (2)“working collaboratively” that emphasizes the rationality of “active citizenship” and the formation of horizontally linked collaborative partnerships to address perceived urban social problems. Similar to previous studies, we view this political rationality as a discursive constitution that shapes the actions of the members of the UCC (Atkinson, 1999; Schofield, 20002). This political rationality invokes neoliberal discourses of individual responsibility, entrepreneurship, and community partnership in place of a dependency on the government. We find residents utilizing moral techniques of responsibilization which entails calling on their neighbors to “take responsibility” and to “work collaboratively” with one another and paradoxically, with the government itself in revitalization efforts.
Modeling fog of war effects in AFSIM
Authors: Tryhorn Dillon , Dill Richard , Hodson Douglas D , Grimaila Michael R , Myers Christopher W
Published: August 2021

This research identifies specific communication sensor features vulnerable to fog and provides a method to introduce them into an Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM) wargame scenario. Military leaders use multiple information sources about the battlespace to make timely decisions that advance their operational objectives while attempting to deny their opponent’s actions. Unfortunately, the complexities of battle combined with uncertainty in situational awareness of the battlespace, too much or too little intelligence, and the opponent’s intentional interference with friendly command and control actions yield an abstract layer of battlespace fog. Decision-makers must understand, characterize and overcome this “battlespace fog” to accomplish operational objectives. This research proposes a novel tool, the Fog Analysis Tool (FAT), to automatically compile a list of communication and sensor objects within a scenario and list options that may impact decision-making processes. FAT improves wargame realism by introducing and standardizing fog levels across communication links and sensor feeds in an AFSIM scenario. Research results confirm that FAT provides significant benefits and enables the measurement of fog impacts to tactical command and control decisions within AFSIM scenarios.
Nerve Transfer Is Superior to Nerve Grafting for Suprascapular Nerve Reconstruction in Obstetrical Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nickel Kevin J. , Morzycki Alexander , Hsiao Ralph , Morhart Michael J. , Olson Jaret L.
Published: August 2021

Background

Restoration of shoulder function in obstetrical brachial plexus injury is paramount. There remains debate as to the optimal method of upper trunk reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that spinal accessory nerve to suprascapular nerve transfer leads to improved shoulder external rotation relative to sural nerve grafting.

Methods

A systematic review of Medline, EMBASE, EBSCO CINAHL, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and TRIP Pro from inception was conducted. Our primary outcome was shoulder external rotation.

Results

Four studies were included. Nerve transfer was associated with greater shoulder external rotation relative to nerve grafting (mean difference: 0.82 AMS 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.27-1.36, P < .005). Patients undergoing nerve grafting were more likely to undergo a secondary shoulder stabilizing procedure (odds ratio [OR]: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.8376-1.9268).

Conclusion

In obstetrical brachial plexus injury, nerve transfer is associated with improved shoulder external rotation and a lower rate of secondary shoulder surgery.

Level of Evidence

Level III; Therapeutic
Investigations on the mechanics and tribology of multilayer graphene nanosheet in TiAl aviation composites
Authors: Dong Zhao , Yang Kang , Zhang Feizhi
Published: August 2021

Requirements of low energy consumption and material-volume reduction in the aerospace industry have spurred improvements of mechanical and tribological behaviors of TiAl (TA) alloys. TA-graphene (TAG) has poorer mechanical properties (6.02 ± 0.42 GPa nano-hardness, 150 ± 12.32 GPa elasticity modulus, and 802 ± 21 MPa yield strength) than (6.25 ± 0.52 GPa nano-hardness, 159 ± 14.21 GPa elasticity modulus, and 850 ± 19 MPa yield strength) of TA-graphene-silver (TAGS). Multilayer graphene nanosheets were curled into small loops to resist the applied forces, and helped to improve the mechanical properties of the TAGS. Subsequently, the graphene nanosheets enhanced the tribological performances as observed by the ball-on-disk tribometer. The following factors were primarily responsible for more excellent tribological behaviors (approximately 0.27 friction coefficient, 2.82 × 10−4 mm3 N−1 m−1 wear rate) of TAGS than those of the TAG: intra-lamellar separation of graphene, graphene-enhanced capacity of wear scar, plastic deformation of silver, the excellent cooperation lubrication of graphene-silver, the low-hardness lubrication film on the grain-refined layer, the well-distributed film grain, and low grain orientation angles.
Root cause identification approach using decomposition of QFD and extended RPN for product manufacturing reliability degradation
Authors: Zhang Anqi , He Yihai , Wang Chengcheng , Zhang Jishan , Zhang Zixuan
Published: August 2021

Reliability is reflected in product during manufacturing. However, due to uncontrollable factors during production, product reliability may degrade substantially after manufacturing. Thus, root cause analysis is important in identifying vulnerable parameters to prevent the product reliability degradation in manufacturing. Therefore, a novel root cause identification approach based on quality function deployment (QFD) and extended risk priority number (RPN) is proposed to prevent the degradation of product manufacturing reliability. First, the connotation of product manufacturing reliability and its degradation mechanism are expounded. Second, the associated tree of the root cause of product manufacturing reliability degradation is established using the waterfall decomposition of QFD. Third, the classic RPN is extended to focus on importance to reliability characteristics, probability, and un-detectability. Furthermore, fuzzy linguistic is adopted and the integrated RPN is calculated to determine the risk of root causes. Therefore, a risk-oriented root cause identification technique of product manufacturing reliability degradation is proposed using RPN. Finally, a root cause identification of an engine component is presented to verify the effectiveness of this method. Results show that the proposed approach can identify the root cause objectively and provide reference for reliability control during production.
A Case Study in Academic and School Nursing Partnerships
Authors: Flippo Renee , Helms Chyl
Published: August 2021

School nurses play a vital role in the lives of children and are guided by The National Association of School Nurses’ Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice and its five major principles. School nurses practice independently and are often the sole healthcare provider at their designated schools, requiring them to be accomplished clinicians utilizing evidence-based practice in the care of children. When compared with nurses practicing in healthcare settings, school nurses may lack access to evidence-based continuing education and skill enhancement. One strategy proposed is the forming of partnerships with an academic institution, giving school nurses access to academic faculty and resources. This article highlights the collaboration and partnership between Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing and the Dallas Independent School District, demonstrating that an academic partnership for the training of school nurses improves outcomes.
Successful use of tapering strips for hyperbolic reduction of antidepressant dose: a cohort study
Authors: Groot Peter C. , van Os Jim
Published: August 2021

Background:

Tapering strips facilitate antidepressant discontinuation, allowing for personalised titration of discontinuation to the intensity of withdrawal. A tapering strip consists of antidepressant or other medication, packaged in a 28-day roll of daily pouches, each with the same or slightly lower dose than the one before. Previous studies demonstrated 70% real-world effectiveness of tapering strips. Here, we present a third, questionnaire-based retrospective cohort study in a large sample.

Methods:

Patients whose doctor had prescribed tapering strips between October 2015 and December 2018 were sent a questionnaire for participation after completion of tapering between December 2015 and January 2020. Of 1240 individuals who returned a questionnaire (response rate: 59%), 987 (80%) used an antidepressant, of whom 824 (83%) had wished to discontinue their antidepressant.

Results:

The sample was demographically representative of antidepressant users in the Netherlands. Less than 40% of participants had heard of tapering strips through their clinicians – Internet was the most frequent source. Of the 824 individuals, 341 (41%) had used strips for tapering venlafaxine, 206 (25%) for paroxetine and 277 (34%) for other antidepressants. Median duration of antidepressant use was 5–10 years, and most (71%) had tried to come off without tapering strips at least once. Most patients (72%) were able to discontinue their antidepressant, using a median of two strips to taper over a median period of 56 days. Females and individuals with (1) more severe experience of withdrawal during the use of tapering strips, (2) more years of use of antidepressant medication and (3) more previous attempts at discontinuation were less likely to be able to discontinue their antidepressant medication with tapering strips.

Conclusion:

The results of this study validate, for the third time, the observation that tapering strips can address the problem of antidepressant withdrawal symptoms in individuals attempting to discontinue antidepressants.
The impact of cognitive rehabilitation on quality of life in multiple sclerosis: A pilot study
Authors: Munger Kathleen C , Martinez Amy Pacos , Hyland Megan H
Published: August 2021

Background

Cognitive impairment in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) negatively impacts daily function and quality of life (QoL). Prior studies of cognitive rehabilitation in pwMS have shown limited benefit but many focused on cognitive function scores rather than QoL measures. Studies using QoL metrics primarily evaluated group cognitive rehabilitation, which may be less appropriate due to variable cognitive profiles in pwMS. This study assesses the impact of an individualized cognitive rehabilitation approach on QoL in MS.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of NeuroQoL assessments done by pwMS (n = 12, mean age 47.9 ± 4.0 years, 75% female, 100% White, 75% RRMS) before and after participation in an individualized compensatory cognitive program. We used a comparison group of pwMS who were candidates for the program but did not participate (n = 9, mean age 48.9 ± 4.4 years, 88.9% female, 100% White, 66.7% RRMS)

Results

PwMS who participated in the rehabilitation program saw improvements in Sleep Disturbance (50.5 from 55.5, p = 0.005), Fatigue (52.5 from 57.0, p = 0.024), Anxiety (49.8 from 55.4, p = 0.011), and Cognitive Function (39.3 from 36.7, p = 0.049).

Conclusions

Individualized compensatory cognitive rehabilitation appears effective for improving QoL measures in pwMS with cognitive complaints, supporting the need for further randomized controlled prospective analysis of this intervention.
Current Reconstruction Options in Periprosthetic Fractures Around the Knee
Authors: Cacciola Giorgio , Mancino Fabio , De Meo Federico , Bruschetta Antongiulio , De Martino Ivan , Cavaliere Pietro
Published: August 2021

Background:

Periprosthetic fractures are a rare complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, the incidence of these fractures is growing after the increasing number of TKAs performed every year and the progressive aging of the population. In addition, the surgical treatment and peri-operative management of these complications are demanding, representing a challenge for the orthopedic surgeon.

Significance:

A thorough understanding of these fractures and a correct classification are necessary in order to select the most suitable surgical treatment. The aim of this review was to analyze the epidemiology, classification, diagnosis, surgical treatment, and outcomes of periprosthetic knee fractures in order to give an exhaustive overview.

Results:

Reduction and internal fixation with locking plates or intramedullary nails represents the preferred option in case of a stable prosthetic implant. Conversely, in case of loose tibial and/or femoral component, implant revision is mandatory. Conservative treatment is rarely indicated.

Conclusion:

A deep understanding of the characteristics and patterns of periprosthetic knee fractures, and the determination of the stability of the prosthetic implant are necessary in order to establish the correct treatment.
Relief, Recovery, and Revitalization Measures for Tourism and Hospitality Industry During Covid-19 Pandemic: Case Study From Taiwan
Authors: Wu Li-Fan , Achyldurdyyeva Jennet , Jou Wei-Ping , Foung Wei-Ting , Jaw Bih-Shiaw
Published: August 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has severely disrupted lives and economies around the world. Every part of tourism and hospitality value chain has been affected by the unprecedented travel and mobility restrictions (border control, lockdowns, quarantines, curfews, social distancing) undertaken by governments to contain the spread of the virus. This case study is an in-depth investigation on the Taiwan’s government response to support tourism industry stakeholders during Covid-19 pandemic. Data are gathered from a variety of sources, including government policy, procedures, and interviews with business owners and observations of day-to-day business operations. This study presents novel effective government practices and cooperation with tourism and hospitality business during Covid-19 pandemic crisis.
Indian Telemedicine Industry: Evolving Nature of Business Models and Customer Interactions
Authors: Bhattacharyya Som Sekhar , Rupainwar Manas , Kumar Abhishek
Published: August 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the telemedicine industry evolved rapidly in India. The purpose of this case research was to map the evolution of the telemedicine industry in India. This was studied from the perspectives of present business models and customer engagement methods practised in India by different telemedicine firms. The research case study approach as advocated by Yin (1994, 2011), Eisenhardt (1989, 1991) and Woodside (2010) was followed. For the purpose of this study, the authors collected the data related to telemedicine firms’ business leaders in India through primary and secondary sources from October 2020 to February 2021. An array of appropriate methods was applied to compare, analyse, conduct pattern mapping, pattern matching and illustrate the subject to support the arguments of this research study. Specifically, a theoretical contribution was made on business models (Acheampong & Vimarlund, 2015; Peters et al., 2015) and customer interaction (Broens et al., 2007; Gackowski et al., 2011).
Indian Propolis Little Known and More to Explore for Dental Applications: A Review
Authors: Godhi Brinda Suhas , Jaishankar H. P. , Darla H. Tanishka , Saha Sonali , Sumana M.N.  , Rudraswamy Sushma
Published: August 2021

Aim:

The present trend in health care is toward the use of natural products for curing diseases. “Propolis” or bees wax is a natural, nontoxic resinous material collected by bees from exudates and buds of the plant. It has many beneficial biological and pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer activities. Propolis is widely applied in dentistry as an anticariogenic agent, hypersensitivity reducing agent, and endodontic disinfection to name a few. The diverse phytochemical constituents of propolis are responsible for its valuable properties. Considering its vast potential, propolis has gained the attention of many researchers. The aim of this study is to offer a comprehensive evidence which will enable the readers and researchers to appreciate the prospects of the application of Indian propolis in present-day dentistry.

Material and Methods:

In vitro and in vivo studies on Indian propolis and its application in dentistry searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane library databases up to December 2020.

Results:

The search identified 31 records; 12 full-text articles which met the eligibility criteria were assessed. Based on the results of in vitro studies, further in vivo studies need to be carried out to prove the feasibility of Indian propolis as an anticariogenic agent, a desensitizing agent, and an intracanal irrigant/medicament in the field of dentistry.

Conclusion:

Indian propolis has shown an immense amount of potentiality which demands for more clinical research to have sufficient evidence-based literature for future usage in oral health care.
Prevention of HIV Transmission from Mother to Child: Challenges to the Successful Program Implementation and Practice in Indonesia
Authors: Siregar Kemal Nazaruddin , Hanifah Laily , Rikawarastuti  , Wahyuniar Lely
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

The level of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission from mother to child in Indonesia ranks first worldwide. Newborn babies in Indonesia are at greater risk of experiencing the burden of HIV infection than babies born in other countries.

Objectives:

To explore the full extent of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) in South Sulawesi Province in 2020 and to discuss program and policy implications for PMTCT.

Methods:

This is a health system analysis study with a qualitative approach using focus group discussion, in-depth interviews, and observations in primary health centers and hospitals.

Results:

There is no local policy and guidelines for PMTCT programs and services; the coverage of HIV testing in pregnant women has not achieved 100% according to the target. There are limitations to human resources in public and private services to conduct the program. The assistance’s activities to ensure antiretroviral (ARV) adherence are limited, and HIV-positive women faced stigma and discrimination, not only from the community but also from health workers.

Recommendations:

Some recommendations are to improve the HIV test coverage to 100% in pregnant women as well as the coverage and quality of ARV treatment.
A game co-design method to elicit knowledge for the contextualization of spatial models
Authors: Champlin Carissa J , Flacke Johannes , Dewulf Geert PMR
Published: August 2021

A frequent criticism of knowledge-based planning tools is the apparent mismatch between information frameworks used in their spatial models and the information needs of planning actors. Increasingly, these actors are contributing their context-specific knowledge during the development of such tools. Transferring this knowledge from actors to the model remains a challenge. This study establishes a set of design requirements for knowledge elicitation in small group settings and introduces game co-design as a method allowing planning actors and planning support experts to meet halfway between the technology and user domains in the so-called third space. We present an initial case where in three nominal group sessions, actors encountered and critiqued parameterized assumptions of their planning issues in a tangible game environment. Findings indicate that the method can elicit different types of knowledge (divergence) about a spatial system in operationalized terms (formalization). We discuss the potential of tangible game co-design as a modeling as learning exercise and its complementarity to dedicated digital technologies for more holistic planning support.
Emerging MDR-Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium in house-reared domestic birds as the first report in Egypt
Authors: Algammal Abdelazeem M. , Hashem Hany R. , Al-otaibi Amenah S. , Alfifi Khyreyah J. , El-dawody Esraa M. , Mahrous Eman , Hetta Helal F. , El-Kholy Ali W. , Ramadan Hazem , El-Tarabili Reham M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Avian tuberculosis is a chronic and zoonotic disease that affects a wide variety of birds, mammals, and humans. This study aimed to estimate the frequency ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp.aviumin some domestic birds based on molecular diagnosis, antibiogram profile, and PCR-based detection ofinhA,rpoB,rpsL, andotrB antibiotic resistance-related genes.

Methods

A total of 120 fecal samples were collected from small flocks of house-reared domestic birds at Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. The collected samples were processed and subjected to the bacteriological examination. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the recovered isolates was performed using the broth microdilution method for the detection of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The genetic detection of theIS901confirmatory gene,inhA, rpoB,rpsL, andotrB genes was carried out using PCR.

Results

The frequency ofM. aviumsubsp.aviumwas 4.1% (5/120); 10% (4/40) in ducks, and 2.5% (1/10) in geese. The identification of the recovered isolates was confirmed using PCR, where all the tested isolates were positive forIS901confirmatory gene. The results of the broth microdilution method revealed that most of the recovered isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR) to isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin, oxytetracycline, and doxycycline, and harbored theinhA, rpoB, rpsL, andotrB genes.

Conclusion

In brief, to the best of our knowledge this is the first report that emphasized the emergence of avian tuberculosis in house-reared domestic birds in Egypt. The emergence of MDR-M. aviumsubsp.aviumis considered a public health threat. Emerging MDR-M. aviumsubsp.aviumin domestic birds are commonly harbored theIS901, inhA, rpoB, rpsL, andotrB genes. Azithromycin and clofazimine revealed a promising in-vitro antibacterial activity againstM. aviumsubsp.avium.
Early identification of acute kidney injury in the ICU with real-time urine output monitoring: a clinical investigation
Authors: Willner Dafna , Goldman Aliza , Azran Hagar , Stern Tal , Kirshenbom Dvora , Rosenthal Guy
Published: August 2021

Background

KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) provides two sets of criteria to identify and classify acute kidney injury (AKI): serum creatinine (SCr) and urine output (UO). Inconsistencies in the application of KDIGO UO criteria, as well as collecting and classifying UO data, have prevented an accurate assessment of the role this easily available biomarker can play in the early identification of AKI.

Study goal

To assess and compare the performance of the two KDIGO criteria (SCr and UO) for identification of AKI in the intensive care unit (ICU) by comparing the standard SCr criteria to consistent, real-time, consecutive, electronic urine output measurements.

Methods

Ninety five catheterized patients in the General ICU (GICU) of Hadassah Medical Center, Israel, were connected to the RenalSense™ Clarity RMS™ device to automatically monitor UO electronically (UOelec). UOelec and SCr were recorded for 24–48 h and up to 1 week, respectively, after ICU admission.

Results

Real-time consecutive UO measurements identified significantly more AKI patients than SCr in the patient population, 57.9% (N = 55) versus 26.4% (N = 25), respectively (P < 0.0001). In 20 patients that had AKI according to both criteria, time to AKI identification was significantly earlier using the UOelec criteria as compared to the SCr criteria (P < 0.0001). Among this population, the median (interquartile range (IQR)) identification time of AKI UOelec was 12.75 (8.75, 26.25) hours from ICU admission versus 39.06 (25.8, 108.64) hours for AKI SCr.

Conclusion

Application of KDIGO criteria for AKI using continuous electronic monitoring of UO identifies more AKI patients, and identifies them earlier, than using the SCr criteria alone. This can enable the clinician to set protocol goals for earlier intervention for the prevention or treatment of AKI.
Identifying novel transcript biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using RNA-Seq datasets and machine learning
Authors: Gupta Rajinder , Kleinjans Jos , Caiment Florian
Published: August 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer death in the world owing to limitations in its prognosis. The current prognosis approaches include radiological examination and detection of serum biomarkers, however, both have limited efficiency and are ineffective in early prognosis. Due to such limitations, we propose to use RNA-Seq data for evaluating putative higher accuracy biomarkers at the transcript level that could help in early prognosis.

Methods

To identify such potential transcript biomarkers, RNA-Seq data for healthy liver and various HCC cell models were subjected to five different machine learning algorithms: random forest, K-nearest neighbor, Naïve Bayes, support vector machine, and neural networks. Various metrics, namely sensitivity, specificity, MCC, informedness, and AUC-ROC (except for support vector machine) were evaluated. The algorithms that produced the highest values for all metrics were chosen to extract the top features that were subjected to recursive feature elimination. Through recursive feature elimination, the least number of features were obtained to differentiate between the healthy and HCC cell models.

Results

From the metrics used, it is demonstrated that the efficiency of the known protein biomarkers for HCC is comparatively lower than complete transcriptomics data. Among the different machine learning algorithms, random forest and support vector machine demonstrated the best performance. Using recursive feature elimination on top features of random forest and support vector machine three transcripts were selected that had an accuracy of 0.97 and kappa of 0.93. Of the three transcripts, two were protein coding (PARP2–202 and SPON2–203) and one was a non-coding transcript (CYREN-211). Lastly, we demonstrated that these three selected transcripts outperformed randomly taken three transcripts (15,000 combinations), hence were not chance findings, and could then be an interesting candidate for new HCC biomarker development.

Conclusion

Using RNA-Seq data combined with machine learning approaches can aid in finding novel transcript biomarkers. The three biomarkers identified: PARP2–202, SPON2–203, and CYREN-211, presented the highest accuracy among all other transcripts in differentiating the healthy and HCC cell models. The machine learning pipeline developed in this study can be used for any RNA-Seq dataset to find novel transcript biomarkers.

Code: www.github.com/rajinder4489/ML_biomarkers