bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pandemics and Other Health Emergencies
Authors: Heath J. Benton
Published: March 2021

This chapter traces the normative challenges underlying the legal framework for health security. Today’s challenges can be understood as the result of three successive stages of development in global health law. First was the securitization of global public health, whereby a diffuse group of international and national health officials, outside experts, and advocates worked to redefine infectious disease outbreaks as a critical national and international security issue. Secondly, this concept of global health security was inscribed in law through the 2005 revisions to the International Health Regulations, which adopted a governance framework that appeared to be deliberately modelled on domestic emergency powers regimes. Thirdly, this development, rather than settling the World Health Organization’s (WHO) authority in health emergencies, has in turn set off waves of contestation that concern the nature of global health security and how it should be institutionalized. This includes contestation about the internal governance arrangements within the WHO; external conflicts of jurisdiction between the WHO and other institutions; and disagreement about the normative orientation and scope of the WHO’s emergency power.
Wild Fauna and Flora Protection
Authors: Waschefort Gus
Published: March 2021

This chapter explores wild fauna and flora protection. Recently, the United Nations Security Council, which bears ‘primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security’, has adopted a number of resolutions regarding the security situations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic, in which a nexus is recognized between the poaching and associated illicit trade in wild fauna and flora (particularly elephant ivory) and international peace and security. While the chapter is concerned specifically with the link between the protection of wild fauna and flora and global security, the international legal regime geared towards such protection is most developed in the context of conservation and trade. The chapter looks at the broader conservation framework, with particular emphasis on the regime created by the 1973 Convention on Illegal Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES is the apex instrument for the regulation of trade in wild fauna and flora.
General Principles of International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Fleck Dieter
Published: March 2021

This chapter explains the general principles of international humanitarian law—i.e. the prohibition of unnecessary suffering; the prohibition of indiscriminate warfare; and the principle of humanity—in their application and interaction. The prohibition against maux superflus—that is, against weapons and materials causing excessive suffering—is an old principle. It is characterized by an intricate mixture of very definite prohibitions on certain specific categories of arms, on one hand, and a rather abstract prohibition on means of warfare which cause unnecessary suffering, on the other. The utmost protection of the civilian population is also an old concept. By the nineteenth century, legal practice had established the prohibition against indiscriminate warfare as a customary rule. The principle of humanity has not always played the definitive role in moderating belligerent conduct. Nevertheless, humanity was clearly a source of normative constraints on the waging of war.
Means of Combat
Authors: Fleck Dieter
Published: March 2021

This chapter provides an overview of treaty and customary international law rules applicable to means of combat. Belligerents do not need an authorization from international humanitarian law in relation to a specific means of combat. Rather, they are free to develop, produce, stockpile, transfer, or use any particular weapon, except for those cases in which a prohibitive rule of international humanitarian law dictates to the contrary. In order to guarantee effective implementation of the prohibition of certain means and methods of warfare, it is necessary to provide for an efficient procedure to ensure the legality of new weapons. This procedure is preventive in nature and aims at providing the belligerents with means of combat that do not violate international law prohibitions. The chapter discusses the prohibition of certain conventional weapons and then looks at weapons of mass destruction, which are simply defined as nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. While the production, possession, and use of chemical weapons and biological weapons is prohibited under treaty law, the legal status of nuclear weapons is more complex.
Humanitarian Assistance
Authors: Fleck Dieter
Published: March 2021

This chapter explores the overall approach of international humanitarian law to humanitarian assistance. The notion of humanitarian assistance is intrinsically linked to the primary obligation of the parties to the armed conflict to ensure that the basic needs of the population under their control are fulfilled. The fact that international humanitarian law foresees that other actors such as impartial humanitarian organizations can step in under certain circumstances in order to offer relief to populations affected by armed conflict does not diminish the extent of the primary obligation of the parties to the armed conflict. This obligation is expressly mentioned in Article 55 GC IV and Article 69 AP I defining the scope of the occupying power's responsibilities vis-à-vis the civilian population of the occupied territory. These provisions oblige the occupying power to make available to the occupied population various supplies essential for its survival.
The Law of International Peace Operations
Authors: Fleck Dieter
Published: March 2021

This chapter assesses the law of international peace operations, comprising both peacekeeping operations and peace enforcement operations conducted in support of diplomatic efforts to establish and maintain peace. Peace operations will derive their legitimacy from the authority of the Security Council. In establishing a peace operation, the Security Council follows the Charter of the United Nations, exercising its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Legitimacy confers a privileged legal status on a peace operation and its personnel that is essential in implementing its mandate. The rules of engagement for the operation, which form the legal authority for the use of force, specify how and when peacekeepers are authorized to use force, including deadly force. Other international legal instruments and norms guide the activities of peacekeepers and define the relationship between the operation and the host country. Altogether, the apparatus of authority and law composes the legal framework for peace operations.
The Reinsurance Contract—Construction and Terms
Authors: Edelman Colin , Burns Andrew
Published: March 2021

Reinsurance contracts are commercial contracts which are subject to the same general principles of contractual construction as apply to contracts outside the reinsurance arena. When constructing a contract, the court must do so objectively having regard to the material background circumstances of which both parties can be presumed to have been aware. The factual matrix of a reinsurance contract will include any special or peculiar trade meaning arising from the underlying insurance market that would have been known to or reasonably available to the parties at the relevant time. The chapter then identifies different approaches to the construction of reinsurance contracts that may be particularly pertinent to the reinsurance practitioner. It also considers incorporation and implied terms.
Renormalization group analysis of superradiant growth of self-interacting axion cloud
Authors: Omiya Hidetoshi , Takahashi Takuya , Tanaka Takahiro
Published: March 2021

There are strong interests in considering ultra-light scalar fields (especially axion) around a rapidly rotating black hole because of the possibility of observing gravitational waves from axion condensate (axion cloud) around black holes. Motivated by this consideration, we propose a new method to study the dynamics of an ultra-light scalar field with self-interaction around a rapidly rotating black hole, which uses the dynamical renormalization group method. We find that for relativistic clouds, saturation of the superradiant instability by the scattering of the axion due to the self-interaction does not occur in the weakly non-linear regime when we consider the adiabatic growth of the cloud from a single superradiant mode. This may suggest that for relativistic axion clouds, an explosive phenomenon called the Bosenova may inevitably happen, at least once in its evolutionary history.
No-jab, no-job clause: ethical issues and legal impediments
Authors: Corpuz Jeff Clyde G
Published: March 2021

Vaccination is considered to be one of the greatest public health achievements in the 20th century. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has triggered a worldwide debate and legal exemption of vaccination and its possible consequences. Now that COVID-19 vaccination programme has started, there is immense pressure from the general public. Following the recent correspondence where the authors have rightly stated the need to take seriously the ethical issues under the COVID-19 vaccination, this paper highlights the ethical and legal impediments of ‘no-jab, no-job clause’ arising in many countries.
Clinical application of enhanced recovery after surgery in the treatment of choledocholithiasis by ERCP
Authors: Zhang Yue , Gong Zuhua , Chen Sisi
Published: March 2021

This study aims to investigate the effect of applying enhanced recovery after surgery methods (ERAS) in perioperative nursing of choledocholithiasis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for treatment of biliary calculus.

Clinical data from 161 patients who underwent ERCP surgery in Wuhan Union Hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 78 patients received perioperative nursing using the ERAS concept (experimental group) and 83 patients received conventional perioperative nursing (control group). Group differences were compared for the time to first postoperative ambulation, exhausting time, time to first defecation and eating, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complication incidence (pancreatitis, cholangitis, hemorrhage), white blood cell (WBC), and serum amylase (AMS) values at 24 hours, duration of nasobiliary duct indwelling, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization expenses.

No significant between-group differences were noted for demographic characteristics (age, sex, BMI, ASA score, and comorbidity) (P > .05). Time to first ambulation, exhausting time, time to defecation and eating, and nasobiliary drainage time were shorter in the experimental group than the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05). There was no significant between-group difference in postoperative WBC values at 24 hours (P > .05), but the experimental group's AMS values at 24 hours postoperation were significantly lower than those of the controls (154.93 ± 190.01 vs 241.97 ± 482.64, P = .031). Postoperative complications incidence was 9.1% in the experimental group, which was significantly lower than the 20.4% in the control group, and this difference was statistically significant (P = .039). Compared with the control group, nasobiliary drainage time (26.53 ± 7.43 hours vs 37.56 ± 9.91 hours, P < .001), hospital stay (8.32 ± 1.55 days vs 4.56 ± 1.38 days, P < .001), and hospitalization expenses (36800 ± 11900 Yuan vs 28900 ± 6500 Yuan, P = .016) were significantly lower in the experimental group.

ERAS is a safe and effective perioperative nursing application in ERCP for treating choledocholithiasis. It can effectively accelerate patients’ recovery and reduce the incidence of complications; therefore, it is worthy of being applied and promoted in clinical nursing.
Impact of outpatient SARS-CoV-2 infections in minority children
Authors: Denny Vanessa , Shah Niva , Petro Karolina , Choksey Karishma , DeSantis Elizabeth , Hintz Molly , Rethi Shruthi , Sanchez Sarah , Sylla Bernadette , Chiu Stephanie , Gagliardo Christina , Kairam Neeraja , Nwaobasi-Iwuh Eberechi , Di Pentima M. Cecilia
Published: March 2021

Data regarding COVID-19 in the adult population and hospitalized children is rapidly evolving, but little is known about children infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 who do not require hospitalization.

In an observational, retrospective study we analyzed risk factors, demographics and clinical course of non-hospitalized patients ≤ 21 years of age with COVID-19 infection.

Of the 1,796 patients evaluated, 170 were infected, and 40 participated in a telephone survey. Children older >10 years of age (OR: 2.19), Hispanic ethnicity (OR: 3) and residing in counties with higher rates of poverty (OR: 1.5) were associated with higher risk of infection, while older girls were more likely to experience prolonged duration of symptoms (median: 32 days). Consistent with prior reports, fever and cough were present in most of our patients. Shortness of breath, diarrhea, anosmia, and ageusia were more common in our outpatient population than previously reported.

Larger studies addressing the clinical and psychosocial impact of CoVID-19 infection in children living in high-risk environments are warranted.
The effect of web-based educational intervention on psychological status and blood glucose in newly diagnosed patients with diabetes type 2 in rural China
Authors: Yuan Zhixiang , Jiao Nini , Liu Xiaoli , Liu Changjiang
Published: March 2021

Background:

No studies were located which used a web-based educational intervention to improve the knowledge about newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, the primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of web-based educational intervention on psychological outcomes and glycemic control in newly diagnosed T2DM in rural China.

Methods:

This work is a part of a comprehensive research project to assess and provide educational intervention that potentially improve psychological status and blood glucose among patients with T2DM. Eligibility criteria for the study includes newly diagnosed with T2DM, adult patients (age ≥30 years) regardless of gender; speak and understand Chinese languages; having no significant comorbidity; being not involved in any trial/study related to diabetes during last 3 months and able to attend regular visits. Eligible participants were divided into 2 groups according to completely randomized design: education group and control group. The outcomes included fasting blood glucose level, EQ-5D-3L questionnaire, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, and Self-rating Depression Scale.

Results:

This protocol will provide a reliable theoretical basis for the following research.

Conclusion:

The sample came from a single health centre. Therefore, the results can not be generalized for the entire population.

Trial registration:

This study protocol was registered in Research Registry (researchregistry6511).
Social media influencers and transgressive celebrity endorsement in consumption community contexts
Authors: Cocker Hayley , Mardon Rebecca , Daunt Kate L.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to elucidate instances whereby celebrity endorsements by social media influencers (SMIs) embedded within online consumption communities are perceived as transgressive by their fellow community members. In doing so, this study provides insights into the new challenges and considerations that such community contexts present for celebrity endorsement.

Design/methodology/approach

The research team conducted a longitudinal, netnographic study of the YouTube beauty community, involving an initial phase of netnographic immersion followed by an investigative netnography that examined community members’ response to celebrity endorsements by 12 SMIs within the community.

Findings

This study identifies five recurring celebrity endorsement transgressions, each violating an established moral responsibility within the community. The paper explores how community members attribute responsibility for transgressive endorsements and identifies consequences for both the SMI and the endorsed brand.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on a single consumption community, developing a deep understanding of the distinct moral responsibilities that shape the reception of celebrity endorsements within this context.

Practical implications

The paper presents managerial recommendations that will aid both SMIs and brands in implementing celebrity endorsements that avoid communal perceptions of transgression.

Originality/value

The analysis extends prior study on celebrity endorsement by SMIs by explaining when and why SMI endorsements are likely to be perceived as transgressive by the community and providing new insights into community member responses to transgressive SMI endorsements. It also extends wider theories of celebrity endorsement by highlighting the influence of consumption community contexts upon endorsement reception and examining consumer responses to celebrity endorsements perceived as transgressive in and of themselves.
Antimicrobial resistance challenging professional learning in three LMICs
Authors: Kaatrakoski Heli , Littlejohn Allison , Charitonos Koula
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a huge global challenge calling for changes in learning and working in health-care settings. The purpose of this study is to examine tensions expressed by professionals involved in AMR in three low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) in Asia and Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative study was based on 60 face-to-face or online interviews in three LMICs. The interviews were analyzed by thematic analysis and analysis of elements of an activity system.

Findings

A number of tensions within activity systems were analyzed revealing key issues inhibiting reconceptualization of object of work and moving toward new activity. The study suggests four opposing forces: (1) cost efficiency and good public health objectives; (2) historically and culturally developed hierarchies and good public health objectives; (3) individual responsibility and institutional responsibility; and (4) fragmented set ups and holistic view of activity as critical when developing learning and work activities in analyzed settings.

Originality/value

This study expands the analysis of learning needs beyond individual skills and knowledge by taking a systemic approach using the cultural-historical activity theory framework. It shows that learning around AMR is needed at individual, organizational and national level.
Antimicrobial nanoparticles and biodegradable polymer composites for active food packaging applications
Authors: Omerović Nejra , Djisalov Mila , Živojević Kristina , Mladenović Minja , Vunduk Jovana , Milenković Ivanka , Knežević Nikola Ž. , Gadjanski Ivana , Vidić Jasmina
Published: March 2021

The food industry faces numerous challenges to assure provision of tasty and convenient food that possesses extended shelf life and shows long‐term high‐quality preservation. Research and development of antimicrobial materials for food applications have provided active antibacterial packaging technologies that are able to meet these challenges. Furthermore, consumers expect and demand sustainable packaging materials that would reduce environmental problems associated with plastic waste. In this review, we discuss antimicrobial composite materials for active food packaging applications that combine highly efficient antibacterial nanoparticles (i.e., metal, metal oxide, mesoporous silica and graphene‐based nanomaterials) with biodegradable and environmentally friendly green polymers (i.e., gelatin, alginate, cellulose, and chitosan) obtained from plants, bacteria, and animals. In addition, innovative syntheses and processing techniques used to obtain active and safe packaging are showcased. Implementation of such green active packaging can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne pathogen outbreaks, improve food safety and quality, and minimize product losses, while reducing waste and maintaining sustainability.
Securing fruit production: Opportunities from the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of postharvest fungal infections
Authors: Ngolong Ngea Guillaume Legrand , Qian Xin , Yang Qiya , Dhanasekaran Solairaj , Ianiri Giuseppe , Ballester Ana‐Rosa , Zhang Xiaoyun , Castoria Raffaello , Zhang Hongyin
Published: March 2021

Fruit‐based diets have been adopted by the public worldwide because of their nutritional value. Many advances have also been made in the elucidation of host–pathogen interaction in the postharvest phase of fruits, in the hope of improving the management of diseases caused by pathogenic molds. In this study, we presented the molecular mechanisms by which pathogenic mold infects fruit in the postharvest phase, and focused on the knowledge gained from recent molecular techniques such as differential analysis of gene expression, targeted insertion, and mutagenesis. Current postharvest pathogenic fungal control strategies were then examined on the basis of their mechanisms for altering the infection process in order to explore new perspectives for securing fruit production. We found that biotechnological advances have led to an understanding of the new basic molecular processes involved in fruit fungal infection and to the identification of new genes, proteins and key factors that could serve as ideal targets for innovative antifungal strategies. In addition, the most commonly used steps to evaluate an approach to disrupt the fruit fungal infection process are mainly based on the inhibition of mycelial growth, spore germination, disruption of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, induction of oxidative stress, cell wall membrane damage, and inhibition of key enzymes. Finally, the alteration of the molecular mechanisms of signaling and response pathways to infection stimulation should also guide the development of effective control strategies to ensure fruit production.
The global epidemic of thyroid cancer overdiagnosis illustrated using 18 months of consecutive nodule biopsy correlating clinical priority, ACR‐TIRADS and Bethesda scoring
Authors: Hawkins Stewart P , Jamieson Sophy G , Coomarasamy Christin N , Low Irene C
Published: March 2021

Low thyroid cancer mortality worldwide has not been altered by decades of increasing radiological, pathological and surgical intervention for thyroid nodules. Ultrasound‐based risk stratification of thyroid nodules, such as TIRADS, has been introduced to reduce intervention for the ‘global epidemic’ of thyroid cancer ‘overdiagnosis’. This article illustrates the use of TIRADS at a New Zealand tertiary centre, during its introduction, with all nodules undergoing fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) correlated with clinical referral priority and cytological Bethesda score. The correlation between TIRADS and Bethesda score was not significant but cytology had a strong association with clinical priority. Accuracy of TIRADS was poor though the risk of malignancy for TIRADS 5 nodules was 5.1 times those rated as TIRADS 3. After TIRADS was introduced, there was no significant trend in the proportion of malignant nodules diagnosed by FNAB. Despite an incomplete TIRADS programme, the ACR targets of malignancy rates were achieved. The number of patients, as well as the number of nodules per patient, referred for FNAB continues to rise. Changing papillary thyroid cancer nomenclature and other control measures by health policymakers, such as adjustments to payment systems, may be justified. Radiologists are wasting precious health resources that can be better deployed. The use of TIRADS is expensive and a symptom of health policy failure. Clear recommendations from professional societies to not report incidental small thyroid nodules may be a useful start. Whether TIRADS merits continuing use and promotion should be further investigated.
Philosophical Groundings for a Theory of Transformative Experience
Authors: Pugh Kevin , Kriescher Dylan , Cropp Simon , Younis Maaly
Published: March 2021

In this essay, Kevin Pugh, Dylan Kriescher, Simon Cropp, and Maaly Younis revisit the philosophical roots of transformative experience (TE) theory by explaining how the theory emerged from John Dewey's philosophies of aesthetic experience, intellectual experience, and educative experience. In doing so, the authors clarify the linkage between defining qualities of transformative experience and core Deweyan constructs such as an experience, ideas, and educative experience. They then share some of the empirical findings from research conducted using a TE theory framework, with an emphasis on research dedicated to developing a pedagogy of teaching for transformative experiences. Finally, the authors address the limitations of TE theory as a representation of Dewey's philosophy of aesthetic and educative experience, and they consider how contributions of other theoretical perspectives including the scientific sublime, Romantic science, and critical theory might help to address those shortcomings.
Multiple meanings of resilience: Health professionals' experiences of a dual element training intervention designed to help them prepare for coping with error
Authors: Janes Gillian , Harrison Reema , Johnson Judith , Simms‐Ellis Ruth , Mills Thomas , Lawton Rebecca
Published: March 2021

Rationale, aims and objectives

Consistent data demonstrates negative psychological effects of caregiving on front‐line health professionals. Evidence that psychological resilience factors can help minimize distress and the potential for low‐cost interventions have created interest in resilience‐based development programmes; yet evidence of perceived value amongst health professionals is lacking. This study explored health professionals' experiences and perceptions of a novel, resilience‐based intervention designed to pro‐actively prepare staff for coping with error; to investigate their perceptions of what resilience meant to them, the relevance of the intervention, and impact of participation on ability to cope with error.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews 4‐6 weeks post intervention with 23 randomly selected participants from seven cohorts (midwives, paediatricians, obstetricians/gynaecologists, paramedics) and trainees (physician associates, mammographers, sonographers). Thematic analysis of interview data.

Findings

Participants reported various interpretations of, and a shift in perception regarding what the concept of psychological resilience meant to them and their practice. These included for example, resilience as a positive or negative concept and their awareness and response to a range of personal, organizational and system factors influencing personal resilience. They valued the prophylactic, clinically relevant, interactive and applied nature of the intervention; having developed and applied valuable skills beyond the context of involvement in error, noting that individuals needed to be willing to explore their own coping mechanisms and human fallibility to gain maximum benefit. There was also consensus that whilst proactively developing individual level psychological resilience is important, so too is addressing the organizational and system factors that affect staff resilience which are outside individual staff control.

Conclusion

Enhancing resilience appears to be considered useful in supporting staff to prepare for coping with error and the wider emotional burden of clinical work, but such interventions require integration into wider system approaches to reduce the burden of clinical work for health professionals.
A combination of genome‐wide and transcriptome‐wide association studies reveals genetic elements leading to male sterility during high temperature stress in cotton
Authors: Ma Yizan , Min Ling , Wang Junduo , Li Yaoyao , Wu Yuanlong , Hu Qin , Ding Yuanhao , Wang Maojun , Liang Yajun , Gong Zhaolong , Xie Sai , Su Xiaojun , Wang Chaozhi , Zhao Yunlong , Fang Qidi , Li Yanlong , Chi Huabin , Chen Miao , Khan Aamir Hamid , Lindsey Keith , Zhu Longfu , Li Xueyuan , Zhang Xianlong
Published: March 2021

Global warming has reduced the productivity of many field‐grown crops, as the effects of high temperatures can lead to male sterility in such plants. Genetic regulation of the high temperature (HT) response in the major crop cotton is poorly understood.

We determined the functionality and transcriptomes of the anthers of 218 cotton accessions grown under HT stress. By analyzing transcriptome divergence and implementing a genome‐wide association study (GWAS), we identified three thermal tolerance associated loci which contained 75 protein coding genes and 27 long noncoding RNAs, and provided expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) for 13 132 transcripts.

A transcriptome‐wide association study (TWAS) confirmed six causal elements for the HT response (three genes overlapped with the GWAS results) which are involved in protein kinase activity. The most susceptible gene, GhHRK1, was confirmed to be a previously uncharacterized negative regulator of the HT response in both cotton and Arabidopsis.

These functional variants provide a new understanding of the genetic basis for HT tolerance in male reproductive organs.
Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defects in the Hand with a Free Anterolateral Thigh Deep Fascia Flap
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Huiren , Ma Tiepeng , Wu Xueqiang , Zhang Liu
Published: March 2021

Objective

To report our experience in the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the hand with a free anterolateral thigh deep fascia flap and describe the clinical outcomes.

Methods

This study was a retrospective trial. From November 2016 to January 2020, six patients (four men and two women) with soft tissue defects in the hand were included in this study. The average age of the patients was 33.7 ± 12.7 years (range, 20 to 50 years). All patients underwent reconstructions with free anterolateral thigh deep fascia flaps. Relevant clinical characteristics were recorded prior to surgery. The size and thickness of the deep fascia flap and the thickness of the skin were measured intraoperatively. The survival of the flaps and skin grafts and the occurrence of infection were recorded after the operation. At follow‐up, donor site complications and postoperative effects were evaluated according to the outcome satisfaction scale. The pain in the injured hand was assessed using the visual analog scale.

Results

The average body mass index (BMI) was 26.6 ± 1.7 kg/m2 (range, 23.9 to 28.7 kg/m2). The defect sizes ranged from 5 cm × 5 cm to 13 cm × 8 cm (average, 53.1 ± 27.9 cm2). The six anterolateral thigh deep fascia flaps ranged from 7 cm × 6 cm to 14 cm × 9 cm in size (average, 71.8 ± 29.1 cm2). The thicknesses of skin ranged from 25 mm to 40 mm (average, 32.5 ± 4.8 mm), and the thicknesses of the deep fascia flaps ranged from 2 mm to 3 mm (average, 2.5 ± 0.5 mm). After the operation, the blood supply of the deep fascia flap was normal in all cases. The second‐stage skin grafts of most patients survived completely. The skin graft in one case was partially necrotic and healed after a dressing change. No infection occurred. At follow‐up (average, 16.3 ± 6.9 months), there was only a linear scar and no loss of sensation at the donor site of each patient. According to the outcome satisfaction scale, the outcome satisfaction score ranged from 6 to 8 (average, 7.2 ± 0.9), all of which were satisfactory. Apart from one patient who reported mild pain, all the other patients reported no pain. Three typical cases are presented in this article.

Conclusions

The free anterolateral thigh deep fascia flap, which is suitable for reconstruction of soft tissue defects in the hand, can provide very good outcomes both functionally and aesthetically.
Negative mood is associated with decreased prefrontal cortex functioning during working memory in young adults
Authors: Yeung Michael K. , Lee Tsz L. , Chan Agnes S.
Published: March 2021

The prefrontal‐subcortical model of emotion regulation postulates that decreased prefrontal cortex (PFC) functioning may underlie the emergence of clinical affective disorders. In addition, accumulated evidence suggests that there is considerable variability in negative affect in the nonclinical population. This study examined whether negative affective symptoms were associated with decreased PFC functioning in nonclinical young adults. Forty college students aged 18–24 years (ten males) underwent ann‐back paradigm (i.e., a frontal executive task) with a working memory (WM) load (i.e., 3‐back) and a vigilance control condition (i.e., 0‐back) while their hemodynamics changes in the lateral and medial PFC on both sides were monitored using a 16‐channel functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system. They also filled out the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) to estimate the levels of their negative emotions in the preceding week. Young adults exhibited an increased concentration of oxyhemoglobin and a decreased concentration of deoxyhemoglobin (i.e., activation), primarily in the lateral PFC, in response to the WM load (i.e., 3‐back > 0‐back). Importantly, higher DASS scores indicating higher levels of recent negative mood, especially depression and stress rather than anxiety symptoms, correlated with lower WM‐related activation in the lateral PFC. Thus, recent negative mood is associated with decreased lateral PFC functioning during the executive control of WM in healthy young adults. Our findings suggest that decreased PFC functioning is also present in the nonclinical population with increased levels of negative mood and that fNIRS is a promising tool for elucidating individual differences in negative affective symptoms.
Implementing the interpersonal theory of suicide to improve outcomes in suicidal adolescents: A pilot trial
Authors: Zullo Lucas , King Jessica , Nakonezny Paul A. , Kennard Betsy D. , Emslie Graham , Stewart Sunita M.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The Interpersonal Psychological Theory of Suicide proposes two constructs that serve as a final common pathway to suicidal ideation: thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. There have been few translations of this theory to clinical care. This study aimed to address this limitation by targeting burden cognitions with novel interventions.

Methods

A pilot clinical trial was conducted in an evidence‐based intensive outpatient program for suicidal youth. Participants were 123 adolescents who completed measures at intake, discharge, and one‐month follow‐up. The experimental group consisted of standard care plus study interventions, which was compared with an active control group of standard care. Feedback on intervention acceptability was gathered through qualitative interviews with parents and adolescents.

Results

There was a statistically significant drop in thwarted belongingness at discharge and an improvement in perceived burdensomeness at discharge (not statistically significant, small effect size). Feedback on acceptability was favorable and supported implementation.

Conclusion

This study adds to the literature by being the first to utilize the construct of perceived burdensomeness in clinical interventions for suicidal youth; illustrating one potential avenue for translating theory to practice. The unexpected effects on thwarted belongingness have implications for the role of these constructs in a treatment setting.
Adaptive Slicing of Parametrizable Algebraic Surfaces for Layered Manufacturing
Authors: Kulkarni Prashant , Dutta Debasish
Published: March 2021

As the various applications of Layered Manufacturing (LM) expand from just prototyping, the geometric accuracy issues become more prominent. Variable thickness, or adaptive, slicing aides in reducing a major source of geometric inaccuracy, the staircase effect. This paper develops a procedure for the adaptive slicing of a parametrizable algebraic surface to be manufactured by an LM process. An implemented example of the procedure is presented.
Finite Element Incremental Approach and Exact Rigid Body Inertia
Authors: Shabana A. A.
Published: March 2021

In the dynamics of multibody systems that consist of interconnected rigid and deformable bodies, it is desirable to have a formulation that preserves the exactness of the rigid body inertia. As demonstrated in this paper, the incremental finite element approach, which is often used to solve large rotation problems, does not lead to the exact inertia of simple structures when they rotate as rigid bodies because the physical nodal coordinates can not be used to describe large rotations in the case of beams and plates. Nonetheless, the exact inertia properties, such as the mass moments of inertia and the moments of mass, of the rigid bodies can be obtained using the finite element shape functions that describe large rigid body translations by introducing an intermediate element coordinate system. The results of application of the parallel axis theorem can be obtained using the finite element shape functions by simply changing the element nodal coordinates. A simple rigid body rotation, however, can cause a significant error if the element shape function and the nodal coordinates are used to evaluate the inertia properties of bodies that undergo large rigid body rotations. As demonstrated in this investigation, the exact rigid body inertia properties in case of rigid body rotations can be obtained using the shape function if the nodal coordinates are defined using trigonometric functions that lack a physical meaning. Linearization of the nodal coordinate vector can lead to different results when different methods are used to define the rigid body inertia. For example, the calculation of the mass moment of inertia using position coordinates only leads to results which are different from those obtained using energy expressions or the laws of motion.
Influence of Mean Load on the Response of a Forced Non-Linear Hill’s Oscillator
Authors: Padmanabhan Chandramouli , Singh Rajendra
Published: March 2021

Although non-linear systems subject to combined parametric and external excitations have been examined in some depth, very few of these investigations have addressed the influence of a mean (time-invariant) load on the system response. In particular, the importance of the mean load effect has been highlighted in the study of whirling asymmetric shafts, where significant changes in system response and stability occur under the influence of gravity. The present paper intends to characterize the specific effect of mean load on the dynamic behavior of a single degree-of-freedom Hill’s oscillator with a clearance type non-linearity while also being subjected to a periodic base displacement excitation. The parametric continuation technique and method of harmonic balance are used for this purpose. Issues discussed include the coupling between the mean load and the dynamic response amplitude, interaction between the parametric excitation effect and the clearance non-linearity and comparison between time-invariant and time-varying systems.
Torsional Vibration Reduction in Internal Combustion Engines Using Centrifugal Pendulums
Authors: Lee Cheng-Tang , Shaw Steven W.
Published: March 2021

The goal of the present work is to investigate the performance of tautochronic centrifugal pendulum vibration absorbers (CPVA’s) for reducing torsional vibrations in internal combustion engines. This is carried out using a mathematical model for the torsional dynamics of an in-line, four-stroke, four-cylinder engine with dynamic absorbers. This model includes the inertial effects of connecting rods and pistons, the forces caused by gas pressure inside the cylinder chambers, and friction in the bearings. Three configurations of the CPVA’s are applied to the model, including (1) a single CPVA tuned to order 2, (2) a pair of CPVA’s tuned to order 1, (3) two CPVA’s with tuning orders 2 and 4. For purposes of direct comparison, the total moment of inertia is the same for all three configurations. Numerical simulations are carried out in order to evaluate the performance of each configuration. This preliminary study indicates that Configuration (3) offers the best results for minimizing the peak value of crankshaft angular acceleration.
The Dynamic Finite Element Modeling of Aircraft Landing System
Authors: Chang Craig F.
Published: March 2021

The objective of this paper is to address finite element modeling for dynamics and its applications to aircraft landing and braking systems. The components of the system in the example model include the entire landing gear, wheels, brakes, and tires. The use of finite element modeling techniques in dynamics as a design tool for landing and braking systems is discussed. Vibration mode shapes from the finite element analysis, including both whirl and squeal, are shown. Correlation between the finite element models and the experimental modal analyses of various system components are presented. Correlation between the performance of the complete landing and braking system model and the actual system during aircraft operation is also presented.
Digital Shearography Versus TV-Holography for Vibration Measurement
Authors: Hung Y. Y. , Griffen C. T.
Published: March 2021

This paper reviews and compares two major optical methods for vibration measurement: digital shearography and TV-holography. Digital shearography measures surface displacement derivatives whereas TV-holography measures surface displacements. While both methods enjoy the advantages of being full-field and noncontacting, digital shearography has been proven to be more practical than TV-holography because it employs a simpler setup and does not require special vibration isolation.
Subjective Daily Physical Activity Measures in Heart Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shoemaker Michael J. , Mattern Michaela , Scholten Hannah , Zeitler Jessica , Gore Shweta
Published: March 2021

Background: The measurement of daily physical activity (DPA) is important for the prognosis and quantifying clinical outcomes in individuals with heart disease. The measurement of DPA is more feasible using subjective measures when compared with objective measures. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature was to identify the subjective measures of DPA that have established reliability and validity in individuals with heart disease to assist clinician and researcher instrument selection. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL Complete, PsycInfo, and Web of Science Core Collection databases was performed. Methodological rigor was assessed using 3 different quality appraisal tools. Qualitative synthesis of included studies was performed. Results: Twenty-two unique studies covering 19 subjective DPA measures were ultimately included. Methodological rigor was generally fair, and validity coefficients were moderate at best. Conclusions: Only 4 subjective measures that have established test–retest reliability and that provide an estimate of energy expenditure, metabolic equivalents, or minutes of DPA were compared against accelerometry or a DPA diary in patients with heart disease: SWISS Physical Activity Questionnaire, Total Activity Measure 1 and 2, and Mobile Physical Activity Logger. Depending on the clinician or researcher needs, instrument selection would depend on the recall period and the DPA construct being measured.
Nuclear medicine
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: March 2021

After 10 years advising survivors of the Fukushima disaster about radiation, Masaharu Tsubokura thinks the evacuations posed a far bigger health risk.
Core commitments for field trials of gene drive organisms
Authors: Long Kanya C. , Alphey Luke , Annas George J. , Bloss Cinnamon S. , Campbell Karl J. , Champer Jackson , Chen Chun-Hong , Choudhary Amit , Church George M. , Collins James P. , Cooper Kimberly L. , Delborne Jason A. , Edwards Owain R. , Emerson Claudia I. , Esvelt Kevin , Evans Sam Weiss , Friedman Robert M. , Gantz Valentino M. , Gould Fred , Hartley Sarah , Heitman Elizabeth , Hemingway Janet , Kanuka Hirotaka , Kuzma Jennifer , Lavery James V. , Lee Yoosook , Lorenzen Marce , Lunshof Jeantine E. , Marshall John M. , Messer Philipp W. , Montell Craig , Oye Kenneth A. , Palmer Megan J. , Papathanos Philippos Aris , Paradkar Prasad N. , Piaggio Antoinette J. , Rasgon Jason L. , Rašić Gordana , Rudenko Larisa , Saah J. Royden , Scott Maxwell J. , Sutton Jolene T. , Vorsino Adam E. , Akbari Omar S.
Published: March 2021

We must ensure that trials are scientifically, politically, and socially robust, publicly accountable, and widely transparent
Sex differences in the modulation of the motor unit discharge rate leads to reduced force steadiness
Authors: Inglis J. Greig , Gabriel David A.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the variability in the motor unit inter-pulse interval and force steadiness at submaximal and maximal force outputs between the sexes. Twenty-four male and 24 female participants were recruited to perform isometric dorsiflexion contractions at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% maximum voluntary contraction. Tibialis anterior myoelectric signal was recorded by an intramuscular electrode. Females had lower force steadiness (coefficient of variation of force (CoV-Force), 27.3%, p < 0.01) and a greater coefficient of variation of motor unit action potential inter-pulse interval (CoV-IPI), compared with males (9.6%, p < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between the normalized CoV-IPI and CoV-Force (r = 0.19, p > 0.01), but there was a significant repeated measures correlation between the raw scores for root-mean-square force error and the standard deviation of motor unit discharge rate (r = 0.65, p < 0.01). Females also had a greater incidence of doublet discharges on average across force levels (p < 0.01). The sex differences may result from motor unit behaviours (i.e., doublet and rapid discharges, synchronization, rate coding or recruitment), leading to lower force steadiness and greater CoV-IPI in females.

Novelty: Sex differences in force steadiness may be due to neural strategies. Females have lower force steadiness compared with males. Greater incidence of doublet discharges in females may result in lesser force steadiness.
Novel thick brane solutions with U(1) symmetry breaking
Authors: Peyravi Marzieh , Riazi Nematollah , Lobo Francisco S. N.
Published: March 2021

In this work, using two scalar fields ($$\phi $$
ϕ
, $$\psi $$
ψ
) coupled to 4 + 1 dimensional gravity, we construct novel topological brane solutions through an explicit U(1) symmetry breaking term. The potential of this model is constructed so that two distinct degenerate vacua in the $$\phi $$
ϕ
field exist, in analogy to the $$\phi ^{4}$$

ϕ
4

potential. Therefore, brane solutions appear due to the vacuum structure of the $$\phi $$
ϕ
field. However, the topology and vacuum structure in the $$\psi $$
ψ
direction depends on the symmetry breaking parameter $$\beta ^{2}$$

β
2

, which leads to different types of branes. As a result, one can interpret the present model as a combination of a $$\phi ^{4}$$

ϕ
4

brane with an auxiliary field, which leads to deviations from the $$\phi ^{4}$$

ϕ
4

system with the brane achieving a richer internal structure. Furthermore, we analyse in detail the behaviour of the superpotentials, the warp factors, the Ricci and Kretschmann scalars and the Einstein tensor components. In addition to this, we explore the stability of the brane in terms of the free parameters of the model. The analysis presented here complements previous work and is sufficiently novel to be interesting.