bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
United Nations Contributions to Promoting Human Rights in the DPRK: Impetus for Change
Authors: Choi Jina , Howe Brendan
Published: November 2020

The United Nations (UN) has been the key contributor to the diffusion of human rights norms and practices in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). The process of promoting human rights in the DPRK has been beset with challenges. The UN has had to steer its way through a complex web of international politics in order consistently to apply pressure on Pyongyang to amend its human rights norm-violating behavior. While achievements to date have been limited, this paper identifies the processes of socialization rather than coercion or inducements, as constituting the most promising avenue for the UN to impact North Korean governance. The paper will examine the evolution of UN socialization efforts in the DPRK to date, including how and under what mechanisms or conditions, socialization occurred, and what progress has been made by UN socialization dynamics.

Although the progress so far may have been limited at best, what has been achieved merits greater scholarly attention, in order to derive implications for future policy prescription with regard to promoting human rights in North Korea and beyond.
Materiality, Territory and Sovereignty: Responding to Contradictory Water Security Issues in the Mekong Region
Authors: Watson Iain , Juliette Schwak
Published: November 2020

Aspirations for sub-regional, regional and global cooperation at a bi-lateral and multilateral level over water security are strong and yet often a real or perceived gap exists between intentions and the workings of institutions. In the area of water security difficulties are often premised on tensions between national territory and national sovereignty. As a result, emphasis has been placed by decision makers on how to most effectively classify the ‘most at risk’ areas from water security issues. However, this objective itself is often separated from wider issues of economic land ownership. Yet stakeholders paradoxically have both similar and yet different understandings of what counts as territory and sovereignty. A majority of stakeholders continue to pursue a ‘realist’ or liberal approach to the spaces of national sovereignty and territory as water course or water basin. This binary assumption of territory as a specifically bounded political space is given here as a reason for limited concrete results on water security governance. Recalibrating this understanding of sovereignty, territory and security through a sociology of materialism might therefore open alternative spaces for ensuring issue-specific governance in spaces now impacted by the dynamics of infrastructure and sub-regional connectivity. By framing these tensions through the issue of territory and materialism the paper identifies gaps and strategic opportunities emerging that might potentially recalibrate the conceptual and policy debate on water security and its territorial assumptions.
Review of “Taxonomic revision of the genus Dioon (Zamiaceae)” published in Phytotaxa 442(4): 267–290

Authors: HAYNES JODY L.
Published: November 2020

Dioon Lindley (1843: 59–60) is the best understood of the three cycad genera in Mesoamerica. As such, the appearance of an article published earlier this year in Phytotaxa, claiming to be a revision of the genus, was somewhat surprising. While the article provides a fairly thorough summary of previous work, there is no taxonomic revision. There are also numerous issues/errors (some quite serious) that need to be clarified and/or corrected (see separate Appendix for full list). This correspondence will critique the aforementioned article section by section, beginning with the title and stated goals.
Synopsis of the Psychodidae (Diptera) fauna of Bulgaria
Authors: JEŽEK JAN , MANKO PETER , OBOŇA JOZEF
Published: November 2020

Records of 81 Psychodidae (Sycoracinae 4 spp., Psychodinae 76 spp.) species/subspecies are presented in this paper based on specimens collected in Bulgaria. 46 species are new records for Bulgaria (Sycoracinae 3 spp., Psychodinae 43 spp.). The Psychodidae fauna of Bulgaria now comprises 99 species (Phlebotominae 5 spp., Sycoracinae 5 spp., Trichomyiinae 1 sp., and Psychodinae 88 spp.).
A new species of Phytodietus Gravenhorst, 1829 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Tryphoninae) from China
Authors: KOSTRO-AMBROZIAK AGATA , ZHOU ZICHEN , RESHCHIKOV ALEXEY
Published: November 2020

A new species in the genus Phytodietus Gravenhorst, 1829, P. xui Kostro-Ambroziak & Reshchikov sp. n. is described from the Yunnan Province of China. An identification key for the eight species of Phytodietus currently recorded in Mainland China is provided. P. longicauda (Uchida, 1931) is recorded for the first time in China and P. spinipes (Cameron, 1905) is recorded in Guangdong and Hunan Provinces.
Analysis of the Effect of Miglitol in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus Based on Ag+ Disinfectant Sampling Needle
Authors: Zhao Ling , Tan Liping , Cheng Guoliang , Miao Yuanyuan , Zhou Xiangming , Du Shigang , Wang Jia , Yang Yang , Ke Tingyu
Published: November 2020

The present work selected 120 patients, affected by diabetes, as control subjects in the Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University. According to the principle of random distribution, two groups were established, miglitol study group (65 cases) and metformin control group (55
cases). The Ag + disinfectant sampling needle is a rapid detection tool to evaluate the efficacy of diabetes in both groups. The related biochemical indexes of the patients were measured before and after treatment at the 3rd, 6th, and 12th weeks. The test results showed that there were significant
differences in fasting blood glucose value (FBG) and postprandial blood glucose value (2hFBG) among the two groups after 3-, 6-, and 12-month treatment. With the extension of treatment, the blood glucose level of diabetic patients gradually stabilized. Fasting insulin level (FINS) and postprandial
two-hour insulin level (2hINS) increased gradually. At the 12th week, by measuring the HbA1c level of the patients, it was found decreasing significantly. In detail, the study group decreased more significantly than the control group, and the incidence of adverse reactions during treatment
was 10.8% and 23.6%, respectively, with a significant statistical significance (P < 0 05). Meanwhile, we measured other biochemical indexes of patients from both groups after drug treatment. At the 6th week, the levels of glycosylated glycoprotein (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), high-density
lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the study group decreased more than in the control group. Therefore, miglitol shows a better hypoglycemic effect on type 2 diabetes, and the gastrointestinal adverse reactions are lesser than metformin, which
is more worthy in clinical application.
Efficiency Improvement of Organic Solar Cells Using 350 nm Surface Relief Grating by Holographic Lithography
Authors: You Minghui , Song Jiayin , Wang Zhaoxin , Wang Bei , Liu Jingsheng
Published: November 2020

There was inefficient light absorption in the thin active layers due to optical losses in Organic Solar Cells (OSCs) with relatively large area. Therefore, it is a key issue to have a light trapping structure for highly efficient OSCs. For high performance devices fabrication, a smart
grating was fabricated using holographic photolithography incorporated with wet etching technology. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of fabrication were employed before/after spin-coating active layer. With the aid of optical finite difference time Domain (FDTD) simulation for optical
effect, the optimized device structure ITO (1D grating)/PEDOT:PSS (40 nm)/PBDB-T:ITIC (100 nm)/PDINO (5 nm)/Al (100 nm) was obtained. The experimental results showed that when the grating period was 350 nm, depth 40 nm, the power conversion efficiencies (PCE) reached to 9.51%, an apparent
increase from those of the typical P3HT:PC71BM structure. This work indicates that the diffraction gratings had a potential to realize more efficient organic photovoltaics, if suitable fabrication processing methods can be developed.
Clinical Effects of Sensor AR40E Intraocular Lenses in Cataract Patients with Prominent Myopia
Authors: Wang Wenying , Wang Zhixue , Liu Yu , Zou Yuanyuan , Ji Xiangning , Liang Yong , Sun Zehong
Published: November 2020

Cataracts are a complex group of eye disorders. Many studies suggest that blood circulation around the eyes, and a rise in intraocular pressure play important roles in glaucoma. Sensor AR40E artificial crystalline bodies can adjust intraocular pressure, improve activity in the optic
nerve and increase blood flow to the eye fundus. BL1 can transport Yin and Yang. We designed a randomized, military blind, controlled clinical trial: Control group: (1) A Sensor only AR40E intraocular lens was applied to the skin of Qingming and retrobulbar acupoints on the rainy side, twice
per week for 20 min every time, for two consecutive weeks; (2) acupuncture group: treatment was same as for the control group, but the eye was needled into Jingming and retrobulbar acupoints to achieve Qi; (3) Sensor AR40E intraocular lens group: treatment was the same as that for the acupuncture
group, the main outcome measure was the change of intraocular pressure and the secondary outcome measure is the score change of WHOQOL ref (Taiwan version). Beneficial outcomes were realized in the right and left eye acupuncture groups and the Sensor AR40E intraocular lens group.
Comments on “An Evaluation of Hurricane Superintensity in Axisymmetric Numerical Models”
Authors: Makarieva A. M. , Nefiodov A. V. , Sheil D. , Nobre A. D. , Chikunov A. V. , Plunien G. , Li B.-L.
Published: November 2020

In a recent paper Rousseau-Rizzi and Emanuel (2019) presented a derivation of an upper limit on maximum hurricane velocity at the ocean surface. This derivation was based on a consideration of an infinitely narrow (differential) Carnot cycle with the warmer isotherm at the point of the maximum wind velocity. Here we show that this derivation neglected a significant term describing the kinetic energy change in the outflow. Additionally, we highlight the importance of a proper accounting for the power needed to lift liquid water. Finally, we provide a revision to the formula for surface fluxes of heat and momentum showing that, if we accept the assumptions adopted by Rousseau-Rizzi and Emanuel (2019), the resulting velocity estimate does not depend on the flux of sensible heat.
Total Neoadjuvant Treatment for Rectal Cancer: Preliminary Experience
Authors: Gilshtein Hayim , Ghuman Amandeep , Dawoud Mirelle , Yellinek Shlomo , Kent Ilan , Sharp Stephen P. , Nagarajan Arun , Wexner Steven D.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Administration of chemotherapeutic regimens such as FOLFOX or CAPEOX with chemoradiation in the neoadjuvant setting, termed total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT), was introduced in recent years. By increasing the complete pathologic and clinical responses, patients with locally advanced rectal cancer may have better oncologic outcomes and potentially abstain from undergoing a proctectomy.

Methods

All patients who underwent TNT at a single National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer accredited referral center were included. A retrospective analysis was performed using a computerized Institutional Review Board-approved database. Patient demographics, diagnostic workup, treatment regimens, and surgical and pathological reports were reviewed. Complete pathological response was the primary outcome. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential factors predisposing to complete pathological response.

Results

Thirty patients met the inclusion criteria, 14(46.6%) of whom had complete pathologic response. There was no difference in baseline demographic characteristics between patients who achieved complete pathological response and those who did not. Pathology revealed a 92% intact mesorectum rate in the complete pathologic response group and a mean of 24 harvested lymph nodes in the entire study cohort. Both univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses failed to demonstrate statistically significant factors predicting complete pathologic response, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tumor size, and posttreatment MRI lymph node positivity.

Conclusion

TNT is safe and efficient for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. It increases complete pathological and clinical response rates and may more widely evolve to be the treatment of choice in this group of patients in the near future.
Prehabilitation for Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgical Patients: Interim Analysis Demonstrates a Protective Effect From Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Improvement in the Frailty Phenotype
Authors: Baimas-George Maria , Watson Michael , Thompson Kyle , Shastry Vivek , Iannitti David , Martinie John B. , Baker Erin , Parala-Metz Armida , Vrochides Dionisios
Published: November 2020

Background

Prehabilitation encompasses multidisciplinary interventions to improve health and lessen incidence of surgical deterioration by reducing physiologic stress and functional decline. This study presents an interim analysis to demonstrate prehabilitation for hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgical patients.

Methods

In 2018, a structured prehabilitation pilot program was implemented. Eligibility required HPB malignancy, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and residence within hour drive. Patients were enrolled into the 4-month program. The fitness component was composed of timed up and go test and grip strength with exercise recommendations. Nutrition involved evaluation of sarcopenic obesity, glucose management, and smoking and alcohol counseling. Psychological services included psychosocial assessments and advanced care planning, with social work referrals. Component were evaluated monthly by a physician using laboratory results, nutritional data and questionnaires, psychological assessments, and validated fitness tests. Nurse navigators spoke with patients weekly to monitor compliance.

Results

At 12 months, nineteen patients were enrolled. Ten completed prehabilitation, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and underwent their surgical procedure. There were no differences found after prehabilitation in functional status, physical performance, psychosocial assessments, or nutrition. Frailty, as assessed by Fried frailty criteria, improved significantly after prehabilitation ( P < .0001). Symptom severity and laboratory values did not change. Length of stay was 6.5 days and all patients were discharged to home. There was 1 readmission for transient ischemic attack and 90-day mortality rate was 0%.

Discussion

Prehabilitation to improve recovery is a promising concept encompassing a wide array of multidisciplinary assessments and interventions. It may demonstrate a protective effect on physiologic decline from chemotherapy and may reverse frailty phenotypes.
Brachial Plexus Injury Significantly Increases Risk of Axillosubclavian Vessel Injury in Blunt Trauma Patients With Clavicle Fractures
Authors: Tay Erika , Grigorian Areg , Schubl Sebastian D. , Lekawa Michael , de Virgilio Christian , Scolaro John , Kabutey Nii-Kabu , Nahmias Jeffry
Published: November 2020

Background

A national analysis of clavicle fractures is lacking and the risk of concomitant axillosubclavian vessel injury (ASVI) in patients with clavicle fractures is unknown. A minority of patients may have a combined brachial plexus injury (BPI). We sought to describe risk factors for concomitant ASVI in patients with a clavicle fracture; hypothesizing patients with combined clavicle fracture and BPI has a higher risk of ASVI.

Methods

The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2010-2016) was queried for blunt trauma patients with a clavicle fracture. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine risk factors for ASVI. A subset analysis on patients with isolated clavicle fractures was additionally performed.

Results

From 59 198 patients with clavicle fractures, 341 (.6%) had concomitant ASVI. Compared to patients without ASVI, patients with ASVI had a higher median injury severity score (24 vs. 17, P < .001) and rates of pulmonary contusions (43.4% vs. 37.7%, P = .029) and BPI (18.2% vs. .4%, P < .001). After controlling for associated chest wall injuries and humerus fracture, the BPI odds ratio (OR 49.17, 35.59-67.92, P < .001) was independently associated with risk for ASVI. In a subset analysis of isolated clavicle fractures, BPI remained associated with risk of ASVI (OR 60.01, confidence intervals 25.29-142.39, P < .001).

Conclusion

The rate of concomitant ASVI in patients with a clavicle fracture is <1%. Patients presenting with a clavicle fracture had a high rate of injuries including pulmonary contusion. Patients with findings suggestive of underlying BPI had a nearly 50 times increased associated risk of ASVI. Thus, a detailed physical exam in this setting including brachial-brachial index appears warranted.
Voter and Legislator Responses to Localized Trade Shocks from China in Brazil
Authors: Campello Daniela , Urdinez Francisco
Published: November 2020

This paper examines whether localized trade shocks from China influence Brazilians’ views on integration with the country. We test the following hypotheses: (1) as trade shocks are localized, views on trade should form at the local, rather than at the individual level, and (2) as localized trade shocks affect both workers and companies in a same region, they should also influence legislators’ views on China. Our analyses find support for both claims, but only among losers from Chinese trade. Residents and legislators from localities hurt by import shocks tend to hold negative views about economic ties with China, whereas neither residents nor legislators from localities benefitted by export shocks exhibit more positive views about the country. Our paper contributes to the literature on the politics of trade by incorporating meso-level theories of trade preference formation and by establishing the conditions under which the interests of constituencies should shape legislators’ views on international trade.
The immigration of social workers: From Zimbabwe to England
Authors: Willett Lucy , Hakak Yohai
Published: November 2020

Despite the growing number of international social workers who have trained in one country and moved to practice in another, relatively little research explored the personal journeys of this group. Fewer still are the studies sensitive to the impact of culture on these journeys and the cultural adaptation migrating social workers go through. Using mixed methods, this research explores these aspects of the migration of social workers from Zimbabwe to England. Participants highlighted cultural differences in relation to the place of the individual compared to the community and in relation to risk, corporal punishment and domestic violence.
The Transmission of Moral and Cultural Values across Borders: A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Moral and Cultural Writings on Vehicles in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Faniran Olusegun Adeniyi , Ikotun Reuben Oluwafemi , Oloyede Abiodun
Published: November 2020

Using the ethnography of communication approach as the research construct, an examination is made of the domain of writings and stickers on vehicles that communicate moral and cultural values to the type of reader who constitutes the major audience for this type of vehicle insignia. The data used were drawn from face-to-face interviews and questionnaires, as well as from writings on commercial vehicles in southwestern Nigeria. Findings show that writings on vehicles that convey moral and cultural values are veritable linguistic instruments for imparting edifying messages that can help in redirecting and reorientating the general public.
Natural Odor Inhalers (AromaStick®) Outperform Red Bull® for Enhancing Cognitive Vigilance: Results From a Four-Armed, Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Schneider Rainer
Published: November 2020

Two recent publications demonstrated that specifically designed essential odor inhalers can enhance performance through (a) better selective attention and scanning speed and (b) physiological changes of increased heart rate variability and blood oxygenation. In this study, we compared two natural odor inhalers with a popular energy drink (Red Bull®) with regard to their ability to improve vigilance on a computerized attention test. We employed a four-armed, randomized controlled experimental design and used a modified version of the CompACT-Vi test module to investigate whether deep inhalations of essential oil scents improved vigilance. Both inhalers markedly improved the number of correctly identified targets and participants’ reaction time when compared to a control condition and consumption of Red Bull® (0.9 < d < 1.3). Additionally, the number of correctly solved mathematical sums during the second half of the vigilance test was substantially higher (d = 1.3) with the use of inhalers than for the control and Red Bull participants. Inhaler use was also associated with relatively increased heart rate variability (d = 1.0) as a mechanism of adapting to the experimental demands. Thus, short and deep inhalations of essential oil scents delivered directly to the nose improved vigilance, while a popular energy drink failed to show an effect beyond that of a control group receiving no stimulant.
Computational design of shape-changing robotic mannequin based on 3D human models
Authors: Li Jituo , Zhou Chengdi , Long Juncai , Xu Haocan , Zhang Dongliang , Lu Guodong
Published: November 2020

A shape-changing robotic mannequin is a mechatronic robot used to simulate different human body shapes. With such a robot, the dressing effects of a ready-made garment on different human bodies can be simulated and evaluated, which is very useful for garment design and garment online sales. Currently, the robotic mannequin surfaces are mostly designed into patches. However, the methodological lack of design result evaluation and shape deformation control hinders the performance of the robotic mannequins. In this paper, the robotic mannequin is computationally designed and optimized based on a large number of three-dimensional scanned human bodies, which endows the robot with a high simulation capability. The robot is designed into three layers comprising a skin layer composed of patches, a muscle layer consisting of shape-controllable elastic bars, and a skeleton layer made of linear actuators. The skeleton layer controls the overall shape change of the robot, and the muscle layer attached on the skeleton adjusts the bending of the skin layer, which makes the robot deformation predictable and controllable. A prototype of the robotic mannequin has been made on which the simulations of various human bodies have been experimented, and examples of predicting the dressing effects of ready-made garments on different human bodies via augmented virtual try-ons have been experimented as well.
Ethnic-Racial and Religious Identity as Mediators of Relations Between Ethnic-Racial Socialization and Prosocial Behaviors Among Black Young Adults
Authors: Maiya Sahitya , Carlo Gustavo , Landor Antoinette M. , Memmott-Elison Madison K.
Published: November 2020

Scholars have long asserted the importance of studying cultural socialization processes predicting prosocial behaviors, but studies on this topic among Black young adults are rare. The current study examined the mediating roles of ethnic-racial identity and religious identity in associations between ethnic-racial socialization and prosocial behaviors among Black young adults. Participants consisted of 208 Black young adults ( Mage = 19.90 years, SDage = 1.62, 73.6% women) from universities across the United States, who reported on their ethnic-racial socialization, ethnic-racial identity, religious identity, and prosocial behaviors. Mediation analyses showed that ethnic-racial identity and religious identity mediated the relation between ethnic-racial socialization and prosocial behavior. Our findings highlight the ways in which cultural socialization and identity processes may foster prosocial behaviors among Black young adults. Discussion focuses on a culturally grounded and strengths-based understanding of prosocial development among Black young adults.
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Larynx: A SEER Database Review
Authors: Mur Taha , Jaleel Zaroug , Agarwal Pratima , Edwards Heather A.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) of the larynx is an uncommon malignancy of the head and neck with very little literature discussing treatment paradigms and prognostic factors influencing survival.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study uses data obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result database comprising of patients diagnosed with laryngeal AdCC from 1978 to 2016.

Results:

A total of 89 records were analyzed. High histologic grade was a significant negative prognostic factor compared to low histologic grade disease for overall survival (OS; 5-year OS: 35.7% vs 90.5%, P < .005) and disease-specific survival (DSS; 5-year DSS: 38.7% vs 95.2%, P < .005). No differences in OS (5-year OS: 88.9% vs 76.4%, P = .287) or DSS (5-year DSS: 100% vs 79.1%, P = .159) were noted between patients with early versus late American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage disease. No differences in DSS was noted in cohorts treated with just definitive surgery versus surgery and adjuvant radiation (5-year DSS: 92.9% vs 74.3%, P = .140) even when stratified for late stage disease (5-year DSS: 100% vs 78.6%, P = .290) or high-grade histology (5-year DSS: 100% vs 83.3%, P = .773).

Conclusions:

Histologic grade may be a more significant prognostic factor than AJCC stage for survival in laryngeal AdCC. Treatment with surgery and radiation may provide no additional survival advantage compared to just definitive surgery in these patients, although further study is warranted.
Translation and Validation of the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale to Spanish
Authors: Garcia‐Iza Leire , Chiesa‐Estomba Carlos Miguel , Rosell‐Romero Nuria , Ibarguren‐Esnal Eneritz , Soriano‐Reixach Maria , Rivera‐Schmitz Teresa , Altuna Xabier , Gonzalez‐García Jose Angel
Published: November 2020

Objective

Peripheral facial palsy is a disabling condition; thus, assessing its impact on quality of life is one of the greatest challenges within this discipline. The Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) Scale has been validated for this purpose. The aim of this study is to translate and validate the Spanish version of the FaCE Scale.

Study Design

We performed a forward‐backward translation of the original English FaCE Scale. A pilot test and a posterior prospective validation study were performed.

Setting

A pilot test and a posterior prospective validation study were conducted in a specialized facial palsy unit in a tertiary hospital.

Methods

A validation study was carried out in 85 patients to calculate the scale’s internal consistency and validity and to compare outcomes with the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System and the Facial Disability Index (FDI).

Results

Internal consistency was evaluated by Cronbach’s α coefficient, which showed a value of 0.841 (95% CI, 0.786‐0.886). The total FaCE Scale score correlates well with the Sunnybrook, FDI physical function, and FDI social/well‐being function scores: r = 0.773, r = 0.883, and r = 0.523, respectively. The FDI social/well‐being function has the highest correlation with the FaCE Scale social function domain (r = 0.595).

Conclusion

The Spanish version of the FaCE Scale demonstrated a high psychometric property that allows it to be used for clinical practice to assess the quality of life of Spanish‐speaking patients with peripheral facial palsy.
Comparison between video-lighted stylet (Intular Scope™) and direct laryngoscope for endotracheal intubation in patients with normal airway
Authors: Lee Ji Yeon , Hur Ho Jin , Park Hee Yeon , Jung Wol Seon , Kim Jiro , Kwak Hyun Jeong
Published: November 2020

Objective

The Intular Scope™ (Medical Park, South Korea) (IS) is a video-lighted stylet that can be used for endotracheal intubation with excellent visualization by adding a camera to its end. We compared the efficacy of a direct laryngoscope (DL) with that of the IS based on hemodynamic changes, ease of intubation, and postoperative airway morbidities.

Methods

Seventy patients with expected normal airways were randomized for intubation using an IS (n = 35) or DL (n = 35). The primary outcome was the mean arterial pressure during intubation. The secondary outcomes were the time to intubation (TTI), percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score, and number of intubation attempts. The incidence and severity of bleeding, hoarseness, and sore throat after intubation were also recorded.

Results

Hemodynamic changes during intubation were not significantly different between the groups. The TTI was longer in the IS than DL group. The POGO score was higher in the IS than DL group. Hoarseness and sore throat were significantly less severe in the IS than DL group.

Conclusions

Using the IS did not significantly improve hemodynamics and resulted in a longer TTI. However, the IS was associated with less severe postoperative airway morbidities compared with the DL.
Assessment of Enamel Demineralization Adjacent to Orthodontic Brackets Using a Polarized Microscope
Authors: Ramegowda Santosh , Joy Shilpa , Gowda Nishitha C , AM Shailaja , Reddy Bharath , Goel Anmol
Published: November 2020

Background and Objectives:

This study was conducted to assess the effect of light-curable fluoride varnish on enamel demineralization adjacent to orthodontic brackets using polarized light microscopy and to compare the depth of demineralization at different time periods.

Method:

In 15 patients, the first premolars were allocated into 2 groups. In the experimental group light-curable fluoride varnish was applied. At the end of each time period (60, 90, and 120 days), first premolar brackets were debonded and premolars were extracted. Buccolingual sections were evaluated under a polarized light microscope and depth of demineralization was assessed.

Results:

The depth of demineralization in the control group increased from 60 to 120 days, and the experimental group did not show any significant difference during the time period.

Conclusion:

Single application of light-curable fluoride varnish, Clinpro XT can be effective in reducing enamel demineralization during fixed orthodontic mechanotherapy, especially in noncompliant patients.
The role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in lead (Pb)-induced mitophagy of HEK293 cells
Authors: Gao Ke , Zhang Chengfei , Tian Yihong , Naeem Sajid , Zhang Yingmei , Qi Yongmei
Published: November 2020

It is well-documented that lead (Pb) toxicity can affect almost all systems in living organisms. It can induce selective autophagy of mitochondria (mitophagy) by triggering reactive oxygen species production. Emerging evidence has suggested that Pb-induced autophagy can also be activated by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway. However, the interplay between ER stress and mitophagy remains to be elucidated. In this study, human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells were employed to investigate the role of ER stress in Pb-induced mitophagy. The results showed that the cell viability was decreased and cell damage was induced after exposure to Pb (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mM) for 24 h in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the expression of LC3-Ⅱ was significantly increased, and the expression of HSP60 was dramatically decreased after exposure to 1 mM and 2 mM Pb, indicating the induction of mitophagy following Pb exposure. Meanwhile, the expressions of activating transcription factor 6, inositol-requiring protein-1α, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein, and glucose-regulated protein 78 were dramatically increased after Pb treatment, signifying the initiation of ER stress. Notably, the mitophagic effect was significantly compromised when ER stress was inhibited by 0.5 mM 4-phenylbutyrate, which was evidenced by lesser decreases in HSP60 expression and level of LC3-Ⅱ, suggesting Pb-induced mitophagy may be activated by the ER stress. Taken together, these findings provide a better understanding of Pb toxicity and suggest that Pb-induced ER stress may play a regulatory role in the upstream of mitophagy.
Leading the multicultural school: Some insights from dedicated school leaders
Authors: Vassallo Brian
Published: November 2020

Perturbed by a racially motivated homicide in his homeland and a more recent murder (under investigation at the time of writing) in the United States, the author makes a strong case in favour of Social Justice Educational Leadership. The exploratory investigation examined the following questions: (1) What leadership processes are school leaders adopting to ensure equity and social justice in multicultural schools? (2) What strategies are school leaders providing their staff to continue supporting quality education for all students, irrespective of cultural background? The research sought to extend the debate between educational leadership processes and the ongoing quest towards social justice as embodied in schools in Malta. A qualitative approach emanating from literature review on critical multicultural education was used in the study. Three school leaders known for their stance on issues of race, prejudice, discrimination, oppression, and marginalisation offer their valuable insights on leadership practices inundated with successful processes leading towards more socially just schools. Findings advocate for a wider discussion on the possibilities for effectively addressing the challenges of leading and managing the multicultural school, based on justice and equity principles.
Youth, Work and ‘Career’ as a Way of Talking about the Self
Authors: Farrugia David
Published: November 2020

This article develops research on youth and ‘career’ beyond a focus on attitudes towards employment flexibility and towards an examination of the ideological role of work in the formation of youth identities. The article draws on a programme of research on the formation of young people’s working identities, and presents interview data in which young people discuss the meaning of ‘career’ and the significance of work in general. These data show that across divergent aspirations and family histories of employment, young people define ‘career’ in terms of the promise of self-actualisation through labour, and thereby position work as the key site for self-expression and the cultivation of personal uniqueness. This article therefore suggests that the notion of ‘career’ is a way that the ‘post-Fordist work ethic’ is articulated on the level of youth identities, elevating self-realisation through labour as the goal of successful labour market engagement for youth.
Value-based healthcare logics and their implications for Nordic health policies
Authors: Kokko Petra , Kork Anna-Aurora
Published: November 2020

Value-based healthcare (VBHC) is a widely approved logic for financing services, using innovative care models and evaluating healthcare outcomes. It is consistent with the Triple Aim framework of simultaneously improving population health, patient experience and the costs of care. In Nordic countries, VBHC has been mainly implemented as a strategic concept in developing hospitals. Despite the evident interest in VBHC as a management trend in healthcare organisations, the studies concerning the implications of VBHC logics on health policies have been scant. This study aimed to fill this gap by building a conceptual bridge between national health policy and value-based care. Through the Triple Aim framework, we explored how VBHC goals have evolved in Finnish Government Programmes from 1995 to 2015 by using qualitative document analysis and interviews. The study addresses the evolution and national impacts of VBHC. Our results show that the goals of Triple Aim gradually become evident at the Finnish health policies. All three Triple Aim goals were present, though the equal prioritisation of these goals only emerged in 2015, also highlighting patient experience. We argue that VBHC logics have indeed affected Nordic welfare policies, not only at the organisational level but also concerning performance measurement and care delivery. This may imply that the diffusion of VBHC logics evolves from healthcare organisations to policymaking instead of top-down. Particularly in publicly financed systems, VBHC indicates a transformation to a new public governance ideology, accelerating policy goals that promote customer responsiveness and value creation for citizens.
Spherical object recognition based on the number of contour edges extracted by fitting and convex hull processing
Authors: Zou Bochang , Qiu Huadong , Lu Yufeng
Published: November 2020

The detection of spherical targets in workpiece shape clustering and fruit classification tasks is challenging. Spherical targets produce low detection accuracy in complex fields, and single-feature processing cannot accurately recognize spheres. Therefore, a novel spherical descriptor (SD) for contour fitting and convex hull processing is proposed. The SD achieves image de-noising by combining flooding processing and morphological operations. The number of polygon-fitted edges is obtained by convex hull processing based on contour extraction and fitting, and two RGB images of the same group of objects are obtained from different directions. The two fitted edges of the same target object obtained at two RGB images are extracted to form a two-dimensional array. The target object is defined as a sphere if the two values of the array are greater than a custom threshold. The first classification result is obtained by an improved K-NN algorithm. Circle detection is then performed on the results using improved Hough circle detection. We abbreviate it as a new Hough transform sphere descriptor (HSD). Experiments demonstrate that recognition of spherical objects is obtained with 98.8% accuracy. Therefore, experimental results show that our method is compared with other latest methods, HSD has higher identification accuracy than other methods.
Wind noise source characterization and transmission study through a side glass of DrivAer model based on a hybrid DES/APE method
Authors: He Yinzhi , Wen Siyi , Liu Yongming , Yang Zhigang
Published: November 2020

Based on a DrivAer model with notchback, the characteristics of convective and acoustic pressure fluctuations on the side window, as well as their contributions to interior noise were studied. Firstly, a full-size DrivAer clay model was produced with a real glass set on the front left window, and the rest parts with thick clay. In this way, the side glass becomes the exclusive transmission path for the exterior convective and acoustic pressures into acoustic cabin inside. In this study, the acoustic pressure fluctuation on the side window surface was calculated by solving the acoustic perturbation equation (APE) based on the calculation results of convective pressure fluctuation with the incompressible Detached Eddy Simulation (DES). Furthermore, with the convective and acoustic pressure fluctuations as power inputs, the interior noise was calculated with Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA). The calculated interior noise level shows good agreement with the tested results in the wind tunnel, which indirectly validates the reliability of the calculated acoustic pressures with APE method. The contributions of the convective and acoustic pressure fluctuations to the interior noise show that the acoustic pressure fluctuation takes much higher transmission efficiency than the convective one, especially at the high frequency range above the coincidence frequency of the glass, the contribution of acoustic pressure fluctuation is absolutely dominant.
Homelessness, sex and a tale of two sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Henning D , Parrott C , Read T , Cook S , Bradshaw CS
Published: November 2020

The Young People’s Health Service (YPHS) is a free, nurse-led Primary Health Care Clinic, in Melbourne, for young people aged 12–24 who are experiencing homelessness. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening is routinely offered as part of comprehensive psychosocial assessments. We wanted to determine the number of people positive for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg), amongst this asymptomatic high-risk population. We also wanted to review our screening practice. All asymptomatic sexually active clients seen by YPHS between 2014 and 2016 were offered a first pass urine polymerase chain reaction-based test for Ct and Mg. Urine samples were taken for men and women. Positivity for Ct and Mg out of those tested was determined and association with gender examined. Between 2014–2016, 272 males and 278 females (n = 550) were screened for Ct, and 72 infections were detected (13.1%. Chlamydia positivity did not differ between males (n = 35; 12.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.8–16.8) and females (n = 37; 13.3%, 95%CI: 9.3–17.3). Over the same period 273 males and 284 females were screened for Mg (n = 557) and 55 infections were detected (9.9%). A higher proportion of females (n = 35; 12.3%, 95%CI: 8.5–16.1) tested positive compared to males (n = 20; 7.3%, 95%CI: 4.2–10.4), p = 0.048. Our study demonstrates both Ct and Mg are prevalent in the population, Mg being more common in young women than young men. Referral for specialist care for macrolide-resistant Mg increased and the updated Australian STI management guidelines led to a review of practice.
Reducing mommy penalties with daddy quotas
Authors: Dunatchik Allison , Özcan Berkay
Published: November 2020

This paper investigates whether daddy quotas – non-transferable paternity leave policies – mitigate motherhood penalties women face in the labour market. Using the introduction of a daddy quota in Quebec, Canada as a natural experiment, we employ labour force survey data to conduct a difference-in-difference estimation of the policy’s impact on a range of mothers’ career outcomes, using mothers in the neighbouring province of Ontario as a comparison group. The results suggest Quebec mothers exposed to the policy are 5 percentage points more likely to participate in the labour force and to work full time, 5 percentage points less likely to work part time, and 4 percentage points less likely to be unemployed than they would have been in the absence of the policy. Our results are robust to an alternative semi-parametric difference-in-difference methodology and to a battery of placebo and sensitivity tests. However, we find that the policy’s effects are largest 2 to 3 years post-reform, reducing in size and significance thereafter, raising questions about the durability of such effects.
Selecting the number of categories of the lymph node ratio in cancer research: A bootstrap-based hypothesis test
Authors: Barrio Irantzu , Roca-Pardiñas Javier , Arostegui Inmaculada
Published: November 2020

The high impact of the lymph node ratio as a prognostic factor is widely established in colorectal cancer, and is being used as a categorized predictor variable in several studies. However, the cut-off points as well as the number of categories considered differ considerably in the literature. Motivated by the need to obtain the best categorization of the lymph node ratio as a predictor of mortality in colorectal cancer patients, we propose a method to select the best number of categories for a continuous variable in a logistic regression framework. Thus, to this end, we propose a bootstrap-based hypothesis test, together with a new estimation algorithm for the optimal location of the cut-off points called BackAddFor, which is an updated version of the previously proposed AddFor algorithm. The performance of the hypothesis test was evaluated by means of a simulation study, under different scenarios, yielding type I errors close to the nominal errors and good power values whenever a meaningful difference in terms of prediction ability existed. Finally, the methodology proposed was applied to the CCR-CARESS study where the lymph node ratio was included as a predictor of five-year mortality, resulting in the selection of three categories.
Investigation of mechanical and thermal insulating properties of wool fibres in epoxy composites
Authors: Semitekolos Dionisis , Pardou Katerina , Georgiou Pantelitsa , Koutsouli Panagiota , Bizelis Iosif , Zoumpoulakis Loukas
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate a novel exploitation approach for a mass livestock byproduct, namely sheep wool fibres. In order to fulfil this aim, wool fibre toughened epoxy composites with an amount of 2.4, 4.1 and 5.7 phr were prepared via the hot press method. Initially, mechanical assessment of the composites was executed, in order to evaluate their mechanical integrity. The flexural and shear strength tests showed that the wool fibre-epoxy composites maintain their mechanical properties for up to 4.1 phr and no degradation is detected. Subsequently, the thermal properties were tested. Thermogravimetric analysis proved that adding wool fibres as toughening agent in epoxy matrix can prolong the endurance of the material while reaching high temperatures. The coefficient of thermal conductivity decreased by 30% compared to neat epoxy, something that is also confirmed through simulation, proving that wool fibre-epoxy composites can be considered as a promising insulating material, while exploiting a natural waste.
Association between sources of stress and depressive mood in Korean adults
Authors: Hwang In Cheol , Ahn Hong Yup
Published: November 2020

Objective:

The present study investigated the association between different sources of stress and depressive mood in Korean adults.

Methods:

A total of 4464 adults who completed the 2018 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in the analysis. Data included sources of stress, depressive mood assessed by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire, sociodemographic characteristics, and health-related habits. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to calculate the odds ratio for depressive mood according to each source of stress and stratified by sex and age.

Results:

Fully adjusted models revealed that individuals who reported a financial problem or health concern as their main source of stress were more likely to experience depressive mood; when data were stratified by sex, these associations remained significant among females only. An age-stratified analysis indicated that financial problems were associated with depressive mood in middle-aged individuals and health concerns were associated with depressive mood in elderly.

Conclusion:

Korean adults with specific sources of stress should be monitored for the development of emotional distress.
Etiological classification and treatment strategies for secondary bile duct dilatation
Authors: Lv Yunfu , Liu Ning , Wu Hongfei , Li Zhuori
Published: November 2020

Secondary intra- and extrahepatic bile duct dilatation is a very common condition that can be caused by several diseases. However, it has been rarely discussed in the specialized literature. Moreover, no distinct etiology can be determined in some cases, which hampers the diagnosis and treatment. Here, we discuss the etiological classification and treatment strategies of secondary intra- and extrahepatic bile duct dilatation based on an extensive literature review, as well as our experimental research and clinical experience. The etiology of secondary intra- and extrahepatic bile duct dilatation can be classified in different ways. From a clinicopathological perspective, it can be classified into obstruction-, lesion-, and compression-induced dilatation. Treatment varies depending on the cause. For example, endoscopic dilation or stenting is used for biliary strictures, laparoscopic choledochectomy for stone removal, and resection for cholangiocarcinoma.