bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Network Community Detection by Combining Self‐Organizing Maps and Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Ellouze Mehdi
Published: October 2021

Social networks have become an important source of information from which we can extract valuable indicators that can be used in many fields such as marketing, statistics, and advertising among others. To this end, many research works in the literature offer users some tools that can help them take advantage of this mine of information. Community detection is one of these tools and aims to detect a set of entities that share some features within a social network. We have taken part in this effort, and we proposed an approach mainly based on pattern recognition techniques. The novelty of this approach is that we do not directly tackle the social networks to find these communities. We rather proceeded in two stages; first, we detected community cores through a special type of self‐organizing map called the Growing Hierarchical Self‐Organizing Map (GHSOM). In the second stage, the agglomerations resulting from GHSOM were grouped to retrieve the final communities. The quality of the final partition would be under the control of an evaluation function that is maximized through genetic algorithms. Our system was tested on real and artificial databases, and the obtained results are really encouraging.
Reconstruction of the Occipital and Parietal Congenital Defect with 3D Custom-Made Titanium Prosthesis: A Case Report with Four and a Half Years of Follow-Up and a Brief Review of Literature
Authors: Mohammadi Farnoush , Azari Abbas , Nikparto Nariman , Ziaei Heliya
Published: October 2021

Management of patients with congenital skull defects requires a multidisciplinary approach. Considering the defect’s location and size, brain protection, and the cosmetic outcome makes such reconstructions challenging. Due to limited resemblance to skull contour and donor site morbidity of autogenous bone grafts, alloplastic materials are widely used for skull reconstructions. Titanium alloys have proper strength values, low infection rates, favorable osseointegration property, and excellent marginal adaptability when manufactured by computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM). A 13-year-old female patient presented with congenital defects at the superior third of occipital bone and posterior thirds of the bilateral parietal bones. On CT scan, the exact size and shape of the defect were determined. Using CAD/CAM, a 3D virtual model of the prosthesis was designed and then printed with titanium alloy (TiAl6V4) via additive manufacturing method. The prosthesis was placed on the defect in a total surgery time of only 90 minutes. On 4.5 years of follow-up, the contour of the skull was ideal and the skin over the defect and neurologic status was intact. Due to their biocompatibility and rigidity, custom-made titanium prostheses are promising options for reconstructing complex skull defects.
High Signal Resolution Pulse Oximetry as a Prognostic Indicator of Radiotherapy Toxicity: A Pilot Study
Authors: Jezierska Karolina , Macała Agnieszka , Krzyminiewski Ryszard , Woźniak Piotr , Łukowiak Magdalena , Sękowska-Namiotko Anna , Podraza Wojciech
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Radiotherapy plays a prominent role in the multidisciplinary treatment of cancers. Despite new irradiation techniques, radiation-induced cardiotoxicity remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, prognostic indicators of radiotherapy toxicity are essential. This study aimed to investigate the influence of applied radiotherapy on the pulse wave recording and thereby on cardiovascular health, as well as to assess whether high signal resolution (HSR) pulse oximetry could be used as a prognostic indicator of radiotherapy toxicity. Methods: A total of 19 patients treated with radiotherapy to the lung or left breast were analyzed. Pulse oximetry was performed on all eligible patients (before and after the administration of a radiation dose) using the PULS-HSR program, which increases the resolution of the pulse wave recording. Results: Among the analyzed variables, we found the total dose administered to the target, as well as the treatment duration, significantly positively correlated with the change in ventricle/aorta volume ratio. The ventricle/aorta volume ratio parameter is the ratio between the area under the HSR pulse wave generated by the contraction of the left ventricle until the aortic valve closes and the area of the HSR pulse wave responsible for expansion and contraction of the aorta. Conclusion: The pilot study indicates HSR pulse oximetry, especially the ventricle/aorta volume ratio parameter, as a potential prognostic indicator of toxicity from radiation for breast and lung cancers.
Structural Abnormalities of the Central Retina in Neurofibromatosis Type 2
Authors: Emmanouil Beatrice , Wasik Martin , Charbel Issa Peter , Halliday Dorothy , Parry Allyson , Sharma Srilakshmi M.
Published: October 2021

Introduction: This case-control study seeks to systematically characterize the central retinal findings in a large cohort of patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) as well as the examination of the potential use of this technique as a diagnostic tool in NF2. Methods: Fifty-four patients with an NF2 diagnosis seen in a quaternary national service were age- and gender-matched to 55 controls from the normal population. Two masked assessors categorized SD-OCT images using predefined abnormalities: retinal tufts, epiretinal membrane (ERM) appearance, retinal hamartoma, and foveal contour. Specificity, sensitivity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for each retinal abnormality. Trends of retinal abnormalities with NF2 genetic severity groups (1. tissue mosaic; 2A. mild classic; 2B. moderate classic; and 3. severe) were investigated. Results: We found retinal abnormalities in 26 patients with NF2 (48%) and 2 control patients (4%); retinal tufts were the most common abnormality therein (43%) and were not seen in controls. The specificity and sensitivity of the graded abnormalities on OCT scans in NF2 were 96% and 48%, respectively, with a positive predictive value of 93%. In our cohort, retinal tufts had a specificity of 100%, a sensitivity of 43%, and a positive predictive value of 100%. Retinal hamartomas were seen only in NF2 patients (35% sensitivity and 100% specificity). ERMs had 96% specificity and 13% sensitivity. The proportion of patients with retinal abnormalities increased statistically significantly with NF2 genetic severity; all patients within the 3. severe genetic severity had an abnormal SD-OCT. Discussion/Conclusion: We present a systematic study of central retinal abnormalities in an NF2 population as seen on SD-OCT imaging. Our results show a high frequency of retinal abnormalities that are readily detected by SD-OCT imaging. The presence of retinal tufts may be a novel marker of NF2 with both high specificity and a positive predictive value for NF2, compared to other well-known ocular features of NF2, and may have a place in the NF2 diagnostic criteria.
Lethal Encephalopathy in an Infant with Hypophosphatasia despite Enzyme Replacement Therapy
Authors: Raimann Adalbert , Haberler Christine , Patsch Janina , Ertl Diana-Alexandra , Sadeghi Kambis , Freilinger Michael , Lang Susanna , Schmook Maria , Plecko Barbara , Haeusler Gabriele
Published: October 2021

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by loss-of-function mutations in the biomineralization-associated alkaline phosphatase gene, encoding tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP). Symptoms include skeletal hypomineralization and extra-skeletal manifestations such as pyridoxine (B6)-responsive seizures due to impaired cerebral B6 passage. Since the introduction of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), skeletal manifestations and B6-responsive seizures were reported to improve significantly. Nevertheless, there is an increasing evidence of B6-independent neurological manifestation of HPP including HPP-associated encephalopathy. Here, we present for the first time the brain alterations of an infant with neonatal HPP who died of neurological complications at the age of 5 months despite early initiation of ERT. CSF analysis showed normal concentrations of biogenic amines reflecting sufficient intracellular B6 availability. Postmortem histopathology revealed severe, localized affection of the cerebral cortex including cortical lesions in layers 2 and 3 in direct proximity to TNSALP-expressing neurons and hippocampal sclerosis. Our findings confirm that TNSALP deficiency may lead to a severe encephalopathy. We hypothesize that HPP-associated encephalopathy resistant to currently available ERT may develop in addition and probably independently of typical B6-responsive seizures in some patients. Prospective, controlled studies with close neurological follow-up including brain imaging are needed to identify patients at risk for severe neurological symptoms despite ERT.
CircSOD2: A Novel Regulator for Smooth Muscle Proliferation and Neointima Formation
Authors: Mei Xiaohan , Cui Xiao-Bing , Li Yiran , Chen Shi-You
Published: October 2021

Objective:

Vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation contributes to neointima formation following vascular injury. Circular RNA—a novel type of noncoding RNA with closed-loop structure—exhibits cell- and tissue-specific expression patterns. However, the role of circular RNA in SMC proliferation and neointima formation is largely unknown. The objective of this study is to investigate the role and mechanism of circSOD2 in SMC proliferation and neointima formation.

Approach and Results:

Circular RNA profiling of human aortic SMCs revealed that PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor)-BB up- and downregulated numerous circular RNAs. Among them, circSOD2, derived from back-splicing event of SOD2 (superoxide dismutase 2), was significantly enriched. Knockdown of circSOD2 by short hairpin RNA blocked PDGF-BB–induced SMC proliferation. Inversely, circSOD2 ectopic expression promoted SMC proliferation. Mechanistically, circSOD2 acted as a sponge for miR-206, leading to upregulation of NOTCH3 (notch receptor 3) and NOTCH3 signaling, which regulates cyclin D1 and CDK (cyclin-dependent kinase) 4/6. In vivo studies showed that circSOD2 was induced in neointima SMCs in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries. Importantly, knockdown of circSOD2 attenuated injury-induced neointima formation along with decreased neointimal SMC proliferation.

Conclusions:

CircSOD2 is a novel regulator mediating SMC proliferation and neointima formation following vascular injury. Therefore, circSOD2 could be a potential therapeutic target for inhibiting the development of proliferative vascular diseases.
Optimal Tissue Reperfusion Estimation by Computed Tomography Perfusion Post-Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tan Zefeng , Parsons Mark , Bivard Andrew , Sharma Gagan , Mitchell Peter , Dowling Richard , Bush Steven , Xu Anding , Yan Bernard
Published: October 2021

Background and Purpose:

Modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score (mTICI) ≥2b is defined as successful reperfusion. However, mTICI has rarely been correlated with dynamic perfusion imaging postendovascular therapy for acute stroke. We aimed to study the proportion of tissue optimal reperfusion (TOR) postendovascular therapy across different grades of mTICI.

Methods:

We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of patients with acute ischemic strokes who had endovascular therapy between 2018 and 2019. Computer tomography perfusion or magnetic resonance perfusion was performed before and after endovascular therapy. Tmax+6 volume reduction of >90% was defined as TOR. Comparisons of proportions of TOR in different grades of mTICI were performed. In the present study, the requirement for informed consents was waived.

Results:

Eighty-two patients were included. The difference in the proportion of TOR for TICI categories was statistically significant (mTICI score 0, 0%, mTICI score 2A, 0%, mTICI score 2b, 50.0%, mTICI score 2c, 80.0%, mTICI score 3, 81.3%, χ
2
=14.035,
P
=0.003). Multivariable logistic regression showed that lower age (odds ratio, 0.932,
P
=0.017), onset-to-tissue-type plasminogen activator time (odds ratio, 0.980,
P
=0.005) and TOR (odds ratio, 8.764,
P
=0.031) were associated with favorable functional outcome.

Conclusions:

The proportion of TOR achieved by mTICI score of 2b was significantly lower than mTICI score of 2c and mTICI score of 3. TOR was associated with favorable functional outcome, and the degree of reperfusion was more strongly correlated with outcomes than the mTICI scores.
From Citizen Science to Citizen Management: Suggestions for a pervasive fine-grained and operational approach to biodiversity conservation
Authors: Battisti Corrado , Cerfolli Fulvio
Published: October 2021

Citizen Science involves people as part of a scientific enquiry. However, in an age of great environmental changes, citizens are faced with degradation that affects ecosystem structure and function. Their role as drivers of change can be also relevant for biodiversity conservation. As in Citizen Science, where the citizens, properly trained, can initiate a widespread and fine-grained knowledge process, it is also possible to start a Citizen Management process, where citizens, adequately trained in problem solving, can change the state of an environmental system, with positive effects on the latter and on themselves. To prepare citizens for the acquisition of a problem solving and management paradigms, a quick meeting carried out with citizens by a senior manager as facilitator can be an opportunity to explain some basic steps: introducing them to the concept of ‘problem’, the definition of a project team and SMART objectives, the use of creativity during brainstorming, choosing an approach to the decision-making process and defining a strategy (actions, times, roles, resources, monitoring, and adaptation). According to the Hill and Westbrook’s SWOT approach, we suggest a list of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that characterize the Citizen Management approach.
Discovery of the genus Strangulotilla Nonveiller, 1979 (Hymenoptera, Mutillidae) in India and description of a new species from the Western Ghats
Authors: TERINE JOSHUA B. , LELEJ ARKADY S. , KUMAR GIRISH P.
Published: October 2021

The Afrotropical genus Strangulotilla Nonveiller, 1979, which was recorded only from Sri Lanka in the Oriental Region, is newly reported from India with the description of a new species Strangulotilla sureshani sp. nov. from the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Differences between the new species and the closely related S. krombeini Lelej, 2005 as well as a key to the Oriental species of Strangulotilla are given.
Cloud-Resolving-Model Simulations of Nocturnal Precipitation over the Himalayan Slopes and Foothills
Authors: Sugimoto Shiori , Ueno Kenichi , Fujinami Hatsuki , Nasuno Tomoe , Sato Tomonori , Takahashi Hiroshi G.
Published: October 2021

A numerical experiment with a 2-km resolution was conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model to investigate physical processes driving nocturnal precipitation over the Himalayas during the mature monsoon seasons between 2003 and 2010. The WRF Model simulations of increases in precipitation twice a day, one in the afternoon and another around midnight, over the Himalayan slopes, and of the single nocturnal peak over the Himalayan foothills were reasonably accurate. To understand the synoptic-scale moisture transport and its local-scale convergence generating the nocturnal precipitation, composite analyses were conducted using the reanalysis dataset and model outputs. In the synoptic scale, moisture transport associated with the westward propagation of low pressure systems was found when nocturnal precipitation dominated over the Himalayan slopes. In contrast, moisture was directly provided from the synoptic-scale monsoon westerlies for nocturnal precipitation over the foothills. The model outputs suggested that precipitation occurred on the mountain ridges in the Himalayas during the afternoon and expanded horizontally toward lower-elevation areas through the night. During the nighttime, the downslope wind was caused by radiative cooling at the surface and was intensified by evaporative cooling by hydrometeors in the near-surface layer. As a result, convergence between the downslope wind and the synoptic-scale flow promoted nocturnal precipitation over the Himalayas and to the south, as well as the moisture convergence by orography and/or synoptic-scale circulation patterns. The nocturnal precipitation over the Himalayas was not simulated well when we used the coarse topographic resolution and the smaller number of vertical layers.
Public–private partnership in a smart city: A curious case in Japan
Authors: Pianezzi Daniela , Mori Yuji , Uddin Shahzad
Published: October 2021

Previous studies have overlooked how partnerships between public and private actors (PPPs) play out as an effect of cultural and historical conditions in the context of a smart city. Our analysis investigates the peculiar context of Japan, where smart city initiatives stem from a historically and culturally embedded “partnership” between government and businesses. Unlike other smart city settings, the adoption of a neoliberal logic of an all-embracing market world by prioritizing business interests over other civic issues is not inevitable. This paper contributes to the literature on PPPs and smart cities by presenting the case of a partnership between public and private actors that overcomes the antagonistic and transactional relationship problematized in previous studies. We demonstrate that the workings of PPPs are historically and culturally embedded. Thus, we caution policy-makers against adopting a universal framework for partnerships in smart city initiatives. In the case of Japan, we advocate for long term orientations of projects instead of the short-term goals espoused by smart city initiatives.
Generative adversarial network–based real-time temperature prediction model for heating stage of electric arc furnace
Authors: Li Chuang , Mao Zhizhong
Published: October 2021

For accurately predicting the molten steel temperature of heating stage in electric arc furnace (EAF) in real time, a novel prediction model based on the generative adversarial network (GAN) is proposed in this paper. First, the generator is specially designed based on the simplified energy balance of molten steel combined with long short-term memory (LSTM) network. The sequential smelting variables are used as the input of generator, which is an effective representation of the time-variant EAF operations. Meanwhile, the discriminator is established to indicate the deviation of the changing trend between the generator predicted temperature and the simulated temperature. Here, the simulated temperature is produced according to smelting experience which is a good supplement to the sparse temperature measurements. Subsequently, the loss function of the generator is improved to consider both the accuracy of predicted temperature and the correctness of temperature changing trend. Through alternate training the discriminator and generator, the generator is finally able to predict the temperature of molten steel in real time with a better precision. Experiments with practical data verify the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Linguistic cues facilitate children’s understanding of belief-reporting sentences
Authors: Zhang Xiaowen , Zhou Peng
Published: October 2021

It has been well-documented that although children around 4 years start to attribute false beliefs to others in classic false-belief tasks, they are still less able to evaluate the truth-value of propositional belief-reporting sentences, especially when belief conflicts with reality. This article investigates whether linguistic cues, verb factivity in particular, can facilitate children’s understanding of belief-reporting sentences. Two experiments were implemented, one testing children’s knowledge of verb factivity using a gold medal task, and one investigating children’s interpretation of belief-reporting sentences using a truth-value-judgment task. Both experiments took advantage of the contrast between neutral non-factive mental verbs and strong negatively biased mental verbs. What sets the two apart is that the complement clause following a strong negatively biased mental verb is definitely false, whereas the one following a neutral non-factive mental verb remains indeterminate in the absence of additional information. The findings were that, first, 4-year-old children were able to tell the difference between the two types of mental verbs in factivity, and second, children’s performance was significantly improved when a strong negatively biased mental verb than when a neutral non-factive mental verb was used as the main verb of the belief-reporting sentences. The findings suggest that the use of strong negatively biased mental verbs facilitates children’s understanding of belief-reporting sentences. Implications of the findings are discussed in relation to the underlying mechanisms connecting verb factivity and false-belief understanding.
Understanding the case method: Teaching public administration case by case
Authors: Schröter Eckhard , Röber Manfred
Published: October 2021

Case studies provide helpful teaching tools to capture the complexity of administrative problems from an action-oriented perspective. With increasingly complex policy problems at hand, more interdisciplinary, interactive, and discursive approaches to teaching are also in demand. However, the case method offers a broad variety of options for teaching programs, ranging from short case illustrations or vignettes to full-length case studies. Attached to various types of case materials are different didactic approaches that pursue different pedagogic logics and are likely to make different contributions to in-classroom teaching. The case method in teaching public administration, however, comes at a cost and requires extra capacity, higher time budgets as well as new qualifications and roles of teachers plus a good fit of student (self)-selection and teaching objectives. If meaningfully utilized, it enhances our capacity to prepare (future) executives for complex environments.
Interpersonal Violence (IV) in Sport and Mental Health Outcomes in Teenagers
Authors: Parent Sylvie , Vaillancourt-Morel Marie-Pier , Gillard Allyson
Published: October 2021

The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between interpersonal violence (IV) experienced in the context of sport by teenagers and three mental health outcomes: self-esteem, psychological distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. A convenience sample of 1055 French-Canadian athletes between the ages of 14 and 17 who were participating in an organized sport was recruited to participate in an online survey. Results showed that psychological violence and neglect as well as sexual violence were independently related to lower self-esteem while physical, psychological/neglect, and sexual violence were all independently related to higher psychological distress and PTSD symptoms. Early intervention programs for athletes that experience IV is critical as it may help prevent the development of subsequent mental health issues.
The Struggle of NZV in Spreading the Gospel in Garut, West Java, Indonesia, in the Early 20th Century
Authors: Sofianto Kunto , Sukamto Amos , Yuniadi Agus Manon , Sofyan Agus Nero
Published: October 2021

Based on a widely accepted view, the spread of Christianity in Indonesia was backed up by Dutch intervention. This article argues that the assumption is not entirely right. In some regions, the Dutch colonial and European settlers paid little attention to Christian missions. Garut, for example, was a city in the Priangan Residence that served as an economic center for the Dutch. Islamic influence was very strong in Garut. Therefore, when the NZV reached Garut in 1899, it received no support from the Dutch colonial administration. The effort to spread Protestant Christianity was initiated by the Chinese people. The strong Islamic influence in Garut became the main barrier preventing people's conversion to Christianity. Even though at the beginning of the 20th century there was no direct resistance, but secretly the Islamic leaders fought back by building negative perceptions of both the Netherlands and Christianity by labeling them as kafir and unclean.
Graft Survivorship After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Based on Tibial Slope
Authors: Gwinner Clemens , Janosec Milan , Wierer Guido , Wagner Michael , Weiler Andreas
Published: October 2021

Background:

Increased tibial slope (TS) is believed to be a risk factor for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Increased TS may also promote graft insufficiency after ACL reconstruction.

Purpose:

To delineate the relationship between TS and single as well as multiple graft insufficiencies after ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence 3.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified 519 patients who had sustained ACL graft insufficiency after primary or revision ACL reconstruction (1 graft insufficiency, group A; 2 graft insufficiencies, group B; and ≥3 graft insufficiencies, group C). In addition, a subgroup analysis was conducted in 63 patients who received all surgical interventions by 2 specialized high-volume, single-center ACL surgeons. TS was measured by an observer with >10 years of training using lateral knee radiographs, and intrarater reliability was performed. Multiple logistic and univariate Cox regression was used to assess the contribution of covariates (TS, age, sex, and bilateral ACL injury) on repeated graft insufficiency and graft survival.

Results:

The study included 347 patients, 119 female and 228 male, who were 24 ± 9 years of age at their first surgery (group A, n = 260; group B, n = 62; group C, n = 25). Mean TS was 9.8°± 2.7° (range, 3°-18°). TS produced the highest adjusted odds ratio (1.73) of all covariates for repeated graft insufficiency. A significant correlation was found between TS and the number of graft insufficiencies ( r = 0.48; P < .0001). TS was significantly lower in group A (9.0°± 2.3°) compared with group B (12.1°± 2.5°; P < .0001) and group C (12.0°± 2.6°; P < .0001). A significant correlation was seen between the TS and age at index ACL tear ( r = −0.12; P = .02) as well as time to graft insufficiency ( r = −0.12; P = .02). A TS ≥12° had an odds ratio of 11.6 for repeated ACL graft insufficiency.

Conclusion:

The current results indicate that patients with a markedly increased TS were at risk of early and repeated graft insufficiency after ACL reconstruction. Because the TS is rarely accounted for in primary and revision ACLR, isolated soft tissue procedures only incompletely address recurrent graft insufficiency in this subset of patients.
The dynamic analysis-effect of orifice- of roll-coupled compacted hydro-pneumatic suspension subjected to typical based excitation
Authors: Lin Dezhao , Yang Fan , Li Ruihong , Gong Di , Qian Wenbo , Li Chenghong , Jia Sheng , Chen Hongwei
Published: October 2021

Adding flow channel between main and annular chambers in same strut of roll-coupled Hydro-pneumatic Inter-connected Suspension (HIS) can effectively avoid the negative hydraulic pressure caused by the high damping factor of connected pipes under high velocity condition. This flow channel is usually closed in previous research in HIS area. In this study, the effect of orifice between main and annular chambers in same strut to the dynamic properties of HIS under the different road excitations is investigated by the established AMEsim half-car simulation model. The bounce and roll displacement/acceleration of the sprung mass are used to evaluate the dynamic properties of HIS. The results illustrate that (1) the added orifice can reduce the roll displacement/acceleration with slight influence on the vertical displacement/acceleration under the transient and road loop excitations; (2) the added orifice will not change the resonance frequency of the bounce and roll modes; (3) comparing with the traditional HIS design (without the added orifices), the maximum roll transmissibility can decrease 30.17% with 2.89% increase of the maximum vertical transmission for the added orifice with 2 mm2 area. Overall, the results suggest that the proper size of the orifices will significantly increase the roll-stability properties with slight effect on the bounce mode under the road excitations.
Vibration characteristics analysis and structure optimization of air-pressure subsoiler
Authors: Su Hongjie , Cui Hongmei , Li Feiyu , Yideer Chaolun , Zhu Yaxiong , Ma Zhipeng
Published: October 2021

Aiming at the problems of strong vibration, inconsistent subsoiling depth and high failure rate of air-pressure subsoiler, air-pressure subsoiler vibration characteristics was studied. In order to decrease the vibration, For the first time, the vibration characteristics of air-pressure subsoiler were obtained by modal analysis and vibration test. The vibration characteristics of the whole air-blown subsoiler are analyzed Through time domain analysis, it is found that the vibration acceleration of four deep loosening shovel is inconsistent. When the diesel engine is started, it is easy to cause inconsistent subsoiler depth. Then, by analyzing the vibration characteristics of the whole air-pressure subsoiler, it can be known that the external excitation source of the air-blown subsoiler is close to its own natural frequency. In order to avoid resonance caused by the vibration frequency of the external excitation source being close to the natural frequency of the air-pressure subsoiler, and to reduce the inconsistency of the subsoil depth, we optimize the design of air-pressure subsoiler. Instead of diesel engines, the steering gear box is connected with tractor power output shaft to provide power. The modal simulation of the optimized air-pressure subsoiler shows that the first-order natural frequency is obviously improved and the external excitation frequency is successfully avoided. It not only avoids resonance, reduces the damage of resonance components, but improves the service life of the subsoiler, greatly improves the structural reliability of the air-pressure subsoiler, at the same time, removes the main external excitation source, which greatly reduces the vibration in actual production and the inconsistency of subsoiling, which is of great significance in actual production. It provides a reference for the research of vibration characteristics, resonance avoidance and structure optimization of agricultural equipment.
Study of heat and sound insulation for polymeric composites reinforced with nano clay
Authors: Salih Rana M
Published: October 2021

Composite materials were prepared using epoxy as a matrix and nanoclay as a reinforcement with weight fractions 5% and 10%, using hand lay-up as a preparation technique. An unreinforced epoxy cast was also prepared for comparison. Heat and acoustic insulation were studied, in addition to tensile, compression, and impact tests. The results showed that the sound levels were the highest in the unreinforced specimen, and decreased gradually with nanoclay, suggesting that the nanoclay have impeded the path for sound waves transmission. The same behavior was observed with thermal conductivity. The tensile strength for the 5% wt. specimens were about 40% higher than that of the 10% wt. specimens, and about 60% higher than the unreinforced epoxy. The Young's modulus was 1.899 MPa, 3.25 MPa, and 4.143 MPa for the 5%, 10%, and unreinforced epoxy, respectively. Impact and compressive strengths were directly proportional with nano clay content. Scanning electron microscopy was used to reveal the microscopic details. The results prove that the addition of nanoparticles must be optimized to get the desired results.
Intolerable Burden of Malaria among Primitive Tribal Community in Odisha: Examining the Fundamental Cause
Authors: Singh Jayakant , George Mathew
Published: October 2021

This study seeks to examine the living conditions, working conditions, and health seeking behaviour for malaria among Kondho community after one is infected with malaria. The residential surroundings of those diagnosed with malaria positive cases were extremely conducive for mosquito breeding. For instance, the majority of households threw garbage near their house, went for open defecation, the cowshed was beside their houses, and above all the houses were mostly situated in the jungle or near thick forest. Sub-centre followed by the community health centres was the first point of contact in most cases but medical care was sought only after routine life was affected. While malaria treatment plans are changing towards administering more powerful drugs as a result of chloroquine resistance but not as much has been done in the ground to prevent malaria at the first place. Therefore, together with continuing curative care for malaria—more emphasis is needed on its prevention. Community, civil society and the government need to work in tandem to improve the living and working conditions of backward communities particularly those living in malaria endemic zone so as to be able to take effective preventive measures for malaria.
Service Quality Components and Inpatients Satisfaction at District Hospitals in Haryana: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Singh Dalbir , Aggarwal Rajesh Kumar
Published: October 2021

Success of any health facility can be directly correlated with the perceived satisfaction of outpatients and inpatients availing treatment at these facilities. Therefore, patient satisfaction is a commonly used measure to assess the quality of services at various health facilities. The present article attempts to analyse the impact of service quality on inpatient satisfaction across all the district hospitals (DHs) of Haryana. Among other things, the article extracted eight factors, namely treatment services (TSs), food services (FSs), laboratory services (LSs), wards services (WSs), admission services (ASs), infrastructural services (ISs), medicine services (MSs) and nursing services (NSs) through exploratory factor analysis. Further, TSs were found to be the most important to predict the satisfaction of inpatients of DHs of Haryana followed by FSs, LSs, ISs, WSs, NSs, ASs and MSs. The article suggests the areas that require interventions to bring about overall course-correction and improve the overall quality of health services in the State and also contributes towards the existing literature on understanding service quality dynamics and measuring patients’ satisfaction for health care.
Antibacterial Activity of 2-Hydroxyisocaproic Acid (HICA) Against Obligate Anaerobic Bacterial Species Associated With Periodontal Disease
Authors: Sakko Marjut , Rautemaa-Richardson Riina , Sakko Samuli , Richardson Malcolm , Sorsa Timo
Published: October 2021

Topical antiseptics are used to assist and further increase the effect of mechanical biofilm eradication and to potentially prevent new biofilm formation in periodontal treatment. This is of importance in treatment-resistant infections with 10% prevalence of all periodontitis cases to avoid the need for antibiotic therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of DL-2-hydroxyisocaproic acid on human pathogenic obligate anaerobic bacteria related to periodontitis. In this study antimicrobial activity of 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid was observed against 14 bacterial reference strains and clinical isolates of obligate anaerobic bacterial species using a microdilution method in 1.25 to 160 mg/mL concentrations of 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid. The 11 strains of bacteria included in this study are typically associated with periodontal disease; Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Tannerella forsythia, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Parvimonas micra. Three strains of Cutibacterium acnes, normally associated with skin diseases, were tested for comparison. 90% inhibitory concentration was determined at 48 hours and minimum bactericidal concentration was determined after 72 hours incubation. The 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid was bactericidal at ⩾160 mg/mL for all isolates tested. The reference strain of T. forsythia, and the reference strain and the clinical isolates of C. acnes were the most tolerant ones. The reference strains and clinical isolates of F. nucleatum and A. actinomycetemcomitans were killed at ⩾40 mg/mL concentration. In conclusion, topical use of 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid could eventually be a well-tolerated and useful method in the therapy of patients with difficult-to-treat periodontal disease or other superficial infections to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
Securing the borders of English and Whiteness
Authors: Piller Ingrid , Torsh Hanna , Smith-Khan Laura
Published: October 2021

This article examines how racial and linguistic identities are constructed on the Australian reality TV show Border Security. Based on an analysis of 108 episodes of the show involving 253 border force officers and 128 passengers, we explore how the hegemonic Australian identity of the White native speaker of English is constructed on the show. Officers are represented as a relatively uniform group of heroes devoted to protecting Australia’s national security. Simultaneously, most of them look white and sound like native speakers of Australian English. In contrast to the officers, passengers, as their antagonists, do not have a predominant racial or linguistic profile. They are represented as highly diverse. What unites them is not any racial or linguistic profile but that they represent a security risk. Threat thus comes to be mapped onto diversity. The show’s schema of heroes and antagonists invites the audience to identify with the heroes. By identifying with the White-English heroes, the audience also comes to take on their power of judgment over its diverse linguistic and racial Others. The analysis shows how the White-English identity bundle is constructed as the authoritative and legitimate position of the judging knower. The article’s main contribution is to show how the raciolinguistic construct of the White-English complex is made hegemonic in a diverse society officially committed to multiculturalism.
Coronavirus disease 2019 and stroke
Authors: Leslie-Mazwi Thabele M , Srivatanakul Kittipong
Published: October 2021

The multisystem nature of coronavirus disease 2019 has become increasingly clear over the course of the pandemic. Both the neurological and vascular systems are affected, impacting acute stroke. This impact can be conceptualised as direct and indirect effects of the disease. The direct effects of coronavirus disease 2019 on stroke are thought to relate to receptor-mediated tissue invasion and the marked inflammatory response to the presence of the virus. These effects include coagulopathies, endotheliitis, systemic inflammation and atherosclerotic plaque instability, with possibly long-term cardiovascular effects. The indirect effects impact all aspects of stroke care delivery. These extend far beyond the direct effects of coronavirus disease 2019, and represent an essential focus for stroke systems of care. In this article, we detail the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on acute stroke.
Grounded Theory Approaches Used in Educational Research Journals
Authors: Stough Laura M. , Lee Sungyoon
Published: October 2021

Grounded theory has become one of the most commonly used qualitative research approaches. Since its first introduction, grounded theory methodology has taken on different iterations and evolved a number of variants. This review examined highly-ranked educational journals to determine grounded theory methodologies used most frequently by educational researchers. A total of 210 studies from 15 education journals were analyzed across 18 years of publication. A coding scheme was developed and used to categorize studies by type of methodological approach and inclusion of common grounded theory elements. Increasing variability in the types of grounded theory approaches was found in educational research over the last two decades. While educational researchers appear to prefer Straussian approaches to the design and analysis of grounded theory studies, Charmaz’s constructivist approach has increased in popularity over the last decade. In addition, most educational researchers used grounded theory as a data analysis technique rather than as a complete methodological approach. Only a small proportion of the 210 studies (29.5%) delineated a “grounded theory.” Finally, despite their publication in highly-ranked educational journals, methodological inconsistencies and descriptive cloudiness were evidenced across many of these grounded theory studies.
Three-dimensional CT for the diagnosis and management of bipartite scaphoids: a report of four cases in three patients
Authors: Dufour Justine , Christen Thierry , Becce Fabio , Durand Sébastien
Published: October 2021

We investigated the role of three-dimensional (3-D) CT in the diagnosis and management of four bipartite scaphoids in three patients. We computed the volume ratio, moment of inertia ratio and direction vector from the centroid of the scaphoid to the os centrale carpi. We found that the os centrale carpi was always smaller than the scaphoid and showed an elongated shape in the scaphoid longitudinal axis. Its position was always posterior compared with the scaphoid anteroposterior axis. The main morphological feature of bipartite scaphoids was the continuity of the scaphoid from its proximal to distal aspect along the longitudinal axis. These criteria from 3-D imaging should be considered useful in the diagnosis of bipartite scaphoid as it allows differentiation from nonunion. 3-D single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT was helpful in the surgical decision-making when the patient was symptomatic. 3-D imaging was also used for the preoperative simulation and planning of bone fusion as it simplifies surgery and makes it more accurate. Here we provide clear criteria for diagnosing bipartite scaphoids and for the planning when surgery is deemed necessary.
Utilization of comorbidity indices to predict discharge destination and complications following total shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Cox Ryan M. , Hendy Benjamin A. , Gutman Michael J. , Sherman Matthew , Abboud Joseph A. , Namdari Surena
Published: October 2021

Background

Comorbidity indices can help identify patients at risk for postoperative complications. Purpose of this study was to compare different comorbidity indices to predict discharge destination and complications after shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods

Retrospective review of institutional shoulder arthroplasty database of primary anatomic (TSA) and reverse (RSA) shoulder arthroplasties. Patient demographic information was collected in order to calculate Modified Frailty Index (mFI-5), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), age adjusted CCI (age-CCI), and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system (ASA). Statistical analysis performed to analyze length of stay (LOS), discharge destination, and 90-day complications.

Results

There were 1365 patients included with 672 TSA and 693 RSA patients. RSA patients were older and had higher CCI, age adjusted CCI, ASA, and mFI-5 ( p < 0.001). RSA patients had longer lengths of stay (LOS), more likely to have an adverse discharge ( p < 0.001), and higher reoperation rate ( p = 0.003). Age-CCI was most predictive of adverse discharge (AUC 0.721, 95% CI 0.704–0.768).

Discussion

Patients undergoing RSA had more medical comorbidities, experienced greater LOS, higher reoperation rate, and were more likely to have an adverse discharge. Age-CCI had the best ability to predict which patients were likely to require higher-level discharge planning.
Characterization of disease course and remission in early seropositive rheumatoid arthritis: results from the TACERA longitudinal cohort study
Authors:   RA-MAP Consortium, Barnes Michael , Brockbank Sarah , Bruce Ian N , Ciurtin Coziana , Cop Andrew P. , Ehrenstein Michael R. , Emery Paul , Fisher Benjamin A. , Isaacs John , Matthews Ruth , McInnes Iain B. , Noble Hayley , Wakatsuki Pedersen Ayako , Pitzalis Costantino , Raza Karim , Rowe Anthony , Simpson Gemma , Stringer Dominic , Taylor Peter C. , Tom Brian , Zhong Yujie
Published: October 2021

Background:

To characterise disease course and remission in a longitudinal observational study of newly diagnosed, initially treatment-naïve patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods:

Patients with early untreated seropositive RA were recruited from 28 UK centres. Multiple clinical and laboratory measures were collected every 3 months for up to 18 months. Disease activity was measured using the 28-joint Disease Activity Score with C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI). Logistic regression models examined clinical predictors of 6-month remission and latent class mixed models characterised disease course.

Results:

We enrolled 275 patients of whom 267 met full eligibility and provided baseline data. According to SDAI definition, 24.3% attained 6-month remission. Lower baseline Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and SDAI predicted 6-month remission ( p = 0.013 and 0.011). Alcohol intake and baseline prescribing of methotrexate with a second disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD; vs monotherapy without glucocorticoids) were also predictive. Three distinct SDAI trajectory subpopulations emerged; corresponding to an inadequate responder group (6.5%), and higher and lower baseline activity responder groups (22.4% and 71.1%). Baseline HAQ and Short Form-36 Health Survey – Mental Component Score (SF-36 MCS) distinguished these groups. In addition, a number of baseline clinical predictors correlated with disease activity severity within subpopulations. Beneficial effects of alcohol intake were found across subpopulations.

Conclusion:

Three distinct disease trajectory subpopulations were identified. Differential effects of functional and mental well-being, alcohol consumption, and baseline RA medication prescribing on disease activity severity were found across subpopulations. Heterogeneity across trajectories cannot be fully explained by baseline clinical predictors. We hypothesise that biological markers collected early in disease course (within 6 months) may help patient management and better targeting of existing and novel therapies.