bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovation journey of the Digital Earth Node (DEN): Experiences, ideas and future opportunities
Authors: Desha C , Perez-Mora L , Caldera S , Fukui H , Naidoo C
Published: July 2020

There is an increasing need for readily-accessible virtual meeting spaces to connect decision-makers from different geographic locations and share spatial data for timely decision making. This paper presents the journey to date in pre-totyping and prototyping a Digital Earth Node’ (DEN) remote, immersive collaboration space to support learning, creating, and developing spatial capabilities, including the core one-touch “all-in” feature. It describes the innovative digital collaboration method that creates a high-trust, private and fast experience that makes accessibility of multiple data sets and monitors possible over low bandwidth mobile networks. This uncovers opportunities for field applications that include mobile vehicle data centres with modular mobile bandwidth leverage, creating a high redundancy network and large-scale collaboration offering. The authors discuss insights into improved decision-making and integrated policies, including the potential for programs that support engagement and collaboration between government, industry and academic researchers globally. The findings have implications to solve challenges from immediate disaster response and recovery, to planning for resilient communities, built environments and supporting infrastructure.
Defnition of Digital Earth and main conundrum of cartography
Authors: Eremchenko E , Tikunov V
Published: July 2020

The issue of creating a typology of the entire variety of geospatial information systems is considered, and appropriate tools are proposed. The necessity of defning Digital Earth as a special class is justifed. This new class has special properties that can be used in creating an intensional defnition of the Digital Earth.
The Network of Resources - facilitating a simplified and efficient exploitation of EO data in cloud environments
Authors: Hochleitner Maria
Published: July 2020

As a combination of exploitation and processing platforms, the Network of Resources will support the user in procuring services and outsourcing requirements while increasing integration of EO data and information for a broader use, for scientific, social and economic purposes, as well as for the generation of new commercial applications and services. Selected as prime contractor by ESA, Cloudeo will create a portfolio of available EO resource tier and platform services and act as a facilitator to the “Network of Resources” for both providers and end users.
AHSI: the Hyperspectral Imager on China’s GaoFen-5 Satellite
Authors: Liu Yin-Nian , Sun De-Xin , Hu Xiao-Ning , Liu Shu-Feng , Cao Kai-Qin
Published: July 2020

The Advanced Hyperspectral Imager (AHSI) is a visible/short-wave infrared hyperspectral imager on China’s GaoFen-5 satellite, which was launched on May 9th, 2018. The AHSI is the first spaceborne hyperspectral sensor that utilizes both the convex grating spectrophotometry and an improved three concentric-mirror (Offner) configuration. It has 60 km swath width, 30 m spatial resolution, 5-10 nm spectral resolution, and 330 spectral bands. Instrument performance was evaluated and validated through well-designed experiments on orbit. Results show that the performance of AHSI has met or exceeded predictions. The AHSI has outstanding capability of detecting and identifying different ground objects and in ecological environment monitoring and natural resource exploration.
Application of inpainting technique for reconstruction of partially detected curvilient features derived from the process of extraction of cartographic features
Authors: Figueira A , Da Silva E
Published: July 2020

Extraction processes of cartographic features from digital images have been of great importance in the area of Cartography, however, the results obtained by these techniques usually have partially detected features, culminating in loss of quality of the extraction process. Thus, this work shows how to improve the quality of the extraction process, by employing an inpainting based technique proposed by Deng L-J et al. The use of this algorithm may contribute greatly to increasing quality of the process of extraction of curvilinear cartographic features partially detected in digital images and can be used in the area of cartography, supporting processes to update cartographic products.
Multi-temporal SAR and optical change detection with COSMO-SkyMed and Copernicus Sentinels for digital recording of cultural heritage at risk
Authors: Tapete D , Cigna F
Published: July 2020

In the context of the current discussion about Copernicus services for cultural heritage integrating imagery from the Sentinels with those from contributing missions, such as the Italian Space Agency (ASI)’s X-band SAR constellation COSMO-SkyMed, we explore benefits and limitations of a multi-technique and multi-platform approach of change detection for heritage conservation. We prove the concept in selected heritage sites across the globe, with regard to: (i) anthropogenic disturbance, and (ii) urban sprawl. In Nasca, Peru, a systematic COSMO-SkyMed StripMap time series at 3-m resolution allowed precise identification of the extent of damage caused by a truck that accidentally crossed over three linear geoglyphs in early 2018, that Sentinel-2 could barely capture at 10-m. On the other hand, in Cyrenaica, Libya, Sentinel-2 proved effective to screen wider regions and undertake comparative condition assessment of sites impacted by unregulated urbanization across the landscape.
Impact of tree breeding on managing forest genetic resources: a review with a particular reference to Acacias and Eucalyptus grown in Indonesia
Authors: Nirsatmanto A
Published: July 2020

Declining genetic resource for some species is evident due to biotic and abiotic pressures which are aggravated by inappropriate management of conservation and utilization. Although breeding is one of good practices for increasing the utilization of genetic resources, inadequate breeding strategy could be the source of the diminishing genetic resources.Acacias and Eucalyptus are among the species experiencing good progress in genetic improvement due to its fast growth and high value wood for industries. Besides improving productivity, breeding program should be continued to overcome the increasing threats of pest, disease, and climate change. However, there appeared to be some problems with the developing advanced generation breeding, particularly those related to small genetic diversity as an impact of the decreased genetic resources and the improper breeding activities. Therefore, ensuring the sustainable benefits of germplasm for future uses, managing genetic resources and breeding practices should be properly linked.This paper reviews the impact of current adopted breeding strategy of Acacias and Eucalyptus on the declining genetic resources. It also discusses some possible ways to improve breeding strategy while maintaining genetic resources for the targeted species.
Predicting the potential distribution of Taxussumatrana using Maximum Entropy Model
Authors: Saputra M H , Sunandar A D
Published: July 2020

Taxussumatrana as the medicinal plant is noted as endangered species. As a potential medicinal plant, conservation act is important. This study aims to identify the environmental variablesthat contributes to T. sumatrana distribution and predict the potential areas for T.sumatrana conservation area. The Maximum Entropy (Maxent) was applied to model the species distribution. The presence of T. sumatrana was collected from 77 locations across the Sumatra. Climate and biophysical variables were used to determine the potential distribution of species. The results showed that a minimum temperature of coldest months has the highest permutation importanceby 66.3% while the highest contribution variable was altitude by 48.1%. Soil type has an important value that is not presented in other variables. Potential regions for T. sumatrana distribution were: North Sumatra (Karo, Dairi, Toba Samosir, and Simalungun District), West Sumatra (Agam, Tanah Datar, SawahLunto and Solok District), Jambi (Bungo, Merangin and Kerinci District), Bengkulu (Bengkulu Utara), and South Sumatra (Lahat District). The potential environmental condition for T. sumatranais 1,500m above sea level and upper, minimum temperature of the coldest month below 100C with precipitation in the driest month between 50-70 mm/month. The species is potentially found in Humid Andosol and Vitric Andosol soil types.
Advance technology of tropical tree seed handling in Indonesia for high quality seed and seedling productions
Authors: Syamsuwida D , Nurhasybi  , Sudrajat DJ
Published: July 2020

Seed, as a primary input, plays a vital role for establishment of forest plantation and for any afforestation program. In the recent years, forest and land rehabilitation and community forestry become a great emphasis for Indonesian national forestry programs that make the requirement of seed has multiplied manifold. Seed has become a valuable commodity and thus needs a prudent planning and sophisticated innovated equipment to support procurement of high-quality seeds and seedlings. In the last few years, research and development in seed science and technology have made significant progress. Basic problems faced in tree seed procurement in the tropic are seed characters of recalcitrant and intermediate which well known for drastically deteriorating in seed viability and vigor, sensitive to drying process and low storability. Applied technology for improving seed and seedling quality can be conducted by invigoration methods including physical invigoration (hydro-priming, osmo-priming, matri- conditioning, gamma-ray irradiation) and physiological invigoration (hormone priming, micronutrient, bio-priming, ultra-fine bubble). Seed storage technique has been developing for preparation of planting program and in-situ conservation through seedling storage and cryopreservation. In seed distribution scheme, seed and seedling certifications were developed by compiling the seed testing and seed quality standard of Indonesian Nasional Standard.
OCSANA+: optimal control and simulation of signaling networks from network analysis
Authors: Marazzi Lauren , Gainer-Dewar Andrew , Vera-Licona Paola
Published: July 2020

OCSANA+ is a Cytoscape app for identifying nodes to drive the system toward a desired long-term behavior, prioritizing combinations of interventions in large-scale complex networks, and estimating the effects of node perturbations in signaling networks, all based on the analysis of the network’s structure. OCSANA+ includes an update to optimal combinations of interventions from network analysis software tool with cutting-edge and rigorously tested algorithms, together with recently developed structure-based control algorithms for non-linear systems and an algorithm for estimating signal flow. All these algorithms are based on the network’s topology. OCSANA+ is implemented as a Cytoscape app to enable a user interface for running analyses and visualizing results.

Availability and implementation

OCSANA+ app and its tutorial can be downloaded from the Cytoscape App Store or https://veraliconaresearchgroup.github.io/OCSANA-Plus/. The source code and computations are available in https://github.com/VeraLiconaResearchGroup/OCSANA-Plus_SourceCode.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals the cellular heterogeneity of aneurysmal infrarenal abdominal aorta
Authors: Zhao Guizhen , Lu Haocheng , Chang Ziyi , Zhao Yang , Zhu Tianqing , Chang Lin , Guo Yanhong , Garcia-Barrio Minerva T , Chen Y Eugene , Zhang Jifeng
Published: July 2020

Aims

The artery contains numerous cell types which contribute to multiple vascular diseases. However, the heterogeneity and cellular responses of these vascular cells during abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression have not been well characterized.

Methods and results

Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on the infrarenal abdominal aortas (IAAs) from C57BL/6J mice at Days 7 and 14 post-sham or peri-adventitial elastase-induced AAA. Unbiased clustering analysis of the transcriptional profiles from >4500 aortic cells identified 17 clusters representing nine-cell lineages, encompassing vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells (macrophages, T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells), and two types of rare cells, including neural cells and erythrocyte cells. Seurat clustering analysis identified four smooth muscle cell (SMC) subpopulations and five monocyte/macrophage subpopulations, with distinct transcriptional profiles. During AAA progression, three major SMC subpopulations were proportionally decreased, whereas the small subpopulation was increased, accompanied with down-regulation of SMC contractile markers and up-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes. Another AAA-associated cellular response is immune cell expansion, particularly monocytes/macrophages. Elastase exposure induced significant expansion and activation of aortic resident macrophages, blood-derived monocytes and inflammatory macrophages. We also identified increased blood-derived reparative macrophages expressing anti-inflammatory cytokines suggesting that resolution of inflammation and vascular repair also persist during AAA progression.

Conclusion

Our data identify AAA disease-relevant transcriptional signatures of vascular cells in the IAA. Furthermore, we characterize the heterogeneity and cellular responses of VSMCs and monocytes/macrophages during AAA progression, which provide insights into their function and the regulation of AAA onset and progression.
Many Zeros of Many Characters of GL(n,q)
Authors: Gallagher Patrick X , Larsen Michael J , Miller Alexander R
Published: July 2020

For $G=\textrm{GL}(n,q)$, the proportion $P_{n,q}$ of pairs $(\chi ,g)$ in $\textrm{Irr}(G)\times G$ with $\chi (g)\neq 0$ satisfies $P_{n,q}\to 0$ as $n\to \infty $.
Imaging with surface-related multiples to overcome large acquisition gaps
Authors: Nath Aparajita , Verschuur Dirk J
Published: July 2020

To get the best result for seismic imaging using primary reflections, data with densely-spaced sources and receivers are ideally preferred. However, dense acquisition can sometimes be hindered by various obstacles, like platforms or complex topography. Such areas with large data gaps may deter exploration or monitoring, as conventional imaging strategies would either provide poor seismic images or turn out to be very expensive. Surface-related multiples travel along different paths compared to primaries, illuminating a wider subsurface area and hence making them valuable in case of data with large gaps. We propose different strategies of using surface-related multiples to get around the problem of imaging in the case of a large data gap. Conventional least-squares imaging methods that incorporate surface-related multiples do so by re-injecting the measured wavefield in the forward-modelling process, which makes it still sensitive to missing data. We introduce a ‘non-linear’ inversion approach in which the surface multiples are modelled from the original source field. This makes the method less dependent on the receiver geometry, therefore, effectively exploiting the information from surface multiples in cases of limited illumination. However, such an approach is sensitive to the knowledge of the source properties. Therefore, we propose a ‘hybrid’ method that combines the non-linear imaging method with the conventional ‘linear’ multiple imaging method, which further improves our imaging result. We test the methods on numerical as well as field data. The results indicate substantial removal of artefacts in the image derived from linear imaging methods due to incomplete data, by exploiting the surface multiples to a maximum extent.
Molecular Correlates of Long Survival in IDH-Wildtype Glioblastoma Cohorts
Authors: Galbraith Kristyn , Kumar Ashwani , Abdullah Kalil G , Walker Jamie M , Adams Steven H , Prior Timothy , Dimentberg Ryan , Henderson Fraser C , Mirchia Kanish , Sathe Adwait Amod , Viapiano Mariano S , Chin Lawrence S , Corona Robert J , Hatanpaa Kimmo J , Snuderl Matija , Xing Chao , Brem Steven , Richardson Timothy E
Published: July 2020

IDH-wildtype glioblastoma is a relatively common malignant brain tumor in adults. These patients generally have dismal prognoses, although outliers with long survival have been noted in the literature. Recently, it has been reported that many histologically lower-grade IDH-wildtype astrocytomas have a similar clinical outcome to grade IV tumors, suggesting they may represent early or undersampled glioblastomas. cIMPACT-NOW 3 guidelines now recommend upgrading IDH-wildtype astrocytomas with certain molecular criteria (EGFR amplifications, chromosome 7 gain/10 loss, and/or TERT promoter mutations), establishing the concept of a “molecular grade IV” astrocytoma. In this report, we apply these cIMPACT-NOW 3 criteria to 2 independent glioblastoma cohorts, totaling 393 public database and institutional glioblastoma cases: 89 cases without any of the cIMPACT-NOW 3 criteria (GBM-C0) and 304 cases with one or more criteria (GBM-C1-3). In the GBM-C0 groups, there was a trend toward longer recurrence-free survival (median 12–17 vs 6–10 months), significantly longer overall survival (median 32–41 vs 15–18 months), younger age at initial diagnosis, and lower overall mutation burden compared to the GBM-C1-3 cohorts. These data suggest that while histologic features may not be ideal indicators of patient survival in IDH-wildtype astrocytomas, these 3 molecular features may also be important prognostic factors in IDH-wildtype glioblastoma.
A probabilistic framework for cosmological inference of peculiar velocities
Authors: Dam Lawrence
Published: July 2020

We present a Bayesian hierarchical framework for a principled data analysis pipeline of peculiar velocity surveys, which makes explicit the inference problem of constraining cosmological parameters from redshift-independent distance indicators. We demonstrate our method for a Fundamental Plane (FP)-based survey. The essence of our approach is to work closely with observables (e.g. angular size, surface brightness, redshift, etc.), through which we bypass the use of summary statistics by working with the probability distributions. The hierarchical approach improves upon the usual analysis in several ways. In particular, it allows a consistent analysis without having to make prior assumptions about cosmology during the calibration phase. Moreover, calibration uncertainties are correctly accounted for in parameter estimation. Results are presented for a new, fully analytic posterior marginalized over all latent variables, which we expect to allow for more principled analyses in upcoming surveys. A maximum a posteriori estimator is also given for peculiar velocities derived from FP data.
Comparing shape along growth trajectories in two marine snail ecotypes of Littorina saxatilis: a test of evolution by paedomorphosis
Authors: Gefaell J , Varela N , Rolán-Alvarez E
Published: July 2020

Two sympatric ecotypes (‘crab’ and ‘wave’) of Littorina saxatilis are adapted to different microhabitats. It has been claimed, based on the comparison of proteomic differentiation across ontogeny, that the wave ecotype may have evolved by paedomorphosis from an ancestor more similar to the crab ecotype. Here, we test the paedomorphosis hypothesis at a morphological level by comparing crab and wave specimens from two localities using the pattern of shell shape differentiation across ontogeny. The results obtained show a pattern of shell shape differentiation similar to the one observed in previous proteomic studies, but such a pattern could be caused by different modes of evolution, and not necessarily by paedomorphosis. This study emphasizes that in addition to studying the pattern of differentiation, the direction of the evolutionary change across ontogeny has to be analysed before conclusions can be drawn on particular developmental modes of evolution.
Age-Dependent Sensory Impairment in COVID-19 Infection and its Correlation with ACE2 Expression
Authors: Somekh Ido , Yakub Hanna Husam , Heller Eli , Bibi Haim , Somekh Eli
Published: July 2020

Among individuals who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019, smell and taste sensations were significantly less impaired among children than among adults, in a stepwise manner. Sensory impairment was correlated with recent data of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expression in the corresponding age groups. This is the first report to compare sensory impairment in children and adults testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019.
Developing a novel meatal areolar tissue autograft for minimally invasive tympanoplasty
Authors: Chen Yen-Chi , Huang Chii-Yuan , Kuo Ying-Ju , Cheng Hsiu-Lien , Cheng Yen-Fu , Liao Wen Huei
Published: July 2020

Background:

We developed an easy and minimally invasive method of transmeatal tympanoplasty using meatal areolar tissue (MAT) grafts to achieve less postoperative morbidity or surgical scarring. We compared the functional and anatomical results of the developed method with conventional endaural tympanoplasty with a temporalis fascia (TF) graft.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, 58 patients (59 ears) with simple chronic otitis media who underwent type I tympanoplasty between January 2016 and August 2018 were included. All surgeries were performed in a tertiary referral hospital and by the same senior surgeon. The tympanic membrane (TM) was repaired with either a TF or an MAT graft.

Results:

Healing of the perforated TM and improvement in a hearing test by air-bone gap (ABG) closure were identified. Postoperative wound conditions were also evaluated. Twenty-eight ears were grafted with MAT, and 31 ears were grafted with TF. Graft success was observed in 26 patients (92.9%) in the MAT group and 28 patients (90.3%) in the TF group. Both groups showed functional improvement compared with the preoperative measurements. The postoperative pure tone audiogram (p = 0.737), ABG closure (p = 0.547), and graft success rate (p = 0.726) were not significantly different between the two groups. Neither wound dehiscence nor keloid formation was observed in our patients.

Conclusion:

Both MAT and TF grafts revealed satisfactory surgical and functional results. Compared with the conventional endaural approach with TF grafts, the new transmeatal approach method with an MAT graft causes relatively minimal trauma and results in better wound cosmetics. This method represents an easy, minimally invasive surgery and shows comparatively good results.
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori virulence genes among Iranian infected patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kamarehei Farideh , Taheri Mohammad , Mohammadi Younes , Shokoohizadeh Leili , Alikhani Mohammad Yousef
Published: July 2020

Introduction:

Helicobacter pylori infection as the worldwide problem is related to many gastrointestinal disorders. Because of antithesis results among different articles; we systematically reviewed articles about the prevalence of H. pylori virulence factors among different diseases (gastritis, gastric cancer, nonulcer disease, peptic ulcer disease, duodenal ulcer) in different regions of Iran.

Methods:

We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis statement for reporting systematic review and meta-analysis of this study in national and international databases. We searched the cagA, vacA, oipA, babA, iceA, dupA prevalence among infected patients in Iran. We used Newcastle--Ottawa quality for assessing the quality of studies in meta-analyses. Due to significant heterogeneity of the results, random effects model to calculate pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals, weighted by study size.

Results:

Among 1106 reports screened, 28 related articles were eligible for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) of cagA, vacA, oipA, babA, iceA1, iceA2, dupA were estimated as 62% (21--95), 71.2% (38–82), 71% (13–99), 61.6% (3–96), 36.2% (12–90), 26.2% (13–37), 40.8% (12–55), respectively.

Discussion:

The frequency of virulence factor genes among H. pylori strains isolated in Iranian patients to be more frequently associated with the gastrointestinal disease compared with the other countries and these data can be considered in development of eradication strategies.
Evaluation of a Proarrhythmic Repolarization Marker (Total Cosine R to T) in Patients With Uncomplicated Familial Mediterranean Fever
Authors: Nussinovitch Udi , Stahi Tomer , Livneh Avi
Published: July 2020

Background/Objective

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a systemic autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of fever and serous inflammation. The association between FMF and risk of cardiac arrhythmia is continuously questioned; some studies report abnormal cardiac repolarization, while others do not. Considering this controversy, we aim to perform in a large cohort of FMF patients a total cosine R to T (TCRT) analysis, a previously unexplored repolarization marker in this disorder.

Methods

The study group included 56 FMF patients without amyloidosis, diagnosed with FMF according to published criteria and 131 control subjects, unaffected with FMF. A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed according to strict standards. Electrocardiogram files were processed with Python-based computer software. Patients were followed for 10 to 12 years, and the rate of cardiac complications was evaluated.

Results

Other than FMF and prescription of colchicine, both groups had similar medical and demographic background. TCRT results were similar for a randomly selected beat (0.40 ± 0.06 vs 0.50 ± 0.04, p > 0.05) and for an averaged beat (0.39 ± 0.06 vs 0.50 ± 0.04, p > 0.05) in FMF patients and control subjects, respectively. Correction of average TCRT for heart rate also resulted in similar TCRTc values in patients and control groups (0.42 ± 0.07 s−0.5 vs 0.51 ± 0.05 s−0.5, respectively, p > 0.05). During the follow-up period, none of the patients died, and no patient developed clinical symptoms suggestive of ventricular arrhythmias.

Conclusions

Colchicine treated uncomplicated FMF patients have normal TCRT and TCRTc values, implying low risk for cardiac arrhythmias in this population. Future studies should evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of this marker in high-risk FMF populations, such as those who developed AA amyloidosis.
Can Oblique Sliced Method Avoid Warping?
Authors: Tinazli Remzi , Yalcinozan Eda Tuna , Safakogullari Hasan , Erisir Ferhat
Published: July 2020

Warping is the most important problem of costal cartilage grafts used in secondary rhinoplasties. The aim of this study is to show that costal cartilage grafts prepared with oblique sliced method (OSM), can solve the warping problem and provides successful results in both functional and aesthetic appearance. There are 42 patients who had previous nose surgery and dissatisfied with their facial appearance included in the study to perform secondary rhinoplasty with costal cartilage graft OSM technique. The outcomes of the operations were performed objectively using facial measurements and subjectively using rhinoplasty outcomes evaluation (ROE) scale, before and 12 months after the operation. The mean of total ROE score was 8.171 ± 3.285 on the pre-operative period and it was increased to 19.11 ± 3.652 where the P value was found to be <0.0001. And the post-operative 12th month period all values of nasal dorsal angulation was lower then 1° and the mean of angulation degrees was 0.224° with the minimum value 0.000° and maximum value 0.801°. The study revealed the outcome of rhinoplasty which done by OSM was statically significant both subjective patient's satisfaction and objective facial measurements. The authors suggest using of OSM in secondary rhinoplasties because the graft can be easily prepared with the desired thickness and carved into different shape without risk of warping.
Previously Reported Approach Now Used for Temporomandibular Joint Replacement
Authors: Fernández-Olarte Humberto , Gómez-Delgado Andrés , López Juan Pablo , Vidal-Villamarín James
Published: July 2020

Over time, different techniques have been described to obtain broad access to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), in order to allow good visibility, minimizing post-operative complications at the same time. Most of these techniques have been very useful to perform joint replacement using custom made prostheses, varying in its extension, aesthetics and functional results. The aim of this study was to present the authors’ experience using the Blair approach modified by Fernández in 2015, to replace failed TMJ prostheses, when distortion of the surgical reference points has occurred.
Adding Nanofat to Fat Grafting to Treat Velar Scarring in Velopharyngeal Incompetence
Authors: Cantarella Giovanna , Mazzola Riccardo F.
Published: July 2020

Despite improved surgical techniques in palatoplasty a number of patients will present post-operatively with incomplete velopharyngeal closure due to several reasons including inherent shortness of the palate or midline scar contracture. This incomplete closure of the velopharynx during speech, known as velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) causes hypernasality and nasal turbulence during speech. Treatment options in severe cases include revisions, pharyngeal flaps, and pharyngoplasties while in mild cases fat grafting has demonstrated its efficacy in improving velopharyngeal closure. Nevertheless, midline scarring can cause velar rigidity and inelasticity giving rise to inadequate velar elevation and retro position. Management of retracting velar scars is a real challenge. Despite an accurate surgical correction retracting scars tend to recur with negative effects on speech. Emulsified fat (nanofat) has proven to be a relevant source of stem cells and growth factors and has been successfully employed so far for the treatment of facial wrinkles and scars. The aim of this paper is to propose the application of the nanofat technique for the improvement of velar scar elasticity and pliability in addition to fat grafting to the posterior pharyngeal wall and the tonsillar pillars to further improve results when treating mild VPI. Studies with larger samples should follow to substantiate our findings but based on our preliminary experience, the authors feel that the nanofat could be a promising adjunct to the current repair procedures, due to its regenerative properties.
Delayed Ocular Motility Restriction After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery in a Patient With Chronic Rhinosinusitis and an Old Medial Orbital Wall Fracture
Authors: Kim Jung Suk , Bae Gyo Han , Kim Jung Dae , Noh Woong Jae
Published: July 2020

The orbital complications of endoscopic sinus surgery, including diplopia and ocular motility restriction, are mainly caused by direct injury to the orbital structures. These complications are rare, but can have catastrophic consequences. Symptoms occur immediately after surgery in most cases. The authors encountered an unusual case of delayed ocular motility restriction after endoscopic sinus surgery in a patient with old medial wall fracture, without direct orbital injury during the procedure. A 77-year-old man with an old medial wall fracture of the right orbit underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic pansinusitis. He complained mild diplopia on right lateral gaze after 2 weeks, which gradually worsened. After 2 months, he exhibited severe lateral gaze movement impairment in the right eye and finally underwent surgical exploration. His symptoms improved after adhesiolysis of the overgrown ethmoid sinus mucosa and periorbital tissue. The authors reported this unusual case and discussed the possible mechanism underlying ocular motility restriction.
Communication Efficiency in a Face Transplant Recipient: Determinants and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Levy-Lambert Dina , Grigos Maria I. , LeBlanc Étoile , DeMitchell-Rodriguez Evellyn M. , Noel Daphney Y. , Alfonso Allyson R. , Ramly Elie P. , Rifkin William J. , Diaz-Siso J. Rodrigo , Ceradini Daniel J. , Kantar Rami S. , Rodriguez Eduardo D.
Published: July 2020

We longitudinally assessed speech intelligibility (percent words correct/pwc), communication efficiency (intelligible words per minute/iwpm), temporal control markers (speech and pause coefficients of variation), and formant frequencies associated with lip motion in a 41-year-old face transplant recipient. Pwc and iwpm at 13 months post-transplantation were both higher than preoperative values. Multivariate regression demonstrated that temporal markers and all formant frequencies associated with lip motion were significant predictors (P < 0.05) of communication efficiency, highlighting the interplay of these variables in generating intelligible and effective speech. These findings can guide us in developing personalized rehabilitative approaches in face transplant recipients for optimal speech outcomes.
Decision Making in Pediatric Plastic Surgery: Autonomy and Shared Approaches
Authors: Ranganathan Kavitha , Luby Alexandra O. , Haase Madeleine , Matusko Niki , Patterson Anne , Makar Katelyn G. , Vercler Christian J. , Kasten Steven J. , Buchman Steven R. , Waljee Jennifer F.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Although shared decision-making is essential to patient-centered healthcare, its role in pediatric plastic surgery remains unclear. The objective of this study was to define the preferred level of involvement in surgical decision-making among children, caregivers, and surgeons.

Methods:

The authors surveyed pediatric plastic surgery patients (n = 100) and their caregivers regarding their preferences on child involvement during surgical decision-making. Fleiss’ kappa was used to assess agreement between groups. Bivariate Chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression were used to assess the relationship between decision-making preferences and select demographic factors.

Results:

Only 34% of children and their caregivers agreed upon their decision-making preferences (k = 0.04). The majority of children (40%) and caregivers (67%) favored shared decision-making between the patient, caregiver, and surgeon. Only 16% of children preferred physician-driven decisions, while 20% of children desired complete autonomy. Children's preferences were significantly associated with their age; the relative risk of children deferring to caregivers or surgeons over a shared approach was lower for adolescents and teens compared to children under 10 years old (relative risk = 0.20; 95% confidence interval: 0.054–0.751; P = 0.02). Caregiver's preferences did not change based on the child's age, but rather were related to the child's gender. Caregivers were more likely to choose the option that gave the child more autonomy when the child was male.

Conclusions:

While most caregivers preferred a shared approach to decision-making, children desired greater autonomy, particularly with increasing age. Since there was limited agreement between caregivers and children, surgeons must be cognizant of differing preferences when discussing treatment plans to optimize both patient and parent satisfaction.
Overview of Upper Airway Management During COVID-19 Outbreak: Head and Neck Surgeon's Perspective
Authors: Omari Ahmad Al , Al-Ashqar Ra’ed , Nuseir Amjad , AL Balas Hassan , Allan Hadeel , Kanaan Yazan , Alzoubi Firas
Published: July 2020

At the end of December, 2019, a new virus was named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 appeared in Wuhan, China, and the disease caused is called as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by World Health Organization, which to date having infected more than 3,588,773 people worldwide, as well as causing 247,503 deaths. A human to human transmission is thought to be predominantly by droplet spread, and direct contact with the patient or contaminated surfaces. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview as well as to highlight essential evidence-based guidelines for how head and neck surgeon and healthcare providers need to take into consideration during their management of the upper airway during the COVID-19 pandemic safely and effectively to avoid the spread of the virus to the health provider.
What we can learn from elite academic staff publication portfolios: a social network analysis
Authors: Grant Maria J. , Lotto Robyn R. , Jones Ian D.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The study aims to construct an understanding of professional academic writing network structures to inform organisational strategic investment in academic staff development.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal social network analysis is used to examine the personal-networks evident in the publication portfolios of a purposive sample of four international academics across each quartile of the SCOPUS defined area of General Nursing's top 100 authors.

Findings

Trends in the publication portfolios of elite academics across gender, sector and geographic location are presented. In the first years of successful writing for publication, authors collaborate within a single highly connected co-author network. This network will typically expand to include new co-authors, before additional separate co-author collaborations emerge (three- to four- years). Authors experience steady growth in co-author numbers four- to seven- years from first co-authored publication. After a period of rapid expansion, these collaborations coalesce into a smaller number of highly connected groups (eight- to ten- years). Most collaborations occur within the higher education sector and across multiple disciplines including medicine, social sciences and psychology. Male co-authors are disproportionately represented in what is a predominantly female profession.

Practical implications

The development of extended co-author networks, locally, internationally and across the higher education sector, enable authors to attain the marker of achievement required by universities and government funding bodies, namely sustained output of academic publications. Identified trends support the inclusion of investment in academic time and resources in higher education institutions strategic and operational plans to enable academic staff to develop interdisciplinary professional networks. In focussing this investment on gender equality, female academics will experience parity of opportunity in achieving their organisational and personal goals relating to professional academic writing. Medium-term investment may be required before the impact of that investment becomes apparent.

Originality/value

This is the first example of social network analysis used to determine characteristics of professional academic writing portfolios over time. Findings inform the type and range of investment required to facilitate academic staff writing activities, specifically those publishing in the area of General Nursing.
A study on the factors affecting household solar adoption in Kerala, India
Authors: Parsad Chandan , Mittal Shashank , Krishnankutty Raveesh
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Recent research on the energy system highlights the need for understanding the bandwidth of drivers and inhibitors of household investor's behaviour in rooftop PV (or photovoltaic power system) and to fit the broader socio-economic context in which they are deployed. However, apart from few exceptions, these newer perspectives have not been duly applied in the research on rooftop PV. This paper aims to fill this gap and to shed new light on rooftop PV investment decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has been conducted with the primary data collected using two data sets of 237 households and 387 households of Indian southern state Kerala using survey-based questionnaire. The findings from first data set revealed that households considering the adoption of PV were likely influenced by six distinct factors, three motivators and three inhibitors. Second data set for multi-state analytic approach was proposed whereby the research model was tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). The outcomes of SEM were used as inputs for an artificial neural network (ANN) model for forecasting investor investment decision in in renewables. The ANN model was also used to rank the relative influence of significant predictors obtained from SEM.

Findings

In line with the risk–return framework, government subsidies act as primary motivator which helps in overcoming the initial risk of investment in the new technology. Further, low prices and low cost of maintenance are some of the financial motivators which may likely mitigate the long-term apprehension of returns and maintenance cost. Lastly, the strongest motivators of PV investment come from the environmental and financial motivator in the form of PV subsidies, which further solidifies the role of policy interventions in investment decision. The ANN model identified the technical barrier and knowledge and awareness factors play a significant role in forcasting the investor investing decision.

Practical implications

The study results will be useful for policymakers for framing strategies to attract and influence their investment in renewable energy.

Originality/value

Building upon behavioural finance and institutional theory, this paper posits that, in addition to a rational evaluation of the economics of the investment opportunities, various non-financial factors affect the household's decision to invest in renewables.
When it comes to the impact of absorptive capacity on co-innovation, how really harmful is knowledge leakage?
Authors: Arias-Pérez José , Lozada Nelson , Henao-García Edwin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the moderating effect of knowledge leakage on the relationship between absorptive capacity and co-innovation, which implies collaborative work and knowledge exchange with external actors on virtual innovation platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model was tested in a sample of companies through the use of structural equations by the partial least squares method.

Findings

The results confirm that absorptive capacity is a prior condition for co-innovation. However, the most interesting and surprising result has to do with knowledge leakage, which actually has a negative moderating effect, but whose size is modest, which dismisses the great damages that such leakage could generate.

Originality/value

This study is pioneering in analyzing knowledge leakage in the context of virtual innovation platforms, which occurs in a different manner as compared to leakage in the context of collaborative research and development, widely analyzed in the literature. However, the main contribution of the paper lies in the fact that the results evidence the existence of an intermediate position between the traditional approach that insists on demonstrating the devastating consequences of the leakage and the emerging approach that dismisses these negative repercussions and conceives leakage as a positive organizational phenomenon, natural and inherent to the interaction of the firm with the environment. The results also contradict recent empirical evidence that completely dismisses the negative repercussions of knowledge leakage in contexts where incremental innovations prevail.
Evaluating the quality of health information services in public libraries: an experience from Iran
Authors: Valadi-khorram Sara , Amiri Mohammad Reza , Saberi Mohammad Karim
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Considering the important role of public libraries in providing health information service as well as user feedback in improving the quality of health information services, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of health information service in public libraries of Hamadan, Iran, on the basis of the modified LibQUAL model

Design/methodology/approach

This practical research was conducted in an analytic-survey method. The statistical population consists of all members of public libraries of Hamadan over 18 years old (12,237 people), and the sample size is calculated to be 373 people. The stratified sampling method was used, and within each class, a convenience sampling method was used. The modified LibQUAL questionnaire was used to gather data. For checking normality of data distribution, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test and for analyzing date, descriptive statistics and also Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests were applied using SPSS 25.

Findings

The users' minimum level of public libraries in all three dimensions is an average level. The users' desired level of “information control” is higher than other dimensions. The users' perceived level in dimensions of “human resources” and “information control” is high level, while users' perceived level in “educational service” is an “average” level. There is a superiority gap between desired and perceived level in all dimensions, but the adequacy gap was seen only in the dimension of “educational service.”

Research limitations/implications

In this study, the quality of health information services provided in public libraries is evaluated by the LibQUAL model.

Practical implications

The results of this research can help managers and librarians of public libraries in measuring the quality of health information services and improving the quality of services provided by libraries. Besides, they can take a more accurate planning and pathologic approach, to eliminate the gap between minimum and desired expectations of users and libraries’ real services.

Originality/value

In this study, the quality of health information services provided in public libraries is evaluated by LibQUAL tool.
Long‐term outcome of endovascular aortic repair for mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Zhu Chenmou , Zhao Jichun , Huang Bin , Yuan Ding , Yang Yi , Wang Tiehao
Published: July 2020

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of endovascular treatment for mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with long‐term follow‐up time period.

Methods

Patients with mycotic AAA treated with endovascular aortic repair between January 2009 and December 2017 were included in this study. The preoperative and long‐term outcomes during follow‐up were reviewed and analysed.

Results

Sixteen patients (12 males and four females with a mean age of 57.6 ± 14.1 years) were included in this study. The technical success rate was 100%. There were no preoperative mortalities, and one instance of deep venous thrombosis during hospitalization was recorded. The median follow‐up time period was 41.2 (interquartile range 24.8–69.7) months, and the late mortality rate was 12.5%. Three (18.8%) patients presented with reinfection during follow‐up. One patient presented with abdominal abscess and recurrent juxtarenal aortic aneurysm at 40 months post‐operatively, and he received hybrid surgery and abdominal debridement and drainage. One patient developed staphylococcal bloodstream sepsis at 3 months post‐operatively and the other patient developed Salmonella bloodstream sepsis at 9 months post‐operatively. Pathogenic bacteria were consistent with the previous results. They both recovered after 2 months of intravenous antibiotic treatment. At present, all three patients are still alive without endograft infection and receiving outpatient follow‐up. The aneurysm diameter decreased by more than 5 mm among five patients and remained stable in 10 patients at 1 year post‐operatively.

Conclusion

Endovascular aortic repair is a feasible and effective method of treating mycotic AAA with an acceptable reinfection rate from our single‐centre experience.