bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Heat Softening versus Ultrasonic Removal of Root-End Gutta-Percha on the Quality of Root-End Preparation for Endodontic Microsurgery
Authors: Ling Zhiting , Zheng Ziting , Zeng Yuting , Jiang Lifang , Wu Yuan , Wu Buling , Yan Wenjuan
Published: August 2021

This study is aimed at comparing the efficacy of heat softening and ultrasonic removal of root-end gutta-percha during retrograde preparation for root apical microsurgery. Recently extracted single-rooted premolars (

n
=
40

) were prepared with standardized endodontically treated and root-end resection and then randomly divided into four groups that received root-end cavity preparation using four different instruments: a diamond-coated ultrasonic tip (AS3D; SACTEON, Paris, France), AS3D with the modified plugger of cordless heat carrier (MSE; B&L Biotech, Bala Cynwyd, PA, USA), stainless steel ultrasonic tip (Jetip-2; B&L Biotech, Bala Cynwyd, PA, USA), or Jetip-2 with MSE. The time required for root-end preparation was recorded. The root apex samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy to assess root surface microcracks and marginal integrity. The remnants of gutta-percha on the cavity walls were evaluated using a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s

t

-test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test (

P
<
0.05

). Usage of MSE with Jetip-2 significantly reduced preparation time from

99.8
±
6.8
 
s

to

32.4
±
1.0
 
s

(

P
=
0.009

), the number of microcracks from 42 to 13 (

P
=
0.036

), and the remnants of gutta-percha from 80% to 20% (

P
=
0.041

). Similar results were observed for AS3D with MSE. The heat softening of MSE was effective in cleaning gutta-percha, thus greatly improving the efficiency of the root-end preparation, thereby producing a root-end cavity with fewer microcracks and better marginal integrity.
Freezing Temperature Field of FSPR under Different Pipe Configurations: A Case Study in Gongbei Tunnel, China
Authors: Duan Yin , Rong Chuanxin , Cheng Hua , Cai Haibing , Long Wei
Published: August 2021

As a new tunnel presupport construction technology, the freeze‐sealing pipe roof method (FSPR) has been successfully applied to the Gongbei Tunnel Project for the first time in China. To overcome the practical difficulties of this new method in the freezing construction process, such as welding difficulties of the profiled freezing tube, refrigerant leakage, and long construction period, based on the principle of an equal cooling capacity, an improved design of freezing tube was proposed. By designing three different pipe configurations and using scaled model tests and numerical simulation, the feasibility of the improvement and the difference in the freezing temperature field were studied. The research results show that the improved design with double circular freezing tubes exhibited a lower temperature and a higher cooling rate during the test, and the time required to meet the freezing design requirements was significantly shortened. Finally, a composite structure of “pipe roof and frozen soil curtain” with a better carrying capacity and water sealing performance was formed. It was recommended to strengthen the temperature monitoring at the pipe wall in the preliminary stage of the freezing construction to ensure the water sealing effect between the pipes. In the later stage, attention should be paid to monitoring the thickness of the frozen curtain and reducing excessive frost heave through technical means such as cooling capacity control. The improvement and configurations proposed in this research could effectively replace profiled freezing tubes in the original project, better adapt to horizontal freezing projects of similar curved tunnels, achieve the freezing goal faster, and provide a reference for the promotion of the FSPR.
Investigating the Macro‐Micromechanical Properties and Failure Law of Granite under Loading and Unloading Conditions
Authors: Peng Chao , Wang Jianbo , Liu Huanxin , Li Guilin , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2021

The excavation of rock significantly changes the initial stress state of rock slopes, which makes rock in complex loading and unloading conditions. However, the failure mechanisms and macro‐micromechanical properties of rock under loading and unloading conditions are not very clear. This study investigates the macro‐micromechanical properties and failure law of granite under loading and unloading conditions through traditional laboratory tests and particle flow simulations. Granite specimens are taken from Shuichang iron mine, and stress unloading experiments are designed based on the engineering practices. The stress‐strain curves and failure modes under different confining pressures and unloading paths are obtained to analyze the granite properties from the viewpoint of the macroscopic mechanism. Moreover, numerical models are established in PFC software. The microcracks developments, failure characteristics, and energy evolutions under loading and unloading conditions are obtained and discussed. Results show that compared with the loading tests, the brittle failure characteristics of specimens under unloading tests are more obvious. When the confining pressure reduces to about 66% of the initial confining pressure, the specimen loses its load‐bearing capacity and destroyed due to the lateral expansion. For loading tests, an inclined plane can be produced as the main failure surface. While for confining pressure unloading tests, there are many damage zones parallel to or intersecting with the main failure surface.
Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion in Atrial Fibrillation Radiofrequency Ablation during Mitral Valve Surgery: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Lavalle C. , Straito M. , Chourda E. , Poggi S. , Frati G. , Saade W. , Marullo A. G. M. , Mariani M. V. , Magnocavallo M. , Miraldi F.
Published: August 2021

Background. Atrial fibrillation surgical radiofrequency ablation (AFSA) during mitral valve surgery (MVS) has almost completely superseded the Cox-Maze procedure for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed 100 patients who underwent MVS + AFSA in our institution from January 2008 to June 2017. We compared the effectiveness of AFSA in patients who underwent LAA exclusion to those who did not. Moreover, we analyzed the role of preoperative AF duration (≤ or >1 year) and medial-lateral left atrial dimensions (ML-LAD) (≤ or >6 cm). The efficacy endpoint was freedom from AF at discharge and at 2-year follow-up. The safety endpoints were need of a permanent pacemaker (PMK), surgical re-exploration, occurrence of stroke, and left circumflex artery or esophageal lesions. Results. Overall, the rate of AF freedom was 69% at discharge and 80% at 2-year follow-up. LAA exclusion did not influence AF freedom at 2-year follow-up, and 84.6% of patients who underwent LAA exclusion were in the sinus rythm (SR) at 2 year compared to 75% of those who did not receive LAA exclusion free from AF as well (

p
=
0.230

). AF duration ≤1 or >1 year did not influence sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance (85.7% vs. 75.8%;

p
=
0.224

), and in these two groups, LAA exclusion did not change the efficacy of AFSA. ML-LAD ≤ 6 cm was associated with better results in terms of SR maintenance. A statistically significant association between LAA exclusion and SR maintenance at 2-year follow-up (

p
=
0.017

) was found among patients with ML-LAD ≤ 6 cm. Complications included 7 cases of PMK implantation, 2 cases of surgical re-exploration, and 1 case of stroke. No circumflex artery or esophageal lesions occurred after surgical procedures. Conclusions. In our experience, AFSA during isolated MVS resulted in good outcomes in terms of SR maintenance and incidence of complications. AF duration ≤ 1 year did not influence results, while patients with ML-LAD ≤ 6 cm had significantly better results regarding SR at follow-up. In patients with ML-LAD ≤ 6 cm, LAA exclusion significantly increased the success rate of SR maintenance at 2-year follow-up.
Carbon Fiducial Markers for Tumor Localization in Stereotactic Irradiation of Uveal Melanoma
Authors: Xu Timothy T. , Pulido Jose S. , Parney Ian F. , Ida Cristiane M. , Dalvin Lauren A. , Olsen Timothy W.
Published: August 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the role of carbon fiducial markers (fiducials) for guiding radiotherapy in the management of uveal melanoma (UM). Methods: This is a retrospective interventional case series at a single-center ocular oncology practice. The medical records were reviewed retrospectively for all patients with UM treated with stereotactic radiosurgery using episcleral fiducials. We report our short-term experience with surgical placement of fiducials, UM localization, treatment outcomes, and optimization approaches. Results: We evaluated 11 cases of UM (mean age: 65 years; 64% female). The placed fiducials were numbered from 2 to 4, each secured to the sclera with a surgical microscope or surgical loupes and either 5-0 or 8-0 nylon sutures at 50% scleral depth and 3 mm beyond the tumor margin. Over a median follow-up of 11 months (range: 4.2–43.2 months), no recurrences of intraocular UM were observed. One case of enucleation after stereotactic radiosurgery developed because of radiation-related surface irritation, ocular dryness, and secondary keratopathy. Two patients (18%) with 5-0 nylon sutures required fiducial removal because of suture exposure, successfully accomplished in an outpatient setting. Conclusions: Fiducials represent a viable alternative to tantalum rings for guiding stereotactic radiotherapy to manage UM and provide additional definition of the tumor border with linear orientation that helps optimize targeted radiation delivery. Fiducial placement with a 3-mm margin from the visible tumor border should not result in clinically important radiation dose attenuation at the tumor margins. Anteriorly placed fiducials may cause discomfort, yet they are easily removed in the outpatient setting.
Máscaras ao rosto e tampões à boca: implicações na voz para a performance do professor que canta
Authors: Vieira Márlon Souza , Miguel Fabio
Published: August 2021

Neste trabalho, propõe-se discutir as interferências causadas à voz do professor, nesse momento de pandemia e isolamento social, em que instituições educativas têm buscado soluções para essa nova realidade.  Neste cenário, considera-se que a performance do professor tem sido afetada e que os processos pedagógicos, que tem a voz como elemento comunicativo fundamental, encontram-se prejudicados em seus objetivos. De igual modo, avalia-se ser fundamental conhecer as estruturas e os aspectos formativos da voz: elementos que geram a ação performática do “professor que canta”. Portanto, busca-se refletir como a voz é importante para o educador e, igualmente, ao olhar o prejuízo imposto à capacidade performática nessa atualidade, conscientizar-se a respeito de como deverá se comportar, quando for estabelecido a normalidade.
Musicoterapia no atendimento domiciliar: avaliações para saúde e bem-estar de idosos
Authors: Soares Rafaela Santos , Freire Marina Horta
Published: August 2021

Este artigo apresenta os resultados iniciais de pesquisa na área de Musicoterapia, realizadas com idosos em atendimento domiciliar. Visando observar os possíveis benefícios da Musicoterapia, participaram 33 idosos que recebiam atendimento da instituição parceira, divididos aleatoriamente em grupo Intervenção e Controle. Os idosos do grupo Intervenção participaram de programa de 10 sessões musicoterapêuticas no intervalo de 21 semanas e tiveram apoio de vídeos complementares com material pensado individualmente. Os idosos do grupo Controle receberam seus cuidados habituais sem as sessões musicoterapêuticas nem os vídeos de apoio. As avaliação inicial e final foram feitas de forma cega por meio de material audiovisual gravado, utilizando a escala SEMPA (INGELMO, 2012) para avaliar as dimensões psicomotora, perceptivo-cognitiva, comunicacional e socioemocional dos participantes. Os resultados demonstraram que as avaliações iniciais sempre foram melhores que as finais em ambos os grupos designados. Futuras análises, com outras escalas, serão feitas para a continuação desta pesquisa e verificação dos resultados iniciais.
Narrativa minimista en la obra de Coriún Aharonián: análisis de la obra Pequeña pieza para piano I, de Coriún Aharonián
Authors: Orellana Lanús Luciana
Published: August 2021

Nos proponemos a través de este escrito exponer diversos aspectos que se encuentren contemplados en la noción de “minimismo” latinoamericano. Para ello, es preciso definir que son Graciela Paraskevaídis (1940-2017), conjuntamente con Coriún Aharonián (1940-2017), los que intervienen en la enunciación de postulados acerca de ciertos rasgos en obras latinoamericanas. Desde esta perspectiva observamos que reparan no sólo en lo estrictamente musical, sino también en el contexto socio cultural, como asimismo en la toma de conciencia de una narratividad propia de la música latinoamericana contemporánea. Por tal motivo, pretendemos evidenciar a través del análisis de la primera de las Tres pequeñas piezas para piano (1966-1973), compuesta por Coriún Aharonián, ciertos materiales que den cuenta de producciones “minimistas”. Conjuntamente con este análisis recuperaremos lo observado en la pieza ¿Y ahora?, del mismo autor, analizada con anterioridad.
Interações entre escrita e instrumentalidade em Ladainha e Eclusas, para violão solo
Authors: Weiss Ledice Fernandes de Oliveira , Ferraz Silvio
Published: August 2021

Este artigo tem como tema as estratégias de construção de performance de duas peças para violão solo, Eclusas e Ladainha, traçando um amplo diálogo com os violonistas e pesquisadores Daniel Murray e Stanley Levi, que não apenas estrearam cada qual uma das duas obras, como também deixaram registrados em trabalhos acadêmicos seu modo de construção de performances. Propomos assim uma leitura dessas duas composições a partir dos paradigmas sonoros que permeiam essas obras, do conhecimento do universo de referências do compositor (Silvio Ferraz) e do universo de performance do violão da segunda metade do séc. XX herdado pela violonista (Ledice Fernandes Weiss). Observamos a importância da composição e reconstrução do gesto nas duas pontas do processo de colaboração compositor-interprete. Nossos principais referenciais são as noções de técnica estendida e aquela do aspecto tripartite da música no gesto, textura e figura, tal qual proposto por diversos compositores, como B. Ferneyhough, H. Lachenmann, Luciano Berio e resgatada pelo compositor.
Analysis of Ligeti’s Atmosphères by Means of Computational and Symbolic Resources
Authors: Simurra Ivan , Borges Rodrigo
Published: August 2021

We report a music analysis study of Atmosphères (1961) from György Ligeti, combining symbolic information retrieved from the musical score and audio descriptors extracted from the audio recording. The piece was elected according to the following criteria: (a) it is a music composition based on sound transformations associated to motions on the global timbre; (b) its conceptual creative intercourse makes direct references to electronic music and sound/timbre techniques from the ancient Renaissance Music; and (c) its sonorities are explored by means of variations on the timbre contrast. From the symbolic analysis perspective, Atmosphères’ timbre content can be discussed considering the entanglement of individual characteristics of musical instruments. The computational method approaches the musical structure from an empirical perspective and is based on clustering techniques. We depart from previous studies, and this time we focus on the novelty curve calculated from the spectral content extracted from the piece recording. Our findings indicate that novelty curve can be associate with five specific clusters, and regarding the symbolic music analysis, three leading music features can be argued: (a) instrumentation changes; (b) distinct pitch chromatic set locations and (c) intensity dynamic fluctuations.
Rearing mining flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae) from host plants as an instrument for associating females with males, with the description of seven new species
Authors: GUGLYA YULIIA
Published: August 2021

Rearing data for 12 species of the subfamily Agromyzinae and 57 species of Phytomyzinae is presented in detail from material collected during the last 11 years, mainly in Ukraine. Figures of cephalopharyngeal skeletons, heads, female terminalia, male terminalia (where necessary) and photos of host plants with mines and posterior spiracles of puparia are provided. Seven new species are described from specimens reared from Monocotyledons (Carex) and Dicotyledons (Achillea, Stachys, Tropaeolum, Torilis): Melanagromyza achilleacaulis spec. nov., Ophiomyia foliaphila spec. nov., Amauromyza (Amauromyza) stachysi spec. nov., Cerodontha (Butomomyza) gibbifera spec. nov., C. (B.) hreblensis spec. nov., Liriomyza tropaeoli spec. nov., Phytomyza torilisi spec. nov. New host plants were revealed for Agromyza albipennis, A. hendeli, Ophiomyia versera, Amauromyza carlinae, A. leonuri, Cerodontha (Poemyza) lateralis, C. (P.) melica, C. (P.) spencerae, Chromatomyia horticola, Liriomyza heringi, L. hieracii, L. pusilla, L. tragopogonis, Phytomyza hellebori, P. medicaginis, P. obscura and P. origani. Forty-seven species are newly recorded for Ukraine.
Linear Rainfall Features and Their Association with Rainfall Extremes near Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Hitchcock Stacey M. , Lane Todd P. , Warren Robert A. , Soderholm Joshua S.
Published: August 2021

Linear precipitation systems are a prominent contributor to rainfall over Melbourne, Australia, and the surrounding region. These systems are often convective in nature, frequently associated with cold fronts, and in some cases can lead to significant rainfall and flash flooding. Various types of linearly organized systems (e.g., squall lines, quasi-linear convective systems) have been the subject of much research in the United States and elsewhere, but thus far relatively little analysis has been done on linear systems in Australia. To begin to understand rainfall extremes and how they may change in this region in the future, it is useful to explore the contribution of these types of systems and the characteristics that define them. To this end, we have examined the recently developed Australian Radar Archive (AURA), identifying objects that meet a specific set of relevant criteria, and used multiple methods to identify heavy and extreme daily rainfall. We found that on average, days with linear systems contribute over half of the total rainfall and 70%–85% of heavy/extreme rainfall in the Melbourne region. The linear systems that occur on heavy rainfall days tend to be larger, slower-moving, and longer-lived, while those on extreme rainfall days also tend to be more intense and have a greater degree of southward propagation than linear systems on other days.
Effects of nano reinforcing/matrix interaction on chemical, thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Yazman Şakir , Uyaner Mesut , Karabörk Fazliye , Akdemir Ahmet
Published: August 2021

This article investigates the impact of addition various types of nanoparticles with different structural, dimensional, and morphological properties on the interphase region formed between the particle/matrix and the curing behavior of the epoxy affect the nanocomposite material properties. For this purpose, epoxy nanocomposites (NCs) were produced by adding multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) into the epoxy matrix at different rates (0.5–2.0 wt.%). The effects of the particle/matrix interaction on the properties of the composite have been revealed by chemical, thermal, mechanical analyzes and microstructure investigations. An increase in the absorption density, which reveals the physical interaction of nanoparticles with the epoxy matrix, was observed in Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Absorption vibration peak intensities in nanocomposite samples were at most 1.0 wt.% Al2O3 and 1.25 wt.% CNT added nanocomposites. It was observed that the Tg value increased depending on the number of nanoparticles. The addition of Al2O3 increased Tg values more than CNT. Besides, the mechanical properties of NCs were determined by tensile tests. The highest increase in mechanical properties was achieved by adding 1.25 wt.% CNT and 1.0 wt.% Al2O3, respectively. Mechanical properties tended to decrease at higher addition rates. The shape, size, amount, and distribution of nanoparticles added into the epoxy matrix directly affected the NCs' properties. It has been determined that homogeneously dispersed spherical Al2O3 nanoparticles are more effective than fiber-shaped CNTs in the properties of NCs.
Sustaining Short-Term Exchange Students’ Willingness to Communicate in Second Language in Multilingual Classrooms
Authors: Deng Fei , Peng Jian-E
Published: August 2021

This study explores changes in willingness to communicate in a second language (L2 WTC) inside multilingual classrooms among short-term exchange students. Data were collected from eight Chinese exchange students studying in three universities in Canada and two instructors teaching in one of these universities through in-depth interviews. Qualitative content analysis was conducted and three patterns of WTC changes were found: positive, negative, and no apparent changes. Three main factors underlying these changes were identified, which include students’ perceptions of values in speaking up, sense of fitting in, and classroom environment. The two instructors from the host university provided positive comments and supportive suggestions regarding international students’ L2 WTC and oral participation in multilingual classrooms. This study highlights the importance of sustaining short-term exchange students’ L2 WTC through concerted efforts from students and teachers for maximizing the effectiveness of study abroad programs.
Indigenous spirituality surrounding Serianthes trees in Micronesia: Traditional practice, conservation, and resistance
Authors: Demeulenaere Else , Yamin-Pasternak Sveta , Rubinstein Donald H , Lovecraft Amy Lauren , Ickert-Bond Stefanie M
Published: August 2021

Spiritual connections to the natural world are fundamental to Micronesian worldviews. Structured interviews gathered ethnoecological information about Serianthes. The kosmos-corpus-praxis conceptual framework analyzed spirituality surrounding this leguminous tree and its connection with Indigenous cosmology, traditional knowledge, and practices. We can summarize the results as follows: (a) interspecies relationships expressed through rituals and oral history guide ethnobotanical practices in Belau (Palau) and Wa’ab (Yap); (b) the tree is critically endangered on Guåhan (Guam) and Luta (Rota). In Luta, the tree is celebrated as a flagship species for endangered plant recovery, while the last Guåhan tree has become a rallying point for spiritual resistance when its habitat became threatened by military plans to construct a firing range; (c) spirituality is a fundamental value for island communities; and (d) traditional knowledge holders and scholars strive to work together toward a co-production of knowledge, using spirituality as a fundamental principle toward respectful and sustainable biocultural conservation.
“DELIVER AFRICA FROM DEBTS”: Good Governance Alone is not Enough to Save the Continent From Debt Onslaught
Authors: Kinyondo Abel , Pelizzo Riccardo , Byaro Mwoya
Published: August 2021

The present article analyzes the debt–economic growth nexus in African countries while controlling for the impact of good governance indicators. In contrast to a long tradition of scholarship that has consistently suggested that government debt has a detrimental impact on economic growth in sub‐Saharan Africa, recent studies have actually shown that government debt, when coupled with improvements in the quality of government, is actually a driver of economic growth. By analyzing an original dataset that covers the 2002–15 period and additional debt–economic growth data going up to the year 2020, we are able to suggest three conclusions. First, in the absence of debt, good governance matters in improving economic growth. Second, some dimensions of governance are better predictors of economic performance than others—as the “good enough governance” literature has in recent years suggested. Third, under no circumstances is debt government growth beneficial for the economic performance of African countries. Building on this evidence, we suggest that the COVID‐19 pandemic—which has already slowed down African economies and increased their debt exposure—may prevent African countries from making greater progress along the developmental path.
THE ROLE OF CONFIDENCE‐BUILDING MEASURES IN THE EVOLUTION OF RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND INDIA
Authors: Haider Muhammad W. , Azad Tahir M.
Published: August 2021

This article critically analyzes the role of confidence‐building measures (CBMs) in the evolution of relations between Pakistan and India. Relations between these two nuclear‐armed states remain in turmoil even after 73 years of independence. The study begins with an overview of the relations/conflicts and a brief history of diplomatic engagements between the two countries since independence from British rule in 1947. We explain the theoretical framework of CBMs by analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the CBMs approach. Subsequently, we analyze several significant confidence‐building initiatives between the two countries in various domains of bilateral relations and identify the spoilers affecting relations between the two countries. Research suggests that Pakistan and India require a comprehensive and integrated approach for CBMs in political, military, economic, environmental, and social domains to foster an environment of mutual trust and peaceful coexistence.
Finite-time boundary stabilization of the reaction-diffusion system with switching time-delay input
Authors: Ghaderi Najmeh , Keyanpour Mohammad , Mojallali Hamed
Published: August 2021

The paper is devoted to the study of boundary finite-time control for a reaction-diffusion (RD) system with switching time-delayed input. The RD system with switching time-delay input is converted to a switching system of RD equation cascaded with a transport equation with non-delay boundary input. Next, a novel switching controller is designed for the cascaded RD-transport system based on the backstepping technique, and this causes the closed-loop system to be convergence in a finite-time. Simulation results are provided to exhibit the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Factors influencing union effectiveness in the public service in Zambia: Associations and mediating effect
Authors: Koyi Grayson , Tembo Juvenalis M , Sichinsambwe Chanda M
Published: August 2021

The article investigates how environmental and organisational factors may affect union effectiveness in a developing country context. Based on a perceptions survey of union members in the Zambian public service sector, the article uses principal components analysis, correlation, multiple linear regression and mediation analyses to examine relationships between environmental and organisational factors and union effectiveness. Results suggest that labour and product markets and mass media are significant environmental factors influencing union effectiveness. At the organisational level, results suggest that organisational strategies, leadership accountability, innovations and administrative and democratic structuring are significant factors that positively influence union effectiveness. Results also suggest that organisational factors mediate the link between environmental factors and union effectiveness. In this sense, the article provides a striking demonstration of the importance of a strong internal state for the union organisation in mediating the influence of the external environment on the union’s goal of advancing and defending workers’ interests.
Sinus Radiological Findings in General Asymptomatic Populations: A Systematic Review of Incidental Mucosal Changes
Authors: Razi Basil , Perkovic Adam , Alvarado Raquel , Stroud Anna , Ho Jacqueline , Kalish Larry H. , Campbell Raewyn G. , Sacks Raymond , Harvey Richard J.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To determine the range of incidental mucosal changes in a general sinonasally asymptomatic population on radiology.

Data Sources

Medline (1996‐present) and Embase (1974‐present) were searched on March 14, 2020, to identify articles that reported radiological sinus mucosal findings in asymptomatic population groups. Bibliographic search of included studies was conducted to identify additional articles.

Review Methods

The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. A comprehensive search strategy was formulated and articles screened to extract data reporting Lund‐Mackay (LM) score, presence of mucous retention cysts, and maxillary mucosal thickening. A random‐effects model was used in meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 950 articles were identified, of which 33 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. The included studies involved 16,966 sinonasally asymptomatic subjects. The mean LM score was 2.24 (95% CI, 1.61‐2.87), and an LM score of ≥4 in 14.71% (95% CI, 6.86‐24.82%) was present across all general asymptomatic population groups. Mucous retention cysts were noted in 13% (95% CI, 8.33‐18.55%) and maxillary mucosal thickening of ≥2 mm in 17.73% (95% CI, 8.67‐29.08%).

Conclusion

The prevalence of incidental mucosal changes in a general asymptomatic population on radiology needs to be considered when making a diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis.
An independent inter- and intra-observer agreement assessment of the Eno classification of sacroiliac joint degeneration
Authors: Urrutia Julio , Camino-Willhuber Gaston , Astur Nelson , Valacco Marcelo , Borensztein Matias , Velan Osvaldo , Cikutovic Pablo
Published: August 2021

Background

Recently, a scoring system to grade sacroiliac joint (SIJ) degeneration using computed tomography (CT) scans was described. No independent evaluation has determined the inter- and intra-observer agreement using this scheme.

Purpose

To perform an independent inter- and intra-observer agreement assessment using the Eno classification and determining gas in the SIJ.

Material and Methods

We studied 64 patients aged ≥60 years who were evaluated with abdominal and pelvic computed tomography scans. Six physicians (three orthopaedic spine surgeons and three musculoskeletal radiologists) assessed axial images to grade SIJ degeneration into grade 0 (normal), grade 1 (mild degeneration), grade 2 (significant degeneration), and grade 3 (ankylosis). We also evaluated the agreement assessing the presence of gas in the SIJ. After a four-week interval, all cases were presented in a random sequence for repeat assessment. We determined the agreement using the kappa (κ) or weighted kappa coefficient (wκ).

Results

The inter-observer agreement was moderate (wκ = 0.50 [0.44–0.56]), without differences among surgeons (wκ = 0.53 [0.45–0.61]) and radiologists (wκ = 0.49 [0.42–0.57]). The agreement evaluating the presence of gas was also moderate (κ = 0.45 [0.35–0.54]), but radiologists obtained better agreement (κ = 0.61 [0.48–0.72]) than surgeons (κ = 0.29 [0.18–0.39]). The intra-observer agreement using the classification was substantial (wκ = 0.79 [0.76–0.82]), without differences comparing surgeons (wκ = 0.75 [0.70–0.80]) and radiologists (wκ = 0.83 [0.79–0.87]). The intra-rater agreement evaluating gas was substantial (κ = 0.77 [0.72–0.82]), without differences between surgeons (κ = 0.71 [0.63–0.78]) and radiologists (κ = 0.84 [0.78–0.90]).

Conclusion

Given the only moderate agreement obtained using the Eno classification, it does not seem adequate to be used in clinical practice or in research.
Intellectual property information services and the impacts on academic libraries’ transformation from the perspective of Chinese university libraries
Authors: Yang Wei , Liu Tianlin
Published: August 2021

Approximately 100 Intellectual Property Information Services Centres have been established in Chinese university libraries, more than 80% of them since 2017. The context of this boom in Intellectual Property Information Services Centres is the rapidly increasing number of patent applications in China, as well as an unacceptably low transfer ratio. Do Intellectual Property Information Services Centres represent a promising direction for university library transformation? This is the central issue addressed in this article. The characteristics of the Chinese evolutionary path and driving forces are discussed, and distinctive intellectual property information service practices are studied and summarized. Comparisons are made with the USA, the UK, Europe and India. With Intellectual Property Information Services Centres, university libraries can evolve from information providers to innovation catalysts, and establish closer connections between universities, communities and industries. The impacts of Intellectual Property Information Services Centres on university librarianship are multifaceted. The trends and challenges of intellectual property information services are also discussed in the article.
Understanding the Lateral Dimension of Traffic: Measuring and Modeling Lane Discipline
Authors: Delpiano Rafael
Published: August 2021

There is growing interest in understanding the lateral dimension of traffic. This trend has been motivated by the detection of phenomena unexplained by traditional models and the emergence of new technologies. Previous attempts to address this dimension have focused on lane-changing and non-lane-based traffic. The literature on vehicles keeping their lanes has generally been limited to simple statistics on vehicle position while models assume vehicles stay perfectly centered. Previously the author developed a two-dimensional traffic model aiming to capture such behavior qualitatively. Still pending is a deeper, more accurate comprehension and modeling of the relationships between variables in both axes. The present paper is based on the Next Generation SIMulation (NGSIM) datasets. It was found that lateral position is highly dependent on the longitudinal position, a phenomenon consistent with data capture from multiple cameras. A methodology is proposed to alleviate this problem. It was also discovered that the standard deviation of lateral velocity grows with longitudinal velocity and that the average lateral position varies with longitudinal velocity by up to 8 cm, possibly reflecting greater caution in overtaking. Random walk models were proposed and calibrated to reproduce some of the characteristics measured. It was determined that drivers’ response is much more sensitive to the lateral velocity than to position. These results provide a basis for further advances in understanding the lateral dimension. It is hoped that such comprehension will facilitate the design of autonomous vehicle algorithms that are friendlier to both passengers and the occupants of surrounding vehicles.
Longitudinal Changes of Patellar Alignment Before and After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With Hamstring Autograft
Authors: Liao Tzu-Chieh , Pedoia Valentina , Majumdar Sharmila , Souza Richard B.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Evidence has suggested that after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR), individuals exhibit patellar malalignment; however, it is unknown if patellar alignment changes over time.

Purpose:

To examine the longitudinal changes in patellar alignment before, 6 months after, and 3 years after ACLR and to compare these variations, if present, with patellar alignment in controls.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

A total of 35 patients who had ACLR using hamstring autograft (19 male; age, 29.9 ± 7.7 years; body mass index, 23.8 ± 2.5) and 20 controls (13 male; age, 30.4 ± 4.8 years; body mass index, 24.3 ± 2.7) participated. All patients underwent bilateral knee magnetic resonance imaging with the knee in extension and 30° of flexion using sagittal T2-weighted, fat-saturated fast spin-echo images to assess patellar alignment in 6 degrees of freedom: anterior-posterior, medial-lateral, and superior-inferior translations; flexion; tilt; and spin. Patients who had ACLR were assessed before (ACL-deficient state) and 6 months and 3 years after ACLR, while control participants were only assessed once. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to examine patellar alignment across time in the ACLR group. If changes were present, the independent t test was carried out to examine the differences between ACLR knees and control knees.

Results:

In the knee-extended condition, greater patellar lateral displacement was observed at the ACL-deficient state and 6 months after ACLR compared with 3 years after ACLR within the ACLR group ( P < .001 and P = .043, respectively) and compared with the control group ( P = .001 and P = .039, respectively). Greater patellar lateral tilt was observed at the ACL-deficient state compared with 3 years after ACLR ( P = .003) and compared with the control group ( P = .018). In the knee-flexed condition, greater anterior displacement was observed at the ACL-deficient state compared with 3 years after ACLR ( P = .001) and compared with the control group ( P = .011), and it was also observed at 6 months after ACLR compared with the control group ( P = .019). Less lateral spin was observed at the ACL-deficient state ( P = .042) and 6 months after ACLR ( P = .004) compared with 3 years after ACLR and compared with the control group ( P = .004 for both). No patellar alignment measures in the ACLR knees at 3 years were significantly different from those of the controls.

Conclusion:

Patellar malalignment in individuals before and after ACLR subjected to longitudinal changes, and the differences in alignment between ACLR and controls diminished over 3 years.
Improved Healing of Rabbit Patellar Tendon Defects After an Atelocollagen Injection
Authors: Kim Duck Kyu , Ahn Jiyong , Kim Seon Ae , Go Eun Jeong , Lee Dong Hwan , Park Seung Chan , Shetty Asode Ananthram , Kim Seok Jung
Published: August 2021

Background:

Patellar tendinopathy is a common cause of limitations in daily life activities in young and/or active people. The patellar tendon consists of a complex of collagen fibers; therefore, collagen could be used as a scaffold in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy.

Purpose:

To evaluate the healing capacity of injected atelocollagen as a treatment scaffold for patellar tendon defect and, hence, its potential for the treatment of patellar tendinopathy.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

After receiving a full-thickness patellar tendon defect, 24 New Zealand White rabbits were divided into a control group (without treatment) and an experimental group that received an atelocollagen injection into the defect. Six rabbits from each group were subsequently used for either histologic scoring or biomechanical testing. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare histologic evaluation scores and load to failure between the 2 groups. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

Results:

The experimental group showed excellent repair of the damaged patellar tendon and good remodeling of the defective area. In contrast, the control group showed defective healing with loose, irregular matrix fibers and adipose tissue formation. A statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups in both histologic scores and biomechanical tests at postoperative week 12.

Conclusion:

Injection of atelocollagen significantly improved the regeneration of damaged patellar tendons.

Clinical Relevance:

Atelocollagen gel injections could be used to treat patellar tendinopathy in outpatient clinic settings.
Nitrogen as an environmentally friendly suppression agent for aircraft cargo fire safety
Authors: Diakostefanis Michail , Sampath Suresh , Dinesh Akhil , Beuermann Rainer , Malkogianni Areti
Published: August 2021

Fire suppression systems in cargo compartments are a certification requirement for commercial aircraft safety. Halon production was banned and usage ends in 2040 according to Montreal Protocol for environmental reasons. This necessitates an alternative environmentally friendly agent. Quantitative analysis of nitrogen as agent established suitability of the suppression system. The Minimum Performance Standards specifies the qualification procedure of an agent through four scenarios – bulk load; containerised load; surface burning; and aerosol can explosion. Empirical sources from Airbus, independent computational fluid dynamics studies and small-scale cup-burner tests indicate suitability of nitrogen specific to aircraft cargo fire suppression. The nitrogen delivery system and the experimental apparatus are presented. Extensive commissioning tests verified instrumentation reliability. All the four scenarios were conducted at Cranfield University, in a replica of a wide-body aircraft cargo compartment. In a reduced oxygen environment (11%) obtained with nitrogen discharge, the aerosol can explosion tests were performed without any evidence of explosion or pressure increase beyond the expected baseline value. The surface burning scenario was completed successfully and passed the Minimum Performance Standard criteria. The maximum average temperature was found to be 220°C (limit – 293°C). All the scenarios passed the Minimum Performance Standard criteria for indicating successful prevention of Class B fire re-ignition. Similarly, the containerised and bulk-load scenarios obtained results that passed the Minimum Performance Standard criteria for successfully maintaining continued fire suppression for a specified period of time. The maximum average temperature in containerised-load fire scenario was found to be 210°C (limit – 343°C) and in bulk-load scenario was 255°C (limit – 377°C). Additional qualification criteria and system design are presented in this article according to the Minimum Performance Standard format. This work can be extended to introduce standard testing for safety critical systems, such as engine bay and lithium-ion fires.
Licensed to kill…discourse? agents provocateurs and a purposive right to freedom of expression
Authors: Pentney Katie
Published: August 2021

Undercover police operations have emerged from the shadows and into the spotlight in the United Kingdom as a result of a public inquiry into undercover policing and the enactment of the Covert Human Intelligence Sources (Criminal Conduct) Act. The inquiry has revealed troubling details about the ways intelligence and police services have wielded their powers to infiltrate and undermine political groups and social movements over the course of five decades. The problem is not exclusive to the United Kingdom, but is seen the world over. Yet despite the widescale nature of the problem, the legality of agents provocateurs – undercover officers who infiltrate social and political movements to manipulate their messaging, instigate violent tactics and undermine public perception – has received scant attention in legal scholarship or the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. This article capitalises on the current spotlight to suggest that agents provocateurs can and should be conceived of as (potential) violations of the right to freedom of expression under the European Convention on Human Rights. A purposive approach is required to ensure protection for not only the means of expression – the exchange of information and ideas – but also the ends – vibrant democratic discourse and meaningful public debate.
Wetting characteristics of polymer adhesives with different chain bending stiffness
Authors: Sha Wenhao , Fu Jimin , Guo Fenglin
Published: August 2021

Polymer adhesives are widely used in daily applications and in industry owing to their flexibility and overall non-toxicity, particularly in interfacial adhesion. The spreading of polymer adhesives on adherend is one of the essential considerations for the interfacial adhesion of polymer adhesives, which is strongly related to their wetting behaviors. While relationships between polymer microstructure and adhesion have been investigated in previous studies, it remains challenging to unveil the effect of polymer microstructure on wettability. To address this issue, here we utilize coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulations to systematically elucidate how the wettability of a polymer adhesive droplet on a surface depends on bending stiffness. The wetting dynamics and the contact angle are studied to show the evolution of morphology of droplets during the wetting process. The results indicate the wettability is weakened by the increase of bending stiffness of polymer chain. Detailed thermodynamic property analysis is further conducted, revealing that the adhesion between the polymer droplet and substrate deteriorates due to the decline of wettability. Interestingly, we observe such deterioration becomes more significant by both increasing the temperature and decreasing the bending stiffness. Our study sheds light on the dependence of chain bending stiffness and temperature on the wetting behavior of polymer adhesive droplets, and offers insights, which, upon experimental validation can then be used for the design of adhesives or hydrogels.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness, use, and intention to use in a regional sample of Latin American geosocial networking application users in 2018–2019
Authors: Blair Kevin J , Segura Eddy R , Garner Alex , Lai Jianchao , Ritterbusch Amy , Leon-Giraldo Sebastian , Guilamo-Ramos Vincent , Lake Jordan E , Clark Jesse L , Holloway Ian W
Published: August 2021

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) access is increasing in Latin America. We explored PrEP use among Spanish-speaking, Hornet geosocial networking application users from Latin American countries with limited PrEP data via an online survey completed between December 2018 and February 2019. A total of 718 Hornet users from 10 countries were included, of whom 72.1% reported PrEP awareness. Few (5.6%) were currently taking PrEP, though 32.1% intended to take PrEP in the subsequent 6 months. PrEP awareness was lower in 18–25 year olds compared to 26+ (62.4% vs. 75.6%, aOR 0.67, [95% CI 0.46–0.97]), and higher among those living in larger versus smaller cities (74.4% vs. 58.8%, aOR 1.96, [95% CI 1.25–3.07]) or countries with at least partial versus no PrEP policy adoption (79.1% vs. 60.8%, aOR 2.20, [95% CI 1.56–3.12]). Intention to use PrEP was higher among PrEP-eligible respondents (51.8% vs. 29.6%, aOR 2.26, [95% CI 1.26–4.07]) and those recently tested for a sexually transmitted infection (35.4% vs. 25.5%, aOR 1.58, [95% CI 1.01–2.48]). Efforts to expand PrEP use in Latin America should focus on national PrEP policy adoption, and research should explore barriers to awareness and use among young men who have sex with men.
Search for the Unknown: Guidance of Visual Search in the Absence of an Active Template
Authors: Lancry-Dayan Oryah C. , Gamer Matthias , Pertzov Yoni
Published: August 2021

Can you efficiently look for something even without knowing what it looks like? According to theories of visual search, the answer is no: A template of the search target must be maintained in an active state to guide search for potential locations of the target. Here, we tested the need for an active template by assessing a case in which this template is improbable: the search for a familiar face among unfamiliar ones when the identity of the target face is unknown. Because people are familiar with hundreds of faces, an active guiding template seems unlikely in this case. Nevertheless, participants (35 Israelis and 33 Germans) were able to guide their search as long as extrafoveal processing of the target features was possible. These results challenge current theories of visual search by showing that guidance can rely on long-term memory and extrafoveal processing rather than on an active search template.