bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global REACH 2018: dysfunctional extracellular microvesicles in Andean highlander males with excessive erythrocytosis
Authors: Brewster L. Madden , Bain Anthony R. , Garcia Vinicius P. , Fandl Hannah K. , Stone Rachel , DeSouza Noah M. , Greiner Jared J. , Tymko Michael M. , Vizcardo-Galindo Gustavo A. , Figueroa-Mujica Romulo J. , Villafuerte Francisco C. , Ainslie Philip N. , DeSouza Christopher A.
Published: March 2021

In this study, we determined the effects of microvesicles isolated from Andean highlanders with excessive erythrocytosis (EE) on endothelial cell inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and NO production. Microvesicles from highlanders with EE induced a dysfunctional response from endothelial cells characterized by increased cytokine release and expression of active nuclear factor-κB and reduced nitric oxide production. Andean highlanders with EE exhibit dysfunctional circulating extracellular microvesicles that induce a proinflammatory, proatherogenic endothelial phenotype.
Analysis of the Effectiveness of an Antimicrobial Edible Coating Prepared from Sweet Whey Base to Improve the Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Sensory Attributes of Swiss Cheese
Authors: Siriwardana Jayani , Wijesekara Isuru
Published: March 2021

In this research, an edible coating was developed to improve the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory attributes of Swiss cheese using sweet whey as the main ingredient (84.1%wt/wt). Glycerol (5%wt/wt), sunflower oil (10%wt/wt), guar gum (0.7%wt/wt), and Tween 20 (0.2%wt/wt) were used as other ingredients. Use of sweet whey provided an antibacterial function due to the presence of lactic acid. Delvocid was used as the antifungal agent as it contains 50% of natamycin. In this research, antimicrobial efficiency of three Delvocid concentrations—0.250 g/L (solution 1), 0.275 g/L (solution 2), and 0.300 g/L (solution 3)—was determined. Subsequently, microbial, sensory, and physicochemical properties (hardness, moisture, weight loss, color, pH, fat, and salinity) of the antimicrobial edible solution-coated Swiss cheese obtained at 0, 10, 20, 40, and 60 days of storage at 10°C and 85% relative humidity (RH) were compared with those of commercial paraffin-coated and uncoated Swiss cheeses. Antimicrobial edible solution-coated cheeses exhibited decreased moisture loss, pH change, hardness, color change, salinity change, and fat change. Sensory evaluation tests were carried out by 10 trained panelists using seven-point hedonic scales. Solution 3-coated cheeses obtained the highest acceptability score on 20, 40, and 60 days of storage and exhibited an acceptable and relatively low level of Coliform, yeast, and mold counts throughout the storage. As such, solution 3 was selected as the best Delvocid concentration for coating preparation. Shelf life analysis of antimicrobial edible coating solutions revealed that the shelf life of solutions 2 and 3 extended up to 60 days, while that of solution 1 extended up to 40 days at 8°C and 85% RH. Proximate analysis according to the standard Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC) procedures revealed that total solid, moisture, protein, fat, total ash, lactose, titratable acidity, and antioxidant activity of the antimicrobial edible coating solution were 25.34% (wt/wt), 74.66% (wt/wt), 8.63% (wt/wt), 11.87% (wt/wt), 0.81% (wt/wt), 3.80% (wt/wt), 0.09% (v/v), and 37.13% (Au/Au), respectively.
On Existence of Sequences of Weak Solutions of Fractional Systems with Lipschitz Nonlinearity
Authors: Guefaifia Rafik , Boulaaras Salah Mahmoud , El-Sayed Adel Abd Elaziz , Abdalla Mohamed , Cherif Bahri-Belkacem
Published: March 2021

In this article, the variational method together with two control parameters is used for introducing the proof for the existence of infinitely many solutions for a new class of perturbed nonlinear system having

p

-Laplacian fractional-order differentiation.
Antitumor Effects of Baicalein and Its Mechanism via TGFβ Pathway in Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells
Authors: Yu Gang , Chen Lizhen , Hu Yuanhua , Yuan Zhen , Luo Yao , Xiong Yuanhuan
Published: March 2021

Background. Due to dual-regulating carcinogenesis, the TGFβ pathway is an ideal and alternative tumor target. Natural flavonoids possess the similar structures to estrogen and could exert an important benefit to cervical cancer. The present study aimed to screen the inhibitor of TGFβ pathway from natural flavonoids and evaluate the function and mechanism of the TGFβ pathway inhibitor on cervical cancer. Materials and Methods. The cervical cancer HeLa cells were firstly treated with different flavonoids and probed by western blot for screening the inhibitor of TGFβ pathway. And then, the effect of the identified inhibitor on cell proliferation was studied by CCK-8 and clone formation assay. Then, RT-PCR and western blot assay were performed to evaluate the effect of identified inhibitor on mTOR/p70S6K pathway, and the cell migration and EMT pathway were also examined using scratching analysis and western blot assay. Finally, the role of TGFβ was assessed via the classic inhibitor of TGFβ/SMAD pathway. Results. Screening data by western blot assay showed that baicalein displayed the best inhibitor effect on TGFβ expression. CCK-8 and clone formation assay showed that baicalein inhibited the cell proliferation and clone cell number. RT-PCR and western bolt for probing mTOR, p70S6K, and 4EBP1 revealed that baicalein could suppress their expression and phosphorylation. The scratching analysis and western blot assay displayed that baicalein inhibited the cell migration and EMT progression in HeLa. The use of SB431542, a TGFβ inhibitor, revealed that TGFβ was crucial to baicalein-regulating cell proliferation and migration in HeLa cells. Conclusion. Baicalein, a medicine agent screened from natural flavonoids targeting TGFβ pathway, could suppress mTOR/p70S6K pathway-mediated cell proliferation and EMT pathway-related migration via TGFβ pathway in cervical cancer HeLa cells.
Soft Fixed Point Theorems for the Soft Comparable Contractions
Authors: Chen Chi-Ming , Xu Zhi-Hao , Karapinar Erdal
Published: March 2021

In this article, we introduce the notions of a soft

inf

-comparable contraction and soft comparable Meir-Keeler contraction in a soft metric space. Furthermore, we prove two soft fixed point theorems which assure the existence of soft fixed points for these two types of comparable contractions. The obtained results not only generalize but also unify many recent fixed point results in the literature.
Surface Settlement Analysis Induced by Shield Tunneling Construction in the Loess Region
Authors: Zhu Caihui
Published: March 2021

The influence and prediction of shield tunneling construction on surface settlement (SS) and adjacent buildings is a hot topic in underground space engineering. In this work, several analytical methods are utilized to estimate the maximum surface settlement (MSS) and conduct a parametric sensitivity analysis based on Xi’an Metro line 2. The results show that there are mainly nine factors influencing the SS induced by shield tunneling construction in loess strata. The disturbance degree of the surrounding soil during the shield advancing stage has the largest influence on the SS, followed by the seepage of the shield lining segments or falling water levels, which lead to the overlying soil consolidation. After this is the grouting filling effect at the shield tail, followed by the reinforcement effect of the tunnel foundation and the track. The smallest influencing factors on the SS are the shield overexcavation and improper shield attitudes during the construction period. The sensitivity analysis results of the above influencing factors may offer a scientific guidance for the control of shield tunneling construction.
Comparative Metabolic Profiling in Pulp and Peel of Green and Red Pitayas (Hylocereus polyrhizus and Hylocereus undatus) Reveals Potential Valorization in the Pharmaceutical and Food Industries
Authors: Lin Xing’e , Gao Hongmao , Ding Zheli , Zhan Rulin , Zhou Zhaoxi , Ming Jianhong
Published: March 2021

Pitaya (Hylocereus genus) is a popular plant with exotic and nutritious fruit, which has widespread uses as a source of nutrients and raw materials in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the potential of pitaya peel as a natural source of bioactive compounds has not yet fully been explored. Recent advances in metabolomics have paved the way for understanding and evaluating the presence of diverse sets of metabolites in different plant parts. This study is aimed at exploring the diversity of primary and secondary metabolites in two commercial varieties of pitaya, i.e., green pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) and red pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus). A total of 433 metabolites were identified using a widely targeted metabolomic approach and classified into nine known diverse classes of metabolites, including flavonoids, amino acids and its derivatives, alkaloids, tannins, phenolic acids, organic acids, nucleotides and derivatives, lipids, and lignans. Red pitaya peel and pulp showed relatively high accumulation of metabolites viz. alkaloids, amino acids and its derivatives, and lipids. Differential metabolite landscape of pitaya fruit indicated the presence of key bioactive compounds, i.e., L‐tyrosine, L‐valine, DL‐norvaline, tryptophan, γ‐linolenic acid, and isorhamnetin 3‐O‐neohesperidoside. The findings in this study provide new insight into the broad spectrum of bioactive compounds of red and green pitaya, emphasizing the valorization of the biowaste pitaya peel as raw material for the pharmaceutical and food industries.
Exploring the Relationship between Gray and White Matter in Healthy Adults: A Hybrid Research of Cortical Reconstruction and Tractography
Authors: Zhao Yongxiang , Li Qianqian , Du Jiachen , He Hongjian , Liang Peipeng , Lu Jie , Li Kuncheng
Published: March 2021

The gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) are structurally and functionally related in the human brain. Among the numerous neuroimaging studies, yet only a few have investigated these two structures in the same sample. So, there is limited and inconsistent information about how they are correlated in the brain of healthy adults. In this study, we combined cortical reconstruction with diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) tractography to investigate the relationship between cortical morphology and microstructural properties of major WM tracts in 163 healthy young adults. The results showed that cortical thickness (CTh) was positively correlated with the coherent tract‐wise fractional anisotropy (FA) value, and the correlation was stronger in the dorsal areas than in the ventral areas. For other diffusion parameters, CTh was positively correlated with axial diffusivity (AD) of coherent fibers in the frontal areas and negatively correlated with radial diffusivity (RD) of coherent fibers in the dorsal areas. These findings suggest that the correlation between GM and WM is inhomogeneity and could be interpreted with different mechanisms in different brain regions. We hope our research could provide new insights into the studies of diseases in which the GM and WM are both affected.
Analysis of the Protection Performance of Face Guard for Large Mining Height Hydraulic Support
Authors: Wan Lirong , Zhang Shuai , Meng Zhaosheng , Xie Yunyue
Published: March 2021

With the increase of mining height, the problem of coal wall spalling in the working face gradually worsens. Hydraulic support and its face guard structure are the key pieces of equipment to restrain the coal wall spalling. However, at present, the hydraulic jack is mostly considered as rigid in the analysis of protection mechanism. This simplification cannot effectively reflect the true bearing state of the face guard. In order to improve the accuracy of analysis, this study considers the face guard jack as a flexible spring and establishes a rigid‐flexible coupling analysis model of the face guard mechanism. First, based upon the multibody dynamics software ADAMS®, the multibody numerical model of the face guard of the hydraulic support was established. The influence of the two kinds of structures on the coal wall disturbance was analyzed and compared. Then, the rigid model was meshed. The hydraulic jacks were equivalent to the spring system, and the rigid‐flexible coupling model was established. Based upon the application load on different positions of the rigid‐flexible model, the load‐bearing characteristics and hinge point force transfer characteristics of the two face guards were analyzed. The results show that the support efficiency of the integral type was higher than that of the split type. In the vertical support attitude, the dynamic disturbance of the coal wall, produced by the two kinds of face guards, was small. The four‐bar linkage effectively improved the ultimate bearing capacity of the integral face guard. The results provide theoretical support for the design and optimization of the face guard.
The Effect of Product‐Harm Crises on the Financial Value of Firms under the Concept of Green Development
Authors: Li Songsong , Yang Yaopan , Zhang Dong
Published: March 2021

Product‐harm crises can trigger product recalls or product discards, which is very likely to cause secondary pollution to the environment. Also, these crises may harm customers’ health and threaten firms’ survival. To foster low‐carbon economy and green development in such complex systems, this paper studies the internal mechanism of the product crisis and its impact on the firm value. It proposes a two‐stage model to avoid the endogeneity of product‐harm crises. In the first stage, this paper assesses the effect of firms’ leverage on their capacity to produce higher quality products. In the second stage, this paper conducts the impact of these crises on stock prices. Then, it depicts the financial effects of product‐harm crises over time, and analyzes the differences of such effects based on brand equity. Results show that book leverage can positively impact firms’ capacity to produce high‐quality products. In addition, the market’s response to product‐harm crises is significant at 1% level, and with the increase in severity, the market reaction is more prominent. Furthermore, its negative effect is persistent for a firm experiencing a severe crisis. Luckily, brand equity can mitigate this negative impact. These findings provide some ways to improve product performance and firm value in the green context.
Comfort Evaluation of Double-Sided Catwalk for Suspension Bridge due to Wind-Induced Vibration
Authors: Li Zhi-Guo , Chen Fan , Pei Cheng , Zhang Jia-Ming , Chen Xin
Published: March 2021

Buffeting response of a double-sided catwalk designed for Maputo Bridge was investigated considering wind load nonlinearity, geometric nonlinearity, and self-excited forces. Buffeting analysis was conducted in time domain using an APDL-developed program in ANSYS, and the results were compared with the buffeting response under the traditional linear method. The wind field was simulated using the spectra representation method. Aerostatic coefficients were obtained from section model wind tunnel test. Parameter study has been carried out to investigate the effects of cross bridge interval and the gantry rope diameter on buffeting response. Referring to the ISO 2631-1(1997) standard and the annoyance rate model, the comfort of catwalk due to wind-induced vibration was evaluated. The results indicate that traditional linear calculation methods will underestimate the buffeting response of the catwalk, and enlarging the gantry rope size as well as decreasing the cross bridge interval would increase the comfort level. Moreover, the effect of gantry rope diameter was obvious than that of cross bridge interval. Annoyance rate model can evaluate the comfort level quantitatively compared to the ISO standard.
Dihydromyricetin Acts as a Potential Redox Balance Mediator in Cancer Chemoprevention
Authors: Chen Liang , Shi Meng , Lv Chenghao , Song Ying , Wu Yuanjie , Liu Suifei , Zheng Zhibing , Lu Xiangyang , Qin Si
Published: March 2021

Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a flavonoid extracted from the leaves and stems of the edible plant Ampelopsis grossedentata that has been used for Chinese Traditional Medicine. It has attracted considerable attention from consumers due to its beneficial properties including anticancer, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities. Continuous oxidative stress caused by intracellular redox imbalance can lead to chronic inflammation, which is intimately associated with the initiation, promotion, and progression of cancer. DHM is considered a potential redox regulator for chronic disease prevention, and its biological activities are abundantly evaluated by using diverse cell and animal models. However, clinical investigations are still scanty. This review summarizes the current potential chemopreventive effects of DHM, including its properties such as anticancer, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities, and further discusses the underlying molecular mechanisms of DHM in cancer chemoprevention by targeting redox balance and influencing the gut microbiota.
A PHD-SLAM Method for Mixed Birth Map Information Based on Amplitude Information
Authors: Zhang Fei , Zhang Zijing , Yang Luxi , Zhang Xinyu
Published: March 2021

The Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) method of mobile robots has the problem of low accuracy in complex environments with dense clutter and various map features, such as complex indoor environments and underwater environments. This problem is mainly embodied in estimating the location and number of feature points on the map and the position of the robot itself. In order to solve this problem, a new method based on the probability hypothesis density (PHD) SLAM is proposed in this paper, a PHD-SLAM Method for Mixed Birth Map Information Based on Amplitude Information (AI-MBMI-PHD-SLAM). Firstly, this paper proposes a PHD-SLAM method based on amplitude information (AI-PHD-SLAM). The method uses the amplitude information of map features to obtain more precise map features. Then, the clutter likelihood function is used to improve the estimation accuracy of the feature map in the SLAM process. Meanwhile, this paper studies the performance of the PHD-SLAM method with the amplitude information under the condition of the known signal-to-noise ratio or the unknown signal-to-noise ratio. Secondly, aiming at the problem that PHD-SLAM lacks a priori information in the prediction stage, an AI-PHD-SLAM-based mixed birth map information method is added. In this method, map information that has been detected before the previous moment is added to the observation information in the map prediction phase as a new map information set in the prediction phase. This can increase the prior information and improve the problem of insufficient prior information in the prediction stage. The results of the experiments show that the proposed method and the improved method outperform the RB-PHD-SLAM method in estimating the number and location accuracy of map features and have higher computational efficiency.
CoopECC: A Collaborative Cryptographic Mechanism for the Internet of Things
Authors: Jerbi Wassim , Guermazi Abderrahmen , Cheikhrouhou Omar , Trabelsi Hafedh
Published: March 2021

The emergence of IoT applications has risen the security issues of the big data sent by the IoT devices. The design of lightweight cryptographic algorithms becomes a necessity. Moreover, elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) is a promising cryptographic technology that has been used in IoT. However, connected objects are resource‐constrained devices, with limited computing power and energy power. Driven by these motivations, we propose and develop a secure cryptographic protocol called CoopECC which leverages the organization of IoT nodes into cluster to distribute the load of cluster head (CH) among its cluster members. This technique proves that it optimizes the resource consumption of the IoT nodes including computation and energy consumption. Performance evaluation, done with TOSSIM simulator, shows that the proposed protocol CoopECC outperforms the original ECC algorithm, in terms of computation time, consumed energy, and the network’s lifespan.
Haruo Ohara: entre formas e texturas
Authors: Fontanari Rodrigo
Published: March 2021

Este artigo busca, por um lado, apresentar em grandes linhas o agricultor-fotógrafo nipo-londrinense Haruo Ohara, e, por outro, demonstrar que sua produção fotográfica está em plena consonância com as características estéticas que definem a fotografia moderna brasileira.
O impeachment de Dilma Rousseff (PT) no telejornalismo: o uso da narrativa jurídica no Jornal Nacional
Authors: Fernandes Carla Montuori , Artico Tamiris , Oliveira Luiz Ademir de
Published: March 2021

O artigo teve o objetivo de analisar a narrativa jurídica do impeachment abordada pelo Jornal Nacional (JN), da Rede Globo, e qual tipo de enquadramento foi dado às reportagens enquanto ocorria o processo de afastamento da expresidente Dilma Rousseff, do Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT). A hipótese inicialmente levantada foi a de que o JN privilegiou uma narrativa em que favorecia a aprovação do impeachment da ex-presidente Dilma e desqualificava sua imagem. Como metodologia para este estudo, recorreu-se à análise de enquadramento e de conteúdo.
New taxonomic circumscription to Chamaecrista ser. Setosae (H.S. Irwin & Barneby) H.S. Irwin & Barneby (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae)

Authors: OLIVEIRA JAQUELINE APARECIDA DE , MENDES THAINARA POLICARPO , SOUZA ALESSANDRO OLIVEIRA DE , SILVA MARCOS JOSÉ DA
Published: March 2021

This work presents a new circumscription and a taxonomic treatment for Chamaecrista ser. Setosae that resulted from previous phylogenetic studies and the analysis of ca. 350 collections, including typus, as well as the observation of populations in field. Nine species were recognized for the series, eight of which are endemic to Brazil, and one firstly recorded for the country (Ch. orenocensis). Are proposed the synonymizations of all varieties of Ch. setosa, the transfer of Ch. amphibola from the Setosae series to the ser. Ursinae and its consequent synonymization under Ch. exsudans, and the inclusion of Ch. multiseta from the Absoideae series to the ser.  Setosae based on previous phylogenetic and morphological evidences. Species are contrasted in a key, with their updated typifications, represented through images and described and commented on their flowering and fruiting periods, their geographical distributions, including, maps, preferred environments and conservation status, morphological relationships, as well as illustrated by their diagnostic characters.
Acoustic Steering Using Thermally Induced Optical Reflection of Sound (THORS)
Authors: Kazal Daniel S. , Ngo An , Holthoff Ellen L. , Cullum Brian M.
Published: March 2021

Using the recently discovered THermally induced Optical Reflection of Sound (THORS) phenomenon, it is possible to generate optically induced, local density barriers in air by the absorption of intense, modulated laser light (the THORS phenomenon), which results in abrupt differences in compressibility of the air at these barriers that can efficiently reflect incident acoustic waves. In this note, we demonstrate the ability to optically manipulate and reflect acoustic waves in air as well as optimize the functional parameters (optical modulation and acoustic frequency) and characterize the effects of common physical parameters, including localized thermal gradients and incident angle of reflection on the efficiency of the resulting acoustic reflection. Finally, the ability to efficiently steer acoustic waves around a physical obstruction using THORS is also demonstrated.
How Migration Policy Shapes the Subjective Well-Being of the Non-immigrant Population in European Countries
Authors: Tatarko Alexander , Jurcik Tomas , Hadjar Andreas
Published: March 2021

Existing studies show that there is a positive association between pro-migrant integration policies and the subjective well-being of immigrants. However, there is a lack of research elucidating the relations between migrant integration policies and the subjective well-being of the host (i.e., non-migrant) population. This study is based on European data and uses multilevel analysis to clarify the relations between migrant integration policy (both as a whole and its eight separate components such as: Labor market mobility and Family reunion) and the subjective well-being of the non-immigrant population in European countries. We examined relations between the Migrant Integration Policy Index (MIPEX) for 22 countries in Europe and subjective well-being, as assessed by the European Social Survey (ESS) data. The results demonstrated that there is a positive relation between the MIPEX and subjective well-being for non-immigrants. Considering different components of the MIPEX separately, we found most of them being positively related to the subjective well-being of non-immigrants. As no negative relationship was identified between any of the eight MIPEX components and subjective well-being, policies in favor of immigrant integration also seem to benefit the non-immigrant population.
Coaching Co-Teachers: Increasing Specialized Instruction in Inclusive Settings
Authors: Cook Sara Cothren , Collins Lauren W. , Madigan Jennifer , McDuffie Landrum Kimberly , Cook Lysandra
Published: March 2021

Although the co-teaching service delivery model is the most commonly used service delivery model used to support co-teachers in the inclusive setting (Cook et al., 2017), research indicates that co-teachers may need support in order to increase the use of specialized instruction to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities (Scruggs et al., 2007). In this manuscript, we provide a process for instructional coaches to use to (a) develop and deliver effective professional development and (b) coach co-teachers. This process maximizes the potential of the co-teaching service delivery model in improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities.
Innovating and contextualising career counselling for young people during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Maree Jacobus Gideon
Published: March 2021

This article reports on how the changing career counselling needs of young people during the Covid-19 pandemic can be met. It is argued that innovative and contextualised career counselling that is in line with the basic principles of ‘best practice’ and draws on a life design–based framework offers a viable conceptual framework for this kind of endeavour. Such counselling can promote young people’s adaptability; enhance their employability; and bolster their narratability, narrativity and autobiographicity. A brief theoretical overview explains innovation and contextualisation in career counselling and clarifies key aspects of counselling for self- and career construction. The style of e-career counselling advocated here can help young people make meaning of their career-lives and (re-)kindle their sense of hope and purpose. Moreover, it can help them devise practicable strategies to actuate their sense of purpose and hope and also help them experience a sense of being part of something much bigger than themselves. In addition, it can promote young people’s entrepreneurship and self-entrepreneurship and bolster their employability. Longitudinal research, including qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies on the topic, is needed to examine the value of the e-career counselling approach. Such research could involve different assessment instruments and counselling strategies and include questionnaires to facilitate pre- and post-assessment of the effectiveness of the approach.
State–society relations in uncertain times: Social movement strategies, ideational contestation and the pandemic in Brazil and Argentina
Authors: Abers Rebecca Neaera , Rossi Federico M , von Bülow Marisa
Published: March 2021

This article compares how COVID-19 affected state–society relations differently in two relatively similar countries: Brazil and Argentina. Bringing together social movement theories and ideational institutionalism, we argue that variation in responses to the COVID-19 pandemic is explained by the different roles played by social movements inside and outside government and by contrasting ideational disputes. The extreme uncertainty introduced by the pandemic generated intense contestation about the meaning of the crisis and how to resolve it. In Brazil, progressive social movements not only were excluded from the government coalition, but also had to combat a powerful discourse that denied the existence of a crisis altogether. Such denialism did not flourish in the same way in Argentina, where progressive social movements were part of national government processes. The result was that in Argentina, movement–government dynamics revolved around constructing long-term policy proposals, whereas in Brazil movements focused on short-term emergency responses.
Retrieval of fractured dialysis catheter through phlebotomy of internal jugular vein: a case report
Authors: Wu Huizhen , Behera Tapas Ranjan , Attia Doaa , Yu Xiaoling , Shen Quanquan
Published: March 2021

A central venous catheter is the most common access for initiating hemodialysis. Prolonged access through a central venous catheter increases the risk of infection and dysfunction of the catheter with potential development of catheter-induced thrombosis and embolism. However, fracture and dislodgement of the catheter with subsequent embolization is an unexpected complication. Endovascular treatment is a promising method to remove intravascular foreign bodies. We herein report a case of a 58-year-old woman undergoing prolonged hemodialysis who required central venous catheter removal because of mechanical fracture of the tunneled cuffed catheter and its migration in the internal jugular vein. An urgent chest X-ray showed that the two free ends of the fractured tunneled cuffed catheter were located in the right atrium and right internal jugular vein. Phlebotomy of the internal jugular vein was successfully performed to retrieve the fractured tunneled cuffed catheter and the associated thrombi. In this case, phlebotomy for retrieval of the embolized catheter fragment extending into the right atrium was a safe alternative to an endovascular technique of catheter fragment retrieval. Phlebotomy preserved the integrity of the catheter fragment and its associated thrombus and was both cost-effective and safe.
Comparing ICT With Physical Manipulative Supported Learning of 3D Geometry in Elementary School
Authors: Đokić Olivera J. , Boričić Milana M. Dabić , Jelić Mila S.
Published: March 2021

Since one of the main goals of teaching geometry is to provide students with the opportunity to develop spatial reasoning, it is important to find the most suitable support for learning 3D geometry in elementary school. This paper compares Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and physical manipulatives support, with the aim to answer if their use produces different effects on students’ spatial reasoning. The participants in the study were 74 4th graders (10–11 years old) who were assigned to two equal groups that attended a month of the experimental program. Group EICT learned with the ICT support and group EMAN learned with physical manipulatives support. The results showed that there was no difference in students’ 3D geometry achievement regardless of the support that was used, and that both supports provided learning access for all students. According to our results, teaching geometry should be directed to the complementary use of physical manipulatives and ICT support, depending on the technological and software resources available to schools and teachers’ preference of the support. ICT can assist in achieving learning equity, but there is a need for a systematic development of the ICT sources that could be used as instructional manipulatives, their promotion, and the support for the teachers.
High under the pew: A critical meditation on Joseph Winters’s Hope Draped in Black
Authors: Cervenak Sarah Jane
Published: March 2021

“High Under the Pew: A Critical Meditation on Joseph Winters’s Hope Draped in Black” thinks Joseph Winters’s text in relation to critical poetics, Black studies and Black feminist thought. In particular, I trace how Winters’s philosophical engagement with the concept of “melancholic hope” in Black literary production extends these above-named intellectual traditions’ critiques of the post-enlightenment subject. More precisely, Winters dwelling with “melancholic hope” as it manifests in Black aesthetic and political thought attends to modes of being inassimilable to racist, heteronormative, ableist and capitalist narratives of space-time and progress.
Performance analysis of a lever piezoelectric energy harvester for roadway applications
Authors: Ding Guangya , Luo Hongjun , Wang Jun , Yuan Guohui
Published: March 2021

A novel lever piezoelectric energy harvester (LPEH) was designed for installation in an actual roadway for energy harvesting. The model incorporates a lever module that amplifies the applied traffic load and transmits it to the piezoelectric ceramic. To observe the piezoelectric growth benefits of the optimized LPEH structure, the output characteristics and durability of two energy harvesters, the LPEH and a piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) without a lever, were measured and compared by carrying out piezoelectric performance tests and traffic model experiments. Under the same loading condition, the open circuit voltages of the LPEH and PEH were 20.6 and 11.7 V, respectively, which represents a 76% voltage increase for the LPEH compared to the PEH. The output power of the LPEH was 21.51 mW at the optimal load, which was three times higher than that of the PEH (7.45 mW). The output power was linearly dependent on frequency and load, implying the potential application of the module as a self-powered speed sensor. When tested during 300,000 loading cycles, the LPEH still exhibited stable structural performance and durability.
Educational Leaders’ Perceptions and Uses of School Climate Data
Authors: Debnam Katrina J. , Edwards Kelly , Maeng Jennifer L. , Cornell Dewey
Published: March 2021

National interest in using school climate as an accountability measure makes it important to understand how school leaders view and make use of school climate data. The purpose of this study was to investigate how school and district administrators use climate data in Virginia, where a statewide school climate survey is annually administered. School principals ( N = 283) completed surveys concerning their use of the school climate results for their school. Simultaneously, semi-structured interviews were conducted with school division leaders and school administrators ( N = 10) to deepen our understanding of how the school climate results were being used. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify patterns in the data. Study results reflect a consensus by educational leaders on the utility of receiving school climate data in order to make data-based decisions to improve outcomes for students. Participants provided thoughtful and constructive feedback on the importance of student relationships, perceptions of student subgroups, comparing their data with other schools, and ways to facilitate data-based decision-making. Participants also expressed a desire for additional support in understanding statistical results and generating recommendations for school improvement. These findings suggest that increasing the clarity and comprehensiveness of school climate data reports and providing support for interpreting the results will increase educational leaders’ ability to use school climate surveys.
A particular criterion for progressive failure analysis of carbon/phenolic tape-wounded conic shells
Authors: Kordkheili SA Hosseini , Karimian M , Jafari HR
Published: March 2021

Conic shell structures are widely used in aerospace industries. In the literature various models have been proposed to failure analysis of composite materials. Clearly, each model has a favorable range of applications. In this paper tensile, compressive, shear and thermal expansion properties of tape-wounded Carbon/Phenolic composites are firstly measured at various temperatures in range 23–200°C. The captured properties are then taken into account to progressive failure analysis of a conic Carbon/Phenolic structure under internal pressure and thermal loadings. For this end, a particular failure criterion is proposed to predict failure in the composite structures with a reasonable margin of safety. The enhanced model is then implemented into the commercial finite element software of ABAQUS via a developed user material (UMAT) subroutine utilizing a suitable solution algorithm. Advantages of the model are assessed and comparisons with other failure criteria as well as experiment are presented.
Observer-based friction force estimation for brake system under low-frequency vibration
Authors: Qian Lu , Zhao Xingwei
Published: March 2021

Creep groan is a low-frequency vibration, which is produced by the stick–slip motion from the pad–disc contact in the brake. Friction plays a key role in generating the stick–slip motion. However, directly measuring the friction force in an actual brake system is difficult. Therefore, force estimation methods are proposed to estimate the friction force based on unknown input observers. A proportional integral observer is applied to estimate the friction force amplitude from the torsional angle of the driven shaft. An approximate H2 observer is designed to distinguish the stick region and slip region from the acceleration of the pad. Different from modeling methods, designing observers do not introduce modeling deviation and have a relatively low requirement on parameter identification. In addition, the observer methods can extract more detailed information of friction force than modeling methods. The observed friction force can be considered an index to evaluate the severity of the brake defect. The performance and effectiveness of the proposed methods are confirmed by experiments on a brake test rig.
Recurrent contracted sockets treated with personalized, three-dimensionally printed conformers and buccal grafts
Authors: Groot ALW , Remmers Jelmer S , Kloos Roel JHM , Saeed Peerooz , Hartong Dyonne T
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

Recurrent contracted sockets are complex situations where previous surgeries have failed, disabling the wear of an ocular prosthesis. A combined method of surgery and long-term fixation using custom-made, three-dimensional (3D) printed conformers is evaluated.

Methods:

Retrospective case series of nine patients with recurrent excessive socket contraction and inability to wear a prosthesis, caused by chemical burns ( n = 3), fireworks ( n = 3), trauma ( n = 2) and enucleation and radiotherapy at childhood due to optic nerve glioma ( n = 1) with three average previous socket surgeries (range 2–6). Treatment consisted of a buccal mucosal graft and personalized 3D-printed conformer designed to be fixated to the periosteum and tarsal plates for minimal 2 months. Primary outcome was the retention of an ocular prosthesis. Secondary outcome was the need for additional surgeries.

Results:

Outcomes were measured at final follow-up between 7 and 36 months postoperatively (mean 20 months). Eight cases were able to wear an ocular prosthesis after 2 months. Three cases initially treated for only the upper or only the lower fornix needed subsequent surgery for the opposite fornix for functional reasons. Two cases had later surgery for cosmetic improvement of upper eyelid position. Despite pre-existing lid abnormalities (scar, entropion, lash deficiency), cosmetic outcome was judged highly acceptable in six cases because of symmetric contour and volume, and reasonably acceptable in the remaining two.

Conclusions:

Buccal mucosal transplant fixated with a personalized 3D-designed conformer enables retention of a well-fitted ocular prosthesis in previously failed socket surgeries. Initial treatment of both upper and lower fornices is recommended to avoid subsequent surgeries for functional reasons.
Very late orbital recurrence of choroidal melanoma four decades post enucleation
Authors: Menicacci Cristina , Al-Jamal Rana’a T , De Francesco Sonia , Barchitta Matteo , Girolamo Matteo , Di Maggio Alessandro , Hadjistilianou Theodora
Published: March 2021

Orbital recurrence of malignant choroidal melanoma is quite uncommon, occurring in about 3% of patients undergoing enucleation for large tumors. Orbital recurrences after more than 10 years from enucleation are even rarer. In literature, only few reports described orbital recurrence that occurred between 10 and 40 years after primary diagnosis. Herein we report a very late choroidal melanoma recurrence, 40 years post enucleation, of a 52 year-old female who had undergone left enucleation at the age of 12. She presented to our clinic for consultation in 2017, complaining of difficulty to contain the prosthesis, as well as, presence of small pigmented palpable nodules inferiorly in her anophthalmic socket. The patient was not aware of the medical condition which had lead to the enucleation. We requested her medical reports and detailed history through her family. We realized after reviewing her charts 40 years back, that her enucleation was due to malignant choroidal melanoma (CMM). Full screening was performed. After magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), that showed the presence of nodular masses in the anophthalmic socket, an excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of CMM (epithelioid and spindle cell type), supporting the hypothesis that residual melanoma cells may remain clinically dormant for long periods, even for decades. A literature review was performed in order to review similar cases and to understand and discuss multiple factors, which may explain this extremely delayed recurrence. To the best of our knowledge, this is the third case to be reported in the literature.
Resistance Training Does Not Decrease Placental Blood Flow During Valsalva Maneuver: A Novel Use of 3D Doppler Power Flow Ultrasonography
Authors: Gould Sara , Cawyer Chase , Dell’Italia Louis , Harper Lorie , McGwin Gerald , Bamman Marcas
Published: March 2021

Background:

The Valsalva maneuver may increase maternal blood pressure and intra-abdominal pressure, resulting in decreased blood flow to the fetus during resistance training.

Hypothesis:

There is no significant reduction in placental blood flow in pregnancy during resistance training in recreational athletes, as documented by a 3-dimensional power flow Doppler ultrasonography.

Study Design:

Cohort.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

A cohort of healthy women who participated in recreational athletics was enrolled in a prospective study to assess placental blood flow during a resistance exercise. A 1 repetition maximum (1RM, up to 50 lb) was determined through a modified chest press as a marker of heavy resistance training. Three-dimensional volume measurements and power Doppler flow were determined at the rest phase and during the 1RM lift phase. The vascular flow index (VFI) was calculated to determine placental perfusion during each phase.

Results:

A total of 22 women participated. The mean age of participants was 31 years. Gestational age ranged from 13 to 28 weeks. Average 1RM weight lifted was 30 lb. Four women (18%) were able to lift 50 lb, the maximum weight that the study allowed. The remaining 18 women (82%) lifted their true 1RM. Mean VFI during lift phase was 2.185 compared with 2.071 at rest ( P = 0.03). There was a slight mean increase in VFI during lift phase, 0.114 (95% CI 0.009-0.182) from 2.071 to 2.185 with lifting ( P = 0.03). The 15 women who participated in structured exercise had a mean VFI at rest and during the lift phase of 2.031 and 2.203, respectively ( P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Three-dimensional power flow Doppler imaging can guide resistance training during pregnancy to prevent fetal injury due to hypoperfusion. Resistance training up to an RM1 of 50 lb did not result in a significant reduction of placental blood flow from resting state in the study population.

Clinical Relevance:

This technique may be used to guide training parameters among pregnant athletes.
Maxillofacial Trauma and COVID-19: A Review of the First 6 Months of the Pandemic
Authors: Press Steven G.
Published: March 2021

Study Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in late December 2019 has spread globally resulting in a pandemic of respiratory illness. The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of maxillofacial trauma at an urban trauma center.

Methods:

The study sample was derived from the population of patients who presented for evaluation and management of maxillofacial injuries at TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee beginning March 1, 2020 and ending August 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were calculated for study variables in each cohort with significance set at P < .05.

Results:

The number of subjects in the 2020 cohort (n = 212) was 4.2% higher than the 2019 cohort (n = 203). Volume decreased 24.5% during the initial phase of the pandemic with a 36.1% increase in volume occurring during the reopening phase (P = .003). Volume related to interpersonal decreased 52.4% during the initial phase of the pandemic with a rebound increase of 30% during reopening (P = .005).

Conclusion:

The first case of COVID-19 presented in Nashville, Tennessee in early March 2020. Over the next 6 months, periods of lockdown and reopening transpired. The volume of maxillofacial trauma decreased during the initial 3-months of the pandemic and rebounded to volumes greater than the year prior.
In absentia trials and standards relating to the summoning to trial of the accused person in EU Law, including reflections on the conformity of Portuguese criminal procedural law with the former
Authors: Au-Yong Oliveira Alexandre
Published: March 2021

In the light of the right to a fair trial and the possibility of in absentia trials, the main purpose of this article is to discuss the meaning of the concept of “having been informed, in due time, of the trial,” under Article 8(2a) of Directive (EU) 2016/343, read in parallel with Article 4a(1) (a) (i) of Council Framework Decision 2002/584/JHA. When thus read and taking into account the legislative history of the Directive, it seems that a different standard is foreseen for the summoning of the accused person for trial under each of the referred legal instruments. I then test the Portuguese standards for summoning the accused person for trial and trials in absentia under each of the possible standards.