bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The biologically active compound of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, docosanyl ferulate, is endowed with potent anxiolytic properties but devoid of typical benzodiazepine-like side effects
Authors: Maccioni Riccardo , Cottiglia Filippo , Maccioni Elias , Talani Giuseppe , Sanna Enrico , Bassareo Valentina , Kasture Sanjay B , Acquas Elio
Published: May 2021

Background:

Clinical and experimental studies support the therapeutic potential of Withania somnifera ( WS) (L.) Dunal on anxiety disorders. This potential is attributable to components present in different plant extracts; however, the individual compound(s) endowed with specific anxiolytic effects and potential modulatory activity of the GABAA receptor complex (GABAAR) have remained unidentified until the recent isolation from a WS methanolic root extract of some GABAAR-active compounds, including the long alkyl-chain ferulic acid ester, docosanyl ferulate (DF).

Aims:

This study was designed to assess whether DF (0.05, 0.25 and 2 mg/kg), similarly to diazepam (2 mg/kg), may exert anxiolytic effects, whether these effects may be significantly blocked by the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil (10 mg/kg) and whether DF may lack some of the benzodiazepines’ typical motor, cognitive and motivational side effects.

Methods:

The behavioural paradigms Elevated Plus Maze, Static Rods, Novel Object Recognition, Place Conditioning and potentiation of ethanol-induced Loss of Righting Reflex were applied on male CD-1 mice.

Results:

Similarly to diazepam, DF exerts anxiolytic effects that are blocked by flumazenil. Moreover, at the full anxiolytic dose of 2 mg/kg, DF lacks typical benzodiazepine-like side effects on motor and cognitive performances and on place conditioning. Moreover, DF fails to potentiate ethanol’s (3 g/kg) depressant activity at the ethanol-induced Loss of Righting Reflex paradigm.

Conclusions:

These data point to DF as an effective benzodiazepine-like anxiolytic compound that, in light of its lack of motor, mnemonic and motivational side effects, could be a suitable candidate for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Ductal Plate Malformations in Captive Snakes
Authors: Patania Olivia M. , Troan Brigid V. , Cullen John M.
Published: May 2021

Ductal plate malformations are abnormalities in the liver that arise from inappropriate or incomplete remodeling of the embryologic ductal plate. Various types of ductal plate malformations are reported in the human and veterinary literature, most commonly affecting domestic mammalian species but also fish. We investigated the occurrence and described the histopathologic features of ductal plate malformations in captive snakes. Malformations were identified in 18 snakes: 10 colubrids, 6 vipers, and 2 boids. There was no sex predilection, and the mean age was 17 years. The majority of lesions were incidental with most snakes having one or more comorbidities, most commonly neoplasia or systemic inflammation, that resulted in natural death or euthanasia. Ductal plate malformations in all livers were broadly characterized by a well-demarcated nodule of irregular bile ducts embedded within a varying amount of fibrous stroma. Malformations were further categorized based on the amount of fibrous stroma and dilation of the bile ducts as von Meyenburg complexes, cystic liver disease, and/or an intermediate hybrid subtype representative of cysts arising within von Meyenburg complexes. Histochemical and immunohistochemical staining, including Gomori’s trichome and pan-cytokeratin, respectively, were applied on select cases to confirm histologic features. Malignant transformation was not identified within this population.
Assessment of Arterial Signal Timings Based on Various Operational Policies and Optimization Tools
Authors: Shayeb Suhaib Al , Dobrota Nemanja , Stevanovic Aleksandar , Mitrovic Nikola
Published: May 2021

Traffic simulation and optimization tools are classified, according to their practical applicability, into two main categories: theoretical and practical. The performance of the optimized signal timing derived by any tool is influenced by how calculations are executed in the particular tool. Highway Capacity Software (HCS) and Vistro implement the procedures defined in the Highway Capacity Manual, thus they are essentially utilized by traffic operations and design engineers. Considering its capability of timing diagram drafting and travel time collection studies, Tru-Traffic is more commonly used by practitioners. All these programs have different built-in objective function(s) to develop optimized signal plans for intersections. In this study, the performance of the optimal signal timing plans developed by HCS, Tru-Traffic, and Vistro are evaluated and compared by using the microsimulation software Vissim. A real-world urban arterial with 20 intersections and heavy traffic in Fort Lauderdale, Florida served as the testbed. To eliminate any bias in the comparisons, all experiments were performed under identical geometric and traffic conditions, coded in each tool. The evaluation of the optimized plans was conducted based on average delay, number of stops, performance index, travel time, and percentage of arrivals on green. Results indicated that although timings developed in HCS reduced delay, they drastically increased number of stops. Tru-Traffic signal timings, when only offsets are optimized, performed better than timings developed by all of the other tools. Finally, Vistro increased arrivals on green, but it also increased delay. Optimized signal plans were transferred manually from optimization tools to Vissim. Therefore, future research should find methods for automatically transferring optimized plans to Vissim.
Functional and aesthetic outcome after ventral spatulation of urethra in partial penectomy
Authors: Prateek Gupta , Himanshu Pandey , Mahendra Singh , Suresh Goyal , Sarma Madduri Vijay Kumar , Ram Choudhary Gautam , Pritesh Jain , Aaron Jain
Published: May 2021

Introduction:

Partial penectomy is one of the common organ preserving procedures for penile malignancies and certain benign conditions. Partial penectomy causes psychosexual morbidity to the patient. Dorsal spatulation of urethra is classically done while performing the procedure, it carries risk of meatal stenosis along with compromised cosmesis. Several complex neoglans reconstructive techniques exist to prevent stenosis and improve cosmetic outcomes. We hereby describe outcomes of a simple and reproducible modification of the procedure by ventral spatulation of the urethra.

Materials and method:

An analysis of 31 partial penectomies from May 2016 to June 2019 using a ventral spatulation technique was done. Patients were followed up for an average of 1 year to look for meatal stenosis, the morphological appearance of residual stump and psychosexual well-being.

Results:

None of the patient had meatal stenosis on follow up. All patients had a satisfactory cosmetic outcome, scoring 6 or more on ANA scale. Seventeen patients reported “satisfied”, six scored “highly satisfied “and eight were “harmonic” with the outcome. Out of 31, significant patients (20) were sexually active with most of them “equally satisfied or dissatisfied” or “very much satisfied.”

Conclusion:

Used uncommonly, ventral spatulation of urethra is a simple, reproducible and less time consuming alternative, which avoids the chances of meatal stenosis and gives good cosmetic results with psychological benefits to patients.
Cardio-Dance Exercise to Improve Cognition and Mood in Older African Americans: A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Fausto Bernadette A. , Azimipour Solaleh , Charles Lisa , Yarborough Christina , Grullon Keyla , Hokett Emily , Duberstein Paul R. , Gluck Mark A.
Published: May 2021

The current study sought to determine the influence of initial sleep quality and body mass index on the cognitive and mood outcomes of a community-based cardio-dance exercise program. Thirty-two older African Americans who participated in a 5-month cardio-dance exercise program were propensity-matched to 32 no-contact controls. Participants completed neuropsychological tests of attention, executive function, and memory and a self-reported depression measure at baseline and post-test. Among exercise participants, we observed significant improvements in depression (baseline = 6.16 ± 5.54, post-test = 4.66 ± 4.89, [Formula: see text], p = .009) and attention (baseline = 40.53 ± 14.01, post-test = 36.63 ± 13.29, [Formula: see text], p = .009) relative to controls. Improvements in executive function and attention were most pronounced among exercise participants with poor sleep quality (baseline = 7.71 ± 1.25, post-test = 8.29 ± 2.06, [Formula: see text], p = .04) and with obesity (baseline = 38.05 ± 12.78, post-test = 35.67 ± 13.82, [Formula: see text], p = .001), respectively. This study provides novel evidence that exercise has the potential to improve depression in older African Americans. For those with poor sleep quality or obesity, exercise can also improve some cognitive outcomes.
CFD study of aerodynamic performance of non-pneumatic tyre with hexagonal spokes
Authors: Bhatia Daksh , KR Praneeth , Ponangi Babu Rao , Athadkar Meghana , Dsouza Carine V
Published: May 2021

Non-pneumatic tyres (NPT) provide a greater advantage over the pneumatic type owing to their construct which increases the reliability of the tyre operation and effectively reduces maintenance involved. Analysing the aerodynamic forces acting on a NPT becomes a crucial factor in understanding it’s suitability for practical implementation. In the present work, the aerodynamic performance of a NPT using CFD tool – SimScale® is studied. This work includes a comparative study of a pneumatic tyre, a NPT with wedge spokes and a NPT with hexagonal spokes (NPT-HS). The effect of air velocity, steering (yaw) angle and camber angle on the aerodynamic performance of the NPT-HS is evaluated using CFD. By increasing the steering angle from 0° to 15°, the lift coefficient decreases by 37% approximately at all velocities. Whereas drag coefficient initially decreases by 21% till 7.5° steering angle and then starts increasing. Increasing camber angle from 0° to 1.5°, both drag and lift coefficients goes on decreasing by approximately 7% and 27% respectively.
Automatic adjustment of tire inflation pressure through an intelligent CTIS: Effects on the vehicle lateral dynamic behavior
Authors: d’Ambrosio Stefano , De Mattei Edoardo , Vitolo Roberto , Amati Nicola
Published: May 2021

The paper investigates the effect of tire inflation pressure on the lateral dynamics of a passenger car, and presents a possible control-oriented methodology aimed at adapting tire pressure to the current vehicle loading condition targeting a reference characteristic. Starting from the tire characteristics at several inflation pressure levels, the paper investigates the effect of changing selectively tire pressure on each of the two axles, through theoretical calculation of the curvature gain based on the computation of the derivatives of stability, and compares the obtained sensitivity to the results of a multibody simulation model validated through on-track tests. Finally, the work presents a possible algorithm that could be implemented on-board vehicle ECU to provide, for the current loading condition of the vehicle, a tire pressure combination that targets a specific lateral dynamics characteristic. The algorithm is intended as part of the control logic of an intelligent Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) able to adjust automatically tire pressure according to the actual vehicle working conditions.
Integrated control of vehicle stability by nonlinear observer-based exponential-like sliding mode neural network system
Authors: Taghavifar Hamid
Published: May 2021

Dynamic stability is critical to achieve the safety of the cars, particularly during emergency maneuvers. Coordinated control algorithms are suggestive of the enhanced safety and stability of a vehicle. Hence, a novel adaptive robust multi-input control framework is developed using the combination of direct yaw moment (DYC) and active front steering (AFS). The dynamics of the steering system mechanism is included for the reliability of the proposed control scheme. The proposed controller is developed according to the approximation capacity of the radial basis function (RBF) neural network system. The adaptation laws are derived based on the Lyapunov stability theory. Additionally, the proposed integrated control paradigm contains a state observer and the sliding surface of the tracking errors converges to the asymptotic stability condition through the design of a smooth exponential reaching law. The effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is compared to a high-performance optimal robust control technique and open-loop system. In order to assess the robustness of the proposed algorithm, structured and unstructured uncertainties were also incorporated in terms of the parametric uncertainties such as the tire cornering stiffness and cross-wind gust disturbance. The results obtained for different maneuvers reveal that the proposed controller is successful to improve the handling performance and to ensure the stability of the vehicle when compared to the previously reported methods.
Different nanofluids as coolant in heat exchanger network: Thermoeconomic modeling and multi-objective optimization
Authors: Hajabdollahi Hassan , Masoumpour Babak
Published: May 2021

Modeling and optimization of a multi tube heat exchanger (MTHE) network considering the effects of different nanoparticles on the tube side are carried out using Fast and elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm. After thermal modeling in [Formula: see text] method, optimization is performed by increasing the effectiveness and decreasing total annual cost as two objective functions using eight design parameters such as number of MTHE and particles volumetric concentration. In addition, optimization is performed at three various cold mass flow rates and different nanoparticles including Al2O3, CuO and ZrO2 and results are compared with the base fluid (water). For the reliability of the present code, the modeling results are validated with the results obtained from both the numerical and experimental model. The results show that the optimal Pareto front is improved in nanoparticles case, and the rate of improvement in CuO nanoparticles case, especially in higher effectiveness and lower cold mass flow rate is more significant compared with the other studied cases. In addition, because of improvement in the thermal performance of MTHE network with nanoparticles, the heat transfer surface area and consequently the total volume of MTHE network for the fixed values of effectiveness are noticeably reduced. Finally, the effects of design parameters versus effectiveness are demonstrated and discussed.
Experimental thermodynamic performance analysis of semi-transparent photovoltaic-thermal hybrid collectors using nanofluids
Authors: Jidhesh P , Arjunan TV , Gunasekar N , Mohanraj M
Published: May 2021

In this article, the experimental thermodynamic performance analysis of a semi-transparent photovoltaic-thermal hybrid collector (SPV-THC) using CuO, Al2O3, TiO2 based nanofluids and water is investigated and compared with conventional opaque photovoltaic panels. The SPV-THC consists of a polycrystalline silicon cell photovoltaic module with a serpentine tube configuration heat sink. The influence of nanoparticle concentration, mass flow rate of nanofluids, ambient factors such as solar irradiation and ambient temperature on thermodynamic performance of SPV-THC have been experimentally studied under the weather conditions in Coimbatore, India. The concentration of nanoparticles and mass flow rate of nanofluids were optimized to 0.2% (by volume) and 0.016 kg/s, respectively based on experimental trials. The experimental result shows that the electrical efficiency of SPV-THC using CuO, TiO2, Al2O3 based nanofluids and water has been improved by 11.2%, 9.1%, 7.3% and 5.9% respectively than the conventional opaque photovoltaic modules. Also, the thermal efficiencies of SPV-THC using CuO, TiO2 and Al2O3 nanofluids improved by 42.6%, 34.8% and 19.7% respectively than water.
Health Literacy Regarding Infectious Disease Predicts COVID-19 Preventive Behaviors: A Pathway Analysis
Authors: Wang Hui , Cheong Pak Leng , Wu JianWei , Van Iat Kio
Published: May 2021

Health literacy has been identified as one vital determinant of public health and healthy behaviors, but very few studies regarding infectious disease prevention have been found. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to validate the pathway of infectious disease-specific health literacy (IDSHL), COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) preventive behaviors, and their determinants. A sample of 1459 casino workers in Macao was eligible for analysis. The concept model was verified with a comparative fit index of 0.937 and goodness-of-fit index of 0.971. Government responses was a significant determinant of situational factors (helpfulness of health information, resource accessibility, and organizational training adequacy), while situational factors showed a direct effect on COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Education and organization training adequacy was the strongest influencing factor of IDSHL, which should be a key target of intervention programs for COVID-19.
“Connection to Culture Is Like a Massive Lifeline”: Yarning With Aboriginal Young People About Culture and Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Authors: Murrup-Stewart Cammi , Whyman Theoni , Jobson Laura , Adams Karen
Published: May 2021

Culture is an important social and emotional wellbeing factor for Aboriginal peoples in Australia, particularly regarding recovery from colonization. However, little is understood about how culture and wellbeing interact for young urban Aboriginal people. This study used Yarning methods to explore experiences and perceptions of culture and wellbeing for young urban Aboriginal people in Narrm, Australia. Findings indicate that culture is experienced as connection, and that perceived connection or disconnection has an essential influence on the wellbeing of young people. Through sharing young people stories, a range of factors, including colonization, relationships, cultural knowledge, community support, and agency, were identified as affecting perceptions of connectedness, and therefore on wellbeing. Youth were able to develop strategies to increase connection and provided illuminating advice and suggestions for improving connection for future generations. This study thus contributes to efforts to improved understanding of Aboriginal perspectives about social and emotional wellbeing and culture.
Organizational Guilt Management: A Paradox Perspective
Authors: Pollach Irene , Ravazzani Silvia , Maier Carmen Daniela
Published: May 2021

Alleged organizational wrongdoings are often characterized by high levels of uncertainty about what happened, which can take years to be established judicially. In this study, we examine organizations’ efforts to manage their stakeholders’ impressions of their possible guilt in this period of uncertainty. The study examines the discursive guilt-management strategies organizations employ in such situations to embrace the paradoxical tensions that emerge between their routine, positive self-presentations as responsible organizations and their communication about their possible guilt. Taking departure in impression management and a paradox perspective, we conceptualize guilt management as a discursive practice enacted in times of uncertainty. Specifically, we conduct a microlevel discourse analysis of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports published by large US banks after the financial crisis and analyze how these banks managed impressions of their possible guilt, before they eventually agreed to legal settlements. We identify amending, bracketing, shifting locus of control, implicating, as well as reattributing and extending moral agency as central guilt-management strategies that embrace the paradoxical tensions between the banks’ positive self-presentations and their communication about their possible guilt. We conclude with a discussion of theoretical and methodological contributions to organization studies.
Concentration of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) and sucrose in beverages: Effects on physicochemical characteristics and acceptance
Authors: Barajas-Ramírez Jahir Antonio , Gutiérrez-Salomón Ana Luisa , Sáyago-Ayerdi Sonia Guadalupe
Published: May 2021

The calyces of roselle ( Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) are used to make a refreshing drink with high content of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds, although the process for obtaining the beverage is not standardized. In this research it was determined physicochemical characteristics, total soluble polyphenols content, antioxidant activity and acceptance for beverages prepared by decoction at four concentrations of calyces in water (1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0%) and two concentrations of sucrose (11 and 16%). Color parameters in beverages permitted to describe them as red, which turned darker as the content of hibiscus increased. Total soluble polyphenols content and antioxidant activity were directly correlated with content of calyces in beverages and inversely correlated with pH, which means that beverages with higher content of calyces could be perceived as more acidic and more intense in characteristics associated with hibiscus presence, such as acid, astringent and the presence of intense dark red color, although the higher concentration of sucrose might have contributed to mask slightly the sourness and astringency. Acceptance for hibiscus beverages allowed to observe two segments of consumers, high-intensity and low-intensity likers but both confluence in overall liking values for beverages prepared with 2.5% calyces and 16% sucrose.
Thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication simulation model for the tooth guidance contact of a single tooth gearbox under mixed friction conditions
Authors: Keller Michael , Wimmer Thomas , Bobach Lars , Bartel Dirk
Published: May 2021

This article presents a simulation model for thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication of the tooth guidance (piston/cylinder) contact of a single tooth gearbox. A finite-element analysis provides the boundary conditions for the thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication simulation. The finite-element analysis under dry conditions allows calculating the macroscopic deformed contact surfaces for the elastohydrodynamic simulation model. The Hertzian deformation should be calculated in the presence of a lubricant and not with a dry finite-element analysis. A recently presented method, based on the finite-element submodeling technique, is extended to remove the Hertzian deformation of the macroscopic deformed lubrication gap from the dry finite-element analysis. A mixed friction with measured rough surfaces using the averaged flow model and mass conserving cavitation is implemented as well. An example shows how optimization of the gearbox by application of the simulation model is possible.
Usefulness of digital measurements for functional evaluation of paediatric elbow range of motion
Authors: Magno Gonzalo M , Fleman Cesar , Halliburton Carolina , Bosio Santiago , Puigdevall Miguel H
Published: May 2021

Background

Elbow immobilization due to fractures of the upper limb is frequent in paediatric patients. Proper follow-up is critical to assess elbow functional recovery. Telemedicine can be an option for remote monitoring of these patients. The purpose of this study was to compare personal and virtual evaluation of elbow range of motion after long arm cast withdrawal in paediatric patients.

Methods

An observational cross-sectional study was carried out which included all paediatric patients with elbow immobilization in long arm casts treated at our centre. After cast withdrawal, elbow range of motion was evaluated by telemedicine and in office consultation in all four movements (flexion, extension, pronation and supination).

Results

Ninety-three patients met the selection criteria. Median age at time of immobilization was 8 years. Mean elbow immobilization time was 23 days (range 18–56 days). When comparing office and remote measurements, no statistical differences were found for any of the four elbow movements measured in our study.

Conclusions

Remote evaluation of elbow range of motion by telemedicine is technically feasible. We evaluated elbow range of motion in paediatric patients after immobilization and we did not find differences between digital and in office measurements. The results were similar to those obtained through assessment in the office. We believe that this is a useful tool to facilitate remote patient follow-up.
An Effective Technique for Managing the Calcaneus Osteomyelitis Combined with Soft-Tissue Defect
Authors: Peng Ping , Dong Zhong-Gen , Liu Lihong , Wei Jian-Wei , Luo Zhaobiao , Cao Shu
Published: May 2021

The treatment of the Cierny–Mader (C–M) type III–IV calcaneus osteomyelitis combining with the soft-tissue defect is sophisticated and difficult. The aim of this study is to introduce the application and availability of the modified distally based sural flap with an adipofascial extension to reconstruct these defects. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 37 patients with C–M type III–IV calcaneus osteomyelitis accompanied with soft-tissue defect between December 2004 and December 2019. A modified distally based sural flap with an adipofascial extension was conducted to reconstruct the defect. The patient's demographics, duration of the diseases, etiology, reconstruction outcomes, infection control rate, recurrence rate, amputation rate, and follow-up data were collected to evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of the modification. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot scale was applied to assess the function of the ankle and hindfoot. Thirty-four flaps survived uneventfully, 1 flap displayed marginal necrosis and 2 flaps (5.41%) developed partial necrosis. Using this modified flap alone or combining with some simple salvage methods reconstructed all of the defects successfully. The calcaneus osteomyelitis was cured successfully, and no recurrences were observed during the follow-up period. The AOFAS ankle and hindfoot scores were excellent in 27 patients and good in 8 patients. The distally based sural flap with an adipofacial extension is a simple and effective technique to reconstruct the calcaneus osteomyelitis combined with soft-tissue defect in 1 stage. Applications of the adipofacial extension to obliterate the dead space and the well-vascularized skin island to cover the defect are the guarantee of achieving good ankle and foot functions. However, this technique is not appropriate for the patients with calcaneum less than half weight-bearing area.
Cultural Relevancy of Culinary and Nutritional Medicine Interventions: A Scoping Review
Authors: Villalona Seiichi , Ortiz Vanessa , Castillo Wilfrido J. , Garcia Laumbach Sonia
Published: May 2021

Background. Taking into account the disproportionate impacts of disease burden from chronic conditions by racial and ethnic group, this scoping review sought to examine the extent to which nutritional interventions incorporated culturally relevant topics into their design and analyses. Methods. A literature search of 5 databases was conducted for any peer-reviewed studies on nutritional and culinary medicine interventions published between 2000 and 2019. Results. Studies were divided into 2 categories, medical education interventions (n = 12) and clinical/community interventions (n = 20). The majority of medical education interventions were not culturally tailored and focused on obesity/weight management within the Northeast and Southeast United States. In contrast, clinical/community interventions were primarily culturally tailored for Latinos/Hispanics and African American/Black populations residing in the Northeast and diagnosed with prediabetes/diabetes mellitus or hypertension/cardiovascular disease. Conclusions. This review identified an existent gap and need for inclusive studies that consider the culturally relevant topics into the design and implementation of nutritional intervention studies. Studies within medical education appeared to be the area where these changes can be most beneficial. There may be some value among clinic and communal-based studies in stratifying heterogeneous subgroups because of the missed cultural nuances missed when grouping larger racial cohorts.
Primary Pandemic Prevention
Authors: Greger Michael
Published: May 2021

Over the last few decades, hundreds of human pathogens have emerged at a rate unprecedented in human history. Emerged from where? Mostly from animals. The AIDS virus is blamed on the butchering of primates in the African bushmeat trade, we created mad cow disease when we turned cows into carnivores and cannibals, and SARS and COVID-19 have been traced back to the exotic wild animal trade. Our last pandemic, swine flu in 2009, arose not from some backwater wet market in Asia, however. It was largely made-in-the-USA on pig production operations in the United States. In this new Age of Emerging Diseases, there are now billions of animals overcrowded and intensively confined in filthy factory farms for viruses to incubate and mutate within. Today’s industrial farming practices have given viruses billions more spins at pandemic roulette. How can we stop the emergence of pandemic viruses in the first place? Whenever possible, treat the cause. The largest and oldest association of public health professionals in the world, the American Public Health Association, has called for a moratorium on factory farming for nearly two decades. Indeed, factory farms are a public health menace. In addition to discontinuing the intensive confinement practices of animal agriculture, we should continue to research, develop, and invest in innovative plant-based and cultivated meat technologies to move away from raising billions of feathered and curly-tailed test tubes for viruses with pandemic potential to mutate within.
Head-to-head comparison of biological drugs for inflammatory bowel disease: from randomized controlled trials to real-world experience
Authors: Macaluso Fabio Salvatore , Maida Marcello , Grova Mauro , Crispino Federica , Teresi Giulia , Orlando Adele , Orlando Ambrogio
Published: May 2021

During past years, the increasing knowledge of molecular mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have led to the development of several targeted biological therapies. This great expansion of available medical options has prompted the need for comparative data between drugs. For years, given that most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were performed only versus placebo, this demand has clashed with the absence of head-to-head trials comparing two or more treatments. The quality of evidence coming from real-world experience was low overall, so it was extremely difficult to clarify the correct positioning of the biologicals inside the therapeutic algorithms for IBD. Fortunately, times are changing: head-to-head comparative RCTs have been conducted or are ongoing, and the methodological quality of real-world studies is gradually increasing, mainly thanks to a higher rate of application of statistical methods capable of reducing the selection bias, such as the propensity score. In this evolving scenario, the increasing number of comparative RCTs is providing high-quality data for a correct drug positioning in IBD. In parallel, real-world observational studies are supporting the data coming from RCTs, and covering those comparisons not performed in the RCT setting. We believe that there is moderate evidence already available to support clinicians in the correct choice between different biologicals, and data will certainly be more robust in the near future.
Female Candidates, Islamic Women’s Organisations, and Clientelism in the 2019 Indonesian Elections
Authors: Mahsun Muhammad , Elizabeth Misbah Zulfa , Mufrikhah Solkhah
Published: May 2021

This article analyses the factors leading to the success of women candidates in the 2019 elections in Central Java. Recent scholarship on women’s representation in Indonesia has highlighted the role that dynastic ties and relationships with local political elites play in getting women elected in an environment increasingly dominated by money politics and clientelism. Our case study of women candidates in Central Java belonging to the elite of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)-affiliated women’s religious organisations Muslimat and Fatayat shows that strong women candidates with grassroots support can nonetheless win office. Using the concepts of social capital and gender issue ownership, and clientelism, we argue that women candidates can gain a strategic advantage when they “run as women.” By harnessing women’s networks and focusing on gender issues to target women voters, they are able to overcome cultural, institutional, and structural barriers to achieve electoral success even though they lack resources and political connections.
Women’s Political Representation in Indonesia: Who Wins and How?
Authors: Aspinall Edward , White Sally , Savirani Amalinda
Published: May 2021

This article analyses barriers to women’s political representation in Indonesia and the ways that women candidates overcome them. Surveying the literature and drawing on three data sources – findings of thirteen teams of researchers studying women candidates running in the 2019 election, a survey of 127 such candidates, and a nationally representative survey of Indonesian citizens – the article identifies widespread patriarchal attitudes as one significant barrier, alongside structural disadvantages. It highlights two distinctive methods by which women candidates aim to overcome these barriers: one group of candidates target women voters and draw on women’s networks to mobilise what has been called “homosocial capital”; another group of dynastic candidates rely on the political and financial resources of (often male) relatives. The article briefly surveys the place of political Islam in both impeding and facilitating women’s representation. By surveying these issues, the article introduces this special issue on women’s political representation and the 2019 election.
Political Dynasties and Women Candidates in Indonesia’s 2019 Election
Authors: Wardani Sri Budi Eko , Subekti Valina Singka
Published: May 2021

In this article, we provide evidence suggesting that almost half (44 per cent) of female candidates elected to Indonesia’s national parliament in 2019 were members of political dynasties. Providing detailed data on the backgrounds of these candidates, including by party and region, we argue that several factors have contributed to their rise. Parties are increasingly motivated – especially in the context of a 4 per cent parliamentary threshold – to nominate candidates who can boost their party’s fortune by attracting a big personal vote. Members of political dynasties (especially those related to regional government heads and other politicians entrenched in local power structures) have access to financial resources and local political networks – increasingly important to political success in Indonesia’s clientelistic electoral system. We show that the rise of these dynastic women candidates is not eliminating gender bias within parties, but is instead marginalising many qualified female party candidates, including incumbents.
Introducing RPA and automation in the financial sector: Lessons from KAS Bank
Authors: Oshri Ilan , Plugge Albert
Published: May 2021

During an annual board meeting in 2016 KAS Bank’s executive management discussed various business and client trends and their effect on future banking. Based on the discussion, they recognised the need to improve internal business processes, and as such, increase the degree of client satisfaction. In the meeting, they considered the idea of using automation as a way to achieve their goal, as since their start in 1806, KAS Bank embraced technical innovations. For example, they introduced their first mainframe in 1961, a first web application in the late 1980s and subsequently introduced a monitor app to provide financial information to pension funds and insurance firms. The executive board decided to further explore various technical innovation opportunities and consequently asked the Chief Information Officer to explore possible solutions. As the was pondering on this new task, he was wondering: where do we start, which type of processes can be automated, do we have the capabilities in-house to be successful, and what will be the impact on our personnel? This case study describes an actual situation of KAS Bank and its journey to implement robotic process automation solutions. The structure that is followed comprises three stages: Development stage, Implementation stage, and the Operational stage. This teaching case consists of two parts. The first part introduces robotic process automation and KAS Bank, while the second part discusses the three stages and corresponding challenges.
Preventing a Post-Pandemic Double Burden of Disease in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chan Amy Hai Yan , Horne Rob
Published: May 2021

As the world focuses on containing the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and limiting the effects of the pandemic on the global population, care must be taken not to lose sight of existing individual health issues. There is a real risk of creating a ‘post-pandemic double burden of disease’– where the pressures of having to manage acute COVID-19-related impacts on the health system are added to the existing burden of chronic non-communicable diseases or long-term conditions in developed countries. This could create a post-pandemic health crisis by devoting less attention to existing health conditions. A growing evidence base from other epidemics and health emergencies highlight the potential negative impact of short-term health crises on long-term public health. The significant disruptions to the usual healthcare systems and society can lead to increased morbidity and mortality in the long-term if not managed appropriately. This viewpoint provides an overview of the evidence to support the management of long-term conditions during, and after, health emergencies, to limit the impact of COVID-19 on public health in the short- and long-term.
Outcomes of Arthroscopic Fixation of Unstable Distal Clavicle Fractures: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yagnik Gautam P. , Seiler Jacob R. , Vargas Luis A. , Saxena Anshul , Narvel Raed I. , Hassan Robert
Published: May 2021

Background:

Surgical management of unstable distal clavicle fractures (DCFs) remains controversial. Traditional open techniques result in acceptable union rates but are fraught with complications. In response to these limitations, arthroscopic techniques have been developed; however, clinical outcome data are limited.

Purpose:

The primary purpose was to systematically evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of arthroscopic fixation of unstable DCFs. The secondary purpose was to characterize the overall complication rate, focusing on major complications and subsequent reoperations.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature was performed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and included a search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and Scopus databases. English-language studies between 2008 and 2019 that reported on outcomes of patients with DCFs who underwent operative fixation using an arthroscopic or arthroscopically assisted surgical technique were included. Data consisted of patient characteristics, fracture type, surgical technique, concomitant injuries, union rates, functional outcomes, and complications.

Results:

A total of 15 studies consisting of 226 DCFs treated using an arthroscopically based technique were included in the systematic review. The majority of fractures were classified as Neer type II. Most (97%) of the fractures underwent arthroscopic fixation using a cortical button coracoclavicular stabilization surgical technique. Bony union was reported in 94.1% of the fractures. Good to excellent outcomes were recorded in most patients at the final follow-up. The Constant-Murley score was the most widely used functional outcome score; the pooled mean Constant score was 93.06 (95% CI, 91.48-94.64). Complications were reported in 14 of the 15 studies, and the overall complication rate was 27.4%. However, only 12% of these were considered major complications, and only 6% required a reoperation for hardware-related complications.

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic fixation of DCFs resulted in good functional outcomes with union rates comparable to those of traditional open techniques. While the overall complication profile was similar to that of other described techniques, there was a much lower incidence of major complications, including hardware-related complications and reoperations.
Negotiating Ethos: An Army Corps of Engineers Resource Manager Persuades a Community to Protect a Recreational Lake Area
Authors: Pickering Kristin
Published: May 2021

This article presents an observational case study of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Resource Manager working with community members through a contested project. Using the Aristotelian concepts of ethos, credibility, and character development, I examine ethos appeals the Resource Manager used to align Corps’s sustainability values with the community’s values. Transcribed interviews with community members reveal this alignment evolved through a coconstructed ethos negotiation process between the Resource Manager and the community. The article concludes with rhetorical and pedagogical insights gained from the case study that apply to conflict resolution in organizational communication.
Food safety knowledge, attitude, and hygiene practices of street-cooked food handlers in North Dayi District, Ghana
Authors: Tuglo Lawrence Sena , Agordoh Percival Delali , Tekpor David , Pan Zhongqin , Agbanyo Gabriel , Chu Minjie
Published: May 2021

Background

Food safety and hygiene are currently a global health apprehension especially in unindustrialized countries as a result of increasing food-borne diseases (FBDs) and accompanying deaths. This study aimed at assessing knowledge, attitude, and hygiene practices (KAP) of food safety among street-cooked food handlers (SCFHs) in North Dayi District, Ghana.

Methods

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 407 SCFHs in North Dayi District, Ghana. The World Health Organization’s Five Keys to Safer Food for food handlers and a pretested structured questionnaire were adapted for data collection among stationary SCFHs along principal streets. Significant parameters such as educational status, average monthly income, registered SCFHs, and food safety training course were used in bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models to calculate the power of the relationships observed.

Results

The majority 84.3% of SCFHs were female and 56.0% had not attended a food safety training course. This study showed that 67.3%, 58.2%, and 62.9% of SCFHs had good levels of KAP of food safety, respectively. About 87.2% showed a good attitude of separating uncooked and prepared meal before storage. Good knowledge of food safety was 2 times higher among registered SCFHs compared to unregistered [cOR=1.64, p=0.032]. SCFHs with secondary education were 4 times good at hygiene practices of food safety likened to no education [aOR=4.06, p=0.003]. Above GHc1500 average monthly income earners were 5 times good at hygiene practices of food safety compared to below GHc500 [aOR=4.89, p=0.006]. Registered SCFHs were 8 times good at hygiene practice of food safety compared to unregistered [aOR=7.50, p<0.001]. The odd for good hygiene practice of food safety was 6 times found among SCFHs who had training on food safety courses likened to those who had not [aOR=5.97, p<0.001].

Conclusions

Over half of the SCFHs had good levels of KAP of food safety. Registering as SCFH was significantly associated with good knowledge and hygiene practices of food safety. Therefore, our results may present an imperative foundation for design to increase food safety and hygiene practice in the district, region, and beyond.
Modern simulation utilities for genetic analysis
Authors: Ji Sarah S. , German Christopher A. , Lange Kenneth , Sinsheimer Janet S. , Zhou Hua , Zhou Jin , Sobel Eric M.
Published: May 2021

Background

Statistical geneticists employ simulation to estimate the power of proposed studies, test new analysis tools, and evaluate properties of causal models. Although there are existing trait simulators, there is ample room for modernization. For example, most phenotype simulators are limited to Gaussian traits or traits transformable to normality, while ignoring qualitative traits and realistic, non-normal trait distributions. Also, modern computer languages, such as Julia, that accommodate parallelization and cloud-based computing are now mainstream but rarely used in older applications. To meet the challenges of contemporary big studies, it is important for geneticists to adopt new computational tools.

Results

We present , an open-source Julia package that makes it trivial to quickly simulate phenotypes under a variety of genetic architectures. This package is integrated into our OpenMendel suite for easy downstream analyses. Julia was purpose-built for scientific programming and provides tremendous speed and memory efficiency, easy access to multi-CPU and GPU hardware, and to distributed and cloud-based parallelization. is designed to encourage flexible trait simulation, including via the standard devices of applied statistics, generalized linear models (GLMs) and generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). also accommodates many study designs: unrelateds, sibships, pedigrees, or a mixture of all three. (Of course, for data with pedigrees or cryptic relationships, the simulation process must include the genetic dependencies among the individuals.) We consider an assortment of trait models and study designs to illustrate integrated simulation and analysis pipelines. Step-by-step instructions for these analyses are available in our electronic Jupyter notebooks on Github. These interactive notebooks are ideal for reproducible research.

Conclusion

The package has three main advantages. (1) It leverages the computational efficiency and ease of use of Julia to provide extremely fast, straightforward simulation of even the most complex genetic models, including GLMs and GLMMs. (2) It can be operated entirely within, but is not limited to, the integrated analysis pipeline of OpenMendel. And finally (3), by allowing a wider range of more realistic phenotype models, brings power calculations and diagnostic tools closer to what investigators might see in real-world analyses.