bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical features and genetic analysis of two Chinese families with X-linked ichthyosis
Authors: Xie Wanqin , Zhou Haiyan , Zhou Lin , Gong Yun , Lin Jiwu , Chen Yong
Published: October 2020

Objective

Recessive X-linked ichthyosis (RXLI) caused by deficiency of the steroid sulfatase gene ( STS) has a reported prevalence of 1/2000 to 1/6000. The present study aimed to characterize the phenotypes and genotypes of two Chinese families with RXLI.

Methods

The patients were referred to the Family Planning Research Institute of Hunan Province for genetic counseling. Their skin phenotypes were photographed, and venous blood was drawn and used for chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA).

Results

The skin phenotype of the proband from the first family was characterized by generalized skin dryness and scaling, with noticeable dark brown, polygonal scales on his trunk and extensor surfaces of his extremities. The proband from the second family had an atypical phenotype showing mild skin dryness over his entire body, slight scaling on his abdomen, and small skin fissures on his arms and legs. No mental disability or developmental anomaly was noted in either proband. CMA revealed that both probands carried a 1.4-Mb deletion on chromosome Xp22.31 involving four Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man-listed genes including STS.

Conclusions

Our findings add knowledge to the genotype and phenotype spectrum of RXLI, which may be helpful in genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.
Effects of a pain management programme on occupational performance are influenced by gains in self-efficacy
Authors: Thomas Fiona , Gibson Stephen J , Arnold Carolyn A , Giummarra Melita J
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The perceived capacity to perform particular activities or skills (i.e. self-efficacy) is paramount in occupational therapy and is thought to be reinforced by actual functional capacity. This study examined whether changes in self-efficacy or confidence to lift weighted items influences changes in occupational performance and disability levels in patients attending a cognitive behavioural therapy pain management programme.

Method

Clients attending an 8-week cognitive behavioural therapy pain management programme ( N = 125) completed questionnaires before treatment, at discharge, and at 3-month and 6-month reviews, including measures of pain self-efficacy, disability and self-perceived performance and satisfaction using the Canadian occupational performance measure. Analyses examined disability and occupational performance over time, adjusting for baseline characteristics (age, sex, education), and sought to determine whether self-efficacy or lifting confidence influenced the outcomes.

Results

The level of disability, lifting confidence, self-efficacy and occupational performance all improved over time; however, only occupational performance and lifting confidence maintained improvements up to the 6-month review. Self-efficacy had a greater impact on occupational performance than lifting confidence.
Age-Associated Pathology and Functional Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy in Female Patients: Analysis With 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Bloom David A. , Fried Jordan W. , Bi Andrew S. , Kaplan Daniel J. , Chintalapudi Nainisha , Youm Thomas
Published: October 2020

Background:

Previous research has demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between hip arthroscopy outcomes and age.

Purpose:

To investigate the link, if any, between hip arthroscopy outcomes and intraoperative pathology as well as with patient age and sex.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Of 272 female patients aged ≥14 years undergoing primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement between August 2010 and September 2017, and with 2-year patient-reported outcome scores, a total of 194 (71.3%) were included for final analysis. These patients were separated into 3 age-based cohorts: <30 years (n = 44), 30 to 45 years (n = 74), and >45 years (n = 76). Their data were then analyzed and compared with respect to patient characteristic information, intraoperative pathology, and functional outcome scores for statistical significance, which was set at P < .05.

Results:

When an analysis of variance was conducted for the 3 age groups at 2-year follow-up, there was a statistically significant difference for modified Hip Harris Score ( P = .0003; <30 years, 88.26 ± 13.1 [mean ± SD]; 30-45 years, 82.68 ± 18.0; >45 years, 75.03 ± 19.5). The results of an analysis of variance comparing 2-year Non-arthritic Hip Score were also statistically significant ( P = .0002; <30 years, 89.9 ± 13.7; 30-45 years, 85.8 ± 15.8; >45 years, 78.1 ± 17.2). Results of logistic regression demonstrated that the odds of a cam-type lesion decreased by 0.971 for every additional year in age among female patients. The odds of achieving the patient-acceptable symptomatic state decreased by a factor of 0.96 for each additional year in age ( P < .0004).

Conclusion:

Surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement in females led to improved functional outcomes at 2 years of follow-up, although older female patients did worse after hip arthroscopy as compared with their younger counterparts. There may be an age-dependent decrease in incidence of cam-type lesions in female patients.
Who Doesn’t Come Home? Factors Influencing Mortality Among Long-Term Care Residents Transitioning to and From Emergency Departments in Two Canadian Cities
Authors: Tate Kaitlyn , Reid R. Colin , McLane Patrick , Cummings Garnet E. , Rowe Brian H. , Estabrooks Carole A. , Norton Peter , Lee Jacques S. , Wagg Adrian , Robinson Carole , Cummings Greta G.
Published: October 2020

Residents of long-term care (LTC) whose deaths are imminent are likely to trigger a transfer to the emergency department (ED), which may not be appropriate. Using data from an observational study, we employed structural equation modeling to examine relationships among organizational and resident variables and death during transitions between LTC and ED. We identified 524 residents involved in 637 transfers from 38 LTC facilities and 2 EDs. Our model fit the data, (χ2 = 72.91, df = 56, p = .064), explaining 15% variance in resident death. Sustained shortness of breath (SOB), persistent decreased level of consciousness (LOC) and high triage acuity at ED presentation were direct and significant predictors of death. The estimated model can be used as a framework for future research. Standardized reporting of SOB and changes in LOC, scoring of resident acuity in LTC and timely palliative care consultation for families in the ED, when they are present, warrant further investigation.
Social Relationships in Diverse Neighborhoods: Immigration and Gentrification in an Ethnic Enclave
Authors: Matsumoto Naka
Published: October 2020

While diversity is considered a condition for just and thriving neighborhoods and cities, planners often face challenges in creating and maintaining such neighborhoods, ensuring they remain inclusive. This article examines the social relationships of an aging ethnic enclave undergoing diversification through influxes of immigrants and young professionals. Field research conducted in Greektown in Baltimore revealed “symbolic relationships” across diverse resident groups that were derived from previous group experiences, cultural heritage, and self-identification. These inter-group symbolic relationships can serve as a foundation for the coexistence of diverse groups of residents and have the potential to foster collaboration among such groups.
Whatever happened to educational management? The case for reinstatement
Authors: Craig Ian
Published: October 2020

‘Leadership’ has now become one of the most over-used terms in school organisation, so much so that it is now difficult to find mentions of ‘management’ and ‘administration’ in school organisation literature. Papers published in Educational Management, Administration and Leadership and Management in Education over the last few years confirm this view. This article argues that although there is a significant overlap between them, leadership, management and administration are different from each other and this should be recognised when talking and writing about school organisation and development, with not all three being subsumed under the banner of ‘leadership’. In particular, the article argues for the re-establishment of management as a major element in the development and training of heads and prospective heads of schools and colleges.
Contribution of academics to university–industry knowledge exchange: A study of open innovation in Sri Lankan universities
Authors: Weerasinghe IMS , Dedunu HH
Published: October 2020

Collaboration between universities and industry is currently seen as a vehicle to improve innovation throughout the economy by means of knowledge and technology transfer. This paper examines the contributions of university staff to the promotion of knowledge exchange between universities and industry in Sri Lanka. In this quantitative explanatory study the authors apply a deductive research method and develop a conceptual framework that incorporates demographic and institutional factors as moderators. Academics of state universities constituted the survey population and 178 responses were received. SPSS and AMOS statistical packages assisted in the data analysis and a structural equation model was employed to explore the moderating effects. The findings revealed that the engagement of academic staff in joint research, contract research, human resource mobility and training was very low, and that the participation of males was greater than that of females. The impact of age on knowledge exchange was not linear in Sri Lanka. Further, the study ascertained that only joint research and training were important in knowledge exchange and that the university–industry relationship was significantly moderated by institutional factors. Other than the quality of academic work, other individual factors did not significantly moderate the relationship. The authors provide policy recommendations based on the findings.
Effect of pulsation in TIG welding on the microstructure, residual stresses, tensile and impact properties of Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy
Authors: Khan Fahd Nawaz , Junaid Massab , Hassan Ali Abdelhafeez , Baig Mirza Nadeem
Published: October 2020

Pulsation of current is widely employed in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding of titanium alloys. In the current study, the influence of welding speed and welding currents (peak and background) on the properties pulsed TIG welded Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy were investigated. The weldment characteristics which were analyzed included weld zone size, microstructure, residual stresses, tensile and impact properties. Increasing the welding speed and gradient of pulsed current enhanced grain strengthening in the fusion zone (FZ) which was attributed to increased cooling rate. Such a welding condition was also favorable in achieving full penetration weldments with a reduced; heat affected zone width, grain size in FZ and residual stresses. However, a tensile strength superior to the base metal was observed. The impact toughness reduced by increasing the pulsed current gradient and a high value of both peak and background currents were required to improve the impact toughness of the weldments.
Holocene precipitation changes in northeastern China from CCSM3 transient climate simulations
Authors: Zhang Ran , Jiang Dabang , Cheng Zhigang
Published: October 2020

To date, climate records have mainly shown three different trends of Holocene precipitation evolution in northeastern (NE) China, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we use model results from Holocene transient climate simulations conducted by the Community Climate System Model version 3 to investigate the evolution of precipitation in NE China and the associated mechanisms. The model results indicate that precipitation changes within NE China show obvious spatial discrepancies. In particular, the annual precipitation maximum occurs in the early Holocene for the western subregion, while it occurs in the mid-late Holocene for the eastern subregion. These results show two different trends of Holocene precipitation within NE China capturing the large-scale precipitation changes appearing in climate records. These spatial features are closely related to the gradual weakening of the East Asian summer monsoon during the Holocene and are mainly attributed to the combined effects of orbital forcing and the ice sheet. Changes in orbital parameters play a major role in the decreased precipitation in the western subregion, while changes in the ice sheet contribute more to the increased precipitation in the eastern subregion. The observed model-data discrepancy partly relates to the low horizontal resolution employed and the physical processes and parameterizations of the model used.
Apelin-13 protects the lungs from ischemia-reperfusion injury by attenuating inflammatory and oxidative stress
Authors: Xia F , Chen H , Jin Z , Fu Z
Published: October 2020

Apelin has been reported to regulate mitochondrial function in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, the role of apelin-13 in lung ischemia-reperfusion injury (LIRI) remains unclear. This study established an experimental rat model to evaluate the underlying mechanisms of apelin-13 on LIRI. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided to sham operation group (group SM), ischemia/reperfusion group (group IR), and apelin-13 treatment group (group APL). The effects of apelin-13 on LIRI were determined histologically using H&E staining, while the wet/dry weight ratio was used to assess lung edema caused by LIRI. Inflammatory cytokines were also detected in Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid by ELISA. The protein expression of UCP2 and the morphological changes of mitochondria were determined by western blotting and electromicroscopy, respectively. The results demonstrated the structural damage of lung tissues and lung edema in group IR. An increased level of inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α was observed in rats with LIRI using ELISA. After that, oxidative stress and morphological damage of mitochondria were also shown in group IR. Yet, the application of apelin-13 reversed all these deleterious effects in group APL. The protective effects of apelin-13 were indicated by decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and elevated UCP2 expression levels in rats. In conclusion, this study revealed that apelin-13 had protective effects against LIRI via attenuating lung edema, the production of inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Understanding fake news during the Covid-19 health crisis from the perspective of information behaviour: The case of Spain
Authors: Montesi Michela
Published: October 2020

The health crisis brought about by Covid-19 has generated a heightened need for information as a response to a situation of uncertainty and high emotional load, in which fake news and other informative content have grown dramatically. The aim of this work is to delve into the understanding of fake news from the perspective of information behaviour by analysing a sample of fake news items that were spread in Spain during the Covid-19 health crisis. A sample of 242 fake news items was collected from the Maldita.es website and analysed according to the criteria of cognitive and affective authority, interactivity, themes and potential danger. The results point to a practical absence of indicators of cognitive authority (53.7%), while the affective authority of these news items is built through mechanisms of discrediting people, ideas or movements (40.7%) and, secondarily, the use of offensive or coarse language (17.7%) and comparison or reference to additional information sources (26.6%). Interactivity features allow commenting in 24.3% of the cases. The dominant theme is society (43.1%), followed by politics (26.4%) and science (23.6%). Finally, fake news, for the most part, does not seem to pose any danger to the health or safety of people – the harm it causes is intangible and moral. The author concludes by highlighting the importance of a culture of civic values to combat fake news.
An Empirical Assessment of the Effectiveness of Offenders’ Rehabilitation Approach in South Africa: A Case Study of the Westville Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Murhula Patrick Bashizi Bashige , Singh Shanta Balgobind
Published: October 2020

The South African Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has a constitutional mandate to provide rehabilitation programs that address offenders’ criminal conducts. The rehabilitation approach currently used to deliver this mandate is grounded on the needs-based model where dynamic factors associated with recidivism are systematically targeted in the treatment of offenders’ criminal behaviors. In this research, a qualitative research methodology was employed, and a case study research design was utilized. Purposeful non-probability sampling was utilized to recruit participants. Thirty inmates and 20 correctional center officials who met the inclusion criteria for the study were selected to participate. Semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data during the empirical investigation. The findings of this study demonstrated that the DCS’s mission is far from being accomplished due to its failure to implement rehabilitation programs. The research study, therefore, recommends that for the success of a rehabilitation approach in South Africa, a critical review of the strategy meant to achieve this goal is required.
Civil Society Organisations and LGBT+ Rights in Bangladesh: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Chaney Paul , Sabur Seuty , Sahoo Sarbeswar
Published: October 2020

This article explores civil society organizations’ (CSOs) views on the contemporary situation of LGBT+ people in Bangladesh. It is a lacuna requiring attention because of the country’s poor and deteriorating equality and human rights record. Here we analyse the level of attention to prevailing human rights violations and apply critical frame analysis to the corpus of CSOs’ submissions to the United Nations third cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR), 2013–2018. These reveal how a series of key pathologies—including, violence, intimidation and discrimination—affect the lives of LGBT+ people. The wider significance of this study lies in highlighting that, while not a replacement for justiciable rights, the discursive processes offered by the UPR are of key significance in seeking to advance LGBT+ rights in countries like Bangladesh where oppression combines with extremism and political elites’ refusal to embrace equality in relation to gender identity and sexual orientation.
No such thing as society: Thatcher, Wittgenstein and the philosophy of social science
Authors: Kitching Gavin
Published: October 2020

This article argues that society is not a thing. It is abbreviated and adapted with permission from a public lecture, titled There Is No Such Thing as Society: Margaret Thatcher, Ludwig Wittgenstein and the Philosophy of Social Science. The original was presented by Gavin Kitching to the Cuadernos de la Catedra Ludwig Wittgenstein at Universidad Veracruzana, Mexico, in March 2019.
Inter-laboratory comparison of 2 ELISA kits used for foot-and-mouth disease virus nonstructural protein serology
Authors: Browning Clare F. J. , Di Nardo Antonello , Henry Lissie , Pollard Tim , Hendry Lynne , Romey Aurore , Relmy Anthony , Eble Phaedra , Brocchi Emiliana , Grazioli Santina , King Donald P. , Ludi Anna B.
Published: October 2020

Serologic assays used to detect antibodies to nonstructural proteins (NSPs) of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) are used for disease surveillance in endemic countries, and are essential to providing evidence for freedom of the disease with or without vaccination and to recover the free status of a country after an outbreak. In a 5-site inter-laboratory study, we compared the performance of 2 commercial NSP ELISA kits (ID Screen FMD NSP ELISA single day [short] and overnight protocols, ID.Vet; PrioCHECK FMDV NS antibody ELISA, Thermo Fisher Scientific). The overall concordance between the PrioCHECK and ID Screen test was 93.8% (95% CI: 92.0–95.2%) and 94.8% (95% CI: 93.1–96.1%) for the overnight and short ID Screen incubation protocols, respectively. Our results indicate that the assays (including the 2 different formats of the ID Screen test) can be used interchangeably in post-outbreak serosurveillance.
Lack of Consensus on Humoral Immune Status Among Survivors of Pediatric Hematological Malignancies: An Integrative Review
Authors: Junak Sophie C.
Published: October 2020

Leukemias and lymphomas account for more than half of new cancer cases in children each year. As a result of advancements in clinical protocols, survival rates for hematological malignancies in children now approximately 80% to 90%. The short-term effects of chemotherapy are well documented; however, many late effects remain unclear, notably those on the humoral immune system. The recent resistance toward childhood vaccination in some communities in conjunction with a growing number of potentially underprotected survivors could place this population at increased risk for common communicable diseases. Additionally, survivors could serve as a significant reservoir for further spread of disease within the general population. The state of the scientific knowledge regarding humoral immunity in this population is insufficient for concrete conclusions. An intensive search of the literature on various platforms was performed to identify articles reporting on the rates of protection to common vaccine-preventable diseases in survivors of pediatric hematological malignancies. Articles were selected with respect to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Quality was evaluated against specific methodological standards. Each study shows evidence that participants were lacking immunity to at least one vaccination following treatment. A majority of participants recovered immunity after revaccination, with a small percentage remaining unprotected. There is no consistency between studies regarding the rates at which immunity is present; furthermore, there are no particulars on how long immunity persists following revaccination. Vaccination represents an instrumental public health initiative for reducing morbidity and mortality globally. The clinical ramifications of losing protection against vaccine preventable diseases are therefore serious.
Patients’ Experiences of Informed Consent and Preoperative Education
Authors: Akyüz Elif , Erdem Yurdagül
Published: October 2020

The aim of this descriptive cross-sectional study was to determine adult surgery patients’ experiences of informed consent and preoperative education. Research was conducted between September 2018 and February 2019. The sample consisted of 201 adult patients of a university hospital in Turkey. Data were collected using a 48-item questionnaire developed by the researchers based on literature. More than half of the participants (54.2%) were fully informed while 36.8% were partially informed about their surgery process and 61.2% were informed by physicians. Overall, 33.3% had unanswered questions about surgery, with questions relating mostly to the type of surgery (26.8%) and its effect on their body (25.4%). Participants were least informed about preoperative deep breathing and cough exercises (47.8%). More than half (58.4%) of participants expected healthcare professionals to avoid using medical terminology when informing them. Physicians and nurses perform invasive interventions on patients and, therefore, should be sensitive about informing patients.
Organizational Costs and Benefits of a Health System Quality Improvement Intervention to Increase Aspirin Use for Primary Prevention of Heart Attack and Stroke
Authors: Abraham Jean Marie , Oldenburg Niki , Eder Milton , Luepker Russell
Published: October 2020

Performance improvement on clinical quality outcomes typically requires significant effort by personnel in health care organizations. Understanding the cost of quality improvement is important given diffusion of value-based contracting. This study investigates the organizational costs and benefits associated with planning and implementing the Ask about Aspirin intervention to increase use of low-dose aspirin in clinically recommended patient populations. Data from 4 health systems in Minnesota were used to estimate personnel effort and labor resource costs as well as corresponding benefits, measured as the change in aspirin use among eligible candidates during the study period. Overall personnel effort across the 4 systems was approximately 3900 hours with corresponding resource costs estimated to be $214,385. Aspirin use increased 4.7% overall, corresponding to roughly 1530 new users in the aspirin candidate population. Significant variation was observed by system in total hours reported, distribution of effort by activity type, and in benefits realized from the intervention.
Ugo Cerletti (1877–1963): An Early Italian Father of Electroshock and a Pioneer in Many Other Ways
Authors: Kotsaki Konstantina , Diamantis Aristidis , Magiorkinis Emmanouil
Published: October 2020

This article provides a biographical review of the life and the professional achievements of the Italian doctor Ugo Cerletti and an introduction on electroshock. Throughout his medical career, he travelled and studied in many countries all over the world. Building upon his systematic and comprehensive analysis of mental diseases, Cerletti introduced electroshock, which, at his time, was a novel therapeutic method. The main beneficial feature of electroshock was that it ameliorated refractory mental illnesses such as depression, mania, and schizophrenia. Additionally, Cerletti filmed the first scientific movie on electroshock. Furthermore, Cerletti left great lessons in the area of dementia, by proving the interaction between spirochaetes and progressive paralysis and exploring the causes of inflammation in the syphilitic brain. Cerletti was the first to announce the theory of acroagonines. Cerletti also made early discoveries on perivascular corpuscles, a discovery of such importance that the perivascular corpuscles are named corpuscles of Cerletti. Outside of the medical realm, Cerletti invented a new type of gun, and produced an early medical documentary. Cerletti received many national and international distinctions and awards. He died in 1963 at the age of 86.
Ifosfamide induced encephalopathy in a child with osteosarcoma
Authors: Sarbay Hakan , Demir Ülkü F. , Yılmaz Güliz , Atay Abdullah A. , Malbora Barış
Published: October 2020

Background

Ifosfamide (IFO) is an alkylating agent used to treat broad range of malignancies. One of the life-threatening toxic effects is reversible neurotoxicity. In this report; we presented a case report of ifosfamide induced encephalopathy (IIE) in a child with osteosarcoma in order to emphize that it is important to continue ifosfamide treatment as well as the importance of this potentially fatal complication.

Case report

Following the 20th week of ifosfamide treatment, the patient's follow-up with the diagnosis of osteosarcoma developed neurological findings. Laboratory analyzes before and after ifosfamide infusion were normal. No pathological findings were seen on MR imaging. Hypoglycemia, electrolyte disturbances, encephalitis, meningitis, metastasis and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) were not considered. Electroencephalography was found compatible with neuronal hyperexcitability originating from the left hemisphere. With the diagnosis of ifosfamide induced encephalopathy, prophylaxis with methylene blue was received before the next infusion of ifosfamide. Neurological findings were not observed in the patient's follow-up.

Conclusion

Patients who develop IIE can continue their treatment protocol with methylene blue prophylaxis and supportive therapy.
Eveningness Diurnal Preference: Putting the “Sluggish” in Sluggish Cognitive Tempo
Authors: Lunsford-Avery Jessica R. , Sweitzer Maggie M. , Kollins Scott H. , Mitchell John T.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Eveningness diurnal preference is common in psychiatric conditions, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and internalizing disorders. Little is known about how diurnal preference relates to sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT)—a distinct clinical construct associated with functional impairment—in clinical samples.

Method:

Adult outpatients ( n = 65; 43 with ADHD, 22 with internalizing/adjustment disorders) self-reported on SCT symptoms (total symptoms; slow/daydreamy, sleepy/sluggish, and low initiation/persistence factors) and diurnal preference.

Results:

Greater eveningness was associated with overall SCT severity and sleepy/sluggish symptoms in the full sample. Relationships between eveningness and overall SCT severity and slow/daydreamy symptoms were stronger for those with internalizing/adjustment disorders compared to ADHD. The relationship between eveningness and sleepy/sluggish symptoms was uniform across groups.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest a potential role of eveningness preference in adult SCT presentation. Future studies should investigate underlying mechanisms linking these two constructs and the efficacy of circadian interventions in the treatment of SCT among adult outpatients.
Psychometric Properties of the Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Scale in a Turkish Sample of Children and Adolescents
Authors: Gozpinar Nuran , Cakiroglu Suleyman , Gormez Vahdet
Published: October 2020

Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) has been proposed as a serious problem of attention, however there no validated psychometric measures for its evaluation in Turkish in a community sample. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric characteristics of the first SCT scale in Turkish in children and adolescents. A total of 418 children and adolescents between the ages of 6-18 years (9.83±2.8) were recruited. The data was obtained from parents using Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Scale and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The SCT scale-Turkish form demonstrated very good internal homogeneity (Cronbach’s α = .90), good test-retest reliability (r = .98), good concurrent validity ( r range = .35- .65) and good construct validity. Goodness of fit indices were found to be acceptable and statistically significant associations were found between SDQ and SCT scales. The SCT scale is a valid and reliable instrument in Turkish children and adolescents.
Paediatric cataract in the uveitis setting
Authors: O’Rourke Micheal , McCreery Kathryn , Kilmartin Dara , Brosnahan Donal
Published: October 2020

Background/aims:

Cataract formation is common in uveitis and is visually more threatening in the paediatric cohort due to the risk of amblyopia. In addition, paediatric uveitis can often be difficult to manage. We report our experience with IOL placement in cataract surgery in the setting of paediatric uveitis.

Methods:

This non-comparative, retrospective interventional case series examined our cases of paediatric cataract occurring in patients with uveitis from 2003 to 2016. Parameters examined included visual acuity (VA), underlying diagnosis, immunosuppression status, intra-operative complications and requirement for further surgery.

Results:

In total, 10 eyes of seven patients were identified. The mean age at diagnosis of uveitis was 7.7 years (range 5.2–14 years) with onset of cataract at a mean of 29.3 months later (range 0–66 months). Three cases were bilateral and four cases were unilateral. Final visual outcomes were excellent with 80% showing improvement in VA achieving greater than 6/9.5 ( p < 0.05). These patients had significant co-morbidities with concurrent glaucoma, band keratopathy and cystoid macular oedema. Uveitis was quiet for a minimum of 6 months in all cases prior to surgery with augmentation of immunosuppression pre-operatively as well as intra-operative local or intra-venous steroids. Tight post-operative care was necessary as 80% developed further flare-up of uveitis requiring increased immunosuppression and surgical interventions to manage their uveitis.

Conclusion:

Paediatric uveitis patients who develop cataract can have good visual outcomes with IOL insertion at the time of surgery when there is aggressive control of uveitis in the pre, peri and post-operative period.
TriPla Regimen: A new treatment approach for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration in the COVID-19 “era”
Authors: Sacconi Riccardo , Borrelli Enrico , Vella Giovanna , Querques Lea , Prascina Francesco , Zucchiatti Ilaria , Bandello Francesco , Querques Giuseppe
Published: October 2020

In the last months, a rapidly increasing number of people have been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Due to the risk of cross-infections, the number of visits and injections was dramatically reduced in the last months, and the time between visits has been rescheduled from every 15 to 45 min, significantly impairing the total number of available visits. Although continuity of care has been allowed, a series of measures to diminish the risk of contamination need to be adopted until the end of this pandemic outbreak, which may persist until the development of an effective vaccine. For these reasons, we have introduced a new treatment regimen that is aimed at reducing the number of in-person visits and achieving continuity of treatment. This regimen is named “Triple and Plan” (TriPla). The main advantage of the TriPla regimen is to reduce the number of visits of patients in comparison to the pro re nata and treat and extend regimen. Using the TriPla regimen, the risk of contamination would be reduced. Furthermore, by reducing the number of scheduled visits, physicians could guarantee an adequate number of examinations for each patient, lengthening the interval between visits, and reducing the risk of cross-infections.
An intraoperative assessment of bacterial contamination on surgical helmets and gloves during arthroplasty surgeries
Authors: Thaler Martin , Khosravi Ismail , Lechner Ricarda , Ladner Birgit , Coraça-Huber Débora C , Nogler Michael
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Infection is a devasting complication after primary and revision arthroplasty. Therefore, identifying potential sources of infection can help to reduce infection rates. The aim of this study was to identify the impact and potential risk of contamination for glows and surgical helmets during arthroplasty procedures.

Methods:

Surveillance cultures were used to detect contamination of the glow interface during the surgery and the surgical helmets immediately at the end of the surgery. The cultures were taken from 49 arthroplasty procedures from the surgeon as well as the assisting surgeon.

Results:

In total, 196 cultures were taken. 31 (15.8%) of them showed a contamination. 12 (13.5%) of 98 cultures taken from the surgical helmets were positive, while 18 (18.3%) of 96 cultures taken from the gloves showed a contamination.

Discussion:

The study showed that during arthroplasty procedures, surgical helmets and gloves were frequently contaminated with bacteria. In 20 of 49 (40.8%) arthroplasty surgeries, either the surgical helmet or the gloves showed a contamination. Surgeons should be aware that they might be a source for infection during arthroplasty surgeries.
Insights into the tribological behavior of IF-WS2 nanoparticle reinforced mild extreme pressure lubrication for coated chromium/bulk grey cast iron interface
Authors: Fayaz Syed Danish , Wani MF
Published: October 2020

This study reports a novel synergetic approach combining nano-lubrication and conventional extreme pressure additivation, to explore the tribological performance of piston ring/cylinder liner conformal contact. Three typical lubricating formulations, viz, (i) PAO (poly-alpha-olefin) base oil (ii) base oil with mild extreme pressure (MEP) additive, and (iii) base oil with composite blend of mild extreme pressure (MEP) additive and WS2 nano-particles, were investigated using an ASTM G-99 Standard customized universal tribometer for evaluating friction and wear behavior of coated chromium/bulk grey cast iron (CI) tribopair. The lubricant formulations were tested at engine working temperature of 200 °C, reciprocated under a normal load of 30 N, stroke length of 10 mm and a constant sliding velocity of 0.2 ms−1. Wear attributes were evaluated by employing non-contact based 3 D optical profilometry. For assessment of tribo-surface morphology and associated surface characterization, Elemental Dispersion Spectral (EDS) incorporated Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was utilised. Green Laser Raman spectroscopy investigated tribo-chemistry, synergetic interactions and tribo-film formations. A state approaching super-lubricity and ultralow friction was achieved by sliding grey CI (Plateau Honed) cylinder liner against electroplated chrome stainless steel top compression ring with PAO10 base oil ultrasonically dispersed with 1 vol% of Isopropyl phenyl Phosphate (IPP), a mild extreme pressure (MEP) triaryl phosphate additive & 1 wt.% of WS2. Results obtained therein demonstrated four dominating forms of wear on the cast iron surface, i.e. plowing wear, abrasive wear, adhesive wear and oxidative wear. Counterpart chromium surface exhibited plowing and abrasive wear only. This substantial friction and wear reduction are attributed to the coalesced intrinsic characteristics of MEP and IF-WS2 additives, thus improving the overall lubrication characteristics of base oil.
Using Bayesian networks for the assessment of underwater scour for road and railway bridges
Authors: Maroni Andrea , Tubaldi Enrico , Val Dimitri V , McDonald Hazel , Zonta Daniele
Published: October 2020

Flood-induced scour is among the most common external causes of bridge failures worldwide. In the United States, scour is the cause of 22 bridges fails every year, whereas in the UK, it contributed significantly to the 138 collapses of bridges in the last century. Scour assessments are currently based on visual inspections, which are time-consuming and expensive. Nowadays, sensor and communication technologies offer the possibility to assess in real time the scour depth at critical bridge locations; yet, monitoring an entire infrastructure network is not economically feasible. A way to overcome this limitation is to instal scour monitoring systems at critical bridge locations, and then extend the piece of information gained to the other assets exploiting the correlations present in the system. In this article, we propose a scour hazard model for road and railway bridge scour management that utilises information from a limited number of scour monitoring systems to achieve a more confined estimate of the scour risk for a bridge network. A Bayesian network is used to describe the conditional dependencies among the involved random variables and to update the scour depth distribution using data from monitoring of scour and river flow characteristics. This study constitutes the first application of Bayesian networks to bridge scour risk assessment. The proposed probabilistic framework is applied to a case study consisting of several road bridges in Scotland. The bridges cross the same river, and only one of them is instrumented with a scour monitoring system. It is demonstrated how the Bayesian network approach allows to significantly reduce the uncertainty in the scour depth at unmonitored bridges.
An intelligent algorithm based on evolutionary strategy and clustering algorithm for Lamb wave defect location
Authors: Chen Honglei , Liu Zenghua , Wu Bin , He Cunfu
Published: October 2020

Imaging algorithms for visualization of defects play a significant role in Lamb wave–based research of nondestructive testing and structural health monitoring. In classical algorithms, the position or distribution of defects is located by mapping the amplitude or phase information of signals from the time domain to every discrete spatial grid of the structure. It is time-consuming. In this study, the diversity, statistical, and fuzzy characteristics of the elliptic imaging algorithm are analyzed first; then, an intelligent defect location algorithm is proposed based on the evolutionary strategy and the K-means algorithm. The position of defects can be identified by observing the distribution of individuals. There are six parts in the proposed algorithm, including the data structure design, adaptive population screening, adaptive population reproduction, diversity maintenance mechanism, and cutoff criterion. Considering the statistical and fuzzy characteristics in the detection, several specific input parameters are defined in our algorithm, such as the distance-dependent screening threshold, path-dependent residual vector, and path-independent residual. To maintain the diversity of individuals in the analysis, we have made two adjustments to the evolutionary strategy: one is to optimize the population screening and reproduction steps with the K-means algorithm, and the other is to add a diversity maintenance method into the evolutionary strategy. The effectiveness of the proposed intelligent defect location algorithm is verified by numerical simulations and experiments. Numerical studies indicate that the proposed algorithm has a reliable performance in the detection of defects with different shapes and sizes. In the experimental research, we demonstrate that the efficiency of the proposed algorithm is about 200 times faster than the elliptic imaging algorithm. And the optimum parameter setting of the algorithm is investigated by analyzing the influence of parameter setting on the detection.
Development of a lean manufacturing simulation laboratory for continuing education students
Authors: Jasti Naga VK , Kota Srinivas , Venkataraman PB
Published: October 2020

The objective of the article is to establish the significance of a simulation laboratory especially simulation exercises for continuing education students in lean manufacturing course. Subsequently, identify the influence and analysis of these simulation exercises in exploring, understanding and implementing lean strategies in various contexts. The research is carried out through the following steps: enhancing the course handout and course outcomes, identifying the various lean concepts and proposing relevant exercises, mapping the course outcomes with the proposed exercises, identifying the appropriate simulation tool and developing the proposed exercises, deciding the mode of simulation laboratory offering, offering the selected critical exercises in simulation laboratory, conducting a critical review of simulation exercises with a team of experts and performing a comparative study on the student performance. The study has identified that there was a significant improvement in the performance of the students after participating in the simulation laboratory, especially in achieving the course outcomes. This was established by the analysis of the various examination scores, feedback on simulation exercises and instructors. This attempt is the first of its kind to analyse the student performance after incorporating simulation laboratory in a lean manufacturing course. The focus is on evaluating student performance based on the scores in the examinations. A population of 488 students enrolled in a masters’ degree programme is considered in the analysis 234 (without simulation lab) and 254 (with simulation lab).
Recasting Life Is Strange: Video Game Voice Acting during the 2016–2017 SAG-AFTRA Strike
Authors: Švelch Jan , Švelch Jaroslav
Published: October 2020

Video game voice acting does not rank among the core roles of video game production, yet actors in leading roles sometimes achieve wide recognition despite their contingent employment. In this article, we explore the role of voice actors in the video game culture using the specific case of the recasting of the video game series Life Is Strange, which was caused by the 2016 to 2017 SAG-AFTRA strike against video game companies. Our qualitative empirical analysis of journalistic coverage (including interviews with voice actors), promotional materials, press releases, and player discussions reconstructs the events of the game’s production and investigates the reception of the recasting with regard to actor-character identification and to labor conditions of voice actors. We find that voice actors, whose status is partly dependent on the popularity of their characters, attempt to rise “above the line” by engaging in relational labor.
Composite polymer particles containing bismuth vanadate particles for self-cleaning fabrics
Authors: Klubchom Chonticha , Chaiyasat Preeyaporn , Chaiyasat Amorn
Published: October 2020

The aim of this research was to prepare composite polymer particles containing bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) particles through microsuspension iodine transfer polymerization ( ms ITP) for fabric coating as a self-cleaning fabric. To reduce the aggregation of pristine BiVO4 particles during the fabric coating process, composite polymer particles containing the visible-light-driven photocatalyst as BiVO4 particles in self-cleaning fabric applications were investigated in the first time. First, BiVO4 particles were prepared via an aqueous chelating method where the stable precursor solutions of Bi3+ and V5+ with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ligand were obtained. After calcination at 500 °C, the BiVO4 particles were obtained. To disperse them well in an oil (monomer) phase in ms ITP, the BiVO4 surface was modified by oleic acid as o-BiVO4 to present a hydrophobic surface. The encapsulation efficiency of the o-BiVO4 (≥60%) in composite poly(methylmethacrylate-divinylbenzene) (P[MMA-DVB]/o-BIVO) particles was significantly higher than that (≈10%) of the pristine BiVO4 particles. Using polyethylene glycol 30 dipolyhydroxystearate (DPHS) as a porogen, porous P(MMA-DVB)/o-BiVO4 particles still maintaining their spherical shape were obtained with an 8% particle of DPHS. Furthermore, increasing the hydrophilic polymer shell by adding 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in the oil phase of ms ITP, the P(MMA-DVB-HEMA)/o-BiVO4 particles showed a much higher methylene blue (MB) degradation rate under visible light for 1 h (24 mg MB/g BiVO4 or 96% MB degradation) than that (13 mg MB/g BiVO4 or 52% MB degradation) of the pristine BiVO4. Moreover, the fabric coated with porous P(MMA-DVB-HEMA)/o-BiVO4 particles showed a satisfactory self-cleaning property.