bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Um olhar semiótico sobre livros didáticos para o ensino de língua materna no Brasil e na França
Authors: Tocaia Luciano Magnoni , Lara Glaucia Muniz Proença
Published: August 2020

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar uma análise linguístico-discursiva a partir do cotejo de dois livros didáticos para o ensino de língua materna: Fleurs d’Encre 3ᵉ, para o ensino de Língua Francesa, e Português Linguagens 9º ano, para o ensino de Língua Portuguesa. Examinam-se, pelo quadro teórico-metodológico proposto pela semiótica discursiva francesa, os procedimentos de instauração de pessoas e tempos no enunciado, bem como os procedimentos de tematização e figurativização dos discursos em questão.
Equoterapia como ação extensionista de inclusão social e escolar
Authors: Daxenberger Ana Cristina Silva , Castro Josilene Maria da Cunha , Cândido Maria Lorena De Assis , Henriques Lara Toledo
Published: August 2020

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar as ações de um projeto de extensão universirária que traz como foco principal a inclusão social e escolar, em parceria com Ministério Público do Trabalho, Associação de Pais e Amigos do Expecional e Universidade Federal da Paraíba por meio da prática de equoterapia. As ações foram realizadas de 2016 a 2018, por meio de sessões semanais, com duração de 20 a 30 minutos, a 24 pessoas com deficiência, sendo atendidas por especialistas na área de fisioterapia, fonoaudiologia, psicologia, educador fisico, pedagoga e equitadores (universitários extensionistas). Houve melhoras quanto à postura corporal, a oralidade, propriopercepção, tónus muscular, aspectos social entre outros. Quanto à formação social dos universitários podemos apontar envolvimento social e responsabilidade no aspecto humano e profissional. Os desafios a serem enfretados é a falta de recursos financeiros para ampliação do projeto e fortalecimento das redes sociais para aceitação da diversidade.
Deportivización y proceso de secularización en el Uruguay (1870-1930)
Authors: Malan Paula
Published: August 2020

El objetivo de este trabajo es explorar las afinidades entre el proceso de deportivización y el proceso de secularización en el Uruguay, durante el período comprendido entre 1870 y 1930, a partir de la relación establecida entre el Estado, las minorías protestantes y la Asociación Cristiana de Jóvenes (ACJ). El proceso de institucionalización del deporte en Uruguay estuvo ligado al accionar de misioneros protestantes norteamericanos que llegaron a la región, desde finales del siglo XIX, para proyectar la instalación de las primeras Asociaciones Cristianas de Jóvenes (ACJs) en Sudamérica. En 1919, Uruguay se constituye en el primer país laico de Sudamérica, al producirse la separación definitiva entre el Estado y la Religión Católica. En 1922, Montevideo fue elegida por la Confederación Sudamericana de ACJs como localidad para instalar el primer Instituto Técnico Sudamericano de ACJs, donde se formarían los primeros secretarios y directores de educación física del continente. La hipótesis principal presentada en este trabajo es que la práctica deportiva envolvería un programa religioso, poco reconocido en los estudios históricos a nivel nacional, el cual permitiría comprender el modo en que el deporte jugó un rol clave en el proceso de secularización en el Uruguay. La doctrina de la Cristiandad Muscular, en vínculo con la ACJ y las minorías protestantes, y por medio de la práctica deportiva, habría aportado algunos de los rasgos que hicieran posible la configuración de un nuevo ethos o modelo de sujeto laico en Uruguay, durante el período 1870-1930. Desde una perspectiva histórica que recoge las afectaciones del análisis del discurso francés, se exploran fuentes documentales pertenecientes a archivos privados y al Centro de Memoria de Educación Física (CEMEF) en Uruguay.
Mortality and Pre‐Hospitalization Use of Renin‐Angiotensin System Inhibitors in Patients with Hypertension and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19)
Authors: Chen Chen , Wang Feng , Chen Peng , Jiang Jiangang , Cui Guanglin , Zhou Ning , Moroni Francesco , Moslehi Javid J. , Ammirati Enrico , Wang Dao Wen
Published: August 2020

Background

There has been significant controversy about the effects of pre‐hospitalization use of renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors on the prognosis of patients with hypertension and coronavirus disease 2019.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively assessed 2297 hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 at Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China, from January 10 to March 30, 2020; and identified 1182 patients with known hypertension on pre‐hospitalization therapy. We compared the baseline characteristics and in‐hospital mortality between patients with hypertension taking RAS inhibitors (n=355) versus non‐RAS inhibitors (n=827). Of the 1182 patients with hypertension (median age 68 years, 49.1% male), 12/355 (3.4%) patients died in the RAS inhibitors group versus 95/827 (11.5%) patients in the non‐RAS inhibitors group (
P
<0.0001). Adjusted hazard ratio for mortality was 0.28 (95% CI 0.15–0.52,
P
<0.0001) at 45 days in the RAS inhibitors group compared with non‐RAS inhibitors group. Similar findings were observed when patients taking angiotensin receptor blockers (n=289) or angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (n=66) were separately compared with non‐RAS inhibitors group. The RAS inhibitors group compared with non‐RAS inhibitors group had lower levels of C‐reactive protein (median 13.5 versus 24.4 pg/mL;
P
=0.007) and interleukin‐6 (median 6.0 versus 8.5 pg/mL;
P
=0.026) on admission. The protective effect of RAS inhibitors on mortality was confirmed in a meta‐analysis of published data when our data were added to previous studies (odd ratio 0.44, 95% CI 0.29–0.65,
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions

In a large single center retrospective analysis, we observed a protective effect of pre‐hospitalization use of RAS inhibitors on mortality in patients with hypertension and coronavirus disease 2019, which might be associated with reduced inflammatory response.
Diversity of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) in the Svalbard archipelago: a historical overview
Authors: SENICZAK ANNA , SENICZAK STANISŁAW
Published: August 2020

Studies on Oribatida from Svalbard have nearly a 150-year long history. This paper reviews species diversity of Oribatida in Svalbard from a historical aspect, summarizes how often species have been found and detects erroneous reports. A list of 93 oribatid species (including Astigmata) from the Svalbard archipelago is presented. The species represent 30 families, of which Brachychthoniidae (14 spp.) and Crotoniidae (12 spp.) are particularly species-rich. The most often occurring oribatid species is Diapterobates notatus (Thorell, 1871), mentioned in 50% of publications, followed by Ameronothrus lineatus (Thorell, 1871) and Hermannia reticulata Thorell, 1871, mentioned in 30% papers each. About one third of the species have been found in Svalbard only once, and half of them (i.e. 15 species) were reported only in the last century, including five very old records. Acarological studies in Svalbard are heavily biased since they have concentrated on the island of Spitsbergen with limited sampling of other islands / island groups: for example, Barentsøya, Bjørnøya, Danskøya, Edgeøya, Hopen, Lågøya, Kong Karls Land, Prins Karls Forland and Sofiaøya.
Two new cave-dwelling pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones: Neobisiidae: Parobisium) from Yunnan, China
Authors: ZHANG CHEN , FENG ZEGANG , ZHANG FENG
Published: August 2020

Two new species of troglomorphic pseudoscorpions of the family Neobisiidae, collected from karst caves in Yunnan, China, are described: Parobisium laevigatum sp. n. and P. muchonggouense sp. n.. A key to the Parobisium species from China is also provided.
Long-Autonomy Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle (UAV) for Quick Release of Ocean Minidrifters
Authors: Roa Antonio Gómez , Flores-Vidal Xavier , Gastelum Orlando Avendaño , Núñez Rogelio , Rangel Andrés Sandoval , Liera Grijalva Cesar A. , Nieto Hipólito Juan Ivan
Published: August 2020

In this work we present an unmanned aircraft vehicle (UAV) designed from off-the-shelf components to release ocean minidrifters. Its endurance (~1 h), payload (~5 kg), offshore range (~30 km), capability of operating into wind conditions of ~10 kt (1 kt ≈ 0.51 m s−1), high-precision autopilot (2–3 m), and flying altitude of ~500 m above sea level, along with its relatively low cost [<$5,000 (U.S. dollars)] enables quick and relatively easy oceanographic applications beyond 10 km offshore. We report here the very first successful ocean drifter releases, performed along the Baja California coast, between Tijuana and Rosarito, Mexico, and the technical details of the UAV. About 50 experiments (flights) allowed us to improve the takeoff and landing, the release tunnel for minidrifters, the cruise speed and altitude to release drifters safely, and to implement a parachute that controls the speed of the freefalling minidrifters. Quick release of up to six drifters (armed with real-time data transfer and web display) between 2 and 12 km offshore were performed at ~500 m above sea level, during a single flight in under 15 min, as opposed to classic techniques using boats or ships that, although can transport much more weight, can take several hours, use more human resources, and increase cost. Here we propose a novel open-source technique that can be used as a simplified method for scientific ocean measurements, as a quick-response emergency tool to map spills or for search and rescue.
A Climatology of Indirect Tropical Cyclone Interactions in the North Atlantic and Western North Pacific Basins
Authors: Prince Kevin C. , Evans Clark
Published: August 2020

While it is understood that a recurving tropical cyclone (TC) that interacts with the midlatitude flow can cause large changes to the midlatitude flow pattern, it is much less understood if, and how, such events could impact a downstream tropical cyclone. Here, an indirect TC interaction is defined as one in which a primary TC perturbs the downstream midlatitude waveguide within one synoptic-scale wavelength of a secondary TC. In this study, a climatology and composite analysis using ERA-Interim reanalysis data is completed for all indirect interactions occurring between two tropical and/or subtropical cyclones in the North Atlantic and western North Pacific basins between 1989 and 2018. In all, 26 cases are identified in the North Atlantic and 56 cases are identified in the western North Pacific. The composite-mean interaction between a primary TC and upstream trough amplifies the immediate downstream ridge, increasing the tropospheric-deep vertical wind shear on its poleward and, in the western North Pacific, eastern, and equatorward flanks. An amplified downstream trough is detectable farther downstream in the western North Pacific 1–2 days after interaction onset; however, the same is not true in the North Atlantic, in which some cases exhibit anticyclonic Rossby wave breaking of the immediate downstream ridge. Secondary TCs that weaken following the indirect-interaction events are primarily located along the gradient between the downstream ridge and trough (North Atlantic) or at high latitudes (western North Pacific); those that strengthen are primarily located equatorward of the downstream ridge, particularly in the western North Pacific.
ENSO Dynamics, Trends, and Prediction Using Machine Learning
Authors: Rojo Hernández Julián David , Mesa Óscar José , Lall Upmanu
Published: August 2020

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has global effects on the hydrological cycle, agriculture, ecosystems, health, and society. We present a novel nonhomogeneous hidden Markov model (NHMM) for studying the underlying dynamics of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) over the region 15°N–15°S, 150°E–80°W from January 1856 to December 2019, using the monthly SSTA data from the Kaplan extended SST v2 product. This nonparametric machine learning scheme dynamically simulates and predicts the spatiotemporal evolution of ENSO patterns, including their asymmetry, long-term trends, persistence, and seasonal evolution. The model identifies five hidden states whose spatial SSTA patterns are similar to the so-called ENSO flavors in the literature. From the fitted NHMM, the model shows that there are systematic trends in the frequency and persistence of the regimes over the last 160 years that may be related to changes in the mean state of basin temperature and/or global warming. We evaluated the ability of NHMM to make out-of-sample probabilistic predictions of the spatial structure of temperature anomalies for the period 1995–2016 using a training period from January 1856 to December 1994. The results show that NHMMs can simulate the behavior of the Niño-3.4 and Niño-1.2 regions quite well. The NHMM results over this period are comparable or superior to the commonly available ENSO prediction models, with the additional advantage of directly providing insights as to the space patterns, seasonal, and longer-term trends of the SSTA in the equatorial Pacific region.
Adaptation to the Climate Crisis: Opportunities for Food and Nutrition Security and Health in a Pacific Small Island State
Authors: Savage Amy , Schubert Lisa , Huber Corey , Bambrick Hilary , Hall Nina , Bellotti Bill
Published: August 2020

Climate change, malnutrition, and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are three of the most significant health challenges of this century, and they share fundamental underlying drivers. Pacific Island countries (PICs) are at the forefront of the impacts of climate change, which is likely to affect food and nutrition security (FNS) directly and indirectly, and many countries have existing high NCD burdens. This paper surveys the climate change adaptation (CCA) landscape in one PIC, Vanuatu. It explores the extent to which FNS and diet-related NCDs are considered and addressed within CCA initiatives. A comprehensive review of the literature related to CCA, FNS, and NCDs in Vanuatu was combined with 32 semistructured interviews with key experts and stakeholders. This study found that some promising groundwork has been laid for tackling the effects of climate change on FNS in policy and governance, agriculture, coastal management, and nutrition. However, several opportunities for strengthening CCA were identified: targeting urban populations; complementary integration of disaster risk reduction and CCA; incorporating local knowledge; applying a systems-based framing of NCDs as climate-sensitive health risks; and emphasizing human-centered, community-led CCA. Vanuatu will continue to be affected by accelerating climate change. A strong foundation for CCA presents clear opportunities for further development. As food and nutrition insecurity and diet-related NCD risk factors are increasingly exacerbated by climate change, alongside other socioeconomic drivers, it is crucial to find new and innovative ways to increase transformational resilience and adaptive capacity that also improve nutrition and health outcomes.
Improving China’s Resilience to Climate-Related Risks: The China Framework for Climate Services
Authors: Wang Yujie , Song Lianchun , Hewitt Chris , Golding Nicola , Huang Zili
Published: August 2020

The primary needs for climate services in China, in the form of climate information for decision-making, are to better prepare for and manage meteorological-related disasters, adaptation to climate change, and sustainable development. In this paper, the vision, structure, content, and governance of the China Framework for Climate Services, which is designed to respond to these primary needs, is described. This paper reflects on practice, lessons, and experience developing and delivering climate services in China for disaster risk reduction, agriculture, water, energy, urbanization, and major engineering projects. Four key aspects of successful climate services are highlighted: the transition of climate research to operational climate services; delivering relevant, tailored, and usable climate information; effective engagement between users and providers of climate services; and building interdisciplinary professional teams. Key challenges and opportunities for climate services are recognized in this paper: a growing gap between climate science and services capability and societal need, a lack of awareness in user communities of the climate service value for their activities, and the important need for closer and more meaningful interactions between users and providers of climate services. The delivery and uptake of high-quality, relevant, usable, and effective climate services will facilitate climate-smart decisions that will reduce climate risks and improve Chinese societal resilience.
Impact of the Climate Matters Program on Public Understanding of Climate Change
Authors: Myers Teresa A. , Maibach Edward W. , Placky Bernadette Woods , Henry Kimberly L. , Slater Michael D. , Seitter Keith L.
Published: August 2020

Climate Matters is a localized climate change reporting resources program developed to support television (TV) weathercasters across the United States. Developed as a pilot test in one media market in 2010, it launched nationwide in 2013; in the autumn of 2019 more than 797 weathercasters were participating in the program. In this paper we present evidence of the impact of the Climate Matters program on Americans’ science-based understanding of climate change. We analyzed three sets of data in a multilevel model: 20 nationally representative surveys of American adults conducted biannually since 2010 (n = 23 635), data on when and how frequently Climate Matters stories were aired in each U.S. media market, and data describing the demographic, economic, and climatic conditions in each media market. We hypothesized that 1) reporting about climate change by TV weathercasters will increase science-based public understanding of climate change and 2) this effect will be stronger for people who pay more attention to local weather forecasts. Our results partially support the first hypothesis: controlling for market-level factors (population size, temperature, political ideology, and economic prosperity) and individual-level factors (age, education, income, gender, and political ideology), there is a significant positive association between the amount of Climate Matters reporting and some key indicators of science-based understanding (including that climate change is occurring, is primarily human caused, and causes harm). However, there was no evidence for the second hypothesis. These findings suggest that climate reporting by TV weathercasters, as enabled by the Climate Matters program, may be increasing the climate literacy of the American people.
A Multi-Institutional Analysis of Damage Control Laparotomy in Elderly Trauma Patients: Do Geriatric Trauma Protocols Matter?
Authors: Smith Alison , Onyiego Alexandra , Duchesne Juan , Tatum Danielle , Harris Charles , Moreno-Ponte Oscar I. , Strumwasser Aaron , Inaba Kenji , O’Keeffe Terence , Black Joshua , Quintana Megan T. , Gupta Shailvi , Brocker Jason , Schreiber Martin , Pickett Maryanne L. , Cripps Michael W. , Guidry Chrissy
Published: August 2020

Background

Trauma centers are receiving increasing numbers of older trauma patients. There is a lack of literature on the outcomes for elderly trauma patients who undergo damage control laparotomy (DCL). We hypothesized that trauma centers with geriatric protocols would have better outcomes in elderly patients after DCL.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of consecutive adult trauma patients with DCL at 8 level 1 trauma centers was conducted from 2012 to 2018. Patients aged 40 or older were included. Age ≥ 55 years was defined as elderly. Demographics, injury information, clinical outcomes, including mortality, and complications were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 379 patients with DCLs were identified with an average age of 54.8 ± 0.4 years with 39.3% (n = 149/379) of patients aged ≥ 55. Geriatric protocols or a consulting geriatric service was present at 37.5% (n = 3/8) of institutions. Age ≥ 55 was a significant risk factor for in-hospital mortality (OR 2, 95% CI 1.0-4.0, P = .04). Institutions without dedicated geriatric trauma protocols/services had higher overall in-hospital mortality on both univariate (57.9% vs 34.3%, P = .02) and multivariate analyses (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.4, P < .001).

Conclusions

Surgical management of older trauma patients remains a challenge. Geriatric protocols or dedicated services were found to be associated with improved outcomes. Future efforts should focus on standardizing the availability of these resources at trauma centers.
Two-Year Clinical Outcomes Between Prediabetic and Diabetic Patients With STEMI and Multivessel Disease Who Underwent Successful PCI Using Drug-Eluting Stents
Authors: Kim Yong Hoon , Her Ae-Young , Jeong Myung Ho , Kim Byeong-Keuk , Hong Sung-Jin , Kim Seunghwan , Ahn Chul-Min , Kim Jung-Sun , Ko Young-Guk , Choi Donghoon , Hong Myeong-Ki , Jang Yangsoo
Published: August 2020

To evaluate clinical implication of prediabetes, we compared a 2-year major clinical outcome including patient-oriented composite outcomes (POCOs), stent thrombosis (ST), and stroke between prediabetes and diabetes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease (MVD). A total of 4097 patients with STEMI and MVD (normoglycemia [group A: 1001], prediabetes [group B: 1518], and diabetes [group C: 1578]) who received drug-eluting stents were evaluated. Patient-oriented composite outcomes were defined as all-cause death, recurrent myocardial infarction (MI), or any repeat revascularization. The cumulative incidences of POCOs, ST, and stroke were similar between groups B and C. The cumulative incidences of all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.483; 95% CI: 1.027-2.143; P = .036) and all-cause death or MI (aHR: 1.429, 95% CI: 1.034-1.974; P = .031) were higher in group B than in group A. The cumulative incidences of all-cause death (aHR: 1.563; 95% CI: 1.089-2.243; P = .015), cardiac death (aHR: 1.661; 95% CI: 1.123-2.457; P = .011), and all-cause death or MI were higher in group C than in group A. In conclusion, prediabetes could potentially have a similar impact as diabetes on major clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI and MVD.
Transforming Friendship: Thomas Aquinas on Charity as Friendship with God
Authors: Kanary Jonathan
Published: August 2020

This article argues that Thomas Aquinas’s definition of charity in the Summa Theologiae as ‘a kind of friendship’ represents a distinctive and theologically significant development of both the Aristotelian and the Christian monastic traditions on which he builds. By approaching his discussion of charity in the secunda secundae through the gateway of friendship, Thomas is able to characterize the spiritual vision of this portion of the Summa through a twofold movement of grace and participation. The shape of this twofold movement has an implicitly incarnational character, and thus points to the divine Subject of the Summa’s third and culminating volume. But the participatory aspect of this spiritual theology also reveals the indispensable role of the human person, and thus allows Thomas to offer a nuanced explanation of the ways that friendship with God relates to friendships with other human beings.
Composite material with polyurethane-based reactive hot-melt matrix
Authors: Marulanda Arévalo José Luddey , Gasga José Reyes , Martínez Miguel Ángel , Mendoza Eligio Alberto Orozco
Published: August 2020

Reactive hot-melt resin can form joints with a certain flexibility, high processing speed, high initial rigidity, and high temperature. Such resins can be used to manufacture fiberglass composites because they support a high tensile stress, allow for large strains at low stresses, and have a low density and a working temperature range of −40–110°C. Furthermore, when the mechanical stress is removed, the material returns to its initial condition, as observed in the flexural tests. A polyurethane-based reactive hot-melt resin was characterized by tensile shear tests, Shore hardness tests, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetry. The contact angles at different temperatures were measured to evaluate the adhesive wettability and to select the best application temperature range of the adhesive, finding the best result at 140 °C. The matrix was characterized at different curing times, and matrix bonding with different adhesive materials was evaluated to provide a greater versatility of applications, to explore new fields of use of this resin as in the matrix of a composite with fiberglass.
Secularization among immigrants in Scandinavia: Religiosity across generations and duration of residence
Authors: Kasselstrand Isabella , Mahmoudi Setareh
Published: August 2020

The integration of religious minorities within the secularized West has been a recurring topic of scholarly interest. Previous studies show that religious identities are shaped by family background and social context. Using data from the European Social Survey, this study turns to Scandinavia, the most secular region of the world, to examine religious salience among immigrants over time and across generations. The findings reveal that on most measures, second-generation immigrants are more secular than the first generation, but more religious than their native peers. However, individuals with one immigrant and one native parent are less likely to identify with a religion than other groups, including the native majority. Furthermore, among first-generation immigrants, there is a negative relationship between the duration of residence and religiosity. This study argues for the fluidity of religiosity among immigrants and the secularizing effect of structural agents on the salience of religious identities.
Lasers in Cholesteatoma Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lau Kimberley , Stavrakas Marios , Yardley Mark , Ray Jaydip
Published: August 2020

Objectives:

The mainstay of cholesteatoma treatment is surgical and requires the removal of all squamous epithelium from the underlying normal structure. The application of laser technology in middle ear and mastoid surgery has shown promise in achieving both disease eradication and hearing preservation. This systematic review aims to include studies that have assessed the application of laser to the treatment of cholesteatoma and to review its outcomes in terms of disease eradication as well as hearing results.

Method:

Two independent researchers conducted a systematic review of the literature on MEDLINE and Cochrane library, according to PRISMA guidance.

Result:

The search resulted in 12 papers, reporting on 536 participants that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The hearing results did not show that using laser surgery improved hearing in cholesteatoma surgery, but neither has the use of laser shown to deteriorate hearing. With regards to the prevention of residual/recurrent cholesteatoma, the current literature reports a residual/recurrent rate of 0% to 33%. The complication rate of facial palsy is 0.6%.

Conclusion:

While there is certainly a role for future studies especially randomised large-cohort prospective comparative studies, the current literature suggests that laser may have a role in prevention or minimizing of residual cholesteatoma and generally have a safe hearing outcome profile.
ICRP approach for radiological protection from NORM in industrial processes
Authors: Lecomte J.F.
Published: August 2020

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recently issued ICRP Publication 142 on radiological protection from naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) in industrial processes. Industries involving NORM may give rise to multiple hazards, and the radiological hazard is not necessarily dominant. They are diverse and may involve exposure of people and the environment where protective actions need to be considered. In some cases, there is a potential for significant routine exposure of workers and members of the public. Releases of large volumes of NORM may also result in detrimental effects on the environment from radiological and non-radiological constituents. However, industries involving NORM present no real prospect of a radiological emergency leading to tissue reactions or immediate danger for life. Radiological protection in these industries can be appropriately addressed on the basis of the principles of justification of the actions taken and optimisation of protection using reference levels. An integrated and graded approach is recommended for the protection of workers, the public, and the environment, where consideration of non-radiological hazards is integrated with the radiological hazards, and the approach to protection is optimised (graded) so that the use of various radiological protection programme elements is consistent with the hazards while not imposing unnecessary burdens.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Medas Fabio , Canu Gian Luigi , Cappellacci Federico , Romano Giorgio , Amato Giuseppe , Erdas Enrico , Calò Pietro Giorgio
Published: August 2020

Objective

Although thyroid and parathyroid surgery is considered a clean procedure with a low incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs), a great number of endocrine surgeons use antibiotic prophylaxis (AP). The aim of this study was to assess whether AP is significantly effective in reducing the incidence of SSIs in this kind of surgery.

Data Sources

A systematic literature search was performed with PubMed, Scopus, and ISI–Web of Science. Studies addressing the efficacy of AP in reducing the incidence of SSIs in thyroid and parathyroid surgery were included in the systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Review Methods

The random effects model was assumed to account for different sources of variation among studies. The overall effect size was computed through the inverse variance method. Heterogeneity across studies, possible outlier studies, and publication bias were evaluated.

Results

A total of 6 studies with 4428 patients were included in the quantitative analysis. The incidence of SSI was 0.6% in the case group and 0.4% in the control group (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.3‐3.81; P =. 915). There was no evidence of heterogeneity among the studies (Q = 8.36, P =. 138; I2 = 40.17). The analysis of several continuous moderators, including age, use of drain, and duration of surgery, did not generate any significant result.

Conclusion

AP is not effective in reducing the incidence of SSI in thyroid and parathyroid surgery and should be avoided, notwithstanding the negative impact on social costs and the risk of development of antibiotic resistance.
Bereavement care interventions for children under the age of 18 following the death of a sibling: a systematic review
Authors: Ridley Ashley , Frache Sandra
Published: August 2020

Background:

Childhood bereavement after sibling death is common, but often unrecognized. The psychosomatic and socioeconomic outcomes of bereaved children can be compromised if appropriate care is unavailable during the formative years leading into adulthood.

Aim:

This review aims to describe the methods, structures and procedures of bereavement care for children and adolescents after the loss of a sibling, and the impact on the families benefiting from these interventions.

Design:

A systematic review without restriction on study design was conducted.

Data sources:

Four databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Cochrane Library) were searched for articles published from 2000 to 2019. The search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and the protocol is registered on PROSPERO under number CRD42019124675. Articles were assessed against eligibility criteria by both authors, and quality was appraised using CASP checklists and NHMRC grading guidelines.

Results:

Twenty-three studies met inclusion criteria. Bereavement care was most often accessed by children ages 6–18 who lost a sibling to cancer 6–12 months prior. The interventions were typically group sessions or weekend camps, run predominantly by unpaid staff from a variety of backgrounds. Some staff members received priori specific training. Grief education is taught through mediated discussion and bereavement-centered activities balanced with playful and relaxed activities. Several services have effectuated evaluations of their interventions, and preliminary results show a positive effect for families.

Conclusion:

Existing literature most likely gives an incomplete picture of appropriate childhood bereavement care, and many interventions possibly remain unpublished or published in other non-scientific sources. An effective response to childhood grief would involve collaboration between medical resources and community services, reinforced through the development of outreach and training programs.
Impaired response of cerebral oxygen metabolism to visual stimulation in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Klinkmueller Peter , Kronenbuerger Martin , Miao Xinyuan , Bang Jee , Ultz Kia E , Paez Adrian , Zhang Xiaoyu , Duan Wenzhen , Margolis Russell L , Zijl Peter CM van , Ross Christopher A , Hua Jun
Published: August 2020

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG triplet repeat expansion in the Huntingtin gene. Metabolic and microvascular abnormalities in the brain may contribute to early physiological changes that subserve the functional impairments in HD. This study is intended to investigate potential abnormality in dynamic changes in cerebral blood volume (CBV) and cerebral blood flow (CBF), and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) in the brain in response to functional stimulation in premanifest and early manifest HD patients. A recently developed 3-D-TRiple-acquisition-after-Inversion-Preparation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approach was used to measure dynamic responses in CBV, CBF, and CMRO2 during visual stimulation in one single MRI scan. Experiments were conducted in 23 HD patients and 16 healthy controls. Decreased occipital cortex CMRO2 responses were observed in premanifest and early manifest HD patients compared to controls ( P < 0.001), correlating with the CAG-Age Product scores in these patients ( R2 = 0.4, P = 0.001). The results suggest the potential value of this reduced CMRO2 response during visual stimulation as a biomarker for HD and may illuminate the role of metabolic alterations in the pathophysiology of HD.
Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia associated with postoperative jejunal tube feeding: Indicators for clinical management
Authors: Albrecht Hendrik Christian , Trawa Mateusz , Gretschel Stephan
Published: August 2020

Postoperative nutrition via a jejunal tube after major abdominal surgery is usually well tolerated. However, some patients develop nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI). This morbid complication has a grave prognosis with a mortality rate of 41% to 100%. Early symptoms are nonspecific, and no treatment guideline is available. We reviewed cases of NOMI at our institution and cases described in the literature to identify factors that impact the clinical course. Among five patients, three had no necrosis and one had segmental necrosis and perforation. These patients recovered with limited resection and decompression of the bowel and abdominal compartment. In one patient with extended bowel necrosis at the time of re-laparotomy, NOMI progressed and the patient died of multiple organ failure. The extent of small bowel necrosis at the time of re-laparotomy is a relevant prognostic factor. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of NOMI can improve the prognosis. Clinical symptoms of abdominal distension, cramps and high reflux plus paraclinical signs of leukocytosis, hypotension and computed tomography findings of a distended small bowel with pneumatosis intestinalis and portal venous gas can help to establish the diagnosis. We herein introduce an algorithm for the diagnosis and management of NOMI associated with jejunal tube feeding.
Fatal intracranial hemorrhage after carotid artery stenting: Three case reports and a literature review
Authors: Zhou Yumiao , Zheng Chaobo , Chen Liang , Lin Yuanyuan
Published: August 2020

Introduction

We herein describe three patients who developed fatal intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) after carotid artery stenting (CAS). Case Presentation: We retrospectively reviewed 126 patients who underwent CAS from January 2016 to December 2018 and identified 3 patients (2.4%) (all male, mean age of 59 years) who developed ICH after CAS. Two of them developed left basal ganglia hemorrhage with extension into the ventricle and subarachnoid space, and the third patient developed primary ventricular bleeding. One hemorrhage occurred immediately after CAS, whereas the other two occurred 3 hours and 8 hours after the procedure, respectively. The mean stenosis of the treated carotid arteries was 91%. All three hemorrhages were fatal, and the mean time from hemorrhage to death was 50 hours.

Conclusion

ICH is a potentially fatal complication of CAS and often occurs several hours after the procedure. Headache, vomiting, and consciousness disorders are the most common symptoms of ICH. Careful screening to identify high-risk patients and strict management of perioperative blood pressure are important to prevent this complication.
Associations between hepatocellular carcinoma risk and rs3212227 and rs568408 polymorphisms: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kong Cunqing , Chen Miao , Fan Xiaohui , Chen Xingcai
Published: August 2020

Background

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is considered to be a risk factor for cancer; however, its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the impacts of the IL-12 rs3212227 and rs568408 gene polymorphisms on HCC.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Chinese Knowledge Infrastructure databases for studies on the associations between HCC and IL-12 rs568408 and rs3212227 polymorphisms published prior to 1 May 2020. The effects of the polymorphisms on HCC susceptibility were presented as odds ratios (ORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Seven studies were ultimately included, including 2375 cases and 3445 controls. The rs3212227 polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of HCC in both the dominant model (CC+AC vs. AA, OR=1.22) and the allele model (C vs. A, OR=1.12). Combined analysis of rs568408 yielded a significant relative risk for HCC in the dominant (AA+AG vs. GG, OR=1.13), recessive (AA vs. AG+GG, OR=1.72), allele (A vs. G, OR=1.29), heterozygote (AG vs. GG, OR=1.27), and homozygote models (AA vs. GG, OR 1.17).

Conclusion

The IL-12 rs3212227 and rs568408 gene polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of HCC.
Chinese men living in urban areas of Shijiazhuang, Hebei at higher risk of overweight or obesity
Authors: Kong De-Xian , Su Xiao-feng , Zhao Jing-wei , Chen Lian , Meng Ling-bing , Zhang Zhen-xi , Yang Sen , Zhang Lei , Liu Ya-bin
Published: August 2020

Objective

The prevalence of overweight/obesity in China has increased dramatically in recent years; being overweight/obese can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the population in China at high risk of being overweight or obese, to explore the relationships between various relevant factors and overweight/obesity, and to identify preventive efforts for high-risk populations.

Methods

We administered a questionnaire survey among a group of 536 social workers in Shijiazhuang City in 2017. We used the Pearson chi-square test, Spearman’s rho test, multivariate linear regression, univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to investigate factors that influence overweight/obesity.

Results

The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 13.7% among the study participants. Urban residence, eating speed, number of daily meals, overeating, and a high-fat diet were associated with overweight/obesity. In multivariate linear regression analysis, overweight/obesity was correlated with sex, urban residence, eating speed, number of daily meals, and a high-fat diet.

Conclusion

Among all influencing factors, dietary factors, place of residence, and sex were most closely related to being overweight/obese. Furthermore, living in an urban area and male sex were independent risk factors for being overweight/obese.
Managerial ownership, audit committees and non-audit services
Authors: Shan Yuan George , Troshani Indrit , Loftus Janice
Published: August 2020

We extend prior research on corporate governance and non-audit services (NAS) by distinguishing between the management entrenchment region of management ownership and regions in which the interests of management and shareholders converge. Management entrenchment and convergence-of-interests regions were estimated for our sample of 5198 Australian firm-years. NAS is negatively (positively) associated with management ownership in the convergence-of-interests (entrenchment) regions. However, using a sub-sample based on firms that have audit committees, we find the association between NAS and management ownership is confined to the entrenchment region, while audit committee strength is negatively associated with NAS fees across all management ownership regions.

JEL Classification: M42, M48
From Delay to Disruption: Impact of Service Degradation on Public Transport Networks
Authors: Marra Alessio Daniele , Corman Francesco
Published: August 2020

Public transport networks (PTN) are affected daily by different types of disturbances. In fact, between a single delay and a long service interruption, there is a range of disruptions with different impacts, depending on their characteristics. Despite this, in literature, the common definition of disruption is a link closure for a certain amount of time. Low interest is given to different types of disruptions or to the connection between delays and disruptions. In addition, in multimodal PTN a physical link closure is not always observable, but rather people experience delays or cancelled stops on different lines. The aim of this work is to explore the relationship between delays and disruptions, analyzing different degrees of disruptions, in relation to duration, delay, size, and network characteristics. Real disturbances of the PTNs in Zürich and Bern, Switzerland, are analyzed to identify disruptions with different characteristics. Therefore, the disruption impact is computed on simulated origin–destinations (ODs), based on the sets of possible paths with and without the disruption. For this purpose, a choice set generation algorithm is used. Finally, relationships between the disruption characteristics and the impact are analyzed to identify the main features of a disruption.
The effects of charter school enrollment losses and tuition reimbursements on school districts: Lifting boats or sinking them?
Authors: Mann Bryan A. , Bruno Paul
Published: August 2020

We analyze a natural experiment in which policymakers in Pennsylvania first implemented, and later removed, reimbursements to districts for students exiting to brick and mortar and cyber charter schools. Generalized difference-in-difference models show that larger shares of students enrolling in charter schools predict decrements in spending, financial health, and achievement in sending districts; however, these relationships attenuate in years when districts receive reimbursements. After receiving reimbursements, districts with increased competition spent more on instruction and instructional support services, but not on facilities or non-instructional operations. Perhaps due to higher instructional expenditures, the relationship between competition and student achievement in reimbursement years is significantly less negative, and at times even positive, compared to non-reimbursement years. Cyber charter schools induce fewer instructional expenditures in districts than brick and mortar charter schools. The findings show clear policy choices can support traditional public systems experiencing competition.
Event-triggered control of vehicular platoon system with time-varying delay and sensor faults
Authors: Bansal Kritika , Mukhija Pankaj
Published: August 2020

This paper addresses the problem of control of a vehicular platoon system with limited on-board resources in the presence of time-varying delay and sensor faults. A platoon system with predecessor-leader following topology in which each vehicle suffers from probabilistic sensor faults and time-varying delay is considered. To reduce the utilization of communication and energy resources in the system, a novel event-triggering communication strategy at the sensor-controller channel is proposed. Based on the proposed triggering strategy, a criteria for co-designing of the triggering parameter and the control law ensuring internal stability of the platoon system is developed. Furthermore, additional conditions are established for the obtained controller to guarantee string stability of the platoon system. The efficacy of the proposed methodology is demonstrated through numerical simulations.
A new fault feature extraction method of rotating machinery based on finite sample function
Authors: Miao Feng , Zhao Rongzhen
Published: August 2020

Feature extraction plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of rotating machinery’s faults. In order to separate different fault vibration signals from measured mixtures and diagnose the fault features of the machine effectively according to the separated signals, a blind source separation (BSS) method using kernel function based on finite support samples was proposed. The method is stronger adaptability to the score functions estimated according to finite support observed signal samples. The simulation results prove that the proposed BSS algorithm is able to separate mixed signals that contain both sub-Gaussian and super-Gaussian sources. It is shown that the algorithm has better separation performance when compared with other BSS ones. The results of an experiment under the rotor’s composite fault states with rub-impact fault and unbalance fault show that this method has higher efficiency and accuracy.