bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value Analysis of Central Line Simulation-Based Education
Authors: Iglesias Nicholas J. , Williams Taylor P. , Snyder Clifford L. , Sommerhalder Christian , Perez Alexander
Published: April 2021

Background

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are preventable complications that pose a significant health risk to patients and place a financial burden on hospitals. Central line simulation-based education (SBE) efforts vary widely in the literature. The aim of this study was to perform a value analysis of published central line SBE and develop a refined method of studying central line SBE.

Methods

A database search of PubMed Central and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) was performed for articles mentioning “Cost and CLABSI,” “Cost and Central line Associated Bloodstream Infections,” and “Cost and Central Line” in their abstract and article body. Articles chosen for qualitative synthesis mentioned “simulation” in their abstract and article body and were analyzed based on the following criteria: infection rate before vs. after SBE, cost of simulation, SBE design including simulator model used, and learner analysis.

Results

Of 215 articles identified, 23 were analyzed, 10 (43.48%) discussed cost of central line simulation with varying criteria for cost reporting, 8 (34.8%) numerically discussed central line complication rates (7 CLABSIs and 1 pneumothorax), and only 3 (13%) discussed both (Figure). Only 1 addressed the true cost of simulation (including space rental, equipment startup costs, and faculty salary) and its longitudinal effect on CLABSIs.

Conclusion

Current literature on central line SBE efforts lacks value propositions. Due to the lack of value-based data in the area of central line SBE, the authors propose a cost reporting standard for use by future studies reporting central line SBE costs.
Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Combined with Temporal Plasma Analysis of C2 Molecular Emission for Carbon Analysis in Coal
Authors: Rajavelu Hemalaxmi , Vasa Nilesh J. , Seshadri Satyanarayanan
Published: April 2021

A benchtop laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is demonstrated to determine the elemental carbon content present in raw coal used for combustion in power plants. The spectral intensities of molecular CN and C2 emission are measured together with the atomic carbon (C) and other inorganic elements (Si, Fe, Mg, Al, Ca, Na, and K) in the laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy spectrum of coal. The emission persistence time of C2 molecule emission is measured from the coal plasma generated by a nanosecond laser ablation with a wavelength of 266 nm in the Ar atmosphere. The emission persistence time of molecular C2 emission along with the spectral intensities of major ash elements (Fe, Si, Al, and Ca) and carbon emissions (atomic C, molecular CN, and C2) shows a better relationship with the carbon wt% of different coal samples. The calibration model to measure elemental carbon (wt%) is developed by combining the spectral characteristics (spectral intensity) and the temporal characteristics (emission persistence time of C2 molecule emission). The temporal characteristic studies combined with the spectroscopic data in the partial least square regression model have resulted in an improvement in the root mean square error of validation, and the relative standard deviation is reduced from 10.8% to 4.1% and from 11.3% to 6.0%, respectively.
Calibration of the SHERLOC Deep Ultraviolet Fluorescence–Raman Spectrometer on the Perseverance Rover
Authors: Uckert Kyle , Bhartia Rohit , Beegle Luther W. , Monacelli Brian , Asher Sanford A. , Burton Aaron S. , Bykov Sergei V. , Davis Kristine , Fries Marc D. , Jakubek Ryan S. , Hollis Joseph Razzell , Roppel Ryan D. , Wu Yen-Hung
Published: April 2021

We describe the wavelength calibration of the spectrometer for the scanning of habitable environments with Raman and luminescence for organics and chemicals (SHERLOC) instrument onboard NASA’s Perseverance Rover. SHERLOC utilizes deep ultraviolet Raman and fluorescence (DUV R/F) spectroscopy to enable analysis of samples from the Martian surface. SHERLOC employs a 248.6 nm deep ultraviolet laser to generate Raman-scattered photons and native fluorescence emission photons from near-surface material to detect and classify chemical and mineralogical compositions. The collected photons are focused on a charge-coupled device and the data are returned to Earth for analysis. The compact DUV R/F spectrometer has a spectral range from 249.9 nm to 353.6 nm (∼200 cm−1 to 12 000 cm−1) (with a spectral resolution of 0.296 nm (∼40 cm−1)). The compact spectrometer uses a custom design to project a high-resolution Raman spectrum and a low-resolution fluorescence spectrum on a single charge-coupled device. The natural spectral separation enabled by deep ultraviolet excitation enables wavelength separation of the Raman/fluorescence spectra. The SHERLOC spectrometer was designed to optimize the resolution of the Raman spectral region and the wavelength range of the fluorescence region. The resulting illumination on the charge-coupled device is curved, requiring a segmented, nonlinear wavelength calibration in order to understand the mineralogy and chemistry of Martian materials.
Serum biomarkers for prediction of mortality in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Loomba Rohit S , Villarreal Enrique G , Farias Juan S , Aggarwal Gaurav , Aggarwal Saurabh , Flores Saul
Published: April 2021

Background

There is limited information regarding the role of biomarker levels at predicting mortality in patients with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The purpose of this study is to determine the differences in serum biomarker levels in adults with COVID-19 who survived hospitalization from those who did not.

Methods

A comprehensive search was completed on PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane libraries to identify studies of interest. Endpoints of interest were blood counts, hepatic function test, acute phase reactants, cytokines and cardiac biomarkers.

Results

A total of 10 studies with 1584 patients were included in the pooled analyses. Biomarkers that were noted to be significantly higher in those who died from coronavirus disease included: white blood cell count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, ferritin, D-dimer, interleukin-6, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, prothrombin time, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin and creatinine. Lymphocyte count, platelet count and albumin were significantly lower in patients who died.

Conclusion

This pooled analysis of 10 studies including 1584 patients identified significant differences in biomarkers on admission in patients who survived from those who did not. Further research is needed to develop risk stratification models to help with judicious use of limited health-care resources.
The relationship between religiosity/spirituality and quality of life among female Eritrean refugees living in Norwegian asylum centres
Authors: Abraham Ruth , Leonhardt Marja , Lien Lars , Hanssen Ingrid , Hauff Edvard , Thapa Suraj Bahadur
Published: April 2021

Background:

Women are more vulnerable to mental health problems than men after migration, but little is known about the influence of religiosity/spirituality on their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore religiosity/spirituality, in relationships with various domains of quality of life, among female Eritrean refugees staying in Norwegian asylum centres.

Method:

A questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics was used together with the World Health OrganizationQuality of Life – Spirituality, Religiosity and Personal Beliefs (WHOQOL-SRPB) questionnaire, which assesses religiosity/spirituality and domains of quality of life. A total of 63 adult female Eritrean refugees who had been granted asylum but were still living in asylum reception centres located in southern and central Norway participated.

Results:

Religiosity/spirituality was independently associated with psychological quality of life ( B = 0.367, p < .001), level of independence ( B = 0.184, p = .028), social quality of life ( B = 0.500, p = .003), environmental quality of life ( B = 0.323, p < .001) and overall quality of life ( B = 0.213, p < .001), but not with physical quality of life ( B = 0.056, p = .679). There were no significant differences between religious affiliations on religiosity/spirituality or quality of life measures.

Conclusion:

Consistent with previous research, this study highlights the correlation between religiosity/spirituality and overall quality of life. We recommend a longitudinal follow-up study of similar populations, after they are resettled and integrated into their host countries, to understand the associations between quality of life and religiosity/spirituality over time.
Stakeholders facilitating hope and empowerment amidst social suffering: A qualitative documentary analysis exploring lives of homeless women with mental illness
Authors: Bhattacharya Prama , Priya Kumar Ravi
Published: April 2021

Background:

Globally homeless mentally ill (HMI) individuals are considered one of the most vulnerable populations. An individual-centric, psychopathology-oriented focus of the existing mental health-care system limits the understanding of the HMI individuals through the disability lens overlooking their strengths and resilience that enable them to survive extremely hostile environments. Contemporary mental health research has embraced a paradigm shift that allows researchers to look beyond the predominant medical model to give precedence to a socio-culturally contexted and experientially firm understanding of human behaviour.

Aim:

Through the theoretical lens of social suffering, this article attempts to understand the lived experiences of the HMI women, the perspective of their caregivers and the standpoint of service providers in the context of homelessness and mental illness.

Methodology:

A documentary analysis as a qualitative research methodology has been used to reflect upon the concerns mentioned above. Following Figueroa’s approach to the analysis of audio-visual texts, the documentary Lapata Zindagi, directed by Radhika Lata Murthy, has woven the stories of four HMI women and their caregivers have been analysed. The two-phased analysis involved constructivist grounded theory procedures.

Results:

The methodological steps, rigour and the resulting categories (experience of social suffering associated with homelessness among HMI women, denial of care and rights within patriarchy, helplessness associated with the burden of caregiving and roles of NGO and community in building hope and empowerment) have been discussed through the lens of social suffering and how stakeholders might facilitate hope and empowerment amidst it.

Conclusion:

The article highlights the dire and urgent need to integrate mental health into primary health care and community-based intervention and move beyond clinical recovery to nurture ‘hope’ to enable recovery and empowerment for such marginalised populations.
A Novel Competence Pathway in the Oral Pathogen Streptococcus sobrinus
Authors: Li J.W. , Wyllie R.M. , Jensen P.A.
Published: April 2021

Streptococcus sobrinus is an etiologic cause of dental caries (tooth decay) in humans. Our knowledge of S. sobrinus is scant despite the organism’s important role in oral health. It is widely believed that S. sobrinus lacks the natural competence pathways that are used by other streptococci to regulate growth, virulence, and quorum sensing. The lack of natural competence has also prevented genetic manipulation of S. sobrinus, limiting our knowledge of its pathogenicity. We discovered that most strains of S. sobrinus contain a new class of the ComRS competence system. Although S. sobrinus is typically placed among the mutans group streptococci, the S. sobrinus ComRS system is most similar to the competence pathways in the salivarius group. Unlike all other ComRS systems, the S. sobrinus pathway contains 2 copies of the transcriptional regulator ComR and has a peptide pheromone (XIP) that lacks any aromatic amino acids. Synthetic XIP enables transformation of S. sobrinus with plasmid or linear DNA, and we leverage this newfound genetic tractability to confirm that only 1 of the ComR homologs is required for induced competence while the other appears to suppress competence. Exogenous XIP increases the expression of bacteriocin gene clusters and produces an antimicrobial response that inhibits growth of S. mutans. We also identified 2 strains of S. sobrinus that appear to be “cheaters” by either not responding to or not producing XIP. We show how a recombination event in the nonresponsive strain could restore function of the ComRS pathway but delete the gene encoding XIP. Thus, the S. sobrinus ComRS pathway provides new tools for studying this pathogen and offers a lens into the evolution of ecological cheaters.
The Effects of Emotional Literacy Programs on Inmates’ Empathy, Mindfulness, and Self-Regulation: A Random-Effect Meta-Analysis
Authors: Petrosino Carolyn , Choi Kyung-Shick , Choi Sinyong , Back Sinchul , Park Seong-Min
Published: April 2021

Applying a random-effect meta-analysis, the current study examines previous empirical findings about three main purposes of Emotional Literacy (EL) correctional programs: improving empathy, mindfulness, and self-regulation among inmate populations. A total of 22 programs in 15 studies in Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, and the US are analyzed. Results suggest that EL programs significantly improve levels of empathy, mindfulness, and self-regulation, although a possibility of publication bias is observed. Based on these findings, this study concludes that EL programs retain a potential as an effective rehabilitation strategy and should be sought and implemented in U.S. correctional settings.
“We Are Our Only Way Forward”: Dialogic Re-imaginings and the Cultivation of Homeplace for Girls, Women, and Femmes of Color
Authors: Player Grace D. , Ybarra Mónica González , Brochin Carol , Brown Ruth Nicole , Butler Tamara T. , Cervantes-Soon Claudia , Gill Victoria S. , Kinloch Valerie , Price-Dennis Detra , Saavedra Cinthya M. , Sealey-Ruiz Yolanda
Published: April 2021

This article narrates the contours of a digital “kitchen table talk”–a conversation that brought together WoC from various areas of literacy and language education to discuss the state of the field and the next steps in transforming literacy studies and education for GFoC. Using bell hooks’s concept of “homeplace,” we bring together the reflections of eleven WoC across intersected Black, Latina, and Asian identities to examine the realities of GFoC, the urgency around their lives and needs, as well as self-examination of our role in the academy taking up feminist projects with GFoC.
Black Parade: Conceptualizing Black Adolescent Girls’ Multimodal Renderings as Parades
Authors: Griffin Autumn A.
Published: April 2021

This piece builds on scholarship in African American parading and Black Girls’ Literacies by presenting parading as a metaphor to analyze a website created by nine Black adolescent girls. I draw on multimodal analysis frameworks to understand the symbolic nature of the site and its components, as well as how the girls use it as a platform to speak to issues of racism, sexism, self-definition, joy, and celebration. The girls write against liminal perceptions of their identities, (re)positioning themselves and their lives as worthy of celebration and themselves as experts of Black girlhood.
From Wu Xun to Lu Xun: Film, Stardom, and Subjectivity in Mao’s China (1949–1976)
Authors: He Qiliang , Wang Meng
Published: April 2021

This article focuses on Zhao Dan’s (1915–1980) career in film after 1949 to investigate a specific type of stardom unique to Mao Zedong’s China (1949–1976). We argue that this new stardom was similar to what conventionally defines stardom, but with an added political dimension: Zhao Dan’s acquisition of high political standing in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). To arrive at a fuller understanding of the state–artist relationship in the PRC, this article challenges the paradigm of accommodation and resistance between the tyrannical state and subordinated artists, which presupposes a subjectivity or selfhood on the part of artists that pre-existed and was maintained against the intrusive hegemonic ideologies of the state. Instead, we underscore that the making of Zhao Dan’s subjectivity in the PRC—his subjectivity-in-stardom in this case—was a dynamic process, a “becoming.” Zhao Dan’s checkered career indicates that he not only acclimated himself to the ever-changing political atmosphere of Mao-era China but also sought to benefit from it.
Indigenous and Deaf People and the Implications of Ongoing Practices of Colonization: A Comparison of Australia and Canada
Authors: Bone Tracey A. , Wilkinson Erin , Ferndale Danielle , Adams Rodney
Published: April 2021

In the growing field of colonial and anti-colonial research, many parallels have been drawn between Westernized countries including Australia and Canada. In both of these countries, there is considerable academic, community and governmental recognition of historic, and continuing, colonizing of Indigenous peoples and the subsequent impacts on Indigenous cultures. Terms such as transgenerational trauma and intergenerational trauma give language to the ongoing impact of colonization on communities, which in turn serves to legitimize the need for mental wellbeing supports and associated funding. However, there are other minority communities that are similarly oppressed and colonized but do not experience the same legitimization. One such community is the Deaf community. Deaf people continue to experience systemic oppression and colonization within our hearing centric society. Building on the work of Batterbury, Ladd and Gulliver (2007), we extend discussions on the parallels between Indigenous and Deaf communities of Australia and Canada, drawing on the established and commonly discussed link between the impact of racism and colonization on (mental) health. We connect these discussions to modern instances of colonization including the aspect of deaf education to illustrate a “living” mechanism through which colonization continues to impact mental wellbeing in the broader Deaf community.
Associations between clinical and imaging findings in posterior ankle impingement syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Baillie Peta , Mayes Susan , Lam Jason , Ferrar Katia , Cook Jill
Published: April 2021

Background

Posterior ankle impingement syndrome (PAIS) is a common and debilitating condition, commonly affecting people who participate in activities that involve repetitive ankle plantarflexion. The relationship between clinical and imaging findings in PAIS has not been established.

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between clinical and imaging features in PAIS by reviewing the literature comparing symptomatic patients to asymptomatic controls.

Material and Methods

A systematic literature search was performed to identify all English-language articles that compared imaging features in patients diagnosed with PAIS to imaging in an asymptomatic control group.

Results

A total of 8394 articles were evaluated by title and abstract, and 156 articles were read in full text. No articles compared imaging findings to an asymptomatic control group, thus no articles met the inclusion criteria.

Conclusion

This systematic review found no published research that compared the imaging findings of people diagnosed with PAIS to asymptomatic people. Until this information is available, imaging features in people with posterior ankle impingement should be interpreted with caution.
Prevalence and determinants of quitting smoking after cancer diagnosis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Taborelli Martina , Dal Maso Luigino , Zucchetto Antonella , Lamaj Elda , De Paoli Paolo , Carbone Antonino , Serraino Diego
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To describe smoking behaviours of patients with incident cancer attending an Italian cancer centre and to examine changes in their smoking habits within 12 months from cancer diagnosis, evaluating determinants of smoking cessation.

Methods:

A hospital-based prospective cohort included patients hospitalized in an Italian cancer centre (2016–2018). Patients were mostly female (74%) and included a limited proportion of aerodigestive cancers (7%). Face-to-face interviews were performed during hospital stay to gather information on patient characteristics and smoking history. Changes in smoking habits were assessed through telephone interviews at 3, at 6, and at 12 months after cancer diagnosis.

Results:

Among 1011 enrolled patients, 222 (22%) were current smokers at cancer diagnosis. Smoking prevalence was high in male patients (30%), in patients <50 years old (28%), in those with aerodigestive cancers (50%), and in those diagnosed at advanced stages (26%). Among current smokers at cancer diagnosis, 38% quit smoking after 12 months, 26% reduced intensity, and 36% did not modify smoking habits. Smoking cessation was associated with chemotherapy and, although not statistically significant, with female sex, older age, and advanced cancer stage. Patients with gastrointestinal, breast, or genitourinary cancer and those treated with surgery were less likely to quit smoking.

Conclusions:

Our results highlighted that 62% of smoking patients with cancer did not quit the habit. Smoking cessation programs targeted to patients with cancer need intensification, particularly for those who may underestimate smoking effects after diagnosis.
Lung adenocarcinoma and pulmonary actinomycosis: a cautionary tale
Authors: Drozdowicz Kelly , Marquez Hector A. , Burks Eric J. , Suzuki Kei
Published: April 2021

Background:

Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare and slowly progressive bacterial infection that is often mistaken for lung cancer. Multiple case reports caution against premature diagnosis of malignancy without proper consideration of potential Actinomyces infection. However, no cases in the English literature have been reported that demonstrate the possible coexistence of Actinomyces and lung cancer.

Case Description:

We present two cases of patients with culture-positive Actinomyces who were later found to have concomitant biopsy-proven lung adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions:

In the workup of a newly identified lung mass, positive culture for Actinomyces does not rule out an underlying malignancy.
Out-of-plane static compression and energy absorption of paper hierarchical corrugation sandwich panels
Authors: Wang Huineng , Guo Yanfeng , Fu Yungang , Li Dan
Published: April 2021

This study introduces the opinion of the corrugation hierarchy to develop the second-order corrugation paperboard, and explore the deformation characteristics, yield strength, and energy absorbing capacity under out-of-plane static evenly compression loading by experimental and analytical approaches. On the basis of the inclined-straight strut elements of corrugation unit and plastic hinge lines, the yield and crushing strengths of corrugation unit were analyzed. This study shows that as the compressive stress increases, the second-order corrugation core layer is firstly crushed, and the first-order corrugation structures gradually compacted until the failure of entire structure. The corrugation type has an obvious influence on the yield strength of the corrugation sandwich panel, and the yield strength of B-flute corrugation sandwich panel is wholly higher than that of the C-flute structure. At the same compression rate, the flute type has a significant impact on energy absorption, and the C-flute second-order corrugation sandwich panel has better bearing capacity than the B-flute structure. The second-order corrugation sandwich panel has a better bearing capacity than the first-order structure. The static compression rate has little effect on the yield strength and deformation mode. However, with the increase of the static compression rate, the corrugation sandwich panel has a better cushioning energy absorption and material utilization rate.
Safety and efficacy of ubrogepant in participants with major cardiovascular risk factors in two single-attack phase 3 randomized trials: ACHIEVE I and II
Authors: Hutchinson Susan , Silberstein Stephen D , Blumenfeld Andrew M , Lipton Richard B , Lu Kaifeng , Yu Sung Yun , Severt Lawrence
Published: April 2021

Objective

To examine the safety and efficacy of ubrogepant for acute treatment of migraine across cardiovascular (CV) disease risk categories.

Methods

ACHIEVE I and II were multicenter, double-blind, single-attack, phase 3 trials in adults with migraine, with or without aura. Participants were randomized 1:1:1 to placebo or ubrogepant (50 or 100 mg in ACHIEVE I; 25 or 50 mg in ACHIEVE II), to treat one migraine attack of moderate or severe headache pain intensity. This post-hoc analysis pooled data from ubrogepant 50 mg and placebo groups from the ACHIEVE trials to examine the safety and efficacy of ubrogepant by baseline cardiovascular disease risk factors. Using a cardiovascular risk assessment algorithm, participants were categorized as having no cardiovascular risk, low cardiovascular risk or moderate-high cardiovascular risk at baseline. Treatment-emergent adverse events were documented 48 h and 30 days after taking the trial medication. Co-primary efficacy outcomes were 2-h pain freedom and 2-h absence of most bothersome migraine-associated symptom.

Results

Overall, 3358 participants were randomized in the ACHIEVE trials (n = 2901 safety population; n = 2682 modified intent-to-treat population). In the safety population, 11% of participants were categorized as moderate-high (n = 311), 32% low (n = 920), and 58% no cardiovascular risk factors (n = 1670). The proportion of ubrogepant participants reporting a treatment-emergent adverse event was comparable across risk categories and similar to placebo. The treatment effects of ubrogepant versus placebo were consistent across cardiovascular risk categories for all efficacy outcomes.

Conclusion

The safety and efficacy of ubrogepant for the acute treatment of a single migraine attack did not differ by the presence of major cardiovascular risk factors. No evidence of increased treatment-emergent adverse events or cardiac system organ class adverse events with ≥2 major cardiovascular risk factors and no safety concerns were identified. Trial Registration: ACHIEVE I ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02828020; ACHIEVE II ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02867709
Time lost due to an attack – a novel patient-reported outcome measure for acute migraine treatments
Authors: Pohl Heiko , Benemei Silvia , Garcia-Azorin David , Dixon Joanna , Huzzey Elizabeth , Ferrari Michel D
Published: April 2021

Objective

We propose a new outcome measure to assess the efficacy of migraine treatments translating the approach of the Global Burden of Disease studies from a societal to an individual level: Instead of calculating “years lived with disability”, we suggest estimating “time lost due to an attack”.

Methods

Time lost due to an attack is calculated by multiplying the duration and the degree of impaired functioning during an attack.

Results

Time lost due to an attack, different from other outcome measures, does not just focus on the short-term analgesic effects of treatments, but rather on the improvement of all migraine symptoms and restoration of functioning, also considering therapy-related impairment. Importantly, time lost due to an attack measures the entire time patients are not functioning normally, from onset to complete resolution.

Conclusions

Time lost due to an attack represents a new paradigm to assess migraine burden in single patients for a patient-centered evaluation of both acute and prophylactic treatments.
Computed Tomography Angiography Assessment of Acute Aortic Syndromes: Classification, Differentiating Imaging Features, and Imaging Interpretation Pitfalls
Authors: Modares Mana , Hanneman Kate , Ouzounian Maral , Chung Jennifer , Nguyen Elsie T.
Published: April 2021

An acute aortic syndrome (AAS) is an important life-threatening condition that requires early detection and management. Acute intramural hematoma (IMH), aortic dissection (AD) and penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU) are included in AAS. ADs can be classified using the well-known Stanford or DeBakey classification systems. However, these classification systems omit description of arch dissections, anatomic variants, and morphologic features that impact outcome. The Society for Vascular Surgery and Society of Thoracic Surgeons (SVS-STS) have recently introduced a classification system that classifies ADs according to the location of the entry tear (primary intimomedial tear, PIT) and the proximal and distal extent of involvement, but does not include description of all morphologic features that may have diagnostic and prognostic significance. This review describes these classification systems for ADs and other AAS entities as well as their limitations. Typical computed tomography angiography (CTA) imaging appearance and differentiating features of ADs, limited intimal tears (LITs), IMHs, intramural blood pools (IBPs), ulcer-like projections (ULPs), and PAUs will be discussed. Furthermore, this review highlights common imaging interpretation pitfalls, what should be included in a comprehensive CTA report, and provides a brief overview of current management options.
Conversation between Jennifer Herdt and Christopher Insole
Authors: Herdt Jennifer A. , Insole Christopher
Published: April 2021

This is a conversation held at the book launch for Christopher Insole’s Kant and the Divine: From Contemplation to the Moral Law (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2020), hosted jointly, in November 2020, by the Centre for Catholic Studies, Durham University, and the Australian Catholic University. The conversation covers the claim made by Insole that Kant believes in God, but is not a Christian, the way in which reason itself is divine for Kant, and the suggestion that reading Kant can open up new possibilities for dialogue between Christian thinkers and contemporary forms of secular religiosity.
Spatial scan statistics can be dangerous
Authors: Tango Toshiro
Published: April 2021

Spatial scan statistics are widely used tools for the detection of disease clusters. Especially, the circular spatial scan statistic proposed by Kulldorff along with SaTScan software has been used in a wide variety of epidemiological studies and disease surveillance. However, as it cannot detect non-circular, irregularly shaped clusters, many authors have proposed non-circular spatial scan statistics. Above all, the flexible spatial scan statistic proposed by Tango and Takahashi along with FleXScan software has also been used. However, it does not seem to be well recognized that these spatial scan statistics, especially SaTScan, tend to detect the most likely cluster, much larger than the true cluster by absorbing neighboring regions with nonelevated risk of disease occurrence. Therefore, if researchers reported the detected most likely cluster as they are, it might lead to a criticism to them due to the fact that some regions with nonelevated risk are included in the detected most likely cluster. In this paper, to avoid detecting such undesirable and misleading clusters which might cause a social concern, we shall propose the use of the restricted likelihood ratio proposed by Tango and illustrate the procedure with two kinds of mortality data in Japan.
Spatiotemporal distributed lag modelling of multiple Plasmodium species in a malaria elimination setting
Authors: Rotejanaprasert Chawarat , Lee Duncan , Ekapirat Nattwut , Sudathip Prayuth , Maude Richard J
Published: April 2021

In much of the Greater Mekong Sub-region, malaria is now confined to patches and small foci of transmission. Malaria transmission is seasonal with the spatiotemporal patterns being associated with variation in environmental and climatic factors. However, the possible effect at different lag periods between meteorological variables and clinical malaria has not been well studied in the region. Thus, in this study we developed distributed lagged modelling accounting for spatiotemporal excessive zero cases in a malaria elimination setting. A multivariate framework was also extended to incorporate multiple data streams and investigate the spatiotemporal patterns from multiple parasite species via their lagged association with climatic variables. A simulation study was conducted to examine robustness of the methodology and a case study is provided of weekly data of clinical malaria cases at sub-district level in Thailand.
Dynamics of Gold in the Contemporary Era
Authors: Jain Megha , Jaiswal Saurabh
Published: April 2021

Since the beginning of gold standards, gold is always preferred over paper currency. Over the years, gold has been found to have a peculiar linkage with different asset classes. The current study is an attempt to analyse the probable relationship of gold prices with crises. The current study highlights as to how gold could act as a saviour during the time of global crisis like the current pandemic (COVID 19). Additionally, it conducts a comparative assessment of gold returns vis-à-vis equity market returns and inflation over the last decade. Finally, the study concludes with alternative gold investment options and policy remarks.
Venturing Motives and Venturing Types in Entrepreneurial Families: A Corporate Entrepreneurship Perspective
Authors: Riar Frederik J. , Wiedeler Conrad , Kammerlander Nadine , Kellermanns Franz W.
Published: April 2021

Current research suggests that entrepreneurship in the family business context is mainly induced by top-down firm-level activity. We propose that entrepreneurial activity is also initiated autonomously as a bottom-up process by individual members or a group of individual members of an entrepreneurial family (EF). Building on 63 interviews with EF members involved in 39 venturing cases, we reveal a set of unique motives driving the venturing activity and show how these motives are intertwined with six heterogeneous family venture types. We also emphasize how positioning (i.e., inside or outside of family firms’ boundaries), family support, emotional attachment, and transgenerational intention vary among the different venture types.
Power enhancement of a monostable energy harvester by orbit jumps
Authors: Wang Jiahua , Liao Wei-Hsin , Cao Junyi
Published: April 2021

Energy harvesting has been regarded as a potential solution for power problems in wireless sensor network applications over batteries. Nonlinear configurations, as one of the most promising methods for broadening bandwidth, still make the system suffer from the coexistence of high-energy orbit and low-energy orbit, which significantly reduces output power. This paper proposes the electromagnetic kick method to enhance the output power of a monostable energy harvester through orbit jumps. The so-called electromagnetic kick is introduced by a solenoid consisting of a coil from the electromagnetic energy harvester and a three-volt button battery. The modeling and analysis demonstrate the excitation capability of the electromagnetic kick for orbit jumps. Inspired by a swing, two strategies are derived as the single kick and cycled kick. Based on an experimental setup, parameters for two strategies are first determined. The single kick and the cycled kick are then respectively employed to realize orbit jumps for the energy harvester under varying excitation and loading conditions. For each scenario, twenty trials are repeated to investigate the probability and capability. The system power output can be boosted from null to over 360 µW after orbit jumps, and the consumed energy can be resumed within 20 s. In addition, to evaluate different orbit jumping approaches in the literature, a figure of merit is developed, and the comprehensive advantages of the electromagnetic kick approach are demonstrated. The proposed effortless and efficient orbit jumping strategy expands the possibilities of realistic applications of nonlinear energy harvesters. The defined figure of merit not only makes it possible to compare different orbit jumping methods but also opens the door to new strategy development.
Systematic Review on Psychological Impacts and Mitigating Strategies of COVID-19: The Lesson Every One Shall Learn From the Our Time Pandemic
Authors: Yasegnal Awgchew Shimelash
Published: April 2021

Objective

The pandemic is expanding exponentially, burning, and threatening the world population regardless of differences. Cognizant of these, world nations make it their daily agenda and give due concern in preventing and intervening it. However, the prevention and intervention strategies are of more biological and less attention is given for the psychological impacts. So that this manuscript is intended to review the psychological impacts and mitigating strategies of COVID-19 in Ethiopia.

Method

Out the 63 downloaded articles, 26 articles were selected by considering relatedness, reputable journal, and pattern of writing and reviewed.

Results

Most reviewed studies reported negative psychological impacts including, boredom, loneliness, anger, violence and abuse, distress, low mood and irritability, anxiety, insomnia, hopelessness and worthless, and suicide. Other associated factors like poverty, fears of infection, duration of quarantine, lack of genuine and adequate information, lack of basic supplies, stigma, housing condition, and cultural issues potentially worsen the psychological impacts.

Conclusion

Psychological intervention strategies like mobilizing volunteers and professionals, identifying vulnerable population, assuring psychological readiness, offering adequate and genuine information, providing adequate supplies, improving communication for those in quarantine, utilizing counseling platform and rehabilitation program are of the cures for psychological impacts of COVID-19.
Eltrombopag Effectiveness and Tolerability in Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ahmed Hafiz Abdul Waqas , Masoud Ahmed Taher , Han Jia , Adel Sofy Ahmed , Saeed Ahmed Ahmed , Abdesattart Ahmed Taha , Drokow Emmanuel Kwateng , Sun Kai
Published: April 2021

Eltrombopag is an orally administered, non-peptide, thrombopoietin receptor agonist which initiates thrombopoietin signaling and stimulates the production of normally functioning platelet. We aimed to do a systematic review and meta-analysis of currently available published data to verify whether eltrombopag treatment in patients with chronic immune-mediated thrombocytopenia can prolong survival. We searched for published, randomized, controlled trials in PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus databases using the following search strategy (“Eltrombopag” OR “Benzoates” OR “Hydrazines”) AND (“Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura” OR “immune thrombocytopenia” OR “Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpuras” OR “Immune Thrombocytopenia” OR “Autoimmune Thrombocytopenia” OR “Werlhof”). The pooled relative risk (RR) showed that eltrombopag group has significantly higher overall platelet response than placebo group (MD = 3.42, 95% CI [2.51, 4.65], P > .0001); pooled results were homogenous ( P = .27, I2 = 22%). The pooled relative risk showed that eltrombopag group has lower incidence of any bleeding than placebo group (MD = 0.65, 95% CI [0.48, 0.87], P = .003); pooled results were heterogenous ( P = .001, I2 = 75%) and the detected heterogeneity was best resolved after excluding Bussel et al ( P = .10). Homogeneous results were still favored eltrombopag group (MD = 0.75, 95% CI [0.60, 0.93], P = .008).
The Impact of Self-Stigma, Role Strain, and Diabetes Distress on Quality of Life and Glycemic Control in Women With Diabetes: A 6-Month Prospective Study
Authors: Wang Ruey-Hsia , Lin Chia-Chin , Chen Shi-Yu , Hsu Hui-Chun , Huang Chiu-Ling
Published: April 2021

Purposes:

Women with diabetes (WD) are more severely impacted by the consequence of suboptimal diabetes control. This study aims to examine the impact of demographic and disease characteristics, baseline self-stigma, role strain, diabetes distress on Hemoglobin A1C (A1C) levels, quality of life (D-QoL) and 6-month A1C levels in younger WD.

Methods:

This study was a 6-month prospective study. In total, 193 WD aged 20–64 years were selected by convenience sampling from three outpatient clinics in Taiwan. Demographic and disease characteristics, self-stigma, role strain, diabetes distress, A1C levels, and D-QoL were collected at baseline. A1C levels were further collected 6 months later. Structural equation modeling was conducted to test the hypothesized model.

Results:

The final model supported that higher baseline D-QoL directly associated with lower concurrent A1C levels and indirectly associated with lower 6-month A1C levels through baseline A1C levels. Higher baseline self-stigma, role strain, and diabetes distress directly associated with lower baseline D-QoL, and indirectly associated with higher 6-month A1C levels through D-QoL.

Conclusion:

Improving self-stigma, role strain, and diabetes distress should be considered as promising strategies to improve D-QoL in young WD. D-QoL plays a mediation role between baseline self-stigma, role strain, diabetes distress and subsequent glycemic control in younger WD. Enhancing baseline D-QoL is fundamental to improve subsequent glycemic control.
The Assessment of the Usefulness of Selected Markers in the Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease in Children
Authors: Będzichowska Agata , Jobs Katarzyna , Kloc Małgorzata , Bujnowska Anna , Kalicki Bolesław
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

The kidney deterioration, which starts in childhood often leads to end-stage renal failure in the future. Therefore, searching for an early, sensitive, and specific biomarkers became a paramount for chronic kidney disease diagnosis. The aim of this study was the assessment of markers: KIM-1, FGF-23, NAG, NGAL, and uromodulin for diagnosis of preclinical phase of the disease in children.

Patients and methods:

59 children (15 boys, 44 girls from 6 months to 17 years old) with kidney disorders, which had clinical indications for renoscintigraphy, were included in the study. All patients were divided depending on the result of renoscintigraphy (renal scarring vs normal kidney picture) and depending on the level of estimated glomerular filtration rate (glomerular hyperfiltration vs normal filtration rate). The concentration of uromoduline, KIM-1, FGF-23, NAG, and NGAL in serum and of NGAL and uromoduline in urine were measured in all studied groups.

Results:

The children with glomerular hyperfiltration had a statistically significantly higher serum values of FGF-23 and NGAL than the children with normal filtration rate ( P < .05). There were no statistically significant differences in serum concentrations of tested markers in children with renal scars in comparison to children with normal renal image. There was no statistically significant difference in the concentration of tested markers in urine.

Conclusions:

The study confirmed the possible usefulness of FGF-23 and NGAL in detecting the preclinical-stage of renal disease associated with glomerular hyperfiltration in children. The study do not allow to indicate markers, which could be useful in the early diagnosis of kidney damage visible in the scintigraphic examination.
Editorial: Combining the Science and Practice of Restoration Ecology—Case studies of a Grassroots Binational Restoration Collaborative in the Madrean Archipelago Ecoregion (2014-2019)
Authors: Norman Laura M , Pulliam H Ronald , Girard Michele M , Buckley Steve M , Misztal Louise , Seibert David , Campbell Carianne , Callegary James B , Tosline Deborah J , Wilson Natalie R , Hodges David , Conn Jeffrey A , Austin-Clark A Valer
Published: April 2021

The Sky Island Restoration Collaborative (SIRC) is a growing partnership between government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners in southeast Arizona, the United States, and northern Sonora, Mexico. Starting in 2014 as an experiment to cultivate restoration efforts by connecting people across vocations and nations, SIRC has evolved over 5 years into a flourishing landscape-restoration initiative. The group is founded on the concept of developing a restoration economy, where ecological and socioeconomic benefits are interconnected and complimentary. The variety of ideas, people, field sites, administration, and organizations promote learning and increase project success through iterative adaptive management, transparency, and sharing. The collaborative seeks to make restoration self-sustaining and improve quality of life for citizens living along the US-Mexico border. Research and experiments are developed between scientists and practitioners to test hypotheses, qualify procedures, and quantify impacts on shared projects. Simultaneously, partners encourage and facilitate connecting more people to the landscape—via volunteerism, internships, training, and mentoring. Through this history, SIRC’s evolution is pioneering the integration of community and ecological restoration to protect biodiversity in the Madrean Archipelago Ecoregion. This editorial introduces SIRC as a unique opportunity for scientists and practitioners looking to engage in binational partnerships and segues into this special journal issue we have assembled that relates new findings in the field of restoration ecology.
Static and dynamic performances of an offset bearing under a micropolar lubricant
Authors: Sharma Sanyam , Krishna Chimata M
Published: April 2021

In this research paper, the theoretical performance of a circular offset bearing is evaluated. The objective of this paper is to discuss the effects of eccentricity ratios and micropolarity parameters on the static and dynamic characteristics of an offset bearing with respect to micropolar lubrication. The modified Reynolds' equation for a dynamic state is solved using the finite-element method and Galerkin technique. The performance of an offset bearing is computed for a chosen range of eccentricity ratios (0.4–0.6) and for a length–diameter ratio (2.4). Enhancement in the performance of a bearing system is achieved in terms of increasing load and decreasing whirling at the higher values of eccentricity and offset especially at higher micropolarity.