bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the flow conditions requiring detailed geometric modeling for multiscale evaluation of coastal forests
Authors: Nomura Reika , Takase Shinsuke , Moriguchi Shuji , Terada Kenjiro
Published: August 2023

The multiscale evaluation method is applied to assess the influence of detailed geometric modeling of trees on their macroscopic attenuation effect against tsunami-like flow. Specifically, we conduct a series of numerical flow tests (NFTs), i.e., 3D flow simulations in a local test domain (LTD), under various inflow conditions to evaluate the macroscopic flow characteristics in the LTD accommodating an array of either simple cylinder or detailed tree models that mimic a coastal forest. After the procedure of NFTs in the multiscale evaluation method is briefly summarized and the corresponding governing equations and analysis conditions are presented, we introduce two indices for evaluating the macroscopic flow characteristics within the framework of multiscale modeling. Based on the NFT results, we discuss how the modeling scheme for trees influences the macroscopic flow characteristics in terms of these indices and clarify the microscopic mechanisms that influence the macroscopic attenuation property. Additionally, the NFT results are compared with the experimental results to justify these discussions, and key factors are explored in terms of reproducing real phenomena. In addition, to apply the multiscale evaluation method to assess the disaster mitigation performance of various types of ecosystems in a realistic situation, we discuss under what circumstances and with what level of detail vegetation should be modeled.
Comparison of the Miniaci and Dugdale techniques on functional outcomes in medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy
Authors: Aygün Ümit , Bölükbaşı Murat , Yamak Kamil , Çiçek Ali Can
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To compare the correction angles determined by the Miniaci and Dugdale techniques in patients treated with medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) and show their impact on clinical outcomes.

Methods

Seventy‐four patients constituted the study group. The correction angles in Group 1 were measured using the Miniaci technique, and those in Group 2 were measured using the Dugdale technique. The clinical evaluations included the Tinetti Gait and Balance Assessment (TGBA), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) scores, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The effect of the correction angle on the patient's clinical outcomes was evaluated. Measurement techniques were also changed between groups for comparison.

Results

Seventy‐four patients (62 females, 12 males) with a mean age of 53.7 ± 4.9 years were followed up for a mean of 67.4 ± 5.5 months. The TGBA, WOMAC, and VAS scores were improved at the last follow‐up compared to the preoperative scores (p < 0.05). The preoperative TGBA and WOMAC scores were not significantly different between the two groups, but the last follow‐up TGBA and WOMAC scores in Group 2 were worse than those in Group 1 (p < 0.05). When measuring techniques were changed, the preoperative correction angle (PCA) value and the last follow‐up correction angle (LFCA) value were lower in Group 1 measured with the Dugdale technique but higher in Group 2 measured with the Miniaci technique (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Since the correction angle values measured with the Miniaci technique in MOWHTO are higher than those measured with the Dugdale technique; the functional results are better.

Level of evidence

Retrospective cohort study, III.
Development of human-touch smart armband for tele-haptic communication using a fabric-based soft pneumatic actuator
Authors: Choi Hanna , Yoo Shinjung
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to develop a human-touch smart armband that can transport emotional tactile stimuli to individuals in distant places. To simulate human touch stimuli, a soft pneumatic actuator (SPA) which we refer to in this study as “SPA touch,” of size 7 cm × 7 cm and thickness 0.3 cm was designed using fabric and silicone with nine touch points, which can be individually inflated and allocated within the actuator. The use of thermoplastic polyurethane-coated fabric as a backing material helps obtain one-side inflation toward the skin effectively. By controlling the position and duration time of the inflation of the nine touch points, three basic touch modes (“Touch,” “Double touch,” and “Drag”) and three emotional tactile gestures (“Patting,” “Hugging,” and “Caressing”) were programmed using Python. The evaluation of the operating performance of the basic touch modes and emotional tactile gestures showed that “SPA touch” could properly create and transmit touch stimulation remotely. The human-touch smart armband developed in the process of this study can be used for novel tele-haptic communication with individuals in distant places, such as nursing homes.
Effects of morphological traits on body weight and analysis of growth-related genes of Parabramis pekinensis at different ages
Authors: Xu Wentao , Feng Yaming , Gu Zhengyan , Zhang Shuanglin , Yang Zhijing , Xu Ye , Gu Hailong
Published: August 2023

Parabramis pekinensis was treated as research object in order to investigate the correlation between morphological traits and body weight. We measured 9 morphological indexes including total length (X1), body length (X2), body height (X3), head length (X4), snout length (X5), eye diameter (X6), eye distance (X7), caudal stalk length (X8) and caudal stalk height (X9). The principal morphological traits affecting body weight were screened out and the regression equation was established. The regression equation of Y1 (age 1 group) shape character (X) and weight (Y) was Y = − 169.183 + 32.544 × 3 + 10.263 × 4 + 15.655 × 7. The regression equation of Y2 (age 2 group) shape character (X) and weight (Y) was Y = − 694.082 + 7.725 × 1 + 72.822 × 3 + 77.023 × 6, the regression equation of Y3 (age 3 group) shape character (X) and weight (Y) was Y = − 1161.512 + 26.062 × 1 + 22.319 × 2- 107.218 × 5 + 83.901 × 7. Gene expression was consistent with these conclusions. TOR signaling pathway expression raised in Y1 then width increased. And GH-IGF-1 signaling pathway expression raised in Y2 then the length increased. In conclusion, the paper could prove that P. pekinensis showed a growth trend, which was increasing width first and length later. In some sense, the study not only enriched the basic biological data of P. pekinensis, but also provided waiting morphological traits for selective breeding of P. pekinensis artificial breeding in future.
Fungal endophytes as potential biocontrol agent of Panama disease of banana
Authors: Taping Jonah Mae F. , Borja Bernadith T. , Bretaña Bryan Lloyd P. , Tanabe Maria Elena N. , Cabasan Ma. Teodora N.
Published: August 2023

Background

Fusarium odoratissimum (Foc TR4) is a devastating fungal pathogen that causes Panama wilt in Cavendish banana, a high value crop that generates significant revenue. The excessive use of synthetic fungicides for disease control poses risks to both human health and the environment. Consequently, there is a pressing need for eco-friendly alternatives to manage this disease. One potential approach is the utilization of biocontrol agents, which have shown promise in disease control. This study aimed to evaluate the biocontrol potential of fungal endophytes isolated from the naturally-resistant cultivar Cardaba banana against Foc TR4. These fungal isolates were subjected to a dual culture assay, characterized based on morpho-cultural characteristics, and confirmed molecularly using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA.

Results

Of the 15 fungal endophytes isolated from Cardaba; Blakeslea trispora, Pseudopestalotiopsis theae, Xylaria badia, Nigrospora hainanensis, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Xylaria feejeensis, Gymnoascus reessii, Fusarium subglutinans, Rigidoporus vinctus, and Macrophomina phaseolina showed potential antagonistic activity against F. odoratissimum. Isolates X. feejeensis (USMJMTBL10), G. reesii (USMJMTBL11), and M. phaseolina (USMJMTBR1) had the highest antagonistic activity of 87.8–96.6% against F. odoratissimum in vitro.

Conclusion

This study presents evidence of the potential of Cardaba-associated endophytes isolated and identified in this research, as effective biocontrol agents against F. odoratissimum, the causal agent of Panama disease in Cavendish banana. Our findings suggest that these endophytes hold promise as a biocontrol agent for managing Foc TR4-infected banana plants. Future research will focus on in planta testing, validation in greenhouse and field trials, as well as development of formulations and application protocols to optimize the utilization of these biocontrol agents in an integrated management approach for Foc TR4-infected bananas.
"Lepet": Indonesian traditional food for Eid Al-Fitr celebrations
Authors: Wardana Ata Aditya , Setiarto R. Haryo Bimo , Wigati Laras Putri
Published: August 2023

Indonesia, a country with diverse cultures, possesses a rich variety of cultural heritage. The aim of this review is to discuss the culture oflepetconsidering its ethnic perspective, preparation and consumption, nutritional and functional properties, safety, and future outlook aspects.Lepet, a traditional Javanese dish, consists of sticky rice, grated young coconut, coconut milk, cowpea, and salt. It is wrapped in young coconut leaves with a specific pattern, boiled, soaked, and then hung to cool and dry. The persuasive technique employed by Sunan Kalijaga, which combines Javanese cultural traditions and Islamic religious teachings, symbolizeslepetfor the Javanese people. This method facilitated the spread of Islam by emphasizing the importance of purity and refraining from committing further mistakes after apologizing during theEid Al-Fitritradition.Lepetis rich in carbohydrates and some protein. It is gluten-free and offers benefits for bone and skin health due to its contribution of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Proper handling and storage oflepetare vital to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and extend its shelf life. Given the rising worldwide acknowledgment of Indonesian gastronomy, advancements in technology and distribution, creative adaptations, and a surging demand for convenience, the prospects forlepetappear bright in the future.
Lest We Forget Black Patriarchy; or, Why I'm Over Calling Out White Women
Authors: Merritt Candice
Published: August 2023

This article contends that present-day focus of Black feminist anger at white women obscures the old and ongoing Black feminist struggle to name and diagnose Black patriarchy. In effort to redirect attention to the sexual/gendered intramural struggles within Black social life, this article reads selected texts by the Combahee River Collective, Ntozake Shange, Audre Lorde, and bell hooks from the 1970s–1980s. Doing so illustrates the long tradition of Black feminist writing filled with rage –not at white women—but at Black men and with the expressed objective to eradicate patriarchy. Remembering these Black feminist analytic and activist efforts to challenge black women's sexual oppression reframes Black feminism as a singular project that calls out white women's racism to a broader liberatory one requiring confrontation with male power writ large and, in particular, Black male violence against Black women.
Flailing at Feminized Labor: SOFFAs, 1990s Trans Care Networks, Stone Butch Blues, and the Devaluation of Social Reproduction
Authors: Aizura Aren
Published: August 2023

Around 1998, the term “significant other” or “significant others, friends, family, and allies” started to circulate in English-language trans communities to describe cis people's labor in supporting trans people through transition. One newsletter, Your SOFFA Voice, published letters, essays, and poetry by and for SOFFAs. Your SOFFA Voice could be understood as what Cait McKinney calls information activism, attempts at creating political collectivity through DIY communication and publication methods. While the poems, stories, and manifestos of Your SOFFA Voice were undoubtedly expressions of genuine experience, they also read as expressions of “bad” liberal feminism, preoccupied with the domestic and intimate and obscuring political questions other than personal identity. Historicizing the intimate, domestic themes of this 1990s archive in relation to earlier trans/butch/femme representations of 1960s bar culture and working-class solidarities—particularly in Leslie Feinberg's Stone Butch Blues—helps contextualize them in relation to multiple historical events: the expansion of feminized administrative and clerical labor markets on one hand; and on the other hand, the withdrawal of the welfare state and the absorption of the radical political imagination into homonormative lesbian and gay rights organizing, and the institutionalization of 1960s-70s feminist, queer, Black, Latinx, and Indigenous campus protest into liberal diversity and inclusion initiatives in the 1990s and 2000s. This analysis helps us ask questions about trans care now: how and why intimate partnerships are made to bear such utopian desires for community building and care while also constituting a crucible for much of the mess, tension, and dysfunction of trans care, and whether understanding trans people as autonomous and self-determining is a viable alternative.
Resources and Capabilities for Sustainable Operations Strategy
Authors: Gavronski Iuri
Published: August 2023

Researchers in OM have made a large effort to incorporate sustainable operations into the mainstream of operations strategy. However, OM scholars and practitioners have no comprehensive framework for sustainable operations strategy to date. This paper attempts to fill this gap by providing a literature review on five dimensions of sustainable operations strategy: external context, competitive dimensions, strategic decisions, operations value chain activities, and organizational learning and knowledge. We provide a framework for sustainable operations strategy, consistent with these five dimensions, and provide research opportunities.
Marketing – Environment Sustainability Alignment: an Exploratory and Propositional Study
Authors: Borella Margareth Rodrigues de Carvalho , Bertolazzi Marco Aurélio , Barcellos Paulo Fernando Pinto
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this paper is to present a model of alignment between marketing and the environment in the sustainable operations context. The model is generated from the literature review of Environmental Marketing and Sustainable Products and Operations. A database is used to test the proposed alignment model. Marketing and environment variables are extracted from the database and are included in the Social Responsibility Ethos Institute's Indicators. The answers correspond to respondents' perceptions of their enterprises social accountability level. As a result, the marketing-environment alignment model is validated, partially. Additionally, the data analysis revealed two groups of enterprises in the sample, according to Kärnä, Hansen and Juslin (2003): (1) the smallest, formed by proactive enterprises with the highest environmental consciousness score, and (2) the largest, formed by reactive and consumption enterprises with the lowest environmental consciousness score.
Editorial Board
Authors: Admin JOSCM
Published: August 2023

Editorial Board, JOSCM v. 5, n. 1, 2012
Factors affecting HBV DNA suppression in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
Authors: Darmadi Darmadi , Lindarto Dharma , Siregar Jelita , Widyawati Tri , Rusda Muhammad , Amin Mustafa Mahmud , Yusuf Fauzi , Eyanoer Putri Chairani , Lubis Masrul , Rey Imelda
Published: August 2023

Background: This study aims to determine the factors affecting HBV DNA suppression in chronic hepatitis B patients with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF).

Methods: A case-control was carried out from October 2021 to August 2022 on 182 chronic hepatitis B patients who had TDF therapy regularly for 24 weeks at H. Adam Malik and USU Hospitals in Medan, Indonesia. The history of the samples was obtained, followed by physical examination, and blood collection. CTLA-4 polymorphism examination was carried out using real-time PCR, while the serum CTLA-4 levels were assessed with ELISA.

Results: The CTLA-4 -1661G>A polymorphism, genotype GG+AG, increased 1.52 times risk of not achieving HBV DNA suppression to TDF compared to genotype AA (p=0.041). High CTLA-4 levels increased 2.28 times risk, high HBV DNA levels increased 2.09 times risk, low ALT levels increased 1.95 times risk of not achieving HBV DNA suppression (p= 0.009, 0.026, 0.036, respectively). There was no relationship between gender, age, ethnicity, obesity, baseline AST, HBeAg, genotype, liver fibrosis and HBV DNA suppression after 24 weeks of treatment (p>0.05).

Conclusions: The levels of CTLA-4, HBV DNA, ALT, and CTLA-4 -1661G>A polymorphism have a potential relationship with the suppression of HBV DNA in chronic hepatitis B patients with TDF.
Are conspiracy theorists inaccurate, unmotivated to be accurate, or both?: A latent class analysis
Authors: Bowes Shauna , Fazio Lisa
Published: August 2023

Background: A rapidly growing body of research demonstrates that conspiratorial ideation is related to less accuracy, more overconfidence, and more reliance on intuition. Yet, the bulk of this research has focused on belief in conspiracy theories rather than conspiracy theorists. As such it remains unclear whether all conspiracy theorists are equally inaccurate, overconfident, and reliant on intuition or whether there are types of conspiracy theorists who differ across these variables.

Methods: To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a preregistered secondary data analysis of the variable-level and person-centered relations among conspiratorial ideation, accuracy, overconfidence, and motivations across five samples (Ns ranged from 477 to 3,056). We used multiple measures of each variable to build in conceptual replication.

Results: Broadly, the variable-centered results were consistent with existing research and revealed that conspiratorial ideation tended to be related to less accuracy, more overconfidence, more reliance on intuition and closemindedness, and less rational thinking and open-mindedness. In person-centered analyses, we found two classes of individuals, one who scored higher on conspiratorial ideation and one who scored lower. In the conspiracy theorist class, we found that conspiracy theorists were not unknowledgeable and irrational across the board.

Conclusions: Thus, conspiracy theorists may be more psychologically complex than originally presumed based on variable-level results. Future research is needed to examine how different motives manifest in conspiracy theorists and to leverage insights from such research to reduce susceptibility to misinformation.
Control and Conversion Standards in Professional Chess Training
Authors: Slavinskiy P.
Published: August 2023

In the order №952 from 09.11.2022 of the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation it is written about obligatory presence of control-transfer materials for chess players in curricula. In this article the author proposes to use digital control-transfer standards, which will allow evaluating university students at any of the four stages of chess training (elementary, special, improvement, higher mastery). The digital control system will not only evaluate the level of knowledge, skills and abilities at all stages of training, but will also analyse problematic topics and suggest improvements in them.
Venous malformations in children - a literature review
Authors: Dobek Adam , Korol Filip , Symulewicz Michał , Edyko Krzysztof , Jachowicz Krzysztof , Minkner Mikołaj , Bieńkowski Borys , Feja Krzysztof , Marchewka Urszula , Łuczak Ewa
Published: August 2023

Introduction:
Venous malformations are congenital, the most occurring subtype of vascular malformations. They are characterized by slow flow, tortuosity and lack of macular layer within the vessel. Venous malformations can be highly problematic to diagnose and treat, thus differentiation the venous malformations with other diseases in pediatric population is important.  
Aim of the study:
The aim of the study is to summarize the available knowledge about venous malformation in pediatric population. The options in diagnosis, treatment and potential new methods were summarized and described.
Materials and methods
The literature available in the PubMed database was reviewed using the following keywords: “Vascular malformations”, “Venous Malformations”, “Venous malformations treatment, “Children”.
Conclusions:
Venous malformations are an important problem in pediatric population, as a seldom affliction they can be easily misdiagnosed as other diseases and treated inadequately. Widening of awareness of venous malformations and possible methods of diagnosing and treating them is very important to raise quality of health care in children.
A Simulation Study for a Safe Reopening and Operation of the Trager Institute Optimal Aging Clinic During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sadri Shahab , Paleshi Arsalan , Bai Lihui , Gentili Monica
Published: August 2023

In this study, we develop a discrete-event simulation model to aid the Trager Institute, an outpatient clinic for optimal aging located in Louisville, Kentucky, in determining their safe reopening strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic and operational strategies beyond the pandemic. The model studies the movement of several groups of people (e.g., healthcare providers, navigators, patients, staff) and the operations of the clinic’s primary and ancillary services. The main objective is to ensure that the clinic operates safely while COVID-19 restrictions are in place and to improve its providers’ utilization rate. The model simulates people’s movement in the clinic, monitors the congestion level in four common areas, and identifies the peak hours during a day. We also study various overbooking and telehealth policies to overcome high cancelation or no-show rates and low utilization for providers. Simulation results using AnyLogic have helped the management decide to reopen the in-person services during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the safe congestion level demonstrated by the simulation. Insights on optimal overbooking and telehealth policies can shed a broader light on other healthcare organizations.

History: This paper was refereed.
EDUCAÇÃO DO CAMPO: A TRAJETÓRIA DO MOVIMENTO DOS TRABALHADORES RURAIS SEM TERRA (MST), NA LUTA PELA TERRA E POR ESCOLA NA REGIÃO NORTE DE MATO GROSSO
Authors: Do Reis Ana Maria , Smanhoto Waldemir Aparecido
Published: August 2023

Este texto pretende contribuir com o debate pedagógico trazendo algumas reflexões sobre a organização, luta, conquistas da terra e da escola pelo Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra - MST. Através da pesquisa bibliográfica buscamos elementos teóricos para percorrer um pouco o caminho traçado por esse movimento, sua história de resistência contra o modelo de desenvolvimento agrário do agronegócio a conquista do Assentamento 12 de Outubro na região Norte de Mato Grosso, da Escola Estadual Florestan Fernandes, da educação do campo e como se constitui um projeto desenvolvido pela escola e sua relação com a comunidade. Destacaremos também a importância do papel do/a educador/a no processo da reforma agrária e uma pedagogia crítica de interesse dos assentados e outros aspectos importantes para tecermos significações, trazendo à tona atores sociais organizados em coletivos que lutam pela terra e transformação social, na garantia de direitos fundamentais, como: educação, saúde, moradia, crédito rural, produção, industrialização e comercialização de seus produtos.
PEDAGOGOS DA FUNDAÇÃO CASA/SP: DESAFIOS E PERSPECTIVAS NO ATENDIMENTO SOCIOEDUCATIVO
Authors: Souza Anderson Soares de
Published: August 2023

O presente texto tem por objetivo central apresentar as funções de pedagogos que atuam na Fundação Casa/SP. A finalidade é refletir as possibilidades e os desafios presentes nessa profissão e apontar caminhos que direcionem o olhar de quem almeja trabalhar no sistema socioeducativo por meio de práticas educativas direcionadas aos adolescentes autores de ato infracional. O estudo também apresenta uma reflexão teórica sobre a identidade profissional dos pedagogos bem como analisa brevemente a história da Fundação Casa/SP e a forma como está organizada na atualidade. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa que utilizou como abordagem metodológica a análise de conteúdo. O resultado das discussões aponta caminhos metodológicos para o trabalho a ser executado por pedagogos na execução de medidas socioeducativas. Além disso, reflete criticamente os desafios que esses profissionais enfrentam na realização do trabalho junto aos adolescentes.
REFORMA ADMINISTRATIVA E CONTRATAÇÃO POR PREGÃO: ESPOLIAÇÕES VIOLENTAS DO TRABALHO DE ASSISTENTES SOCIAIS
Authors: Dos Santos Tatiane Valéria Cardoso , Stampa Inez
Published: August 2023

O desenvolvimento capitalista e as consequentes transformações societárias advindas da buscaincessante pela acumulação trazem repercussões significativas para o âmbito do trabalho comopráxis humana. A partir desse processo sócio-histórico ocorre a intensificação das formas deexpropriação da força de trabalho que se expressam, notadamente, por meio das práticas deprecarização. No caso brasileiro, utilizando, sobretudo, a flexibilização da regulamentação dotrabalho e a intensificação das formas de uso e exploração da força de trabalho. É nesse âmbitode análise que se centram as reflexões do texto, baseadas em revisão bibliográfica, análisedocumental e em dados secundários cujo objetivo é revelar atuais relações de trabalho dosassistentes sociais brasileiros, configuradas por formas precárias e atípicas de contratações, pormeio dos processos licitatórios do Estado, sobretudo na modalidade pregão. Tal fenômenoconstrange a legislação social trabalhista brasileira e a regulamentação profissional dosassistentes sociais.
A GREVE E OS SEUS NOVOS RUMOS
Authors: Vasconcelos Fernanda Chaves , Ferreira Sonia Maria
Published: August 2023

Este artigo tem o objetivo de mostrar uma perspectiva sobre o que é a greve, como esta forma de resistência se expandiu no mundo e no nosso país, além de como a legislação trabalhista brasileira lida com a capacidade de mobilização dos trabalhadores e de que modo o movimento assume um papel de protagonista na luta social. O texto fala ainda que a estratégia de confronto da classe trabalhadora, por intermédio das greves, independe de leis, pois a legislação trabalhista sempre tentou prejudicar o lado mais fraco: o dos trabalhadores. Mesmo com todas as dificuldades, a classe conseguiu, nos períodos de luta, estabelecer uma importante linha de resistência, que afeta diretamente a esfera de circulação do capital, atingindo a base de produção de riqueza, centrada no livre fluxo de mercadorias, pessoas e informações. No entanto, outras sociabilidades estão surgindo, visando transformar a sociedade. Estas novas formas de lutas têm o propósito de redesenhar o futuro no Brasil.
Getting Manufacturers Fit to Switch
Authors: Pateman Chris
Published: August 2023

We’ve been making telephone calls over copper landlines since the days of plummy-voiced Post Office operators plugging cables into exchange switchboards. Now the deadline’s finally looming for the copper network’s retirement party. And Britain’s businesses are all but oblivious to the potential risks to their companies’ support and alarm services.
Decompositions of matrices into a sum of invertible matrices and matrices of fixed nilpotence
Authors: Danchev Peter , García Esther , Gómez Lozano Miguel
Published: August 2023

For any $n\ge 2$ and fixed $k\ge 1$, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for an arbitrary nonzero square matrix in the matrix ring $\mathbb{M}_n(\mathbb{F})$ to be written as a sum of an invertible matrix $U$ and a nilpotent matrix $N$ with $N^k=0$ over an arbitrary field $\mathbb{F}$.
Surgical debridement in long bone chronic osteomyelitis: is wide tumour-like resection necessary?
Authors: Langit Mickhael B. , Tay Kae S. , Al-Omar Hussain K. , Barlow Gavin , Bates Joanna , Chuo Cher B. , Muir Ross , Sharma Hemant
Published: August 2023

Aims

The standard of wide tumour-like resection for chronic osteomyelitis (COM) has been challenged recently by adequate debridement. This paper reviews the evolution of surgical debridement for long bone COM, and presents the outcome of adequate debridement in a tertiary bone infection unit.

Methods

We analyzed the retrospective record review from 2014 to 2020 of patients with long bone COM. All were managed by multidisciplinary infection team (MDT) protocol. Adequate debridement was employed for all cases, and no case of wide resection was included.

Results

A total of 53 patients (54 bones) with median age of 45.5 years (interquartile range 31 to 55) and mean follow-up of 29 months (12 to 59) were included. In all, ten bones were Cierny-Mader type I, 39 were type III, and five were type IV. All patients were treated with single-staged management, except for one (planned two-stage stabilization). Positive microbial cultures grew in 75%. Overall, 46 cases (85%) had resolution of COM after index procedure, and 49 (90.7%) had resolution on last follow-up. Four patients (7%) underwent second surgical procedure and six patients (11%) had complications.

Conclusion

We challenge the need for wide tumour-like resection in all cases of COM. Through detailed preoperative evaluation and planning with MDT approach, adequate debridement and local delivery of high concentration of antibiotic appears to provide comparable outcomes versus radical debridement.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):643–651.
Chemotaxonomy of Tapinoma and some Dolichoderinae Ants from Europe and North Africa
Authors: Lenoir Alain , Perdereau Elfie , Berville Laurence
Published: August 2023

Cuticular hydrocarbons of some Dolichoderinae species from France and various places like Spain, North Africa, and Italy were studied. The Tapinoma nigerrimum group was particularly analyzed and replaced in the genus Tapinoma. All species were correctly discriminated and a new hydrocarbons profile was found in Spanish mountains in the T. nigerrimum group, which was provisionally named T. sp. Spain. We added numerous unknown spots for the distribution of these ants. We also tested aggression between some T. magnum colonies and it appeared that this species forms supercolonies like other invasive species, but does not form giant supercolonies like the Argentine ant
Controlling the target pattern of projected LED arrays for smart lighting
Authors: Cerpentier Jeroen , Meuret Youri , Acuña Paula
Published: August 2023

High-resolution, pixelated LED arrays allow flexible illumination. By addressing certain areas of the LED matrix and projecting the emitted light, selective illumination can be achieved. When combined with computer vision, smart, autonomous lighting systems are within reach. However, limitations of the used projection optics, in combination with the fact that the LED array and camera can be at a different position, severely complicates the problem of calculating which LED pixels to address in order to achieve a desired target pattern. This work proposes a least-squares deconvolution-based calculation method to solve this problem. The method relies on an initial calibration step that characterizes the complete point-spread-function of the LED array for the considered illumination configuration. This allows using the system for various settings. The method is experimentally validated for an off-axis illumination configuration that demonstrates the accuracy and flexibility of the approach. Because the proposed algorithm is fast and guarantees a global optimum, it opens new avenues towards accurate, smart and adaptive illumination.
Factors associated with adverse outcomes among patients hospitalized at a COVID-19 treatment center in Herat, Afghanistan
Authors: Klein Ana , Bastard Mathieu , Hemat Hamayoun , Singh Saschveen , Muniz Bruno , Manangama Guyguy , Alayyan Amber , Tamanna Abdul Hakim , Barakzaie Bashir , Popal Nargis , Kakar Mohammad Azeem Zmarial , Poulet Elisabeth , Finger Flavio
Published: August 2023

Though many studies on COVID have been published to date, data on COVID-19 epidemiology, symptoms, risk factors and severity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICS), such as Afghanistan are sparse. To describe clinical characteristics, severity, and outcomes of patients hospitalized in the MSF COVID-19 treatment center (CTC) in Herat, Afghanistan and to assess risk factors associated with severe outcomes. 1113 patients were included in this observational study between June 2020 and April 2022. Descriptive analysis was performed on clinical characteristics, complications, and outcomes of patients. Univariate description by Cox regression to identify risk factors for an adverse outcome was performed. Adverse outcome was defined as death or transfer to a level 3 intensive care located at another health facility. Finally, factors identified were included in a multivariate Cox survival analysis. A total of 165 patients (14.8%) suffered from a severe disease course, with a median time of 6 days (interquartile range: 2–11 days) from admission to adverse outcome. In our multivariate model, we identified male gender, age over 50, high O2 flow administered during admission, lymphopenia, anemia and O2 saturation < = 93% during the first three days of admission as predictors for a severe disease course (p<0.05). Our analysis concluded in a relatively low rate of adverse outcomes of 14.8%. This is possibly related to the fact that the resources at an MSF-led facility are higher, in terms of human resources as well as supply of drugs and biomedical equipment, including oxygen therapy devices, compared to local hospitals. Predictors for severe disease outcomes were found to be comparable to other settings.
"I tell you, getting data for this is hell"–Exploring the use of evidence for noncommunicable disease policies in Ghana
Authors: Owusu Mark Fordjour , Adu Joseph , Dortey Benjamin Ansah
Published: August 2023

After several years of over concentration on communicable diseases, Ghana has finally made notable strides in the prevention of NCDs by introducing key policies and programmes. Evident shows that there is limited NCD-related data on mortality and risk factors to inform NCD policy, planning, and implementation in Ghana. We explored the evidence base for noncommunicable disease policies in Ghana. A qualitative approach was adopted using key informant interviews and documents as data sources. An adaptation of the framework method for analysing qualitative data by Gale and colleagues’ (2013) was used to analyse data. Our findings show that effort has been made in terms of institutions and systems to provide evidence for the policy process with the creation of the Centre for Health Information Management and the District Health Information Management System. Although there is overreliance on routine facility data, policies have also been framed using surveys, burden of disease estimates, monitoring reports, and systematic reviews. There is little emphasis on content analysis, key informant interviews, case studies, and implementation science techniques in the policy process of Ghana. Inadequate and poor data quality are key challenges that confront policymakers. Ghana has improved its information infrastructure but access to quality noncommunicable disease data remains a daunting challenge. A broader framework for the integration of different sources of data such as verbal autopsies and natural experiments is needed while strengthening existing systems. This, however, requires greater investments in personnel and logistics at national and district levels.
Global, regional, and country-level cost of leptospirosis due to loss of productivity in humans
Authors: Agampodi Suneth , Gunarathna Sajaan , Lee Jung-Seok , Excler Jean-Louis
Published: August 2023

Background

Leptospirosis, a prevalent zoonotic disease with One Health priority and a disease of poverty, lacks global economic burden estimates. This study aims to determine the global, regional, and country-level cost of leptospirosis due to loss of productivity.

Methodology/principal findings

The cost of leptospirosis due to loss of productivity (referred to as productivity cost hereafter) was estimated by converting the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost due to leptospirosis to a monetary value using the per capita gross domestic product (GDP). The country-specific DALYs lost were obtained from the global burden of leptospirosis study published previously. Non-health GDP per capita (GDP- per capita health expenditure) was used for the cost conversion of DALYs. Country-specific GDP and health expenditure data were obtained from the World Bank data repositories. Estimates were done using both nominal and international dollars.

The estimated global productivity cost of leptospirosis in 2019 was Int$ 29.3 billion, with low and high estimates ranging from Int$ 11.6 billion to 52.3 billion. China (Int$ 4.8 billion), India (Int$ 4.6 billion), Indonesia (Int$ 2.8 billion), Sri Lanka (Int$ 2.1 billion), and the United States (Int$ 1.3 billion) had the highest productivity cost due to leptospirosis. Eight out of 10 countries with the highest burden were in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, lower-middle-income countries had an annual productivity cost of Int$ 13.8 billion, indicating that the disease is poverty-related.

Conclusion

Although significant, the cost estimate due to loss of productivity is merely a fraction of the overall economic burden of this disease, which also includes other direct, indirect, and intangible costs. The existing partial estimates of the different components of economic cost suggest a profound economic burden that demands the inclusion of leptospirosis in the global health agenda for comprehensive disease control and prevention efforts, including vaccine development.
Systematic review on factors associated with depression among mothers of children with cancer
Authors: Wan Ghazali Wan Syahirah , Minhat Halimatus Sakdiah , Mohd Zulkefli Nor Afiah , Ahmad Norliza , Ismail Fatin , Mashudi Dina Nurfarahin , Mud Shukri Muhammad Ikhwan , Kanthavelu Chandramalar
Published: August 2023

Background

Despite evidence of depression among mothers of children with cancer, there appears to be a lack of studies or concern regarding factors associated with depression among these mothers.

Objective

To review the factors associated with depression among mothers of children with cancer.

Method

Pubmed, Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL, Psychology, and Behavioural Sciences Collection, and Academic Search Complete were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify studies published between 2010 to 2022 on the associated risk factors of depression among mothers of children with cancer. The keywords used included mothers OR maternal’ AND ‘Child*’ AND ‘cancer OR tumo*r OR neoplasm’ AND ‘factors OR facilitators AND barriers OR predictors OR determinants AND ‘depression’. Selected studies were evaluated by quality assessment.

Result

Five articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The factors associated with depression among mothers of children were socio-demographic risk factors (marital status, education level, annual income, child cancer diagnosis), and stress factors (caregiving stress, cancer-related stress, general stress). There were other factors associated with depression that act as mediators along the process which were emotion-focused coping and perceived social support.

Conclusion

Besides the commonly reported socio-demographic risk factors (marital status, education level, and annual income), other factors include stress factors (caregiving stress, cancer-related stress, and general stress). Furthermore, emotion-focused coping and perceived social support act as mediators along the process. More studies are warranted to explore depression among these mothers to ensure the most appropriate and effective preventive measures.
The Mediterranean Diet Scale (MDS): Translation and validation of the Arabic version
Authors: Aljehani Raghdah , Aljehani Ghaidaa , Alharazi Hanaa , Horta Paula M. , Kümmel Duarte Camila , Ghisi Gabriela Lima de Melo
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The self-administered version of the Mediterranean Diet Scale (MDS) has been developed to test the inherent characteristics of this dietary pattern in a quick and simple way, due to the need of this assessment in the clinical and research setting. This study aimed to translate and psychometrically validate the self-administered MDS in Arabic (CRBS-A).

Methods

The original (English) version was originally translated to Arabic, followed by back-translation. Next, 10 healthcare providers, followed by 10 cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients rated the face and content validity (CV) of materials, providing input to improve cross-cultural applicability. Then, 200 patients from Saudi Arabia completed the questionnaire, of which factor structure, internal consistency, criterion and construct validity were assessed.

Results

Content and face validity was supported based on experts and patients’ reviews (ranges: CV scores 0.9–1.0/1.0 and clarity 3.5 to 4.5/5). Minor edits were made. Subsequent factor analysis revealed 4 factors consistent with the original version of the instrument, all internally consistent. Total CRBS-A α was 0.74. Criterion validity was confirmed by the significantly higher scores in patients who participated in CR. Construct validity was also established by significant associations between MDS scores and monthly family income, having the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome or with a history of valve repair or replacement, being obese or having dyslipidemia.

Conclusions

Overall, these results confirm the validity and reliability of the MDS in Arabic-speaking patients.
Discovery of novel RARα agonists using pharmacophore-based virtual screening, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation studies
Authors: Ghorayshian Atefeh , Danesh Mahshid , Mostashari-Rad Tahereh , fassihi Afshin
Published: August 2023

Nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) are ligand-dependent transcription factors involved in various biological processes, such as embryogenesis, cell proliferation, differentiation, reproduction, and apoptosis. These receptors are regulated by retinoids, i.e., retinoic acid (RA) and its analogs, as receptor agonists. RAR agonists are promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of serious dermatological disorders, including some malignant conditions. By inducing apoptosis, they are able to inhibit the proliferation of diverse cancer cell lines. Also, RAR agonists have recently been identified as therapeutic options for some neurodegenerative diseases. These features make retinoids very attractive molecules for medical purposes. Synthetic selective RAR agonists have several advantages over endogenous ones, but they suffer poor pharmacokinetic properties. These compounds are normally lipophilic acids with unfavorable drug-like features such as poor oral bioavailability. Recently, highly selective, potent, and less toxic RAR agonists with proper lipophilicity, thus, good oral bioavailability have been developed for some therapeutic applications. In the present study, ligand and structure-based virtual screening technique was exploited to introduce some novel RARα agonists. Pharmacokinetic assessment was also performedin silicoto suggest those compounds which have optimized drug-like features. Finally, two compounds with the bestin silicopharmacological features are proposed as lead molecules for future development of RARα agonists.
Energy, exergy, exergo-economic, enviro-economic, exergo-environmental, exergo-enviro-economic, sustainability and sensitivity (6E,2S) analysis on single slope solar still—An experimental study
Authors: Khan Muhammad Alam Zaib , Wahab Abdul , Khan Kamran , Ahmad Naveed , Kamran Muhammad Ali
Published: August 2023

Tackling water scarcity is a significant challenge due to the rapid increase in the global population, which is raising concern for the supply of fresh water. high demand of fresh water leading to a failure in meeting the demand for fresh water. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of an efficient single-slope solar still with an aluminum-finned plate absorber and internal and external reflectors to address water scarcity. Energy, exergy, economic and environmental analyses (6E) were undertaken to deeply analyze its impact on the environment. The maximum energy and exergy efficiency achieved was 60.19% and 21.57%, respectively, at a 2cm depth. The use of both external and internal reflectors assisted in the highest productivity of 7.02 liters. The cost of 0.033$/liter was obtained for a lifetime of 10 years for the optimal system. The payback time in terms of energy and exergy for the optimal system is 0.88 and 2.23 years, respectively. Furthermore, sustainability and sensitivity (2S) analysis were also performed to assess the system’s current and future feasibility. The total price for carbon dioxide mitigation during the solar still lifetime was $346.7, which represents the cost saving achieved with the installation of the optimal system.
Protective effect of propofol compared with sevoflurane on liver function after hepatectomy with Pringle maneuver: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Matsumi Junya , Sato Tetsufumi
Published: August 2023

While the Pringle maneuver reduces intraoperative blood loss in hepatectomies, this technique can also be hepatotoxic. Hepatectomies require general anesthesia with propofol or volatile anesthetics like sevoflurane, agents known to offer multi-organ protection. However, their clinical effect after liver resection is unclear. We aimed to assess the effect of the two anesthetics on post-hepatectomy liver damage via measuring liver function tests. Fifty-six patients who underwent elective hepatectomies with the Pringle maneuver due to metastatic hepatic masses were preoperatively randomized to be anesthetized by sevoflurane or propofol. The primary and secondary outcomes were the postoperative peak levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), respectively. Patients anesthetized by propofol exhibited significantly lower transaminases than those given sevoflurane (AST, p = 0.005; ALT, p = 0.006). The former agent significantly affected postoperative transaminases (AST hazard ratio -192.2, 95% confidence interval [-332.1 to -52.4], p = 0.00; ALT hazard ratio -140.2, 95% confidence interval [-240.0 to -40.7], p = 0.007). In conclusion, propofol had a greater hepatoprotective effect than sevoflurane as assessed by postoperative transaminases after hepatectomy with Pringle maneuver for metastatic liver tumors.