bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islamic Law, Slavery, and Feelings
Authors: de la Puente Cristina
Published: November 2021

This article studies a fourth/tenth-century notarial model to limit and place conditions on (istirʿāʾ) the manumission of an unruly and bad-tempered female slave. The text is part of al-Wathāʾiq wa-l-sijillāt, a notarial manual compiled by Cordoban scholar Ibn al-ʿAṭṭār (d. 399/1009), the earliest edited Andalusi work of this genre. Although it is part of a chapter on slavery and, more specifically, of a section dedicated to the manumission of slaves, it is not a generic notarial text dealing with the manumission of female slaves. The document is not a manumission form, but one that complements and limits a manumission; in fact, its aim is to impede or overturn the process. The article studies this notarial model in three different contexts: (1) Andalusi kutub al-wathāʾiq, (2) Mālikī legal literature on slavery and (3) notarial model reservation testimonies. Even if, at first glance, it appears to be an unusual legal document, when analysing other Mālikī sources we observe that the text is part of a well-documented tradition with widely accepted legal justification. This model is nevertheless exceptional from a procedural point of view because its legal arguments are based on feelings and refer specifically to the slave’s personality, temperament and behaviour as the factors that motivated the legal act.
The Sidama Quest for Self-Rule: The Referendum on Regional Statehood Under the Ethiopian Federation
Authors: Tronvoll Kjetil
Published: November 2021

The Sidama of southern Ethiopia has a long history of struggle to reclaim self-rule, which was lost with the forceful incorporation of their territory into the Ethiopian empire in 1893. With the fall of the military junta in 1991, the new government reconfigured the country into a multinational (ethnic) federation. Years of protests and turmoil led to the consolidation of a nationalist movement demanding the constitutional right to conduct a referendum on the establishment of a separate Sidama regional state under the federation. The process was marred by demonstrations and incidents of violence, but the vote itself was conducted peacefully with an overwhelming 97.7 per cent ‘yes’ vote. Sidama regional state was eventually formed, but the political leadership initially advocating for its establishment was marginalised due to the centralising policies of the federal government party restricting the principles of the constitutional multinational federalism.
Embracing Inclusivity through Pedagogical Practices: Case Studies from Singapore Science Lessons
Authors: Teo Tang Wee , Pua Ching Yee
Published: November 2021

This paper examines the pedagogical practices in three case studies of elementary science lessons that took place in classrooms or laboratories to make connections to the discourse about inclusivity in science teaching. Using the Singapore Teaching Practice as a reference, we analyzed the pedagogical practices enacted during three lessons where specific intervention strategies were undertaken during the lessons to address the needs of students with dyslexia. Using event-oriented inquiry, nine (including one emergent) pedagogical practices were adapted by the science teachers. The findings also suggested differences in the outcomes from enacting the same pedagogical practices in different teaching situations. This study contributes to the literature by offering a situated definition of ‘pedagogical practices’, a dynamic construct in the existing literature, in the context of inclusive education. Suggestions on ways to adapt the nine pedagogical practices to enhance the reflexivity of teachers in inclusive science teaching are offered.
Between Political and Economic Imperialism: Russia’s Shifting Global Strategy
Authors: Matveev Ilya
Published: November 2021

Russia experienced both economic and geopolitical expansion in the 2000s. During this time, the Kremlin and big business worked in tandem to assert Russian influence in post-Soviet space. However, the annexation of Crimea and Russia’s involvement in the war in Eastern Ukraine in 2014 marked a new period that severed the state’s geopolitical strategy and the interests of big capital. While the state continues to engage in open and covert military action, the activity of Russian business abroad has sharply diminished. Relying on David Harvey’s concepts of territorial and capitalist logics of power, the article explores the interplay between political and economic imperialism during Putin’s 20 years in power and situates Russia within today’s global imperialist landscape. I find that the Kremlin’s geopolitical and geoeconomic shift in 2014 can ultimately be explained by the strategic orientation of the country’s leadership, in particular, the deeply ingrained emphasis on security and ‘hard power’. However, the turn away from economic imperialism was also structurally determined by the exhaustion of the country’s economic engine that no longer generates surplus capital in need of a ‘spatial fix’.
A new Idioneura Selys, 1860 for the Brazilian fauna with analysis of the other species (Odonata: Protoneuridae)
Authors: LENCIONI F. A.A.
Published: November 2021

Idioneura Selys, 1860 can be separated from the other Protoneuridae (sensu Tillyard 1917) by a set of characters: angulated frons, presence of the CuP&AA vein, absence of the two subapical teeth in the cercus (present in Lamproneura De Marmels, 2003), and first and second antenodal spaces subequal (first a little longer than second). Here is described a new species, Idioneura furieriae spec. nov., from two females and five males. The new species is compared with I. ancilla Selys, 1860 and I. celioi Lencioni, 2009. Diagnostic illustrations are presented. The major differences between Idioneura species are: in the females, the shape of the highly modified mesostigmal plates and posterior lobe of prothorax; in males, the shape of cerci and paraprocts.
Studies on raspy crickets: Caudafistulus rubrinervosus (Serville, 1838) n. comb. (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae)
Authors: CADENA-CASTAÑEDA OSCAR J. , QUINTANA-ARIAS RONALD FERNANDO , RODRÍGUEZ DIANA MARCELA TRUJILLO , PÁEZ GERALDINE
Published: November 2021

Caudafistulus n. gen. is described to accommodate Brachybaenus rubrinervosus, a species of Raspy Cricket from the Colombian Andes, endemic to the highlands of the Aburra Valley and the eastern subregion of the department of Antioquia. Caudafistulus rubrinervosus n. comb. differs from Brachybaenus species, due to its conspicuous frontal ocellus, male terminalia with processes on the tenth tergite, subgenital plate modified, and genitalia with sclerotized areas, being one of the few genera of gryllacridids known with this peculiarity in the world. Finally, the similarity of copulatory structures with old-world taxa and their possible function for mating is discussed.
7. The Folk’s Song
Authors: Grant Morag Josephine
Published: November 2021

Drawing on a diverse range of references and sources, this chapter explores the further dissemination of the song, and the meanings it had, from around the mid-nineteenth century to that century’s end. It discusses the appearance of the song in Charles Dickens’ novel David Copperfield and in the writing of Thomas Hardy, Mark Twain and others. It looks at the high number of sets of instrumental variations on the song published in the nineteenth century and into the twentieth, and considers whether or not Auld Lang Syne is the solution to the riddle of Elgar’s Enigma Variations. The iconography of the song is also considered, as is the way the phrase “auld lang syne” was used by artists, writers and others in this period. The chapter closes on the threshold of the information revolution, showing how Auld Lang Syne became linked with the very first demonstrations of telephone communication and sound recording.
Intensification of Tilted Tropical Cyclones over Relatively Cool and Warm Oceans in Idealized Numerical Simulations
Authors: Schecter David A.
Published: November 2021

A cloud-resolving model is used to examine the intensification of tilted tropical cyclones from depression to hurricane strength over relatively cool and warm oceans under idealized conditions where environmental vertical wind shear has become minimal. Variation of the SST does not substantially change the time-averaged relationship between tilt and the radial length scale of the inner core, or between tilt and the azimuthal distribution of precipitation during the hurricane formation period (HFP). By contrast, for systems having similar structural parameters, the HFP lengthens superlinearly in association with a decline of the precipitation rate as the SST decreases from 30° to 26°C. In many simulations, hurricane formation progresses from a phase of slow or neutral intensification to fast spinup. The transition to fast spinup occurs after the magnitudes of tilt and convective asymmetry drop below certain SST-dependent levels following an alignment process explained in an earlier paper. For reasons examined herein, the alignment coincides with enhancements of lower–middle-tropospheric relative humidity and lower-tropospheric CAPE inward of the radius of maximum surface wind speed rm. Such moist-thermodynamic modifications appear to facilitate initiation of the faster mode of intensification, which involves contraction of rm and the characteristic radius of deep convection. The mean transitional values of the tilt magnitude and lower–middle-tropospheric relative humidity for SSTs of 28°–30°C are respectively higher and lower than their counterparts at 26°C. Greater magnitudes of the surface enthalpy flux and core deep-layer CAPE found at the higher SSTs plausibly compensate for less complete alignment and core humidification at the transition time.
Mechanisms of Rainfall Biases in Two CORDEX-CORE Regional Climate Models at Rainfall Peaks over Central Equatorial Africa
Authors: Tamoffo Alain T. , Amekudzi Leonard K. , Weber Torsten , Vondou Derbetini A. , Yamba Edmund I. , Jacob Daniela
Published: November 2021

Two regional climate models (RCMs) participating in the CORDEX–Coordinated Output for Regional Evaluations (CORDEX-CORE) project feature a dipole-type rainfall bias during March–May (MAM) and September–November (SON) over central equatorial Africa (CEA), consisting of positive bias in west central equatorial Africa (WCEA) and negative bias in east central equatorial Africa (ECEA). One is the Regional Model version 2015 (REMO2015) and the other is the fourth version of the Regional Climate Model (RegCM4-v7). RCMs are nested in three Earth system models (ESMs) from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), and in the reanalysis ERA-Interim, at ∼25-km spacing grid resolution. This study highlights misrepresented underlying physical processes associated with these rainfall biases through a process-based evaluation. Both RCMs produce a weaker Congo basin cell, associated with a weaker land–ocean zonal surface pressure gradient. Consequently, less water vapor enters the region, and little is transported from WCEA to ECEA, resulting in higher moisture availability in the west than in the east. This leads to an unevenly distributed moisture across the region, favoring a stronger atmospheric instability in WCEA where the moist static energy (MSE) anomalously increases through an enhanced latent static energy (LSE). Moisture arrives at a slower pace in ECEA, associated with the weak cell’s strength. The intensity of ascent motions in response to the orographic constraint is weak to destabilize atmospheric stability in the lower layers, necessary for initiating deep convection. Therefore, the convection is shallow in ECEA related to underestimating the MSE due to the reduced LSE.
Book review: Ismail Vengasseri, 1962 Border War: Sino–Indian Territorial Disputes and Beyond
Authors: Tiwary Rityusha Mani
Published: November 2021

Ismail Vengasseri, 1962 Border War: Sino–Indian Territorial Disputes and Beyond (New Delhi, California, London, Singapore: SAGE, 2021), pp. xvi+284, ₹1,295, ISBN 9789353885281 (Hardcover).
Book review: Clive Hamilton and Mareike Ohlberg, Hidden Hand: Exposing How the Chinese Communist Party is Reshaping the World
Authors: Smith Richard C.
Published: November 2021

Clive Hamilton and Mareike Ohlberg, Hidden Hand: Exposing How the Chinese Communist Party is Reshaping the World (Hardie Grant Books, 2020), pp. xiii+418, $22.26. ISBN 9780861540167.
CBM exploration: Permeability of coal owing to cleat and connected fracture
Authors: Du Zhigang , Tao Yawen , Zhang Xiaodong , Ding Wuxiu , Huang Qiang
Published: November 2021

Coalbed methane (CBM) resources cannot be efficiently explored and exploited without a robust understanding of the permeability of fracture-size heterogeneities in coal. In this study, two sister coal samples were imparted with pre-developed cleat and connected fractures, and the permeability of the coal samples was measured under different conditions of controlled confining and gas pressures. Furthermore, the implications of the results for CBM exploration and exploitation were discussed. The permeability of coal with cleat development ranged from 0.001–0.01 mD, indicating ultra-low permeability coal. The gas migration in this coal changed from a linear flow to a non-linear flow, with the increase in gas pressure (>1 MPa). Thus, the permeability of the coal initially increased and then decreased. However, the Klinkenberg effect does not exist in this ultralow-permeability coal. For the coal sample with connected fracture, permeability ranged from 0.1–10 mD, which is larger by hundred orders of magnitude than that of the sample with cleat. For this coal, with a decrease in gas pressure (<1 MPa), the Klinkenberg effect significantly increased the permeability of the coal. With an increase in the applied confining pressure, both the Klinkenberg coefficient and permeability of the coal presented a decreasing trend. It is suggested that field fracture investigation is a prerequisite and indispensable step for successful CBM production. The coal beds that cleat network is well conductive to the connected fracture can be an improved target area for CBM production. During CBM production, a variety of flow regimes are available owing to the decrease in CBM reservoir pressure. In particular, under the low CBM reservoir pressure and low in situ geo-stress conditions, the gas migration in the CBM reservoir with connected facture development exhibits remarkable free-molecular flow. Thus, the reservoir permeability and predicted CBM production will be enhanced.
Comparative Efficacy of the KTP Laser and Cold Steel in Office-Based Surgery for Oropharyngeal Papilloma
Authors: Ma Jingru , Zhao Xiaoyun , Zhen Ruiqing , Mao Wenjing , Wu Xiufa , Fang Rui , He Peijie , Wei Chunsheng
Published: November 2021

Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy of the potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) laser and cold steel surgery in treating oropharyngeal papilloma. Methods: Between 2017 and 2020, we enrolled 242 patients with oropharyngeal papilloma who were treated with either the KTP laser (n = 160) or cold steel surgery (n = 82). Patient charts were reviewed for demographic data (age and gender), pathology, anatomical location of lesions, operative duration, pain rating, residual disease, and recurrence. Results: The oropharyngeal papillomas were successfully removed in all patients, except one with a significant pharyngeal reflex. There was no significant difference in the average time for lesion resection between KTP laser and cold steel group (18.11 ± 13.96 s vs 19.43 ± 16.91 s, P > .05). However, all patients who underwent cold steel surgery experienced bleeding during the operation and required postoperative observation (about 20 min), making the total procedure time longer than that of the KTP laser procedure, which did not cause any intraoperative bleeding or require postoperative observation. After KTP laser treatment, the pain rating was .49 ± .98, whereas after cold steel surgery, it was .74 ± 1.12 ( P = .058). Twenty-five samples were sent for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, and one tested positive for both HPV 6 and 11 strains, while another tested positive for HPV 16. No residual disease or recurrence was observed at the treatment sites after a long period of follow-up (M = 15.35 ± 10.79 mo; range = 6-39 mo). Conclusion: The KTP laser provided a better hemostasis effect and a good surgical field of vision during the operation, allowing the surgeon to complete the procedure in less time. No significant difference in terms of pain rating, incision recovery, and postoperative recurrence between the KTP laser treatment and cold steel surgery.
Situated Ethics in Development: STS Insights for a Pragmatic Approach to Development Policy and Practice
Authors: Ransom Elizabeth , Grady Caitlin , Trepanier Lauren , Bain Carmen
Published: November 2021

Technology has played a central role in development programming since the inception of development assistance. Recent development organizations, like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, believe technological innovation can improve development outcomes. Development ethics, a field of study focused on the ethical questions posed by development policies and practices, has yet to fully appreciate the ethical dimensions of the science and technology. Addressing this important research and policy gap, we contend that science and technology studies (STS) offers important insights that can be used in combination with development ethics to influence development policies and practices. Utilizing a case study of a private development program in Uganda, we illustrate how STS offers important insights for understanding how a sociotechnical ensemble placed pressure on already scarce water resources. Two dimensions of STS scholarship, the power asymmetries of technological development and the incomplete or partial nature of technoscientific knowledge, are examined and help us to understand how sociotechnical ensembles in development increase the likelihood of the emergence of publics who are negatively impacted by sociotechnical ensembles in development programs. Leveraging STS insights, we argue for the importance of situated ethics—a pragmatic approach to ensuring responsiveness to the emergence of these publics.
Access to information for sustainable development in the digital age: Librarians’ perspectives in two Nigerian universities
Authors: Omekwu Charles O. , Ugwu Felicia N. , Ejikeme Anthonia N.
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this paper is to examine the views of librarians on access to Information for Sustainable Development in Enugu State, Nigeria in the Digital Age. Access to information is said to play a major role in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).In Nigeria, access to information is increasing and yet does not seem to be making real impact towards the realization of the SDGs. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study and descriptive survey design was adopted. The area of study was Enugu State. The population of the study comprised all 93 librarians from the University of Nigeria Nsukka and Enugu State University of Science and Technology. The instrument for data collection included a combination of oral interview and a structured questionnaire made up of four clusters and 76 items on a 4-point scale of Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD). All 93 librarians were sampled using the questionnaire and oral interviews were conducted with librarians at the management level. Of the 93 questionnaires distributed, 72 useful copies were received and analyzed. The findings revealed that librarians access information on Sustainable Development Goals highly because of available resources and infrastructure. Responses to the oral interviews showed that information facilities are not available in many urban and rural communities where most citizens reside. A number of challenges were identified, including poor information structure, poor electricity supply and Internet connectivity, inadequate publicity of government programs on SDGs and non-involvement of people in key decision making. Government should improve the information architecture to widen access to information on SDGs through partnering with the libraries, increase publicity of accurate and relevant information, and involve citizens in the decision-making process.
Imagine Me and You, I Do: Characteristics and Functions of Imagined Interactions During Online Dating
Authors: Carpenter G.W.
Published: November 2021

The present study seeks to apply the interpersonal construct of imagined interactions (IIs) to CMC, specifically in the realm of online dating, to explore the nature of imagination work while using dating apps and sites. The relationship between the characteristics and functions of IIs and the degree to which they predict dating themes of honesty, trust, stigma, and overall experience was tested. Multiple regression analyses were carried out to locate the specific characteristics and functions of IIs that are activated during the online dating process. The adapted survey of imagined interactions (SII) proved to be a reliable measure of all characteristics and functions when applied to the context of online dating themes of honesty, trust, stigma, and overall experience. Several reliable psychometrics for investigating imagined interactions within the context of online dating have been established, and support for the hyperpersonal communication model is discussed.
Mental Health Effects of Hurricane Sandy on Older Adults
Authors: Corley Samantha S. , Ornstein Katherine A. , Rasul Rehana , Lieberman-Cribbin Wil , Maisel Hayley , Taioli Emanuela , Schwartz Rebecca M.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To examine whether hurricane exposure, lack of access to medical care (LAMC), and displacement during Hurricane Sandy were associated with PTSD and other mental health (MH) symptoms among older adult New York residents.

Methods

Participants ( N = 411) were ≥60 years old at the time of survey data collection (1–4 years post-Sandy). Outcomes included PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms and stress. Hurricane exposure, displacement, and LAMC were primary predictors.

Results

Older adults with greater hurricane exposure had increased PTSD, anxiety, and stress symptoms. LAMC had a strong association (ORadj = 4.11) with PTSD symptoms but was not associated with other MH symptoms. Displacement was not associated with MH outcomes.

Discussion

This is the first study to examine exposure, displacement, and LAMC together and to examine their varying impacts on different MH outcomes among older adults post-hurricane. Findings support the importance of disaster preparedness interventions tailored to the MH needs of community-dwelling older adults.
Orthodontic Treatment for Linguoversion of Mandibular Canine Teeth Using Crown Extensions
Authors: MacKenzie Stewart
Published: November 2021

This step-by-step article describes the process to apply and remove crown extensions for the treatment of linguoversion of the mandibular canine teeth. The process offered in this article provides a guideline for practitioners to become more comfortable with using crown extensions to treat a common malocclusion seen in companion animals.
NAMPT-mediated NAD+ biosynthesis suppresses activation of hepatic stellate cells and protects against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice
Authors: Xu Lin , Yang Chenyan , Ma Jie , Zhang Xinge , Wang Qingzhi , Xiong Xiwen
Published: November 2021

Background: Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the salvage pathway of mammalian nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) biosynthesis. Through its NAD+-biosynthetic activity, NAMPT is able to regulate the development of hepatic steatosis and inflammation induced by diet or alcohol. However, the roles NAMPT plays in the development of liver fibrosis remain obscure. Purpose: To investigate the roles of NAMPT-mediated NAD+ biosynthesis in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis. Research Design: Realtime RT-PCR and western blot analyses were performed to analyze the expression of profibrogenic genes. Sirius red staining was conducted to examine the fibrosis in liver. Mouse liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) 2 times a week for 6 weeks. Adenovirus-mediated NAMPT overexpression or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) administration was carried out to study the effects of elevation of NAD+ levels on protecting CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. LX2 cells or primary HSCs were used to study the role of NAMPT overexpression or NMN treatment in reducing profibrogenic gene expression in vitro. ResultsCCl4 administration suppresses NAMPT expression in liver and reduces hepatic NAD+ content. Tgfβ1 treatment decreases intracellular NAD+ levels and NAMPT expression in LX2 cells. Adenovirus-mediated NAMPT overexpression augments liver NAD+ levels, inhibits HSC activation and alleviates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Administration of NMN also suppresses HSC activation and protects against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Conclusions: NAMPT-mediated NAD+ biosynthesis inhibits HSC activation and protects against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.
Nonscalability of “citizen science” in post-Fukushima Japan: Unpacking articulations of citizen radiation measuring organizations
Authors: Kenens Joke , Van Oudheusden Michiel , van Hoyweghen Ine , Mizushima Nozomi
Published: November 2021

This article explores and discusses understandings of citizen science with members of Japanese citizen radiation measuring organizations who began measuring radioactive contamination in food, soil, air, and human bodies after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident. Building on in-depth interviews with organization members and extensive multi-site fieldwork (2018, 2020), the article takes shimin kagaku (citizen science in Japanese) to examine articulations of citizenship and science, while discussing citizen radiation measuring organization activities. Adopting Tsing’s notion of nonscalability, it draws attention to the manifold articulations of citizenship and science, unearthing frictions embedded in Japanese science–society relations. In this way, this article outlines the diversity of notions of citizenship and science, and of citizen participatory practices in science. By bringing nonscalability to bear on an analysis of different articulations of shimin kagaku, this article encourages scientists and public authorities to engage with citizen participatory practices reflexively and responsibly by considering local articulations and knowledges.
Surgical harm, consent, and English criminal law: When should ‘bad-apple’ surgeons be prosecuted?
Authors: Mullock Alexandra
Published: November 2021

This article examines the legal principles determining when surgical harm becomes a criminal matter. In England and Wales, and other common law jurisdictions, the criminal law has predominantly concerned itself with fatal medical misconduct via the offence of gross negligence manslaughter. The convictions of two surgeons in 2017 (Ian Paterson and Simon Bramhall), for offences against the person, suggests that police and prosecutors have, for the first time, become willing to prosecute surgeons for non-fatal surgical harm. Understanding when non-fatal surgical harm should be treated as a criminal matter is, however, a complex issue. The medical exception to the criminal law legitimizes consensual and reasonable surgical harm. Thus, the question of what is reasonable and what constitutes valid consent is key to determining the parameters of lawful surgery; however, the principles are perplexing and insofar as they may be agreed and understood, they are arguably unsatisfactory. After examining the cases involving serious surgical harm and analysing the doctrines applied, this article argues for a more patient-centred approach. The focus should be on the nature of the harm to the victim, the behaviour of the dangerous surgeon and whether a violation has occurred, rather than on traditional professional assessments, which are unduly deferential to the medical profession.
On transmission Zeros of piezoelectric structures
Authors: Pathak Shashank , Piron Dimitri , Paknejad Ahmad , Collette Christophe , Deraemaeker Arnaud
Published: November 2021

The evaluation of transmission zeros is of great importance for the control engineering applications. The structures equipped with piezoelectric patches are complex to model and usually require finite element approaches supplemented by model reduction. This study rigorously investigates the influence of mesh size, model reduction, boundary conditions (free and clamped), and sensor/actuator configuration (collocated and non-collocated) on the evaluation of transmission zeros of the piezoelectric structures. The numerical illustrations are presented for a thin rectangular plate equipped with a single pair of piezoelectric voltage sensor/ voltage actuator. Through the examples considered in this study, a link is presented between the static response (or static deflected shape) and the transmission zeros of the piezoelectric structures. This interesting observation forms the basis of: (i) a local mesh refinement strategy for computationally efficient estimation of the transmission zeros and (ii) a physical interpretation of the pole-zero pattern in the case of piezoelectric structures. The physical interpretation developed in this study helps in qualitatively explaining the pole-zero patterns observed for different configurations. It is also shown that this understanding of the relation between the static deformed shape and the transmission zeros can be used by the practitioners to modify the pole-zero pattern through a careful selection of the orientation and the size of the piezoelectric patches.
Nasal trabeculo-ciliary angle and relative lens vault as predictors for intraocular pressure reduction following phacoemulsification
Authors: Allam Riham SHM , Raafat Karim A , Elmohsen Mai Nasser Abd
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To evaluate quantitative relationships between biometric measurements and expected intraocular pressure reduction following phacoemulsification.

Design

A prospective, comparative clinical study.

Methods

Forty nine candidates for phacoemulsification were included. Intraocular pressure was measured preoperatively and after 7 and 30 days. Ocular biometrics were measured using optical biometry and ultrasound biomicroscopy preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively.

Results

Patients were sub-grouped into open-angle glaucoma (12 eyes), angle-closure glaucoma (18 eyes), and cataract-only groups (19 eyes). The mean intraocular pressure reduction was −1.67 ± 2.73, −13.11 ± 7.98, and −7.50 ± 3.58 mmHg in the cataract-only, angle-closure glaucoma, and open-angle glaucoma groups ( p = 0.001). The delta-intraocular pressure at day 7 showed positive correlations with lens vault and relative-lens vault ( p = 0.005 and 0.001). It showed negative correlations with lens position, relative-lens position, anterior chamber depth, aqueous depth, and nasal and temporal angles in addition to lens thickness, anterior vault, nasal trabeculo-ciliary angle, and temporal-trabeculo-ciliary angle at the end of the follow-up period. Regression analysis revealed significant associations between preoperative intraocular pressure and both nasal-trabeculo-ciliary angle and anterior vault ( p = 0.038 and 0.019) and delta-intraocular pressure and both nasal-trabeculo-ciliary angle and relative-lens vault ( p = 0.001 and ≤0.001) with an area under the curve of 0.71 for relative-lens vault. For every degree decrease in nasal-trabeculo-ciliary angle, there was an expected 0.33 mmHg intraocular pressure reduction with no expected change if nasal-trabeculo-ciliary angle decreased to <22°.

Conclusions

The relationship between anterior-segment-biometrics could determine intraocular pressure behavior after phacoemulsification. The preoperative nasal-trabeculo-ciliary angle and relative-lens vault could be significant predictors for postoperative intraocular pressure reduction.
Assessment of choroidal vascularity index during the menstrual cycle
Authors: Aşikgarip Nazife , Temel Emine , Örnek Kemal
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To explore the effect of menstrual cycle on choroidal vascularity index (CVI).

Methods

Thirty six eyes of 36 healthy women were included in this prospective study. The menstrual cycles were regular and ranged from 28 to 30 days in length. Optical coherence tomography images were obtained in 3 different phases of the menstrual cycle. The choroidal thickness (CT), total choroidal area, luminal area, stromal area, and CVI were quantified.

Results

Mean subfoveal, nasal and temporal CT were significantly changed in mid-luteal phase in comparison to early follicular (p = 0.018, p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively) and ovulatory phases (p = 0.037, p = 0.037, and p = 0.035, respectively). Mean CVI showed a significant change in mid-luteal phase when compared with early follicular (p = 0.001) and ovulatory phases (p = 0.036).

Conclusion

CVI seemed to be affected in mid-luteal phase of menstrual cycle. This should be considered while analyzing choroidal structure in otherwise healthy women.
Removing residual cortical material during cataract surgery: Visco polishing and the grindstone effect as a new surgical technique
Authors: Borkenstein Andreas F , Borkenstein Eva-Maria , Malyugin Boris
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To describe a new technique for removing residual cortical material adjacent to posterior lens capsule during cataract surgery with the help of cohesive ophthalmic viscosurgical devices.

Methods

In this technique, if there are still cortical remnants and lens epithelial cells left after the routine irrigation–aspiration and polishing at the final steps of cataract surgery, the capsule is filled to about one-third with a highly viscous cohesive ophthalmic viscosurgical device. Rinsing is performed from the anterior chamber with the water jet directed tangentially to the ophthalmic viscosurgical device bolus and towards the posterior capsule, which creates a turbulence creating a “grindstone effect”. The ophthalmic viscosurgical device bolus transforms into a ball and starts to rotate very quickly within the capsule, grinding away the cortical remnants.

Results

In the first series of 62 cases, there were no intra-operative or post-operative complications. At day 1 there was no corneal oedema and no hypertension of intraocular pressure. Visual outcomes were good with a mean best corrected distance visual acuity of −0.01 ± 0.11 logMAR.

Conclusion

This technique appears to be effective and fast in removing persistent cortical remnants from the surface of the posterior capsule, while minimising risks such as capsule aspiration during irrigation/aspiration. There is limited pressure and mechanical force applied on the capsule; the anterior chamber and the corneal endothelium remain safe since the ophthalmic viscosurgical device stays inside the capsular bag to its high cohesiveness and molecular weight. More data on a larger cohort of patients is planned to confirm these results and evaluate long-term effects on posterior capsule opacification.
An unusual association of macular retinoschisis with progressive familiar intrahepatic cholestasis: A multimodal imaging study
Authors: Passaro Maria Laura , Magno Luigifilippo , Mazzucco Alberto , Attaguile Michele , Montorio Daniela , Cennamo Gilda
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To evaluate a case of macular retinoschisis associated with a TJP2 mutation in a young woman affected by a Progressive Familiar Intrahepatic Cholestasis (PFIC) using multimodal imaging.

Methods

Observational case report.

Results

A 35-year-old woman, undergone a liver transplant for PFIC, was referred to Eye Clinic for complete ophthalmological examination and multimodal imaging. Fundus examination showed no significant alterations in both eyes while multicolor image revealed the presence of several cystes in macular region. The autofluorescence image highlighted small areas of iperautofluorescence in macular region. En-face image showed a “coral shape pattern” and structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed foveal hyporeflective cystic spaces in outer and inner nuclear layers, areas of splitting within the nerve fiber layer (schisis areas) and an initial preretinal fibrosis. Lastly, OCT-angiography (OCT-A) demonstrated small perifoveal teleangectasias and slight reduction of the foveal avascular zone area.

Conclusion

Multimodal imaging could help to highlight the presence of a rare retinal disorder associated with a gene related systemic disease.
Slow motion ethics: Narrative responsibility in clinical care
Authors: Pullman Daryl
Published: November 2021

Narrative theory is a dynamic and evolving field of inquiry that has made tremendous inroads in the medical humanities over the past 40 years. Numerous authors have popularized the idea that “thinking narratively” can produce important insights about the illness experience for physician and patient alike. This paper draws on aspects of narrative theory to emphasize the moral responsibilities that arise when we step into another person's life narrative, becoming a character in her or his story. This has especially significant ethical implications for the physician–patient encounter in that each character in this shared story experiences time somewhat differently. This gives rise to the notion of “slow motion ethics” and a somewhat unique perspective on the moral responsibilities clinicians bear toward their patients.
Changing the narrative on COVID-19: Shifting mindsets and teaching practices in higher education
Authors: Bailey Fatima , Kavani Amir , Johnson Jason D. , Eppard Jenny , Johnson Hasan
Published: November 2021

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities around the world urgently suspended face-to-face classes halted practicum field experiences, mandated temporary closures of campuses, and directed faculty to convert face-to-face courses to a hybrid format, all with very little time to prepare. This crisis created unsettled feelings. Varied perceptions along with a narrative of uncertainty, panic, fear, doubt, and dread emerged. Faculty were expected to provide effective learning opportunities and continuous learning experiences with little to no disruption. However, the processes involved in making this happen are elusive and complex. Five faculty from a higher education institution in the United Arab Emirates explored challenges and mechanisms, especially through the process of reflective vignettes. In order to collect and analyze data, collaborative autoethnography was employed as it is a fitting and timely research design and methodology. Collaborative autoethnography is a self-reflection alternative research approach that researchers use during global pandemics. Each vignette offers a first-hand account and experience. The five vignettes highlight tangible solutions and offer salient recommendations that may make the end result of this process smoother and the outcomes more favorable for both faculty and students. Ultimately, the faculty implemented a mindset for the moment and reflexively transformed how they engaged in teaching and learning. Consequently, the faculty moved past negative rhetoric and perception of fear, panic, and chaos, and as such, they changed the narrative on COVID-19.
Long-standing necrobiotic xanthogranuloma limited to the skin: A case report
Authors: Smilga Anne-Sophie , Lavoie Mona , Jung Sungmi , Schreiber Ariane
Published: November 2021

Necrobiotic xanthogranuloma is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis with a known association with monoclonal gammopathies and malignant conditions. There is a lack of consensus regarding the management of necrobiotic xanthogranuloma. In this case report, the patient is diagnosed with a long-standing necrobiotic xanthogranuloma limited to the skin. Although all initial investigations were reassuring, the patient remains at a higher risk of developing a malignant condition. The goal of the authors is to highlight the need for clearer investigation and follow-up guidelines.
Impact of Firm-specific Variables on Capital Structure Decisions. Evidence from the Indian Hospitality Sector
Authors: Mundi Hardeep Singh , Gautam Jayant
Published: November 2021

This study investigates the determinants of capital structure for hospitality firms listed in India. The study validates the contradiction in the determinants of capital structure by using the data for firms listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. Using fixed-effects regression models, the findings indicate that firm size and return on assets are significantly associated with total debt ratio (TDR), long-term debt ratio (LTDR) and short-term debt ratio. The variables such as growth rate, tangibility and volatility are found to be significantly associated with TDR and LTDR. Non-debt tax shield is found to be significantly associated with only TDR. Each of the stated determinants has a unique impact on capital structure decisions. The study partially confirms the applicability of the pecking order theory for hospitality sector firms. With the findings on hospitality firms, we hope to provide useful insights to lending institutions and corporate executives.
A Note on Rainfall Variability and Trends in Nigeria: Implications for Agricultural Production
Authors: Ogundari Kolawole , Ademuwagun Adebola Abimbola , Appah Ogechukwu
Published: November 2021

The climatic change crisis has led to a renewed interest in understanding the dynamic of climatic variability over time. This is because rainfall variability in response to climate change poses a severe threat to global food security and agricultural production in general. As a result of this, the study investigates the convergence of rainfall variability in Nigeria. We use historical climate data on annual rainfall collected from meteorological stations across 12 states and covering 1992–2013. This gives rise to a balanced panel data of 12 states and 20 periods, which yields 240 observations. The study used a sigma convergence hypothesis test estimated using ordinary least square, fixed-effect and feasible generalized least square models. The coefficient of variation is taken as a measure of rainfall variability in the study. The results showed a negative (declining) linear correlation between rainfall’s coefficient of variation and data year. This means that rainfall variability decreased over time. This indicates evidence of convergence of rainfall, which means states with lower average annual rainfall are catching up on states with higher average annual rainfall over time. And, from the agricultural production standpoint, this result shows that the potential threat of rainfall variability to food security is not severe. In addition, it indicates a decrease in risk and uncertainty in food crop production associated with rainfall variability.

JEL Classifications: O13, O55, Q10, Q54
Hypertension Care for People With HIV in Tanzania: Provider Perspectives and Opportunities for Improvement
Authors: Manavalan Preeti , Wanda Lisa , Galson Sophie W. , Thielman Nathan M. , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Watt Melissa H.
Published: November 2021

One in three people with HIV (PWH) has hypertension. However, most hypertensive PWH in sub-Saharan Africa are unaware of their hypertension diagnosis and are not on treatment. To better understand barriers to hypertension care faced by PWH, we interviewed 15 medical providers who care for patients with HIV and hypertension in northern Tanzania. The data revealed barriers at the patient, provider, and system level and included: stress, depression, and HIV-related stigma; lack of hypertension knowledge; insufficient hypertension training; inefficient prescribing practices; challenges with counselling; capacity limitations in hypertension care; high costs of care; and lack of routine hypertension screening and follow-up. Opportunities for improvement focused on prioritizing resources and funding towards hypertension care. System-related challenges were the underlying cause of barriers at individual levels. Strategies that focus on strengthening capacity and utilize existing HIV platforms to promote hypertension care delivery are urgently needed to improve cardiovascular outcomes among PWH.
Book review: Victor Teo. 2019. Japan’s Arduous Rejuvenation as a Global Power: Democratic Resilience and the US–China Challenge
Authors: Dell’Era Alice
Published: November 2021

Victor Teo. 2019. Japan’s Arduous Rejuvenation as a Global Power: Democratic Resilience and the US–China Challenge. Singapore: Palgrave Macmillan. 242 pp. ISBN 978-981-13-6189-0.
Transmuscular quadratus lumborum block for postoperative pain and recovery after laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yuan Qing , Lu Sufang , Cui Xulei , Zhang Yuelun , Xie Yi , Zhang Yushi , Yan Weigang , Ji Zhigang , Huang Yuguang
Published: November 2021

Background

To investigate the role of transmuscular quadratus lumborum block (TMQLB) for postoperative pain control, patient satisfaction and recovery in laparoscopic adrenalectomy.

Methods

Seventy-two patients aged between 18 and 70 years with an ASA I-II and scheduled for laparoscopic adrenalectomy were randomized to receive a single-shot TMQLB with 0.4 ml/kg 0.5 % ropivacaine or 0.4 ml/kg 0.9 % saline as placebo. The primary endpoint was pain on movement at 12 h after surgery evaluated by the numeric rating scale (NRS, 0–10). P-values < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The secondary outcomes included pain at rest and pain on movement evaluated by the NRS, and postoperative recovery related parameters.

Results

NRS on movement at 12 h after surgery was lower in the TMQLB group compared with the control (median 2 vs. 3, p = 0.024). Intraoperative fentanyl consumption was lower in the TMQLB group (247.08 ± 63.54 vs. 285.44 ± 74.70, p = 0.022). The rate of using postoperative rescue tramadol was also lower in the TMQLB group (5.6 vs. 27.8 %, p = 0.027). Similar incidences of nausea and vomiting were observed (11.1 vs. 25 %, p = 0.220). Patient satisfaction of pain service was better in the TMQLB group (83.3 vs. 25 %, p < 0.001) with shorter time to ambulation (16.5 vs. 21 h, p = 0.004) and flatus (18.5 vs. 23.5 h, p = 0.006).

Conclusions

TMQLB showed better control of postoperative pain on movement for laparoscopic adrenalectomy with improved patients’ satisfaction of anesthesia, shorter time to ambulation and flatus.

Trial registration

This study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03942237; registration date: 08/05/2019; enrollment date: 10/05/2019).