bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Malreduction in Zone II and III Fifth Metatarsal Fractures Fixed With an Intramedullary Screw
Authors: Khurana Ankit , Alexander Bradley , Pitts Charles , Brahmbhatt Ashish , Cage Benjamin , Greco Elise , McGwin Gerald , Shah Ashish B.
Published: August 2020

Background:

Proper implant selection and placement is crucial during fixation of zone II and III fifth metatarsal fractures to avoid postoperative complications. This study examined the effects of screw parameters and placement on malreduction, delayed union, nonunion, and refracture rate.

Methods:

A retrospective review of zone II and proximal zone III fifth metatarsal fractures managed with intramedullary screw fixation was conducted. Comparisons were made between cortex distraction (gap) and ratios of screw length, diameter, and entry point. Further analysis was carried out between time to union and distraction in the lateral and plantar cortices.

Results:

The plantar and lateral gaps were both associated with the mean entry point ratio on the lateral and anteroposterior (AP) views ( P < .001 for both views). No association between the plantar and lateral gaps and the screw diameter ratio ( P = .393 for AP and P = .981 for lateral) or the screw length ratio ( P = .966 for AP and P = .740 for lateral) was identified. The ratio of postoperative to preoperative apex height on AP and lateral views was correlated with the presence of lateral and plantar fracture gaps ( P < .001). The presence of a plantar gap was associated with increased time to union ( P = .022). A majority of fractures showed radiographic union at 12 weeks (38/43). Only 5 of 38 patients had delayed union. There were no refractures or nonunions as per available records.

Conclusion:

Plantar or lateral fracture site distraction (gap) was not influenced by screw diameter ratio or screw length ratio. The entry point ratio had a significant effect on plantar and lateral gaps on postoperative radiographs, with lateral and inferior placement leading to fracture site distraction. Patients with a plantar gap did have an increased risk of delayed union. The results of this study emphasize the significance of the entry point when managing zone II and III fifth metatarsal base fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
COVID-19 Associated Coagulopathy and Thrombotic Complications
Authors: Mezalek Zoubida Tazi , Khibri Hajar , Ammouri Wafaa , Bouaouad Majdouline , Haidour Soukaina , Harmouche Hicham , Maamar Mouna , Adnaoui Mohamed
Published: August 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 virus caused a global pandemic within weeks, causing hundreds of thousands of people infected. Many patients with severe COVID-19 present with coagulation abnormalities, including increase D-dimers and fibrinogen. This coagulopathy is associated with an increased risk of death. Furthermore, a substantial proportion of patients with severe COVID-19 develop sometimes unrecognized, venous, and arterial thromboembolic complications. A better understanding of COVID-19 pathophysiology, in particular hemostatic disorders, will help to choose appropriate treatment strategies. A rigorous thrombotic risk assessment and the implementation of a suitable anticoagulation strategy are required. We review here the characteristics of COVID-19 coagulation laboratory findings in affected patients, the incidence of thromboembolic events and their specificities, and potential therapeutic interventions.
Bilateral coordination control of flexible master–slave manipulators using a partial differential equation model
Authors: Li Le , Yang Hongjun , Liu Jinkun
Published: August 2020

In this study, we evaluate the coordination tracking control problem of a flexible master–slave teleoperation system. The system under consideration is based on a dynamic model described by a set of partial differential equations. Existing research on bilateral controllers is based on teleoperation systems composed of rigid master robots and rigid or flexible slave robots. In this work, we consider teleoperation systems with flexible master and slave robots. We dynamically model flexible master–slave manipulators using partial differential equations. Based on the dynamic model, a bilateral coordination controller is developed to realize the coordination angle tracking and vibration suppression of flexible master–slave manipulators. The teleoperation system is proven to be asymptotically stable under the control scheme. Numerical simulation results illustrate that the proposed controller is effective.
Effect of functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes/Biresin CR82 epoxy nanocomposite on vibration attenuation of aluminum plate
Authors: Alawy Alaa , Abdlghany Mohamed , Wafy Tamer Zakaria , Hassan Ahmed
Published: August 2020

This article focused on further investigation of passive vibration damping of a cantilever plate using carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposite. A damping ratio depends on many factors, for example carbon nanotube content, type of carbon nanotubes, and frequency, so the epoxy composite reinforced with 0.2 wt. % multi-wall carbon nanotubes has been used with structural damping. Dynamic analysis for an aluminum cantilever plate has been studied to determine the effect of the epoxy nanocomposite material on the plate vibration. The main goal of the study was to minimize the frequency response function amplitude and shift the resonant frequency of the plate as high as possible, especially for the fundamental frequency. An finite element model exhibited an increase in the resonant frequency by 10.6% and 1.2% in addition to a reduction in the frequency response function amplitude by 79.5% and 43.26% at the first and second bending modes, respectively, when using 0.2 wt. % multi-wall carbon nanotubes/epoxy circular patches at an optimal position compared with the bare plate. In case of using a stiffener below the plate, the results exposed an increase in resonant frequency by 154.6% and 181.7%, whereas the frequency response function amplitude showed reduction by 95.9% and 98.2% at the first and second bending modes, respectively, when using three stiffeners of multi-wall carbon nanotubes/epoxy nanocomposite with the same mass of circular patches compared also with the bare plate.
“Affective News” and Attitudes: A Multi-Topic Experiment of Attitude Impacts From Political News and Fiction
Authors: Knobloch-Westerwick Silvia , Robinson Melissa , Frazer Rebecca , Schutz Emily
Published: August 2020

Popular entertainment often involves political messages, and entertainment elements are now commonly used in politics coverage. This study examines how suspense drives impacts of political entertainment media content on attitudes, building on the “affective news” extended model. Hypotheses were tested with four texts on controversial political issues (within-subjects), presented in a linear or inverted-pyramid structure and either as news or fiction. The resulting 2 × 2 × 3 × 4 online experiment ( N = 227) showed that linear texts produced greater suspense and attitude change than inverted-pyramid texts. Suspense mediated attitude impacts. Both news and fiction versions influenced attitudes, with impacts still detectable 1 day after exposure.
Suggestion of Tunisia’s medical oncologist in the management of breast cancer during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Yahyaoui Yosra , Ghodhbani Zahra , Hamdi Adel , Letaief Feryel , Zenzri Yosr , Ben Said Azza , Blouza Imen , Mezlini Amel
Published: August 2020

Cancer patients are at higher risk to be infected with COVID-19 and to develop a more severe form. Breast cancer (BC) treatments, including chemotherapy (CT), targeted therapy and immunotherapy can weaken the immune system and possibly cause lung problems. For all these reasons Salah Azaiez Institute's department of Medical Oncology took drastic actions to protect patients. In this article we will discuss protocol adjustments taken during the COVID-19 pandemic for breast cancer patients.
Permitted Daily Exposure Values: Application Considerations in Toxicological Risk Assessments
Authors: Ball Douglas J. , Beierschmitt William P.
Published: August 2020

Permitted daily exposure (PDE) values are used by some toxicologists to support the safety qualification of various types of impurities found in a drug substance (DS) or drug product (DP). Permitted daily exposure values are important tools for the toxicologist, but one must be aware of their limitations to ensure that they are used appropriately and effectively in the risk assessment process. First, a toxicologist must always perform a comprehensive analysis of all available animal and human safety data for an impurity, including identifying any data gaps that may exist. Second, if adequate data are available and there are no genotoxicity concerns, an appropriate well-designed repeat-dose toxicity study in animals should be chosen to calculate the PDE. It is important to note that PDE values qualify general systemic toxicity and not necessarily local toleration end points such as irritation and sensitization that are more concentration than dose dependent. In addition, a PDE value calculated from a general toxicity study in animals may not necessarily qualify for reproductive toxicology end points. Lastly, PDE values should never be thought of as analytical limits for or acceptable levels of an impurity in a DS or DP, as this ignores quality considerations. Using safety information from several chemicals as proxy impurities, this article serves as an educational primer to facilitate a better understanding of the development and use of PDE values in the risk assessment process.
A terminology for in situ visualization and analysis systems
Authors: Childs Hank , Ahern Sean D. , Ahrens James , Bauer Andrew C. , Bennett Janine , Bethel E. Wes , Bremer Peer-Timo , Brugger Eric , Cottam Joseph , Dorier Matthieu , Dutta Soumya , Favre Jean M. , Fogal Thomas , Frey Steffen , Garth Christoph , Geveci Berk , Godoy William F. , Hansen Charles D. , Harrison Cyrus , Hentschel Bernd , Insley Joseph , Johnson Chris R. , Klasky Scott , Knoll Aaron , Kress James , Larsen Matthew , Lofstead Jay , Ma Kwan-Liu , Malakar Preeti , Meredith Jeremy , Moreland Kenneth , Navrátil Paul , O’Leary Patrick , Parashar Manish , Pascucci Valerio , Patchett John , Peterka Tom , Petruzza Steve , Podhorszki Norbert , Pugmire David , Rasquin Michel , Rizzi Silvio , Rogers David H. , Sane Sudhanshu , Sauer Franz , Sisneros Robert , Shen Han-Wei , Usher Will , Vickery Rhonda , Vishwanath Venkatram , Wald Ingo , Wang Ruonan , Weber Gunther H. , Whitlock Brad , Wolf Matthew , Yu Hongfeng , Ziegeler Sean B.
Published: August 2020

The term “in situ processing” has evolved over the last decade to mean both a specific strategy for visualizing and analyzing data and an umbrella term for a processing paradigm. The resulting confusion makes it difficult for visualization and analysis scientists to communicate with each other and with their stakeholders. To address this problem, a group of over 50 experts convened with the goal of standardizing terminology. This paper summarizes their findings and proposes a new terminology for describing in situ systems. An important finding from this group was that in situ systems are best described via multiple, distinct axes: integration type, proximity, access, division of execution, operation controls, and output type. This paper discusses these axes, evaluates existing systems within the axes, and explores how currently used terms relate to the axes.
Measurement of ground reaction forces in cats 1 year after femoral head and neck ostectomy
Authors: Schnabl-Feichter Eva , Schnabl Sophia , Tichy Alexander , Gumpenberger Michaela , Bockstahler Barbara
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The objective of this study was to compare ground reaction forces (GRFs) of a group of cats after femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHO) with those of a historical control group.

Methods

We searched the database of the Small Animal Clinic of the Veterinary University in Vienna for cats that had undergone unilateral FHO at least 1 year previously. Owners were telephoned and invited to the clinic with their cats for a re-examination. An in-house owner questionnaire-based evaluation, complete orthopaedic examination, hip radiography and gait analysis with a pressure-sensitive plate were performed, and results were compared within and between groups (FHO group and control group [CG]).

Results

Seventeen cats that had undergone FHO (FHO group) at least 1 year previously and 15 healthy cats (CG) from a previous study were included. Measured GRFs (peak vertical force and vertical impulse [IFz] normalised to total force [%TF]) of the FHO legs were lower than those of the other legs of the FHO group and the legs of the CG. Results of the owner questionnaire were generally good and did not match the results of the GRF comparison. Furthermore, the gaits evaluated during the orthopaedic examination did not correlate with the measured GRFs where we identified a certain degree of lameness (reduced IFz, %TF) in all cats. Cats with limb shortening (dorsally displaced major trochanter major) were not revealed to have different GRF measurements.

Conclusions and relevance

This is the first study to assess GRFs in a large group of cats that had undergone FHO, comparing findings with those in healthy cats. Even if the differences are statistically significant, but rather small, our findings point to a long-term residual gait abnormality that could be detected using a pressure-sensitive plate but not always with an orthopaedic examination, in cats 1 year after FHO.
Lateral ultrasound-guided axillary RUMM block in cats: a pilot cadaveric study
Authors: Pratt Shaun B , Martinez-Taboada Fernando
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the prominent landmarks for an in-plane ultrasound-guided lateral approach to an axillary RUMM block in cats and document the anatomical distribution of injected solution in cadavers.

Methods

Eleven mixed breed, frozen-thawed cat cadavers were used. The ultrasound probe was placed on the lateral aspect of the forelimb. A spinal needle was used to inject either methylene blue 5 mg/ml or permanent tissue dye 1:10 within the focal clustering point of the radial (R), ulna (U), median (M) and musculocutaneous (Mc) nerves. The block was approached from either a cranial or caudal direction. Specimens were immediately dissected. A successful block was defined as ⩾20 mm of continuous stain on all nerves (R, U, M and Mc), a partial block as one or more nerves stained ⩾20 mm continuously and a negative block failed to stain any nerve ⩾20 mm.

Results

The cranial approach stained the R 8/9, U 6/9, M 6/9 and Mc 8/9 nerves successfully, while the caudal approach stained the R 7/9, U 8/9, M 7/9 and Mc 5/9 nerves successfully. There were no statistical differences on staining rates between approaches or limbs used.

Conclusions and relevance

The lateral approach to an axillary RUMM block is feasible in cats and may be a useful alternative to current approaches used for brachial and antebrachial desensitisation. Both cranial and caudal approaches produced similar results; however, further research in live animals will determine the clinical applicability.
The Impact of Preoperative Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging on Surgical Management in Symptomatic Patients With Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
Authors: Moloney Brian M , McAnena Peter F , Ryan Éanna J , Beirn Ellen O , Waldron Ronan M , Connell AnnaMarie O , Walsh Sinead , Ennis Rachel , Glynn Catherine , Lowery Aoife J , McCarthy Peter A , Kerin Michael J
Published: August 2020

Objective:

Due to an insidious proliferative pattern, invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC) often fails to form a defined radiological or palpable lesion and accurate diagnosis remains challenging. This study aimed to determine the value of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for ILC and its impact on surgical outcomes.

Methods:

Consecutive symptomatic patients diagnosed with ILC in a tertiary centre over a 9-year period were reviewed. The time from diagnosis until surgery, initial type of surgery/index operation (breast-conserving surgery [BCS]/mastectomy) and the rates of reoperation (re-excision/completion mastectomy) were recorded. Patients were grouped into those who received conventional imaging and preoperative MRI (MR+) and those who received conventional imaging alone (MR–).

Results:

There were 218 cases of ILC, and 32.1% (n = 70) had preoperative MRI. Time from diagnosis to surgery was longer in the MR+ than the MR– group (32.5 vs 21.1 days, P < .001) even when adjusting for age and breast density. Initial BCS was performed on 71.4% (n = 50) of MR+ patients and 72.3% (n = 107) of the MR– group. While the rate of completion mastectomy following initial BCS was higher in the MR+ group (30.0%, n = 15 vs 14.0%, n = 15; χ2 = 5.63; P = .018), this association was not maintained in multivariable analysis. No difference was recorded in overall (initial and completion) mastectomy rate between the MR+ and MR– group (50.0%, n = 35 vs 37.8%, n = 56; χ2 = 2.89; P = .089). Margin re-excision following BCS was comparable between groups (8.0%, n =4, vs 9.3%, n = 10; χ2 = 0.076, P = .783) despite the selection bias for borderline conservable cases in the MR+ group. The rate of usage of MRI for ILC cases declined over the study period.

Conclusion:

While MRI was associated with minor delays in treatment and did not reduce overall rates of margin re-excision or completion mastectomy, it altered the choice of surgical procedure in almost a quarter of MR+ cases. The benefit of preoperative breast MRI appears to be confined to select (younger, dense breast, borderline conservable) cases in symptomatic ILC.
COVID-19 apps in Singapore and Australia: reimagining healthy nations with digital technology
Authors: Goggin Gerard
Published: August 2020

Widely and intensively used digital technologies have been an important feature of international responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. One especially interesting class of such technologies are dedicated contact and tracing apps collecting proximity data via the Bluetooth technology. In this article, I consider the development, deployment and imagined uses of apps in two countries: Singapore, a pioneer in the field, with its TraceTogether app, and Australia, a country that adapted Singapore’s app, devising its own COVIDSafe, as key to its national public health strategy early in the crisis. What is especially interesting about these cases is the privacy concerns the apps raised, and how these are dealt with in each country, also the ways in which each nation reimagines its immediate social future and health approach via such an app.
What More Do Bodies Know? Moving with the Gendered Affects of Place
Authors: Ivinson Gabrielle , Renold EJ
Published: August 2020

This article focuses on what bodies know yet which cannot be expressed verbally. We started with a problem encountered during conventional interviewing in an ex-mining community in south Wales when some teen girls struggled to speak. This led us to focus on the body, corporeality and movement in improvisational dance workshops. By slowing down and speeding up video footage from the workshops, we notice movement patterns and speculate about how traces of gender body-movement practices developed within mining communities over time become actualised in girls’ habitual movement repertoires. Inspired by the works of Gilles Deleuze, Felix Guattari and Erin Manning, a series of cameos are presented: room dancing; the hold; the wiggle; the leap and the dance of the not-yet. We speculate about relations between the actual movements we could see, the in-act infused with the history of place, and the virtual potential of movement.
Cardiovascular, behavioral, and psychological responses to organizational prodiversity messages among racial/ethnic minorities
Authors: Dover Tessa L. , Major Brenda , Kaiser Cheryl R.
Published: August 2020

Despite the widespread assumption that prodiversity values make companies more attractive workplaces for underrepresented groups, few experiments have tested this assumption. Two experiments investigated the impact of prodiversity messages in organizational recruitment materials for racial/ethnic minorities. In Study 1 ( N = 399), racial/ethnic minority MTurk workers imagined applying for a position at a prodiversity (vs. neutral) company, then imagined receiving acceptance or rejection feedback. In Study 2 ( N = 179), Latino men engaged in a realistic hiring simulation while cardiovascular and behavioral responses were recorded. They then received acceptance or rejection feedback. Both experiments found that the presence (vs. absence) of prodiversity messages had no significant effect on anticipated belonging, anticipated fairness, or concerns about discrimination at the company. Study 2 also found that the presence (vs. absence) of prodiversity messages had no effect on interview performance or on cardiovascular responses during the interview. Moreover, following feedback, the presence (vs. absence) of prodiversity messages led participants to attribute their feedback more to illegitimate factors, and to rate themselves as less competent/deserving. Implications for organizations and minority job candidates are discussed.
Estimating future smoking in Danish youth – effects of three prevention strategies
Authors: Johannesen Caroline Klint , Andersen Susan , Bast Lotus Sofie
Published: August 2020

Aims: Preventing smoking and aiding cessation among youth and young adults carries the possibility of reducing future smoking prevalence significantly. This paper estimates the impact on future smoking prevalence of 25 year olds by increasing tobacco prices, securing indoor smoke-free homes and implementing school-based multi-tiered interventions. Methods: Utilizing a multi-state Markov model, a status quo projection of the smoking prevalence from years 2017 to 2030 were compared with projections of the smoking prevalence in 2030 considering the impact of the three prevention strategies. Results: In a status quo projection, 27.0% of Danish 25-year-old females are expected to be smokers in 2030, while 13.2% would be smokers in 2030 were all three prevention strategies in effect from 2019. By itself, increasing tobacco prices by 50% reduced the prevalence of smokers among 25-year-old females to 14.8% in 2030, a relative reduction of 47.5%. For 25-year-old males in 2030 the reductions were similar, with a prevalence of 16.6% when all three prevention strategies were in effect, a relative reduction of 51.5%. Conclusions: Implementing increasing tobacco prices, indoor smoke-free homes and school-based multi-tiered interventions in Denmark is likely to significantly decrease youth smoking prevalence in the future. However, these three strategies will not produce a smoke-free generation without other initiatives.
The political economics of news making in Russian media: Ownership, clickbait and censorship
Authors: Kovalev Alexey
Published: August 2020

This article explores the dual influence of market and political pressures on journalists and the resulting character of censorship and self-censorship in Russia. In particular, it focuses on how these pressures affect the work environment journalists have to engage with and the quality of news they produce. It also explains the economic and political context of commercialised news aggregation and its impact on the media industry and its workers. A cut-throat media market makes it almost impossible for any outlet to not have to sacrifice some aspects of quality journalism in order to increase its audience. As a journalist with almost 20 years of experience in the media industry, I explore the conditions in Russia’s media market. Even private media owners are often deeply beholden to the state and are as susceptible to pressure from state agents and censorship as are outlets that are directly owned by the government. This can partly be explained by the fact that many outlets which used to be privately-owned and independent have undergone hostile takeovers, including new editorial teams loyal to the state.
Rapid localization of acoustic source using sensor clusters in 3D homogeneous and heterogeneous structures
Authors: Yin Shenxin , Xiao Huapan , Cui Zhiwen , Kundu Tribikram
Published: August 2020

The acoustic source localization in 3D structures is a challenging task especially if the structure is heterogeneous. A large number of unknown parameters in a 3D heterogeneous structure require a large number of sensor arrays for accurate source localization. In this article, a localization technique is proposed using triangular pyramid shaped sensor clusters. The time difference of arrival of acoustic signals between different sensors of the clusters is analyzed to localize the acoustic source. It uses acoustic wave propagation information to rapidly localize the acoustic source. This rapid acoustic source localization technique works well for both homogeneous and heterogeneous media. It considers the refraction in heterogeneous media using Snell’s law. The proposed technique is verified experimentally and numerically. The experimental results show that the technique is effective for source localization in 3D homogeneous structures. Numerical results are generated by finite element modeling for both homogeneous and heterogeneous structures. The results show the reliability of the proposed technique. This technique helps to localize the acoustic source with only a few sensors and is indispensable for monitoring large 3D structures with monitoring equipment that can handle only a few sensors.
Surgical Protocol in a West China Day Surgery Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Practice and Experience
Authors: Jiang Lisha , Ma Hongsheng
Published: August 2020

Background. Despite the danger of infection during the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Wuhan, many patients still need surgical treatment. Most elective surgeries were delayed because of the public health emergency. However, when patients have life-threatening emergencies or illnesses, surgeries are often needed as soon as possible. Moreover, due to hospital overcrowding during the COVID-19 outbreak, healthcare professionals initially struggled to address the issue due to a lack of experience. This is especially true for day surgery centers with higher patient mobility. Methods. We remodeled pathways to separate patients and medical personnel to minimize the COVID-19 infection rate. Further, strategies for medical staff education and potential patient education, ward disinfection and maintenance, setup with 3 more screening stations, patient and companion management, medical staff management, and perioperative management were implemented before starting elective day surgery. Results. From February 11 to March 11 in 2020, 202 day surgeries were performed. These were all elective surgeries and included ultrasound-guided Mammotome biopsy, endoscopic polypectomy, hernia repair, pediatric surgeries, cholecystectomy, choledochoscopy, radical mastectomy, percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage, liver biopsy, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, laparoscopic resection of colon cancer, colostomy apotheosis, and varicose vein surgery. On days 7, 14, and 30 after discharge, no postoperative complications were reported or infection of COVID-19 cases was reported. Conclusions. Using scientific and well-designed protocols, day surgery can ensure quality surgical care with while ensuring medical safety during the COVID-19 outbreak. These protocols may also be applied to other surgical departments in China.
Finding the Best Antiviral Regimen for COVID-19: A Double-Center Retrospective Cohort Study of 207 Cases in Hunan, China
Authors: Hu Xingsheng , Hu Chunhong , Zhong Ping , Wen Yajing , Yang Yong , Chen Juan , Chen Xiangyu
Published: August 2020

Objective:

To compare the efficacy of 3/4-drugs’ group with 1-drug’s or 2-drugs’ groups in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods:

We included 207 patients confirmed with COVID-19. We compared the viral clearance rate and discharge rate at day 7, 14, 21 and 28, and median time of viral clearance and length of hospitalization in patients treated with 3/4, 1 or 2 drugs.

Results:

The viral clearance rates of the 3/4-drugs group at day 7, 14 and 21 were significantly lower than those in the 1-drug’s or 2-drugs’ groups (P < 0.05). The median viral clearance days in 3/4-drugs group (13.5 days) were longer than 1-drug’s or 2-drugs’ groups (both were 9 days) (P < 0.001). The patients’ discharge rates in the 3/4-drugs group at day 14 and 21 were significantly lower than that in the 1-drug’s or 2 drugs’ group (P < 0.05). The median length of hospitalization in the 3/4-drugs group was 17 days, which was significantly longer than 11 days in the 1-drug group and 13 days in the 2-drug group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The efficacy of 1 or 2 antiviral drugs was similar in COVID-19, and 3/4-drug regimens were not associated with clinical improvement. Corticosteroid treatment and more serious disease were also risk factors for viral clearance and patients’discharge.
Time for Timelines: The Take-Home Timeline as a Tool for Exploring Complex Life Histories
Authors: Bremner Nicholas
Published: August 2020

Visual timelines have become an increasingly popular way of enhancing life history research. Most timeline-based studies have involved participants creating timelines “there and then,” usually in the presence of the researcher. This article proposes an alternative: the “take-home” timeline, which involved participants taking their timelines home and completing them in their own time. Seven English language teachers, who had participated in the take-home timeline method, were interviewed to explore their experiences of the process. Specifically, they were asked to consider whether the take-home element of the timeline method may have influenced the quality of the data. The teachers reported several benefits of producing their timelines at home, particularly in terms of helping them recall, organize and express complex ideas. Their experiences would appear to support cognitive science research on memory retrieval, as well as an increasing body of research on unconscious mental processes. The author concludes that increased time may be a key factor in enhancing the quality of data produced through qualitative approaches such as timeline-based life history studies, and suggests that the time element could be taken into account in a wider range of narrative studies. Key limitations of the study are recognized; in particular, that participants were only subjected to the “take-home” method and were not given the chance to take part in the “there and then” method.
Design and kinematics analysis of coordinated variable wheel-track walking mechanism
Authors: Zang Liguo , Yang Shaoqing , Wu Chongyou , Wang Xingyu , Teng Fei
Published: August 2020

Wheeled walking mechanism has the advantages of high mobility and low rolling resistance, but it is easy to sink and slip when working in soft and muddy terrain. Tracked walking mechanism has the advantages of high passability and stability, but it has the problems of difficult steering and slow walking speed. In order to make the walking mechanism possess a combination of passability, stability, and mobility, a coordinated variable wheel-track walking mechanism was designed. The coordinated variable triangle track can change the landing area through the deformation structure to improve the ability of the walking mechanism to adapt to different terrains. The kinematics equation of the wheel-track walking mechanism was established, and the front wheel steering angle equation during motion was derived. Based on RecurDyn software, the motion simulation of the walking mechanism was carried out under the conditions of straight walking and turning on the flat ground, climbing hillsides, and crossing ditches. The simulation results show that the coordinated variable wheel-track walking mechanism has the mobility of wheeled walking mechanism and the passability and stability of the tracked walking mechanism. The stability and climbing ability of the wheel-track walking mechanism was better when the coordinated variable triangle track in the stretch state, and the mobility and steering ability was better in the contraction state.
Multi-component maintenance grouping optimization based on stochastic dependency
Authors: Vijayan Vimal , Chaturvedi Sanjay K
Published: August 2020

Maintenance activities often require an identical preparatory work. Therefore, a joint execution of such maintenance activities may save a substantial cost. In this work, we consider the problem of optimizing the total maintenance cost of a multi-component repairable system by grouping of components and carrying out maintenance activities on group(s) of components of a complex system. More specifically, we propose a maintenance grouping cost optimization model based on the stochastic dependency as well as economic dependency among components in a system. The stochastic dependency modeling is done using Bayesian network by considering the failure probability of components as a measure of failure interactions among components. Penalty functions are formulated due to the shift of individual optimal maintenance time of components to find the optimum joint maintenance interval and associated cost benefits. Finally, a case study on a diesel engine of a diesel power plant involving 10 components (components of diesel engine, air intake system, and turbocharger) is presented to illustrate the proposed approach.
Reliability and availability modeling of Subsea Autonomous High Integrity Pressure Protection System with partial stroke test by Dynamic Bayesian
Authors: Wang Chuan , Liu Yupeng , Hou Wen , Yu Chao , Wang Guorong , Zheng Yuyan
Published: August 2020

Subsea Autonomous High Integrity Pressure Protection System is used in the subsea production process to lower the pressure level of downstream equipment and pipelines and to protect low-pressure pipelines and equipment. Once failure occurs, it will cause serious environmental damage and huge economic losses. In this article, a method of Dynamic Bayesian networks is proposed based on different failure types detected by different test methods. The reliability and availability of HIPPS with different detection methods were analyzed quantitatively. The results show that the performance of the system is improved significantly after inspection and maintenance. Compared with traditional methods, the performance of HIPPS is improved after the partial stroke test is introduced. Through sensitivity analysis, it is found that failure rates have a greater impact on the reliability of HIPPS valves. Increasing partial stroke test coverage can improve HIPPS performance. To improve the reliability of HIPPS, it is necessary to improve the reliability of the execution unit, especially the HIPPS valves. The analysis of the PST strategy can provide a theoretical basis for selecting the frequency of partial stroke test and functional test interval in actual projects.
Incidence of tendon ruptures after locking plate fixation of distal radial fractures: are the cited rates still accurate?
Authors: Brown Daniel J. , Ormsby Neal , Brown Olivia C. , Cheung Graham
Published: August 2020

With the introduction of the anterior locking plate in the early part of this century, there was a large change in how distal radial fractures were treated. Early articles about the techniques reported tendon ruptures occurring in as many as 10%, although studies from our unit reported rates closer to 2%. Subsequent refinements in surgical technique and improvements in plate design have been made with the aim of reducing the number of ruptures. Despite this, the original articles and their rates continue to be quoted. In this retrospective study of 798 cases treated with anterior locking plates, tendon ruptures have been significantly reduced and are now as low as 0.5%. Contributing factors leading to this improvement are identified and discussed.

Level of evidence: III
How to interpret echocardiogram reports
Authors: Bignell Lauren , Moosai Kishan , Nikhil Patel Professor
Published: August 2020

The echocardiogram is a readily accessible imaging modality for GPs investigating patients with suspected cardiac structural abnormalities. The most common reason for GPs to request an echocardiogram is suspected heart failure. With approximately 900 000 people in the UK already affected by heart failure and an ageing population, it is likely that the need to request echocardiograms will continue to increase. This article highlights the clinically relevant information within an echocardiogram report and provides a guide on the interpretation and management of these findings.
Status and distribution of the Algerian Nuthatch’s population (Sitta ledanti Vielliard, 1976) in the Tamentout forest (north-eastern Algeria)
Authors: Hamitouche Souad , Bouchareb Abdelouhab , Bougaham Abdelazize Franck
Published: August 2020

The Algerian Nuthatch ( Sitta ledanti) is the only endemic bird species in Algeria. It is located in the Kabylia of Babors (north-eastern Algeria). It is classified as an endangered species by IUCN and its populations are decreasing. In this study, we are interested in the inventory of the number of Sitta ledanti’s individuals in the Tamentout forest, carried out by the EFP method along line-transect, during the 2019’s breeding period. It turned out that this forest contains the largest population ever recorded. It is estimated at 187 individuals for an area of 9688 ha. The Tamentout forest is under severe human pressure from adjoining houses, including illegal logging and overgrazing, causing disturbance of the Algerian Nuthatch’s habitat and reduction of its distribution area.
COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case for Phytomedicines
Authors:   ACEDHARS UNILAG COVID-19 Response Team, Akindele Abidemi J. , Agunbiade Foluso O. , Sofidiya Margaret O. , Awodele Olufunsho , Sowemimo Abimbola , Ade-Ademilua Omobolanle , Akinleye Moshood O. , Ishola Ismail O. , Orabueze Ifeoma , Salu Olumuyiwa B. , Oreagba Ibrahim A. , Asekun Olayinka T. , Odukoya Olukemi
Published: August 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infection caused by a newly discovered coronavirus which was identified in Wuhan, China. The race is on globally to repurpose drugs for COVID-19 and develop a safe and effective vaccine against the disease. There is an urgent need to search for effective remedies against COVID-19 from the rich and extensive flora of Africa and the world. A literature search was conducted to obtain information on drugs with the potential for effectiveness in the treatment of COVID-19 based mostly on outcomes of preclinical studies and a few clinical investigations. This was considered important to this perspective as some of the identified mechanisms of action may be related to potential anti-COVID-19 actions of phytomedicines. The findings from the literature search were also used to establish the need for exploration of phytomedicines in the fight against COVID-19. This perspective identifies the need to preserve the rich tradition of herbal medicine in Africa, repositioning it by inculcating all aspects of discovery, development, and chemical evaluation of pharmaceuticals from medicinal plants for effective management of prevalent diseases. The identified mechanisms of action of current drugs under consideration for the treatment of COVID-19 include preventing fusion of SARS-CoV-2 with human cells; decrease acidity in endosomes, cell membrane-derived vesicles for transportation of the virus within the host cell and within which the virus can replicate; and blockade of the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Phytomedicines may possibly elicit either one or a combination of these effects. The case for the exploration of phytomedicines against COVID-19 is strengthened by the emergence of a number of conventional drugs from medicinal plants and the emergence of botanicals with proven efficacy for some medical conditions. Caution against indiscriminate use of medicinal plants in the guise of treating COVID-19 has been highlighted and the need for reliable preclinical and clinical studies.
IT management and change at an energy firm: A teaching case on strategic alignment and business process management
Authors: Maier Christian , Laumer Sven , Weitzel Tim
Published: August 2020

This teaching case illustrates how important concepts and tools of information system management practice and literature are used in a young firm, challenged by strong growth and the need to integrate business processes and information technology systems. The case is typical of many smaller organizations that are substantially different from large firms. Among others, the firm does not have a dedicated information technology unit. As most of our information technology management knowledge stems from research in large companies, the teaching case demonstrates and combines many proven information technology management methods, and how they can be applied in smaller firms as well. Students will learn about strategic alignment, business process management, work system theory, business process management, and notation, and user resistance during information technology-induced change projects in small- and medium-sized organizations.
Usefulness of vortioxetine noted in depression secondary to hypoxic brain injury and residual cognitive deficits
Authors: Ahsan Syeda Maheen , Ahsan Syed Daniyal , Khalid Osman , Agha Hina
Published: August 2020

We report on our experience of treating depression secondary to hypoxic brain injury with the antidepressant vortioxetine to share in the growing body of evidence. Our patient was referred to a community mental health team with depression, amotivation and memory difficulties following a myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest 2 years prior. Regardless of motor recovery, major cognitive deficits remained; however, neurorehabilitation was impossible due to severe depression. We tried vortioxetine in the light of two failed antidepressants and saw a remarkable improvement in mood, motivation and engagement.
The politics of algorithmic governance in the black box city
Authors: Smith Gavin JD
Published: August 2020

Everyday surveillance work is increasingly performed by non-human algorithms. These entities can be conceptualised as machinic flâneurs that engage in distanciated flânerie: subjecting urban flows to a dispassionate, calculative and expansive gaze. This paper provides some theoretical reflections on the nascent forms of algorithmic practice materialising in two Australian cities, and some of their implications for urban relations and social justice. It looks at the idealisation – and operational black boxing – of automated watching programs, before considering their impacts on notions such as ‘the right to the city’ and ‘the right to the face’. It will argue that the turn to facial recognition software for the purposes of automating urban governance reconstitutes the meanings and phenomenology of the face. In particular, the fleshly and communicative physicality of the face is reduced to a measurable object that can be identified by a virtualised referent and then consequently tracked. Moreover, the asymmetrical and faceless nature of these machinic programs of recognition unsettles conventional notions of civil inattention and bodily sovereignty, and the prioritisation given to pattern recognition renders them amenable to ideas/ideals from phrenology and physiognomy. In this way, algorithmic governance may generate not only forms of facial vulnerability and estrangement, but also facial artifice, where individuals come to develop tacit and artful ways of de-facing and re-facing in order to subvert the processes of recognition which leverage these modes of biopower. Thus, the datafication of urban governance gives rise to a dynamic biopolitics of the face.
Organizational Change in Schools
Authors: Beycioglu Kadir , Kondakci Yasar
Published: August 2020

Purpose:

This review aims to discuss the meaning of organizational change, change dynamics, and the current state of debates on organizational change in schools. The core purpose of this review is not only to restate the literature on organizational change in schools but also to challenge the current theoretical understanding of change in schools by rising the new perspectives on change in schools.

Design/Approach/Methods:

As part of this effort, we discuss the dominant perspectives of change, forces of change, and illustrate the interventions adopted by different school systems to deal with the need of change.

Findings:

The literature on change in schools suggests that, parallel to the change intervention in other organizational settings, largely fail. Falling short of intended goals in change interventions is not a simple methodological problem but rather an ontological issue of how we perceive change and organization. Parallel to the arguments in the literature, continuous change has been indicated as an alternative perspective to planned change. Finally, leadership has been indicated as a key driver of organizational change.

Originality/Value:

The review discusses applicability of continuous change and elaborate on alternative leadership approaches to guide continuous change in schools.
Liquidity and Firms’ Financial Performance Nexus: Panel Evidence From Non-Financial Firms Listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange
Authors: Li Kaodui , Musah Mohammed , Kong Yusheng , Adjei Mensah Isaac , Antwi Stephen Kwadwo , Bawuah Jonas , Donkor Mary , Coffie Cephas Paa Kwasi , Andrew Osei Agyemang
Published: August 2020

The aim of this research was to establish the nexus between liquidity and the viability of quoted non-financial establishments in Ghana. Panel data deduced from the published annual reports of 15 entities for the period 2008 to 2017 was employed for the study. Preliminarily, cross-sectional reliance, unit root, serial correlation, heteroscedasticity, co-integration, and causality tests were respectively performed. Our findings established that there exists no cross-sectional reliance, and input variables are stationary and co-integrated with no presence of heteroscedasticity and serial correlation. Estimates from the random effects generalized least squares (GLS) regression showed that liquidity has significant adverse effect on the firms’ Return on Equity (ROE) but had insignificantly positive effect on ROE when surrogated by the cash flow ratio. Finally, test based on causalities uncovered that, with the exception of Current Ratio and ROE that are flanked by bidirectional liaison, no other causal affiliation was evidenced amid other variables. Policy recommendations are further discussed.
The Relationship Between Patient Satisfaction With Hospitalization and Outcomes Up to 6 Months Post-Discharge in Cardiac Patients
Authors: Anderson Paige M , Krallman Rachel , Montgomery Daniel , Kline-Rogers Eva , Bumpus Sherry M
Published: August 2020

Little is known about the relationship between patient satisfaction with inpatient care and post-discharge outcomes. This study examined inpatient hospital satisfaction after a cardiac event and outcomes through 6 months post-discharge. We examined 327 cardiac patients from the Bridging the Discharge Gap Effectively database who completed a patient satisfaction survey about their hospital admission and had post-discharge outcomes data. Higher patient satisfaction with the discharge process correlated with fewer readmissions at 90 days post-discharge. Higher patient satisfaction with hospital staff management of personal issues correlated with fewer emergency department visits at 6 months post-discharge. Higher patient satisfaction with overall assessment of care and hospitalization correlated with lower mortality rate at 6 months post-discharge. Being nonwhite correlated with lower nursing care satisfaction. Associations between cardiac patient satisfaction and outcomes exist. In this population, higher patient satisfaction correlated with better outcomes. Patient satisfaction data may be able to inform areas for health system improvement.