bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling and performance analysis of a single stage open absorption heat pump system in aspen plus using aqueous LiBr and HCOOK: A waste moist heat recovery application
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Kashif , Ding Yaqi , Xuan Yongmei , Gao Neng , Chen Guangming
Published: September 2021

Open absorption heat pump (OAHP) system is more viable option to recover waste heat from moist gas as compared to the traditional condensation methods. This promising technology has great potential for latent heat recovery from moist gas, drying process in paper and other industrial heating applications. This study presents the process modelling and comparative analysis of OAHP system in Aspen Plus using two different solutions by adopting part regeneration technique. The promising potassium formate-water (HCOOK/H2O) which has lower causticity, lower costs and better crystallization characteristics is used as an alternative to the caustic lithium bromide-water (LiBr/H2O) solution in this study. Process model of the system is established in Aspen Plus and, the properties validity is confirmed with published experimental and Engineering Equation Solver (EES) library data. A detailed comparative parametric study is carried out to evaluate the effect of influencing parameters on coefficient of performance (COP), water recovery (φ) and heat recovery (ζ) efficiencies. The performance of OAHP system is found to be very similar using different concentrations as 2.13 COP value for 50% LiBr/H2O and 2.19 for 70% HCOOK/H2O solution over design conditions. Similarly, φ is found to be 0.701, 0.688 while ζ as 0.716 and 0.705 for both the absorbents. Moreover, the system’s operational concentration range is 45-61.3% for LiBr/H2O and 55-82.1% for HCOOK/H2O at 135 °C regeneration heat input. Potassium formate solution having quite similar properties to the aqueous lithium bromide is also confirmed to have similar performance trends using 50% and 70% concentrations.
Flexible extension of the accelerated failure time model to account for nonlinear and time-dependent effects of covariates on the hazard
Authors: Pang Menglan , Platt Robert W , Schuster Tibor , Abrahamowicz Michal
Published: September 2021

The accelerated failure time model is an alternative to the Cox proportional hazards model in survival analysis. However, conclusions regarding the associations of prognostic factors with event times are valid only if the underlying modeling assumptions are met. In contrast to several flexible methods for relaxing the proportional hazards and linearity assumptions in the Cox model, formal investigation of the constant-over-time time ratio and linearity assumptions in the accelerated failure time model has been limited. Yet, in practice, prognostic factors may have time-dependent and/or nonlinear effects. Furthermore, parametric accelerated failure time models require correct specification of the baseline hazard function, which is treated as a nuisance parameter in the Cox proportional hazards model, and is rarely known in practice. To address these challenges, we propose a flexible extension of the accelerated failure time model where unpenalized regression B-splines are used to model (i) the baseline hazard function of arbitrary shape, (ii) the time-dependent covariate effects on the hazard, and (iii) nonlinear effects for continuous covariates. Simulations evaluate the accuracy of the time-dependent and/or nonlinear estimates, and of the resulting survival functions, in multivariable settings. The proposed flexible extension of the accelerated failure time model is applied to re-assess the effects of prognostic factors on mortality after septic shock.
The effect of misinformation and inoculation: Replication of an experiment on the effect of false experts in the context of climate change communication
Authors: Schmid-Petri Hannah , Bürger Moritz
Published: September 2021

An important communication strategy of climate skeptics is the use of fake experts, who act as spokespersons, although they do not possess any expertise in the field. One promising approach to tackle the effect of misinformation is inoculation. Previous research focuses on the United States, and the comparably low effect sizes of previous research call for further examination and consolidation. This study aims to complement those findings with data for Germany and replicates and extends an experiment by Cook et al. with a 2 × 2 between-subjects design. Our study confirms the importance of pre-existing worldviews for climate-related attitudes. Regarding the effects of misinformation messages and most notably, the effects of inoculation messages we could not replicate the findings of Cook et al.: At least in our setting, the misinformation message and also inoculation preceding misinformation had hardly any effect on the climate-related attitudes under study.
Nexus Between Interest Rate Risk and Economic Value of Equity of Banks
Authors: G. Soundariya , David Treesa Aleena , G. Suresh
Published: September 2021

This analytical study looks to provide recommendations to the banking sector on different policies and regulations by examining certain aspects of the Basel III accord, which was designed to manage specific operational, capital and market risks of banks. A review of extant literature reveals that only a few papers have been written on simulation-based approaches, using basis and re-pricing risks. We look to connect this as a source while attempting to define and measure the impact of interest rate risk (IRR) on the economic value of equity (EVE) of banks. We propose to use the driver—driven method, wherein interest rate shocks are derived through prime lending rate (PLR) for the period of 2016–2019 in the context of India. Monte Carlo Simulation and OLS regression was performed to predict the IRR; Granger causality was used to examine the cause and effect relationship; the impulse response function (IRF) was used for sensitivity analysis; and the vector error correction model (VECM) technique was used for co-integrating relationships. Notably, the EVE movement caused due to shocks in interest rates had to be traced as it envisages probable EVE losses. Importantly, our study is among the first few to show the relationship between IRR and EVE of banks, especially after the deregulation of Indian banking sector.
Cultural Intelligence and Openness to Experiences Pave the Way for Cognitive Engagement in Intercultural Group Work
Authors: Poort Irene , Jansen Ellen , Hofman Adriaan
Published: September 2021

To prepare students for an increasingly globalized world, intercultural group work (IGW) holds promise as a pedagogical tool, because it may help them develop intercultural competence and second-language proficiency. These skills also are needed to complete the discipline-specific aspects of group work successfully. This study investigates the extent to which cultural intelligence (CQ), English language proficiency, and personality contribute to students’ cognitive engagement in IGW. A questionnaire was completed by 846 students from six universities in the Netherlands and Canada. Structural equation modeling analyses revealed that CQ and the personality trait of openness are the strongest predictors of cognitive engagement. English language proficiency is a relatively weak predictor. The development of CQ thus should be actively promoted to enhance students’ cognitive engagement in IGW.
Psychiatrist workforce planning: contexts, considerations and recommendations
Authors: Looi Jeffrey CL , Bastiampillai Tarun , Allison Stephen
Published: September 2021

Objective:

To provide a clinical update for psychiatrists and trainees on psychiatric workforce-planning in the Australasian context.

Conclusions:

There is a lack of detailed evidence regarding effective psychiatric workforce planning. Planning may be based on a foundation of psychiatrist-to-population ratios. This would be modified by needs assessment, understanding of service models and existing service demand. Given that it has recently expressed significant concerns about workforce shortages, the RANZCP should lead development of an independent Australasian psychiatric workforce planning model to inform policy advice to governments.
Short-Term Complications and Outcomes of the Cadence Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Fram Brianna , Corr Daniel O. , Rogero Ryan G. , Pedowitz David I. , Tsai Justin
Published: September 2021

Background:

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is an increasingly popular option for the operative treatment of ankle arthritis. The Cadence TAA entered clinical use in 2016 and was designed to address common failure modes of prior systems. We report early complications and radiographic and clinical outcomes of this total ankle system at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing primary Cadence TAA by a single surgeon from 2016 to 2017. Complications and reoperations were documented using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) TAA reoperation coding system. Patients completed the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Sport subscales, SF-12 Mental (MCS) and Physical (PCS) Component Summaries, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain rating (0-100). Radiographic evaluation was performed to assess postoperative range of motion (ROM) of the sole of the foot relative to the long axis of the tibia, alignment, and implant complications.

Results:

Fifty-eight patients with a mean age of 63.3 years and mean body mass index of 31.9 kg/m2 were included. Twelve of 58 patients (20.7%) underwent an additional procedure(s) within 2 years, including 3 (5.2%) who required removal of one or both components, 2 for infection and 1 for osteolysis. Forty-three patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years with radiographic imaging; 1 patient’s (2.3%) radiographs had signs of peri-implant osteolysis, with no cases demonstrating loosening or subsidence. FAAM-ADL, FAAM-Sport, SF-12 PCS, and VAS pain scores all improved at a mean of 27.4 months postoperatively, with mean score changes (± SD) of 16.3 (± 22.0), 25.3 (± 24.5), 6.0 (± 11.1), and −32.3 (± 39.8), respectively. Radiographic analysis revealed that average coronal alignment improved from 6.9 degrees from neutral preoperatively to 2.3 degrees postoperatively. The average ROM of the foot relative to the tibia was 36.5 degrees total arc of motion based on lateral radiographs.

Conclusion:

Early experience with this 2-component total ankle replacement was associated with a high component retention rate, improved coronal plane alignment, good postoperative ROM, radiographically stable implants, and improved patient function.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Treatment with doxorubicin-based protocol in cardiac involvement diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A case report
Authors: Tekinalp Atakan , Kars Taha U , Dikici Hatice Z , Yılmaz Pınar D , Demircioğlu Sinan , Çeneli Özcan
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Cardiac involvement in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is a rare entity in non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Symptoms are usually related to heart failure. Patients who are severely symptomatic due to cardiac mass could be considered treatment as soon as possible. In this report, we present a patient diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with cardiac involvement.

Case Report

A 61-year-old female patient was admitted to our unit with gastric biopsy diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Computerized tomography of the chest and positron emission tomography/computed tomography demonstrated a neoplastic mass in the intra-atrial septum extended to inferior vena cava (5 × 4 cm in size and standardized uptake value maximum 24.6). She was in stage III and in the high-risk group. Because of pronounced heart failure findings associated with the mass-specific chemotherapy was planned early.

Management & Outcome

Although a fraction of ejection was 60% by echocardiography before the treatment, she had a cardiac risk for doxorubicin due to being over 60 years old and hypertension. Complete remission was achieved after three cycles of rituximab–cyclophosphamide–doxorubicin–vincristine and methylprednisolone protocol including doxorubicin. Treatment was completed with six cycles and she was followed up for three months.

Discussion

Because of the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin-based protocols, patients should be evaluated according to cardiac functions before and during the chemotherapy.
Neonatal Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: A Proposed Pathogenic Sequence in the Context of Maternal/Fetal Vascular Malperfusion and Paradoxical Embolism
Authors: Manci Elizabeth A. , Dolma Kalsang , Manjunath Chaitra , Liu Shou-Shawn , Galliani Carlos A. , Bhat Ramachandra
Published: September 2021

Background

Neonatal myocardial infarction (MI) in a structurally normal heart is frequently an obscure event that remains undiagnosed until autopsy. Causal attributions usually cite underlying maternal or fetal conditions. Refinement in understanding of pathogenic mechanisms underlying neonatal MI is key to advancements in diagnosis, prevention, treatments and prognosis.

Objective

This study presents a 36-week gestational age female with perinatal asphyxia, congenital hemolytic anemia and umbilical vein thrombosis who sustained catastrophic MI with reperfusion injury; and it reviews pertinent literature.

Results

We propose a pathogenic sequence that links maternal vascular malperfusion, fetal vascular malperfusion, hemolytic anemia, umbilical venous thrombosis, and paradoxical thromboemboli.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of placental examination in connecting complex neonatal events with adverse maternal/placental conditions. A high index of suspicion is essential for early diagnosis of neonatal MI.
Dispute inflation
Authors: Hall Todd H
Published: September 2021

Much work has examined the phenomenon of dispute escalation, whereby the concrete measures state actors take edge them closer to war. Less attention has been devoted to the ways in which state actors’ perceptions of what is at stake in a dispute can also change, with important consequences for the likelihood of conflict. This paper examines the phenomenon of dispute inflation – wherein a contest over an object or issue assumes ever greater stakes and significance for its protagonists – and identifies three different mechanisms that can generate increasing non-material stakes. The upshot is that theoretically even a minor dispute can grow into a major conflict due to swelling stakes, especially when dispute inflation spirals. To illustrate these dynamics at work, this paper looks to recent developments in the dispute between the People’s Republic of China and Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands.
Evoking gender distinctiveness threat in cisgender women lowers their support for gender-inclusive bathroom policies
Authors: Hayes Talia R. , Reiman Anna-Kaisa
Published: September 2021

Some cisgender women oppose policies granting transgender women access to women-only bathrooms. We examined whether this opposition stems from perceiving that transgender women threaten the distinctiveness of the social category “women” (gender distinctiveness threat). Cisgender women ( N = 520) read about a state bill enabling transgender women to use women’s bathrooms. Participants further read that enacting the bill would mean their state officially believes that “transgender women are real women” or “transgender rights are human rights”; in the control condition, this information was omitted. Participants reported their support for the bill and level of gender distinctiveness threat. Cisgender women who read that the bill would imply their state believes transgender women are real women (vs. transgender rights are human rights) reported lower bill support, and this effect was mediated by distinctiveness threat. Perceived threat to the distinctiveness of womanhood may help explain cisgender women’s reluctance to include transgender women in women-only spaces.
Experimental investigation and strength model of RC deep beams externally bonded by CFRP
Authors: Ahmad Saeed , Elahi Ayub , Tufail Rana Faisal , Zahid Muhammad , Tariq Saad Bin
Published: September 2021

This paper presents an experimental study on shear strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) deep beams using externally applied carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) jackets. A total of 18 RC deep beams were tested using a four-point bending load. The examined parameter included span to depth ratio with or without CFRP strengthening. CFRP strips were applied perpendicular to the probable crack pattern as observed during testing for un-strengthened beams. The properties that is cracking behavior, ultimate strength, deflection, and energy dissipation capacity of beams were evaluated and discussed. The test results showed enhancement in shear strength up to 17% with CFRP. An increase in depth of RC deep beams caused a decrease in the rate of enhancement in shear strength for CFRP strengthened beams as compared to that observed in their counterparts. The experimental test results were compared with the existing design guidelines to assess their application for RC deep beams strengthened with CFRP. A strength equation based on regression analysis was developed to predict the experimental shear strength of RC deep beams strengthened with CFRP. This study showed that the RC deep beams strengthened with CFRP can effectively be used in structural engineering applications with enhanced shear strength and energy absorption capacity.
Relation between durability and mechanical properties on glass fiber reinforced slag-based geopolymer
Authors: Alves Lais , Leklou Nordine , de Barros Silvio
Published: September 2021

This work seeks to improve the understanding of the durability of pure slag-based geopolymer composites containing glass fibers. Degradation by attack of saline mist, simulated by the salt-spray essay, was carried out for a period of 30 days. The test simulates the conditions found in the sea and nearby environments. The chamber works at relative humidity ∼97%, by nebulizing sodium chloride solutions with a concentration of 5% at 35 + 2 °C, solution pH between 6.5 and 7.2. After the cycle, the loss of mass and the compressive strength of the specimens were measured. The efflorescence formation in slag-based geopolymers is also assessed in this study to provide a better understanding of the effect of the synthesis parameters. It is noted that physical and chemical properties of geopolymers, and environmental exposure conditions can affect the rate of efflorescence formation. Besides the control set group, two different solutions to prevent efflorescence were tested, MgO and an efflorescence reduction agent from Sika®. The work aims to examine the effect of efflorescence formation on mechanical properties, through flexural and compressive strengths. A compromise between durability and mechanical properties was found for specimens enriched with 2% of efflorescence reduction agent.
Investigation on the ballistic performance of rubber-aluminum (AA7075-T651) laminated plates reinforced with borosilicate glass balls
Authors: Kasım Hasan
Published: September 2021

In this study, the ballistic behavior of protective armor plates (PaP) obtained by curing between high structural strength AA7075-T651 aluminum plates by reinforcing with glass balls of two different rubber mixtures whose damping properties were developed with carbon nanotube and glass bubbles fillers were investigated. A total of six PaPs at 27, 30, and 35 mm heights were prepared using two different matrix damping rubbers. High-strength liner rubber used in air bellows is vulcanized on the front and back surfaces of PaPs. Between the PaPs, Ø15.875 and Ø6.747 mm, borosilicate glass balls were placed in a particular arrangement that coincides with the middle of the matrix rubber and does not have any gaps. Liner rubber cured on the front face has managed to hold the energy by forming a layer like clothing around the bullet cores. Glass balls between PAPs play an essential role in the energy absorption of GB-filled mixtures. In contrast, in MWCNT-filled mixtures, they act as a second damping element. The ballistic performance of PAPs prepared with multiwalled carbon nanotubes was determined to be better than those prepared with Glass Bubbles. Thanks to the superior mechanical properties and high aspect ratio of MWCNTs, the penetration and swelling heights of the matrix damping rubbers prepared to have excellent results compared to glass bubbles. With the increase in the thickness of the PaPs prepared with MWCNTs, the deformation effect of the penetration depth and bulging height created by the bullet on the anterior and posterior surfaces decreased. As the thickness of PaP increased from 27 mm to 35 mm, penetration depth decreased by 38%, and bulging height reduced by 35%. The amount of penetration and swelling increased in PaPs using rubber filled with glass bubbles. As the plate thickness increased, the damping feature decreased and the glass balls were activated, and the bullet was stopped.
Analysing how crises shape mass and elite preferences and behaviour in the European Union
Authors: De Vries Catherine E
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic proved the latest stress test for the European Union, after Brexit, the Eurozone crisis and the large influx of refugees. This highly relevant and well-timed special issue examines how past crises have left an imprint on the opinions and behaviour of ordinary citizens and political elites regarding the European Union. This Forum article reviews the special issue contributions by spelling out which lessons we can learn from each of them and which paths for future research they have opened up. In terms of a path forward, I argue that scholars ought to pay more attention to (a) the role of political elites, (b) political opportunity structures, and (c) heterogeneity both between and within member states.
Examining the value of using naturally occurring data to facilitate qualitative health research with ‘seldom heard’ ‘vulnerable’ groups: A research note on inpatient care
Authors: Drewett Alison , O’Reilly Michelle
Published: September 2021

This research note explores two inter-connected ideas. First, that the category of ‘vulnerable’ groups has expanded and has sometimes been used to exclude seldom heard groups from research. The underpinning protectionist polemic, whilst well-intended, has arguably led to disempowerment of the very groups they intended to safeguard. Learning lessons from advances in research with children can be utilised to develop a more inclusive and empowering approach with adults while simultaneously addressing safeguarding. Second, the note values the potential of using naturally occurring data as a mechanism for including vulnerable groups in research. An example is offered attending to frequently excluded inpatient voices in healthcare studies. The practical and ethical benefits of using naturally occurring data are explored for countering arguments against the inclusion of vulnerable groups using an example of autistic inpatient research from the UNITE study. Researchers are invited to make practical adjustments to maximise involvement opportunities, and a reminder that capacity to take part in research activity may be facilitated by these modifications. Naturally occurring data offer the possibility of understanding complex hospital practices without additional burdens of researcher-generated methods.
Pipeline leak detection and corrosion monitoring based on a novel FBG pipe-fixture sensor
Authors: Wang Jiajian , Ren Liang , Jia Ziguang , Jiang Tao , Wang Guo-xin
Published: September 2021

Pipeline leakage and pipeline internal corrosion are two serious threats to pipeline safety operation. In this study, based on the measurement theory of pipeline internal diameter variation and a numerical simulation analysis of existing sensor shortcomings, a novel FBG pipe-fixture sensor is designed and developed to detect pipeline leakage and monitor pipeline internal corrosion simultaneously. A calibration test is conducted, and the test results indicate that the FBG pipe-fixture sensor solves the problem of a large difference between the test values and the theoretical values and eliminates the limitation of measurement range. To validate the actual performance of the sensor, a pipeline leak detection test and a pipeline internal corrosion monitoring test are, respectively, conducted on a steel pipe leak test platform and a steel pipe with different simulated corrosion levels. The test results demonstrate that the FBG pipe-fixture sensor can effectively detect pipe leakage and decrease the localization error of the leakage point to within 1 m. The sensor can also effectively monitor pipe internal corrosion and evaluate the internal corrosion degree with a measurement accuracy of 0.1 mm. The novel FBG pipe-fixture sensor may be a potential sensor for pipeline leak detection and pipeline internal corrosion monitoring.
Doing feminist participatory action research for disrupting traditional gender discourses with Indonesian Muslim kindergarten teachers
Authors: Adriany Vina , Yulindrasari Hani , Safrina Raden
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this article is to explore the authors’ and the co-authors’ reflexivity in feminist participatory action research, conducted in three kindergartens in Indonesia, aiming to disrupt traditional gender discourses in early childhood education settings. Kindergarten is one of the most gendered spaces that perpetuate the binary between femininities and masculinities. This research takes place in Indonesia, one of the most populous Muslim countries in the world. The first part of the study deals with our own reflexivity as university lecturers, middle class and Muslim women, and we use these as a departure point to understand multiple positioning taken by our nine co-researchers as kindergarten teachers, women as well as Muslims and how these influence their gender understanding. The second part of the study discusses the journey of our co-researchers from having gender blind to more gender flexible attitude. As the co-researchers began to acknowledge their personal values, they were better able to apply gender flexible pedagogies to their kindergarten context. The co-researchers also demonstrate different forms of action in implementing gender flexible pedagogy. Our study suggests continuous reflexivity and the possibility of translating gender flexible pedagogy into the co-researchers’ local context were essential factors in this action research.
A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis of corruption and homicide in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries through the lens of the institutional anomie theory
Authors: Cruz José N
Published: September 2021

Institutional Anomie Theory has been widely used in the study of criminal phenomena. Institutional Anomie Theory offers a macro explanation of crime because it locates the cause of crime in the anomie created by the combination of a cultural overemphasis on monetary success and restricted economic opportunity. In such a context, the economy dominates the social macrostructure and non-economic social institutions (family, education, polity) may counterbalance (Merton's approach) or reinforce (Messner and Rosenfeld's approach) economic pressures. Institutional Anomie Theory has been tested with multivariate regression and with multilevel modelling. Neither of these statistical approaches addresses the question of which combinations of institutions lead to criminal behaviour. This study attempts to fill this gap by using the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis which allows multiple causality and asymmetric analysis of high and low crime rates. Based on the Institutional Anomie Theory theoretical model, this study demonstrates the existence of conditions for corruption and homicide in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. The results are generally consistent with Merton's approach. It is shown that economic pressures combined with weak social institutions condition the extent of corruption and homicide in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. However, there are differences between the two types of crime. The results also suggest that there is no symmetry in the causal combinations between high and low crime rates. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Bringing narrative victimology to transitional justice: Blame, victimhood and life stories of wrongful conviction
Authors: Hearty Kevin
Published: September 2021

This article applies a narrative victimological lens of inquiry to the memoirs of those wrongfully convicted of high profile politically violent offences arising from the conflict in the North of Ireland. Using these life stories of wrongful conviction, the article critically examines how nuanced and complex understandings of victimhood and blame emerge from within victims’ own testimony. While on the one hand, victims can ‘story’ victimhood and blame in simplistic ways that echo dominant paradigms found within the criminological literature, at the same time they can ‘story’ victimhood and blame in more sophisticated ways that reflect complex debates found within the transitional justice literature. The ability to take both a more generous approach to victimhood that recognises the harm experienced by others and a more critically self-reflective approach of one's own culpability, it is submitted, shows the potential value that proposed oral history mechanisms have in allowing different perspectives on victimhood and blame to emerge from the testimony of those who suffered harms like wrongful conviction.
Observing silent, smooth and striated space: The case of Indian national curriculum policy 2009
Authors: Alinje Rahul
Published: September 2021

The paper employs the assemblage approach to unfold India’s 2009 education policy, the National Curriculum Framework, in order to uncover its multiple international, national or other links. In doing so, a deconstruction approach (as strategy, not as rationale) is applied, in order to uncover the policy text and what is identified as a construction and reconstruction of meaning. The contested notion of student-centred learning and its perspective is proposed as a solution to deal with the professionalism problem of Indian teachers and the criteria to develop teachers’ professional skills are closely analysed. As a result, it is not only student-centred learning that is apprised to be part of the National Curriculum Framework, but also its multiple versions, linked to local and global policy studies. In turn, this highlights the complicated nature of the policy. The multifaceted and manifold versions of student-centred learning are further unfolded through the assemblage rationale. Silent spaces (e.g. teachers’ voices, teaching evaluation methods, etc.) are observed in the policy text to accommodate the emergence of student-centred learning.
Do Free Food and Beverages Bring People to the Political Meeting? The Survey Experiment of Attendance-Buying
Authors: Školník Milan , Haman Michael , Čopík Jan
Published: September 2021

In this article, we explore a phenomenon we call attendance-buying. Specifically, we investigate the case of buying the attendance of voters at political rallies. Politicians and political parties promise voters certain rewards if they come to listen to them at political meetings. Often, these rewards can be food or valuable prizes. We conducted a survey experiment to discover what effect this form of attendance-buying has in Czech municipalities with up to 1000 inhabitants. We focused on small municipalities, where such a strategy can be effective because of the small number of candidates compared to large towns. We found that the effect of promising free food and drinks for attending a rally surprisingly did not manifest. With this finding, we contribute to and extend upon the theme of vote-buying. Our research also has practical implications, as local-level candidates do not have to make these food and drink expenditures because interested citizens will attend political rallies regardless of these offers.
Feasibility of Aerobic Exercise and Tai-Chi Interventions in Advanced Lung Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cheung Denise Shuk Ting , Takemura Naomi , Lam Tai Chung , Ho James Chung Man , Deng Wen , Smith Robert , Yan Yinxia , Lee Anne Wing Mui , Lin Chia Chin
Published: September 2021

Background

A majority of lung cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages. Although there is considerable evidence of the benefits of aerobic exercise and tai-chi for lung cancer patients, little is known about the comparative effectiveness of the 2 exercise modes in advanced lung cancer patients.

Objectives

To explore the feasibility and preliminary effects of aerobic exercise and tai-chi interventions on survival and well-being among advanced lung cancer patients.

Methods

In an assessor-blinded, exploratory randomized controlled trial, 30 advanced lung cancer patients were randomized to an aerobic exercise group, a tai-chi group (both attending 12-week, twice-weekly supervised sessions), or a self-management control group (receiving written exercise guidelines). The primary outcomes focused on feasibility including intervention completion, exercise adherence, and adverse events, while the secondary outcomes addressed preliminary effects and included 1-year survival, cancer symptoms (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score, Brief Fatigue Inventory), quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-LC13), physical performance (6-minute walk test, up-and-go, sit-to-stand, 1-leg standing), activity levels (actigraph), and circadian rhythms (salivary cortisol).

Results

Intervention feasibility was established with a satisfactory completion rate at post-intervention for the aerobic exercise group (80%) and the tai-chi group (78%). The tai-chi group attained higher adherence than the exercise group in terms of attendance in supervised sessions (89% vs 75% of scheduled classes) and self-practice (225% vs 87% of the prescribed amount). Higher adherence to self-practice in the tai-chi group remained at the 6-month follow-up (81% vs 38% of the prescribed amount). No adverse event as a result of the intervention was reported. Effect-related outcomes did not show statistically significant changes in any group, except an improvement post-intervention in the up-and-go (−2.26, 95% CI: −4.04, −0.48) and sit-to-stand tests (4.52, 95% CI: 2.19, 6.85) in the aerobic exercise group.

Conclusions

The findings support the feasibility of aerobic exercise and tai-chi interventions in advanced lung cancer patients. A future study with a larger sample from multiple sites is recommended to confirm the comparative effects of the 2 exercise interventions relative to the self-management group and to enhance the generalizability of the findings.
Bee venom ameliorates cardiac dysfunction in diabetic hyperlipidemic rats
Authors: Zahran Faten , Mohamad Alaa , Zein Nabila
Published: September 2021

High levels of blood glucose and lipids are well-known risk factors for heart diseases. Bee venom is a natural product that has a potent hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. The current study aimed to determine the bee venom effects on cardiac dysfunction compared to combined therapy of metformin and atorvastatin in diabetic hyperlipidemic rats. The median lethal dose of bee venom was estimated, and then 50 adult male albino rats were categorized into five groups. One group was fed a standard diet and served as a negative control, while the other groups were given nicotinamide and streptozotocin injections to induce type 2 diabetes. After confirming diabetes, the rats were fed a high-fat diet for four weeks. The four groups were divided as follows: one group served as a positive control, whereas the other three groups were treated with bee venom (0.5 mg/kg), bee venom (1.23 mg/kg), and combined therapy of metformin (60 mg/kg) and atorvastatin (10 mg/kg), respectively, for four weeks. Upon termination of the experiment, blood samples and heart tissue were obtained. Administration of bee venom using both doses (0.5 and 1.23 mg/kg) and combined therapy of metformin and atorvastatin revealed a significant decrease in the concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, troponin I, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities. Moreover, a significant decrease had been detedcted in malondialdehyde, nuclear factor-kappa-β levels, and relative mRNA expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and galectin-3 in heart tissue compared to the positive control ( P < 0.0001). Furthermore, there was a significant increase in bodyweight levels of insulin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total antioxidant capacity in heart tissue compared to the positive control ( P < 0.0001). The results indicate that bee venom can ameliorate cardiac dysfunction through attenuating oxidative stress and downregulating the NF-κβ signaling pathway.
Mild Cognitive Impairment: Diagnosis and Subtypes
Authors: Bradfield Nicholas I.
Published: September 2021

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a clinical diagnosis based on subjective cognitive decline, objective cognitive impairment, and relative preservation of activities of daily living. The diagnosis may be established via clinical interview, collateral history from an informant, and psychometric examination. Various consensus groups have proposed criteria for MCI in Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and vascular cognitive impairment. These diagnostic criteria have subtle but important differences. Criteria for subjective decline vary according to whether memory is impaired or whether impairment in any cognitive domain is sufficient. There are also differences with respect to whether the subjective decline is noted by the patient, a carer, or a clinician. The precise thresholds for classifying objective cognitive impairment also vary between various diagnostic criteria. There are also differences in the description of functional abilities. Once established, the diagnosis of MCI may be refined to 1 of 4 subtypes based on the pattern of cognitive impairment. The 4 subtypes are defined according to whether or not memory is impaired and whether 1 or more cognitive domains are impaired. Once a diagnosis of MCI has been made, the patient and the family should be counseled about social and legal implications as well as strategies for reducing the risk of progression to dementia. The main utilities of MCI as a nosology are to understand the natural history of neurodegenerative disorders such as AD, to identify those at increased risk of progressing to develop dementia, and to identifying individuals for putative treatments.
Effect of renal impairment on the efficacy and safety of intra-arterial treatment: A post-hoc analysis of DIRECT-MT study
Authors: Hu Wei , Shen Hongjian , Tao Chunrong , Zhu Yuyou , Xu Pengfei , Li Rui , Yang Pengfei , Zhang Yongwei , Li Zifu , Zhang Yongxin , Peng Ya , Liu Sheng , Zhang Liyong , Hong Bo , Wang Guoping , Liu Jianming ,   for the DIRECT-MT Investigators
Published: September 2021

Objective

To determine the influence of renal impairment on clinical outcomes in patients presenting emergent anterior circulation occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods

Consecutive patients with anterior circulation stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy at 41 academic tertiary care centers were included. renal impairment was defined as glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at the time of admission. The primary outcome was the distribution of scores on the modified Rankin scale, and safety outcomes were mortality within 90 days and hemorrhagic complications. Binary and ordinal logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between renal impairment and categorical outcomes. Linear regression was used to assess continuous outcomes.

Results

A total of 607 patients (47 renal impairment and 600 non-renal impairment) who underwent mechanical thrombectomy were included in this study. Multivariate regression analysis showed that renal impairment was independently associated with the increase of the modified Rankin scale at 90 days. The proportion of patients with successful reperfusion was 71.7% in the renal impairment group and 83.3% in the non-renal impairment group. Renal impairment was an independent predictor of 90-day mortality. No significant treatment for the ordinal modified Rankin scale or 90-day mortality was observed by renal impairment interaction. The risk of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was higher in the mechanical thrombectomy plus IVT group (53.6%) than in the mechanical thrombectomy alone group (15.8%) for renal impairment, but was similar between the mechanical thrombectomy plus IVT group (34.6%) and the mechanical thrombectomy alone group (36.4%) for non-renal impairment ( p = 0.01).

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that the outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy alone and mechanical thrombectomy plus IVT group did not differ significantly in acute stroke patients with and without renal impairment. Also, renal impairment was an independent predictor of worse functional independence and higher mortality at 90 days.
Modified prediction partitioning algorithm for Gaussian inverse Wishart probability hypothesis density filter using measurement labeling method
Authors: Li Peng , Qiu Junda , Wang Wenhui , Su Shuzhi
Published: September 2021

The Gaussian inverse Wishart probability hypothesis density filter is a promising approach for tracking multiple extended targets. However, if targets are closely spaced and performing maneuvers, the performance of a Gaussian inverse Wishart probability hypothesis density filter will decline. The reason for this is that the measurement partitioning approaches fail to provide accurate partitions, which influences the component updating process directly. This paper presents a modified prediction partitioning algorithm for the Gaussian inverse Wishart probability hypothesis density filter in order to solve the partitioning problem of closely spaced targets. The inaccuracy of the target prediction information occurred by target maneuvers leads to the above problem, thus a modified prediction partitioning algorithm will label the components and corresponding measurements to improve the prediction accuracy. Simulation results show that the use of modified prediction partitioning can improve the performance of a Gaussian inverse Wishart probability hypothesis density filter by providing more accurate partition results when targets are closely spaced and performing maneuvers.
The risk of being researched: Re-envisioning educator research participation for high-quality early childhood education
Authors: Cooke Mandy
Published: September 2021

The participation of educators in research contributes to understanding and developing high-quality early childhood education. Consequently, increasing educator participation in research is beneficial. To increase educator research participation, it is important to understand educators’ experiences of research. This article draws on findings from a qualitative multisite case study that explored educators risk-taking in early childhood education. Data were collected by observing and interviewing 55 educators from three Australian early childhood education sites. Findings discussed in this article show that for educators in the study, participation in the research felt both beneficial and risky. Educators found research participation beneficial for learning and professional development, and some educators found participation risky because of uncertainty and fear associated with participation in the research. Based on these findings, two strategies are suggested to increase educator research participation: 1) Reviewing the conditions for educator research participation and 2) The normalisation of educator research participation. Findings provide useful insight for the early childhood education community in strengthening educator participation in research. Insights have implications for both researchers and those delivering teacher education programs.
Evaluation of a New Neural Network Classifier for Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Katz Or , Presil Dan , Cohen Liz , Nachmani Roi , Kirshner Naomi , Hoch Yaacov , Lev Tsvi , Hadad Aviel , Hewitt Richard John , Owens David R
Published: September 2021

Background:

Medical image segmentation is a well-studied subject within the field of image processing. The goal of this research is to create an AI retinal screening grading system that is both accurate and fast. We introduce a new segmentation network which achieves state-of-the-art results on semantic segmentation of color fundus photographs. By applying the net-work to identify anatomical markers of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME), we collect sufficient information to classify patients by grades R0 and R1 or above, M0 and M1.

Methods:

The AI grading system was trained on screening data to evaluate the presence of DR and DME. The core algorithm of the system is a deep learning network that segments relevant anatomical features in a retinal image. Patients were graded according to the standard NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Program feature-based grading protocol.

Results:

The algorithm performance was evaluated with a series of 6,981 patient retinal images from routine diabetic eye screenings. It correctly predicted 98.9% of retinopathy events and 95.5% of maculopathy events. Non-disease events prediction rate was 68.6% for retinopathy and 81.2% for maculopathy.

Conclusion:

This novel deep learning model was trained and tested on patient data from annual diabetic retinopathy screenings can classify with high accuracy the DR and DME status of a person with diabetes. The system can be easily reconfigured according to any grading protocol, without running a long AI training procedure. The incorporation of the AI grading system can increase the graders’ productivity and improve the final outcome accuracy of the screening process.
Isolated High-Grade Malignancy of the Spinal Cord Presenting as Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis
Authors: Horta Lucas , Virmani Deepti , Lau K. H. Vincent , Anand Pria
Published: September 2021

This article characterizes 2 cases of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) that did not respond to immunotherapy and were diagnosed by biopsy as primary central nervous system (CNS) malignancies. Diffuse H3 K27M-mutant glioma is a recently described entity with very few cases of isolated spinal disease described in adults. Primitive neuroectodermal tumor is similarly uncommon in the spinal cord. Malignancies should be considered in patients who fail to improve with immunomodulatory therapy. We believe the experiences of our center will raise awareness about that point, broaden the existing understanding of the diagnostic approach to LETM, and highlight the need for additional studies.
Trans-oral approach for occipital condyle biopsy: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Russo Riccardo , Morana Giovanni , Mistretta Francesco , Gambino Andrea , Garbossa Diego , Bergui Mauro
Published: September 2021

Isolated occipital condyle lesions are commonly treated with empirical radiation, with the sole aim of relieving symptoms. Patients rarely undergo surgical biopsy, considering the morbidity associated with open surgery approaches and the importance of surrounding structures limiting the application of computed tomography (CT) scan or fluoroscopic percutaneous needle biopsies. We describe the case of a 66-year-old woman who was admitted on an emergency basis. Her clinical presentation included unilateral occipital headache and ipsilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy. Imaging revealed findings consistent with an isolated right occipital condyle lesion. In order to pursue a tissue diagnosis, essential to dictate medical management accurately, a minimally invasive biopsy of the occipital condyle through the trans-oral route was performed. Combined fluoroscopy, cone-bean CT and angiography allowed safe access to the lesion.