bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Possibilities for a Peaceful Digital Society in Violence Prevalent Geographies
Authors: Onditi Francis
Published: September 2020

In recent years, scholars and practitioners alike have discussed technology and its relationship with peacebuilding and development. This debate has proffered clarity on how the lack of technology can aggravate underdevelopment and violent conflict. However, although this relationship has informed the evolving discourse over what constitutes a digital society, in practice, application of technology without considering human security dimensions can be counterproductive. To address this dilemma, the article draws upon lessons from the implementation of peacebuilding and development initiatives from Kenya’s conflict hotspot zones to propose a typology for bridging the divide between the desirable and disruptive attributes of technology. As a result, a cyclical relationship is designed to create an alternative analytical framework for reimagining the ecosystem of a peaceful digital society, herein coined technology for peaceful society (T4PS). Finally, some broader implications of the new model for scholars and practitioners involved in peacebuilding and development activities are suggested.
Play, History and Politics: Conceiving Futures Beyond Empire
Authors: Fordyce Robbie
Published: September 2020

The worlds of games are important places for us to think about time, as demonstrated by historical game studies in evaluating the past, but there is a role for games to help us consider the future as well. Because games are, to some extent, systems, they facilitate a systems thinking approach that connects the material to the immaterial. Because games also tend to be action-based, they allow thinking through of acts as well as representations. Games allow us to think about a time and place that is different from the present and how it might operate as a system that we could live in. I argue that a post-autonomist method of game analysis requires an explicitly political interpretation that is focused on trying to imagine a political future through experiments in gaming.
Technical challenges of performing S1 root block: role for double needle and multilevel needle technique
Authors: Gupta Sanjeeva , Gupta Harun , Baranidharan Ganesan , Sharma Manohar
Published: September 2020

Introduction:

S1 root block is performed for pain in the lower limbs due to S1 nerve root inflammation at the L5/S1 disc level or compression in the lateral recess. We often note anterior or posterior spread of contrast away from the L5/S1 disc through an anatomically appropriate needle tip placement. We frequently encounter vascular spread when performing S1 root blocks, and the reported incidence varies between 10.4% and 27.8%. There is no clear strategy published to manage these challenges. In such clinical scenarios, we propose a double needle and/or a multilevel needle technique.

Case:

A 39-year-old male presented with radicular pain in the left S1 distribution which matched the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan findings and thus he was listed for a left S1 root block. A 22G needle was placed at the S1 level and upon injecting the contrast, vascular spread and anterior and distal spread along the nerve root were noted and the contrast did not reach the site of the pathology, the L5/S1 disc. The contrast continued to spread anteriorly despite withdrawing the needle. A second needle was placed medial and inferior to the first needle and the contrast spread now was adequate, that is, towards the L5/S1 disc and thus the injection was accomplished in a safe and satisfactory manner without needing to reschedule the procedure.

Conclusion:

Double needle technique can assist in overcoming problems encountered when performing an S1 root block. The alternatives could be the multilevel technique or to reschedule the procedure or consider a less optimal technique such as a caudal or a lumbar interlaminar epidural. In this technical report, we have highlighted various intervention options to mitigate such challenges and included a flow diagram to assist in decision-making. We have also discussed the possibility of altering the consent to accommodate the changes to the planned procedure.
Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Cytokines as Therapeutic Mechanisms ofOcimum americanumL Extract in Carbon Tetrachloride and Acetaminophen-Induced Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Genfi Afua Kobi Ampem , Larbie Christopher , Emikpe Benjamin O. , Oyagbemi Ademola A. , Firempong Caleb K. , Adjei Clement O.
Published: September 2020

Liver diseases have now become a global canker due to increasing drug abuse and several viral infections. The current medicines on the market are woefully inadequate and limited in the application against these diseases. Fortunately, medicinal plants continue to serve as a potential source of drug discovery that could be explored to improve the situation. The present study, therefore, evaluated the hepatoprotective activities of the aqueous extract of various parts (leaves, flower and stem) of Ocimum americanum L on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- and acetaminophen-induced toxicity in rats. The protective effect of the plant was assessed using biochemical parameters, histology, levels of liver antioxidants, and expression of some pro-inflammatory cytokines (NF-κβ and IL-1) in the liver. The leaves and stem extracts, orally administered for 7 days at 250 mg/kg, effectively prevented CCl4-induced elevation of serum biochemical parameters, prooxidants, as well as the expression of NFk-B and IL-1, which were comparable to Silymarin (standard drug). A comparative histopathological analyses of the liver exhibited virtually normal architecture compared with CCl4-treated group. The findings showed that the hepatoprotective effect of Ocimum americanum was probably due to the inhibition of oxidative stress and downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines by the effective parts of the medicinal plant.
A high-risk airway mycobiome is associated with frequent exacerbation and mortality in COPD
Authors: Tiew Pei Yee , Dicker Alison J. , Keir Holly R. , Poh Mau Ern , Pang Sze Lei , Mac Aogáin Micheál , Chua Branden Qi Yu , Tan Jiunn Liang , Xu Huiying , Koh Mariko Siyue , Tee Augustine , Abisheganaden John Arputhan , Chew Fook Tim , Miller Bruce E. , Tal-Singer Ruth , Chalmers James D. , Chotirmall Sanjay H.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) bacteriome associates with disease severity, exacerbations and mortality. While COPD patients are susceptible to fungal sensitisation, the role of the fungal mycobiome remains uncertain.

Methods

We report the largest multicentre evaluation of the COPD airway mycobiome to date, including participants from Asia (Singapore and Malaysia) and the UK (Scotland) when stable (n=337) and during exacerbations (n=66) as well as nondiseased (healthy) controls (n=47). Longitudinal mycobiome analysis was performed during and following COPD exacerbations (n=34), and examined in terms of exacerbation frequency, 2-year mortality and occurrence of serum specific IgE (sIgE) against selected fungi.

Results

A distinct mycobiome profile is observed in COPD compared with controls as evidenced by increased α-diversity (Shannon index; p<0.001). Significant airway mycobiome differences, including greater interfungal interaction (by co-occurrence), characterise very frequent COPD exacerbators (three or more exacerbations per year) (permutational multivariate ANOVA; adjusted p<0.001). Longitudinal analyses during exacerbations and following treatment with antibiotics and corticosteroids did not reveal any significant change in airway mycobiome profile. Unsupervised clustering resulted in two clinically distinct COPD groups: one with increased symptoms (COPD Assessment Test score) andSaccharomycesdominance, and another with very frequent exacerbations and higher mortality characterised byAspergillus,CurvulariaandPenicilliumwith a concomitant increase in serum sIgE levels against the same fungi. During acute exacerbations of COPD, lower fungal diversity associates with higher 2-year mortality.

Conclusion

The airway mycobiome in COPD is characterised by specific fungal genera associated with exacerbations and increased mortality.
Correction to: CD103-positive CSC exosome promotes EMT of clear cell renal cell carcinoma: role of remote MiR-19b-3p
Authors: Wang Lu , Yang Guang , Zhao Danfeng , Wang Jiaqi , Bai Yang , Peng Qiang , Wang Hongzhi , Fang Ruizhe , Chen Guang , Wang Zhichao , Wang Keliang , Li Guangbin , Yang Yinhui , Wang Ziqi , Guo Pengyu , Peng Li , Hou Dayong , Xu Wanhai
Published: September 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Persistent nipple discharge after nipple-sparing mastectomy secondary to unincorporated AlloDerm: a case report
Authors: Laarakker Avra S. , Rich Audrey , Wu Jeffrey , Fine Stephanie
Published: September 2020

Background

Rates of nipple-sparing mastectomies have increased over the past decade. In 2017, acellular dermal matrix was used in 56% of breast reconstructive procedures, with complication rates similar to operations without AlloDerm. Although persistent nipple discharge after nipple-sparing mastectomy is a rare event, it has been described in the literature. Other authors have described evaluation and treatment on a case-by-case basis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report to describe a persistent unilateral discharge after multiple operative revisions and to provide an algorithmic approach to workup and treatment.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 29-year-old Hispanic woman with BRCA1 mutation who underwent a prophylactic bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using AlloDerm. The year following her operation, the patient underwent two surgical revisions, one for implant rippling and one for asymmetry. Six months after her second revision, she presented to our hospital with a capsular contracture and unilateral clear nipple discharge. Her breast ultrasound showed dilated subareolar ducts and a suspicious mass. Magnetic resonance imaging identified a benign-appearing, rim-enhancing fluid collection. She underwent a third revision. One year later, she returned to our clinic with bloody nipple discharge, erythematous skin changes, and a palpable breast lump. Her surgical biopsy showed a fold in AlloDerm and chronic inflammatory changes. She continued experiencing discharge and opted for nipple excision. During the operation, a lacrimal probe demonstrated a direct connection between the discharging external duct and a seroma associated with an area of unincorporated AlloDerm. The section of unincorporated AlloDerm was excised, and no evidence of malignancy was identified. Ten months later, the patient remained symptom-free and had progressed to placement of final silicone implants.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report to describe a nongravid patient with persistent unilateral sanguineous nipple discharge after multiple operative revisions. A visible communication between the draining duct and a seroma associated with unincorporated AlloDerm was ultimately identified. We present a clinical algorithm for patients with nipple discharge after nipple-sparing mastectomy.
A study on COVID-19 transmission dynamics: stability analysis of SEIR model with Hopf bifurcation for effect of time delay
Authors: Radha M. , Balamuralitharan S.
Published: September 2020

This paper deals with a general SEIR model for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with the effect of time delay proposed. We get the stability theorems for the disease-free equilibrium and provide adequate situations of the COVID-19 transmission dynamics equilibrium of present and absent cases. A Hopf bifurcation parameter τ concerns the effects of time delay and we demonstrate that the locally asymptotic stability holds for the present equilibrium. The reproduction number is brief in less than or greater than one, and it effectively is controlling the COVID-19 infection outbreak and subsequently reveals insight into understanding the patterns of the flare-up. We have included eight parameters and the least square method allows us to estimate the initial values for the Indian COVID-19 pandemic from real-life data. It is one of India’s current pandemic models that have been studied for the time being. This Covid19 SEIR model can apply with or without delay to all country’s current pandemic region, after estimating parameter values from their data. The sensitivity of seven parameters has also been explored. The paper also examines the impact of immune response time delay and the importance of determining essential parameters such as the transmission rate using sensitivity indices analysis. The numerical experiment is calculated to illustrate the theoretical results.
Discrimination and quality evaluation of fifteen components in Stauntonia hexaphylla leaves from different harvest time by HPLC–PDA–ESI–MS/MS and ELSD coupled with multivariate statistical analysis and anti-inflammatory activity evaluation
Authors: Gao Dan , Vinh Le Ba , Cho Chong Woon , Cho Kyoung Won , Kim Young Ho , Kang Jong Seong
Published: September 2020

The leaves of Stauntonia hexaphylla (SHL) are a very popular herbal medicine in Korea because it can be used to treat rheumatic osteoporosis and other diseases. However, owing to the inconsistency in harvesting time and growth years, their quality is uneven, which indirectly negatively affects the safety of this medication. Therefore, the difference of constituents in SHL harvested at different seasons and years were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode-array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detectors (HPLC–PDA–ESI/MS). A total of 15 components were tentatively characterized in samples of SHL, including 5 compounds reported for the first time in this plant. Moreover, the relative content of these constitutions was simultaneously determined by HPLC coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD). Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the quality has a certain extent difference in different harvest times, the best harvest time was 3 years old growing in autumn. The same harvest time was also suggested based on the anti-inflammatory evaluation.
Fully convolutional networks for structural health monitoring through multivariate time series classification
Authors: Rosafalco Luca , Manzoni Andrea , Mariani Stefano , Corigliano Alberto
Published: September 2020

We propose a novel approach to structural health monitoring (SHM), aiming at the automatic identification of damage-sensitive features from data acquired through pervasive sensor systems. Damage detection and localization are formulated as classification problems, and tackled through fully convolutional networks (FCNs). A supervised training of the proposed network architecture is performed on data extracted from numerical simulations of a physics-based model (playing the role of digital twin of the structure to be monitored) accounting for different damage scenarios. By relying on this simplified model of the structure, several load conditions are considered during the training phase of the FCN, whose architecture has been designed to deal with time series of different length. The training of the neural network is done before the monitoring system starts operating, thus enabling a real time damage classification. The numerical performances of the proposed strategy are assessed on a numerical
benchmark case consisting of an eight-story shear building subjected to two load types, one of which modeling random vibrations due to low-energy seismicity. Measurement noise has been added to the responses of the structure to mimic the outputs of a real monitoring system. Extremely good classification capacities are shown: among the nine possible alternatives (represented by the healthy state and by a damage at any floor), damage is correctly classified in up to $$95 \%$$

95
%

of cases, thus showing the strong potential of the proposed approach in view of the application to real-life cases.
Identification of pigments in artworks by inverse tangent derivative of spectrum and a new filtering method
Authors: Fazlali F. , Gorji Kandi S.
Published: September 2020

Employing an economical and non-destructive method for identifying pigments utilized in artworks is a significant aspect for preserving their antiquity value. One of the non-destructive methods for this purpose is spectrophotometry, which is based on the selected absorption of light. Mathematical descriptive methods such as derivatives of the reflectance spectrum, the Kubelka–Munk function and logarithm have been employed for the characterization of the peak features corresponding to the spectrophotometric data. In the present study, the mentioned mathematical descriptive methods were investigated with the aim to characterize the constituents of an Iranian artwork but were not efficient for the samples. Therefore, inverse tangent derivative equation was developed on spectral data for the first time, providing considerable details in the profile of reflectance curves. In the next part, to have a simpler and more practical method it was suggested to use filters made up of pure pigments. By using these filters and placing them on the samples, imaging was done. Then, images of samples with and without filter were evaluated and pure pigments were distinguished. The mentioned methods were also used to identify pigments in a modern Iranian painting specimen. The results confirmed these methods with reliable answers indicating that physical methods (alongside chemical methods) can also be effective in determining the types of pigments.
Evaluation of adhesion of epoxy resin sealant to improve the corrosion resistance of thermal sprayed coatings
Authors: Carneiro Mateus R. D. , Freitas Bruno C. , de Barros Iuri B. , de Campos José B. , Bastos Ivan N. , Costa Hector R. M.
Published: September 2020

The adhesion of coatings on a given substrate has fundamental importance on a coating/substrate system's functionality. The current paper presents the adhesion strength results of FeCr and CoCr-based deposits produced by the electric arc thermal spray process on carbon steel, with an intermediate layer of 95Ni5Al. Three chemical compositions were tested for coating deposition and were characterized using plate and tube specimens made of carbon steel UNS G10200 to result in a screening of performance. Microstructural evaluation by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed. Coating strength was measured using the standard pull-off test method. The corrosion resistance was analyzed with salt spray exposure, electrochemical polarization, and impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. The adhesion strength of FeCr and CoCr alloy coatings shows an overall average tensile strength of 27.2 MPa. All sealed conditions presented low corrosion and the samples with epoxy sealant exhibited a high resistance against corrosion. The X-ray diffraction results have revealed alpha and gamma FeCr alloys and chromite as deposited phases after the coating process.
Predicting pathways to optional summer science experiences by socioeconomic status and the impact on science attitudes and skills
Authors: Liu Allison S. , Schunn Christian D.
Published: September 2020

Background

Large achievement and motivation gaps exist in science between students from higher and lower socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds. Middle and high school are an important time to address these disparities, as science motivation typically declines for all students at this time, leading to particularly low science interest and achievement for lower SES students on average when the gaps are left unaddressed. Students’ control over their free time also increases at this time, providing opportunities for optional science experiences that may improve science attitudes and skills to combat these achievement and motivation gaps. Using a longitudinal dataset of 2252 middle and high school students from two regions in the USA, we investigate (1) disparities between higher and lower SES students in participation in optional summer science experiences and post-summer science attitudes and skills; (2) whether the child and family characteristics that predict participation in home-related, nature-related, and STEM camp experiences in the summer differ for higher and lower SES students; and (3) how participation in these types of optional summer science experiences contribute to post-summer science attitudes and skills when controlling for self-selection biases.

Results

Higher SES students reported greater participation in optional summer science experiences and higher post-summer science attitudes and sensemaking skills. Fascination for science was more important for participation in home-related and nature-related experiences for higher SES participants, whereas science competency beliefs were more important for lower SES participants. For STEM camp experiences, higher SES participants with higher competency beliefs and lower SES participants with lower scientific sensemaking skills were more likely to participate. After controlling for self-selection biases that may influence participation in these experiences, we found that home-related and nature-related experiences had a positive impact on students’ attitudes toward science.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest two pathways for increasing participation in optional summer science experiences for higher SES and lower SES students. Specifically, it may be helpful to support interest in science for higher SES students and competency beliefs for lower SES students. Greater participation in home-related and nature-related summer science experiences can also increase science attitudes during middle and high school.
Lifelogging caption generation via fourth-person vision in a human–robot symbiotic environment
Authors: Nakashima Kazuto , Iwashita Yumi , Kurazume Ryo
Published: September 2020

Automatic analysis of our daily lives and activities through a first-person lifelog camera provides us with opportunities to improve our life rhythms or to support our limited visual memories. Notably, to express the visual experiences, the task of generating captions from first-person lifelog images has been actively studied in recent years. First-person images involve scenes approximating what users actually see; therein, the visual cues are not enough to express the user’s context since the images are limited by his/her intention. Our challenge is to generate lifelog captions using a meta-perspective called “fourth-person vision”. The “fourth-person vision” is a novel concept which complementary exploits the visual information from the first-, second-, and third-person perspectives. First, we assume human–robot symbiotic scenarios that provide a second-person perspective from the camera mounted on the robot and a third-person perspective from the camera fixed in the symbiotic room. To validate our approach in this scenario, we collect perspective-aware lifelog videos and corresponding caption annotations. Subsequently, we propose a multi-perspective image captioning model composed of an image-wise salient region encoder, an attention module that adaptively fuses the salient regions, and a caption decoder that generates scene descriptions. We demonstrate that our proposed model based on the fourth-person concept can greatly improve the captioning performance against single- and double-perspective models.
Topographic influence on landslides characteristics and implication for risk management in upper Manafwa catchment, Mt Elgon Uganda
Authors: Nakileza B. R. , Nedala S.
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to characterize the topographic effect on landslides attributes and explore the implications on risk management in a tropical mountainous environment. A database was constructed based on landslide inventory from field surveys supplemented by desk research. The topographic parameters were derived from STRM DEM of a 30 m resolution for the study area. The analysis of the data was conducted in Arc GIS 10.5 environment. The relationship between landslides and topographic conditioning factors was analysed using the Frequency Ratio model. Results revealed that most landslides were distributed within the altitudinal range of 1500 to 1800 m a.s.l. on moderately steep slopes (15 o-20o) in concave curvatures (hollows). Shallow slides mainly debris flows and debris slides were predominant. Most slope failures were initiated on mid to upper slope positions in either new or old scars. Some runout depositions of large slides ended in streams thus undermining water quality. The findings on topographic parameters have implications and yet landslide risk management by the local population was generally inadequate. Any efforts toward effective landslide risk management should prioritise greening the sensitive topographic hollows and old scars particularly on mid to upper slope positions.
Resistance against phomopsis leaf blight disease induced by potassium salts in strawberry plants
Authors: Abd-El-Kareem Farid , Elshahawy Ibrahim E. , Abd-Elgawad Mahfouz M. M.
Published: September 2020

Background

Growing interest of strawberry cultivation in Egypt necessitates more efforts towards its severe phomopsis leaf blight disease caused byPhomopsis obscurans. Synthetic fungicides could control this fungus but due to their critical impact on human beings and the environment, we are in dire need of safe alternatives for its control. Therefore, the leverage of the potassium bicarbonate and dipotassium phosphate onP. obscuranssuppression on strawberry plants was examined.

Results

Full inhibition of the fungal linear growth was achieved at the highest concentration (2%) of the two salts. Under field conditions, 87.5, 81.3, and 81.3% were the best decreases in disease severity gained by the two salts at 2% of both salts and the fungicide Amstar, respectively. Potassium bicarbonate at 1.5% reduced severity by 68.8%. Concentrations 1, 1.5, and 2% of each salt considerably enhanced strawberry yield. The increases were 66.7 and 61.7%, at 2% concentration by the two salts, respectively. Increments by 126.7 and 150% of peroxidase activity in plant leaves and by 140 and 148% of chitinase activity were noted by the two salts, respectively, at 2%.

Conclusions

The examined bicarbonate and phosphate salts could suppressP. obscuransgrowth and spread. The more the used salt concentration, the better it suppresses the fungal growth with consequent effect on the plants which apparently promoted their field yield. Potential implications of the two salts on enhancing activities of the two enzymes reflected their role in suppressing the disease. Further research is needed to integrate these salts in management strategies ofP. obscuransin Egypt to foster strawberry yield utilizing ecofriendly approaches.
21 Code of Federal Regulations Part 11–Compliant Digital Signature Solution for Cancer Clinical Trials: A Single-Institution Feasibility Study
Authors: Miller Therica M. , Lester Jenny , Kwan Lorna , Tandel Megha D. , Karlan Beth Y. , Rimel BJ
Published: September 2020

PURPOSE

Inefficiencies in the clinical trial infrastructure result in protracted trial completion timelines, physician-investigator turnover, and a shrinking skilled labor force and present obstacles to research participation. Taken together, these barriers hinder scientific progress. Technological solutions to improve clinical trial efficiency have emerged, yet adoption remains slow because of concerns with cost, regulatory compliance, and implementation.

METHODS

A prospective pilot study that compared regulatory-compliant digital and traditional wet ink paper signatures was conducted over a 6.5-month period in a hospital-based health system. Staff time and effort, error rate, costs, and time to completion were measured. Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare staff time and time to completion. A value analysis was conducted. A survey was administered to measure user satisfaction.

RESULTS

There where 96 participants (47 digital, 49 paper), 132 studies included (31 digital, 101 paper), and 265 documents processed (156 digital, 109 paper). A moderate reduction in staff time required to prepare documents for signature was observed ( P < .0001). Error rates were reported in 5.1% of digital and 2.8% of paper documents, but this difference was not significant. Discrepancies requiring revisions included incomplete mandatory fields, inaccurate information submitted, and technical issues. A value analysis demonstrated a 19% labor savings with the use of digital signatures. Survey response rate was 57.4% (n = 27). Most participants (85.2%) preferred digital signatures. The time to complete documents was faster with digital signatures compared with paper ( P = .0241).

CONCLUSION

The use of digital signatures resulted in a decrease in document completion time and regulatory burden as represented by staff hours. Additional cost and time savings and information liquidity could be realized by integrating digital signatures and electronic document management systems.
Electromagnetic Interference With an Underbody Dispersive Electrode in a Patient With an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Tully Brian W. , Gerstein Neal S. , Schulman Peter M.
Published: September 2020

During surgery, cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) function may be disrupted by electromagnetic interference (EMI) from monopolar electrosurgery and cause adverse sequelae. Monopolar electrosurgery requires a dispersive electrode. While a conventional electrode is affixed to the patient, use of “underbody” electrodes placed on the operating table is increasing. We present a case in which an underbody electrode was used, and EMI occurred even though the surgical site was inferior to the umbilicus. Since little is known about EMI risk with underbody electrodes, practitioners should be wary of their use in CIED patients undergoing surgery until more information is available.
Continuous Pericapsular Nerve Group Block for Hip Surgery: A Case Series
Authors: Singh Swati , Singh Swati , Ahmed Waquas
Published: September 2020

The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block targets articular branches of the obturator, accessory obturator, and femoral nerves. This block has mostly been used to reduce pain caused by hip fractures. A catheter inserted in the plane between the iliopsoas muscle and iliopubic eminence can extend the analgesic duration. We describe the use of this block for successful pain relief of 10 patients with hip fracture (intertrochanteric, subtrochanteric, neck of femur) scheduled for surgery and continuing analgesia in the postoperative period with a catheter inserted in the musculofascial plane as described above.
A New Generation of Iconoclasts
Authors: Rivera Eleanor L.
Published: September 2020

In the fall of 1906 crucifixes in primary school classrooms emerged as a point of conflict between national and local authorities. Arguments over these crucifixes demonstrate the narrowing interpretations of laïcité in primary education between the 1880s and 1906. Using the Norman department of Seine-Inférieure as a case study, this article analyzes the place of religious emblems in the classroom, the role of local preferences in primary education, and evolving notions of religious neutrality. Classroom crucifixes offer a new lens to examine the relationship between Catholics and Republicans in the period of educational secularization and highlight the movement from compromise to conflict in educational practice during the early Third Republic.

A la rentrée de 1906, le crucifix dans les salles de classe de l'enseignement primaire provoque un conflit entre les pouvoirs municipaux et le gouvernement national. Les débats sur le crucifix démontrent une interprétation de plus en plus rigide de la laïcité qui apparaît entre 1880 et 1906. Cet article analyse le cas du département de la Seine-Inférieure, aujourd'hui la Seine-Maritime, pour comprendre la place des emblèmes religieux dans la classe, le rôle de la préférence locale dans l'enseignement primaire, et les différents principes de neutralité religieuse. Les emblèmes religieux offrent une nouvelle perspective sur les relations entre catholiques et républicains au moment de la sécularisation de l'enseignement. Ils mettent ainsi en relief l'évolution du compromis au conflit qui a caractérisé l'éducation primaire au début de la Troisième République.
The Japanese in New Caledonia
Authors: Ireland Benjamin Hiramatsu
Published: September 2020

This article explores the history of the Japanese in New Caledonia at the turn of the twentieth century before considering how the French Pacific empire ordered the incarceration and deportation of nearly all Japanese subjects in New Caledonia to Australian internment camps. Retracing this neglected history through testimonies of descendants of incarcerated Japanese, as well as through archived governmental reports, this study first examines the legal identity of mixed-race Japanese Melanesians (or Nippo-Kanaks) and that of other half-Japanese métis in New Caledonia and then analyzes how French administrators policed the Japanese emigrant population. This article additionally considers the family history of a second-generation Nippo-Kanak daughter who shares a rare perspective on the New Caledonian Japanese whom the French refrained from deporting.

Cet article examine l'histoire des Japonais en Nouvelle-Calédonie au début du vingtième siècle avant de considérer comment les autorités de l'Océanie française ordonnèrent l'expulsion de presque tous les sujets japonais en Nouvelle-Calédonie et leur incarcération dans les camps d'internement australiens. Retraçant cette histoire négligée à travers les témoignages des descendants ainsi que des rapports de gouvernement archivés, cet article examine d'abord l'identité légale des métis japonais-mélanésiens, appelés « Nippo-Kanak », et celle d'autres métis japonais en Nouvelle-Calédonie avant d'analyser comment l'administration française maintint l'ordre parmi la population d'émigrants japonais. Cet article s'interroge également sur l'histoire familiale d'une fille nippo-kanak de la deuxième génération qui partage une perspective rare sur les Japonais de Nouvelle-Calédonie que les Français s'abstinrent d'expulser.
The Problem of Trans-Figuration
Authors: Cooper Lydia R.
Published: September 2020

Two-Spirit and specific indigenous non-binary and nonmonogamous or heterosexual identities, kinships, and community structures are fully distinct from EuroWestern LGBTQ+ identities — and to blur the lines is to reenact histories of colonial erasure, no matter how well-meaning the intent. In this article, Cooper argues that Louise Erdrich’s The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse (2001) offers a helpful model for navigating the needs of inclusivity as well as particularity in studying complex spiritual and gendered identities and experiences.
Surveillance of respiratory viruses among children attending a primary school in rural coastal Kenya
Authors: Adema Irene Wangwa , Kamau Everlyn , Uchi Nyiro Joyce , Otieno Grieven P. , Lewa Clement , Munywoki Patrick K. , Nokes D. James
Published: September 2020

Background: Respiratory viruses are primary agents of respiratory tract diseases. Knowledge on the types and frequency of respiratory viruses affecting school-children is important in determining the role of schools in transmission in the community and identifying targets for interventions.

Methods: We conducted a one-year (term-time) surveillance of respiratory viruses in a rural primary school in Kilifi County, coastal Kenya between May 2017 and April 2018. A sample of 60 students with symptoms of ARI were targeted for nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) collection weekly.  Swabs were screened for 15 respiratory virus targets using real time PCR diagnostics. Data from respiratory virus surveillance at the local primary healthcare facility was used for comparison.

Results: Overall, 469 students aged 2-19 years were followed up for 220 days. A total of 1726 samples were collected from 325 symptomatic students; median age of 7 years (IQR 5-11). At least one virus target was detected in 384 (22%) of the samples with a frequency of 288 (16.7%) for rhinovirus, 47 (2.7%) parainfluenza virus, 35 (2.0%) coronavirus, 15 (0.9%) adenovirus, 11 (0.6%) respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and 5 (0.3%) influenza virus.  The proportion of virus positive samples was higher among lower grades compared to upper grades (25.9% vs 17.5% respectively; χ2 = 17.2, P -value <0.001). Individual virus target frequencies did not differ by age, sex, grade, school term or class size. Rhinovirus was predominant in both the school and outpatient setting.

Conclusion: Multiple respiratory viruses circulated in this rural school population.  Rhinovirus was dominant in both the school and outpatient setting and RSV was of notably low frequency in the school. The role of school children in transmitting viruses to the household setting is still unclear and further studies linking molecular data to contact patterns between the school children and their households are required.
Ride-Hailing Order Dispatching at DiDi via Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Qin Zhiwei (Tony) , Tang Xiaocheng , Jiao Yan , Zhang Fan , Xu Zhe , Zhu Hongtu , Ye Jieping
Published: September 2020

Order dispatching is instrumental to the marketplace engine of a large-scale ride-hailing platform, such as the DiDi platform, which continuously matches passenger trip requests to drivers at a scale of tens of millions per day. Because of the dynamic and stochastic nature of supply and demand in this context, the ride-hailing order-dispatching problem is challenging to solve for an optimal solution. Added to the complexity are considerations of system response time, reliability, and multiple objectives. In this paper, we describe how our approach to this optimization problem has evolved from a combinatorial optimization approach to one that encompasses a semi-Markov decision-process model and deep reinforcement learning. We discuss the various practical considerations of our solution development and real-world impact to the business.
Cross-Border E-Commerce Data Set: Choosing the Right Fulfillment Option
Authors: Sun Libo , Lyu Guodong , Yu Yugang , Teo Chung Piaw
Published: September 2020

We provide a set of data on cross-border e-commerce sales from a fast-fashion e-retailer, Babyonlinedress, which stocks wedding gowns and full dresses from China but sells to markets overseas through multiple cross-border platforms, including Amazon, AliExpress, DHgate, etc. The data set contains normalized weekly orders on Amazon Marketplace over a three-year period, from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. In total, we have collected M = 13,719 weekly orders for N = 1,166 different stock keeping units (SKUs) in the two fulfillment channels facilitated by Amazon: (i) Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and (ii) Fulfillment by Seller (FBS, also known as Fulfillment by Merchant). The orders for some SKUs were fulfilled entirely by seller during their life cycles on Amazon, whereas the rest were first fulfilled by seller for several months (testing period) before being transferred to FBA. This data set serves to illuminate the impact of cross-border fulfillment options on sales and bottom line of e-retailers.
Late onset metastasis from renal cell carcinoma masquerading as a gallbladder polyp
Authors: Papalampros A , Davakis S , Syllaios A , Vagios I , Diamantopoulou P , Kyros E , Karydakis L , Goutas D , Nonni A , Felekouras E
Published: September 2020

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 3% of all adult malignancies. A third of people with RCC have metastatic lesions when diagnosed, and another third develop metachronous metastasis during follow-up or after surgical treatment. We report a case of gallbladder metastasis from clear-cell RCC in a 71-year-old woman 13 years after RCC of her right kidney. Preoperative imaging studies showed a suspicious, progressively enlarged gallbladder polyp. The patient underwent open cholecystectomy and lymph node dissection along the hepatoduodenal ligament. The pathology report was compatible with metastatic disease from the kidney that was previously resected. Gallbladder metastasis can occur from RCC several years after initial management. Physicians should be aware of this rare pathology, and intensive follow-up is essential after surgery for RCC.
SDH-deficient renal cell carcinoma: a clinicopathological analysis highlighting the role of genetic counselling
Authors: Wilczek Y , Sachdeva A , Turner H , Veeratterapillay R
Published: September 2020

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)-deficient renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for 0.05–2% of all RCCs. The majority of patients have germline mutations, most frequently in the SDHB gene. People with these mutations are predisposed to developing paragangliomas, phaeochromocytomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumours. Patients should be referred to genetic services for further workup and close surveillance imaging due to the risk of development of further tumours. We present a woman with SDH-deficient RCC and review the literature associated with this uncommon entity.
Inflammation and infarction of adipose tissue: implications in bariatric surgery
Authors: Fadel MG , Fehervari M , Khwaja HA
Published: September 2020

Fat necrosis occurs more frequently in patients who have obesity and diabetes mellitus and is linked to worsening of diabetes. Little evidence is available about surgical complications that are related to inflammation and necrosis of adipose tissue. We report two cases of young women with diabetes who underwent bariatric surgery and had complications resulting from extensive inflammation and necrosis of adipose tissue. The first patient was diagnosed with omental infarction, which is a type of fat necrosis that is rarely associated with obesity and bariatric surgery. The second patient had an intraoperative finding of mesenteric panniculitis, which resulted in an intra-operative change in the choice of bariatric surgery to do a sleeve gastrectomy instead of a gastric bypass. Surgeons who perform surgery on bariatric patients must be aware of complications related to excessive amount of adipose tissue.
Transanal evisceration of small bowel in two patients with chronic rectal prolapse: case presentation and literature review
Authors: Hajiev S , Ezzat A , Sivarajah V , Reese G , El-Masry N
Published: September 2020

There are fewer than 100 documented cases of transanal small bowel evisceration in the literature. We report two cases of this rare surgical emergency in an 84-year old man and a 79-year old woman. Both patients required urgent laparotomy, resection of ischaemic bowel and transabdominal resection of the rectal defect with colostomy. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. Rare imaging and clinical photography are shared to highlight the extreme nature of this condition. We identified 38 relevant cases of reported bowel evisceration through our literature review. Most patients were elderly women with untreated rectal prolapse. Gynaecological comorbidity was another risk factor. The aetiological mechanism is suspected to stem from chronic ischaemic insult to the rectal wall, resulting in thinning and subsequent perforation. Surgical management may consist of primary suture repair of the rectal tear, or a Hartmann’s procedure. Timely intervention is essential to minimise patient morbidity and mortality.
Hip fractures in centenarians: a multicentre review of outcomes
Authors: Barrett-Lee J , Barbur S , Johns J , Pearce J , Elliot RR
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Advances in healthcare have resulted in an increasing UK population, with the proportion of elderly individuals expanding significantly, including centenarians. Hospitals can expect to see growing numbers of so-called ‘super-elderly’ patients with trauma, a majority of whom will have hip fractures. We performed a multicentre review of hip fracture outcomes in centenarians to assess whether being an outlier in age correlates with poorer prognosis.

Methods

Centenarians admitted to Basingstoke, Southampton, Dorset, and Salisbury district hospitals with hip fractures between January 2014 and June 2019 were included. Electronic records were searched to obtain demographics, functional status, and admission details.

Results

A total of 60 centenarians were included, with a median age of 101 years (range 100–108 years), 85% of whom were female; 29 were admitted from their own home or sheltered housing and 31 from nursing or residential care; 33 had some outdoor mobility, 26 only mobilised indoors, and 1 had no mobility. Common comorbidities were renal and heart disease and dementia. Of the total, 56 underwent surgery, 51 within 36 hours. In terms of accommodation, 63.4% returned to their pre-injury level of independence. At 30 days, three months, and one year, mortality rates were 27% (n = 16), 40% (n = 24) and 55% (n = 33), respectively.

Conclusion

Trauma in the elderly population is an area of growing interest, yet few studies address centenarians with hip fractures. This work demonstrates that mortality rates within one year of injury were high, but almost half survived beyond a year. Two-thirds of patients regained their pre-injury level of independence, suggesting that functional recovery may not be as poor as previously reported.
Broadband excess intensity noise due to an asymmetric Brillouin gain spectrum in optical fibers
Authors: Hochheim Sven , Steinke Michael , Wessels Peter , Neumann Jörg , Kracht Dietmar
Published: September 2020

Stimulated Brillouin scattering is one of the predominant limitations for fiber-based narrowband lasers, amplifiers, or passive transmission links. In addition to the output power limitation, stimulated Brillouin scattering imprints a broadband excess intensity noise on the signal for which several theoretical explanations have been reported. Some studies suggested the conversion from phase to intensity noise due to an asymmetric Brillouin gain spectrum. In this work, we present new and consistent measurements of such asymmetric gain profiles and corresponding intensity noise spectra. Based on our results, we were able to reconstruct the shape of the measured excess intensity noise.