bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glides are high vowels in onsets and codas: A case of Southern Vietnamese
Authors: Akamine Sho
Published: March 2021

Glides, /j/ and /w/, are recognized as semivowels in Vietnamese, and they are conventionally and widely written as /i̯/ and /u̯/, respectively (Phạm & Mcleod 2016, Tran, Vallée & Granjon 2019). The implication of the conventional transcription of the two semivowels is that they are non-syllabic /i/ and /u/, suggesting that /i̯/ and /u̯/ might have similar or nearly identical acoustic properties with the two high vowels /i/ and /u/. As the semivowels are only allowed in onsets and codas, and the vowels are allowed in nuclei (Kirby 2011, Phạm & Mcleod 2016, Brunelle 2017, Tran et al. 2019), the only difference between the two semivowels and the two vowels might be where they can appear. That is, the semivowels might be non-syllabic positional variants of the high vowels that appear in onsets and codas (Levi, 2008). To examine this hypothesis, audio files in which a native female speaker of Southern Vietnamese recites the 200 Swadesh words in her dialect were collected, and the first formant (F1) and the second formant (F2) of each word that contains either /i/, /u/, /i̯/ or /u̯/ were measured using Praat (Boersma & Weenink 2020). Analyses on the F1 showed no significant difference on the F1 between /i/ and /i̯/ (p = .97) or /u/ and /u̯/ (p = .78). Similarly, there was no significant difference on the F2 between /i/ and /i̯/ (p = .91) or /u/ and /u̯/ (p = .91). The results support that /i/ and /i̯/ as well as /u/ and /u̯/ have nearly identical phonetic properties.
Nielsen v. Preap / 5th grade grammar v. linguistics / Mass imprisonment v. human rights
Authors: Coppock Elizabeth
Published: March 2021

In the Supreme Court case Nielsen v. Preap, ignorance about syntax and semantics led to tragic consequences. The ACLU lawyer defending thousands of non-citizens from being rounded up and put into prison indefinitely by ICE let it come across that her argument rested on the false premise that adverbs can modify nouns. The textualists claimed victory, even though the humane reading of the text was the literal one in this case. The final decision rested crucially on this error on her part, and was buffered by a misunderstanding about how definite descriptions work. The dissent failed to articulate a convincing rebuttal, making spurious reference to passive voice. This case clearly shows how staggeringly consequential linguistic knowledge can be.
On the syntax of 'why'-like 'how' in Korean
Authors: Kim Okgi
Published: March 2021

The wh-phrase ettehkey 'how' in Korean is forced to be interpreted as a reason wh-adverbial corresponding to way 'why' when it occurs with a causative-key toy-construction with past tense. In this paper, I try to answer a simple but fundamental question of whether or not reason ettehkey is base-generated in the same position as the 'high' wh-adjunct way (Ko 2005, 2006). I argue that reason ettehkey in an interrogative clause is externally merged in its checking position, Spec-CIntP, just like way (Ko 2006), whereas manner/instrumental ettehkey originates below NegP.
Seriality at the periphery of television fiction, or intermediality as a critique of the “all narrative” serial
Authors: Saute-Requin
Published: March 2021

Narrative studies tend to detract television shows from their rich aesthetic value and inherent complexity, which is not limited to their narrative dimension. The success of narrative approaches, whose relevance is not in question here, can be explained historically by the way they were introduced in the academic field and by the discourses surrounding television shows and other forms of serials. Methods developed in other academic fields can however be called for to better explain and understand the aesthetic value and fame of television shows. In this article, we aim at laying the groundwork of this reflection and opening the way we look at and understand these objects.
How to study the complexity of television series? Towards a spatial approach
Authors: Berton Mireille , Boni Marta
Published: March 2021

How to study the specificity of television series building evolving, shapeshifting, open, fragmented narratives? Questioning the use of the notion of complexity within and beyond narratology, this article proposes to read television series through an interdisciplinary perspective focused on spatialization. Indeed, beyond textual analysis and in the absence of primary sources on the production side (sources that more often than not prove inaccessible), the television series scholar is bound to explore the intermediate space between representation and reception – a complex space frequently navigated by users, as shown by the circular model of participatory culture (Jenkins, 2013).
Imaging the COVID-19: a practical guide
Authors: Agnello Francesco , Rabiolo Lidia , Grassedonio Emanuele , Toia Patrizia , Midiri Federico , Spatafora Luigi , Matteini Francesco , Tesè Lorenzo , La Grutta Ludovico , Galia Massimo
Published: March 2021

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents the first medical catastrophe of the new millennium. Although imaging is not a screening test for COVID-19, it plays a crucial role in evaluation and follow-up of COVID-19 patients. In this paper, we will review typical and atypical imaging findings of COVID-19.
Idiopathic Gingival Enlargement Causing Social Stigma
Authors: Kothari Divya
Published: March 2021

Gingival enlargement can be multifactorial; it can be due to nutritional deficiency or can be because of several drugs. Poor oral hygiene may further worsen the gingival hyperplasia, because of which the patient may have difficulty in chewing the food, and the speech may get affected. It may end up in psychosocial stigma for the patient as the patient is even neglected by friends or relatives due to poor oral hygiene and horrifying look of gingival overgrowth. Here, we report a case of gingival enlargement in a 22-year-old married female. The enlargement was massive, such that the teeth were barely visible in the anterior mandible. Based on history and histological findings, the case was diagnosed as idiopathic gingival enlargement. Conventional gingivectomy was planned. The patient was kept on the maintenance phase, and no recurrence was recorded. During the whole treatment phase, there was a notable change in the behavior of the patient. Surgical correction and subsequent maintenance of good oral hygiene may improve the disease condition, which in turn helps the patient in not only improving the aesthetics but also results in better social acceptance.
Prosthodontic Rehabilitation of a Patient with Missing Teeth and Loss of Vertical Dimension Using Telescopic Overdentures
Authors: Arunraj Daniel , Gnanam Padmashini , Chander Gopi N.
Published: March 2021

Overdentures are one of the most sought-after treatment options for patients with few remaining natural teeth. They are desired as they tend to preserve the natural teeth and its intact periodontium. This helps in reducing the residual ridge resorption and preserve proprioception. These characteristics offer better masticatory ability in patients rehabilitated with overdentures when compared to conventional complete dentures. Enhancements such as telescopic denture for better retention prove to be efficient clinically. Telescopic dentures enable frictional type of retention. This is a case report of a partially edentulous patient with decreased vertical dimension, successfully rehabilitated with telescopic denture in relation to the maxilla and fixed partial prosthesis in the mandibular region.
Distribution Pattern and its Correlation for Oral Cancer Rate and Human Development Rank for Countries
Authors: Kuruvilla Jacob , Nayar Kesavan Rajasekharan
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

There is a general interpretation that the distribution and pattern of various cancers exhibit geographical variations between developed and developing countries. However, as far as oral cancer is concerned, these differential patterns of distribution are not much documented.

Aim and Objective:

This review is aimed to bring in the existence of geographical disparities and its pattern for oral cancer incidence and mortality. The objectives of this review are: (1) To compare and comment on the trends in estimates for oral cancer incidence and mortality for the years 2002, 2008, and 2012. (2) To correlate oral cancer incidence and mortality values for 2012 with the human development index (HDI) scores for 2012 for each country. Design: Ecological approach and entire review was carried out using two secondary data sets, and they were (i) Age-standardized oral cancer incidence and mortality value for all countries published by the International Agency on Cancer Research for the years 2002, 2008, and 2012. (ii) HDI score for all countries for the year 2012 released by the United Nations Development Program.

Results:

A diametric pattern of distribution was observed across the two strata of countries. When developed countries have higher rates for incidence, low developed countries have higher rates for mortality.
Intestinal-type Adenocarcinoma Presenting as a Mandibular Mass
Authors: Rashid Nouman , Bansal Adity , Chug Ashi
Published: March 2021

Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with the rare possibility of metastatic spread to the mandible. We represent a case of a 30-year-old female patient who reported with a chief complaint of a right mandibular mass for 4 months. Orthopantomogram X-ray observed an ill-defined lytic lesion with severe periosteal reaction. Incisional biopsy revealed “colonic variant of intestinal-type adenocarcinoma.” Expression of cytokeratin 20 and caudal type homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX-2) markers was seen on immunohistochemistry. Biochemical markers such as serum cancer antigen 125, serum alkaline phosphatase, and serum carcinoembryonic antigen were raised. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the thorax and abdomen suggested cavitary lesions in the bilateral lungs, right adrenal gland, and mediastinum. Positron emission tomography revealed multiple lesions in the body, hence confirming the diagnosis. The patient was kept on palliative chemotherapy. It is concluded that prompt diagnosis and initiation of treatment increases the chances of survival in such cases.
New Experimental Zirconia-Reinforced Rice Husk Nanohybrid Composite and the Outcome of Its Surface Roughness and Microhardness in Comparison with Commercialized Nanofilled and Microhybrid Composite Resins
Authors: Lin Galvin Sim Siang , Ghani Nik Rozainah Nik Abdul , Ismail Noor Huda , Singbal Kiran , Noorani Tahir Yusuf , Mamat Noraida
Published: March 2021

Background:

An ideal composite resin should demonstrate smooth surface after polishing and high hardness value to provide long-term success. Thus, this study aimed to compare the surface roughness and microhardness of new experimental zirconia-reinforced rice husk nanohybrid composite (Zr-Hybrid) with commercialized nanofilled (Filtek-Z350-XT) and microhybrid composite (Zmack-Comp) resins before and after artificial ageing.

Methods:

One hundred and eighty standardized disc samples were prepared, of which ninety samples each were used for surface roughness and microhardness test, respectively. They were divided equally into: Group 1 (Filtek-Z350-XT), Group 2 (Zmack-Comp), and Group 3 (Zr-Hybrid). For surface roughness test, all samples were polished with aluminium oxide discs and further subdivided into aged and unaged subgroups, in which composite samples in aged subgroups were subjected to 2500 thermal cycles. Next, all the samples were subjected to surface roughness test using a contact stylus profilometer. As for microhardness test, all the aged and unaged samples were tested using a Vickers hardness machine with a load of 300 kgf for 10 s and viewed under a digital microscope to obtain microhardness value. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey's honestly significant difference and paired sample t-test with significance level set at P = 0.05.

Results:

In both the aged and unaged groups, Zr-Hybrid showed statistically significantly lower surface roughness (P < 0.05) than Filtek-Z350-XT and Zmack-Comp, but no statistically significant difference was noted between Filtek-Z350-XT and Zmack-Comp (P > 0.05). A similar pattern was noted in microhardness test, whereby Zr-Hybrid showed the highest value (P < 0.05) followed by Filtek-Z350-XT and lastly Zmack-Comp. Besides, significant differences in surface roughness and microhardness were noted between the aged and unaged groups.

Conclusion:

Zr-Hybrid seems to demonstrate better surface roughness and microhardness value before and after artificial ageing.
A Fatal Case of Infant Oral Mutilation Practice
Authors: Kemoli Arthur Musakulu , Opondo Immaculate Achieng
Published: March 2021

Infant oral mutilation (IOM) is a traditional dental practice where traditional healers enucleate primary canine tooth buds in children in the hope of preventing or curing childhood illness. The method applied is heinous, painful, and carried out in unsterile environment, and this increases the morbidity and mortality of children from the communities where IOM is rife. The case report described here arose from a village, where an infant with a medical issue ended up in the hands of a local traditional healer who enucleated her four primary canine tooth buds. The traditional treatment resulted in the fatality of the child in <24 h of the procedure, a testimony that some traditional therapeutic procedures have no place in managing common childhood illnesses.
Comparative Assessment of Canal Transportation, Dentin Loss, and Remaining Root Filling Material by Different Retreatment Files - An In vitro Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ali Afzal , Saraf Prahlad , Kamatagi Laxmikant , Khasnis Sandhya
Published: March 2021

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the centering ability, canal transportation and efficacy of re-treatment rotary and hand files in removing Gutta Percha from root canals using Cone Beam Computed Tomography(CBCT).

Materials and Methods:

Sixty extracted human maxillary anteriors were obturated and randomly divided into three groups. Root fillings were removed with ProTaper Universal retreatment system, R-Endo system, and Hedstrom files. CBCT scans were taken.

Statistical Analysis and Results:

The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 15.0, IBM). The mean and standard deviation among the groups was calculated by one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann– Whitney U-tests, and the comparison among the various groups was done by post hoc Tukey's test. A statistically significant amount of remaining root canal filling material and canal transportation was noted (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

No system completely removed the root filling material from root canals. Manual instrumentation resulted in more dentin loss and canal transportation than rotary file system.
Nonsurgical Management of Strip Perforation Using Platelet-Rich Fibrin and MTA by Matrix Concept – A Case Report with One Year Follow-up
Authors: Teja Kavalipurapu Venkata , Ramesh Sindhu
Published: March 2021

Iatrogenic errors happen especially during endodontic treatment even with the experienced clinicians. It is impossible to predict the occurrence of an event. Although many of them can be corrected and managed successfully, few conditions might have the worst prognosis leading to uneventful extraction. The present case report highlights a 1-year follow-up of managed strip perforation in mesial canals of mandibular first molar, nonsurgically using MTA obturation. The present challenging case gives an insight on the importance of regenerative capacity and osteogenic potentiality of bioactive materials, when appropriate tissue engineering concepts are applied.
Comparison of Jet Injection Technique with Conventional Injection Technique in Patients Undergoing Endodontic Therapy
Authors: Hameed Mahaboob Shahul , Kumar Senthil , Charanya C. , Muthalagu M. , Anitha M.
Published: March 2021

Background:

In order to reduce the fear and anxiety of injection during root canal procedures, Madajet injection technique was substituted for the first time among the adult patients to obtain its efficacy and to overcome the painful procedure during the conventional syringe technique.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy and level of patient acceptance of jet injections with conventional syringe technique in patients with symptomatic pulpitis.

Methodology:

Seventy patients were randomly divided into needleless pressure injection technique using Madajet XL and conventional syringe technique. The onset of anesthesia was evaluated using the electric pulp tester, and the pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale scoring criteria.

Statistical Analysis:

The obtained data were tabulated and subjected to the statistical analysis using the Chi-square test.

Results:

Needleless pressure injection technique (Madajet XL) proves to be effective in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis during endodontic procedure.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that the needle-less pressure injection technique (Madajet XL) promises to be a viable mode of pain control during endodontic procedures as it converts the solution to a tiny droplet which is then carried by the myelin sheath.
Efficacy of Laser Photoacoustic Streaming in Paediatric Root Canal Disinfection - An Ex-Vivo Study
Authors: Yavagal Chandrashekar Murugesh , Patil Viplavi Chavan , Yavagal Puja Chandrashekar , Kumar N Kiran , Hariharan Madhu , Mangalekar Sachin B
Published: March 2021

Background:

Various techniques have been employed to enhance the root canal disinfection rate using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as an irrigant. Photon initiated photo-acoustic streaming using lasers is a newer method of endodontic disinfection.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of photo-initiated photoacoustic streaming and conventional irrigation technique using 2.5% NaOCl for root canal disinfection in primary teeth.

Setting and Design:

Laboratory setting and ex-vivo design.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty extracted primary teeth were selected in which Enterococcus faecalis incubation was done in the root canals and bacterial counts were obtained before the intervention. The teeth were randomly allocated into two groups. Group I samples were irrigated with conventional syringe method using 2.5% NaOCl and Group II samples were irrigated using photon-initiated photo-acoustic streaming method with erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (wavelength - 2940 nm). Postintervention samples were obtained, and bacterial colony count was done. Wilcoxon Signed- Ranks Test and Mann–Whitney test were applied to test the intragroup and intergroup differences in the bacterial counts.

Results:

Postintervention results showed no bacterial growth in the canals irrigated using Laser (P = 0.004) whereas, fewer bacterial colonies were observed in NaOCl group (P = 0.005). There was statistically significantly higher reduction in E. faecalis counts in Laser Activated irrigation (LAI) group compared to NaOCl group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Total elimination of E. faecalis counts was obtained by the use of laser activated NaOCl irrigation in the infected root canals, hence, it can be considered as an effective method for pediatric endodontic disinfection.
The Resistance of Succedaneous Teeth to Periapical Infection
Authors: Chalakkal Paul , De Souza Neil , de Ataide Ida de Noronha , Akkara Francis , Chandran Roshni
Published: March 2021

Pediatric dental procedures are carried out largely to prevent the adverse effects of primary teeth infection on succedaneous teeth (ST). The existing literature on how and when periapical infection (PI) from primary teeth affect ST is conflicted. A series of seven case reports on PI (abscesses and radicular cysts) from primary molars, until the eruption of the premolars, have been illustrated. The resistance of ST to PI based on their developmental stages is also discussed.
Comparative Evaluation of Instrumentation Time, Obturation Time, and Radiographic Quality of Obturation Using Two Rotary Systems and Manual Technique for Primary Molar Pulpectomies – In vivo Study
Authors: Shah Heeral Sureshkumar , Patil Vishwas Mohanrao , Kamath Ananth P. , Mathur Aditi Anmol
Published: March 2021

Background:

Ideal pulpectomy for primary dentition demands fast, simple procedures, with short treatment times and minimal appointments. Recently, exclusive pediatric rotary files are available for use in primary teeth. There is a paucity of literature on the clinical efficacy of pediatric rotary files. Hence, this study was planned to evaluate and compare pediatric rotary files and K-files.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare instrumentation time, obturation time, and radiographic quality of obturation using rotary systems (Kedo-S; Pro-AF Baby GOLD files) and manual (K-files) technique in primary molar pulpectomies.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-five primary mandibular molars from 42 children aged 5–9 were selected. Single-visit pulpectomy was performed after dividing selected teeth into three equal groups: (i) K-files, (ii) Kedo-S files, (iii) Pro-AF Baby GOLD files. Instrumentation and obturation times were recorded during the procedure. Immediate postoperative radiographs were taken and evaluated later for obturation quality by two independent evaluators blinded to the instrumentation technique. The results were then statistically analyzed.

Results:

Kedo-S (Group II) files required the least instrumentation time followed by Pro-AF (Group III) and K-files (Group I). The superior quality of obturation in lesser time was achieved using Pro-AF files (Group III) followed by Kedo-S (Group II) and K-files (Group I).

Conclusion:

Pediatric rotary files are efficient alternatives to hand instrumentation and can be considered as the standard of care in pulpectomies of primary teeth.
Duplications of the alimentary tract in infants and children
Authors: Keshri Rupesh , Prasad Ramjee , Chaubey Digamber , Hasan Zaheer , Kumar Vijayendra , Thakur Vinit Kumar , Yadav Ramdhani , Kumar Rakesh , Bakhtiyar Asjad Karim , Rahul Sandip Kumar
Published: March 2021

Background:

Duplications of the alimentary tract are known for their embryonic, anatomical, clinical, and pathologic variations. Summarizing the features of these lesions would reveal these characteristics and guide appropriate management. The objectives of this study are to describe the clinical features and characteristics of all cases of duplication of alimentary tract managed at a tertiary center.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study on all cases of duplications of the alimentary tract managed at a tertiary center from July 2015 to June 2020 (5 years) was conducted after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Data regarding history, demographic details, symptoms, clinical features and investigation results, and intraoperative and histopathologic findings were collected from the hospital records and analyzed.

Results:

Twenty-eight cases of duplication were managed during this period. They had different locations (esophageal-5 [cervical-2 and thoracic-3], gastric-1, jejunal-3, ileal – 11, cecal-3, appendicular-2, colorectal-1, rectal-1, and posterior anal canal-1) and site-specific symptoms but definite histopathology with evidence of adjacent gastrointestinal tissue on microscopic examination. Unique cases included cervical esophageal duplication, bleeding ileal duplication (ID) with heterotopic mucosa, ID with bezoar, jejunal duplication with malrotation, appendicular duplication with type 2 pouch colon and anorectal malformation, rectal duplication, and posterior anal duplication. Case-specific management ensured minimal complication without any mortality.

Conclusion:

Variable location and site-specific symptoms necessitate individualized case-specific management of duplication anomalies. Histopathology confirms both native and heterotopic gastrointestinal tissues and is indispensable for the diagnosis.
Treatment results of teratologic arthrogryposis in a case of Freeman-Sheldon syndrome
Authors: Wu Tsung-Mu , Chin Lin-Shaw
Published: March 2021

Freeman-Sheldon syndrome (FSS) is a very rare genetic disorder, also called “whistling-face syndrome.” Patients with this condition have distinctive facial appearance of small mouth and pursed lips, and skeletal malformations such as talipes equinovarus, hip dysplasia, camptodactyly, and scoliosis. The reports for the arthrogryposis of such cases by management are rare. A 2-year-old girl with FSS presented with hypertelorism, increased philtrum length, small nose and nostrils, and pursed lips, with skeletal deformities including (1) bilateral windmill vane hands, (2) bilateral rigid talipes equinovarus, and (3) bilateral high riding hip dislocation. To provide the patient with a pair of plantigrade feet for future standing, we performed a bilateral clubfoot soft tissue release and total talectomy with tibiocalcaneal fusion. For the bilateral high riding hip dislocation, we chose the nonoperative treatment by rehabilitation, given that the pelvis was relatively stable and in a leveled position. At the 25-year follow-up, she walked independently with mild waddling gait without support, on a stable, plantigrade foot. From the outcome, performing radical soft-tissue release with talectomy to obtain a plantigrade foot and conservative treatment for the bilateral hip dislocation to ensure a leveled pelvis may be a proper option for such cases.
Efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an adjunct to ropivacaine in transversus abdominis plane block for paediatric laparoscopic surgeries
Authors: Garg Kashish , Bhardwaj Neerja , Yaddanapudi Sandhya , Sen Indu M , Mathew Preethy J , Kanojia Ravi P
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims:

α2 agonists have been utilised in regional blocks, but very little data is available for their use in transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in paediatric laparoscopic (LAP) surgeries. This study investigated the analgesic effect of ropivacaine alone versus its combination with dexmedetomidine for TAP block in children undergoing LAP surgery.

METHODS:

A randomised, double-blind trial was conducted in 50 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1 and 2 children of 2–8 years undergoing LAP abdominal surgery. Children were randomised to receive a total volume of 0.5 ml/kg of 0.2% ropivacaine (LA group) or 0.2% ropivacaine with 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine (LAD group) for performing ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block postoperatively (PO). Patients were monitored PO for vital signs, pain, sedation, time to first rescue analgesic and total analgesic consumption for 24 h. Time to first rescue analgesic was expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and analysed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Pain and sedation scores were expressed as median [interquartile range (IQR)] and analysed using Mann–Whitney U test.

Results:

First rescue analgesic demand was significantly longer (P = 0.001) in LAD (474.8 min) versus LA group (240.9 min) but total analgesics consumption in first 24 h was comparable. Pain scores were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in LAD compared to LA group at all times PO. Each group had comparable but significantly lower sedation scores up to 24 h PO.

Conclusion:

Addition of dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in TAP block prolongs the time to first analgesic requirement without a difference in the total analgesic consumption.
Clinical outcomes of using remdesivir in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19
Authors: Mahajan Lakshmi , Singh A P , Gifty
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims:

When the world was frantically searching for a drug effective against the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19, remdesivir, a broad-spectrum anti-viral medication, became a part of the COVID treatment. We planned a study to evaluate improvement in clinical outcomes with remdesivir treatment for five days.

Methods:

Participants more than 40-years old and with moderate to severe COVID-19 but not on mechanical ventilation were randomly assigned into two groups-remdesivir group (34 cases) to receive the study drug intravenous (IV) remdesivir for five days plus the standard care (SC) and non-remdesivir group (36 cases) to receive the SC but not to receive the study drug. Follow-up was continued for 12 days after the beginning of treatment or until discharge/death. Patient's clinical status was assessed by laboratory investigations and physical examination (from day 1 to day 12 on a 4-point ordinal scale and from day 12 to 24 on a 6-point ordinal scale). Oxygen support requirements and adverse events were recorded. The data were entered and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0.

Results:

High-flow oxygen support and non-invasive ventilation was required at baseline by lesser patients in the remdesivir group. In the end, both groups had similar outcomes after adjustment for baseline clinical status. There was no statistical difference in mortality between the two groups (p = 0.749). Patients in both groups had an equal time to recovery. There was no difference in the occurrence of adverse effects of remdesivir between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Remdesivir therapy for five days did not produce improvement in clinical outcomes in moderate to severe COVID-19 cases.
Long Turnaround Times in Viral Load Monitoring of People Living with HIV in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Mbiva Fredrick , Tweya Hannock , Satyanarayana Srinath , Takarinda Kudakwashe , Timire Collins , Dzangare Janet , Nzombe Phoebe , Apollo Tsitsi M , Khabo Bekezela , Mazarura Exevia
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

Routine viral load (VL) testing is fraught with challenges in resource-limited settings which lead to longer turnaround times for the return of VL results. We assessed the turnaround times for VL testing and factors associated with long turnaround (>30 days) in Marondera, Zimbabwe, between January and September 2018.

Methods:

This was an analytical study of routine program data. Data were extracted from electronic records and paper-based reports at two laboratories and at antiretroviral therapy (ART) facilities. The unit of analysis was the VL sample. Duration (in days) between sample collection and sample testing (pre-test turnaround time), duration between sample testing and receipt of VL result at ART the site (post-test turnaround time), and duration between sample collection and receipt of result at the ART site (overall turnaround time) were calculated. Days on which the VL testing machine was not functional, and workload (number of tests done per month) were used to assess associations. We used binomial log models to assess the factors associated with longer turnaround time.

Results:

A total of 3348 samples were received at the two VL testing laboratories, and 3313 were tested, of these, 1111 were analyzed for overall turnaround time. Pre-test, post-test, and overall turnaround times were 22 days (interquartile range (IQR): 11–41), 51 days (IQR: 30–89), and 67 days (IQR: 46–100), respectively. Laboratory workload (relative risk [RR]: 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–1.14) and machine break down (RR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.14–1.17) were associated with long turnaround time.

Conclusions:

Routine VL turnaround time was long. Decentralizing VL testing and enhancing laboratory capacity may help shorten the turnaround time.
THE EFFECT OF VALUE CO-CREATION ON CUSTOMER RETENTION IN AVIATION INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA
Authors: Worlu Stanley , Sunny Igwe
Published: March 2021

The study examined the effect of value co-creation on customer retention in Aviation Industry in Nigeria. Customers are becoming more apprehensive of firms they are satisfied and want to always be part of their value co-creation and satisfaction. A sample size of 303 customers and employees were surveyed through questionnaire. The data were analyzed using regression analysis which was facilitated by the application of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 23.0). The study found a significant relationship between value co-creation and customer retention in Aviation Industry in Nigeria. Hence, the study concluded that value co-creation affects customer retention thus, recommended that Management should retain customers who develop customer citizenship as this will increase customer retention in Aviation Industry in Nigeria. Management should pursue customer retention strategies by engaging and involving customers in strategic activities that will lead to quality business transaction to increase emotive commitment in Aviation Industry in Nigeria.
INTERNAL CONTROL MECHANISM AND EXECUTION OF PROJECTS IN PUBLIC SECTOR: EVIDENCE FROM ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Oraka Azubike , Ikwor Uwakwe , Afodigbueokwu Hillary
Published: March 2021

The study determined the influence of internal control systems on project execution rate in Enugu State, the study therefore sought to: ascertain the influence of accounting control and administrative and operational control on the execution of projects in Enugu State public sector. The research design adopted for this study is survey design. This was adopted because of the nature of the data which is basically primary data generated through questionnaire method. The Researchers used questionnaires as the major source of data collection which was administered to 350 respondents of various ministries in Enugu State, Nigeria. The data collected were analyzed and tested using regression analysis with aid of E-view version 9. From the analysis, the result shows that Accounting Control, and Administrative and Operational Control was found to have positive and statistically significant influence on capital project execution rate in Enugu State public sector. The researchers therefore, recommend that various ministries in Enugu State that are looking for a way to reduce high rate of capital project abandonment in the state should consider strengthening their level of accounting control implementation.
THE IMPACT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ON COST OF CAPITAL: THE CASE OF SMALL, MEDIUM, AND LARGE CAP FIRMS
Authors: Gul Sajid
Published: March 2021

Purpose: This study is an empirical examination of the argument that higher Corporate Governance (CG) is associated with decreased cost of capital. Methodolgy: The sample of the study comprise of 200 small, medium, and large corporate firms listed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Findings: The results reveal that CG and cost of capital is negatively correlated in large, medium, and small Cap firms. The result confirms the theoretical proposition of the agency theory that investors will be willing to accept a lower risk premium if firms have robust oversight mechanisms to curb managerial opportunism. In case of interaction effect the results show that in medium Cap firm’s investors demand lower cost of capital from high CG-medium ownership group. Nonetheless, pool and large Cap firms in the high CG predominant ownership group category pay higher cost of capital. The result also indicates that large and small Cap firms as compare to medium Cap firms in low CG-medium ownership category pay higher cost of capital. Further, it appears that investors demand higher cost of capital from pool and small Cap firms in low CG-predominant ownership group. Practical Implication: There are significant academic and practical implications which are briefly described in last part of the study.
Ethel Tobach (November 7, 1921 – August 15, 2015)
Authors: Greenberg Gary
Published: March 2021

This is an obituary for Ethel Tobach, founder of this journal and of the International Society for Comparative Psychology.
Thinking Pigs: A Comparative Review of Cognition, Emotion, and Personality in Sus domesticus
Authors: Marino Lori , Colvin Christina M.
Published: March 2021

While relatively little is known about the psychology of domestic pigs, what is known suggests that pigs are cognitively complex and share many traits with animals whom we consider intelligent. This paper reviews the scientific evidence for cognitive complexity in domestic pigs and, when appropriate, compares this literature with similar findings in other animals, focusing on some of the more compelling and cutting-edge research results. The goals of this paper are to: 1) frame pig cognition and psychology in a basic comparative context independent of the livestock production and management setting; and 2) identify areas of research with pigs that are particularly compelling and in need of further investigation. We summarize and discuss several areas of comparative psychology, including nonsocial and social cognition, self-awareness, emotion, and personality. We conclude that there are several areas of research in which the findings are suggestive of complex psychology in pigs. We conclude by calling for more noninvasive cognitive and behavioral research with domestic pigs in non-laboratory settings that allow them to express their natural abilities.
Assessment of Demand for Food using Concurrent PR and FR Schedules in the Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)
Authors: Cameron Kristie E. , Bizo Lewis A. , Starkey Nicola J.
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to compare the demand by possums for foods under different arrangements of concurrent progressive-ratio and fixed-ratio schedules of reinforcement. In Experiment 1, every possible food pair made up of berries, chicken, egg, foliage, insects and mushroom was presented (30 pairs in total). The requirement on the progressive-ratio schedule increased within a session and the fixed-ratio was kept constant at 30. In Experiment 2, a subset of the foods from Experiment 1 were used (chicken, mushroom, egg and berries) and in separate conditions the fixed-ratio was either 30 or 10 responses. In Experiment 3, the foods were the same as used in Experiment 2 and the progressive-ratio schedule increased every five sessions and the fixed-ratio schedule was 30 responses. Exponential models of demand were applied to consumption rates to compare the parameters of initial demand, essential value and P max, and break point and cross point across foods. The models described the data well and consumption rates were similar when the incrementing schedules increased within- and across sessions. Demand was highest for berries, egg and locust in Experiment 1 and egg and chicken in Experiments 2 and 3. This finding has practical implications for understanding possum food preferences in the wild as a function of other available food sources.
Can Sea Lions’ (Zalophus californianus) Use Mirrors to Locatean Object?
Authors: Hill Heather M. , Webber Krista , Kemery Alicia , Garcia Melissa , Kuczaj II Stan A.
Published: March 2021

Although California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) are capable of forming complex mental concepts, they have failed to demonstrate mirror self-recognition, a skill that requires both a mental representation of one’s physical features and knowledge of a reflective surface. Many non-human species that do not recognize themselves in mirrors can nonetheless learn to use mirror reflections to locate and retrieve objects. A total of 7 sea lions housed at 2 separate facilities were tested on their ability to detect an object using a mirror. The results of a preliminary detection task in which sea lions were reinforced for looking at a mirror to locate an object suggested that 4 sea lions reliably learned to locate an object positioned below a mirror in one of three locations. A follow-up study was conducted to determine if 3 different sea lions could learn the task without training the animals to use the mirrors. Two of the 3 sea lions located a single object in 1 of the 3 locations statistically above chance when the mirrors were added to the task for the first time. With additional mirror exposure, 1 sea lion successfully achieved 100% accuracy in detecting familiar objects placed in 1 of 3 familiar locations. This sea lion also demonstrated her ability to detect an object via a mirror located in a novel, fourth position with 100% accuracy. When two novel objects were tested with four locations, the sea lion again performed well, detecting the objects 87.5%. The results suggest that sea lions have the ability to use mirrors to locate an object with minimal exposure to a mirror, but likely need additional experience with mirrors to efficiently use the properties of these reflective surfaces and understand that the image is a two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional object.
The Development of Juvenile-Typical Patterns of Play Fighting in Juvenile Rats Does Not Depend on Peer-Peer Play Experience in the Peri-Weaning Period
Authors: Himmler B. T. , Himmler S. M. , Stryjek R. , Modlińska K. , Pisula W. , Pellis S. M.
Published: March 2021

Play fighting in rats involves attack and defense of the nape. To protect the nape, rats use a variety of defensive tactics, with different strains having specific preferences. Targeting of the nape is established before weaning and defense matures over the course of the week preceding and the week proceeding weaning. Thus, it is possible that experience from engaging in immature forms of play is needed to consolidate the nape as the playful target and for the development of the juvenile-typical pattern of defense. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate this possibility. For the first experiment, male rats were reared over the week post-weaning in either pairs or alone, and their play tested with unfamiliar partners when juveniles (31-34 days). For the second experiment, during the week preceding weaning, male and female rats were placed into one of three conditions: (1) with the mother and no peers, (2) with same-sex siblings but no mother or (3) with both the mother and same-sex siblings. The subjects were tested in same-sex, same-condition pairs when juveniles (31-34 days). Rats from all conditions, in both experiments, attacked the nape during play fighting and developed the same juvenile-typical patterns of playful defense. This suggests that the experience of peer-peer play in the peri-weaning period is not necessary for the development of the attack and defense components of juvenile-typical play.
Hedonics and the “Selective Associations” Biological Constraint on Learning
Authors: Weiss Stanley J. , Panlilio Leigh V.
Published: March 2021

Research concerned with visual dominance in appetitive and auditory dominance in aversive learning situations (selective associations) is reviewed. The present analysis stresses that the dominant sensory modality of stimulus control is determined by the relative affective valence acquired by a compound auditory-visual stimulus through reinforcement contingencies, rather than by whether the primary reinforcer is appetitive or aversive. For example, take two groups of rats or pigeons on exactly the same shock-avoidance contingency in a tone-light compound (TL), but with different contingencies when the compound is absent (TL). Responding came predominantly under (1) auditory control when conditions in TL were hedonically negative relative to those in (TL), and (2) visual control when conditions in (TL) made TL relatively positive. Selective associations here are a product of the relative hedonic state, positive or negative, established to the auditory-visual compound. Therefore, this constraint reflects a high level of functioning by a hedonic comparator -- with TL’s hedonic value contextually determined by the totality of the events encountered, and reinforcement contingencies, operating in its world. The physical particulars of the reinforcer in TL here, shock avoidance, clearly were not responsible for the hedonic psychological state TL produced. Weiss, Panlilio, and Schindler (1993a, 1993b) went on to show that these proclivities can be (1) reversed, and (2) overcome by a blocking design when the biologically-contingency-disadvantaged stimulus is first pretrained on its own. Relating the “hedonic model” to evolution is speculative. But, the hedonic model is scientifically integrative by relating this biological constraint to a variety of phenomena that involve incentive-motivational states. These include choice behavior, conditioned preference, behavioral contrast and appetitive-aversive interactions.
The Garcia-Koelling Selective Association Effect: A Historical and Personal Perspective
Authors: Domjan Michael
Published: March 2021

The first and most prominent study of selective associations was the so-called bright-noisy-water experiment by Garcia and Koelling (1966). This study was a landmark in the development of thinking about biological constraints on learning and remains the most highly cited study of selective associations, even though it lacked important controls. I first describe the original experiment and initial criticisms of it. I then discuss the various control issues that were ignored in the original experiment but addressed in subsequent research. In this account, I rely primarily on research conducted in my laboratory, because the problems were not addressed by any other investigators. Along the way, I discuss the discovery of a selective sensitization effect related to the Garcia-Koelling findings, ways to rule out selective sensitization, and studies of selective associations in pre-weanling rats. I conclude with a look back at the impact of the Garcia-Koelling experiment and recommendations for new generations of students in the field.
Temporal Control Deficits in Murine Models of Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Brunner Dani , Balcı Fuat , Curtin Paul C.P , Farrar Andrew , Oakeshott Steve , Sutphen Jane , Berger Jason , Howland David
Published: March 2021

Timing is a ubiquitous process that underlies a great variety of human activities and depends on highly conserved neuronal circuitry, the cortico-striatal loops. The peak interval (PI) task is an operant task that conditions subjects to initiate and terminate behavioral responses bracketing a fixed interval associated with reinforcement. Performance in this task depends on the efficacy of temporal control processes that coordinate interval encoding and decoding, instrumental response innitiation, cessation and maintenance, and motor control. Here, we used the PI procedure to characterize temporal control in zQ175 knockin (KI) and BAC HD transgenic (Tg) mice generated to model Huntington's Disease (HD), and contrast the result with previously published R6/2 Tg PI data. HD is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that involves degeneration of the same neural circuits underlying temporal information processing and control of motor output. Our results indicate that temporal control is disrupted in R6/2 Tg and zQ175 KI mice but intact in BAC HD Tg mice. Trial-by-trial analysis of break-run patterns in response rates indicated that shifts in zQ175 KI response curves were driven by significant delays in response initiation and cessation. Similar temporal control deficits were previously reported in HD patients and R6/2 transgenic HD mice. These findings support the use of zQ175 mice in preclinical studies of HD-related cognitive deficits. They provide evidence of a strong homology between the human and rodent neural bases of temporal information processing, temporal response control, and their pathology in neurodegeneration.