bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Nanoparticles on the Antipullout Strength between the Reinforcement and Cement Mortar
Authors: Shen Yupeng , Jing Peng , Yao Wensheng , Tang Tianxiao , Cao Dandan , Peng Hongshang , Wang Yaqiong
Published: July 2020

Recently, the use of nanomaterials (i.e., Nano‐Silica (NS) and Nano‐SiC(NC)) to improve the mechanical properties and durability performances of cement‐based materials has received considerable attention. This work presents the effects of nanoparticles (NS), the specimen size, and the water‐reducing agent on the antipullout strength between the reinforcement and cement mortar on the basis of the laboratory antipullout tests. The mechanism is, then, validated by the microscopic analysis with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results show that NS can accelerate the hydration reaction of cement, produce more Calcium Silicate Hydrate (CSH) gel, and increase the density of the cement mortar, thereby improving the microstructure and antipullout strength. The moderate NS (1.0%) is recommended to improve antipullout between the reinforcement and cement mortar. Besides, the specimen size and water‐reducing agent have an obvious influence on the antipullout strength. These results would provide guidance on the design or construction of the cement mortar with reinforcement.
Acoustic Emission-Based Small Leak Detection of Propulsion System Pipeline of Sounding Rocket
Authors: Gao Lin , Dong Lili , Cao Jianguo , Wang Shaofeng , Liu Wenjing
Published: July 2020

For pipes connected by pipe joints, leaks in the pipeline system are likely to occur at the pipe joints as opposed to the tube itself. Thus, early detection is critical to ensure the safety of the pipeline system. Based on acoustic emission (AE) techniques, this paper presents an experimental research on small leak detection in gas distribution pipelines due to loosening of the pipe joint connection. Firstly, the acoustic characteristics of leak signals are studied; then, features of signals are extracted. Finally, a classifier based on the support vector machine (SVM) technology is established, and the qualified features are selected to detect the leak. It is verified that the main frequency of the AE small leak signal due to the failure of the pipe joint is focused in the range of 33–45 kHz, and the algorithms based on SVM with kernel functions all can reach a better estimation accuracy of 98% using the feature “envelope area” or the feature set {standard deviation (STD), root mean square (RMS), energy, average frequency}.
Critical Care Management for Novel 2019 SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-NL63 Coinfection in a Young Immunocompromised Patient: A Chicago Experience
Authors: Sanchez-Nadales Alejandro , Treminio-Quezada Miguel , Abad Hasan , Navarro-Motta Jessica , Contreras-Chavez Pamela , Kachru Anil , Chu Chae
Published: July 2020

Background. SARS-CoV-2 is a newly emerged virus that has spread rapidly, exhibiting tremendous morbidity and mortality. Some potential pharmaceutical targets have been identified but are still lacking proper validation. Case Presentation. We describe the case of a young, immunosuppressed and critically ill patient with previous Influenza B infection, requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, which was then followed, in the succeeding months, by SARS-CoV-2 infection complicated by severe adult respiratory distress syndrome. Her clinical course exhibited complications, including pulmonary embolism, acute kidney injury, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, multiple cardiac arrests, and eventually death. Conclusion. Coinfection with other respiratory pathogens and opportunistic infections are possible.
Telephone-Based Reeducation of Drug Administration for Helicobacterpylori Eradication: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Zhao Yan , Ren Mudan , Wang Xin , Lu Guifang , Lu Xinlan , Zhang Dan , He Shuixiang
Published: July 2020

Poor adherence to treatment instructions may play an important role in the failure of Helicobacter pylori eradication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of telephone-based reeducation on 14-day quadruple H. pylori eradication therapy. In total, 162 patients were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to either the intervention group (patients received telephone-based reeducation on the 4th, 7th, and 10th days of the course) or the control group (patients received instructions only at the time of getting the prescriptions). All patients received a 14-day quadruple H. pylori eradication therapy. The primary outcome was the H. pylori eradication rate. The secondary outcomes included the symptom relief rates and the incidence rates of adverse events. Seventy-five patients in the reeducation group and 74 patients in the control group completed the follow-up. The H. pylori eradication rate in the reeducation group was statistically higher than that in the control group (intention-to-treat: 72.8% vs. 50.6%, P=0.006; per-protocol: 78.7% vs. 55.4%, P=0.003). However, the symptom relief rates and the adverse event rates in these two groups were not significantly different. Overall, the results from this study suggest that telephone-based reeducation can be potentially applied to improve the H. pylori eradication rate in clinical practice, without significantly increasing the adverse effects.
A Model for the Spacing of Quicklime Pile to Treat High Water Content Loess
Authors: Guo Hong , Nan Yalin , Guo Rui , Fu Jiangtao
Published: July 2020

There has been a long history for foundation treatment by quicklime pile, but as for establishing a more precise model formula used by actual construction, further research is needed to be done at present. Therefore, how to quantitate the factors affecting pile spacing is of great reference value for both actual constructions and theoretical studies. Based on the reference formula for handling weak foundation by lime pile and the practical problems in the western region, mathematical model analysis method is used to get a new model for high water content loess foundation treatment after considering the factors such as pile expanding, construction method, piles arrangement, and calcium oxide content. In this model, pile spacing coefficient is created and the model formula for different construction methods and different pile arrangements is also given. As a result, the reference formula used in high water content loess is somewhat conservative. The new model is also verified to be rational by the actual works at the end of the paper.
COVID-19 Infections and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Multiple Myeloma in New York City: A Cohort Study from Five Academic Centers
Authors: Hultcrantz Malin , Richter Joshua , Rosenbaum Cara A. , Patel Dhwani , Smith Eric L. , Korde Neha , Lu Sydney X. , Mailankody Sham , Shah Urvi A. , Lesokhin Alexander M. , Hassoun Hani , Tan Carlyn , Maura Francesco , Derkach Andriy , Diamond Benjamin , Rossi Adriana , Pearse Roger N. , Madduri Deepu , Chari Ajai , Kaminetzky David , Braunstein Marc J. , Gordillo Christian , Reshef Ran , Taur Ying , Davies Faith E. , Jagannath Sundar , Niesvizky Ruben , Lentzsch Suzanne , Morgan Gareth J. , Landgren Ola
Published: July 2020

Patients with multiple myeloma have a compromised immune system, due to both the disease and antimyeloma therapies, and may therefore be particularly susceptible to COVID-19. Here, we report outcomes and risk factors for serious disease in patients with multiple myeloma treated at five large academic centers in New York City in the spring of 2020, during which it was a global epicenter of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Of 100 patients with multiple myeloma (male 58%; median age 68) diagnosed with COVID-19, 75 were admitted; of these, 13 patients (17%) were placed on invasive mechanical ventilation, and 22 patients (29%) expired. Of the 25 nonadmitted patients, 4 were asymptomatic. There was a higher risk of adverse outcome (intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, or death) in Hispanics/Latinos (n = 21), OR = 4.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.3–16.7), and African American Blacks (n = 33), OR = 3.5 (1.1–11.5), as compared with White patients (n = 36). Patients who met the adverse combined endpoint had overall higher levels of inflammatory markers and cytokine activation. None of the other studied risk factors were significantly associated (P > 0.05) with adverse outcome: hypertension (n = 56), OR = 2.2 (0.9–5.4); diabetes (n = 18), OR = 0.9 (0.3–2.9); age >65 years (n = 63), OR = 1.8 (0.7–4.6); high-dose melphalan with autologous stem cell transplant <12 months (n = 7), OR = 0.9 (0.2–5.4); and immunoglobulin G <650 mg/dL (n = 42), OR = 0.9 (0.3–2.2). In this largest cohort to date of patients with multiple myeloma and COVID-19, we found the case fatality rate to be 29% among hospitalized patients and that race/ethnicity was the most significant risk factor for adverse outcome.

Significance:

Patients with multiple myeloma are immunocompromised, raising the question whether they are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease. In this large case series on COVID-19 in patients with multiple myeloma, we report 29% mortality rates among hospitalized patients and identify race/ethnicity as the most significant risk factor for severe outcome.

See related video: https://vimeo.com/486246183/559a80cfae

See related commentary by Munshi and Anderson, p. 218.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 215
Is Tubular Dysfunction a Risk Factor for AKI?
Authors: Bullen Alexander L. , Ix Joachim H.
Published: July 2020

Tubular functions are critical for homeostasis maintenance. However, tubular function markers are not typically assessed in routine clinical care. Recent research by our group has revealed that tubular dysfunction at baseline is a risk factor for subsequent acute kidney injury (AKI), independent of estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria. Here, we describe the underlying hypotheses and biological insights and contrast the changes in tubule function versus injury both before and after an AKI episode.
Allometric Scaling Rules of the Cerebellum in Galliform Birds
Authors: Cunha Felipe , Racicot Kelsey , Nahirney Janae , Heuston Courtney , Wylie Douglas R. , Iwaniuk Andrew N.
Published: July 2020

Although the internal circuitry of the cerebellum is highly conserved across vertebrate species, the size and shape of the cerebellum varies considerably. Recent comparative studies have examined the allometric rules between cerebellar mass and number of neurons, but data are lacking on the numbers and sizes of Purkinje and granule cells or scaling of cerebellar foliation. Here, we investigate the allometric rules that govern variation in the volumes of the layers of the cerebellum, the numbers and sizes of Purkinje cells and granule cells and the degree of the cerebellar foliation across 7 species of galliform birds. We selected Galliformes because they vary greatly in body and brain sizes. Our results show that the molecular, granule and white matter layers all increase in volume at the same rate relative to total cerebellum volume. Both numbers and sizes of Purkinje cells increased with cerebellar volume, but numbers of Purkinje cells increased at a much faster rate than size. Granule cell numbers increased with cerebellar volume, but size did not. Sizes and numbers of Purkinje cells as well as numbers of granule cells were positively correlated with the degree of cerebellar foliation, but granule cell size decreased with higher degrees of foliation. The concerted changes among the volumes of cerebellar layers likely reflects the conserved neural circuitry of the cerebellum. Also, our data indicate that the scaling of cell sizes can vary markedly across neuronal populations, suggesting that evolutionary changes in cell sizes might be more complex than what is often assumed.
Allergische Rhinitis: Zugang zu Allergen-Immuntherapie erleichtert
Authors: Mahler Vera
Published: July 2020

The selection of pharmacotherapy for patients with allergic rhinitis aims to control the disease and depends on many factors. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines have considerably improved the treatment of allergic rhinitis. However, there is an increasing trend toward use of real-world evidence to inform clinical practice, especially because randomized controlled trials are often limited with regard to the applicability of results. The Contre les Maladies Chroniques pour un Vieillissement Actif (MACVIA) algorithm has proposed an allergic rhinitis treatment by a consensus group. This simple algorithm can be used to step up or step down allergic rhinitis treatment. Next-generation guidelines for the pharmacologic treatment of allergic rhinitis were developed by using existing GRADE-based guidelines for the disease, real-world evidence provided by mobile technology, and additive studies (allergen chamber studies) to refine the MACVIA algorithm.
Teoria dos arquétipos e construção de personagens em filmes e séries
Authors: Anaz Sílvio Antonio Luiz
Published: July 2020

Este artigo introduz a teoria dos arquétipos a partir da revisão dos conceitos desenvolvidos por Jung, Campbell e Durand e analisa o uso pragmático de arquétipos na produção de filmes e séries de TV. O estudo articula as reflexões sobre o tema nos campos da antropologia, psicologia e artes, buscando definir o que são os arquétipos e quais são suas funções nas narrativas. Por fim, o conceito de arquétipo na construção de personagens é aplicado com o estudo de caso de Walter White, protagonista da série de TV Breaking Bad. O resultado obtido é um conceito de arquétipo aplicável aos processos de criação e construção de personagens nas narrativas audiovisuais.
O audiovisual angolano em suas memórias televisivas
Authors: Silva Alexsandro de Sousa e
Published: July 2020

O livro TPA e outras histórias foi elaborado por Augusto Manuel dos Santos, conhecido como Nguxi dos Santos, que há mais de 30 anos transita entre a Televisão Pública de Angola (TPA) e as Forças Armadas Populares de Libertação de Angola (Fapla). Marcadamente memorialística e voltada para o grande público, a obra traz depoimentos de diversos protagonistas que trabalharam na TPA e compõe um mosaico que homenageia a instituição e o trabalho de Nguxi dos Santos em Angola. Nesta resenha, propomos alguns eixos de leitura da obra, como sua estruturação, suas principais contribuições e tensões que escapam ao intuito celebrativo do livro.
Fazer ver, fazer cidade: o reemprego como desvio e invenção
Authors: Lima Érico Araújo , Portugal Aline
Published: July 2020

Este artigo busca sublinhar o íntimo contágio entre maneiras de elaborar o visível e formas de produzir uma cidade, a partir de dois filmes brasileiros realizados nos últimos anos: Nunca é noite no mapa (2016), de Ernesto de Carvalho, e Entretempos (2015), de Frederico Benevides e Yuri Firmeza. Com uma atenção aos modos singulares através dos quais esses filmes interrogam e confrontam determinadas representações visuais do espaço urbano, propomos uma reflexão acerca das relações que se estabelecem entre as tecnologias do visível e as tecnologias de controle e gestão das populações, com ênfase no gesto crítico dos filmes, que também atuam na composição das cidades.
A TV brinca com o Outro: enquadramentos de injustiça no experimento televisivo
Authors: Sepulveda Lucas Afonso
Published: July 2020

Este artigo apresenta uma investigação de dois episódios do quadro “Vai fazer o quê?”, um experimento social televisivo apresentado no dominical Fantástico (TV Globo). Realizamos uma análise de enquadramento para compreender os diferentes sentidos sobre as injustiças representadas e encenadas no “Especial de Natal 2013” e “Especial de Natal 2016” do programa. Buscamos, por fim, refletir sobre a proposta do experimento social televisivo em questão e o que ele revela sobre o jeito que nossa televisão e sociedade lidam com o Outro.
O gesto amador no cinema de Julio Bressane
Authors: Foster Lila
Published: July 2020

A filmografia de Julio Bressane é atravessada pelo uso de filmes domésticos, imagens amadoras e filmes deviagem. Neste artigo refletimos sobre a presença do gesto amador no seu cinema, partindo de três eixos de análise: 1) a subversão da iconografia familiar; 2) o amador como potência estética e política; e 3) o filme de viagem e a geografia cinematográfica do mundo. Centrada na análise fílmica, tal perspectiva também pretende abarcar os diversos sentidos que podem assumir o que denominamos aqui de gesto amador.
Os mansos morrem trabalhando e os bravos, lutando
Authors: Bertoluci Jaime
Published: July 2020

Examino aqui a compaixão expressa pelo narrador de Memorial do convento (1982), quarto romance publicado por José Saramago, pelo sofrimento de bois de carga durante o transporte de uma pedra colossal destinada ao pórtico da igreja do convento em construção e de touros e outros animais massacrados em uma arena em Portugal no século XVIII.
Quatro vezes com José Saramago
Authors: Rollemberg Marcello
Published: July 2020

Este artigo recupera a memória das vezes em que o autor esteve com o escritor José Saramago, como a visita à sua casa em Lisboa e uma entrevista sobre o livro O evangelho segundo Jesus Cristo.
Reabilitação na osteoporose
Authors: Lourenço Claudete , Battistella Linamara Rizzo
Published: July 2020

A osteoporose entendida como uma sindrome, vem sendo alvo de muitas pesquisas terapêuticas. Suas manifestações secundárias devem ser valorizadas, pois são causas importantes de incapacidades. Reabilitar o paciente com osteoporose deve portanto abranger a limitação de perda óssea e o tratamento de dor, contratura, espasmo muscular e vícios posturais. Neste artigo são abordadas as principais manifestações da osteoporose e sua abordagem terapêutica do ponto de vista reabilitativo. Discute-se a analgesia, o uso de órteses, o equilíbrio muscular e a manutenção postura!. Com este roteiro pretende-se dar um subsídio aos especialistas no segmento desta importante patologia.
Overexpression of Activin Receptor-Like Kinase 1 in Endothelial Cells Suppresses Development of Arteriovenous Malformations in Mouse Models of Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia
Authors: Hwan Kim Yong , Vu Phuong-Nhung , Choe Se-woon , Jeon Chang-Jin , Arthur Helen M. , Vary Calvin P.H. , Lee Young Jae , Oh S. Paul
Published: July 2020

Rationale:

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in
ENG
,
ALK1
, or
SMAD4
. Since proteins from all 3 HHT genes are components of signal transduction of TGF-β (transforming growth factor β) family members, it has been hypothesized that HHT is a disease caused by defects in the ENG-ALK1-SMAD4 linear signaling. However, in vivo evidence supporting this hypothesis is scarce.

Objective:

We tested this hypothesis and investigated the therapeutic effects and potential risks of induced-ALK1 or -ENG overexpression (OE) for HHT.

Methods and Results:

We generated a novel mouse allele (ROSA26
Alk1
) in which HA (human influenza hemagglutinin)-tagged ALK1 and bicistronic eGFP expression are induced by Cre activity. We examined whether ALK1-OE using the ROSA26
Alk1
allele could suppress the development of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in wounded adult skin and developing retinas of
Alk1
- and
Eng
-inducible knockout (iKO) mice. We also used a similar approach to investigate whether ENG-OE could rescue AVMs. Biochemical and immunofluorescence analyses confirmed the Cre-dependent OE of the ALK1-HA transgene. We could not detect any pathological signs in ALK1-OE mice up to 3 months after induction. ALK1-OE prevented the development of retinal AVMs and wound-induced skin AVMs in
Eng
-iKO as well as
Alk1
-iKO mice. ALK1-OE normalized expression of SMAD and NOTCH target genes in ENG-deficient endothelial cells (ECs) and restored the effect of BMP9 (bone morphogenetic protein 9) on suppression of phosphor-AKT levels in these endothelial cells. On the other hand, ENG-OE could not inhibit the AVM development in
Alk1
-iKO models.

Conclusions:

These data support the notion that ENG and ALK1 form a linear signaling pathway for the formation of a proper arteriovenous network during angiogenesis. We suggest that ALK1 OE or activation can be an effective therapeutic strategy for HHT. Further research is required to study whether this therapy could be translated into treatment for humans.
Inflammatory and angiogenic biomarkers in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Kaštelan Snježana , Orešković Ivana , Bišćan Filip , Kaštelan Helena , Gverović Antunica Antonela
Published: July 2020

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults in developed countries. Numerous investigations have recognised inflammation and angiogenesis as important factors in the development of this complication of diabetes. Current methods of DR treatment are predominantly used at advanced stages of the disease and could be associated with serious side effects. Therefore, new diagnostic methods are needed in order to identify the initial stages of DR as well as monitoring the effects of applied therapy. Biochemical biomarkers are molecules found in blood or other biological fluid and tissue that indicate the existence of an abnormal condition or disease. They could be a valuable tool in detecting early stages of DR, identifying patients most susceptible to retinopathy progression and monitoring treatment outcomes. Biomarkers related to DR can be measured in the blood, retina, vitreous, aqueous humour and recently in tears. As the retina represents a small part of total body mass, a circulating biomarker for DR needs to be highly specific. Local biomarkers are more reliable as indicators of the retinal pathology; however, obtaining a sample of aqueous humour, vitreous or retina is an invasive procedure with potential serious complications. As a non-invasive novel method, tear analysis offers a promising direction in further research for DR biomarker detection. The aim of this paper is to review systemic and local inflammatory and angiogenic biomarkers relevant to this sight threatening diabetic complication.
Analysis of serum homocysteine in the laboratory practice - comparison of the direct chemiluminescence immunoassay and high performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescent detection
Authors: Paprotny Łukasz , Wianowska Dorota , Izdebska Magdalena , Celejewska Agnieszka , Szewczak Dorota , Solski Janusz
Published: July 2020

Introduction: Effective diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases requires the right tools to be used enabling selective and sensitive analysis of their biomarkers.
One of them is homocysteine (Hcy), nowadays determined by immunoassays and chromatographic methods. This study aims to compare
the results obtained by direct chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) and high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescent detection
(HPLC-FD) using commercial kits.
Materials and methods: Homocysteine concentration was determined in serum samples obtained from 101 individuals, using Atellica IM HCY
(Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany) and HCY in plasma/serum – HPLC-FD (Chromsystems Instruments & Chemicals GmbH, Gräfelfing, Germany)
tests validated for routine analysis. The latter was applied as a reference method. The comparability and agreement between the tested methods
were evaluated using the Passing-Bablok (PB) regression analysis and the Bland-Altman (BA) method of the differences analysis.
Results: Studies showed that CLIA gives higher Hcy concentrations (15.7 ± 4.14 μmol/L). Passing-Bablok regression analysis of the results obtained
with CLIA (y) compared with HPLC-FD (x) yielded an intercept of 0.22 (95%CI: - 2.16 to 2.46) and slope of 1.58 (95%CI: 1.33 to 1.87). Bland-Altman
analysis demonstrated a systematic positive bias for CLIA of 5.85 ± 2.77 μmol/L.
Conclusions: Methods disagreement precludes their interchangeability. Lower Hcy values by HPLC-FD result from its greater selectivity. High performance
liquid chromatography with fluorescent detection should be considered as preferential method for analysing Hcy in blood serum as well as
the recommended reference method for routine clinical analysis. This fact, however, imposes the need to establish new reference ranges.
Artistic Heritage of Polymnestus of Colophon
Authors: Almazova Nina
Published: July 2020

Polymnestus (seventh century BC) is represented in Ps.-Plu. De mus. as the second composer of aulodic nomes and processional songs after Clonas. This paper argues that Polymnestus’ nomes bore his name and that he did not compose either the orthian nomes or those ascribed to Clonas. Polymnestus’ music continued to be known in the classical period; he was considered to be working in an innovative, but decent and sublime style. This does not fit well with the assertion of the scholia to Aristophanes, based on Ar. Eq. 1287 and Cratin. fr. 338 K-A, that Polymnestus composed obscene songs. An explanation for this incongruity is proposed: the expressions Πολυµνήστεια ποιεῖν and Πολυµνήστει’ ἀείδειν may be a pun which connected an Athenian named Polymnestus with his great Colophonian namesake. Thus it provides no information about the artistic heritage of Polymnestus of Colophon, but instead proves his fame in the classical period.
Prosecuting Israeli Perpetrators of International Crimes under Universal Jurisdiction Laws: Prospects for Success?
Authors: Karmi-Ayyoub Salma
Published: July 2020

This article will review criminal cases brought under universal jurisdiction (hereinafter “UJ”) laws against Israeli officials1 accused of committing human rights violations against Palestinians. It will describe the challenges to bringing such cases and suggest that political opposition is the main reason there has yet to be such a prosecution. It will propose that UJ remains a viable option for pursuing accountability for Palestinian human rights violations but will suggest ways in which the chance of success for future cases can be improved arguing, in particular, that cases more likely to succeed are those which focus on lower-level perpetrators, in which perpetrators or victims are nationals of forum jurisdictions and that are better integrated into broader advocacy strategies.
The Fragmentation of International Law: Contemporary Debates and Responses
Authors: Shongwe Musa Njabulo
Published: July 2020

The fragmentation of international law is an undeniable issue in contemporary international law, which has received some considerable critical attention this past decade. Regardless of the fact that this is an age-old problem, its recent manifestations have sparked a debate in which two groups of international scholars (positivists and realists) have expressed contesting views on whether fragmentation is a real problem to be solved, or simply a pure academic anxiety about the future of international law. This paper describes why and how fragmentation is a problem of international law, through case law examples of substantive and procedural aspects of fragmentation. The paper then analyses the value of international law mechanisms of dealing with normative conflicts, as well as the shortcomings of those tools. The paper reviews the ongoing debate as to whether fragmentation is a negative or a positive force in the international legal order. The paper contributes to the academic debate by arguing that because of the structural make-up of the international legal system, fragmentation is inevitable, but at the same time, it is a manageable phenomenon. It is argued that fragmentation is a permanent feature of the international legal system, and as such, its relevance to the future of international law must not be undermined. The paper also argues and recommends that the ever-important goal of ensuring unity and coherence of the international legal system should never be lost, and this argument is advanced in view of contemporary academic scholarship that seeks to put the matter of fragmentation to rest.
Book Reviews
Authors: Boomgaard Peter , Shepherd John Robert , Jong Boers Bernice , Hitchcock Michael , King Dwight Y. , Kahin Audrey R. , Knapen Han , Brookfield Harold , Mulder Niels , Durrenberger E. Paul , Pels Peter , Wiener Margaret J. , Scalliet Marie-Odette , Teh Gallop Annabel , Sluys Cornelia M.I. , Roseman Marina , Sluys Cornelia M.I. , Leary John D. , Steinhauer H. , Tryon Darrell T.
Published: July 2020

- Peter Boomgaard, John Robert Shepherd, Marriage and mandatory abortion among the 17th-century Siraya. Arlington: American Anthropological Association, 1995, iv + 99 pp. [American Ethnological Society Monograph Series 6.] - Bernice de Jong Boers, Michael Hitchcock, Islam and identity in Eastern Indonesia. Hull: The University of Hull Press, 1996, ix + 208 pp. - Dwight Y. King, Audrey R. Kahin, Subversion as foreign policy; The secret Eisenhower and Dulles debacle in Indonesia. New York: The New Press, 1995, 230 + 88 pp., George McT. Kahin (eds.) - Han Knapen, Harold Brookfield, In place of the forest; Environmental and socio-economic transformation in Borneo and the eastern Malay peninsula. Tokyo, New York, Paris: United Nations University Press, 1995, xiv + 310 pp. [UNU Studies on Critical Environmental Regions.], Lesley Potter, Yvonne Byron (eds.) - Niels Mulder, E. Paul Durrenberger, State power and culture in Thailand. New Haven: Yale University, Southeast Asia Studies, 1996, vii + 200 pp. [Monograph 43.] - Peter Pels, Margaret J. Wiener, Visible and invisible realms; Power, magic and colonial conquest in Bali. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, xiv + 445 pp. - Marie-Odette Scalliet, Annabel Teh Gallop, Early views of Indonesia; Drawings from the British Library. Pemandangan Indonesia di masa lampau; Seni gambar dari British Library. London: The British Library, Jakarta: Yayasan Lontar, 1995, 128 pp., 86 ill., 39 pl. - Cornelia M.I. van der Sluys, Marina Roseman, Healing sounds from the Malaysian rain forest; Temiar music and medicine. Berkeley, Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1993, xvii + 233 pp. - Cornelia M.I. van der Sluys, John D. Leary, Violence and the dream people; The Orang Asli in the Malayan emergency, 1948-1960. Athens, Ohio: Ohio University, Center for International Studies, 1995, xxiii + 238 pp. [Monographs in International Studies, Southeast Asia Series 95.] - H. Steinhauer, Darrell T. Tryon, Comparative Austronesian Dictionary; An introduction to Austronesian studies, Berlin, New York: Mouton de Gruyter, 1995, Part I, Fascicle I: xxviii pp + p.1-666; Fascicle II: xix pp + p.667-1197; Part II: xviii + 749 pp; Part III: xviii + 739 pp; Part IV: xviii + 767 pp. [Trends in Linguistics, Documentation 10 (Werner Winter and Richard A. Rhodes, eds).]
Taxonomic revision of the genus Prionopelta Mayr, 1866 (Formicidae: Amblyoponinae) for the Neotropical region
Authors: LADINO NATALIA , FEITOSA RODRIGO M.
Published: July 2020

The ant genus Prionopelta Mayr, 1866 is revised for the Neotropics. Morphological traits combined with geographical data led to the recognition of eight species, four of them described here as new: Prionopelta dubia sp. n., Prionopelta menininha sp. n., Prionopelta minuta sp. n., and Prionopelta tapatia sp. n. Prionopelta marthae Forel, 1909 is proposed as a new junior synonym of Prionopelta antillana Forel, 1909. External morphological descriptions of the worker caste for all species are provided, as well as for some of the males and queens, mostly described here for the first time. Identification keys for all known castes, distribution maps and high-resolution illustrations are supplied for all species.
Cockscomb-shaped twighopper, Cladonotus bhaskari sp. n., a new and rare pygmy grasshopper species from Sri Lanka (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae: Cladonotinae)
Authors: TUMBRINCK JOSEF , DERANJA MAKS , ADŽIĆ KARMELA , PAVLOVIĆ MARKO , SKEJO JOSIP
Published: July 2020

The paper describes a new species of a Sri Lankan twighopper, genus Cladonotus Saussure, 1862 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae: Cladonotini), C. bhaskari sp. n., based on a single female specimen collected and photographed by T. Kirschey in 2016 in Sinharaja rainforest (SW Sri Lanka). The new species is clearly distinguished from other species of the genus by its long and spine-like frontomedial projection and cockscomb-shaped promedial projection. Species of this genus resemble tiny twigs, hence the name ‘twighopper’. Our new specimen is the first known female of the genus, and we also present the first photograph of the member of this genus in the natural habitat. An annotated identification key for the Cladonotus species is provided. Furthermore, we synonymize genus Hypsaeus Bolívar, 1887 syn. nov. with Hymenotes Westwood, 1837, based on the pronotal variability of the leaf-like pygmy grasshoppers in the Philippines and introduce one new combination—Hymenotes westwoodi (Bolívar, 1887) comb. nov..
Three new species of the leafhopper genus Thagria Melichar (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Coelidiinae) from China
Authors: WANG XIAN-YI , LI ZI-ZHONG , DAI REN-HUAI
Published: July 2020

Three new species of the leafhopper genus Thagria from China, T. trifurcata sp. nov., T. denticosta sp. nov. and T. fimbriata sp. nov., are described, illustrated and photographed. In addition, T. lateralis Fan & Li, 2017 is placed as a new synonym of T. menglana Wang & Zhang, 2017.
Evaluation of Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies for Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Hota Salini , Parascandola Salvatore , Amdur Richard , Obias Vincent
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory intestinal disorder that can be managed surgically with a proctocolectomy. Minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery are available based on the surgeon’s preference and familiarity. To date, there is a paucity of literature evaluating the safety of these techniques in comparison to the open approach in patients with UC.

Methods

We surveyed the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database to select patients with the diagnosis of UC who underwent either robotic, laparoscopic, or open proctocolectomy between 2012 and 2017. A total of 2129 patients were included in the study. The 30-day postoperative outcomes were compared using multivariable logistic regression models after adjusting for confounding variables. The confounding variables were defined as any preoperative variable that was associated with the type of procedure.

Results

The 30-day postoperative outcomes reported in the NSQIP database were reviewed for each of the treatment groups (open, laparoscopic, and robotic). The anastomotic leak rate was significantly higher in the open group ( P = .022). The robotic and laparoscopic groups had significantly fewer occurrences of postoperative ileus ( P = .0006) and wound infections ( P < .0001). There were significantly more strokes, cardiac events, and pulmonary events in the open surgical group. Operative time was significantly shorter in the open group ( P < .0001). Reintervention rates were not significantly different among the groups.

Conclusions

Minimally invasive proctocolectomy has significantly fewer postoperative complications compared with open proctocolectomy for UC. There is no significant difference in the postoperative outcomes between robotic-assisted and laparoscopic proctocolectomy.
The missing group? Situating transnational contacts in defamilisation research
Authors: Yu Sam Wai Kam , Foster Liam , Chau Ruby Chui Man
Published: July 2020

Defamilisation research is increasingly seen as an important component of studies of welfare and social work. It is concerned with people’s vulnerability to defamilisation risks, which are caused by insufficient opportunities for people to choose whether and how they participate in the family. Despite an increasing emphasis on defamilisation research, there has been insufficient attention given to how studies of transnational contacts contribute to defamilisation research. This article argues for the need to expand the scope of defamilisation research to incorporate the concept of ‘transnational contact-led strategies’ using evidence from focus groups with Chinese older people in the United Kingdom.
COVID-19: Health disparities and social determinants of health
Authors: Burton Élan C , Bennett Delancy HS , Burton Linda M
Published: July 2020

Social determinants of health (SDH) describe how a person’s education, economic status, and overall environment affect their health outcomes. In the United States, a long history of resource inequities has existed, particularly for those from ethnic minority backgrounds. The following is a literature review of SDH from a historical context, current state, and through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 experience among slum dwellers in Nairobi: A double tragedy or useful lesson for public health reforms?
Authors: Nyadera Israel Nyaburi , Onditi Francis
Published: July 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the socio-economic and health dimensions of many societies across the world. For those in urban informal settlements, direct and indirect negative impacts of the pandemic and the resulting government policies have had devastating consequences on their livelihood. As the virus continues to spread rapidly, the more popular measures such as curfews, lockdown, and working from home have overlooked the fate of slum dwellers, who are left to choose between life and livelihood. This article examines the unique challenges people in informal settlements are facing during the pandemic. It focuses on the city of Nairobi, which has several informal settlements where more than 4 million people reside. The authors note that a combination of systematic marginalization, poor policies, and inadequate planning has left millions of people in Nairobi vulnerable to the direct and indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article concludes that as the virus continues to spread rapidly and the emerging socio-economic challenges undermine government’s capacity to respond to the crisis, support from other stakeholders such as social workers may have a positive impact.
Fiber-matrix interface improvement via glycidyl methacrylate compatibilization for rotomolded poly(lactic acid)/agave fiber biocomposites
Authors: Robledo-Ortíz Jorge Ramón , González-López Martín Esteban , Martín del Campo Alan Salvador , Peponi Laura , González-Nuñez Rubén , Rodrigue Denis , Pérez-Fonseca Aida Alejandra
Published: July 2020

The growing interest in research and development of eco-friendlier materials makes attractive the use of bio-based and biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA). However, the higher cost of PLA compared to conventional polymers limits its applications. Moreover, raw materials for rotational molding must be in a powder form, which further increases their cost. So, the main objective of this study was to use agave fibers to produce lower-cost PLA based rotomolded biocomposites (BC) without compromising its bio-sourced origin and to compare with a standard rotomolding resin: linear medium density polyethylene (LMDPE). To improve the fiber-matrix interface, a chemical surface treatment of the fibers with glycidyl methacrylate grafted polylactic acid (GMA-g-PLA) in solution was evaluated. The results showed that a better biocomposites’ morphology was obtained, especially with the fibers treated twice. The surface treatment was also shown to substantially improve the flexural and tensile properties of treated fiber biocomposites at higher fiber content (25% wt.) compared to those with untreated fiber. The surface treatment also led to a substantial reduction of the biocomposites porosity and water absorption. Overall, the samples were shown to have better mechanical properties than neat LMDPE while being eco-friendlier due to their bio-nature.
Future Time Perspective as an Operationalization of Existential Concerns Related to Time
Authors: Reed David E.
Published: July 2020

Psychologists and other clinical therapists often focus on the psychological processes that result from the fact that human beings will one day die, not death anxiety/afterlife anxiety itself. Nevertheless, existential concerns are death concerns, and any anxiety associated with death should be understood through that lens—as resulting from concerns about death. Understanding how one views the amount of time left to live, and how this perception influences motives, goal cognitions, mood, and well-being, is of great importance from a humanistic–existential perspective. Socioemotional selectivity theory and the concept of future time perspective (FTP) capture these phenomena and have the potential to operationalize perspectives of time constraints within existential psychology. The present work attempts to show how FTP may be used to operationalize the problem of time from an existential perspective, specifically targeting the existential themes of death, meaning, isolation, and freedom. Clinical implications of considering FTP as an existential construct are discussed, as are limitations and future directions.
Life in a Time of Plague and Beyond
Authors: Larson Paul C.
Published: July 2020

Plagues have come and gone throughout the course of human history. They can be extremely disruptive of societies through which they ravage and usually permanently change things even after the infections decrease. What can we learn from our past pandemics? What are the likely scenarios that could play out and to which professional mental health workers will have to respond? These topics will be examined herein.
Challenges and opportunities toward sustainable consumption and value addition of cashew apples in Tanzania
Authors: Dimoso Noel , Aluko Angela , Makule Edna , Kassim Neema
Published: July 2020

Cashew apple is an important healthy fruit due to its high nutrient contents, particularly vitamin C. However, its full potential is yet to be realized in low technological countries. This paper explores farmers’ consumption habits, processing methods, and utilization constraints faced. Also, osmotic-solar dried product was developed. In an exploratory survey, 600 farmers across the surveyed districts were interviewed. The study revealed that the majority of farmers consume raw cashew apples, with 61.9% consuming more than five fruits a day and about 56.0% consuming almost every day during the season. About 43.7% of farmers traditionally process cashew apple porridge and alcohol. Lack of knowledge on post-harvest handling (86.2%), and processing technologies (82.7%) were mostly claimed to hamper the utilization. The developed dried products retained 59.4% of total acidity, 37.4% of total ascorbic acid, and 68.5% tannins. In addition, the product received better sensory scores and overall acceptability. Though solar drying relies heavily on weather conditions, where possible it could be a better alternative to traditional methods. The combination of blanching, osmotic dehydration and solar drying could provide economically feasible value added products to both urban and rural settings and ultimately reduce the post-harvest losses and unleash their economic potential.
Development and Initial Validation of the Children’s Hardiness Scale
Authors: Soheili Fariba , Hosseinian Simin , Abdollahi Abbas
Published: July 2020

Several measures have been developed in the past decades to assess the dimensions of hardiness in adult populations, whereas the same for children has remained relatively understudied. The present research has sought to develop and validate children’s hardiness scale (CHS) to assess hardiness attitudes in the respondents with age categories ranging between 10 and 12. Relying on a mixed-method approach, the research has been conducted in two studies. In the first, using both deductive and inductive methods, items were generated. The Content and face validity of the items was explored. To determine factor structure afterward, the exploratory factor analysis was conducted. In the course of the second study, confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the scale’s dimensionality and factor structure. The significant correlation between CHS, academic hardiness, and perceived stress, demonstrated the construct validity of the scale. Using the convenience sampling method, a total sample of 641 children participated in both studies. The results demonstrated that the final scale in line with the hardiness theory comprised three subscales: “commitment”, “control”, and “challenge”. The scale revealed acceptable internal consistency, reliability, and construct validity. Overall, the results of the current research indicated that a 20-item CHS can be applied in evaluating children’s hardiness attitudes. Further studies are required, however, to assess the applicability of the scale in different cultural populations.
Modeling the Impact of Recommendations for Primary Care–Based Screening for Latent Tuberculosis Infection in California
Authors: Parriott Andrea , Kahn James G. , Ashki Haleh , Readhead Adam , Barry Pennan M. , Goodell Alex J. , Flood Jennifer , Shete Priya B.
Published: July 2020

Objective

Targeted testing and treatment of persons with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a critical component of the US tuberculosis (TB) elimination strategy. In January 2016, the California Department of Public Health issued a tool and user guide for TB risk assessment (California tool) and guidance for LTBI testing, and in September 2016, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued recommendations for LTBI testing in primary care settings. We estimated the epidemiologic effect of adherence to both recommendations in California.

Methods

We used an individual-based Markov micro-simulation model to estimate the number of cases of TB disease expected through 2026 with baseline LTBI strategies compared with implementation of the USPSTF or California tool guidance. We estimated the risk of LTBI by age and country of origin, the probability of being in a targeted population, and the probability of presenting for primary care based on available data. We assumed 100% adherence to testing guidance but imperfect adherence to treatment.

Results

Implementation of USPSTF and California tool guidance would result in nearly identical numbers of tests administered and cases of TB disease prevented. Perfect adherence to either recommendation would result in approximately 7000 cases of TB disease averted (40% reduction compared with baseline) by 2026. Almost all of this decline would be driven by a reduction in the number of cases among non–US-born persons.

Conclusions

By focusing on the non–US-born population, adherence to LTBI testing strategies recommended by the USPSTF and the California tool could substantially reduce the burden of TB disease in California in the next decade.