bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open and laparoscopic approaches are associated with comparable 90-day morbidity and mortality following ERAS protocol
Authors: Vasavada Bhavin B. , Patel Hardik
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The aim of this study is to compare 90-day mortality and morbidity between open and laparoscopic surgeries performed in one centre since the introduction of ERAS protocols.

Material and Methods

All gastrointestinal surgeries performed between April 2016 and March 2019 at our institution after the introduction of ERAS protocols have been analysed for morbidity and mortality. The analysis was performed in a retrospective manner using data from our prospectively maintained database.

Results

We performed 245 gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary surgeries between April 2016 and March 2019. The mean age of patients was 50.96 years. 135 were open surgeries and 110 were laparoscopic surgeries. The mean ASA score was 2.4, the mean operative time was 111 minutes and the mean CDC grade of surgery was 2.56. 40 were emergency surgeries and 205 were elective surgeries. Overall the 90-day mortality rate was 8.5% and the morbidity rate was around 9.79%. On univariate analysis morbidity was associated with a higher CDC grade of surgeries, a higher ASA grade, longer operating time, the use of more blood products, a longer hospital stay and open surgeries. HPB surgeries and luminal surgeries (non hpb gastrointestinal surgeries) were associated with 90 day post operative morbidity. On multivariate analysis no factors independently predicted morbidity. On univariate analysis 90-day mortality was predicted by the grade of surgeries, a higher ASA grade, longer operative time, the use of more blood products, open surgeries and emergency surgeries. However on multivariate analysis only the use of more blood products was independently associated with mortality

Conclusion

The 90-day mortality and morbidity rates between open and laparoscopic surgeries after the introduction of ERAS protocol were similar.
Exploring particulate matter pollution in hotel guestrooms
Authors: Chang Howook (Sean) , Huh Chang , Legendre Tiffany S. , Simpson John J.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

A growing number of travelers seek well-being when traveling. As concerning about outdoor air pollution in tourism destinations escalates, little is known about indoor air pollution in hotel guestrooms. The purpose of the present study is to assess particulate matter (PM) pollution in US hotel guestrooms and to provide baseline indoor PM readings in occupied and unoccupied rooms.

Design/methodology/approach

A series of field tests and experiments monitoring PM levels were conducted in the guestrooms overnight – with and without occupants – using the sophisticated, industrial-grade PM-monitoring equipment.

Findings

The results revealed that PM levels were very low when rooms were unoccupied or when guests were asleep. However, unhealthy PM mass concentrations were observed in occupied rooms when guests engaged in physical activity such as showering and walking around or while room attendants cleaned rooms. Among the physical activities, room cleaning caused hazardous indoor PM pollution, reaching 1,665.9 µg/m3 of PM10 and 140.4 µg/m3 of PM2.5 although they tended to be brief.

Research limitations/implications

Leveraging increasing guest demand in well-being is essential for sustainable business and further growth. Indoor air quality must be recognized as an important factor to be controlled for well-being and health of guests and employees. Major hotel brands should take it into consideration as they infuse well-being DNA into their products and culture.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first empirical investigation of PM pollution both in occupied and unoccupied hotel guestrooms in the USA, which reveals unhealthy PM pollution associated with the routine human activities in occupied guestrooms.
Innovation through tradition in design-intensive family firms
Authors: Magistretti Stefano , Dell’Era Claudio , Frattini Federico , Messeni Petruzzelli Antonio
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Several studies show that identity is a critical success factor in design-intensive industries, leading managers and executives to identify solutions that enable firms to simultaneously innovate while preserving their link with the past. Accordingly, scholars have recently revealed the role of the so-called innovation through tradition strategy. Thus, the purpose of this study/paper is to understand how design intensive firms may exploit knowledge pertaining to the past.

Design/methodology/approach

The research contributes to this line of inquiry by conducting a longitudinal analysis of two leading Italian design-intensive firms, B&B Italia and Cassina S.p.A. Specifically, through almost 30 h of interviews with 11 key informants and the analysis of various secondary sources, a unique database of over 900 products covering the period of 1960-2016 was developed.

Findings

The findings reveal that both firms leverage knowledge from the past mainly to preserve firm identity, as indicated by the two indicators used to capture the use of knowledge pertaining to the past (i.e., design tradition intensity and design tradition depth). In addition, the study shows that the values of these indicators significantly increase when ownership control shifts from family-based to fund-based.

Originality/value

The paper looks at design artifacts as a source of knowledge, exploring how they can support firms in reinforcing their identity. The original contribution to the design through traditional literature is in unveiling the product signs dimension of this particular innovation strategy.
Corporate social responsibility toward stakeholders and customer loyalty: investigating the roles of trust and customer identification with the company
Authors: Glaveli Niki
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to uncover the underlying multiple intervening mechanisms between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and customer loyalty. Social identity and social exchange theories offer the ground for prediction that the primary outcomes of CSR initiatives are customer–company (C–C) identification and customer trust, which in turn affect customer loyalty. Also, the differential effect of CSR behaviors toward specific stakeholder groups on customer attitudes and behaviors are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 333 customers of telecommunication companies in Greece. Structural equation modeling was used to test the postulated relationships.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that both C–C identification and customer trust intervene in the relationship between customer perceptions of CSR and customer loyalty; however, the identification mechanism is stronger than the trust mechanism in building customer loyalty while C–C identification seems to drive customer trust. Moreover, out of the three CSR components (customers, employees, and society/environment) that were considered as relevant to customers and were investigated, customer-centric activities were found to be the stronger predictor of both C–C identification and customer trust. Also, CSR toward society/environment was found to positively influence C–C identification.

Practical implications

The findings of this research can assist practitioners in effectively conceptualizing CSR image from a customers’ point of view and designing their company’s CSR and communication strategies to boost positive customer responses and strong long-term relationships.

Originality/value

The current study provides further insights into the complex relationship between CSR and customer responses and the impact that different CSR activities may have on customers.
Influence of the 2011 Tohoku tsunami on the genetic structure of wild sea urchin (Mesocentrotus nudus) populations in Sanriku, Japan
Authors: Adachi Kenta , Suzuki Takuya , Okumura Sei‐ichi , Funayama Shohei , Moriyama Shunsuke
Published: April 2020

Sea urchin (Mesocentrotus nudus) is a major marine resource of Sanriku off the Pacific Coast, Japan, that includes Aomori, Iwate, and Miyagi Prefectures. Using six microsatellites and three mitochondrial DNA regions, we aimed to characterize genetic diversity of M. nudus before and after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake in Sanriku's Touni and Okirai Bays. Although mass death during the Tohoku disaster likely reduced genetic diversity in M. nudus populations, we did not find significant genetic differentiation spatially (between the two bays) or temporally (pre‐ and post‐earthquake). Our data also suggest that M. nudus in Sanriku experienced a population expansion approximately 19–9 thousand years ago, during the long‐lasting, stable, and warm environment after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). We conclude that these M. nudus populations maintained their genetic structure throughout multiple disastrous tsunamis over the past several millennia; thus, they were also able to maintain their natural genetic structure and diversity after the 2011 earthquake.
Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 is under global metabolic control by PII signaling
Authors: Scholl Jörg , Dengler Lisa , Bader Laura , Forchhammer Karl
Published: April 2020

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is the second major carbon‐fixing enzyme in photoautotrophic organisms. PEPC is required for the synthesis of amino acids of the glutamate and aspartate family by replenishing the TCA cycle. Furthermore, in cyanobacteria, PEPC, together with malate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme, forms a metabolic shunt for the synthesis of pyruvate from PEP. During this process, CO2 is first fixed and later released again. Due to its central metabolic position, it is crucial to fully understand the regulation of PEPC. Here, we identify PEPC from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (PEPC) as a novel interaction partner for the global signal transduction protein PII. In addition to an extensive characterization of PEPC, we demonstrate specific PII–PEPC complex formation and its enzymatic consequences. PEPC activity is tuned by the metabolite‐sensing properties of PII: Whereas in the absence of PII, PEPC is subjected to ATP inhibition, it is activated beyond its basal activity in the presence of PII. Furthermore, PII–PEPC complex formation is inhibited by ADP and PEPC activation by PII‐ATP is mitigated in the presence of 2‐OG, linking PEPC regulation to the cell's global carbon/nitrogen status. Finally, physiological relevance of the in vitro measurements was proven by metabolomic analyses of Synechocystis wild‐type and PII‐deficient cells.
Spatial distribution and aggregation of Xenobalanus globicipitis on the flukes of striped dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba: An indicator of host hydrodynamics?
Authors: Moreno‐Colom Patricia , Ten Sofía , Raga Juan Antonio , Aznar Francisco Javier
Published: April 2020

We analyzed patterns of aggregation and spatial distribution of the epizoic barnacle Xenobalanus globicipitis on the flukes of Mediterranean striped dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba, assessing its potential use as an indicator of the host's hydrodynamics based on data from 55 dolphins. Barnacles occurred along the trailing edge with the cirri oriented towards the oncoming flow. Nearest neighbor analyses suggested that new recruits actively seek placement next to already settled barnacles, forming aggregations possibly to facilitate copulation. The probability of spanwise settlement strongly increased with fluke width (presumably enabling prolonged leading‐edge vorticity), and with chordwise length where pressure is predicted to be positive. Consequently, clustering tended to increase nonlinearly towards the fluke notch. Furthermore, it was three times more likely for barnacles to occur on the dorsal vs. ventral side of flukes, at an average abundance ca. 12 times higher. This difference could result from a host's asymmetric oscillation of the tail, which would alter leading‐edge vorticity, and/or an interaction between the wake produced by the dorsal fin and the flow associated with flukes. Both processes could primarily enhance cyprid contact and/or attachment on the dorsal side. This study offers a starting point for future comparison with other cetaceans.
Acquisition of skin characteristics by Monte Carlo modeling and evolutionary setting of parameters
Authors: Cantú Rodríguez José Mario , Puente Ramírez Norma Patricia , Montes Tapia Fernando Félix , Torres Treviño Luis Martín
Published: April 2020

Background

In this paper, we present the intelligent system to characterize optically human skin; our proposal is a non‐invasive way to obtain some parameters of the skin such as the concentration of hemoglobin, water percentages, and thickness of the layers of the skin.

Material and methods

To achieve the objective of this work, we used an experimental technique called diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry and numerical calculations, such as the Monte Carlo method and the evolutionary algorithm Evonorm.

Results

Five case studies were performed. In the first two cases with the Monte Carlo method, a simulated diffuse reflectance was obtained with proposed parameters in order to compare the parameters obtained by the evolutionary algorithm and the proposed parameters. In the rest of the cases, an experimental diffuse reflectance obtained from volunteers was used.

Conclusions

Numerical modeling was presented to non‐invasively detect some parameters of the skin such as hemoglobin concentration, water percentages, and the thickness of the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. It was proposed to use evolutionary algorithms for being robust methods for the optimization of complex problems with a reasonable computational cost.
Black phosphorus quantum dots in inorganic perovskite thin films for efficient photovoltaic application
Authors: Gong Xiu , Guan Li , Li Qingwei , Li Yan , Zhang Tao , Pan Han , Sun Qiang , Shen Yan , Grätzel Carole , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Grätzel Michael , Wang Mingkui
Published: April 2020

Black phosphorus quantum dots for efficient photovoltaic application.
High-resolution 4-D acquisition of freely swimming human sperm cells without staining
Authors: Dardikman-Yoffe Gili , Mirsky Simcha K. , Barnea Itay , Shaked Natan T.
Published: April 2020

We present a new high-resolution stain-free imaging method for optical CT of individual sperm cells during free swim.
Exploiting equilibrium-kinetic synergetic effect for separation of ethylene and ethane in a microporous metal-organic framework
Authors: Ding Qi , Zhang Zhaoqiang , Yu Cong , Zhang Peixin , Wang Jun , Cui Xili , He Chao-Hong , Deng Shuguang , Xing Huabin
Published: April 2020

A phosphate-anion pillared metal-organic framework can separate ethylene and ethane through synergism of equilibrium and kinetics.
First-line oxygen therapy with high-flow in bronchiolitis is not cost saving for the health service
Authors: Gc Vijay S , Franklin Donna , Whitty Jennifer A , Dalziel Stuart R , Babl Franz E , Schlapbach Luregn J , Fraser John F , Craig Simon , Neutze Jocelyn , Oakley Ed , Schibler Andreas
Published: April 2020

Background

Bronchiolitis is the most common reason for hospital admission in infants. High-flow oxygen therapy has emerged as a new treatment; however, the cost-effectiveness of using it as first-line therapy is unknown.

Objective

To compare the cost of providing high-flow therapy as a first-line therapy compared with rescue therapy after failure of standard oxygen in the management of bronchiolitis.

Methods

A within-trial economic evaluation from the health service perspective using data from a multicentre randomised controlled trial for hypoxic infants (≤12 months) admitted to hospital with bronchiolitis in Australia and New Zealand. Intervention costs, length of hospital and intensive care stay and associated costs were compared for infants who received first-line treatment with high-flow therapy (early high-flow, n=739) or for infants who received standard oxygen and optional rescue high-flow (rescue high-flow, n=733). Costs were applied using Australian costing sources and are reported in 2016–2017 AU$.

Results

The incremental cost to avoid one treatment failure was AU$1778 (95% credible interval (CrI) 207 to 7096). Mean cost of bronchiolitis treatment including intervention costs and costs associated with length of stay was AU$420 (95% CrI −176 to 1002) higher per infant in the early high-flow group compared with the rescue high-flow group. There was an 8% (95% CrI 7.5 to 8.6) likelihood of the early high-flow oxygen therapy being cost saving.

Conclusions

The use of high-flow oxygen as initial therapy for respiratory failure in infants with bronchiolitis is unlikely to be cost saving to the health system, compared with standard oxygen therapy with rescue high-flow.
Intraocular pressure changes following topical ocular hypotensive medications washout
Authors: Ho Henrietta , Daas Arij , Ho Jason , Alaghband Pouya , Galvis Elizabeth Angela , de Antonio Ramirez Alba , Grassi Piergiacomo , Lim Rongxuan , Lim Kin Sheng
Published: April 2020

Background

To review the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) following topical hypotensive medications washout in patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), ocular hypertension (OHT) and uveitic glaucoma (UG)/OHT.

Methods

The study included 120 patients with POAG, OHT and UG recruited from prospective clinical trials between February 2013 and July 2017. We excluded 20 eyes with IOP of ≤21 mm Hg, 11 eyes with previous incisional surgery and 17 eyes with incomplete data. UG eyes with active inflammation and on steroid treatment were excluded. Participants underwent a 1-month washout period from topical ocular hypotensive medications before IOP phasing. Comparisons were made between pre/post-washout IOP, and highest-recorded (peak) and post-washout IOP.

Results

A total of 110 eyes with POAG, 33 eyes with OHT and 43 eyes with UG were included for analysis. The mean pre-washout IOP was 18.1±3.3 mm Hg in POAG, 18.8±3.3 mm Hg in OHT and 17.9±8.8 mm Hg in UG; the mean post-washout IOP was 26.6±4.8 mm Hg, 26.4±3.9 mm Hg, 23.1±10.1 mm Hg in POAG, OHT and UG, respectively. The mean increase in IOP after washout was significantly lower in UG compared with POAG and OHT eyes (p=0.01). The percentage of eyes with post-washout IOP <22 mm Hg was 12.7% in POAG, 6.1% in OHT and 51.2% in UG.

Conclusion

Active inflammation and steroid treatment contributes to elevated IOP in uveitis. Therefore, IOP may revert to normal once inflammation subsides. We recommend ocular hypotensive treatment washout to be considered in UG eyes that have IOP under control in the absence of recurrence of uveitis.
Estimating the incidence of abortion: using the Abortion Incidence Complications Methodology in Ghana, 2017
Authors: Polis Chelsea B , Castillo Philicia W , Otupiri Easmon , Keogh Sarah C , Hussain Rubina , Nakua Emmanuel K. , Larsen-Reindorf Roderick , Bell Suzanne O
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Induced abortion is legally permitted in Ghana under specific conditions, but access to services that meet guidelines approved by government is limited. As part of a larger project comparing five methodologies to estimate abortion incidence, we implemented an indirect estimation approach: the Abortion Incidence Complications Methodology (AICM), to understand the incidence of abortion in Ghana in 2017.

Methods

We drew a nationally representative, two-stage, stratified sample of health facilities. We used information from 539 responding facilities to estimate treated complications stemming from illegal induced abortions, and to estimate the number of legal abortions provided. We used information from 146 knowledgeable informants to generate zonal multipliers representing the inverse of the proportion of illegal induced abortions treated for complications in facilities in Ghana’s three ecological zones. We applied multipliers to estimates of treated complications from illegal abortions, and added legal abortions to obtain an annual estimate of all induced abortions.

Results

The AICM approach suggests that approximately 200 000 abortions occurred in Ghana in 2017, corresponding to a national abortion rate of 26.8 (95% CI 21.7 to 31.9) per 1000 women 15–49. Abortion rates were lowest in the Northern zone (18.6) and highest in the Middle zone (30.4). Of all abortions, 71% were illegal.

Conclusion

Despite Ghana’s relatively liberal abortion law and efforts to expand access to safe abortion services, illegal induced abortion appears common. A concurrently published paper compares the AICM-derived estimates presented in this paper to those from other methodological approaches.
Retracted: Cognitive–behavioural therapy combined with music therapy for chronic fatigue following Epstein-Barr virus infection in adolescents: a feasibility study
Authors: Malik Sadaf , Asprusten Tarjei Tørre , Pedersen Maria , Mangersnes Julie , Trondalen Gro , van Roy Betty , Skovlund Eva , Wyller Vegard Bruun
Published: April 2020

This article has been retracted
Efficacy of psychological therapies for irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Black Christopher J , Thakur Elyse R , Houghton Lesley A , Quigley Eamonn M M , Moayyedi Paul , Ford Alexander C
Published: April 2020

Objectives

National guidelines for the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) recommend that psychological therapies should be considered, but their relative efficacy is unknown, because there have been few head-to-head trials. We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis to try to resolve this uncertainty.

Design

We searched the medical literature through January 2020 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing efficacy of psychological therapies for adults with IBS, compared with each other, or a control intervention. Trials reported a dichotomous assessment of symptom status after completion of therapy. We pooled data using a random effects model. Efficacy was reported as a pooled relative risk (RR) of remaining symptomatic, with a 95% CI to summarise efficacy of each comparison tested, and ranked by therapy according to P score.

Results

We identified 41 eligible RCTs, containing 4072 participants. After completion of therapy, the psychological interventions with the largest numbers of trials, and patients recruited, demonstrating efficacy included self-administered or minimal contact cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) (RR 0.61; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.83, P score 0.66), face-to-face CBT (RR 0.62; 95% CI 0.48 to 0.80, P score 0.65) and gut-directed hypnotherapy (RR 0.67; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.91, P score 0.57). After completion of therapy, among trials recruiting only patients with refractory symptoms, group CBT and gut-directed hypnotherapy were more efficacious than either education and/or support or routine care, and CBT via the telephone, contingency management, CBT via the internet and dynamic psychotherapy were all superior to routine care. Risk of bias of trials was high, with evidence of funnel plot asymmetry; the efficacy of psychological therapies is therefore likely to have been overestimated.

Conclusions

Several psychological therapies are efficacious for IBS, although none were superior to another. CBT-based interventions and gut-directed hypnotherapy had the largest evidence base and were the most efficacious long term.

Trial registration number

The study protocol was published on the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (registration number CRD 42020163246).
Why NIPT should be publicly funded
Authors: Bunnik Eline Maria , Kater-Kuipers Adriana , Galjaard Robert-Jan H , de Beaufort Inez
Published: April 2020

Asking pregnant women to (co)pay for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) out of pocket leads to unequal access across socioeconomic strata. To avoid these social justice issues, first-trimester prenatal screening should be publicly funded in countries such as the Netherlands, with universal coverage healthcare systems that offer all other antenatal care services and screening programmes free of charge. In this reply, we offer three additional reasons for public funding of NIPT. First, NIPT may not primarily have medical utility for women and children, but rather offers relevant information and reproductive options, and thus serves important autonomy interests of women. Second, public funding of NIPT can be justified because it results in a reduction of collectively borne costs associated with care and support for children with chromosomal abnormalities. It is important to note that this isnotan argument for individual women to take part in screening or to terminate an affected pregnancy. However, itisa legitimate argument in policy making regarding funding arrangements for screening programmes. Finally, public funding would help to amend current misunderstandings among pregnant women (eg, that they are not at risk), and thus to support informed consent for first-trimester prenatal screening.
Tobacco imagery in on-demand streaming content popular among adolescents and young adults in India: implications for global tobacco control
Authors: Arora Monika , Nazar Gaurang P , Chugh Aastha , Rawal Tina , Shrivastava Surbhi , Sinha Praveen , Munish Vineet Gill , Tullu Fikru Tesfaye , Schotte Kerstin , Polansky Jonathan R , Glantz Stanton
Published: April 2020

Background

India implemented tobacco-free film and TV rules (Rules) to protect adolescents and young adults from tobacco exposure.

Objective

To assess tobacco imagery in online series popular among adolescents and young adults.

Methods

Ten popular online series on streaming platforms were identified after discussions with participants (aged 15–24 years) in New Delhi, and content-coded for tobacco imagery following the Breathe California protocol. Incidents of tobacco use and brand appearances in each series episode were counted, and compliance with Indian Rules was recorded.

Results

188 episodes across 10 series on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video were coded. Seven series were rated age 16+, two were 18+ and one was 13+. The median number of tobacco incidents per episode in foreign productions was as follows: Amazon’s ‘The Marvellous Mrs Maisel’ (87.5, IQR 62.0–116.0) and Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ (29.0, 18.0–36.0) were higher than Indian productions: Netflix’s ‘Sacred Games’ (9.0, 0.5–14.5) and Amazon’s ‘Mirzapur’ (7.0, 4.0–11.0) (p=0.84). Tobacco incidents per hour ranged from 0 (Bodyguard, Riverdale, 13 Reasons Why) to 106.1 (The Marvellous Mrs Maisel). Seven of 10 series had tobacco imagery and none were compliant with the Rules.

Conclusion

Contrary to Section 5 of India’s Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, its Rules are not being complied with by the streaming platforms. US-produced streaming media contains more tobacco incidents than Indian-produced media. There is an urgent need for better enforcement of existing Rules on streaming platforms in India, and modernisation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Article 13 guidelines to account for new streaming platforms to protect youth from tobacco imagery globally.
Acute, fulminant hepatic and renal failure and subsequent death following Amanita phalloides ingestion in a 4‐month‐old puppy
Authors: Amorim Catarina
Published: April 2020

This report documents a case of intoxication and subsequent death following ingestion of Amanita phalloides occurring in a 4‐month‐old cocker spaniel. The patient presented for investigation of acute vomiting, icterus and progressive obtundation. Clinical history identified exposure and ingestion of mushrooms on the day of presentation. Serum biochemistry revealed marked hypoglycaemia, hyperbilirubinaemia, increased serum alanine transferase and alkaline phosphatase activity. Within 24 hours, the patient’s mentation worsened and anuria was identified. Serial biochemistry analysis revealed worsening of hepatic parameters and impaired renal function. Mushrooms provided by the owner were later identified as A phalloides species by a fungal expert. Based on the patient’s clinical presentation and diagnostic investigations, the presumptive diagnosis was acute hepatic and renal failure following mushroom ingestion. Unfortunately, death occurred within 36 hours despite aggressive therapeutic measures.
Dental Phobia among Pregnant Women: Considerations for Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Nazir Muhammad , Alhareky Muhanad
Published: April 2020

Objective. To report the prevalence of dental phobia and associated factors among pregnant women.Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional study included pregnant women visiting hospitals in Dhahran, Khobar, and Dammam in Saudi Arabia. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to assess dental anxiety and phobia. The score of MDAS ranges from 5 to 25, and a cutoff value of 19 was used to identify participants with dental phobia.Results. The study analyzed data of 825 participants with mean age of 29.08 ± 5.18 years. The prevalence of dental phobia was 16.1%. About 46.9% of the sample believed that dental treatment should be avoided during pregnancy, and the importance of regular dental checkup was recognized by 16.4% of the participants. Dental phobia was associated with the perception of the health of teeth (P0.004) and gums (P0.016). Multiple logistic regression showed that being under the age of 30 years (OR 0.63, P 0.019) and updating knowledge about oral health (OR 0.49,P0.006) were significantly associated with reduced likelihood of dental phobia. However, having bad dental experience (OR 2.13,P0.001) and being in first trimester of pregnancy (OR 1.57,P0.033) were significantly associated with increased odds of dental phobia.Conclusions. A considerable proportion of pregnant women reported dental phobia. The bad dental experience was associated with increased dental phobia. However, reduced likelihood of dental phobia was associated with updating oral health knowledge. Healthcare professionals may consider these factors to reduce dental phobia and improve oral health of pregnant women.
On Marginal Automorphisms of Free Nilpotent Lie Algebras
Authors: Öztekin Özge
Published: April 2020

Let L be the free nilpotent Lie algebra of finite rank over a field of characteristic zero. We define the concepts of marginal ideals and marginal automorphisms of L, and we give some results on marginal automorphisms.
Spinal-Pelvic Dissociation in Pregnancy: Surgical Fixation of Culture-Negative Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Taha Ali , Rogers Jessica , Bishop Timothy , Lui Darren F. , Ghosh Madhusree , Gillespie Paul
Published: April 2020

A 33-year-old gravid female from Pakistan presented to the Emergency Department with persistent, intractable low back pain and neuropathic left L5 leg pain, associated with a left foot drop. There was a notable history of weight loss for 1 year. Investigations revealed a large collection in the right posterior paraspinal muscles tracking from a large bony defect in the right half of her sacrum extending into the pelvis. The collection was suggestive of an abscess and underwent US-guided aspiration. Culture, PCR examination, and bone biopsy were culture-negative for tuberculosis (TB). Samples taken from the placenta showed two small granulomata in the chorionic villi only. A multidisciplinary approach commenced with initiation of empirical TB treatment and attempted normal vaginal delivery. An urgent caesarean section for the delivery of the baby was required for failure to proceed. Spinal-pelvic stabilization in two stages was performed for the unstable fracture pattern, followed by pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy rehabilitation. At 12-month follow-up, the patient showed resolving TB and eradication of the paraspinal abscess. There was bony union and stability of the spinal-pelvic reconstruction. Back pain and sciatica can be common in pregnancy. However, this case highlights a rare occurrence of culture-negative extrapulmonary TB leading to an unstable spinal-pelvic fracture requiring a multidisciplinary approach for careful obstetric and orthopaedic treatment with empirical treatment by the infectious disease team and microbiology.
Consumidores conscientes no cenário da moda global
Authors: Saldanha Patrícia Gonçalves , Arantes Hellen Rodrigues
Published: April 2020

O objetivo do presente trabalho é refletir sobre a coexistência dos movimentos dos chamados consumidores conscientes face ao consumo exacerbado no cenário contemporâneo à luz da Publicidade Social Afirmativa para avaliar um caso de consumo de moda. Trata-se de um trabalho de natureza teórica, com base em pesquisa qualitativa (com entrevista em profundidade), pesquisa bibliográfica e análise semiótica de postagem no Instagram da Mig Jeans, nosso objeto de estudos.
Ocean Governance and Hybridity
Authors: Reinke de Buitrago Sybille , Schneider Patricia
Published: April 2020

In interstate and international interaction, norm breaking is a frequent occurrence and cause of conflict. This article discusses how to deal with such behavior when it occurs in maritime space. The particularities of distinct maritime spaces and their level of regulation provide distinct opportunities. States may then take a hybrid approach by taking into account international law in more regulated areas, but seeking alternatives in less regulated ones. To discourage norm breaking and to promote cooperative approaches toward shared challenges in maritime space, stronger ocean governance that considers hybridity seems important. The article discusses these aspects in the three cases of the Arctic, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean and derives first lessons for strengthened ocean governance.
Cambial phenology in Abies pindrow (Pinaceae) along an altitudinal gradient in northwestern Himalaya
Authors: Malik Rayees , Rossi Sergio , Sukumar Raman
Published: April 2020

Climate change is expected to be heterogeneous across the world, with high impacts on the Himalayan ecosystems. There is a need to precisely document cambial phenology and wood formation in these regions to better understand climate-growth relationships and how trees face a warming climate. This study describes the dynamics of cambial phenology in pindrow fir (Abies pindrow) along its altitudinal gradient in the Himalaya. The stages of xylem phenology, and the duration and rate of wood formation were assessed from anatomical observations during the growing season from samples collected weekly from three sites at various altitudes (2392–2965 m a.s.l.) over two years. There were significant differences in the duration and rate of cell formation along the altitudinal gradient, which decreased at increasing altitudes. The growing season duration decreased by 5.2 and 3.7 days every 100 m of increase in altitude in 2014 and 2015, respectively, while the rate of cell formation decreased from 0.38 and 0.44 cells /day to 0.29 and 0.34 cells/day in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Cell production decreased from 63.3 and 67.0 cells to 38.3 and 45.2 cells with a decrease of 4.3 and 3.8 cells per 100 m increase in altitude in 2014 and 2015, respectively. The higher precipitation in 2015 increased the growth rate and resulted in a higher xylem production. Our findings give new insights into the dynamics of cambial phenology and help in better understanding of the potential impacts of climate change on tree growth and forest productivity of Himalayan forests.
Effect of Catalyst Thickness and Plasma Pretreatment on the Growth of Carbon Nanotubes and Their Field Emission Properties
Authors: Uh Hyung Soo , Park Sang Sik , Kim Byung Whan
Published: April 2020

We demonstrated that the diameter and the density of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which had a close relation to electric-field-screening effect could be easily changed by the control of catalytic Ni thickness combined with NH3 plasma pretreatment. Since the diameter and the density
of CNTs had a tremendous impact on the field-emission characteristics, optimized thickness of catalyst and application of plasma pretreatment greatly improved the emission efficiency of CNTs. In the field emission test using diode-type configuration, well-dispersed thinner CNTs exhibited lower
turn-on voltage and higher field enhancement factor than the densely-packed CNTs. A CNT film grown using a plasma-pretreated 25 Å-thick Ni catalyst showed excellent field emission characteristics with a very low turn-on field of 1.1 V/μm @ 10 μA/cm2
and a high emission current density of 1.9 mA/cm2 @ 4.0 V/μm, respectively.
A New Synthesis Route to Nanocrystalline Olivine Phosphates and Their Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Kim D. H. , Im J. S. , Kang J. W. , Kim E. J. , Ahn H. Y. , Kim J.
Published: April 2020

LiFePO4 nanoparticles were synthesized in various polyol mediums without any further heating. The LiFePO4 samples synthesized in polyol mediums exhibited average sizes of 20, 20, 50, and 50 nm with orthorhombic-like shapes. The XRD patterns were indexed on the
basis of an olivine structure (space group : Pnma) except for the sample prepared in EG polyol medium. The LiFePO4 samples prepared in EG, DEG, TEG, and TrEG polyol mediums show the reversible capacity of 120mA h/g, 144 mA h/g, 159 mA h/g, and 167 mA h/g at current density of 0.1
mA/cm2 with no capacity fading and excellent cycle retentions during extended cycles. Especially, the samples showed the excellent performances at high rate of 30 C and 60 C with high capacity retention. It is a speculation that nanometer size materials (∼50 nm) and a uniform
size-distribution with highly crystallined phase may affect the excellent performances at high rate current densities.
Cellular Toxicity of Inorganic Hydroxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Choi Soo-Jin , Oh Jae-Min , Park Taeun , Choy Jin-Ho
Published: April 2020

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), anionic clays, have attracted increasing interest as nanovehicles for delivering genes, drugs, and bio-active molecules into cells. However, no attempts have been made to evaluate the potential undesirable effects of LDH nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity
of LDHs with different chemical compositions (ZnAl- and MgAl-LDH) was systematically evaluated in various cell types, such as human normal cells, carcinoma cells, and red blood cells, by measuring cell viability, cell proliferation, membrane damage, and hemolytic effect. No significant cytotoxic
effects could be seen in both cases, but ZnAl-LDH was determined to be slightly more toxic than MgAl-LDH in terms of membrane damage and hemolysis induction. It is, therefore, expected that LDHs could be promising candidates for novel inorganic drug delivery carriers.
Atomistic Simulation of Boron Diffusion with Charged Defects and Diffusivity in Strained Si/SiGe
Authors: Kim Young-Kyu , Yoon Kwan-Sun , Kim Joong-Sik , Won Taeyoung
Published: April 2020

We discuss the boron diffusion in a biaxial tensile strained {001} Si and SiGe layer with kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) method. We created a strain in silicon by adding a germanium mole fraction in silicon in order to perform a theoretical analysis. The generation of a strain in silicon
influences in the diffusivity as well as the penetration profile during the implantation. The strain energy for the charged defects has been calculated from the ab-initio calculation while the diffusivity of boron was extracted from the Arrhenius formula. Hereby, the influence of the
germanium content on the dopant diffusivity was estimated. Our KMC study revealed that the diffusion of the B atoms was retarded with increasing Germanium mole fraction in a strained silicon layer. Furthermore, we derived a functional dependence of the in-plane strain as well as the out-of-plane
strain on the germanium mole fraction, which lies in the distribution of equivalent stresses along the Si/SiGe interface.
Quantum Mechanical Device Modeling: FinFET Having an Isolated n+/p+ Gate Region Strapped with Poly-Silicon
Authors: Kim Han-Geon , Kim Joong-Sik , Kim Young-Kyu , Won Taeyoung
Published: April 2020

In this paper, we present our numerical study on FinFET having an isolated n+/p+ gate region strapped with metal and poly-silicon structure. Our theoretical work is based on 2-Dquantum-mechanical simulator with a self-consistent solution of Poisson-Schrödinger equation. Our numerical
simulation revealed that the threshold voltage (VT) is controlled within −0.1∼+0.2 V with varying the doping concentration of the n+ and p+ polysilicon gate region from 1.0 × 1017 to 1.0 × 1018 cm−3. We also confirmed
that the better VT tolerance of the FinFET on the variation of the fin thickness can be expected over the conventional FinFET structure. For instance, the VT of the FinFET under this work exhibited 0.02 V tolerance with respect to the variation of the fin
thickness change of 5 nm (from 30 to 35 nm) while the traditional FinFET demonstrates the tolerance of 0.12 V for the same variation of the fin thickness.
Resistance Switching Characteristics of HfO2 Film with Electrode for Resistance Change Random Access Memory
Authors: Park In-Sung , Lee Joo-Ho , Lee Sunwoo , Ahn Jinho
Published: April 2020

The electrode dependent resistance switching behaviors of amorphous HfO2 films grown by atomic layer deposition were systematically investigated. The low and high resistance states were successfully achieved for all the metal-insulator-metal resistor systems with Mo, Ru,
and Pt symmetric electrodes. The characteristic reset and set voltages as well as the dynamic resistance ratio of the resistor device are strongly dependent on the electrode material with different work function. In addition, the different features for switching voltages with electrode are
shown with annealing temperature.
Photonic Polymer Replicas from Distributed Bragg Reflectors Structured Porous Silicon
Authors: Kim Jihoon , Koh Youngdae , Jang Seunghyun , Ko Young Chun , Woo Hee-Gweon , Sohn Honglae
Published: April 2020

Well defined 1-dimentional (1-D) photonic crystals of polymer replicas have been successfully obtained. DBR porous silicon containing nanometer-scale pores are prepared by an anodic electrochemical etch of p++-type silicon wafer. The resulting DBR porous silicon film removed
from the substrate by applying an electropolishing current has been thermally oxidized in the furnace at 400 °C for 3 h. Oxidized DBR PSi/polystyrene composite films are prepared by casting of polymer solution onto a free-standing porous silicon photonic crystal layer. Flexible photonic
polymer replicas have been prepared after the removal of oxidized DBR PSi matrix in HF/H2O mixture solution. Polymer replicas exhibit a sharp resonance in the reflectivity spectrum. Optical characteristics of photonic polymer replica indicate that the surface of polymer film has
a negative structure of DBR PSi. This replica is stable in aqueous solutions for several days without any degradation.
Effect of Pre-Existing Oxide Film on the Electrochemical Fabrication of Nanoporous Alumina Film
Authors: Ryu Jaemin , Ko Eunseong , Kang Jinwook , Tak Yongsug
Published: April 2020

Different thickness of barrier-type oxide film was intentionally grown on the Al metal surface and the effect of barrier film on the formation of nanoporous aluminum oxide film during anodization was investigated to control the nanopore structure. Analysis of potential transients during
anodization indicated that anodic oxide film is initially overlaid on the barrier film but the anodic film is more facile to dissolve than barrier film. As the thickness of barrier film increases, both nanopore diameter and density decrease but the pore length is irrespective of barrier-film
thickness.
Study on Fracture Behavior of Surface Treated Montmorillonite/Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Ha Sung-Rok , Rhee Kyong-Yop , Kim Hee-Cheul , Kim Jeong-Tai , Park Soo-Jin
Published: April 2020

It is known that the mechanical properties of clay-reinforced nanocomposites are significantly affected by the dispersion of clay particles in the matrix. In this study, the effect of surface-treatment of Montmorillonite (MMT) on the fracture behavior of MMT/epoxy nanocomposite was
investigated. For this purpose, fracture tests were performed using samples with three different clay concentration level. After fracture tests, SEM analysis was made on the fracture surfaces to examine the fracture mechanism. It was found that the MMT treatment using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane
enhanced the fracture toughness increased of the MMT/epoxy nanocomposite. This is due to the improved intercalation effect and interfacial strength between MMT and epoxy matrix.
Valuation on financial markets: Calculations of emotions and emotional calculations
Authors: Lange Markus , Scheve Christian von
Published: April 2020

How do actors on financial markets transform the plethora of informational signals into concrete valuations of traded assets? How do they make decisions in an environment characterized by fundamental uncertainty? Although there is a rich tradition in economic sociology suggesting that emotions and other subjective factors play a decisive role in this regard, empirical studies of their relevance for economic action have remained rare. The present study seeks to fill this void. It investigates the emotional underpinnings of the practices of financial valuation in the German financial sector. Drawing on in-depth interviews with, and ethnographic observations of day traders and fund managers, the study shows that emotions are essential ingredients of their collective calculative practices. Results of the present study yield three empirically grounded key concepts that advance understanding of emotions in financial valuation: First, subjectively experienced market feelings enable traders and managers to imagine imminent market futures. Second, market sentiments reflect traders’ attributions of specific emotional qualities to financial markets and facilitate their understanding of market behaviour. Third, floor emotions are collective emotions in which traders become involved in organizations and on trading floors that help mitigate situational uncertainty.
Image recognition and diagnosis for vibration characteristics of cone valve core
Authors: Li Beibei , Yan Jingwei , Zhao Qiao , He Jie , Li Ruirui , Liu Xiumei
Published: April 2020

Research on vibration characteristics of hydraulic valves is helpful to improve the performance of the hydraulic valve. In this article, a visualization experimental method is designed to capture the cone valve core vibration, and the image sequence of the vibration is obtained. And the least-squares contour fitting of the valve core is proposed to analyze the vibration characteristics of the valve core, which could eliminate noise in the vibration signal and improve accuracy. The difference of the least-squares variance between adjacent data points obtained by least-squares contour fitting is one order of magnitude smaller than corner detection method, while the signal-to-noise ratio is more than twice the corner detection. Furthermore, the frequency spectrum and amplitude of the valve core vibration are also discussed. The deviation of the valve core from the coordinate origin will increase with increasing of the pressure difference and decreasing of the pre-compression of the spring and the amplitude of vibration increases too. The vibration signal of the valve core under different conditions has similar frequency spectrum, which is mainly composed of the vibration signal spectrum caused by the fluctuation of oil pressure and turbulence of the liquid system.