bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel existence techniques on the generalized φ-Caputo fractional inclusion boundary problem
Authors: Alzabut Jehad , Ahmad Bashir , Etemad Sina , Rezapour Shahram , Zada Akbar
Published: February 2021

Our basic purpose is to derive several existence aspects of solutions for a novel class of the fractional inclusion problem in terms of the well-defined generalized φ-Caputo and φ-Riemann–Liouville operators. The existing boundary conditions in such an inclusion problem are endowed with mixed generalized φ-Riemann–Liouville conditions. To reach this goal, we utilize the analytical methods on α-ψ-contractive maps and multifunctions involving approximate endpoint specification to derive the required results. In the final part, we formulate an illustrative simulation example to examine obtained theoretical outcomes by computationally and numerically.
Analysis and applications of the proportional Caputo derivative
Authors: Akgül Ali , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we investigate the analysis of the proportional Caputo derivative that recently has been constructed. We create some useful relations between this new derivative and beta function. We discretize the new derivative. We investigate the stability and obtain a stability condition for the new derivative.
Close up to the surface: reflections on a preliminary forensic study of four Chinese bronze mirrors
Authors: Liang Jiafang , Parker Quentin
Published: February 2021

This article presents a generic, objective and evidence based forensic study of 4 very different Chinese bronze mirrors. The work was done within the Architectural Conservation Laboratory (ACLab), the Department of Physics, the Faculty of Medicine and also the Planetary Spectroscopy and Mineralogy Laboratory (PSML) all at the University of Hong Kong. The mirrors nominally cover the period of the Warring States (475–221 BC), Han (206 BC to 220 AD) and later Song (960–1279AD) dynasties. Comprehensive, mostly non-invasive, analytical methods and techniques were used. These included surface microscopy of tool marks, patina, corrosion and any residual archaeological evidence. Ultraviolet radiation examination, chemical spot testing and polarised light microscopy of ground-up patina samples was also done. More sophisticated “pXRF” X-ray fluorescence, “MARS” tomographic X-ray scanning and infrared spectroscopic analysis of the bronze alloys, corrosions and any earthen encrustations were also performed. This was to uncover as much forensic evidence as possible for these unprovenanced bronze mirrors. The results have revealed key metallurgical information of those four mirrors along with surface patina morphology and details of the corrosion and residual surface archaeology. A database on the physical condition of these mirrors has been established and burial/treatment history revealed. Mirrors 1 and 2 appear to have been heavily cleaned, polished and treated with abrasives in modern times. Mirror 2 in particular, has some problematic corrosion and inconclusive alloy composition. Mirror 3 and 4 both have archaeological evidence and no contrary forensic data that questions authenticity. Forensic study and verification of objects and artworks for academic purposes remains a legitimate and vital undertaking for universities, museums and national collections across the globe. Hence, the issue of authenticity when archaeological context is lacking is discussed. However, our key aim is to establish what can be learnt from technological, forensic investigation when studying bronze mirrors without further context and records, and what firm, generic evidence can be extracted from such close forensic examination to shed light on their true nature. We hope this will be useful for other researchers.
Correction to: The discovery of biological subphenotypes in ARDS: a novel approach to targeted medicine?
Authors: Wildi Karin , Livingstone Samantha , Palmieri Chiara , LiBassi Gianluigi , Suen Jacky , Fraser John
Published: February 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Artemisinin attenuated oxidative stress and apoptosis by inhibiting autophagy in MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells
Authors: Yan Junqiang , Ma Hongxia , Lai Xiaoyi , Wu Jiannan , Liu Anran , Huang Jiarui , Sun Wenjie , Shen Mengmeng , Zhang Yude
Published: February 2021

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease. The oxidative stress is an important component of the pathogenesis of PD. Artemisinin (ART) has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. The purpose of this study is to explore the neuroprotective effect of ART on 1-methyl-4-phenyliodine iodide (MPP +)-treated SH-SY5Y cells and underlying mechanism.

Methods

We used MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells to study the neuroprotective effect of ART. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay after incubating the cells with MPP+ and/or ART for 24 h. DCFH-DA was used to detect the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and WST-8 was used to detect the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD). The level of intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) was detected with 5,5΄-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid), and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was assessed based on the reaction of MDA and thiobarbituric acid. A mitochondrial membrane potential detection kit (JC-1) was used to detect changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and an Annexin V-FITC cell apoptosis kit was used to detect cell apoptosis. The expression levels of caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 and the autophagy-related proteins LC3, beclin-1, and p62 were detected by Western blotting. In addition, to verify the change in autophagy, we used immunofluorescence to detect the expression of LC3 and p62.

Results

No significant cytotoxicity was observed at ART concentrations up to 40 μM. ART could significantly increase the viability of SH-SY5Y cells treated with MPP+ and reduce oxidative stress damage and apoptosis. In addition, the Western blotting and immunofluorescence results showed that MPP+ treatment could increase the protein expression of beclin1 and LC3II/LC3I and decrease the protein expression of p62, indicating that MPP+ treatment could induce autophagy. Simultaneous treatment with ART and MPP+ could decrease the protein expression of beclin1 and LC3II/LC3I and increase the protein expression of p62, indicating that ART could decrease the level of autophagy induced by MPP+.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that ART has a protective effect on MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells by the antioxidant, antiapoptotic activities and inhibition of autophagy. Our findings may provide new hope for the prevention and treatment of PD.
Epidermoid cyst of the cecum resected by single-incision laparoscopic colectomy: a case report
Authors: Tominaga Tetsuro , Nonaka Takashi , Fukuda Akiko , Moriyama Masaaki , Oyama Shosaburo , Ishii Mitsuhisa , Sawai Terumitsu , Ueki Nozomi , Nagayasu Takeshi
Published: February 2021

Background

Epidermoid cyst arising from the cecum is extremely rare. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is the latest innovation in minimally invasive surgery, and shortens incisions, improves cosmesis, and reduces postoperative pain. We report here the first description of a patient with epidermoid cyst of the cecum treated by ileocecal resection by single-incision laparoscopic surgery.

Case presentation

A 20-year-old woman presented to our hospital with abdominal pain in the right lower quadrant. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a 56 × 35-mm cystic mass in the ileocecal area. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 56 × 43-mm, T1-hypointense, T2-hyperintense mass attached to the cecum. Gastrointestinal tumor or duplication cyst was suspected, and ileocecal resection was performed using single-incision laparoscopic surgery. Intraoperative examination showed the tumor as a round, whitish mass arising from the cecum. Operation time was 162 min, and intraoperative blood loss was 10 ml. Macroscopic examination showed a 56 × 45-mm elastic-hard, whitish, round mass arising from the cecal wall. Microscopic examination revealed the cyst wall lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. No malignant findings were identified. The final diagnosis was epidermoid cyst of the cecum. The postoperative course was uneventful and she was discharged on postoperative day 5.

Conclusions

A rare case of cecal epidermoid cyst is reported. Single-incision laparoscopic colectomy using an organ retractor represents a promising option for treating cecal epidermoid cyst.
A case of a common bile duct stone that formed around a fish bone as a nidus after distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction
Authors: Hirata Ken , Kawamura Daichi , Orita Masahiko
Published: February 2021

Background

The presence of a foreign body in the common bile duct (CBD) is a rare phenomenon. Thus, the route and mechanism of its migration remain difficult to fully clarify, especially for cases that occur after gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. Herein, we present a case of a CBD stone that formed around a fish bone as a nidus subsequent to distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to repeated episodes of epigastralgia. He had undergone distal gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction for gastric cancer approximately 10 years prior. Blood tests revealed obstructive jaundice, hepatobiliary dysfunction, and inflammation. Multi-plane reconstructed computed tomography (CT) revealed a CBD stone with a needle-shaped calcification density at the center, oriented along the length of the CBD. Surgery was performed using an upper median laparotomy approach. Lithotomy with choledochotomy was performed to remove one fragile bilirubin stone that had formed around a 3-cm, needle-shaped fish bone. A choledochoduodenal fistula was not detected intraoperatively. A review of the imaging of a prior examination revealed that the formation of the CBD stone around the fish bone was observable on a follow-up CT performed approximately 2 years prior. However, no clinical symptoms associated with the migration of the fish bone to the CBD were reported and the fish bone was not detected at that time.

Conclusion

In this case, transpapillary migration of the fish bone could only be speculated in the absence of an observable fistula, choledochostomy, or any clinical symptoms. Our case is clinically relevant as cholangitis developed after CBD stone formation around the fish bone that acted as a nidus.
Bounded Integer Modeling of Symptom Scales Specific to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Lyauk Yassine Kamal , Jonker Daniël M. , Hooker Andrew C. , Lund Trine Meldgaard , Karlsson Mats O.
Published: February 2021

The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the quality of life (QoL) score, and the benign prostatic hyperplasia impact index (BII) are three different scales commonly used to assess the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH-LUTS). Based on a phase II clinical trial including 403 patients with moderate to severe BPH-LUTS, the objectives of this study were to (i) develop traditional pharmacometric and bounded integer (BI) models for the IPSS, QoL score, and BII endpoints, respectively; (ii) compare the power and type I error in detecting drug effects of BI modeling with traditional methods through simulation; and (iii) obtain quantitative translation between scores on the three abovementioned scales using a BI modeling framework. All developed models described the data adequately. Pharmacometric modeling using a continuous variable (CV) approach was overall found to be the most robust in terms of type I error and power to detect a drug effect. In most cases, BI modeling showed similar performance to the CV approach, yet severely inflated type I error was generally observed when inter-individual variability (IIV) was incorporated in the BI variance function (g()). BI modeling without IIV in g() showed greater type I error control compared to the ordered categorical approach. Lastly, a multiple-scale BI model was developed and estimated the relationship between scores on the three BPH-LUTS scales with overall low uncertainty. The current study yields greater understanding of the operating characteristics of the novel BI modeling approach and highlights areas potentially requiring further improvement.
Quaternionic elastic scattering
Authors: Giardino Sergio
Published: February 2021

We study the elastic scattering of quantum particles based on a real Hilbert space approach to quaternionic quantum mechanics (

QM) and derive expression for the wave function, the phase shifts, as well as the optical theorem for the case of a hard sphere scattering potential. The strong agreement between these new quaternionic results and the corresponding results in complex quantum mechanics reinforce the validity of the

QM generalization of ordinary complex quantum mechanics (

QM).
Addendum: Holographic interpretation of Shannon entropy of coherence of quantum pure states
Authors: Konishi Eiji
Published: February 2021

Original article:
EPL, 129 (2020) 11006.
An interview with Cagney Coomer
Authors: Maartens Aidan
Published: February 2021

Dr Cagney Coomer received her PhD with Ann Morris at the University of Kentucky, where she studied zebrafish retinal development and regeneration, and is currently a postdoctoral researcher in Marnie Halpern's lab in the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College. In 2020, she was awarded the Society of Developmental Biology's inaugural Trainee Science Communication Award for her work with NERD SQUAD Inc, the non-profit STEM outreach organization she founded that is dedicated to inspiring the next great minds by bringing science to life. Over a virtual chat, we discussed her experiences in the lab, the classroom and the community centre, and why she thinks outreach and role models are vital to science.
Job Displacement Insurance and (the Lack of) Consumption-Smoothing
Authors: Gerard François , Naritomi Joana
Published: February 2021

We study the spending profile of workers who experience both a positive transitory income shock (lump-sum severance pay) and a negative permanent income shock (layoff). Using de-identified expenditure and employment data from Brazil, we show that workers increase spending at layoff by 35 percent despite experiencing a 14 percent long-term loss. We find high sensitivity of spending to cash-on-hand across consumption categories and for several sources of variation, including predictable income drops. A model with present-biased workers can rationalize our findings, and highlights the importance of the timing of benefit disbursement for the consumption-smoothing gains of job displacement insurance policies. (JEL D12, G51, J65, J63, O12)
What Motivates Paternalism? An Experimental Study
Authors: Ambuehl Sandro , Bernheim B. Douglas , Ockenfels Axel
Published: February 2021

We study experimentally when, why, and how people intervene in others’ choices. Choice Architects (CAs) construct opportunity sets containing bundles of time-indexed payments for Choosers. CAs frequently prevent impatient choices despite opportunities to provide advice, believing Choosers benefit. They violate common behavioral welfare criteria by removing impatient options even when all payoffs are delayed. CAs intervene not by removing options they wish they could resist when choosing for themselves (mistakes-projective paternalism), but rather as if they seek to align others’ choices with their own aspirations (ideals-projective paternalism). Laboratory choices predict subjects’ support for actual paternalistic policies. (JEL C92, D12, D15)
Rank Uncertainty in Organizations
Authors: Halac Marina , Lipnowski Elliot , Rappoport Daniel
Published: February 2021

A principal incentivizes a team of agents to work by privately offering them bonuses contingent on team success. We study the principal’s optimal incentive scheme that implements work as a unique equilibrium. This scheme leverages rank uncertainty to address strategic uncertainty. Each agent is informed only of a ranking distribution and his own bonus, the latter making work dominant provided that higher-rank agents work. If agents are symmetric, their bonuses are identical. Thus, discrimination is strictly suboptimal, in sharp contrast with the case of public contracts (Winter 2004). We characterize how agents’ ranking and compensation vary with asymmetric effort costs. (JEL D23, D62, D81, D82, D86)
Differential Immune Landscape of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Suggests Potential role of Macrophages in Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Shafique Yusra , Qureshi Muhammad Asif , Khan Saeed , Mirza Talat
Published: February 2021

Objectives: To investigate immune cell densities in tumor microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during 2017-2019 at the Dow University of Health Sciences Karachi. A total of 42 subsequent patients undergoing liver biopsy/resection and diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma were included in the study. Moreover, a total of 10 control tissues were also included. In order to investigate immune cells densities in hepatocellular carcinoma, immunohistochemistry was performed using antibodies including α-MPO(neutrophils), α-CD-68(macrophages), α-CD-3(T-cells), α-CD-20(B-cells), α-CD-4(CD4+ T-cells) and α-CD-8(CD8+ T-cells). Quantification of immune cells/mm2 was performed as per the College of American Pathologists’ guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. A p-value of 0.05 was considered significant at all times.

Results: We report significantly increased infiltration of macrophages (mean macrophages= 306.57/mm2, p-value<0.05), moderately significant infiltration of neutrophils (p-value=0.06) and B-cells (p-value=0.07) while no significant infiltration of CD4+T-cells (p- value=0.31), and CD8+T-cells (p-value=0.39) in tumour microenvironment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Conclusion: We provide evidence for increased macrophage infiltration in liver cancer microenvironment suggesting a potential role of these cells in hepatocarcinogenesis.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.2973

How to cite this:Shafique Y, Qureshi MA, Khan S, Mirza T. Differential Immune Landscape of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Suggests Potential role of Macrophages in Hepatocarcinogenesis. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(3):858-862. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.2973

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Intraoperative flexible nephroscopy during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: An 8 years’ experience
Authors: Masood Yasir , Iqbal Nadeem , Farooq Raja Mohsin , Iqbal Sajid , Khan Faheemullah
Published: February 2021

Objectives: To see the effect of intra operative antegrade flexible nephroscopy during Percutaneous nephrolithotomy on stone free rate.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records of patients who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy from 2010 to 2017 for renal stones >2cm. Patients found eligible were divided in, Group-I who did not have intraoperative Flexible nephroscopy and Group-II who had flexible nephroscopy during percutaneous nephrolithotomy. All procedures were done by senior consultants. Variables like Mean age, side, stone size, skin to stone distance and Hounsfield unit were compared. Outcomes like Stone free rate, hospital stay and operative time were compared between the groups.

Results: The study included 248 patients, consisting 85 (34.3%) females and 163 (65.7%) males. Mean age ± SD was 45.8±13.8 years. Both group were similar in characteristics like mean age, stone size, skin to stone distance and Hounsfield units. The overall stone free rate was 71%. It was not significantly different between the groups, 76% in Group-II vs. 67% in Group-I. However stone free rate markedly improved with flexible nephroscopy in patients with staghorn calculi. Mean operative time and hospital stay were similar between the groups.

Conclusions: Intraoperative flexible nephroscopy during percutaneous nephrolithotomy significantly increases stone free rate in patients with staghorn stones.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3565

How to cite this:Masood Y, Iqbal N, Farooq RM, Iqbal S, Khan F. Intraoperative flexible nephroscopy during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: An 8 years’ experience. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(3):716-720. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3565

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Determination of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in metabolic syndrome patients from Saudi population
Authors: Ullah Muhammad Ikram , Alzahrani Badr , Alsrhani Abdullah , Atif Muhammad , Alameen Ayman Ali Mohammed , Ejaz Hasan
Published: February 2021

Objectives: To detect the relationship between serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in patients of the Saudi population.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Jouf University Saudi Arabia from September 2019 to August 2020 and comprised of 183 individuals (91 cases and 92 controls). The blood samples were drawn from the patients visiting two tertiary care settings of Al Jouf province. Biochemical analysis was conducted on various instruments, and serum TNF-α was measured by the ELISA method.
Results: The levels of serum glucose fasting, lipid profile, HbA1c and body mass index (BMI) were raised significantly in cases of MetS than controls (p = 0.001). Serum TNF-α was significantly higher in patients (58.04 ± 15.44) than controls (48.81 ± 10.30). It was correlated with the BMI, blood HbA1c, serum fasting glucose (SFG) and serum high density lipoprotein (HDL). The weak positive correlation was found with BMI (r = 0.18; p = 0.01), serum glucose (r = 0.21; p = 0.007) and HbA1c (r = 0.14; p = 0.04), but found negative association with serum HDL (r = -0.18; p = 0.01).
Conclusion: The serum TNF-α was raised in metabolic syndrome patients than the healthy controls. It was positively associated with high BMI, serum fasting glucose, and HbA1c and found linked and negatively linked to low HDL levels in MetS patients in the Saudi population.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3897
How to cite this:Ullah MI, Alzahrani B, Alsrhani A, Atif M, Alameen AAM, Ejaz H. Determination of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in metabolic syndrome patients from Saudi population. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(3):700-705. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3897
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Influence of ABCB1 gene polymorphism on concentration to dose ratio and adverse effects of tacrolimus in Pakistani liver transplant recipients
Authors: Azam Fahad , Khan Moosa , Khaliq Tanwir , Bhatti Abubakar Hafeez
Published: February 2021

Objective: To evaluate the possible association of ABCB1 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of the ABCB1 gene with tacrolimus dosages, concentration-to-dose ratios (CDR) and adverse effects in Pakistani liver transplant recipients.

Methods: This observational study was conducted at Shifa International Hospital, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad and Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Karachi from September 2016 to July 2020. Eighty-one liver transplant recipients were included. Demographics, clinical data, tacrolimus trough levels and doses were monitored. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) was used to measure tacrolimus trough levels. Transplant recipients were genotyped for three ABCB1 SNPs (rs1045642, rs2032582 and rs1128503). Acute cellular rejection (ACR), sepsis and other adverse events were monitored.

Results: ABCB1 rs1045642 CC genotype showed lower tacrolimus CDR as compared to CT and TT genotype in the first week of the post-transplantation period (p=0.02). There was a significant association of polymorphisms in rs1045642, rs2032582 and rs1128503 with psychosis, sepsis and ACR respectively.

Conclusion: Identification of ABCB1 rs1045642 polymorphism may shorten the time to achieve optimum levels of tacrolimus during dose titration. ABCB1 polymorphism rs1045642, rs2032582 and rs1128503 may predict adverse effects in liver transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3898

How to cite this:Azam F, Khan M, Khaliq T, Bhatti ABH. Influence of ABCB1 gene polymorphism on concentration to dose ratio and adverse effects of tacrolimus in Pakistani liver transplant recipients. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(3):689-694. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.3.3898

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Growth and health status of Pangasionodon hypophthalmus reared under manipulated photoperiod conditions
Authors: Windarti Windarti , Amin Bintal , Simarmata Asmika H.
Published: February 2021

Background: In general, the length of photoperiod affects the physiology of Pangasionodon hypophthalmus. This study aimed to understand the growth and health status of this fish reared under manipulated photoperiods.

Methods: The study was conducted between May and August 2020. Three treatments were applied: control (natural photoperiod); 18 hours of darkness (18D6L; tanks were placed under a dark tarp tent for 18 hours); and 24 hours of darkness (24D0L; tanks were placed under a dark tarp tent continuously). Three replications were performed per treatment. At baseline, fish were approx. 3 inch total length (TL) and 4 g body weight (BW), and were reared in circular plastic tanks (100 L; 30 fish/tank) with aerators and filters, and fed with commercial fish feed pellet (2 times/day to satiation). Fish growth and survival were studied once/week, and blood and tissue samples were taken at the end of the experiment (8th week). Tissue was formalin fixed and HE stained.

Results: The survival of fish in all treatment was 100%. The fish reared in 24D0L and 18D6L grew better than control, achieving a mean TL of 23 cm and BW of 98 g (control = 19 cm TL and 72 g BW). There was no difference in hematology condition or tissue structure between the three groups. Tissue structure of gill, kidney and liver were normal, but light abnormality due to parasites was present in the gill of fish reared in 24D0L. Blood samples for all three groups showed mean red blood cell count of 1,800,000 cells/ml and white blood cell (WBC) count of 55,200 cells/ml. WBC consisted of lymphocyte 65%, monocyte 24%, thrombocyte 6%, neutrophil 3%, eosinophil 1% and basophile 1%.

Conclusion: Data obtained indicate that a short photoperiod improves the growth of P. hypophthalmus fish and does not negatively affects their health.
Physical rehabilitation versus no physical rehabilitation after total hip and knee arthroplasties: Protocol for a pragmatic, randomized, controlled, superiority trial (The DRAW1 trial)
Authors: Mark-Christensen Troels , Thorborg Kristian , Kallemose Thomas , Bandholm Thomas
Published: February 2021

Background: Following total hip- and knee arthroplasty (THA and TKA), post-discharge physical rehabilitation is common practice, but varies significantly regarding content, duration, intensity and mode of delivery. Recent systematic reviews have found home-based rehabilitation to be as good as outpatient rehabilitation in terms of pain and physical function. We therefore wonder if physical rehabilitation “works” at all when compared to no physical rehabilitation after THA and TKA – “no rehabilitation” defined as no prescribed therapeutic rehabilitation exercises. The purpose of this trial is to compare the effectiveness of home-based telerehabilitation, home-based rehabilitation and no physical rehabilitation following THA and TKA. 

Methods: This pragmatic, randomized controlled trial will include 168 patients following discharge after THA or TKA, in Bornholm Denmark. Patients will be randomized into one of the three 6-week rehabilitation strategies: home-based telerehabilitation, home-based rehabilitation or no physical rehabilitation. The trial is designed as a superiority trial to test the hypothesis that rehabilitation (home-based telerehabilitation and home-based rehabilitation) is superior to no physical rehabilitation. The primary outcome will be the hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS)/ the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS)-subscale: function of daily living at first follow-up (end of the 6-weeks' intervention). Additional follow-ups are scheduled at 3 and 12 months. Outcome assessors and data analysts are blinded to group allocation.

Conclusions: Knowledge about the effectiveness of the three investigated rehabilitation strategies will help guide the future organization of post-discharge rehabilitation after THA and TKA.

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03750448 (23/11/2018)
INNOVATIVE DEVELOPMENT OF RUSSIA. TOOLS FOR ASSESSING THE INNOVATIVE POTENTIAL OF COMPLEX SOCIO-ECONOMIC SYSTEMS
Authors:   Ryazan Design and Technological Institute, Fedorov Sergey , Fedorova Lidiy ,   Peoples ' Friendship University of Russia
Published: February 2021

В настоящей монографии мы рассмотрели общие характеристики инновационного развития РФ, включающие оценку уровня и структуры затрат на инновации, отраслевую специфику инновационных предприятий, патентную защищенность, объем отгруженной инновационной продукции, кадровых ресурсов; изучили теоретические основы идентификации инновационного потенциала наукоемких предприятий промышленного комплекса; провели анализ особенностей процедуры мониторинга элементов инновационного потенциала наукоемких предприятий; представили обзор существующих методик оценки инновационного потенциала социально-экономических систем; разработали алгоритм идентификации и оценки инновационного потенциала сложных социально-экономических систем; предложили методику и модель оценки инновационного потенциала; провели анализ достижимости целевых показателей реализации Стратегии инновационного развития РФ; а также разработали ряд предложений и рекомендаций по совершенствованию мер государственной поддержки инновационного развития РФ.
Assessment of Social Vulnerability in Malaga Province, Spain: A Comparison of Indicator Standardization Techniques.
Authors: Gayen Sumita , Vallejo-Villalta Luis Ismael , Mafizul Haque Sk.
Published: February 2021

Hazards are any sort of extreme events that occurred by natural causes, human activities or sometimes both reasons are responsible. Social vulnerability exposes people’s condition in hazards. To prevent the loss and damages by hazards, it is necessary to identify vulnerable population of a region by constructing social vulnerability maps of that region. Here in this work, study region is Malaga province, located in southern part of Spain, under the autonomous community of Andalusia. 23 key indicators have been adopted to understand the vulnerability of people in Malaga province at a municipality scale. Three different standardization methodologies (maximum value transformation, z score transformation and min–max rescaling transformation) have been used to build five vulnerable zones. There exists strong to very strong relationship between the results obtained by using three methodologies. The final result shows that most socio-economically vulnerable municipalities are located mainly in western part of the Malaga province.
Identificación y evaluación de riesgos posturales en un proceso de acabado de piezas automotrices
Authors: Cuautle Gutiérrez Luis , Uribe Pacheco Luis Alberto , García Tepox José Domingo
Published: February 2021

Introducción: actualmente los procesos automáticos predominan en el sector automotriz, así como en otros giros industriales. De esta manera, la participación humana se restringe a la carga y descarga de materiales. La organización internacional de estandarización ha desarrollado normas para la evaluación de posturas de trabajo estáticas mientras que la ergonomía emplea metodologías y herramientas para la evaluación de riesgos posturales. El objetivo fue identificar, evaluar y reducir los riesgos posturales a los que están expuestos los trabajadores de una operación de acabado de piezas automotrices en un proceso de inyección de plástico. Materiales y métodos: se evaluaron las condiciones existentes de una estación de trabajo respecto a la carga y descarga de materiales a través de métodos ergonómicos tales como la evaluación rápida de todo el cuerpo, el sistema de análisis de trabajo Ovako, la ecuación de carga del Instituto Nacional para la Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional y el método de indicadores claves para operaciones de manejo manual. Además, se diseñó un nuevo dispositivo que permitiera el traslado de los materiales a través de la estación de trabajo. Resultados: los resultados ergonómicos obtenidos muestran niveles de riesgo muy alto que ponen en situación de riesgo a los trabajadores estudiados. La implementación de la mejora sugerida evita la carga por parte del personal y con ello reduce los factores de lesiones musculo esqueléticas. Conclusión: la combinación de diversos estudios ergonómicos contribuye a evaluar las posturas de trabajo y reducir los esfuerzos de carga y la probabilidad de sufrir una lesión.
Stochastic Bounds for Reference Sets in Portfolio Analysis
Authors: Arvanitis Stelios , Post Thierry , Topaloglou Nikolas
Published: February 2021

A stochastic bound is a portfolio that stochastically dominates all alternatives in a reference portfolio set instead of a single alternative portfolio. An approximate bound is a portfolio that comes as close as possible to this ideal. To identify and analyze exact or approximate bounds, feasible approaches to numerical optimization and statistical inference are developed based on linear programming and subsampling. The use of reference sets and stochastic bounds is shown to improve investment performance in representative applications to enhanced benchmarking using equity industry rotation and equity index options combinations.

This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance.
Implementation of lean thinking through A3 report in plastic injection company
Authors: Rini Sartika
Published: February 2021

Lean thinking, or lean production, which has long been introduced by Toyota, is a process improvement concept that is carried out by eliminating waste and focusing more on things that create values. Its emergence was inspired by the fact on the production floor, where only a small fraction of the total times and efforts contributed to creating added value to customers’ final product. Lots of prior studies have shown various benefits of implementing lean production, especially in manufacturing industries. However, many companies still find difficulties trying to implement a lean approach for the first time. Furthermore, they do not have a clear and concise picture of each component of the lean approach they want to apply. This company is based on case study which has many rejected products so that it makes higher production cost. Therefore, this study proposed an implementation of lean thinking to reduce the number of rejected products through A3 report. This result show the defects can be reduced and the standard operational procedure has been developed.
Hospice-at-home nurses' experiences of caring for patients
Authors: Jameson Catherine
Published: February 2021

Background:

The demand for hospice-at-home (HH) nurses is increasing due to an ageing global population and many people preferring to die at home. Therefore, the retention of existing HH nurses is vital.

Aims:

This paper explores HH nurses' experiences of caring for dying patients to discover the factors that enable them to maintain their enthusiasm for their work, and cope with the challenges of working in a patient's home.

Methods:

This qualitative study consisted of multiple unstructured interviews with 16 HH nurses conducted in England.

Findings:

The interviews show that HH nurses: use a broad range of coping mechanisms; encounter intense, complex, unpredictable and ethically unclear challenges; identify a need for more support; and love their job.

Conclusion:

In order for nurses to continue to enjoy their job, extra support to incorporate protected time for debriefing at the end of an HH nurse's shift is needed. Nurses also need training to develop positive coping skills, external supervision on a one-to-one basis as needed, and have their value demonstrated, by their employers and managers recognising and acknowledging them. These factors are likely to facilitate in the retention of employment of HH nurses.
Handwriting status among Iranian primary school students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Havaei Naser , Mahmodzadeh Mahdieh , Azad Akram , Meimandi Mahsa , Rezaei Mandana , Kahjoogh Mina Ahmadi , Mohammadi Ahmad
Published: February 2021

Background/Aims

Handwriting difficulties among school students are the primary reason for referral to school-based occupational therapy. Appropriate criteria and a complete view of the students' handwriting status are lacking in Iran. The purpose of this study was to gather comprehensive information about handwriting issues for therapists and related disciplines in Iran.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the handwriting status of 1262 Persian-language elementary school students (grades 2 and 3) from governmental schools was surveyed using the Persian handwriting assessment tool.

Results

There were statistically significant differences in handwriting components between second and third grade students except for word size and text slant. Handwriting components were different between boys and girls, and between right- and left-handed writers. Regression analysis revealed a positive relationships between age and grade and most of the handwriting components.

Conclusions

The results of this study have implications for teachers, therapists and other specialists who work and research on handwriting status of typically healthy students and students who are disabled in Iran. Handwriting skills improve over time and it seems that girls and right-handed writers are better writers regarding legibility.
Mathematics Learning Interest of Students Based on the Difference in the Implementation of Model of Thematic Learning and Character-Integrated Thematic Learning
Authors: Syamsuddin Agustan , Babo Rosleny , Sulfasyah Sulfasyah , Rahman Sutriani
Published: February 2021

The teaching and learning in Indonesian elementary schools focus both on students’ concept mastery and character development.  Teachers are encouraged to implement a learning model that integrates character values and yet promote learning interest.  This study was aimed at investigating the mathematics learning interest of grade three elementary school students through the integration of thematic learning with character education, referred to as the character-integrated thematic learning model. Using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design, this study involved 70 students and employed a questionnaire to obtain data, which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Descriptively, the average scores of students' learning interest before and after the implementation of the character-integrated thematic learning model are respectively 117.54 and 140.69 with the gain index of 0.44 in the fair category. While score obtained for thematic learning model are 116.11 and 120.23 with the gain index of 0.07 in the low category. The results of the statistical inference analysis using the independent sample t-test were obtained t-count of 4.98 > t-table of 1,667. This indicates that there has been a significant increase in students’ learning interest scores with the implementation of character-integrated thematic learning model. Thus, this learning model can be applied to pay attention to the development of student’s character which has an impact on increasing student’s learning interest.
Teacher’s Language Input for Recognizing the Cognitive Abilities of Autistic Student in Classroom Interaction
Authors: Andarwulan Trisna , Ibrahim Abdul Syukur , Suparno Suparno , Martutik Martutik
Published: February 2021

Cognitive is an essential developmental aspect for children. The cognitive barrier is one of the learning barriers experienced by children with autism. From educational perspective, teacher language input can appropriately develop cognitive abilities of autistic students. This study aims to describe (1) teacher’s language input for recognizing the cognitive abilities of autistic students in classroom interactions and (2) cognitive abilities of autistic students based on teacher language input in classroom interactions. The approach of the study was conducted qualitatively with case study, while source of data was oral texts from the teacher language input toward autistic students in classroom. The results shows that the cognitive abilities of autistic students can be recognized through teacher's language input in classroom learning by engaging interrogative speech acts, such as representative, directive, expressive, and commissive. The cognitive level is used to see the variants of the teacher's language input. Meanwhile, the acquisition of students' cognitive abilities based on teacher language’s input is developed through memorizing, understanding, applying, and analyzing skills with criteria student A and B in the medium category, and G in low category.
Elementary and Middle School Students’ Perception of Homeland through Metaphors
Authors: Palavan Özcan , Yenigül Çiğdem Kozaner
Published: February 2021

Individuals and societies continue and end their lives within the framework of values. One of the most important of these values is the concept of homeland. Homeland refers to the land, where the individuals were born and live in, a piece of which may also be owned by such individuals. The concept of homeland is always given utmost importance in the curricula. In this context, it is important to determine the perceptions of elementary and middle school students towards the concept of homeland in order for foreseeing the love they felt for, and the importance they attach to, the geography they live in. In this study, it is aimed to reveal what students understand from the concept of homeland through metaphors. Phenomenology pattern, one of the qualitative research patterns, was used in this research. The study group of the research comprises 580 students. “Convenience sampling” was used in sample selection. In this study, elementary and middle school students were given a form of incomplete sentences in the following format of “Homeland is like ............... Because .................” as a data collection tool, and then they were asked to write their opinions by filling the blanks. The results of the study revealed that the participants expressed a total of 59 metaphors in relation to the concept of homeland. Based on the metaphors developed by students for the concept of "homeland", 7 categories were created. These categories are; Administration, Vitality, Concrete Object, National Value, Security, Value, Social Environment. The results of the study indicate that particular attention should be paid to the synonyms of the word “Homeland”. It would be useful to organize certain activities in order to create a sense of belonging and national awareness among the students.
Co-creation: the new kid on the block in public governance
Authors: Ansell Christopher , Torfing Jacob
Published: February 2021

This article has three objectives. The first is to show that while co-production was originally tied to service production, co-creation has broader applications in the field of public governance and involves a broader range of actors and activities. The second objective is to demonstrate how the co-creation concept both builds on and extends the concept of collaborative governance, thus adding new dimensions to an already well-established literature. The final objective is to show how a strategic turn to co-creation introduces a new type of ‘generative governance’ aimed at solving complex problems by constructing platforms enabling the formation of arenas for co-creation that bring together a plethora of public and private actors, including citizens, in creative problem-solving processes. The three objectives are achieved through prospective theoretical analysis aimed at providing a conceptual foundation for analysing cutting-edge societal developments that are not yet commonplace.
Analysts, advocates and applicators: three discourse coalitions of UK evidence and policy
Authors: Montana Jasper , Wilsdon James
Published: February 2021

Background:

Continued growth of the evidence and policy field has prompted calls to consolidate findings in pursuit of a more holistic understanding of theory and practice.

Aims and objectives:

The aim of this paper is to develop and explore an analytical typology that offers a way to consider the heterogeneity of different actors in UK evidence and policy.

Methods:

We draw upon a discourse coalitions approach to analyse a series of semi-structured interviews with a cross-section of professionals in the evidence and policy field.

Findings:

We describe an analytical typology that is composed of three discourse coalitions, each with their own framings of the problems of evidence and policy relations, the practices needed to address these, the organisation of people, and their priorities for future development. These are: the analytical coalition, which typically theorises evidence and policy relations in a way that matches empirical observations; the advocacy coalition, which typically normatively refines and prescribes particular evidence and policy relations; and the application coalition, which typically evaluates contextual conditions and enacts techniques to bring evidence into policy and practice.

Discussion and conclusions:

We discuss the potential of this analytical lens to inform recognised tensions in evidence and policy relations, and consider how greater awareness of the positioning of individuals within these coalitions may help to foster improved collaboration and consolidation in the field. Ultimately, we note that distinct priorities in the three coalitions signify different visions for progress within the field that need to be negotiated.