bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postoperative Complications in Midshaft Fracture of Clavicles
Authors: Yoo Jeong Hyun , Chung Soo Tai , Park Jung Hwan
Published: February 2020

PURPOSE: Because of increasing high energy traumas such as traffic accidents and industrial injuries, operative treatments in midshaft fractures of clavicles are increased. With analyzing factors that make an effect on postoperative complications, compatibilities of current treatment techniques and fixation devices should be discussed.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty two patients with fractures on the midshaft of clavicles underwent operative treatment between 2004 and 2009. Many factors such as age, gender, type of fractures, underlying disease, operation time, fixation technique were analyzed for the evaluation of effects on developing postoperative complications. Plain radiography and/or computerized tomography were used. With a minimum 1 year follow-up, postoperative function were assessed by means of a ASES scoring system.RESULTS: 7 postoperative complications were developed. All of these belonged to male and severe fracture pattern. 3 infections, 3 metal failures, and 1 refracture were developed. All of 3 patients with infection were concerned with underlying diseases. Metal failures were developed in 2 of 15 patients with anatomical reconstruction plates fixation and 1 patients with cannulated screw fixation. Refracture were developed in 1 of 46 patients with LC-DCP fixation.CONCLUSION: Severe comminuted or displaced fractures, long operation time and underlying disease were related with postoperative complications, especially such as infection. For male patients or athletes with high activity, the stronger fixation device than usual fixation device such as the anatomical reconstruction plate is needed, and vigorous activities should be postponed until complete bone union.
Arthroscopic Xenograft Repair of Massive, Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Kim In Bo , Kim Dong Jun
Published: February 2020

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to assess the short-term results of arthroscopic bridging repair of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears by use of a Permacol(R).MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2010 and April 2011, 6 patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears were treated with arthroscopic bridging repair using a Permacol(R). All were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by use of the Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS). Magnetic resonance imaging was performed postoperatively at mean 4.2 months (range, 2 to 10 months) after operation.RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 7 months (range, 4 to 12 months), the mean KSS increased significantly from preoperatively mean 53.0 to postoperatively mean 72.3 (p=0.046). Statistically insignificant improvements were seen in pain (p=0.066) and range of motion (p=0.336). As documented on magnetic resonance imaging, there were two patients with full incorporation of the graft into the native tissue, 1 partial retear, and 3 complete retear. There were no complications such as adverse inflammatory or septic joint in these patients.CONCLUSION: Although Permacol(R), porcine dermal xenograft may be effective in other areas of the body for tendon healing, its use in bridging repair of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears seems to have to be chosen prudently and warrants further evaluation.
Characterization and challenges of livestock farming in Mediterranean protected mountain areas (Sierra Nevada, Spain)
Authors: Ruiz Francisco A. , Vázquez Marta , Camuñez Jose A. , Castel Jose M. , Mena Yolanda
Published: February 2020

Aim of study: To characterize and analyse the extensive livestock farming systems in environmental protected area and propose strategies for their sustainable improvement.Area of study: Sierra Nevada Protected Area (Spain)Material and methods: Data were collected from a sample of 85 farmers and 48 experts. The information from farmers was expressed in 35 variables, 23 of which were qualitative and 12 quantitative. A multivariate analysis was conducted.Main results: The principal components explained 71.2% of the total variance and the k-means cluster analysis identified three groups: C1 (38 farms), medium-size farms with a predominance of goats and relative dairy specialization; C2 (12 farms), large-size farms with extensive grazing lands, a high proportion of meat purpose animals and managed by young and dynamic farmers and C3 (35 farms), medium-size farms with a high proportion of meat purpose animals and undeveloped business management. The main problems reported were: insufficient pastures for livestock, stagnation of product prices, lack of generational renewal and need for social recognition of livestock farming. These obstacles could be overcome by implementing measures aimed at improving feed self-sufficiency -and thus reduce production costs- increasing income through social recognition of farming, achieving product differentiation, and strengthening short marketing channels. This would be favoured by an increase in associationism and specialized training.Research highlights: Farm management and marketing are important for improve these farming systems. The extensive livestock farming continues to be an important activity in European protected mountain areas.
The Birth of Strategic Actors: From Primary to Secondary Temporality
Authors: Weik Elke
Published: February 2020

This paper analyses the emergence of European universities as strategic actors from a temporal perspective. I argue, in line with the literature, that European universities have moved from being institutions to being organisations and, more precisely, organisational actors. I depart from the literature in arguing that this change also has a considerable temporal dimension that has up to now been neglected. The temporal dimension consists in a move from primary temporality, i.e., the making of time, to secondary temporality, i.e., the using of time. In making this argument the paper also responds to calls in the literature to take time more seriously for it shows how temporality constitutes strategic actors, rather than how already established strategic actors use time as a resource.
The Analysis of Income Statement and Final Balance Sheet in Local Governments: A Case Study for Financial Sustainability
Authors: Lucianelli Giovanna , Lucia Fazzari Amalia , Cavalieri Matteo
Published: February 2020

The global financial crisis represents one of the main reasons for the situation suffered by many European countries both at national and local level.

Furthermore, the increased attention given to financial budgeting in the last years highlights the importance for public administrations to learn more about how to measure financial sustainability, how to implement strategies to avoid distress, and how to represent the expected results of these strategies.

We argue that a local government shows good financial conditions when it can provide public services without damaging its ability to face future obligations (GASB, 1987). On the contrary, local governments in poor financial health are unable to deal with their financial obligations and provide public services. Often, in this case, the quality or quantity of these services turns out to be damaged (Raphael, Renwick, Brown, & Rootman, 2010).

It is essential to say that the level of financial condition cannot be easily represented since it cannot be readily measured by a single performance indicator, but rather it is determined by different measures directly observable.

We propose an explanatory case study to analyze the first results obtained through a plan devised to restore a good financial condition through a process of spending review in the municipality of Rome, one of the most important local governments. More specifically, we have analyzed the income statements and the final balance sheets for the years 2013-2017.

We further argue that our case study represents an inspiring strategy for financial sustainability thanks to an ad hoc legislation especially devised to overcome the crisis. Our case study also reveals all critical issues emerged during the analysis of the final data collected in the official documents drafted with accrual accounting across the five years.
Effects of Social Ties in Knowledge Diffusion: case study on PLOS ONE
Authors: Eltermann Felipe , Godoy Alan , Von Zuben Fernando J.
Published: February 2020

In order to capture the effects of social ties in knowledge diffusion, this paper examines the publication network that emerges from the collaboration of researchers, using citation information as means to estimate knowledge flow. For this purpose, we analyzed the papers published in the PLOS ONE journal finding strong evidence to support that the closer two authors are in the co-authorship network, the larger the probability that knowledge flow will occur between them. Moreover, we also found that when it comes to knowledge diffusion, strong co-authorship proximity is more determinant than geographic proximity.
Análise de composição de conjunto de treinamento para avaliação de aprendizagem de máquina aplicada à predição de genes
Authors: da Silva Raíssa , Padovani Kleber , Santos Wendel , Xavier Roberto , Alves Ronnie
Published: February 2020

A metagenômica realiza o estudo de comunidades microbianas, conhecidas como metagenomas, descrevendo-as por meio de suas composições e das relações e atividades dos microrganismos que ali coabitam, permitindo assim um maior conhecimento a respeito dos fundamentos da vida e da ampla e ainda pouco conhecida — diversidade microbiológica. Uma das formas de se realizar tal descrição é por meio da análise de informações de genes contidos em (meta)genomas, extraídas através do processo de identificação de genes em sequências de DNA denominado predicão de genes. Este trabalho apresenta um estudo de caso que permite a analise do impacto da composição do conjunto de treinamento ao se utilizar aprendizagem de maquina na predição de genes codificadores de proteína.
On Colored Edge Cuts in Graphs
Authors: Faria Luerbio , Klein Sulamita , Sau Ignasi , Souza Uéverton S. , Sucupira Rubens
Published: February 2020

In this work we present some results on the classical and parameterized complexity of finding cuts in edge-colored graphs. In general, we are interested in problems of finding cuts {A,B} which minimize or maximize the number of colors occurring in the edges with exactly one endpoint in A.
SMAI - Sistema Móvel de Assistência ao Idoso
Authors: Stutzel Matheus , Filippo Michel , Da Motta Luciana , Sztajnberg Alexandre , Brittes André
Published: February 2020

O SMAI utiliza aplicações Android como infraestrutura de monitoramento de pacientes idosos com doença crônico-degenerativa que apresentem perda funcional. Os objetivos são: (i) tornar a comunicação do cuidador com a equipe de saúde mais ágil; (ii) reduzir o estresse do cuidador; (iii) prover à equipe de saúde informações sobre o estado do paciente com maior frequência, de forma organizada, facilitando a tomada de decisões. As aplicações são desenvolvidas segundo a orientação da equipe de saúde e estão sendo avaliadas em um ensaio clínico com 30 + 30 pacientes acompanhados pelo NAI/UERJ.
Vigilância Entomológica da Dengue, Zika e Chikungunya: Uma Solução Baseada em Redes Sociais e Dispositivos Móveis
Authors: Fiorini Soeli , Sousa Leonardo , Cedrim Diego , Garcia Alessandro , Saade Débora , Moraes Igor , Frajhof Leonardo
Published: February 2020

A Dengue, Chikungunya e a Zika estão entre os principais problemas de saúde pública no mundo. O uso de dispositivos móveis, Internet e redes sociais cresce a cada dia. Sendo assim, oferecem formas de interação simples que possibilitam uma mobilização mais rápida da sociedade no combate ao vetor dessas doenças: o mosquito Aedes Aegypti. O presente artigo discute as limitações das alternativas existentes, bem como descreve uma solução tecnológica (Vaza Dengue) para notificação e visualização em tempo real de incidências de foco da Dengue em regiões geográficas. Através da mineração de dados das redes sociais, o sistema mostra a situação dos focos e outras informações correlacionadas ao mosquito.
Detecção de Anomalias em Termografia Dinâmica das Mamas
Authors: Cardoso Jessica , Silva Aristófanes , Paiva Anselmo , B. Netto Stelmo , Conci Aura
Published: February 2020

A termografia é um exame que pode ser utilizada para diagnóstico precoce de câncer de mama. Regiões com anomalias geralmente apresentam perturbações no ganho de temperatura. Com base nessa ideia, o presente trabalho propõe uma metodologia de análise de séries temporais a fim de investigar esse padrão comportamental. O método foi capaz de identificar corretamente 10 dos 13 exames que possu´ıam anomalias, configurando assim que o método de detecção baseado em amplitude pode ser promissor na identificação de regiões suspeitas de lesão.
Processo de Design Colaborativo de Artefatos Tangíveis para Crianças
Authors: Lima Isomar , Castro Thais , Dantas Adriana , Siqueira Marcos
Published: February 2020

Este artigo apresenta um processo de design colaborativo, baseado no design de interação para artefatos tangíveis para aprendizagem, contendo a descrição de um caso de design de um artefato para auxiliar na aprendizagem da matemática, o Tangram Tangível. Nessa experiência, nos apropriamos de técnicas da abordagem de Design Centrado em Humanos (HCD), trabalhando com dois níveis de usuário: o professor de matemática e o aluno. O perfil do aluno é investigado considerando quais atividades ele faz e onde a interação é mais crítica. Sendo assim, os protótipos intermediários são avaliados proporcionando, um maior potencial de interação entre os alunos com o objeto e entre os alunos entre si.
Sistema multiagentes para recuperação e análise de informações como suporte à mediação pedagógica em ambientes colaborativos de aprendizagem
Authors: Panceri Sabrina Siqueira , de Menezes Crediné Silva
Published: February 2020

Este trabalho apresenta uma proposta de um Sistema Multiagente (SMA), que visa a recuperação e análise de informações, através da mineração dos textos produzidos em ambientes virtuais de ensino e aprendizagem. A Arquitetura Pedagógica Debate de Teses apresenta-se como cenário favorável a aplicação do SMA. São elicitadas as mediações pedagógicas dentro do contexto de um Debate de Teses. O desenvolvimento do protótipo funcional do SMA e sua aplicação a um caso específico são descritos. As mediações pedagógicas que são auxiliadas pelo uso do SMA são descritas com detalhes. Por fim, os resultados alcançados e as considerações finais do trabalho são expostos.
Análise de Padrões Espaciais e Temporais da Mobilidade de Táxis em San Francisco e Roma
Authors: Monteiro Cristiano Martins , da Silva Fábio Rocha , Murta Cristina Duarte
Published: February 2020

A disponibilidade de registros de localização e tempo de serviços de táxi possibilita a análise de padrões de mobilidade em centros urbanos e melhor compreensão das rotinas da população local. Este trabalho utiliza um conjunto de dados com mais de trinta milhões de registros de localização e tempo de táxis de San Francisco e Roma para comparar padrões de mobilidade urbana nessas duas metrópoles. As rotas anômalas dos táxis em ambas as cidades foram encontradas e discutidas, assim como as rotas mais frequentes em San Francisco. Os resultados indicam a viabilidade do algoritmo utilizado para corrigir as distâncias das rotas com erros de GPS em que o táxi estava parado.
Escalabilidade e Paralelismo em Ambiente de Nuvem: Uma Solução para Processar Trâmites Judiciais
Authors: Sousa Junior Emmanoel M. , Lopes Frederico , Millian Idalmis
Published: February 2020

Este artigo propõe um mecanismo de escalonamento para o processamento de dados em ambientes de computação em nuvem. Tal mecanismo analisa algumas variáveis específicas no contexto de negócios de uma empresa incubada no Instituto Metropole Digital incubadora, localizada na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. O principal objectivo deste mecanismo é atender a demanda sazonal e altamente variável da empresa usando serviços de IaaS. O mecanismo deve sempre considerar duas políticas concomitantemente: (i) o tempo máximo de execução permitido pela aplicação não pode ser ultrapassado e (ii) os dados devem de ser processados considerando o menor custo monetário possível. A solução proposta gera estratégias para selecionar o melhor conjunto de máquinas virtuais para processar o grupo atual de dados. Tal seleção considera a quantidade de dados, o tempo de execução estimado para cada estratégia específica e o custo monetário dos conjuntos de máquinas virtuais. No contexto deste trabalho, o conceito estratégia significa a programação de um conjunto de máquinas virtuais para processar uma quantidade específica de dados, decisões de balanceamento de carga e o paralelismo de fluxo de execução da aplicação. A solução proposta resultou em grande impacto para referida empresa uma vez que permitiu o aumento vertiginoso da quantidade de clientes atendidos.
A New Method for Angular Speed Measurement with Absolute Encoder
Authors: Akkaya Ramazan , Kazan Fatih Alpaslan
Published: February 2020

The encoders are electromechanical devices that give information about the angular position and the number of turns of the shaft, which they are connected. These devices are divided into digital or analogue according to output types. On digital outputs, the output can be binary coded, gray coded or pulsed. The frequency (M) or period (T) method produces accurate results in pulse-output encoders. However, these methods alone cannot give accurate results in some encoder types, which are saw tooth type encoders that produce analogue outputs in different shapes. In this study, a new method was proposed, which reduces the relative error ratio too much below 1 % in an absolute encoder that produces an analogue output ranging from 0 V to 5 V according to the angular position of the shaft. Unlike in the studies in the literature, M method and Analog Digital Converter (ADC) were used together. Thanks to this proposed method (M + ADC), it is possible to increase the measurement accuracy of the encoders with analogue output in all speed regions.
Language as a Dynamic System
Authors: Vostrikova Ekaterina V. , Kusliy Petr S. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2020

In this article, we examine the key ideas of Wilhelm von Humboldt about language and their relevance to the contemporary research in the field of linguistics. In his works, N. Chomsky describes Humboldt as a key predecessor of the generative approach. The authors discuss the concrete aspects of Humboldt’s influence on generative linguistics drawing special attention to his notion of Form. The authors also observe that Humboldt’s works also contain statements about the deep differences that exist between different languages, as well as statements that different languages can form different pictures of the world. These ideas resonate with philosophical ideas about linguistic relativity (the famous Sapir – Whorf hypothesis), which are incompatible with generative linguistics. The authors try to reconcile an apparent contradiction by appealing to two different perspectives on language that they call the dynamic and the static one. They provide arguments in favor of the former and explore existing arguments against the later, which is associated with the aforementioned hypothesis. The authors conclude by pointing out that Humboldt’s legacy has so many facets that it introduces to incompatible views on language each of which had a serious impact on the studies of language in the 20th century.
The Gay Science of Francis Bacon
Authors: Dmitriev Igor S. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2020

The article is the study of some aspects of the methodology of scientific knowledge that F. Bacon addressed in his treatise “New Organon” (1620) and in other works in one way or another related to his work on the project of the Instauratio Magna Scientiarum. The article focuses on the following three questions: Bacon’s attitude to Aristotle’s legacy, the context of Bacon’s doctrine of idols and the reasons for the English philosopher to choose a fragmented (aphoristic) form of presentation of his ideas in the “New Organon” and in some other works. Based on an analysis of Bacon’s works related to the above project, it was shown that his statements about Aristotle and his philosophy were differentiated depending on whether the corresponding text was intended for printing or served as a working draft. In the latter case, the estimates of Aristotle by Bacon were more stringent. Baconian criticism of Aristotelianism was formed in the context of the development by the English philosopher of the doctrine of the idols of knowledge. The article shows that developing this doctrine, Bacon proceeded from the idea of mass insanity of the human race (insania publica), which has ancient roots and was shared by a number of contemporaries of F. Bacon. At the same time, the latter considered Aristotle as the creator of “a kind of art of insanity (artemque quondam insaniae componere)”. As a cure for “insania universalis”, Bacon proposed a new method (the “new organon”) of cognition, and the presentation of his ideas in the form of separate, but conceptually related aphorisms, as a way of activating the reader’s thought process.
Deciphering Hume
Authors: Blinov Evgeniy N. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2020

The present article analyzes an ambitious attempt to revisit and reevaluate Hume’s metaphysical project in the early 21th century, proposed by Vadim Vasilyev. His claim is to demonstrate that the problems raised by the author of Treatise of Human Nature and Enquiry concerning Human Understanding are far from being completely resolved and could provide us some valuable hints into the problems of contemporary analytical metaphysics. Against a widespread consensus that the evolution in Hume’s had been insignificant, Vasilyev maintains that his philosophical project underwent crucial transformations. He provides evidence of a gradual shift from a radical empiricism to a moderate rationalism by re-examining some classical problems of Hume’s studies and providing a critical analysis of the problems of causality and personal identity. This review provides some arguments for and against Vasilyev’s claims.
Technoscience, Biopolitics and Biobanking
Authors: Gavrilenko Stanislav M. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2020

The author considers two additions to analysis of technoscience, suggested by Olga Koshovets and Igor Frolov. First, technoscience is not just regime of knowledge production, which brings into play enormous technological and organizational resources, but is a regime, regulated by mandatory requirement to produce knowledge, which should be transformed into endowed with market value goods and services (technoobjects). Second, technoscience is an ever-faster colonization of natural and social worlds by technoobjects. In the author's view, the main problem with technoscience is not to hold the next round of conceptual clarification and theoretical reorganization of previous distinctions (nature/society, basic science/applied science, scientific fact/technoobject, social connections/technological connections) or introduction of new ones. The challenge is how to turn the concrete realization of technoscience into empirical research objects. The complexity of such enterprise is demonstrated in the case of research biobanking, which has become one of exemplary embodiment of technoscience and contemporary mode of biopolitics.
Technoscience: “Where the Danger Is, Grows the Saving Power Also”
Authors: Shipovalova Lada V. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: February 2020

The article is a response to the arguments by O.B. Koshovets and I.E. Frolov on the emergence of "technoscience”. Technoscience is opposed by the authors to the classical science characterized by the dominance of the technological component of research and capitalization of knowledge. The article focuses on two tasks. The first one supposes an appeal to the historical origins of technoscience and demonstrates significant relationship between technoscience and classical science. The second one involves the disclosure of contemporary negative trends of technoscience as creating conditions for their own overcoming. In conclusion it associates the work on the autonomy of science with the constructive dialogue between scientific and non-scientific knowledge.
LEADERSHIP AND LEARNING: Leadership through the lens of learning: A look at the role of the librarian for the new century
Authors: Sullivan Maureen
Published: February 2020

Leadership through the lens of learning: A look at the role of the librarian for the new century
Academic, cognitive and physical outcomes of two strategies to integrate movement in classroom: active lessons and active breaks
Authors: Méndez-Giménez A.
Published: February 2020

El principal objetivo fue revisar la evidencia científica sobre los efectos de dos estrategias que integran movimiento en las clases de aula (clases académicas físicamente activas y descansos activos) en resultados académicos, cognitivos y de salud. Las clases físicamente activas refuerzan el contenido académico conectándolo directamente con determinadas actividades físicas, mientras que los descansos activos utilizan la AF como recuperación de la carga académica sin conectar necesariamente con contenidos curriculares. Se examinan las revisiones y meta-análisis publicadas en los últimos cinco años y se pone el foco en implicaciones docentes relevantes. Se concluye que integrar movimiento en las clases académicas tiene el potencial no solo de mejorar los niveles de actividad física modera y vigorosa de los estudiantes durante la jornada escolar, sino también de incrementar facilitadores del aprendizaje como la concentración, la cognición y el tiempo en la tarea, así como las funciones ejecutivas de organización, y el rendimiento académico.

The main objective was to review the scientific evidence about the effects of two strategies that integrate movement in classroom lessons (physically active academic lesson and active brakes) on academic, cognitive and health outcomes. Physically active lessons reinforce academic contents by directly connecting them with certain physical activities, while active breaks use physical activity as a recovery from the academic load without necessarily connect with curricular contents. Systematic reviews and meta-analysis published in the last five years are examined and the focus is on relevant teaching implications. It is concluded that integrating movement in academic lessons has the potential not only to improve levels of students´ moderate and vigorous physical activity during school day, but also to increase learning facilitators such as concentration, cognition and time on task, as well as the executive functions of organization, and academic performance.
The “Cosmographic Mystery” : Johannes Kepler’s Conversion of Astronomy
Authors: Kirby Torrance
Published: February 2020

In 1616, the Holy Congregation for the Index prohibited the printing and reading of Copernicus’s On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres (1543) on the grounds that heliocentrism contradicted the Holy Scriptures. According to Johannes Kepler, “To study the heavens is to know God as creator.” Moreover, “Since we astronomers are priests of the highest God in regard to the book of nature, it befits us to be thoughtful, not of the glory of our minds, but rather, above else, of the glory of God.” There is some precedent for such claims in John Calvin’s conception of the creation as a “Theatre of God’s glory” with its corollary of the so-called “two books”. Kepler’s defence of Copernican heliocentrism relies upon the distinction between the Book of Nature from the Book of Scripture. Building upon the soteriological foundations laid by Martin Luther, Kepler the astronomer-theologian also seeks to sharpen the distinction between a “visible” and an “invisible” heaven, with significant consequences for astronomical physics. The new astronomy is profoundly implicated in sixteenth-century theological controversies.
Effects of Intermittent Calf Muscle Electrical Stimulation on Walking Capacity in Claudicants Living with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ellul Christian , Formosa Cynthia , Gatt Alfred
Published: February 2020

Background:

First-line therapy for diabetic patients presenting with intermittent claudication includes supervised exercise programs to improve walking distance. However, exercise comes with a variety of barriers and may be contraindicated in certain conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether calf muscle electrostimulation improves claudication distance.

Methods:

A prospective, one-group, pretest-posttest study design was used on 40 participants living with type 2 diabetes mellitus, peripheral artery disease (ankle brachial pressure index, <0.90), and calf muscle claudication. Calf muscle electrostimulation of varying frequencies (1–250 Hz) was prescribed on both limbs for 1-hour daily sessions for 12 consecutive weeks. The absolute claudication distance (ACD) was measured at baseline and after the intervention.

Results:

The recruited cohort (30 men and ten women; mean age, 71 years; mean ankle brachial pressure index, 0.70) registered a mean ± SD baseline ACD of 333.71 ± 208 m. After a mean ± SD of 91.68 ± 6.23 days of electrical stimulation, a significant mean ± SD increase of 137 ± 136 m in the ACD (P = .001, Wilcoxon signed rank test) was registered. Improvement was found to be sex independent, but age was negatively correlated with proportion of improvement (r = –0.361; P = .011, Pearson correlation test).

Conclusions:

Electrical stimulation of varying frequencies on ischemic calf muscles significantly increased the maximal walking capacity in claudicants with type 2 diabetes. This therapeutic approach should be considered in patients with impaired exercise tolerance or as an adjunct treatment modality.
Determination of Biochemical Responses of Genetically-male Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after Replacing Fish Oil with Plant-based Oils in Their Diets
Authors: Effiong M. U. , Akpan A. W. , Esenowo I. K.
Published: February 2020

This study evaluated biochemical responses of genetically male tilapia after replacing fish oil with plant-based oils in their diets. The sources of oils were coconut, olive, crude palm, sunflower and sesame seed. These oils were incorporated at 7% level and were used to formulate five isonitrogenous (42.5% CP) diets. In the control experiment (sixth diet) fish oil was used. Fish were reared in 1 m x 1 m x 1 m floating net-hapa. Feeing trial lasted for 12 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected and tested for serum protein, electrolytes and tissue lipid peroxidation. Results of the study revealed that the ratio of albumin to globulin was statistically similar (p > 0.05) in all fish group examined. The results of serum electrolyte showed that olive oil treated fish recorded the highest (p < 0.05) level. The amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) formed in fish tissues increased (p < 0.05) in sunflower oil group by 69%, 43%, 20% and 32% in the liver, kidney, gills and heart respectively. This indicated that reactive oxygen species may be associated with the metabolism of sunflower oil leading to peroxidation of membrane lipids of the respective organs. However, this level of MDA deposition had not been associated with any negative effects on fish health. Inferences from this study conclusively support the direct use of these plant oils as total replacement for fish oil in diets of Oreochromis niloticus.
Resource Management in a Pervasive Computing Environment
Authors: Nlerum Promise A. , Ogheneovo Edward E.
Published: February 2020

A pervasive computing system provides for the interaction of people, devices and applications in a seamless and transparent manner in a pervasive computing environment. There is a great need for the management of basic resources in this environment. In this paper, we present a resource management architecture that provides for a seamless interaction among pervasive elements using ambient calculus and a publish/subscribe mechanism. Ambient calculus has been used to explore resource interaction and participation in a pervasive computing environment. A resource classifier component is introduced in the architecture that performs resource binding to specific applications. Results show that Ambient calculus offers a convenient and flexible representation of resource availability, usage transparency and management. By incorporating publish subscribe and resource classifier components into the ambient model, our system has shown a high degree of scalability, flexibility, and fault tolerance.
Commentary on Article: Efficacy of a Tetravalent Dengue Vaccine in Healthy Children and Adolescents (NEJM, Nov 21 2019)
Authors: Ahmad A. M. Meer
Published: February 2020

In this Letter to the Editor, this author comments on the article in the NEJM (Nov 21 2019) in the above title on the TAK-003 Dengue vaccine Phase III trial from a point of comparing with the predecessor, the CYD-TDV, beside comparing the TAK-003 and Severe dengue, and the TAK-003 and hospitalizations. The author also queries why the vaccine must be a chimeric-vaccine, questions the sample-size in the Phase III trial and questions the Serious Adverse Events reported observed in the trial. He write on Antibody Directed Enhancement in a relation to the TAK-003. The author make Additional Observation and seek certain Explanation.
Construction Firms’ Satisfaction on Outsourced Services at Construction Phase of Building
Authors: Osuizugbo Innocent Chigozie , Lahanmi Ayo , Oyeyipo Opeyemi , Morakinyo Adesoye
Published: February 2020

Aims: Across the globe, outsourcing services has become more complex and sophisticated. The aim of this study is to establish the level of satisfaction of Nigerian construction firms on outsourced services at construction phase of building with a view to assisting construction firms in their decision on whether to outsourced a particular work section or not.

Study Design: Survey Research Design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study took place in Ogun State, Nigeria, between June 2019 and December 2019.

Methodology: The study focused on outsourcing and targeted at outsourcing services offered during construction phase of building. The research combined a wide-ranging literature review and questionnaire survey. A well-structured questionnaire was designed and distributed to construction firms in Ogun state. A total of 73 of the survey questionnaires were administered out of which 47 representing 64.4% were adequately filled and returned. Data obtained were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, relative importance index and ranking.

Results: Findings from the study revealed that piling is the most often outsourced work during construction phase of building, followed by electrical installation, cladding and mechanical installation. The results of the study revealed major reasons for outsourcing to include specialization, technology advancement and core competences. Ability to meet changing needs, service-level contract agreement with outsourcer and excessive dependence on vendor reliability were revealed to be the major challenges that affect the ability of the Nigerian construction firms to successfully outsource services. It was also established that Nigerian construction firms have high level of satisfaction on the outsourced services during the construction phase of building.

Conclusion: The study suggested that Nigerian construction firms should give consideration to piling, cladding, basement and mechanical installation in outsourcing and concreting, formwork, plumbing installation and roofing in in-house.
Advanced Exfoliation Strategies for Layered Double Hydroxides and Applications in Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: Chen Chen , Tao Li , Du Shiqian , Chen Wei , Wang Yanyong , Zou Yuqin , Wang Shuangyin
Published: February 2020

Along with the increasing aggravation of energy and environmental problems, the demand and utilization of renewable energy have increased. The rational design of advanced functional materials serves as a critical point for the improvement of performance and the practical application in renewable energy devices. Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with 2D layered structures are promising energy materials for their unique physical and chemical properties. Nevertheless, the applications are limited by the structure of stacking with irrational electronic structure, sluggish mass transfer, and low activity. The exfoliation of LDHs into single‐ or few‐layered nanosheets appears to be a promising approach to overcome the above disadvantages. Herein, the recent progress on the development of exfoliation strategies for LDHs including liquid phase exfoliation, plasma‐induced exfoliation, and other advanced exfoliation strategies is highlighted and the applications in energy conversion and storage are systematically introduced.
Interfacial and Bulk Magnetic Properties of Stoichiometric Cerium Doped Terbium Iron Garnet Polycrystalline Thin Films
Authors: Srinivasan Karthik , Radu Cosmin , Bilardello Dario , Solheid Peter , Stadler Bethanie J. H.
Published: February 2020

One of the best magneto‐optical claddings for optical isolators in photonic integrated circuits is sputter deposited cerium‐doped terbium iron garnet (Ce:TbIG) which has a large Faraday rotation (≈−3500° cm−1 at 1550 nm). Near‐ideal stoichiometry of Ce0.5Tb2.5Fe4.75O12 is found to have a 44 nm magnetic dead layer that can impede the interaction of propagating modes with garnet claddings. The effective anisotropy of Ce:TbIG on Si is also important, but calculations using bulk thermal mismatch overestimate the effective anisotropy. Here, X‐ray diffraction measurements yield highly accurate measurements of strain that show anisotropy favors an in‐plane magnetization in agreement with the positive magnetostriction of Ce:TbIG. Upon doping TbIG with Ce, a slight decrease in compensation temperature occurs which points to preferential rare‐earth occupation in dodecahedral sites and an absence of cation redistribution between different lattice sites. The high Faraday rotation, large remanent ratio, large coercivity, and preferential in‐plane magnetization enable Ce:TbIG to be an in‐plane latched garnet, immune to stray fields with magnetization collinear to direction of light propagation.
Effect of Fluorine Patterns on Electronic Transport in Fluorinated Graphene
Authors: Yamaletdinov Ruslan D. , Katkov Vsevolod L. , Nikiforov Yaroslav A. , Okotrub Alexander V. , Osipov Vladimir A.
Published: February 2020

Within the framework of stochastic reactive molecular dynamics simulations a statistical method for generating fluorinated graphene structures with desirable fluorine distribution is developed. Electronic transport properties of fluorinated graphene in a wide range of functionalization degrees and system ordering are investigated. A strong correlation between irregularities in fluorine distribution and electronic properties is found. In particular, proposed consideration allows for the reproduction of both the experimentally observed electron–hole asymmetry in transport properties of fluorinated graphene and a recently revealed conductivity peak at 10% fluoride content.
Ultralow Electrical Hysteresis along with High Energy‐Storage Density in Lead‐Based Antiferroelectric Ceramics
Authors: Huang Kaiwei , Ge Guanglong , Yan Fei , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei
Published: February 2020

Antiferroelectric ceramics with extraordinary energy‐storage density have gained exponentially soaring attention for their applications in pulsed power capacitors. Nevertheless, high energy dissipation is a deficiency of antiferroelectric materials. The modulation of Ba/La‐doped (Pb0.91BaxLa0.06−2x/3)(Zr0.6Sn0.4)O3 (x = 0.015, 0.03, 0.045, 0.06) antiferroelectric ceramics is aimed at increasing the energy efficiency and obtaining an ideal energy storage density. The traditional solid‐state reaction is exploited for ceramics fabrication and all prepared samples exhibit an ultralow electrical hysteresis due to the local structural heterogeneity, as verified by Raman spectroscopy. Of particular importance is the fact that the (Pb0.91Ba0.045La0.03)(Zr0.6Sn0.4)O3 ceramic possesses an excellent recoverable energy storage density (Wrec = 8.16 J cm−3) and a remarkable energy efficiency (η = 92.1%) simultaneously under an electric field of 340 kV cm−1. Moreover, the corresponding ceramic exhibits a superior discharge current density (CD = 1498.6 A cm−2), a high level of power density (PD = 202.3 MW cm−3), and a nanosecond‐level discharge period (53 ns). This provides a promising antiferroelectric material for fabricating ceramic capacitors with excellent energy storage and high power characteristics.
Roles of Oxygen Functional Groups in Carbon Nanotubes‐Supported Ag Catalysts for Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 to CO
Authors: Sun Jinlong , Xu Jie , Jiang Hui , Zhang Xinsheng , Niu Dongfang
Published: February 2020

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)‐supported metal‐based catalysts applied in the electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2ER) have attracted extensive research recently. Nevertheless, insight into the roles of surface oxygen functional groups in these catalysts on CO2ER is still deficient. Herein, three catalysts were reasonably fabricated by chemically loading Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on the oxygenic CNTs (CNT−COOH, CNT−OH and CNT−CO) with precise tuning oxygen functional groups, and then used to explore the effect of oxygen functional groups on the electrocatalytic performance of Ag NPs for CO2ER. Compared with the other two counterparts, Ag/CNT−COOH with the highest content of carboxyl groups possesses the most uniform size and dispersion of Ag NPs and the strongest surface acidic environment, which enable it to exhibit the highest current density and Faradaic efficiency for CO production at high overpotential region (E≤−1.0 V vs. RHE). This work broadens the understanding of surface oxygen functional groups of catalysts in enhancing CO2ER performance, and provides guidance for the design and synthesis of high‐performance catalysts.
Intercalation Lithium Cobalt Oxide for the Facile Fabrication of a Sensitive Dopamine Sensor
Authors: Xu Yanxue , Gao Taotao , Liang Yaming , Xiao Dan
Published: February 2020

Intercalation lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) with the properties of insertion and de‐intercalation of Li+ was utilized to fabricate the sensitive dopamine (DA) sensor, which has excellent adsorption and catalytic behavior. LCO mixed with graphite powder (LCO−G) for individual and simultaneous determination of DA and uric acid (UA) achieved the low detection limits and the wide concentration ranges without the interference of ascorbic acid (AA). For individual detection, the linear responses of DA and UA were in the concentration ranges of 0.020–20 μM and 0.500–200 μM with the detection limits of 4.0 nM and 0.18 μM (s/n=3), respectively. For simultaneous detection with UA and AA by the change of the concentrations of DA, the linear response ranges were 0.050–20 μM with the detection limit of 7.9 nM (s/n=3). The LCO−G/GCE was further applied to the detection of DA in human serum to illustrate its potential of highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensing.
A randomized phase 2 network trial of tivantinib plus cetuximab versus cetuximab in patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kochanny Sara E. , Worden Francis P. , Adkins Douglas R. , Lim Dean W. , Bauman Julie E. , Wagner Stephanie A. , Brisson Ryan J. , Karrison Theodore G. , Stadler Walter M. , Vokes Everett E. , Seiwert Tanguy Y.
Published: February 2020

Background

MET signaling is a well described mechanism of resistance to anti‐EGFR therapy, and MET overexpression is common in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). In the current trial, the authors compared the oral MET inhibitor tivantinib (ARQ197) in combination with cetuximab (the TC arm) versus a control arm that received cetuximab monotherapy (C) in patients with recurrent/metastatic HNSCC.

Methods

In total, 78 evaluable patients with cetuximab‐naive, platinum‐refractory HNSCC were enrolled, including 40 on the TC arm and 38 on the C arm (stratified by human papillomavirus [HPV] status). Patients received oral tivantinib 360 mg twice daily and intravenous cetuximab 500 mg/m2 once every 2 weeks. The primary outcome was the response rate (according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1), and secondary outcomes included progression‐free and overall survival. After patients progressed on the C arm, tivantinib monotherapy was optional.

Results

The response rate was 7.5% in the TC arm (N = 3; 1 complete response) and 7.9% in the C arm (N = 3; not significantly different [NS]). The median progression‐free survival in both arms was 4 months (NS), and the median overall survival was 8 months (NS). Both treatments were well tolerated, with a trend toward increased hematologic toxicities in the TC arm (12.5% had grade 3 leukopenia). The response rate in 31 HPV‐positive/p16‐positive patients was 0% in both arms, whereas the response rate in HPV‐negative patients was 12.7% (12.5% in the TC arm and 13% in the C arm). Fifteen patients received tivantinib monotherapy, and no responses were observed.

Conclusions

Combined tivantinib plus cetuximab does not significantly improve the response rate or survival compared with cetuximab alone but does increase toxicity in an unselected HNSCC population. Cetuximab responses appear to be limited to patients who have HPV‐negative HNSCC. MET‐aberration–focused trials for HNSCC and the use of higher potency, selective MET inhibitors remain of interest.
High‐Resolution Three‐Dimensional Imaging of Individual Astrocytes Using Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Testen Anze , Kim Ronald , Reissner Kathryn J.
Published: February 2020

Astrocytes play numerous vital roles in the central nervous system. Accordingly, it is of merit to identify structural and functional properties of astrocytes in both health and disease. The majority of studies examining the morphology of astrocytes have employed immunoassays for markers such as glial fibrillary acidic protein, which are insufficient to encapsulate the considerable structural complexity of these cells. Herein, we describe a method utilizing a commercially available and validated, genetically encoded membrane‐associated fluorescent marker of astrocytes, AAV5‐GfaABC1D‐Lck‐GFP. This tool and approach allow for visualization of a single isolated astrocyte in its entirety, including fine peripheral processes. Astrocytes are imaged using confocal microscopy and reconstructed in three dimensions to obtain detailed morphometric data. We further provide an immunohistochemistry procedure to assess colocalization of isolated astrocytes with synaptic markers throughout the z‐plane. This technique, which can be utilized via a standard laboratory confocal microscope and Imaris software, allows for detailed analysis of the morphology and synaptic colocalization of astrocytes in fixed tissue. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Microinjection of AAV5‐GfaABC1D‐Lck‐GFP into the nucleus accumbens of rats

Basic Protocol 2: Tissue processing and immunohistochemistry for post‐synaptic density‐95

Basic Protocol 3: Single‐cell image acquisition

Basic Protocol 4: Three‐dimensional reconstruction of single cells

Basic Protocol 5: Three‐dimensional colocalization analysis
For PTSD resulting from child maltreatment, psychotherapy should come first
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2020

Child maltreatment is a risk factor for many mental health problems, and frequently makes it difficult to address emotional and behavioral challenges. A new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics looks at the need for trauma‐informed assessments, and the role of pharmacotherapy, in treating maltreated children and adolescents.