bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
[Retracted] Early Warning Model of Sports Injury Based on RBF Neural Network Algorithm
Authors: He Fuxing
Published: April 2021

Sports injury is a common problem in athletes’ training. The sports injury assessment model is a physical method to determine the sports injury attributes of specific parts by predicting and evaluating the risk of sports injury. In this paper, we use a neural network to realize big data analysis of sports injury data. Big data network is a method of capturing Internet information by means of cloud computing, which is usually used in the construction of Wan and LAN. This paper analyzes the source of sports risk and the main injury factors, designs the sports injury estimation model based on big data analysis, establishes a new assessment model based on RBF neural network, and builds the big data network environment required for the model operation by improving the topological structure, combining big data and deep neural network. In the built environment, the risk assessment of sports injury can be completed by determining the risk source and identifying the risk factors. The realization of the model can be constrained by the uncertainty conditions so that it can achieve a good operation state.
Survival of SARS-CoV-2 on Clothing Materials
Authors: Virtanen Jenni , Aaltonen Kirsi , Kivistö Ilkka , Sironen Tarja
Published: April 2021

In order to plan and execute proper preventative measures against COVID-19, we need to understand how SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted. It has been shown to remain infectious on surfaces from hours to days depending on surface type and environmental factors. The possibility of transmission through fur animals and contaminated pelts, along with the safety of those working with them, is a major concern. SARS-CoV-2 can infect minks and raccoon dogs and has spread to mink farms in numerous countries. Here, we studied the stability of SARS-CoV-2 on blue fox, Finn raccoon, and American mink pelt, fake fur, cotton, plastic, faux leather, and polyester and tested its inactivation by UV light and heat treatment. We detected infectious virus up to 5 days on plastic, up to 1 day on fake fur, less than a day on cotton, polyester, and faux leather, and even 10 days on mink fur. UV light failed to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 on pelts, most likely due to the mechanical protection by the fur. Hence, it should not be used to inactivate the virus on fur products, and its use for other surfaces should also be considered carefully. Heat treatment at 60°C for 1 h inactivated the virus on all surfaces and is a promising method to be applied in practice. This study helps prevent further spread of COVID-19 by increasing our understanding about risks of SARS-CoV-2 spread through contaminated clothing materials and giving important information needed to improve safety of those working in the production line as well as people using the products.
Conformable Sumudu Transform of Space-Time Fractional Telegraph Equation
Authors: Hamza Amjad E. , Mohamed Mohamed Z. , Abd Elmohmoud Eltaib M. , Magzoub M.
Published: April 2021

This paper intends to obtain accurate and convergent numerical solutions of linear space-time matching telegraph fractional equations by means of a double Sumudu matching transformation method. Moreover, the numerical model is equipped to explain the work, the accuracy of the work, and sobriety in its presentation method, and as a result, the proposed method shows an effective and convenient way, to employ proven problems in science and engineering.
A Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infection by Brevibacterium casei in a Child with Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ochi Fumihiro , Tauchi Hisamichi , Moritani Kyoko , Murakami Shinobu , Miyamoto Hitoshi , Ueda Mayo , Nagai Kozo , Eguchi-Ishimae Minenori , Eguchi Mariko
Published: April 2021

The most common organisms isolated from pediatric catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are Gram-positive cocci, such as coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus. There are few formal reports of Brevibacterium casei infection and even fewer reports of CRBSI due to this Gram-positive rod. Here we report the first case of CRBSI due to B. casei in an 8-year-old girl with acute myeloid leukemia in Japan. The isolate exhibited decreased susceptibility to ß-lactam antibiotics. Antimicrobial therapy with meropenem and vancomycin, in addition to the removal of central venous catheter line, consequently led to a significant clinical improvement of the patient’s symptoms. A literature review found available clinical courses in 16 cases (4 pediatric cases including our case) of B. casei infection. Our case and those in literature suggested that B. casei infection often occurs in patients with indwelling central venous catheters; the literature review further suggested that removal of central venous catheters is required in most cases. Special attention should be paid to the detection of opportunistic infections due to Brevibacterium spp. in immunocompromized children who are using a central venous catheter.
Prognostic Value of Pretreated Blood Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Bone Sarcoma: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jiang Min , Ma Shaowei , Hua Zhongyan , Zhao Zhiying , Gao Song
Published: April 2021

Backgroud. Multiple studies have reported blood inflammatory markers as reliable prognostic factors in various malignant tumors. However, their prognostic effect in patients with bone sarcomas has not been determined. We performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of pretreated blood inflammatory markers in patients with bone sarcoma. Method. We conducted a detailed literature search in Medline and Embase databases and collected relevant publications written in English before April 2020. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Basic features of patients, hazard ratios (HRs), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were retrieved to assess the correlation between pretreated blood inflammatory markers and patients with bone sarcoma. This meta-analysis used Stata 12.0. Results. A total of 10 studies containing 1845 cases were included for analysis. Nine of them evaluated the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), 7 the platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and 4 the lymphocyte monocyte ratio (LMR). Pooled results revealed that higher pretreatment NLR was associated with poorer OS (

HR
=
1.76

, 95% CI: 1.29–2.41, and

P
<
0.001

) and DFS (

HR
=
1.77

, 95% CI: 1.09–2.88, and

P
=
0.021

). In contrast, a lower LMR was related to worse OS (

HR
=
0.73

, 95% CI: 0.57–0.92, and

P
=
0.009

), but not DFS (

HR
=
0.68

, 95% CI: 0.41–1.11, and

P
>
0.05

). Combined results did not show a significant predictive effect of PLR on the clinical outcomes of patients with bone sarcoma (

OS
:
HR
=
1.32

, 95% CI: 0.99–1.75, and

P
>
0.05

; DFS:

HR
=
1.12

, 95% CI: 0.87–1.44,

P
>
0.05

). Conclusion. NLR and LMR might be promising predictive biomarkers for patients with bone sarcoma and could be used to stratify patients and provide personalized therapeutic strategies.
The Differential Risk of Cervical Cancer in HPV-Vaccinated and -Unvaccinated Women: A Mathematical Modeling Study
Authors: Naslazi Emi , Hontelez Jan A.C. , Naber Steffie K. , van Ballegooijen Marjolein , de Kok Inge M.C.M.
Published: April 2021

Background:

With increased uptake of vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), protection against cervical cancer will also increase for unvaccinated women, due to herd immunity. Still, the differential risk between vaccinated and unvaccinated women might warrant a vaccination-status–screening approach. To understand the potential value of stratified screening protocols, we estimated the risk differentials in HPV and cervical cancer between vaccinated and unvaccinated women.

Methods:

We used STDSIM, an individual-based model of HPV transmission and control, to estimate the HPV prevalence reduction over time, after introduction of HPV vaccination. We simulated scenarios of bivalent or nonavalent vaccination in females-only or females and males, at 20% coverage increments. We estimated relative HPV-type–specific prevalence reduction compared with a no-vaccination counterfactual and then estimated the age-specific cervical cancer risk by vaccination status.

Results:

The relative cervical cancer risk for unvaccinated compared with vaccinated women ranged from 1.7 (bivalent vaccine for females and males; 80% coverage) to 10.8 (nonavalent vaccine for females-only; 20% coverage). Under 60% vaccination coverage, which is a representative coverage for several western countries, including the United States, the relative risk (RR) varies between 2.2 (bivalent vaccine for females and males) and 9.2 (nonavalent vaccine for females).

Conclusions:

We found large cervical cancer risk differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated women. In general, our model shows that the RR is higher in lower vaccine coverages, using the nonavalent vaccine, and when vaccinating females only.

Impact:

To avoid a disbalance in harms and benefits between vaccinated and unvaccinated women, vaccination-based screening needs serious consideration.
Werner Helicase Is a Synthetic-Lethal Vulnerability in Mismatch Repair–Deficient Colorectal Cancer Refractory to Targeted Therapies, Chemotherapy, and Immunotherapy
Authors: Picco Gabriele , Cattaneo Chiara M. , van Vliet Esmée J. , Crisafulli Giovanni , Rospo Giuseppe , Consonni Sarah , Vieira Sara F. , Rodríguez Iñigo Sánchez , Cancelliere Carlotta , Banerjee Ruby , Schipper Luuk J. , Oddo Daniele , Dijkstra Krijn K. , Cinatl Jindrich , Michaelis Martin , Yang Fengtang , Di Nicolantonio Federica , Sartore-Bianchi Andrea , Siena Salvatore , Arena Sabrina , Voest Emile E. , Bardelli Alberto , Garnett Mathew J.
Published: April 2021

Targeted therapies, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are used to treat patients with mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) colorectal cancer. The clinical effectiveness of targeted therapy and chemotherapy is limited by resistance and drug toxicities, and about half of patients receiving immunotherapy have disease that is refractory to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Loss of Werner syndrome ATP-dependent helicase (WRN) is a synthetic lethality in dMMR/MSI-H cells. To inform the development of WRN as a therapeutic target, we performed WRN knockout or knockdown in 60 heterogeneous dMMR colorectal cancer preclinical models, demonstrating that WRN dependency is an almost universal feature and a robust marker for patient selection. Furthermore, models of resistance to clinically relevant targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy retain WRN dependency. These data show the potential of therapeutically targeting WRN in patients with dMMR/MSI-H colorectal cancer and support WRN as a therapeutic option for patients with dMMR/MSI-H cancers refractory to current treatment strategies.

Significance:

We found that a large, diverse set of dMMR/MSI-H colorectal cancer preclinical models, including models of treatment-refractory disease, are WRN-dependent. Our results support WRN as a promising synthetic-lethal target in dMMR/MSI-H colorectal cancer tumors as a monotherapy or in combination with targeted agents, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1861
Dimensões lúdico-sagradas e resistências das congadas em Lambari (MG)
Authors: Costa Aline Guerra da , Ribeiro Cláudia Maria , Reis Fábio Pinto Gonçalves dos
Published: April 2021

A Congada é uma tradicional festa popular brasileira criada por pessoas negras escravizadas como uma reedição dos cortejos reais africanos. Essa manifestação cultural modificou seus significados originais diante das necessidades de representação e de reatamento dos laços identitários de uma população sequestrada da sua terra natal e lançada ao trabalho compulsório. Diante disso, este artigo propõe problematizar as experiências (de resistência) dos(as) praticantes da Congada e a constituição dos seus processos identitários acionados a partir da participação na festa no município de Lambari (MG). Para tanto, utilizou-se o material empírico produzido por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com os(as) congadeiros( as), ao passo que esses relatos foram interpretados a partir do aporte teórico pós-estruturalista. Ao final, conclui-se que as disputas travadas entre os(as) congadeiros( as) e o poder público acabaram por fortalecer os laços de resistência e as identidades da comunidade negra envolvida.
Knucklebone Faces and Throws: Play, Rules, and Rhetorical Discourse in Julius Pollux
Authors: Vespa Marco
Published: April 2021

The reconstruction of the culture of play and games in antiquity involves many problems of an exegetical nature, which are especially difficult to analyse because of the limited amount of encyclopaedic evidence that might provide adequate overviews and descriptions. Julius Pollux’s lexicon is an essential text in this regard. In the second half of the second century AD he wrote a synthesis of ancient knowledge, in which each notice was presented within very specific rhetorical and discursive constraints. This article focuses specifically on a passage (Poll. 9.100) in which two different names are given to the same face of the knucklebone. This passage presents an interpretative problem that has led some scholars to hypothesize a specific game rule. This paper shows how the answer to such an exegetical aporia can be solved by looking at the rhetorical specificities of the lexicographic genre and in particular at the discursive organization of the onomastic knowledge by Pollux.
Lectotypification of the basionym of Isodon kurzii and Isodon nilgherricus
Authors: S. ALAN THOMAS , SUNOJKUMAR P.
Published: April 2021

Isodon (Schrad. ex Bentham 1832: 40) Spach (1840: 162), belonging to the family Lamiaceae, comprises about 100 species (Chen et al. 2016). Formerly, the species of this genus were included in the genus Plectranthus L’Héritier (1788: 84). In this article, we are designating the lectotype for Plectranthus kurzii Prain (1890: 296) and Plectranthus nilgherricus Bentham (1848: 57), basionyms of Isodon kurzii (Prain) Hara (1985: 234) and Isodon nilgherricus (Benth.) Hara (1985: 236), respectively. The lectotypification of Plectranthus nilgherricus is a second-step lectotypification as per Art. 9. 17 of the ICN (Turland et al. 2018).
Tian-Jun Yuan, Olivier Raspé, Yong-Jun Li, Li Wang, Kai-Mei Su, Yun Wang, Hong-Yan Su, Hai-Kuan Xiong & Shu-Hong Li. (2021) Choiromyces cerebriformis (Tuberaceae), a new hypogeous species from Yunnan, China. Phytotaxa 482 (3): 251–260.
Authors: YUAN TIAN-JUN , RASPÉ OLIVIER , LI YONG-JUN , WANG LI , SU KAI-MEI , WANG YUN , SU HONG-YAN , XIONG HAI-KUANG , LI SHU-HONG
Published: April 2021

N/A
Description of a new species of Glassella Campos & Wicksten, 1997 from a coastal lagoon, SE Gulf of California (Crustacea, Decapoda, Pinnotheridae)
Authors: SALGADO-BARRAGÁN JOSE , BARRAGÁN-ZEPEDA ANA K.
Published: April 2021

A new a species of pinnotherid crab in the eastern Pacific coasts is presented. Twenty males and 21 females of small crabs were collected from burrows, presumably from ghost shrimp (Neotrypaea spp.), in sand-mud substrata from the Santa María-La Reforma coastal lagoon, SE Gulf of California. The new species was assigned to the genus Glassella because its morphological characteristics clearly match the amended diagnosis of the genus Glassella by Palacios Theil and Felder (2020) and Felder & Palacios Theil (2020), including the presence of a gonopodal plate (GP) inserted in the internal part of the male pleon, similar to that described for most of the species currently grouped into the genus Glassella. The new species is similar to G. miamiensis (McDermott, 2014) from western Atlantic, but it can be distinguished from this and the rest of the species of Glassella by differences in carapace margins and ridges, male pleon outline, and the shape of the GP.
New and little-known digger wasps (Hymenoptera: Ampulicidae, Sphecidae, Crabronidae) from Russia
Authors: MOKROUSOV MIKHAIL V. , PROSHCHALYKIN MAXIM YU.
Published: April 2021

New additions to the knowledge of digger wasps (Ampulicidae, Sphecidae, Crabronidae) in Russia are provided. Tachysphex loktionovi Mokrousov & Proshchalykin, sp. nov. is described from Tyva Republic. Five species of digger wasps are reported from Russia for the first time: Hoplammophila clypeata (Mocsáry, 1883) (Sphecidae), Tachysphex desertorum F. Morawitz, 1894, T. mongolicus Kohl, 1898, Tachytes argenteus Gussakovskij, 1933, and Trypoxylon albipes F. Smith, 1856 (Crabronidae). Misidentified Tachysphex speciosissimus Morice, 1897 (=T. gussakovskii Pulawski, 1971) is excluded from the fauna of Russia. Hitherto unknown male of Tachysphex mongolicus Kohl, 1898, stat. resurr. is described and regarded as a valid taxon. New synonymy is proposed for T. mongolicus Kohl, 1898 = T. abditus Kohl, 1898, syn. nov. Diagnosis for male of Dolichurus haemorrhous A. Costa, 1886 is updated. New regional records for seven species are recorded. The known fauna of Russia currently numbers three families, 87 genera and 694 species of digger wasps. In addition Tachytes argenteus Gussakovskij, 1933 is reported for the first time from Uzbekistan and Cyprus, and Trypoxylon beaumonti Antropov, 1991 is newly recorded from Ukraine.
Mitogenome of Alaudala cheleensis (Passeriformes: Alaudidae) and comparative analyses of Sylvioidea mitogenomes
Authors: YANG CHAO , ZHAO LE , WANG QINGXIONG , YUAN HAO , LI XUEJUAN , WANG YAN
Published: April 2021

To gain a better understanding of mitogenome features and phylogenetic relationships in Sylvioidea, a superfamily of Passerida, suborder Passeri, Passeriformes, the whole mitogenome of Alaudala cheleensis Swinhoe (Alaudidae) was sequenced, a comparative mitogenomic analysis of 18 Sylvioidea species was carried out, and finally, a phylogeny was reconstructed based on the mitochondrial dataset. Gene order of the A. cheleensis mitogenome was similar to that of other Sylvioidea species, including the gene rearrangement of cytb-trnT-CR1-trnP-nad6-trnE-remnant CR2-trnF-rrnS. There was slightly higher A+T content than that of G+C in the mitogenome, with an obvious C skew. The ATG codon initiated all protein-coding genes, while six terminating codons were used. The secondary structure of rrnS contained three domains and 47 helices, whereas rrnL included six domains and 60 helices. All tRNAs could be folded into a classic clover-leaf secondary structure except for trnS (AGY). The CR1 could be divided into three domains, including several conserved boxes (C-string, F, E, D, C and B-box, Bird similarity box, CSB1). Comparative analyses within Sylvioidea mitogenomes showed that most mitochondrial features were consistent with that of the A. cheleensis mitogenome. The basal position of the Alaudidae within the Sylvioidea in our phylogenetic analyses is consistent with other recent studies.
Home visiting support for people with hikikomori (social withdrawal) provided by experienced and effective workers
Authors: Funakoshi Akiko , Saito Masako , Yong Roseline , Suzuki Midori
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

Hikikomori – an almost complete withdrawal from social interaction first seen in Japan – is becoming an emerging psychological syndrome worldwide. The mental health community in Japan has focused on hikikomori since the 1990s. Hikikomori was initially considered a culture-bound trait, unique to Japan; however, it has become an international concern, and cases have been reported even outside of Japan. While home visiting support for people with hikikomori has gained popularity, an effective solution remains elusive. This paper describes the process involved in effective home visiting support provided by experienced workers to help people with hikikomori.

Method:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 home-visiting support workers in Japan. Collected data were analysed using a constant comparative method based on Grounded Theory.

Results:

‘Supporting them in finding their own way to participate in society’ was identified as the core category. This core category was substantiated by following three interrelated stages: preparing the involved surroundings for reaching out to a person, maintaining constant communication and expanding the range of activities and relationships. The process encouraged people with hikikomori to enhance their social connections and improved their motivation for social participation. People with hikikomori experiencing despair and isolation began to find pleasure in social participation through the three stages of support provided by home-visiting workers.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that Home visiting support for people with hikikomori can be enhanced by these three interrelated methods which can help individuals integrate into society and connect with others.
Graphene/chitosan/Ag+- doped hydroxyapatite triple composite fiber coatings on new generation hybrid titanium composite by electrospinning
Authors: Mutuk Tuğba , Gürbüz Mevlüt
Published: April 2021

In this work, The hybrid hydroxyapatite (HaP), chitosan (CH) and graphene nanosheets (GNS) mixtures were applied by electrospinning on the surface of GNS and Si3N4 (SN) binary powder reinforced hybrid titanium (Ti) metal composites surface to improve composite biosurface functionallity. The surfaces of coated materials were characterized and antibacterial tests were carried on for their suitability in the industry by performing artificial body fluid tests. The hybrid nano fiber coatings formed a homogeneous structure on the composite. According to bioactivity tests and microstructure analysis, it was seen that HaP, which has the best results in the change of pH (pH= 11.80) values. The lowest mass change (0.0005 g) was observed on the 10th day of pure titanium. The highest mass change (0.0210 g) was obtained as on the HaP coated hybrid titanium composite. According to the antibacterial test result the hybrid nanofiber containing silver (Ag+) doped HaP on Ti composites showed the best antibacterial property aganist the E.coli. The fabricated electrospin coated hybrid composites can be a potantial candidate for dental, orthopedic implant applications and tissue engineering.
Policy Analysis and Implementation Impact of government subsidies on shared-bikes operation mode using system dynamics methodology: A case of Mobike in China
Authors: Wang Tengfei , Li Hao , Xiao Baorong , Wei Di
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to explore the impact of government subsidy policies on strengthening the shared-bikes industry in China by simulating the operation mode of Mobike using system dynamics methodology. First, we introduce four subsidy policies: equalization subsidy, stage subsidy, growth subsidy, and back-slope subsidy, and establish a system dynamics model to characterize the bike-sharing operation dynamics system considering these four government subsidies. Subsequently, we analyze the impact of the four subsidy policies on enterprise-operating activities. The simulation results indicate that different subsidy policies have different incentive objectives and characteristics. The back-slope subsidy has more positive effects on enterprise operations in the short term but requires higher cost. The influence of growth subsidy and stage subsidy on enterprises can last longer, which requires the government to timely adjust the subsidy amount. The impact of equalization subsidy on enterprises is more stable, reducing government subsidy while ensuring enterprises’ regular operation.
Geometrical analysis of auxetic woven fabrics based on foldable geometry
Authors: Kamrul Hasan , Zulifqar Adeel , Yang Yadie , Zhao Shuaiquan , Zhang Minglonghai , Hu Hong
Published: April 2021

This paper reports a geometrical analysis of auxetic woven fabrics based on foldable geometry. Two fabrics having different geometrical parameters were first designed and fabricated and then subjected to tensile tests in two principal directions. Based on the experimental observations of the geometry of one fabric structural unit cell at different tensile strains, a geometrical model was first proposed and a relationship between the Poisson’s ratio and tensile strain was then established for each principal direction. Two semi-empirical equations are subsequently obtained for both principal directions by fitting the established relationships with experimental results. After validation by the experimental results of the other fabric, the obtained semi-empirical equations were finally used to predict the auxetic behavior of the fabric with a given geometrical parameter. The calculated and experimental results are found to be in excellent agreement with each other. Therefore, the semi-empirical equations obtained in this study could be useful in the design and prediction of the auxetic behavior of auxetic woven fabrics made with the same type of materials and foldable geometry but with different values of geometrical parameters.
The Impact of Patient Satisfaction on Patient Loyalty with the Mediating Effect of Patient Trust
Authors: Liu Sha , Li Genqiang , Liu Nan , Hongwei Wu
Published: April 2021

This research is primarily focused on the issues of customer loyalty in the healthcare industry, particularly from the perspective of public hospitals in China. The research developed a theoretical model to test the relationship between patient satisfaction (PS), patient trust (PT), and patient loyalty (PL). The empirical data were collected from 1696 patients through the survey questionnaires from the public hospitals in Henan province. This research is an explanatory study, and adopts quantitative method. The measurement scales used in the survey were assessed and refined and the data analysis was performed using AMOS 19.0 to test the theoretical model and hypotheses developed. In addition, an exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the dimensions of PS, PT, and PL. Their reliability and validity were established through confirmatory factor analysis, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) was used in the related hypotheses. The findings indicate that PT is an important antecedent of PL, and PS has no direct relationship with PL. It is worth noting that PS can lead to PL with PT as the mediating variable. The survey results will help public hospital managers to formulate effective strategies and provide a basis for studying PL. The research will prompt hospital managers to pay attention to the factors which contribute to PS, PT, and PL, and maintain the loyalty of patients to medical institutions. This study is one of the few studies on the relationship between PS, PT, and PL in Chinese public hospitals, and it also explores the direct and indirect effects of PT on PL. The results have practical implications for the Chinese healthcare industry.
A looming mental health pandemic in the time of COVID-19? Role of fortitude in the interrelationship between loneliness, anxiety, and life satisfaction among young adults
Authors: Pretorius Tyrone , Padmanabhanunni Anita
Published: April 2021

This study investigates loneliness, anxiety, and life satisfaction among a sample of young adults in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the role of fortitude in the interrelationship between these variables. Fortitude refers to the psychological strength to manage stress and stay well, and it is derived from positive appraisals of self, family, and support from others. Participants included 337 young adults who completed four self-report questionnaires: the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Scale, the Satisfaction with Life scale, and the Fortitude Questionnaire. Stepwise regression analysis was performed to determine the direct, indirect, mediating, and moderating role of fortitude on psychological outcomes. The results demonstrated unprecedented levels of anxiety, loneliness, and reduced life satisfaction among the sample. These levels were significantly higher than those encountered in previous studies in other contexts, as well as in studies of similar populations conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women reported higher levels of psychological distress than men. The results confirmed the mediating role of fortitude; however, they also suggested that the predictors (loneliness and anxiety) are the mediated pathways and fortitude is causally antecedent to loneliness and anxiety. These findings suggest a looming mental health crisis among young adults in South Africa and identify potential targets for intervention efforts. A strengths-based approach that focuses on enhancing individuals’ appraisals of coping and support may serve to build fortitude and potentially mitigate adverse mental health outcomes.
Personalised attraction recommendation for enhancing topic diversity and accuracy
Authors: Lin Yuanyuan , Huang Chao , Yao Wei , Shao Yifei
Published: April 2021

Attraction recommendation plays an important role in tourism, such as solving information overload problems and recommending proper attractions to users. Currently, most recommendation methods are dedicated to improving the accuracy of recommendations. However, recommendation methods only focusing on accuracy tend to recommend popular items that are often purchased by users, which results in a lack of diversity and low visibility of non-popular items. Hence, many studies have suggested the importance of recommendation diversity and proposed improved methods, but there is room for improvement. First, the definition of diversity for different items requires consideration for domain characteristics. Second, the existing algorithms for improving diversity sacrifice the accuracy of recommendations. Therefore, the article utilises the topic ‘features of attractions’ to define the calculation method of recommendation diversity. We developed a two-stage optimisation model to enhance recommendation diversity while maintaining the accuracy of recommendations. In the first stage, an optimisation model considering topic diversity is proposed to increase recommendation diversity and generate candidate attractions. In the second stage, we propose a minimisation misclassification cost optimisation model to balance recommendation diversity and accuracy. To assess the performance of the proposed method, experiments are conducted with real-world travel data. The results indicate that the proposed two-stage optimisation model can significantly improve the diversity and accuracy of recommendations.
Understanding the Trade-offs in Drug Development: Retrospective on Lessons from the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Saha Debdatta , Vasuprada T. M.
Published: April 2021

Using COVID-19 as the backdrop, this article investigates different trade-offs in terms of pecuniary and time costs in drug development across different branches of medicine. South Asian countries as well as China have a rich history of practicing traditional and alternative medicine. However, modern biomedicine as well as traditional medicine comes with certain procedural requirements, which make immediate responses to a pandemic difficult. Clinical trials in biomedicine are costly, mostly in terms of time. On the other hand, a lack of these standards, as in the case of many alternative medicines, does not come with the promise of low-cost cures for the viral pandemic. Any modification of the standards in pharmaceutical testing has resulted in avoidable controversies at all stages of drug discovery, be it in research papers, or in clinical trials, or in the sale of actual medicine itself. Non-pharmaceutical intervention, with different economic impacts, becomes imperative.
Temporary biventricular support as a bridge to recovery: A justifiable strategy for small children with fulminant myocarditis
Authors: Dikmen Yaman Nur , Kendirli Tanıl , Uçar Tayfun , Çakıcı Mehmet , Inan Bahadır , Eyileten Zeynep , Tutar Ercan , Rüçhan Akar Ahmet
Published: April 2021

Short-term mechanical circulatory support can be life-saving in the pediatric population with acute cardiogenic shock (ACS). However, recovery from MCS is a rare entity. MCS options are limited for low-body-weight children in Turkey. Over the last decade, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been the primary bridging modality for children with end-stage heart failure in our country. However, VA-ECMO may cause increased wall stress and oxygen demand, which may alter myocardial recovery. Here, we describe using a Levitronix CentriMag Systems for biventricular support as a bridge to recovery in a 16-month-old boy (weight, 11 kg; BSA, 0.5 m2) with type A influenza related-fulminant myocarditis (FM). Levitronix CentriMag System provides a safe and efficient short-term, biventricular, paracorporeal support for infants, and small children with ACS.
Syringin protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury via inhibiting neuroinflammation and TLR4 signaling
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhu Xuyao , Tong Xiuxia , Tan Ziqiang
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/R) is associated with high mortality and remains a large challenge in the clinic. Syringin is a bioactive compound with anti-inflammation, antioxidant, as well as neuroprotective effects. Nevertheless, whether syringin could protect against CI/R injury and its potential mechanism was still unclear.

Methods:

Rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham group, syringin group, CI/R group, CI/R + syringin group, and CI/R + syringin + LPS (TLR4 agonist) group. The CI/R injury rat model was established by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The learning and memory ability of rats was estimated by the Morris water maze test. Modified neurological severity score test (mNSS) and infarct volume were detected to assess the neuroprotective effect of syringin. ELISA and RT-qPCR were used to analyze the concentration of proinflammation cytokines and the expression of TLR4.

Results:

CI/R injury induced increased mNSS scores and decreased learning and memory ability of rats. Syringin could significantly protect against CI/R injury as it decreased the cerebral damage and improved the cognitive ability of CI/R rats. Moreover, syringin also reduced neuroinflammation of CI/R injury rats. Additionally, TLR4 was significantly upregulated in CI/R injury rats, which was suppressed by syringin. The activation of TLR4 reversed the neuroprotective effect of syringin in CI/R rats.

Conclusion:

Syringin decreased the inflammation reaction and cerebral damage in CI/R injury rats. The neuroprotective effect of syringin may be correlated with the inhibition of TLR4.
Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign body in children: a case series and review
Authors: Pazinato Lucas Vatanabe , Leite Tulio Fabiano de Oliveira , Bortolini Edgar , Pereira Osvaldo Ignacio , Nomura Cesar Higa , Motta-Leal-Filho Joaquim Mauricio da
Published: April 2021

Background

Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies has recently increased as a treatment option.

Purpose

To report our single-center experience of the percutaneous retrieval of 14 intravascular embolized catheter fragments in children and to conduct a literature review.

Material and Methods

MEDLINE databases were searched for case reports and series including children and iatrogenic catheter fragments or guidewires retrieved through percutaneous techniques. We also conducted a retrospective analysis of 14 cases from our institution over a 14-year period. A total of 27 studies were selected comprising 74 children, plus our 14 unpublished cases. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel version 2016.

Results

Port catheter fragments and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) were the most embolized foreign bodies and the pulmonary artery was the most common site of embolization in 44.1% of cases. Analysis of the retrieval technique demonstrated a preference for extraction through the femoral vein (81.7%) and using snare techniques (93.5%). The success rate of percutaneous retrieval was 96.6% with only 1.1% of procedure-related complications. Patients were asymptomatic in 77.2% of cases, presented septic complications in 2.3%, and no deaths were reported. Median fluoroscopy time was 10 min (range = 1.7–80 min) and median procedure length was 60 min (range = 35–208 min).

Conclusion

Percutaneous retrieval of intravascular foreign bodies is a feasible, safe, and efficient technique in children and should be considered the preferred treatment option.
Short-Term Field Performance and Cost-Effectiveness of Crumb-Rubber Modified Asphalt Emulsion in Chip Seal Applications
Authors: Rahman Md Nafiur , Sarkar Md Tanvir Ahmed , Elseifi Mostafa A. , Mayeux Corey , Cooper Samuel B. , Free Ken
Published: April 2021

Chip sealing is a commonly used pavement maintenance technique that aims to delay pavement deterioration by reducing water infiltration and restoring skid resistance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term field performance and cost-effectiveness of chip seals prepared with different types of asphalt emulsion and application rates. A newly introduced crumb-rubber modified asphalt emulsion was evaluated, one that allows chip seal installation at the same temperature as a standard emulsion. Types of emulsion included a crumb-rubber modified asphalt emulsion (CRS-2TR), a polymer-modified emulsion (CRS-2P), and a conventional unmodified emulsion (CRS-2). Application rates were obtained from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), the Texas Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications, and from the chip seal design method recommended in NCHRP Report 680. Seven chip seal sections were constructed and monitored regularly over a 12-month period. In the northbound lane, the chip seal section constructed with CRS-2TR (0.37 gal per square yard [gsy]) was the best performer statistically. In the southbound lane, the chip seal sections constructed with CRS-2TR and CRS-2P (0.31 gsy) performed similarly. Furthermore, the maximum Service Life Extension (SLE) was observed for the CRS-2TR (0.31 gsy) chip seal sections, whereas the chip seal sections constructed with CRS-2 had the lowest SLE. In addition, the most cost-effective chip seal section was achieved by the application of CRS-2TR emulsion at the Louisiana DOTD recommended emulsion application rate.
Risk factors associated with urethral stricture recurrence after end-to-end urethroplasty and buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty
Authors: Pallares-Méndez Rigoberto , Cota-Agüero Jesús Arturo , Gutierrez-Gonzalez Adrian , Cervantes-Miranda Daniel Eduardo , Hernández-Aranda Katherine Lyn , Ochoa-Arvizo Mario , Aguilar-Rivera Luis Gerardo
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

(1) Assess risk factors associated with urethral stricture recurrence (USR). (2) Assess urethral stricture recurrence after end-to-end urethroplasty (EE) and buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (BMG).

Subjects and methods:

A total of 29 males with urethral stricture who underwent either an end-to-end urethroplasty or a buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty were included in this study and followed for 18 months. The association between risk factors and stricture recurrence was assessed.

Results:

Overall mean patient age was 51.69 ± 14.22 years, time to recurrence was 3 months (IQR: 1–6.25), and stricture length was 2.57 ± 1.30 cm. Important risk factors for USR were stricture length ⩾ 2 cm ( p = 0.024), older age ( p = 0.042), BMI > 25 kg/m2 ( p = 0.021), Qmax after catheter removal <15 ml/s (χ2 = 14.87 p ⩽ <0.001) and previous urethral procedures adjusted for re-do BMG urethroplasty (χ2 = 6.10, p = 0.021). End-to-end urethroplasty showed less USR than BMG, however, these differences were not statistically significant (41.6% vs 22.2%, respectively, p ⩾ 0.05).

Conclusions:

Stricture length, age, BMI, and previous urethral procedures predict USR, furthermore, an initial Qmax after catheter removal is an objective measure predictive of USR. There’s no difference in USR rate between BMG and EE urethroplasties.
CommunityRx: Optimizing a Community Resource Referral Intervention for Minority Dementia Caregivers
Authors: Abramsohn Emily M. , Paradise Kelsey M. , Glover Crystal M. , Benjamins Maureen , Douglas Leilani , Jerome Jessica , Kim Maylene L. , Kostas Tia , Mata David , Padron Fatima , Shah Raj C. , Lindau Stacy Tessler
Published: April 2021

Community resource referral systems have been implemented into care settings that serve persons with dementia but with little input from caregivers. Focus groups were conducted with African American, Hispanic, and Asian caregivers to describe their preferences for community resource referral information. Caregivers discussed the significance of a community resource list for dementia caregiving and self-care and articulated strategies for effective information delivery during a medical visit. Most caregivers acknowledged that resource needs change with progression of dementia, but no patterns emerged with regard to preference for information delivered incrementally based on disease stage or all at once. Hispanic and Asian caregivers felt that resource information should specify service providers’ language and cultural capabilities. All caregivers agreed that delivery by a member of the care team with knowledge of dementia-specific resources would be most effective. Optimal delivery of community resource referrals is caregiver-centered and customizable to individual and subgroup preferences.
Lane-deviation penalty formulation and analysis for autonomous vehicle avoidance maneuvers
Authors: Anistratov Pavel , Olofsson Björn , Nielsen Lars
Published: April 2021

Autonomous vehicles hold promise for increased vehicle and traffic safety, and there are several developments in the field where one example is an avoidance maneuver. There it is dangerous for the vehicle to be in the opposing lane, but it is safe to drive in the original lane again after the obstacle. To capture this basic observation, a lane-deviation penalty (LDP) objective function is devised. Based on this objective function, a formulation is developed utilizing optimal all-wheel braking and steering at the limit of road–tire friction. This method is evaluated for a double lane-change scenario by computing the resulting behavior for several interesting cases, where parameters of the emergency situation such as the initial speed of the vehicle and the size and placement of the obstacle are varied, and it performs well. A comparison with maneuvers obtained by minimum-time and other lateral-penalty objective functions shows that the use of the considered penalty function decreases the time that the vehicle spends in the opposing lane.
Napoléon et l’Empire de l’opinion : acteurs et enjeux du contrôle de l’opinion publique sous le Premier Empire
Authors: Novak Maximilien
Published: April 2021

This article outlines the history of the administration in charge of the regulation and control of public opinion during the French Empire. The context of this regulation is delineated by examining how Napoleon intended, as early as the Consulate, to merge the Ancien Regime traditions with the new values of the Revolution. This project acknowledges innovative developments in public opinion management, in the shaping of political legitimacy after 1789. I will examine three unpublished manuscripts produced by this administration in order to illustrate the administrative and political implications of the imperial control of public opinion. In addition, I will analyze the historical issues at stake determined by different figures who played a role in this administration.
Modelling the Effectiveness of a Social Media-based Counseling Intervention on Interest, Entrepreneurial Skills, and Behavioural Intention Towards Painting Among Youth Without Paid Jobs in Nigeria
Authors: Okpara Chukwuemeka Vincent , Anselm U. Anibueze , Alphonsus Ugwu , Chidi Ugwuanyi John , Gever Verlumun Celestine
Published: April 2021

In this study, we made use of the human capital theory (HCT) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to develop a model that explains the effectiveness of a social media–based intervention on interest, entrepreneurial skills and behavioural intention towards painting among young graduates without paid employment in Nigeria. The study included an experiment involving 470 (235 control-group and 235 treatment-group) participants who were not on the payroll of any organization at the time of the study. The questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection, while the results were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of the study was effective, because respondents who were exposed to the intervention reported greater interest in painting than those who were not. Also, participants in the treatment group reported greater entrepreneurial skills and behavioural intention towards painting than their counterparts in the control group. We explored the implications of these results on theory and practice and made recommendations for further studies.
Of Vulnerability and Agency: Perspectives from Survivors of Sex Trafficking in India
Authors: James Nisha , Ranganathan Shubha
Published: April 2021

The recent Anti-Trafficking Bill in India (2018) has received considerable criticism for perpetuating a paternalistic attitude towards victims of sex trafficking. Scholars, activists and legal experts have pointed out the failure of the Act to recognise the agency of trafficked girls and women. In thinking about victimhood and agency, we draw attention to the need for thinking of ‘vulnerability’ in terms of complex intersectional processes and situations that render certain persons more vulnerable to trafficking. This article delves into contexts and vulnerabilities in the process of trafficking by drawing on women’s narratives about the lived experiences of sex trafficking. It is based on a qualitative field study through in-depth interviews of 51 survivors of sex trafficking who were sheltered in government and non-government organisations in the cities of Chennai and Hyderabad.
Causes of death in beef cattle in southern Brazil
Authors: Molossi Franciéli A. , de Cecco Bianca S. , Pohl Camila B. , Borges Rogério B. , Sonne Luciana , Pavarini Saulo P. , Driemeier David
Published: April 2021

We determined the prevalence of diseases and pathogens associated with mortality in beef cattle in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, based on pathology laboratory submissions. Postmortem examinations were conducted on 1,277 beef cattle that died between 2008 and 2018. Information regarding age, time of the year, breed, and regional location were analyzed statistically. Most cattle were from the surrounding region of Porto Alegre, and 78.7% of the analyzed cases had diagnostic value. The diagnostic category with most cases was infectious and/or parasitic diseases (60%), followed by toxic and toxicoinfectious (25%). Most cases occurred in the fall. Major disease conditions identified included hemoprotozoal infection (18.2%), rabies (8.2%), and plant intoxications by Senecio spp. (8.5%) and Pteridium arachnoideum (4.6%). Hemoprotozoal infection occurred at a higher frequency in young cattle, mainly in animals up to 1 y old. Intoxication by Senecio spp. was more frequent in cattle 2–3 y old.