bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does mobile phone instructional video demonstrating sputum expectoration improve the sputum sample quality and quantity in presumptive pulmonary TB cases? Protocol for a prospective pragmatic non-randomised controlled trial in Karnataka state, India
Authors: Shivalli Siddharudha , Hondappagol Amrut , Akshaya Kibballi Madhukeshwar , Nirgude Abhay , Varun Narendra , Reddy Raveendra Harohally Ramaiah , Sharath Burugina Nagaraja
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Sputum smear microscopy is the cornerstone of tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) in India. Instructions on how to produce a good sputum sample are a part of RNTCP training manuals, but its assessment is not emphasised. Healthcare provider’s instruction to expectorate a good sputum sample has limitations. Presumptive TB patients often submit inadequate (in quantity and/or quality) sputum samples, which may result in false-negative results. Objectives of the study are, among the selected RNTCP designated microscopy centres inDakshina Kannadadistrict, Karnataka, India, (a) to assess the effectiveness of mobile phone instructional video demonstrating sputum expectoration on sputum quality and quantity and (b) to explore the mobile phone video implementation challenges as perceived by the healthcare providers.

Methods and analysis

This is a pragmatic, prospective, non-randomised controlled trial in two pairs of RNTCP Designated Microscopy Centres (located at secondary and primary healthcare facilities) ofDakshina Kannadadistrict, India. Presumptive pulmonary TB patients aged ≥18 years will be included. We will exclude who are severely ill, blind, hearing impaired, patients who have already brought their sputum for examination, and transported sputum. In the intervention group, participants will watch a mobile phone instructional video demonstrating submission of an adequate sputum sample. The control group will follow the usual ongoing procedure for sputum submission. This study would require 406 participants for each group to achieve a power of 90% for detecting a difference of 15% between the two groups. The participant enrolment started in December 2019.

Ethics and dissemination

Yenepoya University Ethics Committee, Mangaluru, India, has approved the study protocol (YEC-1/158/2019). It complies with the Declaration of Helsinki, local laws, and the International Council for Harmonization-good clinical practices. Investigators will present the results in scientific forums, publish in a scientific journal, and share with RNTCP officers.

Trial registration number

Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2019/06/019887).
Efficacy and economic evaluation of delivery of care with tele-continuous EEG in critically ill patients: a multicentre, randomised controlled trial (Tele-cRCT) study protocol
Authors: Limotai Chusak , Ingsathit Atiporn , Thadanipon Kunlawat , Pattanaprateep Oraluck , Pattanateepapon Anuchate , Phanthumchinda Kammant , Suwanwela Nijasri C , Thaipisuttikul Iyavut , Boonyapisit Kanokwan , Thakkinstian Ammarin
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Some critically ill patients are confirmed by continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) monitoring that non-convulsive seizure (NCS) and/or non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) are causes of their depressed level of consciousness. Shortage of epilepsy specialists, especially in developing countries, is a major limiting factor in implementing cEEG in general practice. Delivery of care with tele-continous EEG (tele-cEEG) may be a potential solution as this allows specialists from a central facility to remotely assist local neurologists from distant areas in interpreting EEG findings and suggest proper treatment. No tele-cEEG programme has been implemented to help improve quality of care. Therefore, this study is conducted to assess the efficacy and cost utility of implementing tele-cEEG in critical care.

Methods and analysis

The Tele-cRCT study is a 3-year prospective, randomised, controlled, parallel, multicentre, superiority trial comparing delivery of care through ‘Tele-cEEG’ intervention with ‘Tele-routine EEG (Tele-rEEG)’ in patients with clinical suspicion of NCS/NCSE. A group of EEG specialists and a tele-EEG system were set up to remotely interpret EEG findings in six regional government hospitals across Thailand. The primary outcomes are functional neurological outcome (modified Rankin Scale, mRS), mortality rate and incidence of seizures. The secondary outcomes are cost utility, length of stay, emergency visit/readmission, impact on changing medical decisions and health professionals’ perceptions about tele-cEEG implementation. Functional outcome (mRS) will be assessed at 3 and 7 days after recruitment, and again at time of hospital discharge, and at 90 days, 6 months, 9 months and 1 year. Costs and health-related quality of life will be assessed using the Thai version of the EuroQol-five dimensions-five levels (EQ-5D-5L) at hospital discharge, and at 90 days, 6 months, 9 months and 1 year.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the ethics committees of the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and of Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, and registered on Thai Clinical Trials Registry. The results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

TCTR20181022002; preresults.
Acupuncture for insomnia with short sleep duration: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang Cong , Yang Wen-jia , Yu Xin-tong , Fu Cong , Li Jin-jin , Wang Jing , Xu Wen-lin , Zheng Yi-xin , Chen Xin-yu , Chen Yun-fei
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Insomnia with short sleep duration has a more serious negative impact on patient health. The existing literature suggests that medication therapy is more effective for this phenotype of insomnia compared with cognitive–behavioural therapy. However, the potential side effects of hypnotic medications hinder their clinical application. Acupuncture has been widely used in the treatment of insomnia, but it remains unclear whether it has therapeutic efficacy for insomnia with short sleep duration. The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for insomnia with short sleep duration.

Methods and analysis

This study is designed as a randomised, single-centre, single-blinded, placebo acupuncture controlled trial involving 152 participants. Eligible patients will be divided into two groups according to the objective total sleep time: insomnia with normal sleep duration group and insomnia with short sleep duration group. Then, patients in each group will be randomly assigned to two subgroups, the treatment group (acupuncture) and the control group (placebo acupuncture), in a 1:1 ratio with 38 subjects in each subgroup. The primary outcome is the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Insomnia Severity Index. Secondary outcomes are actigraphy, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and the Fatigue Severity Scale. All adverse effects will be assessed by the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale. Outcomes will be evaluated at baseline, post treatment, as well as at 1-week and 1-month follow-up.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been approved by the ethics committee of Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine (no. 2019-17). Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals for publications.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR1900023473; Pre-results.
The French reporting system for drug shortages: description and trends from 2012 to 2018: an observational retrospective study
Authors: Benhabib Amine , Ioughlissen Saïd , Ratignier-Carbonneil Christelle , Maison Patrick
Published: March 2020

Objectives

The aim was to provide figures for drug shortages in France and describe their characteristics, causes and trends between 2012 and 2018.

Methods

Data from the national reporting system from the Agency of Medicine and Health Product Safety (ANSM) was analysed. This database contains information regarding effective and predicted shortages of major therapeutic of interest drugs (ie, drugs whose shortage would be life-threatening or representing a loss of treatment opportunity for patients with a severe disease) which are mandatory reported by marketing authorisation holders to the ANSM. Data are presented as numbers or percentages of pharmaceutical products (ie, the product name and its formulation) reported on shortage between 2012 and 2018.

Results

There were 3530 pharmaceutical products reported on shortage during the period, including 1833 different active substances. Drugs on shortage were mostly old products (63.4%) with national marketing authorisation procedures (62.8%), as well as injectable and oral forms (47.5% and 43.3%, respectively). Anti-infectives for systemic use ranked first (18%), followed by nervous and cardiovascular system drugs and by antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents (17.4%, 12.5% and 10.4%, respectively). The number of reported shortages presented a fourfold increase between 2012 and 2018 and a sharp rise in 2017 and 2018, along with a rise in the number of active substances on shortage. The therapeutic classes concerned remained similar over time. Manufacturing and material supply issues were the main reported reasons for the shortage each year (30%) and there was an overall rise of pharmaceutical market reasons.

Conclusion

Drug shortages were increasingly reported in France. Preventive measures should specifically target the products most on shortage, in particular old drugs, injectable, anti-infective, nervous system and cardiovascular system drugs as well as antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents.
Severity of coeliac disease and clinical management study when using a CYP3A4 metabolised medication: a phase I pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Chretien Marc L , Bailey David G , Asher Linda , Parfitt Jeremy , Driman David , Gregor Jamie , Dresser George K
Published: March 2020

Objective

Severity of coeliac disease depends in part on the extent of small intestinal mucosa injury. Patients with the most abnormal pathology have loss of duodenal villi CYP3A4, a drug-metabolising enzyme that inactivates many drugs. These patients are hypothesised to have greater systemic concentrations of felodipine, a drug which normally has low oral bioavailability secondary to intestinal CYP3A4-mediated metabolism. It serves as a representative for a class containing many medications.

Design

A phase I, open-label, single-dose, pharmacokinetic study.

Setting

London, Ontario, Canada.

Participants

Patients with coeliac disease (n=47) with positive serology and healthy individuals (n=68).

Main outcome measures

Patients with coeliac disease—upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and oral felodipine pharmacokinetics study within a 3-week period. Healthy individuals—oral felodipine pharmacokinetics study with water and grapefruit juice.

Results

Coeliac stratification categories: Group A (n=15, normal), B+C (n=16, intraepithelial lymphocytosis with/without mild villous blunting) and D (n=16, moderate/severe villous blunting). Groups A, B+C and D had linear trends of increasing felodipine AUC0–8; mean±SEM, 14.4±2.1, 17.6±2.8, 25.7±5.0; p<0.05) and Cmax (3.5±0.5, 4.0±0.6, 6.4±1.1; p<0.02), respectively. Healthy subjects receiving water had lower felodipine AUC0–8(11.9±0.9 vs 26.9±0.9, p=0.0001) and Cmax (2.9±0.2 vs 7.7±0.2, p=0.0001) relative to those receiving grapefruit juice.

Conclusions

Increased felodipine concentrations in patients with coeliac disease were most probably secondary to decreased small intestinal CYP3A4 expression. Patients with severe coeliac disease and healthy individuals with grapefruit juice had equivalently enhanced effect. Thus, patients with severe coeliac disease would probably experience similarly altered drug response, including overdose toxicity, from many important medications known to be metabolised by CYP3A4. Patients with coeliac disease with severe disease should be considered for other clinical drug management, particularly when there is the potential for serious drug toxicity.
Awareness and bispectral index (BIS) monitoring in mechanically ventilated patients in the emergency department and intensive care unit: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Pappal Ryan D , Roberts Brian W , Winkler Winston , Yaegar Lauren H , Stephens Robert J , Fuller Brian M
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Accidental awareness with recall is one of the most feared complications for patients undergoing general anaesthesia and can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder in up to 70% of patients experiencing it. To reduce the incidence of awareness with recall, the bispectral index monitor is recommended for patients receiving total intravenous anaesthetics, especially those receiving neuromuscular blockers. While extensive investigation into awareness and bispectral index monitoring has occurred for operating room patients, this has not extended to other clinical arenas where sedated and mechanically ventilated patients are cared for, namely the intensive care unit and emergency department. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the world’s literature to determine the incidence of awareness with paralysis in mechanically ventilated patients and the impact of bispectral index monitoring for reducing this complication.

Methods and analysis

Randomised trials and non-randomised studies are eligible for inclusion. With aid from a medical librarian, an electronic search will include Ovid Medline, Embase.com, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. To find data published in abstract form, literature from professional society conferences (2010–2019) will be manually searched. Two authors will independently review search results and consensus will be reached with assistance from a third author, as needed. Heterogeneity and publication bias will be assessed and reported. If possible and appropriate, a meta-analysis of the data will be conducted for quantitative data analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The proposed systematic review does not require ethical approval, as it is conducted at the study level and does not involve individual patient-level data. Results will be disseminated by data sharing via academically established means, presentation at local and national scientific meetings and publication as a peer-reviewed manuscript.

PROSPERO registration number

The protocol has been submitted to International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews and is awaiting registration.
Bayesian methods in palliative care research: cancer-induced bone pain
Authors: Parker Richard A , Sande Tonje A , Laird Barry , Hoskin Peter , Fallon Marie , Colvin Lesley
Published: March 2020

Objective

To show how a simple Bayesian analysis method can be used to improve the evidence base in patient populations where recruitment and retention are challenging.

Methods

A Bayesian conjugate analysis method was applied to binary data from the Thermal testing in Bone Pain (TiBoP) study: a prospective diagnostic accuracy/predictive study in patients with cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of a simple bedside tool to identify who was most likely to benefit from palliative radiotherapy (XRT) for CIBP.

Results

Recruitment and retention of patients were challenging due to the frail population, with only 27 patients available for the primary analysis. The Bayesian method allowed us to make use of prior work done in this area and combine it with the TiBoP data to maximise the informativeness of the results. Positive and negative predictive values were estimated with greater precision, and interpretation of results was facilitated by use of direct probability statements. In particular, there was only 7% probability that the true positive predictive value was above 80%.

Conclusions

Several advantages of using Bayesian analysis are illustrated in this article. The Bayesian method allowed us to gain greater confidence in our interpretation of the results despite the small sample size by allowing us to incorporate data from a previous similar study. We suggest that this method is likely to be useful for the analysis of small diagnostic or predictive studies when prior information is available.
New therapies for canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Forsythe Peter , Jackson Hilary
Published: March 2020

Background: Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is an incurable inflammatory and pruritic allergic skin disease that starts in young dogs and requires lifelong management. There have been limited choices for the management of CAD, but over the past few years two, more‐targeted, therapies have been developed.

Aim of the article: This article aims to review the use of these newer therapies and how they fit into the management of this complex disease.
Characteristics and sexual health service use of MSM engaging in chemsex: results from a large online survey in England
Authors: Blomquist Paula Bianca , Mohammed Hamish , Mikhail Amy , Weatherburn Peter , Reid David , Wayal Sonali , Hughes Gwenda , Mercer Catherine H
Published: March 2020

Background

Chemsex, the use of select psychoactive drugs to enhance sexual experience, typically among men who have sex with men (MSM), is associated with sexual behaviours with higher STI risk. Understanding patterns of chemsex among MSM as well as the characteristics and sexual health service engagement of chemsex participants is important for developing interventions.

Methods

Between 5/2016 to 5/2017, 3933 MSM completed an online survey, recruited in sexual health clinics (SHCs) in England (n=421) and via four social networking/dating apps (n=3512). We described patterns of chemsex in the past year and used multivariable logistic regression to investigate differences in demographics and sexual behaviours by chemsex history. We described history of SHC attendance and STI test in the past year among app-recruited chemsex participants.

Results

Chemsex in the past year was reported by 10% of respondents; 19% of SHC-recruited and 9% of app-recruited. Among chemsex participants, 74% had used ≥2 chemsex drugs. In the multivariable model, MSM engaging in chemsex had a raised odds of being HIV-positive (adjusted OR (aOR): 3.6; 95% CI 2.1 to 6.1), aged 30–44 (aOR 1.5 vs <30 years; 95% CI 1.0 to 2.1), being born outside the UK and having engaged in higher risk sexual behaviours in the past 3 months. Chemsex participants also had higher odds of condomless anal sex with partners of different or unknown HIV status, but only among HIV-negative/untested. In the past year, 66% of app-recruited chemsex participants had attended a SHC and 81% had had an STI test.

Conclusion

One in 10 MSM recruited through community and clinical settings across England had engaged in chemsex in the past year. Those that did appear to be at greater STI risk but engaged more actively with sexual health services. This highlights the need and opportunity for chemsex-related services in SHCs and robust referral pathways to drug treatment services.
Frederick Charles Ball
Authors: Muckle Andy , Oliver John
Published: March 2020

A loyal and hardworking partner who always pushed the boundaries in driving the practice forward. Kind, caring and inquisitive, he became a legend among generations of staff and clients.
Martin Edward Cooke
Authors: McHattie David ,   John, Cooper Margaret
Published: March 2020

Throughout his long and varied career, Martin was driven by a desire to make a difference – to leave things better than he found them; to make things better for animals. He made things better for people too.
Electroweak baryogenesis and electron EDM in the B-LSSM
Authors: Yang Jin-Lei , Feng Tai-Fu , Zhang Hai-Bin
Published: March 2020

Electroweak baryogenesis (EWB) and electric dipole moment (EDM) have close relation with the new physics beyond the standard model (SM), because the SM CP-violating (CPV) interactions are not sufficient to provide the baryon asymmetry of the universe by many orders of magnitude, and the theoretical predictions for the EDM of electron ($$d_e$$de) in the SM are too tiny to be detected in near future. In this work, we explore the CPV effects on EWB and the electron EDM in the minimal supersymmetric extension (MSSM) of the SM with local $$B-L$$B-L gauge symmetry (B-LSSM). And the two-step transition via tree-effects in this model is discussed. Including two-loop corrections to $$d_e$$de and considering the constrains from updated experimental data, the numerical results show that the B-LSSM can account for the observed baryon asymmetry. In addition, when the cancellation between different contributions to $$d_e$$de takes place, the region favored by EWB can be compatible with the corresponding EDM bound.
Relativistic quantum oscillators in the global monopole spacetime
Authors: Bragança E. A. F. , Vitória R. L. L. , Belich H. , de Mello E. R. Bezerra
Published: March 2020

We investigated the effects of the global monopole spacetime on the Dirac and Klein–Gordon relativistic quantum oscillators. In order to do this, we solve the Dirac and Klein–Gordon equations analytically and discuss the influence of this background, which is characterised by the curvature of the spacetime, on the energy profiles of these oscillators. In addition, we introduce a hard-wall potential and, for a particular case, determine the energy spectrum for relativistic quantum oscillators in this background.
Electron irradiation and annealing effects on the pseudogap in optimally doped YBCO single crystals
Authors: Khadzhai G. Ya. , Vovk R. V. , Zdorovko S. F. , Chroneos A.
Published: March 2020

The effect of room-temperature annealing on the basal-plane conductivity of YBCO single crystals is investigated after their irradiation with fast electrons. It is revealed that the excess conductivity [Formula: see text] of the samples obeys an exponential temperature dependence in a broad temperature range [Formula: see text]. Here, [Formula: see text] is the crossover temperature from the pseudogap to the fluctuation conductivity regime. The description of the excess conductivity with the expression [Formula: see text] can be interpreted in terms of the mean-field theory where [Formula: see text] corresponds to the mean-field transition temperature to the pseudogap state and the dependence [Formula: see text] is described within the framework of the BCS-BEC crossover theory.
Effectiveness of hamstring stretching using a pressure biofeedback unit for 4 weeks: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ahn Jin-Oh , Weon Jong-Hyuck , Koh Eun-Kyung , Jung Do-Young
Published: March 2020

Background: Stretching and length test of hamstring muscles have been performed commonly to manage lower back pain (LBP) in sports rehabilitation. Previous literatures addressed that stretching techniques and length test of hamstring muscles should be performed with the pelvic maintained in an anterior tilt position. However, there is no study to determine the effectiveness of pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) to maintain in anterior pelvic tilting (APT) on length test and stretching of hamstring muscles.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of hamstring muscles stretching using a PBU.

Methods: Forty participants with shortness of hamstrings randomized into two groups. Participants performed the active knee extension (AKE) stretching without (control group) or with PBU (intervention group) for four weeks. AKE tests without and with PBU were administered three times before and after hamstrings stretching by each group.

Results: The AKE test without PBU showed a significant main effect of time ([Formula: see text]) but not of group ([Formula: see text]) on the AKE angle. The AKE test with PBU showed a significant increase in the AKE angle in the post-intervention compared to the pre-intervention assessments in both groups ([Formula: see text]). The difference of AKE angle between the pre- and post-intervention results was significantly greater in the intervention group than in the control group ([Formula: see text]).

Conclusion: We recommend the use of a PBU to maintain the pelvic anterior tilting position when performing the AKE test or AKE stretching.
A career in photophysicochemical and electrochemical properties of phthalocyanine — a Linstead Career Award paper
Authors: Nyokong Tebello
Published: March 2020

This manuscript highlights the author’s contributions to phthalocyanine chemistry, especially the applications based on their electrochemistry and photophysicochemistry. In particular, the use of phthalocyanines as electrocatalysts and photocatalysts is presented. For photocatalysis, photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy and pollution control using green technologies are highlighted. For electrocatalysis the phthalocyanines are employed for the detection of pollutants and environmentally important molecules. Phthalocyanines are combined with nanomaterials for improved photocatalysis and electrocatalysis.
Mechanical and Flame-Retardant Properties of Nanocomposite Based on Epoxy Resin Combined with Epoxidized Linseed Oil, Which Has the Presence of Nanoclay and MWCNTs
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: March 2020

One of the main disadvantages of epoxy resins is brittleness and flammability, which is one of the biggest threats and the reason for limiting advanced applications. In this study, Epikote 240 (EP) epoxy resin was plasticized with epoxidized flaxseed oil (ELO) at different concentrations (EP/ELO ratios 95/5; 90/10; 85/15; 80/20; 75/25). Then, nanoclay additives and MWCNTs are simultaneously dispersed into the EP/ELO blend by using ultrasonic vibration. The dispersion of ELO and nanoclay additives (nanoclay and MWCNTs) in epoxy resin is observed by using the scanning electron microscope in combination with the XRD method. The effect of ELO, nanoadditives on mechanical properties, and flame retardants is assessed by tensile strength, flexural strength, compressive strength, impact resistance, UL 94HB method, and limiting oxygen index. Experimental results have shown that the mixing ratio of 90/10 w/w is the ratio for good compatibility, high mechanical properties, and fire retardation compared with other ratios. When adding MWCNTs as well as nanoclay I.30E to Epikote 240 epoxy, the mechanical strength and fire resistance have changed greatly: tensile strength of 85.45 MPa, flexural strength of 116.32 MPa, compressive strength of 189.25 MPa, impact resistance Izod of 24.37 kJ/m2, and fire resistance reached at V1.
Study on Fuzzy Control for Air-To-Water Heat Pumps Connected to a Residential Floor Heating System
Authors: Jiang Duhui , Hongshe Cui
Published: March 2020

Reducing the supplied water temperature of the air-to-water heat pump to meet the building heat demand can greatly improve the efficiency of the heat pump unit and give full play to the advantages of energy saving and comfort of the floor radiant heating system with an air-to-water heat pump. Based on the variation of ambient temperature and ambient temperature, the domain of fuzzy control is optimized by particle swarm optimization (PSO), and the optimal fuzzy control table is established to adjust the supplied water temperature of the air-to-water heat pump. A transient simulation model of floor radiant heating system for a typical 100 m2 building in China cold regions was developed by using TRNSYS software, and this heating system is simulated by the fuzzy control variable supplied water temperature and the conventional 45°C supplied water control in the whole heating season. The simulation results show that the system energy consumption is saved by 15.9% and SCOP increased by 18.9% by using this fuzzy control compared with the conventional 45°C supplied water control in the whole heating season under the premise of ensuring stable room temperature. Comparing conventional 45°C supplied water control, the fuzzy control can reduce CO2 emissions by 4.3 kg/m2, 4.7 kg/m2, 5.6 kg/m2, 5.2 kg/m2, and 4.9 kg/m2 in Zhengzhou, Qingdao, Beijing, Taiyuan, and Zhangjiakou, respectively.
Research on Subgrade Differential Settlement Control Standard and Treatment Technology Based on Driving Comfort
Authors: Wang Xuancang , Ding Longting , Gao Wenze , Zhang Mengyuan , Fu Linjie
Published: March 2020

At present, the geogrid is commonly used to treat the differential settlement of the subgrade at the joint of the filling and excavation effectively. In order to further improve the utilization rate of geogrid in the treatment of subgrade, the driving comfort index was proposed innovatively to control the subgrade differential settlement. Based on the human‐vehicle‐road coupling system model, the influence of subgrade differential settlement area, subsidence value, and vehicle speed on the maximum vertical acceleration of the human body was analyzed. The correlation between the vertical acceleration of the human body under different vehicle speeds and the differential settlement value was obtained through multiple regression calculations, and the subgrade differential settlement control standard based on driving comfort was proposed. By establishing the finite element model of the cut to fill subgrade, the characteristics of differential settlement at the top surface of the subgrade under different geogrid laying positions, densities, and lengths were calculated and analyzed. In addition, the differential settlement layout scheme of the geogrid disposal subgrade based on driving comfort was proposed, and the effectiveness of the scheme was verified by experiments. The results show that the position and length of the grid are the main factors affecting the treatment effect of the vertical and horizontal cut to fill subgrade. The proposed layout scheme can effectively control the differential settlement of the subgrade and raise the utilization rate of the geogrid. The research results can provide theoretical value and reference for the laying of geogrid in mountainous roads.
Design and Analysis of Antenna Feeding Networks Based on the Rotman Lens Using Interval Analysis (IA)
Authors: Donelli Massimo , Manekiya Mohammedhusen H.
Published: March 2020

A new method for the design of antenna array feeding networks has been proposed in this work. In particular, the considered feeding networks are based on the Rotman lens. By knowing the maximum errors on the fabrication tolerances, the arithmetic of intervals and interval analysis (IA) are used for determining the lower and upper bounds of the antenna feeding network parameters of interest. Representative and preliminary numerical results are reported to show the potentialities of the proposed method. An experimental X-band Rotman lens prototype has been designed, fabricated, and assessed. The obtained results are quite good.
Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Gene Promoter Mutation in Serum of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ako Soichiro , Nouso Kazuhiro , Kinugasa Hideaki , Matsushita Hiroshi , Terasawa Hiroyuki , Adachi Takuya , Wada Nozomu , Takeuchi Yasuto , Mandai Mari , Onishi Hideki , Ikeda Fusao , Shiraha Hidenori , Takaki Akinobu , Fujioka Shinichi , Mimura Tetsushige , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: March 2020

Background: Mutations in the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene promoter have been reported in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, analyses of these mutations in liquid biopsies have been technically difficult because of the high GC content of the regions of interest within this promoter. We evaluated the feasibility and prognostic value of hTERT promoter mutations identified in circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from the serum of patients with HCC. Objective: A cohort of HCC patients (n = 36) who were curatively treated by surgical resection between June 2003 and September 2014 were enrolled in this study. Methods: The presence of hTERT promoter mutations in cfDNA from the patients’ serum was analyzed via modified droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, and associations were sought between specific promoter mutations and patients’ disease-free survival (DFS). Results: The G>A hTERT mutation at –124 bp was detected in the serum of 25 patients (69%). Although no marked differences were observed between the characteristics of the serum mutation-positive and serum mutation-negative patient groups, the DFS of patients with the mutation was significantly shorter than that of the serum mutation-negative patients (p = 0.02). Among 18 clinicopathologic and background liver factors examined, the presence of the –124 bp G>A mutation was an independent and significant predictor of patients’ DFS (hazard ratio = 3.01, 95% confidence interval 1.11–10.5, p = 0.03) in multivariate analyses. Conclusions: The –124 bp G>A hTERT promoter mutation was observed in the serum of 69% of HCC patients who underwent surgical resection and was an independent predictor of disease progression in HCC.
Do lizards (Podarcis siculus) react to whip snake (Hierophis viridiflavus) scents? A comparative test on odour stimuli recognition
Authors: Cerini Francesco , Mattei Giacomo , Luiselli Luca , Vignoli Leonardo
Published: March 2020

We tested the ability in the ruin lizard (Podarcis siculus) to discriminate between odour of a predator (the whip snake Hierophis viridiflavus) and those from harmless sources. We analysed two lizard populations: one (PP) predated by snakes and another (PNP) where no snakes occur. We tested the rate of tongue flick directed to cotton-tips impregnated with odours, and the rate of tongue flick, the time spent in immobility, escaping and exploring the terrarium containing a diffuse odour. We used the smell of the snake as dangerous stimulus, water as blank control, and cologne as complex control. Both populations did not discriminate snake cue from complex odour in both the experiments. PP individuals were more active and prone to analysing and exploring the stimuli and the environment than PNP lizards. In PP, the higher interest towards cologne and snake scents could be triggered just by their complexity that requires more tongue flicks to be ‘analysed’, with no apparent adaptive anti-predatory value. Overall, we observed a total responsiveness and activity pattern higher in the PP respect to PNP.
The Philosophia ad Athenienses in the Light of Genuine Paracelsian Cosmology
Authors: Kahn Didier
Published: March 2020

The pseudo-Paracelsian Philosophia ad Athenienses (1564) draws upon many of the ideas of Paracelsus but combines them with many other elements not found in the genuine works of the Swiss physician. After discussing the details of its edition, we summarize its content, then examine its possible sources, including the authentic texts of Paracelsus by which the unknown author will have taken inspiration. We discuss specifically the question of uncreated prime matter and provide a number of criteria allowing us to consider the treatise as spurious. Finally, we argue that the unknown author wrote this text and ascribed it to Paracelsus in order to produce a more Platonist Paracelsian cosmology than that of the genuine treatises of Paracelsus, which apparently disappointed the unknown author in this regard.
Paracelsus, the Plague, and De Pestilitate
Authors: Gunnoe, Jr. Charles D.
Published: March 2020

While De Pestilitate is generally regarded as pseudepigraphic by modern scholarship, the treatise occupied a prominent place in Johann Huser’s definitive edition of Paracelsus’ Bücher und Schrifften (1589-1591). The text offers a compelling and generally reliable guide to Paracelsian plague theory with clear resemblances to the authentic Zwey Bücher von der Pestilentz und ihren zufällen and De Peste Libri tres. The text emphasizes the astrological transmission of the disease, describes a large role for divine retribution and demonological agency, and promotes the utility of folkloric cures. While the plague theory reflects Paracelsus’ own thought and is well synthesized with his tria prima chemical philosophy, there are sufficient dissonances between the text and the corpus of his accepted writings to maintain its pseudepigraphic status, even if it displays some indications of a reworking of genuine Paracelsica.
Yet another Theory of the Metaphysical Difference between Genuine Perceptions and Hallucinations
Authors: Voltolini Alberto
Published: March 2020

In this article, first of all, the author wants to show that a new justification can be provided for the idea, originally maintained in the disjunctivist camp, that genuine perceptions and hallucinations are metaphysically different kinds of mental states, independently of the fact that they all are perceptual experiences. For even if they share their phenomenal character and their representational content is put aside for the purpose of their metaphysical individuation, as some conjunctivists maintain, they still differ in their mode, insofar as they differ in their functional role. Once things are so put at the metaphysical level, moreover, this account of perceptual experiences leaves room for reintroducing content for such experiences from the rear door; namely, as a (metaphysically irrelevant) singular representational content, just as some direct realists have originally suggested. Finally, this move enables the account to explain not only some intuitive data about perceptual experiences, but also to corroborate its viability, even if it does not rely on antiskeptical motivations.
Fictional Dreams and Harsh Realities
Authors: Baas Renzo
Published: March 2020

This paper looks at the novels by Joseph Diescho (Born of the Sun, 1988), Kaleni Hiyalwa (Meekulu’s Children, 2000), and Neshani Andreas (The Purple Violet of Oshaantu, 2001) with a special focus on the access to education and land, but also problems such as Gender Based Violence and poverty. By comparing how an independent Namibia is imagined during South African apartheid rule, during the Liberation Struggle, and post-independence, the novels open up perspectives that empirical studies may overlook or decide not to emphasise. Furthermore, this comparison also allows for a linear, yet non-chronological, view on how the literary visions evolve with concepts such as nation and liberation, but also modernity and nationalism as they ‘enter’ into the characters’ every day. With the protagonists deeply involved in the make-up of their respective villages, they can also be considered prototypical Namibians in their value systems and networks. Through their eyes, it is possible to trace how political promises that were envisioned and imagined prior to 1990 are either realised or disappointed.
The Arabs and Iranians
Authors: Zweiri Mahjoob , Zahirovic Ismail
Published: March 2020

Using the longue durée approach to history, this paper reflects on the long history of Arab-Iranian interactions and identifies three key historical developments which had a defining role in shaping mutual Arab-Iranian perceptions – the fall of the Sassanian Empire at the hands of Arab Muslim army, replacing Pahlavi for Arabic script, and Safavid conversion to Shiʿa Islam, which correspond to three major relational themes – political, cultural and sectarian respectively. Such negative perceptions, loaded with rivalry, suspicion and at times animosity, have defined the trajectory of their relations over centuries, thus rendering their shared history a source of misunderstanding and conflict, rather than cooperation based on mutual understanding and common interests. By looking at each other primarily through the prism of political, cultural and sectarian rivalry as embodied in those three major historical events, Arabs and Iranians, due to the deep-rootedness of mutual perceptions, today fail to recognize their common interests and resolve their differences. Moreover, despite shared history and geography, Arabs and Iranians lack a proper understanding of each other and absent an open and honest dialogue, their relations cannot improve.
On the tribal classification of the Nearctic Melolonthinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), with descriptions of new species of Acoma Casey, 1889
Authors: EVANS ARTHUR V. , SMITH ANDREW B.T.
Published: March 2020

The subfamily Melolonthinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is defined and characterized, and a brief summary of the world melolonthine tribes and their distributions are provided. Nearctic genera previously considered incertae sedis (Acoma Casey, 1889, Chaunocolus Saylor, 1937 and Chnaunanthus Burmeister, 1844, Phobetus LeConte, 1856, and Warwickia Smith & Evans, 2005) are each placed in the proposed new tribes Acomini, Chnaunanthini, Phobetusini, and Warwickiini, respectively. Tribal assignments for all Nearctic melolonthine genera are presented. Acoma chihuahuaensis, A. eusexfoliata, A. nonglabrata, and A. pararobusta are all new species described from Mexico. The only known example of a female Acoma, represented by a specimen of A. knulli Howden, 1958, is figured and characterized. The generic composition of the Nearctic Melolonthini and Rhizotrogini is examined. Madiniella Chalumeau & Gruner, 1976, previously placed in Tanyproctini, is transferred to Rhizotrogini. The subfamilies Oncerinae and Podolasiinae are each removed as tribes from the Melolonthinae and elevated to the subfamily level within Scarabaeidae. The subtribe Triodonina is placed in synonymy with the tribe Rhizotrogini. An updated generic checklist and tribal key of the Nearctic Melolonthinae are provided.
Development and Evaluation of an Evolutionary Programming-Based Tropical Cyclone Intensity Model
Authors: Schaffer Jesse D. , Roebber Paul J. , Evans Clark
Published: March 2020

A statistical–dynamical tropical cyclone (TC) intensity model is developed from a large ensemble of algorithms through evolutionary programming (EP). EP mimics the evolutionary principles of genetic information, reproduction, and mutation to develop a population of algorithms with skillful predictor combinations. From this evolutionary process the 100 most skillful algorithms as determined by root-mean square error on validation data are kept and bias corrected. Bayesian model combination is used to assign weights to a subset of 10 skillful yet diverse algorithms from this list. The resulting algorithm combination produces a forecast superior in skill to that from any individual algorithm. Using these methods, two models are developed to give deterministic and probabilistic forecasts for TC intensity every 12 h out to 120 h: one each for the North Atlantic and eastern and central North Pacific basins. Deterministic performance, as defined by MAE, exceeds that of a “no skill” forecast in the North Atlantic to 96 h and is competitive with the operational Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme and Logistic Growth Equation Model at these times. In the eastern and central North Pacific, deterministic skill is comparable to the blended 5-day climatology and persistence (CLP5) track and decay-SHIFOR (DSHF) intensity forecast (OCD5) only to 24 h, after which time it is generally less skillful than OCD5 and all operational guidance. Probabilistic rapid intensification forecasts at the 25–30 kt (24 h)−1 thresholds, particularly in the Atlantic, are skillful relative to climatology and competitive with operational guidance when subjectively calibrated; however, probabilistic rapid weakening forecasts are not skillful relative to climatology at any threshold in either basin. Case studies are analyzed to give more insight into model behavior and performance.
Rescaling social care services: The case of district municipalities in Istanbul
Authors: Celebi Elifcan
Published: March 2020

Social care is an immature welfare policy domain in Turkey, with three distinctive characteristics: the central role of the family, limited public expenditure, and low levels of institutionalization and professionalization. However, following local legislative reform in 2004, municipalities have become important actors in social care provision, initiating social care programs for local citizens. This article fills a gap in the existing literature by focusing on the smallest administrative units of the local welfare system: the district municipalities. The article explores and compares the emerging role of district municipalities in social care provision in selected districts of Istanbul to assess, in the context of an immature welfare system, how far they fulfill the principle of universal provision. It finds that while service provision capacity was increased by localization to an extent, the social care provision capacity that district municipalities developed is not sufficient to transform social care policies into one that conforms to the principle of universalism. Due to coordination problems and the wide service area defined by the law, district municipalities ‘pick and choose’ service beneficiaries, instead of ensuring equal access for all local citizens.
Multisensory perception and positive emotion: Exploratory study on mixed item set for apparel e-customization
Authors: Li Pei , Wu Chunmao , Spence Charles
Published: March 2020

With the rapid development of digital technology, many consumers increasingly prefer to buy their clothes online. In order to improve the quality of online services and enrich the consumer experience of apparel e-customization, this paper develops item scales that measure positive emotion, visual perception, and haptic perception. It also evaluates the relationships between the item scales, attitude, and intention. It is an exploratory study on consumers’ multisensory perception and positive emotion mixed item scale (MPPEMIS), collected by experts. Supported by factor analysis and correlation analysis, both laboratory and online studies were conducted to test the reliability and validity between item scales, attitude, and intention. Visual factors (e.g., transparency, brightness, dimness), haptic factors (e.g., comfort, coarseness, softness), and positive emotion (e.g., excitement, attractive, pleasantness) are proved in the MPPEMIS, which positively correlates with the factors of attitude and intention in apparel e-customization. As such, the MPPEMIS may help to assist brand managers, marketers, and retailers by recommending easily understood information and providing item scales for apparel e-customization that can also be adopted in online service strategies and system modularization.
The Hong Kong protests in anthropological perspective: National identity and what it means
Authors: Mathews Gordon
Published: March 2020

This brief report discusses the Hong Kong protests of 2019–2020 in terms of cultural and national identity. It examines how Hongkongers have had no concept of what it means to belong to a nation throughout their history; but because of the ham-handed efforts by the Hong Kong government to enforce Chinese national identity, many young Hongkongers have reacted by embracing a different “nation”: Hong Kong. It also examines how many young Hongkongers have embraced a civic rather than an ethnic concept of who can be a Hongkonger, one that may lead, paradoxically, to a rejection of mainland Chinese as Hongkongers and to an acceptance of those who are not mainland Chinese.
Is post-phenomenology a critical geography? Subjectivity and difference in post-phenomenological geographies
Authors: Kinkaid Eden
Published: March 2020

This article identifies two major problems within emerging formulations of ‘post-phenomenology’ in geography: its approach to the subject and its limited analytical engagement with concepts of social difference. I review these problems at length before putting post-phenomenology into conversation with another contemporary strand of phenomenological thought, critical phenomenology, which has responded to similar problems in classical phenomenology while retaining a focus on subjectivity and social difference. Ultimately, I recommend that post-phenomenologists learn from critical phenomenology and bring its insights together with developments in contemporary human geography in order to address these shortcomings in its theoretical foundations.