bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grating Spectrometry and Spatial Heterodyne Fourier Transform Spectrometry: Comparative Noise Analysis for Raman Measurements
Authors: Ciaffoni Luca , Matousek Pavel , Parker William , McCormack Elin A. , Mortimer Hugh
Published: October 2020

The desire for portable Raman spectrometers is continuously driving the development of novel spectrometer architectures where miniaturisation can be achieved without the penalty of a poorer detection performance. Spatial heterodyne spectrometers are emerging as potential candidates for challenging the dominance of traditional grating spectrometers, thanks to their larger etendue and greater potential for miniaturisation. This paper provides a generic analytical model for estimating and comparing the detection performance of Raman spectrometers based on grating spectrometer and spatial heterodyne spectrometer designs by deriving the analytical expressions for the performance estimator (signal-to-noise ratio, SNR) for both types of spectrometers. The analysis shows that, depending on the spectral characteristics of the Raman light and on the values of some instrument-specific parameters, the ratio of the SNR estimates for the two spectrometers ([Formula: see text]) can vary as much as by two orders of magnitude. Limit cases of these equations are presented for a subset of spectral regimes which are of practical importance in real-life applications of Raman spectroscopy. In particular, under the experimental conditions where the background signal is comparable or larger than the target Raman line and shot noise is the dominant noise contribution, the value of [Formula: see text] is, to a first order of approximation, dependent solely on the relative values of each spectrometer’s etendue and on the number of row pixels in the detector array. For typical values of the key instrument-specific parameters (e.g., etendue, number of pixels, spectral bandwidth), the analysis shows that spatial heterodyne spectrometer-based Raman spectrometers have the potential to compete with compact grating spectrometer designs for delivering in a much smaller footprint (10–30 times) levels of detection performance that are approximately only five to ten times poorer.
Clinical and laboratory aspects of 3,3′,5′-triiodothyronine (reverse T3)
Authors: Halsall David J , Oddy Susan
Published: October 2020

Reverse T3 (3,3′,5′-triiodothyronine or rT3) is the third most abundant iodothyronine circulating in human blood and is produced by the inner ring deiodination of the pro-hormone thyroxine (T4). Unlike the more abundant and active metabolite T3, the measurement of serum rT3 is yet to find a routine clinical application. As rT3 binds weakly to the T3 thyroid nuclear hormone receptors, it is thought to represent an inactive end-product of thyroid hormone metabolism, diverting T4 away from T3 production. The analysis of serum rT3 has, up until recently, been measured by competitive radioimmunoassay, but these methods have been superseded by mass-spectrometric methods which are less susceptible to interference from other more abundant iodothyronines. Serum rT3 concentration is increased as part of the non-thyroidal illness syndrome, and by administration of common medications such as amiodarone which inhibit the metabolism of rT3. Serum rT3 concentration is also affected by genetic conditions that affect the iodothyronine deiodinases, as well as thyroid transporters and transport proteins. Analysis of rT3 can provide a useful diagnostic fingerprint for these conditions. rT3 has been shown to bind extra-nuclear iodothyronine receptors with a potential role in cell proliferation; however, the clinical relevance of these findings awaits further study.
Fisheries Exports of India: A Constant Market Share Analysis
Authors: Fayaz Mohd. , Ahmed Mumtaz
Published: October 2020

The present study analyses the performance of fisheries exports of India using revealed comparative advantage (RCA), revealed symmetric comparative advantage (RSCA) and the constant market share (CMS) analysis for the period 1980–2016. Indian exports of fisheries have shown a positive trend of comparative advantage in all the markets under consideration revealed by RCA and RSCA. However, CMS results show that for most of the markets, competitiveness had been the utmost crucial driving factor of change in the market shares of Indian fish exports over the study period.
Rigid bio-based wood/polyurethane foam composites expanded under confinement
Authors: Kerche Eduardo Fischer , Delucis Rafael de Avila , Petzhold Cesar Liberato , Amico Sandro Campos
Published: October 2020

Rigid polyurethane biofoams (RPUF) were produced by single shot-method using a bio-based polyol and 10 wt% of pinewood particles. Two different confinement degrees were investigated (70% and 50% of the free-rising volume), along with a control group produced under free-rising. RPUF were studied using SEM images (to estimate average foam cell size and anisotropy index), mechanical testing (under compression and tension), apparent density, and thermal conductivity analysis. The results were statistically evaluated using ANOVA tests prior to means tests. The RPUF produced under confinement showed more rounded and homogeneous cell structures compared to those freely expanded. The filled RPUF produced under a confinement degree of 50% yielded very high compressive and tensile strengths, whereas thermal conductivity decreased with confinement.
Maternal Education and Child Mortality Differentials: An Upshot From the National Family Health Survey 2015–2016, India
Authors: Mandal Salim , Chouhan Pradip
Published: October 2020

Child mortality is a sociodemographical problem in India. Although nationally representative survey (National Family Health Survey) showed child mortality was gradually declining, that was not satisfactory, and child mortality differentials prevailed all over India. The study intended to identify the effect of maternal educational level along with some sociodemographical determinants on the mortality of their children. The study was run through bivariate association and logistic regression using the data from National Family Health Survey-4 (2015–2016). Findings declared that maternal education had significantly high influence (odds ratio: no education 3.9, primary 2.9, secondary 1.8; adjusted odds ratio: no education 2.9, primary 2.3, secondary 1.6) on child mortality in the Indian context.
Implicit Assessment of Self-Injury Related Outcome Expectancies: A Comparison of Three behavioural Tasks
Authors: Dawkins Jessica , Hasking Penelope , Luck Camilla , Boyes Mark
Published: October 2020

According to Social Cognitive Theory, the anticipated consequences of a behaviour (outcome expectancies), influence the likelihood of engaging in a behaviour. Results from self-report studies suggest that people who have self-injured expect self-injury will regulate emotions while people who have never self-injured expect self-injury to result in pain. In this study we trialled three experimental tasks measuring implicit self-injury related outcome expectancies. 150 Australian university students aged 18–45 ( M = 21.45, SD = 3.84) completed the experimental tasks (Sentence Completion Task, Implicit Association Tests, Covariation Bias Task) within a laboratory setting. Results revealed that implicit associations with affect regulation, pain, and communication differentiated people according to self-injury history in the sentence completion task. The strength of implicit associations with affect regulation also predicted the recency of self-injury. People who had self-injured, but not in the past 12 months appeared to have a bias towards associating images of self-injury and neutral words when compared to people who had recently self-injured. Implicit associations, as measured by the Implicit Association Tests did not significantly differentiate participants by self-injury history. Results suggest that the sentence completion task could further research and theoretical understanding of the role of implicit outcome expectancies in facilitating self-injury.
Simulation and analysis of the twist propagation process of polyester staple yarn on the fiber scale
Authors: Wang Jiang , Zhang Yuze , Ding Qian , Tayari Akankwasa Nicholus , Shi Qianqian , Li Liqing , Wang Jun , Lin Huiting
Published: October 2020

The twisting process of the sliver is an important part of the yarn spinning process, but this process has not been fully characterized on the fiber scale. Herein, based on the assumption that fibers are randomly distributed in the sliver, we analyzed the simulation twisting process of the sliver model on the fiber scale. The mathematical model of the twisting process of the sliver is set up and the non-free-end twisting process is simulated using the finite element software ABAQUS®. The simulation process clearly shows the configuration changes of the sliver caused with the increase of the twist. We also divided the twisting process into 11 stages and obtained a three-dimensional model of staple yarn. Then, the relationship curve between the ring-spun yarn fineness and the number of fibers in the cross-section of the ring-spun yarn was established by spinning the yarns of different counts of 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and 65 Ne, and the fineness of the simulated yarn was calculated. The accuracy of the simulated yarn was verified by comparing the weight of the simulated yarn and the ring-spun yarn. The model established can be used to predict yarn properties for different purposes and can also be further utilized to study other phenomena in ring-spinning technology.
Measurement of local shear deformation in fabric drape using three-dimensional scanning
Authors: Yang Liu , Kim KyoungOk , Takatera Masayuki
Published: October 2020

We propose a measuring method of shear deformation in drape using three-dimensional (3D) scanning. We measured the local shear angles in fabric drape based on the Fabric Research Laboratories (FRL) drape test for woven fabrics using the proposed method. We investigate the effects of the relative positions of the node to the center grainlines that cross at the fabric center, and the bending and shear properties of fabric on the shear angles. To measure the local shear deformation, we obtained 3D drape shapes of four different fabrics with three to six nodes. We covered the obtained drape shapes using a fabric model composed of square cells that allowed shear deformation. By calculating the shear angles of the cells, we obtained the local shear deformation. We found that the FRL drape can be characterized by three areas, except for the flat areas of the support disks: (a) areas along the center grainlines with zero or small shear angles within 3°, which could result from single curvature bending; (b) areas in the bias directions with relatively large shear angles over 3°, which could result from double curvature bending; and (c) polygon edges connected by tangents of the support disk with relatively larger shear angles than their surroundings, which could result from both bending and shear deformation, such as folding and wrinkles. By investigating the relationships between areas with large shear angles and the bending rigidity/shear stiffness, we clarified that the bending rigidity indirectly affects the local shear deformation of drape.
Jet motion and fiber properties arising from a parallel electric field in melt-electrospinning
Authors: Li Xueqin , Zheng Yuansheng , Mu Xiaoqi , Xin Binjie , Lin Lantian
Published: October 2020

It is well known that the electric field has a great influence on the diameter and properties of fiber prepared via the melt-electrospinning technique. In this paper, two parallel metal discs were introduced to create a controllable electric field in the experiments. In addition, a three-dimensional electric field was calculated by the numerical simulation method and the jet motion was captured by taking advantage of high-speed photography technology. The influences of electric field distribution on the fiber jet, fiber diameter, fiber mat area and fiber crystallinity were studied in an in-depth and systematical manner. Both whipping amplitude and whipping frequency were also used to describe the characteristics of the jet. The above-mentioned results have proven that increasing the distance between the two parallel metal discs leads to the decrease of electric field intensity and the increase of electric field action time on the fiber, which together determine the diameter and crystallinity of the fiber. With the increase of the outer diameter of the upper disc, the distribution of the electric field becomes more uniform, making it capable of steadily controlling the behavior of the jet, and thus effectively reducing the diameter of the fiber and improving the crystallinity of the fiber.
Duodenal strongyloidiasis – Our 15-year histopathological experience at a tertiary gastrointestinal centre
Authors: Gupta Latika , Gaur Kavita , Sakhuja Puja , Sharma Barjesh C , Saran Ravindra K , Batra Vineeta V
Published: October 2020

In order to emphasise the importance of histopathology in the clinically unsuspected diagnosis of duodenal strongyloidiasis, we report six cases diagnosed on duodenal biopsies identified from the database over a period of 15 years, and clinical, endoscopic and histopathological findings were analysed retrospectively. Four were elderly males and the remainder young females. Only one patient had an underlying immunocompromised state. Three presented with cholestatic jaundice and simulated hepatobiliary malignancy. In all cases, endoscopy provided non-specific findings. Only one case showed a predominant eosinophilic infiltrate. Eggs, larvae and adult forms of strongyloides were seen in crypts and showed intense basophilic staining on HE stain. It is concluded that since mostly undetected clinically, duodenal biopsy serves as the first step in the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. Hepatobiliary manifestations, though very infrequent, should raise the suspicion for strongyloidiasis and thus necessitate the need for duodenal biopsy.
Experience with use of improvised negative pressure wound therapy in the management of wounds with exposed bone
Authors: Mba Uwakwe C , Okenwa Wilfred O
Published: October 2020

Wounds with exposed bone pose a significant challenge in healing. Negative pressure wound therapy has simplified reconstructive options. In economically constrained regions, this has been modified with materials that are affordable. Its effect on such wounds has not been well studied and so case summaries of 15 patients with 17 wounds who were managed with modified negative pressure wound therapy at Ntasiobi Specialist Hospital and ESUT Teaching Hospital between 2015 and 2019 were obtained. The procedure progressed satisfactorily in 88% of patients with granulation tissue covering the bones while the procedure was discontinued in 12%. The modified negative pressure wound therapy achieves similar results as the patented version and is recommended where resources are limited.
Cognitive coping strategies of South African women in breast cancer care
Authors: Gallagher-Squires Charlotte , Roomaney Rizwana , Kagee Ashraf
Published: October 2020

In this qualitative study, we explored the cognitive strategies used by South African women with breast cancer to cope with their cancer experience. The themes that emerged were reappraisal, acceptance, relinquishing control, and benefit finding. Reappraisal involved downward comparison, normalising experiences, and positive self-talk. Acceptance included accepting unpleasantness, preparing for future challenges, acceptance for healing, and spirituality. Relinquishing control included giving up, trust in God, and trust in doctors. Benefit finding included spiritual growth, personal growth, altruism, and appreciation of life. To our knowledge, these were the first data to document South African women’s experiences of coping with breast cancer.
Mental health and academic failure among first-year university students in South Africa
Authors: Bantjes Jason , Saal Wylene , Gericke Franco , Lochner Christine , Roos Janine , Auerbach Randy P , Mortier Philippe , Bruffaerts Ronny , Kessler Ronald C , Stein Dan
Published: October 2020

Universities in South Africa face ongoing challenges with low rates of academic attainment and high rates of attrition. Our aims were to (1) investigate the extent to which common mental disorders evaluated early in the first year predict academic failure at the end of the year, controlling for sociodemographic factors and (2) establish the potential reduction in prevalence of failure that could be achieved by effectively treating associated mental disorders. Self-report data were collected from first-year students ( n = 1402) via an online survey at the end of the first semester. Participants were assessed for six common mental disorders. Academic performance data were subsequently obtained from institutional records at the end of the year. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the best sociodemographic and mental health predictors of academic failure. Population attributable risk analysis was used to assess the potential impact of treating associated mental disorders. In multivariate logistic regression models controlling for significant sociodemographic factors, the odds of failure were elevated among students with major depressive disorder (aOR = 3.69) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (aOR = 2.05). Population attributable risk analysis suggests that providing effective treatment to students with major depressive disorder and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder could yield a 6.5% absolute reduction in prevalence of academic failure (equivalent to a 23.0% proportional reduction in prevalence of academic failure). Providing effective and accessible campus-based mental healthcare services is integral to supporting students’ academic attainment and promoting transformation at South African universities.
High rise buildings stairwells pressure differential systems tests and improvement solutions
Authors: Fryda Marcin , Brzezińska Dorota , Dziubiński Marek
Published: October 2020

The task of fire pressure differential systems in a building is to prevent smoke from entering protected spaces such as stairwells and areas that should remain smoke-free in the event of fire. The required overpressure must consider leakage within the protected space. This article presents the results of testing to determine the impact of leakage of the protected space on the conditions for maintaining overpressure. The research was conducted in accordance with draft standard N161-prEN12101-6. The pressure distribution as a function of time was obtained for stairwells with different levels of leakage, using a constant flow aeration fan as well as systems with a variable airflow.

Practical application: Designers of differential pressure smoke control systems are required to calculate aeration fan airflow volume. The leakage level of protected spaces should be taken into consideration given that European Standard EN12101-6 suggests that gap areas should be minimal. Consequently, modern building design and construction requires estimation of the leakage area in such protected spaces. The objective is to improve safety of buildings and reduce the system reaction time during a fire.
Medially displaced common and internal carotid arteries presenting as a pulsatile mass: Clinicoradiologic analysis of 62 cases
Authors: Arslan Ilker Burak , Arslan Yildiz , Demirhan Erhan , Genc Selahattin , Pekcevik Yeliz , Altin Levent , Yilmaz Zahide , Cukurova Ibrahim
Published: October 2020

We conducted a prospective study to analyze the medially displaced courses of the common carotid artery (CCA) and the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) in patients who were diagnosed with a pulsatile mass on nasopharyngolaryngoscopy and by clinicoradiologic findings. Our study group was made up of 62 patients-40 women and 22 men, aged 30 to 88 years (mean: 63.7)-who presented with a submucosal pseudomass or a bulging mass on the pharyngeal wall with obvious pulsation. For comparison purposes, we recruited a control group of 62 consecutively presenting patients who had been admitted to our Neurology Department with acute severe headache and who had undergone CT angiography based on a suspicion of an aneurysm or a vertebral or carotid artery dissection. A medially displaced carotid artery was identified in all patients in the study group. Two main course abnormalities were observed: (1) a pharyngeal superficial placement (PSP), consisting of a bulging or placement immediately adjacent to the naso-orohypopharyngeal lumen, and (2) a retropharyngeal midline placement (RMP), which entailed medialization of the carotid arteries to the midline. A PSP was observed in 11 patients, an RMP was found in 17 patients, and both were seen in 34 patients. The distance from the aberrant carotid artery to the pharyngeal wall and to the retropharyngeal midline of the retropharynx was measured at four levels: nasopharyngeal, retropalatal, retroglossal, and retroepiglottic in both groups. The mean distance was significantly shorter in the study group than in the control group at all four levels ( p < 0.002). We conclude that the most likely diagnosis of a pulsatile mass detected on nasopharyngolaryngoscopy is an aberrant CCA or cervical ICA.
Transmission Electron Microscopy of the Retina: A Method for Sample Preparation and Evaluation
Authors: Hayden Christopher M. , Meseck Emily K.
Published: October 2020

Ultrastructural pathology is critical in the morphologic evaluation and characterization of subcellular structures in nonclinical toxicity and efficacy studies. In murine models of ophthalmologic disease, clinical examination is typically paired with other techniques like electroretinography (ERG) and/or optical coherence tomography (OCT) to more fully characterize a finding. High-quality transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can provide a critical, image-based link between these approaches, providing greater confidence in interpretation of ERG or OCT results. In addition to characterization of disease models, TEM can provide detailed visualization of retinal changes identified by clinical examination or light microscopy in nonclinical toxicity studies. The spherical shape of the eye presents unique challenges for trimming, orientation, imaging, and evaluation by TEM. The varied components of the eye require specialized approaches for embedding to facilitate successful sectioning. Controlling for the orientation of the retina is critical to consistent evaluation, driving the need for an improved method of embedding this unique and complex organ. The authors describe a method of sample preparation resulting in optimal orientation of the posterior aspect of murine eyes (rat and mouse) for TEM of the neural retina, Bruch’s membrane and/or choroid, with examples from mouse ophthalmic disease models.
Dealing with Lewis structures in chemistry lessons
Authors: Mahnke Tobias
Published: October 2020

Chemical formulas are represented with the help of Lewis structures. To illustrate reaction mechanisms, these structures are provided with arrows and the new structural formula is recorded. This procedure presents blind pupils with several hurdles:

- How do these structures come about?

- How can students spontaneously create tactile formulas in class?

- How can the movements shown by arrows be traced?

For the representation of atomic symbols, for which the element symbols from the periodic table are normally used, magnets were developed that differ in shape, color, and size. Since only a handful of symbols occur regularly and in large numbers in school, only a few symbols have been permanently assigned, some are variable and can be used appropriately defined for the respective teaching situation. With this symbol set, it is possible to quickly and individually manufacture almost all molecules relevant in school. These magnets allow the independent determination of reaction mechanisms in the further course of the lesson. Due to the mobility of the elements on the magnetic base, electrons and atoms can be moved and thus result in a new bonding situation that is reinterpreted by the students. The advantage of this procedure is that the pupils do not just paint arrows, but consciously think about all processes and can also make mistakes. When analyzing intermediate products, you can determine that your actions were either not compliant or compliant but not effective. This enables individual active learning in the classroom.
Parent-child relationship quality and emotional adjustment among college students: The role of parental financial support
Authors: Lindell Anna K. , Killoren Sarah E. , Campione-Barr Nicole
Published: October 2020

Many emerging adults experience increases in well-being as they exit adolescence, but college students are at particular risk for emotional adjustment problems, including depression and anxiety. Although receiving financial support from parents may reduce stress and aid emotional adjustment, not all parents are able to provide financial support. Maintaining high-quality relationships with parents may be particularly important for emotional adjustment in these instances. The present study examined whether the quality of parent-emerging adult relationships differed depending on level of parental financial support, and whether parental financial support moderated associations between relationship quality and emotional adjustment. Participants were 260 college students who completed questionnaires during their first and fourth year of college about the quality of their relationships with mothers and fathers, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and parental financial support. On average, parent-child relationships were high-quality, especially when parents provided more financial support. Furthermore, high-quality relationships with parents were related to fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms 3 years later for female students, especially when they received less financial support. However, high-quality relationships along with greater financial support was related to increased anxiety among male students. Results may help colleges and universities developing parent programming understand the nuanced implications of parental support for student mental health.
Large-scale characterization of the microvascular geometry in development and disease by tissue clearing and quantitative ultramicroscopy
Authors: Hahn Artur , Bode Julia , Alexander Allen , Karimian-Jazi Kianush , Schregel Katharina , Schwarz Daniel , Sommerkamp Alexander C , Krüwel Thomas , Abdollahi Amir , Wick Wolfgang , Platten Michael , Bendszus Martin , Tews Björn , Kurz Felix T , Breckwoldt Michael O
Published: October 2020

Three-dimensional assessment of optically cleared, entire organs and organisms has recently become possible by tissue clearing and selective plane illumination microscopy (“ultramicroscopy”). Resulting datasets can be highly complex, encompass over a thousand images with millions of objects and data of several gigabytes per acquisition. This constitutes a major challenge for quantitative analysis. We have developed post-processing tools to quantify millions of microvessels and their distribution in three-dimensional datasets from ultramicroscopy and demonstrate the capabilities of our pipeline within entire mouse brains and embryos. Using our developed acquisition, segmentation, and analysis platform, we quantify physiological vascular networks in development and the healthy brain. We compare various geometric vessel parameters (e.g. vessel density, radius, tortuosity) in the embryonic spinal cord and brain as well as in different brain regions (basal ganglia, corpus callosum, cortex). White matter tract structures (corpus callosum, spinal cord) showed lower microvascular branch densities and longer vessel branch length compared to grey matter (cortex, basal ganglia). Furthermore, we assess tumor neoangiogenesis in a mouse glioma model to compare tumor core and tumor border. The developed methodology allows rapid quantification of three-dimensional datasets by semi-automated segmentation of fluorescently labeled objects with conventional computer hardware. Our approach can aid preclinical investigations and paves the way towards “quantitative ultramicroscopy”.
Clinical performance of cantilevered resin-bonded fixed partial dentures for single tooth replacement in elderly patients
Authors: Qiu Hai-Yan , Wu Shuang-Yan , Fu Lan
Published: October 2020

Objective

To evaluate the clinical performance of cantilevered resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (CRBFPDs) in single tooth replacement in elderly patients at Qingdao Stomatological Hospital.

Methods

In total, 186 CRBFPDs in 153 patients were made from cobalt-chrome alloy. Panavia F 2.0 was used as a luting agent after air-abrasion. Restoration were evaluated at 3-month intervals with regard to function, esthetics, and possible complications.

Results

CRBFPDs were evaluated after intervals of 12 to 40 months. The average clinical service time (i.e., length of time in situ at examination, including re-cementation after debonding) was 26.2 ± 13.6 months. Among these CRBFPDs, 87 (46.8%) were bridges in the maxilla, while 99 (53.2%) were bridges in the mandible. Most CRBFPDs (184, 98.9%) survived throughout the study period, while two (1.1%) were regarded as failed. The majority of debonded bridges had been used to replace the maxillary central incisor (60%).

Conclusion

Our findings confirm the successful clinical performance of CRBFPDs with tooth preparation designs involving mesial and distal vertical grooves in elderly patients.
Right diaphragm metastasis of endometrial cancer: a case report
Authors: Zhang Tianyu , Li Xiao , Liu Ganwei , Chen Xiuyuan , Liu Yanguo
Published: October 2020

A diaphragmatic tumor is usually caused by metastasis from lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma, and malignant thymoma. Endometrial cancer is rarely involved in metastasis to the diaphragm. A right anterior mediastinal tumor was found in a 60-year-old woman who was initially diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma. There was initially no relationship between the right anterior mediastinal tumor and endometrial carcinoma. Radical curative surgery was performed for endometrial carcinoma. The endometrial carcinoma stage was IA. The patient was admitted to the Department of Thoracic Surgery 6 months after the curative surgery. Intraoperative exploration showed a tumor growing in the right diaphragm. Right diaphragmotomy was performed. Immunohistochemistry showed metastasis of endometrial carcinoma to the diaphragm. Endometrial cancer solitary metastasis to the diaphragm is rare. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility. Surgical treatment followed by a pathological examination is the most useful method for determining the diagnosis of a diaphragmatic tumor due to metastasis of endometrial cancer.
Mental health consumers’ perspectives on using an occupation-focused assessment to initiate change in everyday activities
Authors: Atler Karen E , Fox Anna L
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Engagement in meaningful activities is central to recovery for people with mental health conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the utility of an occupation-focused assessment, the Daily Experiences of Pleasure, Productivity, and Restoration Profile, as a means to guide engagement in meaningful activity.

Methods

Eight consumers who were receiving services from a community-based behavioural health centre utilized the Profile to set and work towards self-identified goals. Data derived from audiotaped sessions, notes, and a focus group were analysed using an iterative content analysis process.

Results

Three themes emerged: completion of the Profile was ‘burdensome, but right on’, moving from insights gained to choosing and working towards a goal required guidance from the therapist, and insights gained from the Profile supported some changes in actions and perspectives.

Conclusion

The findings support preliminary utility of the Daily Experiences of Pleasure, Productivity, and Restoration Profile to guide engagement in meaningful activity among people living with mental health conditions. Moreover, the support and guidance of the occupational therapist is critical. Continued examination of the use of the Profile is warranted to help support occupational therapy’s role in promoting recovery for people with mental health conditions through meaningful activities.
Exposures to Potentially Psychologically Traumatic Events Among Nurses in Canada
Authors: Stelnicki Andrea M. , Jamshidi Laleh , Ricciardelli Rosemary , Carleton R. Nicholas
Published: October 2020

Background

Nurses are regularly exposed to diverse potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs) as a function of their work. Cumulative exposure to PPTEs can lead to clinically significant symptoms of mental disorders.

Purpose

We designed the current study to investigate the prevalence of different PPTEs among Canadian nurses and estimate the associations between diverse exposures and several mental disorders.

Methods

Canadian nurses (i.e., registered nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners) completed an online, self-reported survey. In total, 4067 participants (94.8% women) completed all relevant survey measures.

Results

Nurses reported exposures to several PPTE categories including severe human suffering, life threatening illness or injury, and physical assault, often 11 or more times. There were significant ( p<.05) associations between diverse traumatic events and all mental disorders (i.e., Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder) except Alcohol Use Disorder.

Conclusions

The current findings suggest that Canadian nurses are substantially exposed to traumatic events, which vary by several sociodemographic categories. PPTE exposures were significantly associated with mental disorders; that is, if PPTEs were eliminated among Canadian nurses in the sample, symptoms would be reduced between 42.0% and 58.0%.
Dietary Behaviors and Obesity of Children From Low-Income Households by Gender of Caregiver and Child
Authors: Molitor Fred , Doerr Celeste
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

To investigate the empirical support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education’s (SNAP-Ed) focus on mothers versus fathers by examining children’s risk and protective behaviors for obesity, and obesity status, by gender of primary caregiver and by caregiver-by-child gender dyads.

Approach:

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting:

Random sample of SNAP-Ed eligible households (≤ 185% of the federal poverty level) across California.

Participants:

2,242 children and their caregivers (17.8% male): the adult who prepares the meals or buys the food for the children.

Measures:

Cups of fruits and vegetables, water, sugar-sweetened beverages; teaspoons of added sugars; kilocalories; and food-only energy density, assessed through 24-hour dietary recall interviews. Dichotomous outcome was childhood obesity. Covariates were children’s race/ethnicity and age, and caregivers’ obesity status.

Results:

Only one outcome was related to caregiver gender: male versus female caregivers’ children consumed fewer kilocalories (P = 0.053). Caregiver-by-child gender analyses revealed female caregivers’ sons consumed more kilocalories overall ( Ps < 0.02), and added sugars than female caregivers’ daughters ( P = 0.001) and male caregivers’ sons ( P = 0.018). Female caregivers’ daughters versus sons reported diets lower in food-only energy density ( P = 0.004) and were less likely to be obese (23.7% versus 28.7%; aOR = 0.78, P = 0.035).

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that SNAP-Ed’s focus on mothers rather than fathers is justified, but more effective childhood nutrition education and obesity prevention efforts should target families with female caregivers of male children.
Development of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/sodium alginate blend active film incorporated with Dracocephalum moldavica L. essential oil for food preservation
Authors: Amjadi Sajed , Nouri Saghar , Yorghanlou Roghieh Ashrafi , Roufegarinejad Leila
Published: October 2020

The present study aimed to fabrication and characterization the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) films containing different concentrations of sodium alginate (0.5, 1, and 3% v/v) and Dracocephalum moldavica L. essential oil (DEO; 1, 3 and 5% v/v) as a biodegradable active packaging system. FTIR analysis confirmed the interaction of alginate groups with the hydroxyl group of HPMC. SEM images indicated that the addition of alginate decreased the size and number of the cracks. As a result, the incorporation of alginate and DEO significantly (p < 0.05) improved the water barrier properties of films and the lowest values of water vapor permeability (.38 × 10-10 g/m.h.Pa), moisture content (6.30 ± 0.08%) and water solubility (29.49 ± 0.04%) were related to the sample containing 1.5% alginate and 5% DEO. Additionally, blending with alginate significantly (p < 0.05) improved the mechanical properties of the films and the blended film sample with 0.5% alginate showed the highest tensile strength (16.13 MPa). The blend films showed high thickness and whiteness Index. Also, the antioxidant activity of the films was enhanced by incorporation DEO and the highest DPPH scavenging activity (74.58 ± 2.31%) was attributed to the samples incorporated with 5% DEO. In conclusion, the fabricated blend film showed considerable potential for active food packaging.
Charge optimisation of a solar milk chiller with direct current compressors
Authors: Sidney Shaji , Prabakaran Rajendran , Dhasan Mohan Lal
Published: October 2020

In view of promoting the utilization of solar photo-voltaic energy for milk chilling application a custom designed milk chiller with DC compressors was fabricated. Two different DC compressors were used operating with HFC-134a and HC-600a refrigerants to ascertain the performance of HFC and HC refrigerants when used in solar powered application. In view of optimizing the performance of both refrigerants, charge optimization was experimentally carried out for both refrigerant circuits. The optimum charge was obtained based on the maximum coefficient of performance and exergy efficiency. When comparing ice formation and coefficient of performance, the HC-600a refrigerant circuit was lower than that of HFC-134a circuit. It was also observed that the total exergy destruction experienced was maximum in the HFC-134a circuit than that of the HC-600a circuit. The magnitude of exergy destruction was found to be maximum in the compressor and then followed by the condenser, evaporator and finally the capillary for both refrigeration circuits. This study showed an efficient way for using the solar power for operating a milk chiller with DC compressors and with ice bank tank to avoid the dependency on batteries.
Early damage as measured by SLICC/ACR damage index is a predictor of hospitalization in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Authors: Raman Leela , Yahya Fariz , Ng Choung Min , Sockalingam Sargunan , Ramasamy Kuganathan , Ratnam Ravinash , Raja Jasmin
Published: October 2020

Background

Hospital admissions and re-admissions in lupus patients are common occurrences that can lead to poor prognosis.

Objectives

We evaluated the leading causes of all-cause hospitalizations and their predictive factors in the Malaysian multi-ethnic SLE patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective study involving 300 SLE patients. Demographic data and details of hospitalizations from the year 1988 until 2019 were reviewed. Baseline and latest disease activity (SLEDAI-2 K) and SLICC/ACR damage index (SDI) scores were evaluated. To be eligible for this study, their SLE diagnosis and disease duration was at least one year; this is to ensure that the baseline disease damages were measured at least after 6 months of diagnosis and subsequent disease damage indexes were captured.

Results

Majority were of Chinese ethnicity 150 (50%). The cohort’s median age was 48 (18–82) years and median disease duration was 13 (1–52) years. 133 (44.3%) had SDI score of ≥1 at baseline (early damage). 69 (23%) had developed new organ damage during this study period. There were 222 (74%) patients ever hospitalized from this cohort. The main cause of hospitalization was lupus flare which included concurrent infection (n = 415 admissions, 46%), followed by elective admissions for procedures and others (n = 284 admissions, 31.5%). Admissions for treatment and disease related complications were 13.8%. 8.7% of admissions were due to infections alone. Median length of stay for SLE-related cause admissions was longer compared to non-SLE related causes. Jointly predictive factors for hospitalization were anti-phospholipid syndrome (OR 5.82), anti-Smith (OR 6.30), anti-SSA (OR 3.37), serositis (OR 14.56), neurological (OR 5.52) and high baseline SDI (OR 1.74), all p < 0.05.

Conclusion

Early damage in lupus as measured by SDI is a predictive value of hospitalization. Optimization in managing patients with pre-existing damage is crucial to reduce hospitalization risk and subsequent complications.
Migration and City Competitiveness: A Comparative Analysis with Surat as a Special Case
Authors: Chowdhury Sahana Roy
Published: October 2020

This article provides a brief sketch of the size, composition and spatial pattern of migration in Surat city based on discussions in the existing literature, anecdotal evidences and interactions with the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) officials during field trips. It sheds light on migration ‘specificity’ of Surat compared with migration flows in other major cities. The article builds a competitiveness index to rank the four cities in our project: Surat, Pune, Kochi and Ludhiana using the principal component analysis (PCA) technique and interprets the role of migration in building a city’s competitiveness. While migration adds strains on urban resources (e.g., growth of slums) and makes it more ‘vulnerable’, it enriches a city’s supply chains by easing labour market tightness and making it more ‘competitive’ economically. It finds a positive link between migration and a city’s competitiveness in general. Competitiveness is here taken to be a composite of several socio-economic variables, over and above what is generally meant by ‘economic’ competitiveness. Based on the commonalities of the variables that explain the principal components (PC) most (have significant loadings in the component), the PCs are redefined as ‘Absorption Spillover’ and ‘Strength of Pull’. It finds that though Surat is placed in the 2nd rank in terms of overall competitiveness, its competitiveness is primarily driven by ‘Strength of Pull’ rather than ‘Absorption Spillover’. The policy implication is that urban adaptive mechanisms should be redesigned on this dimension to achieve a balanced, inclusive and sustainable competitiveness.
COVID-19 and Chinese Global Health Diplomacy: Geopolitical Opportunity for China’s Hegemony?
Authors: Gauttam Priya , Singh Bawa , Kaur Jaspal
Published: October 2020

Health diplomacy has remained an important part of foreign policy of major countries to expand their geopolitical influence across the world. Given the outbreak of COVID-19, the inadequate healthcare systems even of the developed countries have been exposed. Although China was blamed for the origination of COVID-19, concomitantly, the same country had exploited the global health emergency by putting its global health diplomacy in practice as a soft power tool to expand its geopolitical influence in term of hegemony, vis-→-vis the USA. Whereas, on the contrary, the USA and European Union (EU) have been critically entrapped in the pandemic and remained at crossroads, how to deal with the same locally and globally. In these contrasting roles and reciprocation, the main argument of the article is that China had made the best use of its health diplomacy to expand its geopolitical influence, while the USA and EU did not rise to the occasion; rather, their roles and reciprocation have remained delayed and inert. In this backdrop, the main focus of this article is to examine how China used its global health diplomacy as a soft power tool? Second, would China become hegemon in the present scenario vis-→-vis the USA?
Burnout and psychological distress amongst Australian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dobson Hannah , Malpas Charles B , Burrell Aidan JC , Gurvich Caroline , Chen Leo , Kulkarni Jayashri , Winton-Brown Toby
Published: October 2020

Objective:

To examine psychological distress in healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in April–May 2020.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey examining demographic, employment and mental health characteristics of HCWs in a large metropolitan hospital in Australia.

Results:

HCWs showed significant symptoms of moderate-severe level depression (21%), anxiety (20%) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; 29%), associated with burnout, prior psychiatric history, profession and resilience.

Conclusion:

Despite low levels of COVID contact, moderate to high levels of psychological distress were reported. Continued monitoring and support for HCWs’ mental well-being is warranted as the COVID-19 pandemic develops.
Universal Usability and Universal Design for Learning
Authors: Edyburn Dave L.
Published: October 2020

Universal design for learning (UDL) is a construct that first appeared in the literature approximately 20 years ago. Yet, there is little agreement about what UDL looks like in the classroom. The purpose of this article is to assist students, educators, and parents in identifying universal usability designs, behaviors, and tools that reflect the practice of UDL in the classroom. Three types of exemplars are highlighted: platform tools, web-based curricula, and embedded supports. It is argued that knowing what UDL looks like is an essential step in measuring the outcomes of UDL.
Radiologic Evaluation of the Influence of Cleft Treatment on Nasal Dorsum Growth
Authors: Pu Lingling , Liu Renkai , Shi Bing , Low David W. , Li Chenghao
Published: October 2020

Objective:

The study addresses whether the growth of the nasal dorsum is disturbed by cleft treatments, for cleft lip only (CL) and cleft lip with cleft palate (CLP).

Design:

A total of 576 patients with cleft (278 CL, 298 CLP) and 333 individuals without orofacial clefts were retrospectively enrolled. Cleft lip only group was treated with a modified Millard technique combined with Tajima incision for rhinoplasty at 3 to 6 months. The CLP group underwent the same lip repair technique and then underwent a Sommerlad palatoplasty at 9 to 12 months. Lateral cephalometric radiographs of all individuals were taken to evaluate the nasal length and nasal dorsum height. Dunn test was used to analyze the difference ( P < .001).

Results:

Compared with control, in CL, nasal bone angle and nasal dorsum angle increase by age similarly (5-18 years, P > .05); the total dorsum is significantly shorter (5-18 years, P < .001), while the upper nasal dorsum length is similar (except in 5-6 years), and the lower nasal dorsum is shorter (5-18 years, P < .001). In CLP, nasal bone angle develops insufficiently as children grow (8-18 years, P < .001); the nasal dorsum angle is notably smaller (5-18 years, P < .001); nasal bone length is not significantly different except 11 to 13 years ( P < .05); nasal dorsal length is similar at skeletal maturity (17-18 years, P > .05), although it is shorter during 8 to 16 years ( P < .05); the upper nasal dorsum is overdeveloped (14-18 years, P < .05), whereas the lower nasal dorsum is underdeveloped (5-18 years, P < .001).

Conclusion:

Treatments in both CL and CLP could be the important factors in disturbing the growth of cartilaginous portion of the nasal dorsum (including nasal tip) and the nasal dorsum height.