bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Predictors of Academic Performance for NMEI Curriculum-Based Medical Students Found in the Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Mehare Tsegaye , Kassa Reta , Mekuriaw Birhanie , Mengesha Tewodros
Published: October 2020

Background. In Ethiopia since 2012, the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health and Education implemented a new medical education initiative in 13 institutions. Currently, as a nation, very little is known about the predictors of academic performance for new medical education curriculum-based students. Identifying different factors affecting students’ academic performance in the local context so as to enrich the empirical evidence and provide new insights into the effect of variables in developing countries is very important. Thus, the main aim of this study was to assess predictors of academic performance for new medical education initiative curriculum-based medical students. Objective. This study designed to assess the predictors of academic performance for new medical education initiative curriculum-based medical students found in Southern Nations and Nationalities Peoples’ Region, Ethiopia. Methods. Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was used on 472 new medical education system students. The study setting includes three medical institutions (Dilla University College of Medicine and Health Science, Wolaita Sodo University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Yirgalem Hospital Medical College) within southern region from February to July 2020. The study subjects were those medical students under the NMEI curriculum and had at least one-year cumulative grade point average in the abovementioned institutions. Results. A total of 167 (35.4%) of the students’ academic performance scores were poor. Being agriculture graduate with educational background, mothers with no formal education, being married, first-degree performance score of 2.7–3.2 CGPA, monthly allowance of 10–24.99 USD, nondormitory, student age of 31–35 years old, and being stressed have shown an association with poor academic performance score of the students. Conclusion. First-degree educational background, marital status, maternal educational status, first-degree academic performance, age of the student, monthly allowance, residency during medical school, and history of stress were significant predictors of academic performance for new medical education system students. Thus, it is recommended that special attention should be paid to the admission criteria and financial support of the students.
Surgical Resection of Native Viscera to Manage Persistent Ascites after Multivisceral Transplant
Authors: Shaw Brian I. , Barbas Andrew S. , Sudan Debra L.
Published: October 2020

Multivisceral transplantation is the therapy of choice in patients with diffuse portomesenteric thrombosis. In the present case, we describe a patient who had persistent ascites after multivisceral transplant. The patient was initially diagnosed with a chyle leak which was cured via embolization. When this did not cure her ascites, reexploration proved the etiology to be at least partially attributable to persistent hypertension in the retained viscera. This was cured with the resection of her native viscera. This case highlights the importance of resection of all congested viscera at the time of transplantation in patients with diffuse portomesenteric thrombosis, the utility of preoperative embolization techniques in assisting this, and also the ability to perform delayed resection if necessary.
Severe Heterotopic Ossification with Proximal Entrapment of the Ulnar Nerve following Primary Anterior Shoulder Dislocation
Authors: Jessen Malik , Gerhardt Christian , Lehmann Lars-Johannes , Schmalzl Jonas
Published: October 2020

Heterotopic ossifications (HO) in the shoulder are rare. The effectiveness of conservative treatment is limited, and therefore, symptomatic cases are usually treated surgically. However, there are no guidelines for the surgical treatment of HO. Herein, we report the case of a 45-year-old man with severe HO and proximal entrapment of the ulnar nerve following primary anterior shoulder dislocation without concomitant injuries (e.g., fracture and rotator cuff tears). Surgical intervention was indicated, including resection of HO and neurolysis of the brachial plexus. Nine months after surgery, the patient presented with restored shoulder function, pain relief, and good patient satisfaction. The case shows that the ulnar nerve can also be impaired due to HO following shoulder dislocation.
Aero Engine Gas-Path Fault Diagnose Based on Multimodal Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Zhao Liang , Mo Chunyang , Sun Tingting , Huang Wei
Published: October 2020

Aeroengine, served by gas turbine, is a highly sophisticated system. It is a hard task to analyze the location and cause of gas-path faults by computational-fluid-dynamics software or thermodynamic functions. Thus, artificial intelligence technologies rather than traditional thermodynamics methods are widely used to tackle this problem. Among them, methods based on neural networks, such as CNN and BPNN, cannot only obtain high classification accuracy but also favorably adapt to aeroengine data of various specifications. CNN has superior ability to extract and learn the attributes hiding in properties, whereas BPNN can keep eyesight on fitting the real distribution of original sample data. Inspired by them, this paper proposes a multimodal method that integrates the classification ability of these two excellent models, so that complementary information can be identified to improve the accuracy of diagnosis results. Experiments on several UCR time series datasets and aeroengine fault datasets show that the proposed model has more promising and robust performance compared to the typical and the state-of-the-art methods.
Recognition of Reconstructed Frontal Face Images Using FFT-PCA/SVD Algorithm
Authors: Asiedu Louis , Mettle Felix O. , Mensah Joseph A.
Published: October 2020

Face recognition has gained prominence among the various biometric-based methods (such as fingerprint and iris) due to its noninvasive characteristics. Modern face recognition modules/algorithms have been successful in many application areas (access control, entertainment/leisure, security system based on biometric data, and user-friendly human-machine interfaces). In spite of these achievements, the performance of current face recognition algorithms/modules is still inhibited by varying environmental constraints such as occlusions, expressions, varying poses, illumination, and ageing. This study assessed the performance of Principal Component Analysis with singular value decomposition using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT-PCA/SVD) for preprocessing the face recognition algorithm on left and right reconstructed face images. The study found that average recognition rates for the FFT-PCA/SVD algorithm were 95% and 90% when the left and right reconstructed face images are used as test images, respectively. The result of the paired sample t-test revealed that the average recognition distances for the left and right reconstructed face images are not significantly different when FFT-PCA/SVD is used for recognition. FFT-PCA/SVD is recommended as a viable algorithm for recognition of left and right reconstructed face images.
Development and Validation of a Next-Generation Sequencing–Based Multigene Assay to Predict the Prognosis of Estrogen Receptor–Positive, HER2-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Lee Han-Byoel , Lee Sae Byul , Kim Minsu , Kwon Sunyoung , Jo Jeonghee , Kim Jinkyoung , Lee Hee Jin , Ryu Han-Suk , Lee Jong Won , Kim Chungyeul , Jeong Jaehwan , Kim Hyoki , Noh Dong-Young , Park In-Ae , Ahn Sei-Hyun , Kim Sun , Yoon Sungroh , Kim Aeree , Han Wonshik
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

Multigene assays provide useful prognostic information regarding hormone receptor (HR)-positive breast cancer. Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based platforms have numerous advantages including reproducibility and adaptability in local laboratories. This study aimed to develop and validate an NGS-based multigene assay to predict the distant recurrence risk.

Experimental Design:

In total, 179 genes including 30 reference genes highly correlated with the 21-gene recurrence score (RS) algorithm were selected from public databases. Targeted RNA-sequencing was performed using 250 and 93 archived breast cancer samples with a known RS in the training and verification sets, respectively, to develop the algorithm and NGS–Prognostic Score (NGS-PS). The assay was validated in 413 independent samples with long-term follow-up data on distant metastasis.

Results:

In the verification set, the NGS-PS and 21-gene RS displayed 91.4% concurrence (85/93 samples). In the validation cohort of 413 samples, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve plotted using NGS-PS values classified for distant recurrence was 0.76. The best NGS-PS cut-off value predicting distant metastasis was 20. Furthermore, 269 and 144 patients were classified as low- and high-risk patients in accordance with the cut-off. Five- and 10-year estimates of distant metastasis–free survival (DMFS) for low- versus high-risk groups were 97.0% versus 77.8% and 93.2% versus 64.4%, respectively. The age-related HR for distant recurrence without chemotherapy was 9.73 (95% CI, 3.59–26.40) and 3.19 (95% CI, 1.40–7.29) for patients aged ≤50 and >50 years, respectively.

Conclusions:

The newly developed and validated NGS-based multigene assay can predict the distant recurrence risk in ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.
Review zur Wirksamkeit von Biofeedback und Neurofeedback bei Depression
Authors: Uhlmann Carmen , Flammer Erich , Jaeger Susanne , Schmid Petra
Published: October 2020

Hintergrund: Biofeedbackverfahren haben sich für unterschiedliche psychische und somatische Erkrankungen als wirksam erwiesen. Für depressive Störungen als weitver­breitetes Störungsbild liegen mittlerweile zwar mehrere Studienergebnisse vor, die Bewertung der wissenschaftlichen Evidenz ist jedoch weiterhin ausstehend. Material und Methoden: Eine systematische Literaturrecherche wurde in den Datenbanken PubMed, PsycINFO und CINAHL mit den Begriffen “Neurofeedback” oder “Biofeedback” und “Depression” durchgeführt. Von den insgesamt 971 identifizierten Publikationen gingen nach Durchsicht 12 in die Arbeit ein. Ergebnisse: Die Effektstärken lagen für den Vergleich Prä- versus Post-Intervention bei einer Range von 0,31 bis 4,08 und für den Vergleich zwischen Biofeedback und Kontrollgruppe bei –0,77 bis 2,38 für beide Arten des angewendeten Feedbacktrainings: Neurofeedback und Feedback der Herzratenvariabilität. Beinhalteten Kontrollinterventionen Entspannungstechniken oder Placebo-Feedback, zeigten sich auch hier überraschend gute Ergebnisse. Diskussion: Die Aussagekraft der Ergebnisse wird gemindert durch meist kleine Stichproben, nur wenige Katamnesedaten und vor dem Hintergrund von nur drei Studien mit festgestellt ge­ringem Verzerrungsrisiko. Dies in die Interpretation einbezogen, sind die Studienergebnisse jedoch immer noch beachtlich gut. Schlussfolgerungen: Symptomverbesserungen mit teilweise hohen Effektstärken zeigen, dass Biofeedbackverfahren für die Behandlung von depressiven Störungen eventuell geeignete Methoden sind. Unspezifische Wirkfaktoren wie Entspannungs- und Erwartungseffekte gilt es unbedingt zu berücksichtigen. Eine vielversprechende Perspektive könnte die Kombination aus verhaltenstherapeutischem Ansatz und Feedbacktraining sein.
“Ich denke, also sage ich vorher”: Wie “Predictive Processing” Modelle den Einsatz von Verhaltensexperimenten bei Depressionen optimieren können
Authors: Kube Tobias , Hildebrandt Amadeus
Published: October 2020

Verhaltensexperimente stellen eine wichtige Interventionsform bei depressiven Störungen dar, um dysfunktionale Annahmen zu modifizieren. Häufig ist jedoch zu beobachten, dass Patient*innen trotz einer fachgerechten Durchführung von Verhaltensexperimenten weiter an negativen Annahmen festhalten. Vor diesem Hintergrund diskutieren wir in diesem Artikel, wie der Einsatz von Verhaltensexperimenten bei Depressionen optimiert werden kann und beziehen uns dabei auf ein neues Störungsmodell, das interessante Implikationen hierzu liefern könnte. Dieses Störungsmodell aus der neurowissenschaftlichen Forschung zu “Predictive Processing” geht davon aus, dass depressive Störungen durch zwei Kernaspekte gekennzeichnet sind: (1) stark negative Erwartungen, die im Sinne von selbsterfüllenden Pro­phezeiungen zu negativen Erlebnissen führen und zuneh­mend “immun” gegen gegenteilige Erfahrungen machen; (2) das Fehlen von positiven Erwartungen, wodurch die Wahr­scheinlichkeit von positiven Erlebnissen reduziert wird. Darauf aufbauend beschreiben wir zunächst, dass zur Modifikation negativer Erwartungen in einer ausführlichen Vorbesprechung erarbeitet werden sollte, welche möglichen positiven Erfahrungen aus dem Verhaltensexperiment die Patient*innen als glaubwürdig betrachten und zur Veränderung ihrer negativen Erwartungen nutzen würden. Auf diese sollte bei der Durchführung besonders geachtet werden, damit positive Erwartungsverletzungen auch als solche wahrgenommen werden. Zum anderen stellen wir dar, dass es nicht ausreichend ist, nur negative Erwartungen zu redu­zieren, sondern auch explizit positive Erwartungen durch weitere Verhaltensexperimente gefördert werden sollten.
Multimodal Imaging for the Assessment of Geographic Atrophy in Patients with “Foveal” and “No-Foveal” Sparing
Authors: Kabanarou Stamatina A. , Bontzos Georgios , Xirou Tina , Kapsala Zoi , Dimitriou Eleni , Theodossiadis Panagiotis , Chatziralli Irini
Published: October 2020

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the applicability of optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography (OCTA) for measuring geographic atrophy (GA) areas in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients with “foveal” and “no-foveal” sparing disease and compare it to other imaging modalities. Methods: A multimodal imaging protocol was applied, using infrared (IR) imaging, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), OCTA, and en-face OCT in 35 eyes of 23 AMD patients with GA. Patients were classified into 2 groups, with and without foveal sparing disease. GA area measurements for all imaging modalities were compared for each group separately. Results: The measured GA area was estimated to be 6.68 ± 3.18 mm2 using IR; 6.99 ± 3.09 mm2 using FAF; 6.56 ± 3.11 mm2 using OCTA, and 6.65 ± 3.14 mm2 using en-face OCT. There was no statistically significant difference in the GA area between different modalities (p = 0.977). When separate analysis was conducted for patients with “foveal” and “no-foveal” sparing disease, although GA measurements in FAF imaging displayed higher numerical values than the other modalities, especially in patients with foveal sparing, no statistically significant difference in the GA area was found between the different imaging modalities in either group (p = 0.816 for foveal sparing; p = 0.992 for no-foveal sparing group). Conclusions: OCTA can be reliably used in the assessment of GA in AMD patients with and without foveal sparing disease. For both groups, measurements are comparable to IR, en-face OCT, and FAF, despite the fact that the latter recorded larger area of GA, mainly in the foveal sparing cases.
A new species of the genus Larsia Fittkau (Diptera: Chironomidae) from India, with cladistic analysis and a world key to the known males
Authors: MONDAL DEBARSHI , MUKHERJEE TUHAR , HAZRA NILADRI
Published: October 2020

A new species of the genus Larsia Fittkau, 1962 is described based on the adult males. It is the first species of this genus reported from India and second member from the Oriental region. The DNA barcode of this new species is provided. The cladistic analysis of the known species of Larsia using morphological data of both immature and male adult stages have supported monophyly of the genus. A world key to the known males of the genus Larsia is presented here.
Contributions to Disholcaspis Dalla Torre And Kieffer (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini)
Authors: COOKE-MCEWEN CRYSTAL , GATES MICHAEL
Published: October 2020

The sexual generations for D. mamillana and D. prehensa are described based on a combination of molecular and host plant data. A new species, Disholcaspis erugomamma Cooke-McEwen n. sp., is described from Texas. The locations for the various type specimens and image data for a majority of the species in the genus are presented with discussion about the overall morphology of the genus. Lastly, a large image-based dataset was established for this group to aid in an eventual revision of the genus.
Vagal Nerve Stimulator Placement by a Vascular Surgeon
Authors: Wise Amy K. , Hicks Adam C. , Sigdel Abindra
Published: October 2020

Background

Refractory seizure activity represents a difficult problem for both patients and practitioners. Implantation of the vagal nerve stimulator has been posited as an effective treatment for refractory seizure activity. These devices are inserted by placing leads into the carotid sheath along the vagus nerve. We evaluated a vascular surgeon’s experience placing vagal nerve stimulators.

Methods

We examined all patients treated with placement of vagal nerve stimulator by a single surgeon from October 2016 to October 2018. Data collected included demographics, medical and surgical history, intraoperative variables, and complications.

Results

Thirty-four patients underwent placement of a vagal nerve stimulator. About 29.4% had a previous vagal nerve stimulator placed on the ipsilateral side. Intraoperative bradycardia was seen in 1 patient. Postoperative complications were identified in 5 patients, all of which were transient dysphagia or changes in voice quality which did not require intervention. There was no significant difference between patients with the previous operation and those without for developing postoperative complications ( P = .138). Average blood loss was higher in patients who had undergone previous stimulator placement than those who had not ( P = .0223), and the operative time was longer ( P ≤ .0001).

Discussion

Given the anatomical location of placement, vascular surgeons may be called upon to place these devices. In our single surgeon series, we found that the placement was safe, with minimal complications. Intraoperatively, this case appears to be more difficult (with higher blood loss and longer operative time) in patients who have had previous device placement, but this does not appear to lead to increased complications.
On Senders’s Models of Visual Sampling Behavior
Authors: Eisma Y. B. , Hancock P. A. , de Winter J. C. F.
Published: October 2020

Objective

We review the sampling models described in John Senders’s doctoral thesis on “visual sampling processes” via a ready and accessible exposition.

Background

John Senders left a significant imprint on human factors/ergonomics (HF/E). Here, we focus on one preeminent aspect of his career, namely visual attention.

Methods

We present, clarify, and expand the models in his thesis through computer simulation and associated visual illustrations.

Results

One of the key findings of Senders’s work on visual sampling concerns the linear relationship between signal bandwidth and visual sampling rate. The models that are used to describe this relationship are the periodic sampling model (PSM), the random constrained sampling model (RCM), and the conditional sampling model (CSM). A recent replication study that used results from modern eye-tracking equipment showed that Senders’s original findings are manifestly replicable.

Conclusions

Senders’s insights and findings withstand the test of time and his models continue to be both relevant and useful to the present and promise continued impact in the future.

Application

The present paper is directed to stimulate a broad spectrum of researchers and practitioners in HF/E and beyond to use these important and insightful models.
Output feedback disturbance rejection control for building structure systems subject seismic excitations
Authors: Lan Qixun , Zhang Xiaoguo , Li Yajie , Mu Jingjing , Zhu Weiping , Xu Huafeng
Published: October 2020

In this paper, the output feedback disturbance rejection control (OFDRC) problem is considered for buildings structures subject seismic excitations. First, based on a mild assumption and a linear transformation, the addressed problem of building structure system is translated into the output feedback disturbance rejection control problem large-scale system with disturbances. Then, by utilizing generalized-proportional-integral observer (GPIO) technique and output feedback domination approach, an output feedback decentralized disturbance rejection control law is derived via a systematic design manner. The multi-overlapping output feedback disturbance rejection controller is obtained according to the inverse transformation of a linear transformation. Strict theory analysis demonstrates that the states of the structure system will be stabilized to a small bounded region. Finally, an 8-story structure system is employed to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed OFDRC exhibits better seismic loads attenuation ability and strong robustness against model uncertainties.
Leapfrogging, Cannibalization, and Survival During Disruptive Technological Change: The Critical Role of Rate of Disengagement
Authors: Chandrasekaran Deepa , Tellis Gerard J. , James Gareth M.
Published: October 2020

When faced with new technologies, the incumbents’ dilemma is whether to embrace the new technology, stick with their old technology, or invest in both. The entrants’ dilemma is whether to target a niche and avoid incumbent reaction or target the mass market and incur the incumbent’s wrath. The solution is knowing to what extent the new technology cannibalizes the old one or whether both technologies may exist in tandem. The authors develop a generalized model of the diffusion of successive technologies, which allows for the rate of disengagement from the old technology to differ from the rate of adoption of the new. A low rate of disengagement indicates people hold both technologies (coexistence), whereas a high rate of disengagement indicates they let go of the old technology in favor of the new (cannibalization). The authors test the validity of the model using a simulation of individual-level data. They apply the model to 660 technology pairs and triplets–country combinations from 108 countries spanning 70 years. Data include both penetration and sales plus important case studies. The model helps managers estimate evolving proportions of segments that play different roles in the competition between technologies and predict technological leapfrogging, cannibalization, and coexistence.
Financial development, income inequality and carbon emissions in sub-Saharan African countries: A panel data analysis
Authors: Odhiambo Nicholas M
Published: October 2020

This paper examines the dynamic relationship between financial development, income inequality and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in a step-wise fashion, using data from 39 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries during the period 2004–2014. The study uses three income inequality indicators – the Gini coefficient, the Atkinson index and the Palma ratio – to examine these linkages. The study employs the generalised method of moments as the estimation technique. The empirical findings show that financial development unconditionally reduces CO2 emissions in SSA countries. The findings also show that there are threshold levels of income inequality that should not be exceeded in order for the negative impact of financial development on CO2 emissions to be sustained. Specifically, the study finds that the negative impact of financial development on CO2 emissions is likely to change to positive if the following inequality levels are exceeded: 0.591, 0.662 and 5.59, respectively, for the Gini coefficient, the Atkinson index and the Palma ratio. The findings of this study have far-reaching policy implications not only for SSA countries but also for developing countries as a whole. Policy implications are discussed.
Hybrid power systems – Sizes, efficiencies, and economics
Authors: Rehman Shafiqur
Published: October 2020

In the context of electricity generation in the oil and gas producing countries, it has become implicit to develop new, clean, and renewable sources of energy to supplement the fossil fuel based power generation. With this single aim, one can hit two targets, conservation of fixed fossil fuel resources and combat the adverse climatic changes to safeguard our planet. In regional context, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, wind power, geothermal, and hydro power are alternative sources for power mitigation. Of these renewables, wind, solar photovoltaic (PV), diesel, and energy storage in hybrid combinations are the possible ways to supply continuous energy for all sizes of applications. This paper provides a review of the existing hybrid power systems and the theoretical studies around the globe in varied climatological conditions to identify the best combinations of hybrid systems for Saudi Arabia to supplement the existing energy portfolio. The wind/solar-pv, wind/solar-pv/diesel, and solar-pv/diesel with and without battery backup are most commonly used systems with respective popularity of 28, 22, and 21%. Among users, remote communities are the highest while islands and communication towers are the next common applications. Average costs of energy of wind/solar-pv, wind/solar-pv/diesel, and solar-pv/diesel are around 0.458, 0.355, and 0.349 US$/kWh.
Alternative therapies for chronic rhinosinusitis: A review
Authors: Griffin Aaron S. , Cabot Peter , Wallwork Ben , Panizza Ben
Published: October 2020

The use of alternative medicine in chronic rhinosinus-itis (CRS) continues to increase in popularity, for the most part without meeting the burden of being based on sound clinical evidence. New and emerging treat-ments, both natural and developed, are numerous, and it remains a challenge for otolaryngologists as well as general practitioners to keep up to date with these therapies and their efficacy. In this systematic review, we discuss a number of alternative therapies for CRS, their proposed physiologic mechanisms, and evidence supporting their use. This analysis is based on our re-view of the English-language literature on alternative therapies for CRS (we did not include any therapies that are already recommended by accepted profession-al bodies). Data collection was performed using the PubMed database (not restricted to MEDLINE due to the nature of the subject matter), the Cochrane data-bases, and bibliography searches. We found that while many of the alternative therapies we reviewed might have a firm basis in science, they lack any clinical ev-idence to support their use specifically for CRS. Some emerging therapies, such as therapeutic ultrasonog-raphy and phonophoresis, show some promise, based on a growing body of positive evidence. In addition, the use of baby shampoo, thyme honey, and bromelain additives to saline lavage in CRS are all supported by clinical evidence, as is Sinupret, an oral preparation that contains echinacea. However, higher levels of ev-idence gleaned from large, well-designed, prospective, randomized, controlled trials are needed before any of these therapies can be recommended.
Multiparametric Analysis of Factors Associated With Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps
Authors: Fadda Gian Luca , Galizia Andrea , Galizia Giuseppe , Castelnuovo Paolo , Bignami Maurizio , Cavallo Giovanni
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Previous studies have reported a diverse range of threshold values for blood eosinophilia. In addition, a single predictive biomarker for eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (ECRSwNP) has not yet been identified.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to compare the clinical characteristics of ECRSwNP and non-ECRSwNP to evaluate the preoperative risk of tissue eosinophilia of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) through a multiparametric statistical analysis.

Methods:

One hundred ten patients with evidence of chronic polypoid rhinosinusitis were included in this study and clinical records were retrospectively reviewed. Eosinophilic CRSwNP was diagnosed based on the presence of at least 10 eosinophils per high-power field. The demographic and clinical features of ECRSwNP and non-ECRSwNP are described. The values of blood eosinophilia as predictors of tissue eosinophilia have been identified using receiver operating characteristic curves. As the predictive value of the identified cutoff through regression analysis was low, we evaluated whether other risk factors could be statistically associated with ECRSwNP, and from this, a new predictive model was proposed for the identification of eosinophilic nasal polyps before surgery.

Results:

We found that the best method for predicting ECRSwNP is based on a model having asthma, blood eosinophil percentage, posterior ethmoid value in Lund-Mackay score, and modified Lund-Kennedy score as explanatory variables.

Conclusions:

This study provides new data for a better understanding of the polypoid CRS endotypes, and the proposed model allows the endotype to be identified preoperatively.
Facial Nerve Meningioma: A Case Mimicking Facial Nerve Schwannoma
Authors: Gao Wei , Zi Dingjing , Lu Lianjun
Published: October 2020

Facial nerve meningioma is exceedingly rare and tends to affect the geniculate ganglion. We present a case of facial nerve meningioma located in the internal auditory canal with a “labyrinthine tail,” mimicking facial nerve schwannoma. The clinical and radiological features, growth patterns, and surgical management were reviewed. Progressive facial paralysis was the main syndrome, similar to other facial nerve tumors. When facial nerve function is worse than House-Brackmann grade III, surgical resection should be performed with facial nerve reconstruction.
Facing the Facets: No Association Between Dispositional Mindfulness Facets and Positive Momentary Stress Responses During Active Stressors
Authors: Saltsman Thomas L. , Seery Mark D. , Ward Deborah E. , Radsvick Tracy M. , Panlilio Zaviera A. , Lamarche Veronica M. , Kondrak Cheryl L.
Published: October 2020

Mindfulness has been associated with enhanced coping with stress. However, it remains unclear how dispositional mindfulness impacts the nature and valence of experiences during active stressors. Across 1,001 total participants, we used cardiovascular responses from the biopsychosocial model of challenge/threat to assess the degree to which individuals cared about a stressor in the moment and had a positive versus negative psychological experience. Although we found a small association between mindfulness—particularly the acting with awareness facet—and responses consistent with caring more about the stressor (i.e., greater task engagement), we found no evidence that mindfulness was associated with exhibiting a more positive psychological response (i.e., greater challenge) during the stressor. Despite no differences in the valence of momentary experiences as a function of mindfulness, individuals higher in mindfulness self-reported more positive experiences afterward. These findings suggest that dispositional mindfulness may benefit responses to active stressors only after they have passed.
Crisis, Adjustment and Resilience in the Greek Labor Market: An Unemployment Decomposition Approach
Authors: Monastiriotis Vassilis , Martelli Angelo
Published: October 2020

The crisis in Greece led to one of the largest economic shocks in European history. Drawing on micro-data from the Greek Labour Force Survey, we utilize standard micro-econometric methods and non-linear decomposition techniques to measure the size of the shock exerted on the Greek regional and national labor markets and the compositional and price adjustments in response to this. We find elements of economic dynamism, with some sizeable price adjustments in the economy of the Greek capital, Athens; but overall our results show that compositional adjustments (in labor quality/characteristics) have been partial and limited, becoming stronger only in the more recent recovery. Our results suggest a significant metropolitan advantage with regard to economic resilience, coming predominantly from a more efficient functioning of the labor market in metropolitan areas vis-a-vis other regions. Our use of the decomposition techniques for the analysis of macro-level developments in the labor market offers a novel perspective to the application of the decomposition methodology.
Public Opinion on Refugee Policy in the United States, 1938-2019: Increasing Support for Refugees and the Sympathy Effect
Authors: Sana Mariano
Published: October 2020

Eight decades of opinion polls (1938–2019) on US refugee policies show that most Americans have historically opposed admitting refugees but this trend has been reversed in the twenty-first century. An examination of the questions pollsters asked reveals that when respondents were offered a middle response choice (e.g. “the number of refugees is about right”), their opposition often morphed into approval of the admissions status quo. Findings also show some evidence of a fait-accompli effect: The public tended to be more supportive of refugees when welcoming policies were enacted and when refugees were already on US soil. Furthermore, the United States public reported more supportive attitudes toward refugees when asked about any type of policy — welcoming or restrictive — and when asked questions concerning the context of reception of admitted refugees. I label this pattern a “sympathy effect,” whereby respondents revealed more support for refugees when answering contextualized rather than abstract questions. This finding implies that pro-refugee policies might have more popular support than often assumed and that the extremely restrictive policies toward refugee admissions of the current US government are out-of-sync with both historical trends and current American public opinion.
Setting Up and Providing Telepsychiatry Services in India
Authors: Ali Furkhan , Kamila Vachana , Gowda Mahesh R , Srinivasa Preeti , Gowda Guru S , Math Suresh Bada
Published: October 2020

The exponential growth of technology in the past few decades has benefitted the healthcare sector. Telemedicine is a newer advancement which is making healthcare affordable and more accessible to the needy in recent times. This article discusses how to set up telepsychiatry services, the procedure of telepsychiatry consultation, how to record and maintain the electronic health records, the potential challenges, ethical and legal aspects concerning telepsychiatry while ensuring the good practice guidelines, medical ethics, patient rights, and the minimum requirements as established by the Information Technology Act and the telemedicine practice guidelines (TPG) 2020 issued by the Indian Medical Council.
Intermediary workers: Narratives of supervision and support work within the halfway house setting
Authors: Maier Katharina
Published: October 2020

Drawing on interviews with halfway house staff, this article provides insight into how these workers conceive of their work and occupational identities within the specific context of the halfway house. Specifically, I examine how halfway house workers seek to differentiate their work and approach to governing former prisoners from that of parole officers. I demonstrate how halfway house workers in this study capitalized on their intermediary position as quasi-state agents, using meso-level complications and struggle to carve out a space in which they felt empowered to carry out multiple, and sometimes conflicting, agendas in their everyday work with halfway house residents.
Immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis mimicking cholangiocarcinoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Xu Cheng , Han Yongmei
Published: October 2020

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a novel clinical disease that is characterized by elevated serum IgG4 concentrations and tumefaction or tissue infiltrated by IgG4+ plasma cells. The clinical manifestations of IgG4-RD depend on the type of tissues affected. IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis is a type of IgG4-RD. We report a patient who initially visited a local hospital with a 5-month history of jaundice. He was found to have a mass in the upper part of the common bile duct that mimicked cholangiocarcinoma. He underwent surgery in our hospital and was later diagnosed with IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis. We administered prednisolone 40 mg once a day for treatment. Taking into account the possible side effects of moderate-dose hormone therapy, we also administered teprenone, potassium chloride, and calcium carbonate. The patient did not have any recurrence of symptoms or adverse drug reactions during follow-up.
Community geography: Toward a disciplinary framework
Authors: Shannon Jerry , Hankins Katherine B. , Shelton Taylor , Bosse Amber J. , Scott Dorris , Block Daniel , Fischer Heather , Eaves LaToya E. , Jung Jin-Kyu , Robinson Jonnell , Solís Patricia , Pearsall Hamil , Rees Amanda , Nicolas Aileen
Published: October 2020

Community geography is a growing subfield that provides a framework for relevant and engaged scholarship. In this paper, we define community geography as a form of research praxis, one that involves academic and public scholars with the goal of co-produced and mutually-beneficial knowledge. Community geography draws from a pragmatist model of inquiry, one that views communities as emergent through a recursive process of problem definition and social action. We situate the growth of community geography programs as rooted in two overlapping but distinct traditions: disciplinary development of participatory methodologies and institutional traditions of community engagement in American higher education. We then trace the historical development of these programs, identifying common themes and outlining several challenges that community geographers should prioritize as this subfield continues to grow.
Modeling soil erosion between 1985 and 2014 in three watersheds on the carbonate-rock dominated Guizhou Plateau, SW China, using WaTEM/SEDEM
Authors: Luo Yao , Wang Hongya , Meersmans Jeroen , Green Sophie M. , Quine Timothy A. , Feng Siwen
Published: October 2020

The Guizhou Plateau, SW China is largely underlain by carbonate rocks. Because soils are thin, soil loss remains a serious problem despite low erosion rates. Further understanding the impacts of changes in rainfall, land use and differences in topography on sediment yield and delivery may assist in the development of suitable policies to reduce soil erosion on the plateau. A spatially distributed soil erosion and sediment delivery model (WaTEM/SEDEM) was applied to investigate temporal–spatial changes in soil erosion between 1985 and 2014 in three watersheds (Dadukou (DDK), Caopingtou (CPT) and Gaoche (GC)) located in the southwest Guizhou Plateau. The WaTEM/SEDEM model was calibrated and validated using data on sediment yields measured at the watershed scale. The total sediment yield (SY) and soil erosion modulus (SEM) firstly decreased followed by an increase, whereas the sediment delivery ratio (SDR) remained almost unchanged over the 30-year period. The major sediment source was dry farmlands. SY was the highest in the largest DDK watershed. The highest SEM occurred in the CPT watershed due to steep terrain and high ratio of dry farmland areas on steeper slopes. SEM was the lowest in the GC watershed where slope gradient and ratio of dry farmland on steeper slopes are low. SDR was the highest in the GC watershed because of its topographic characteristics. SEM was sensitive to precipitation fluctuations in the GC, DDK and particularly in the steep and intensively eroded CPT watershed, while changes in dry farmland ratio influenced the SEM in the CPT and DDK watersheds but not in the gentle and mildly eroded GC watershed. Changes in forest ratio had significant impacts on SEM only in the GC watershed. Since responses of soil erosion to variations or differences in the main impact factors differ in the different watersheds, soil conservation strategies should be watershed specific.
An Injectable Hydrogel Scaffold With Kartogenin-Encapsulated Nanoparticles for Porcine Cartilage Regeneration: A 12-Month Follow-up Study
Authors: Yan Wenqiang , Xu Xingquan , Xu Qian , Sun Ziying , Lv Zhongyang , Wu Rui , Yan Wenjin , Jiang Qing , Shi Dongquan
Published: October 2020

Background:

Treatment of cartilage lesions is clinically challenging. A previous study demonstrated that a hyaluronic acid hydrogel ( m-HA) with kartogenin (KGN)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles ( m-HA+KGN treatment) achieved superior cartilage repair in a rabbit model. However, large animals serve as a bridge to translate animal outcomes into the clinic.

Hypotheses:

(1) m-HA+KGN treatment could facilitate hyaline cartilage and subchondral bone tissue repair in a porcine model. (2) Defect size and type (full-thickness chondral vs osteochondral) influence the therapeutic efficacy of m-HA+KGN treatment.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

48 minipigs were randomized into 3 treatment groups: m-HA hydrogel with KGN-loaded PLGA nanoparticles ( m-HA+KGN treatment), m-HA hydrogel ( m-HA treatment), and untreated (blank treatment). Full-thickness chondral (6.5 mm or 8.5 mm in diameter) or osteochondral (6.5 mm or 8.5 mm in diameter; 5-mm depth) defects were prepared in the medial femoral condyle. At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, defect repair was assessed by macroscopic appearance, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), micro–computed tomography (µCT), and histologic and biomechanical tests.

Results:

The m-HA+KGN group exhibited superior gross and histological healing after evaluation at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Improved quality of the repaired cartilage demonstrated by MRI and better subchondral bone reconstruction assessed by µCT were observed in the m-HA+KGN group. The m-HA+KGN group showed more hyaline-like cartilage exhibited by histological staining in terms of extracellular matrix, cartilage lacuna, and type II collagen. The biomechanical properties were improved in the m-HA+KGN group. With m-HA+KGN treatment, defects with a diameter of 6.5 mm or full-thickness chondral-type defects possessed significantly higher ICRS macroscopic and histological scores compared with diameter 8.5 mm or osteochondral-type defects.

Conclusion:

(1) m-HA+KGN treatment facilitated hyaline cartilage and subchondral bone tissue repair in a porcine model at the 12-month follow-up. (2) m-HA+KGN treatment demonstrated better therapeutic efficacy in defects with a diameter of 6.5 mm or full-thickness chondral-type defects.

Clinical Relevance:

This study verified the efficacy of this innovative KGN release system on cartilage repair. The KGN release system can be injected into defect sites arthroscopically. This convenient and minimally invasive operation holds important prospects for clinical application.
Reverse logistics network design for waste solar photovoltaic panels: A case study of New South Wales councils in Australia
Authors: Islam Md Tasbirul , Nizami Mohammad Sohrab Hasan , Mahmoudi Sajjad , Huda Nazmul
Published: October 2020

Waste solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are considered as one of the fastest-growing future waste streams under the category of large electronic waste (e-waste). The lifespan of solar panels varies from 20 to 30 years, and an appropriate reverse logistics network design is essential to manage the waste stream efficiently once their lifetime expires. Mixed-integer programming-based RL model is proposed in this paper for New South Wales, Australia that minimizes the overall cost by identifying optimal locations and sizing of the collection points while determining optimal capacities for recycling facilities. Using the historical data (2001–2017) on the installed capacity of solar panels in the state, the potential waste generation (at council-level) is estimated and optimized solutions are proposed for the year 2047. The results of the study show that the highest waste solar PV will be generated at Murrumbidgee, Berrigan, Balranald, and Bogan councils. Out of 129 councils in the state, the model identifies 78 optimized-locations of the collection points that would be required in the councils. In the councils of Newcastle, Narrandera and Wagga Wagga, three major recycling facilities would need to be established. This is the first systematic attempt in designing an optimized RL network in Australia focusing on waste solar PV. Policy-makers will find this research highly valuable in decision-making on local recycling infrastructure development.
The effect of noise and dust exposure on oxidative stress among livestock and poultry feed industry workers
Authors: Mirmohammadi Seyedtaghi , Khanjani Narges , Nazarkhani Fereshteh , Abediankenari Saeid , Yazdani Jamshid , Tilaki Ramazan Ali Dianati
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

Simultaneous exposure to noise and dust may have detrimental health effects. This study was conducted to determine the effect of exposure to noise and dust on oxidative stress.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 82 employees of two livestock and poultry feed factories in Golestan Province, Iran, were selected as the exposed group and 82 office workers were selected as the control group. Occupational noise and dust exposure were measured using a dosimeter, sampling pump, and vinyl chloride filter. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in blood samples. T-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze the data.

Results:

The levels of MDA and SOD in the exposed group were significantly higher and lower than the control group ( p < 0.001), respectively. The results showed the subgroup with both over the threshold dust and noise exposure had the highest MDA levels. The SOD level among those exposed to noise more than the recommended level, in the subgroup with more dust exposure, was significantly less than the subgroup with low noise exposure ( p = 0.017).

Conclusion:

Noise and dust exposure probably increase the level of oxidative stress by increasing the level of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and reducing the level of antioxidant enzymes (SOD).
Parental Experiences for Teenage Mothers Living in Poverty: Associations of Head Start
Authors: Lee Kyunghee , Lawton Cassandra , Boateng Anna
Published: October 2020

This study utilizes Head Start Impact Study data to examine whether Head Start is associated with teenage mothers’ experiences. Among 3,576 participants, 579 mothers were identified as teenage mothers (under 19 years old). Research questions included (1) compared to nonteenage mothers, do teenage mothers have different maternal experiences such as informal social support, formal social service use, mental health, and child-rearing skills? (2) does Head Start have any association with the experiences of teenage mothers? Teen mothers had less education, lower family incomes, and were less likely to be married than nonteenage mothers. Teenage mothers were most likely to identify as black and least likely to identify as Hispanic. Teenage mothers were more likely to speak English at home and live in rural areas. Further, regression analysis indicated that teenage mothers used less formal social services and displayed less mental health problems than nonteenage mothers. There was not a significant association on parental experiences for teenage mothers participating in Head Start. Study implications include using teen mothers’ voices to inform service needs, increasing strengths-based interventions, and raising awareness or creating nonstigmatizing programs for teen mothers.