bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of utilizing solid recovered fuel on the global warming potential of cement production and waste management system: A life cycle assessment approach
Authors: Khan Md Musharof Hussain , Havukainen Jouni , Horttanainen Mika
Published: December 2020

Cement production is responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A potential option to reduce the cement production emissions is to use alternative fuels which can have also an impact on emissions from the waste management sector. This work investigates the change in global warming potential (GWP) of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) production and affected waste management systems when conventional fuels are partially replaced by solid recovered fuel (SRF) made from commercial and industrial waste (C&IW). A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted with a functional unit of 1 metric tonne of OPC production and treatment of 194 kg of C&IW. Data from an existing cement plant have been used, where the share of SRF from total fuel energy demand increased from 0% to 53% between 2007 and 2016. Four scenarios were established with varying waste treatment methods and SRF share in the thermal energy mix of cement production. It was found that GHG emissions decreased by 20% from 1036 kg carbon dioxide (CO2), eq. (functional unit)-1 in Scenario 1 to 832 kg CO2, eq. (functional unit)-1 in Scenario 3. Furthermore, it is possible to reach a reduction of 30% to 725 kg CO2, eq. (functional unit)-1 in Scenario by increasing the share of SRF to 80%. In conclusion, significant GHG emissions reduction can be achieved by utilizing SRF in cement production. Especially in the middle-income and low-income countries where waste is dumped to the open landfills, emissions could be reduced without huge investments to waste incineration plants.
Will Algorithms Blind People? The Effect of Explainable AI and Decision-Makers’ Experience on AI-supported Decision-Making in Government
Authors: Janssen Marijn , Hartog Martijn , Matheus Ricardo , Yi Ding Aaron , Kuk George
Published: December 2020

Computational artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are increasingly used to support decision making by governments. Yet algorithms often remain opaque to the decision makers and devoid of clear explanations for the decisions made. In this study, we used an experimental approach to compare decision making in three situations: humans making decisions (1) without any support of algorithms, (2) supported by business rules (BR), and (3) supported by machine learning (ML). Participants were asked to make the correct decisions given various scenarios, while BR and ML algorithms could provide correct or incorrect suggestions to the decision maker. This enabled us to evaluate whether the participants were able to understand the limitations of BR and ML. The experiment shows that algorithms help decision makers to make more correct decisions. The findings suggest that explainable AI combined with experience helps them detect incorrect suggestions made by algorithms. However, even experienced persons were not able to identify all mistakes. Ensuring the ability to understand and traceback decisions are not sufficient for avoiding making incorrect decisions. The findings imply that algorithms should be adopted with care and that selecting the appropriate algorithms for supporting decisions and training of decision makers are key factors in increasing accountability and transparency.
A numerical investigation on the hybrid spur gears: Stress and dynamic analysis
Authors: Yılmaz Tufan G , Doğan Oğuz , Karpat Fatih
Published: December 2020

In this study, the effect of rim thickness of hybrid gears on the root stress, joint stress, tooth stiffness, natural frequency, and dynamic behavior are examined numerically. Hybrid gears consist of two materials, which are steel for the teeth-rim and hub regions of gear, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) for the web region. Adhesive bonding is assumed for the joining of steel and composite materials. FE method is used to evaluate tooth root stress, joint stress, tooth deformation, and the natural frequency of hybrid gears. The adhesive is defined by cohesive zone modeling (CZM). Moreover, 2-DOF dynamic analyses are implemented to obtain dynamic factors and static transmission error. According to results, hybrid gears have substantial potential to reduce the mass of gear transmission systems with no adverse effect on root stress and dynamic factor if the design parameters are appropriately selected. Besides, rim thickness is found as a critical parameter for the hybrid gears since when its value changes from 0.5xm to 3xm, the root stress decreases 10% while the tooth stiffness and torque capacity increase 20% and 65%, respectively.
Valproic Acid Enhanced Apoptosis by Promoting Autophagy Via Akt/mTOR Signaling in Glioma
Authors: Han Wei , Yu Fan , Cao Jiachao , Dong Bo , Guan Wei , Shi Jia
Published: December 2020

Glioma is the most common malignant tumor in the central nervous system with a poor median survival. Valproic acid (VPA), a widely used antiepileptic drug, has been found to have antitumor effects on gliomas, but its role still has not been determined. In this study, we investigated VPA-induced apoptotic and autophagic effects on human U251 and SNB19 cells by cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling staining, western blots, and immunofluorescence assay in vitro, and then we further explored the role of autophagy in apoptosis by using the selective antagonist MHY1485. The data showed that VPA inhibited U251 and SNB19 glioma cells viability in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner and induced apoptosis through the mitochondria-dependent pathway in vitro. In addition, VPA activated the Akt/mTOR pathway by decreasing their protein phosphorylation to promote cellular apoptosis. Surprisingly, the mTOR agonist MHY1485, causing a strong elevation of mTOR activity, partially reduced apoptosis ratio, which supposing that the autophagy of VPA is involved in the regulation of apoptosis. These findings suggest that VPA enhanced apoptosis by promoting autophagy via Akt/mTOR signaling in glioma, which could be further evaluated as a reliable therapy for glioma.
Impact response of E-glass/epoxy composite bi-directional corrugated core sandwich panels
Authors: Shahbazi A , Zeinedini A
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the impact response of bi-directional corrugated core sandwich structures was investigated. The core and skins were made of E-glass/epoxy laminated composites. Additive manufacturing technology was used to print the molds applied to fabricate the cores. The influence of different periods, i.e. T = 30, 37.5, 50 and 75 mm, of the double-cosine corrugated core on the impact response of the panels was evaluated. In addition, some other panels with regular corrugated cores were manufactured to evaluate the impact response of the bi-directional corrugated core structures. A finite element modeling was also carried out to analyze the impact behavior of the samples. The empirical measurements and the numerical predictions showed that the panels with the bi-directional corrugated core have a significant improvement in the absorbed energy under impact loading at each given period. It was also manifested that the panel consisting of the bi-directional corrugated core with T = 37.5 mm has the highest specific energy absorption.
Impact assessment following implementation of a vascular access team
Authors: Corcuera Martínez Mª Inés , Aldonza Torres Marco , Díez Revilla Ana Mª , Maali Centeno Sara , Mañeru Oria Amaya , Elizari Roncal Inmaculada , Ibarra Marín Beatriz , Casado del Olmo Maria Isabel , Escobedo Romero Rosario , Ferraz Torres Marta
Published: December 2020

Background:

A vascular access team (VAT) was created in 2018 with the aim of improving vascular access and reducing complications associated with catheters. The impact of the introduction of a VAT in the insertion and maintenance of peripheral insertion central catheters (PICCs) was assessed. The cost-benefit associated with the use of a VAT was evaluated and the satisfaction of patients and professionals interacting with the VAT was measured.

Methods:

In a prospective study, 275 PICCs inserted by the VAT were assessed for their impact on complications. PICCs were implanted with maximum barrier measures using an ultrasound with IC-ECG. Also, patient and professional satisfaction have been analysed thought a questionnaire over the phone or online, and hospital financial data was used to assess the cost impact of the insertion methodology followed by the VAT versus Anaesthesia Service.

Results:

The thrombosis rate was 2.5% (7) and the bacteraemia rate was 1.1% (3). The use of the IC-ECG was correlated with a lower complication than the RX + IC-ECG (OR = 3.28, p = 0.021). In addition, there was a high level of perceived satisfaction for the patients surveyed and for the healthcare professionals involved in the care and management of these devices. The calculated saving for the implementation of the VAT was 61.81% compared with PICCs implanted in Anaesthesia Service.

Conclusion:

Low complication rates and high overall satisfaction scores in patients and professionals were observed, showing that a specialist VAT can have a positive impact in the insertion of PICCs and which also has a clear economic benefit.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in Children With Cancer: A Report From Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshahrani Mohammad , Elyamany Ghaleb , Sedick Qanita , Ibrahim Walid , Mohamed Amal , Othman Mohamed , Al Thibani Nour , Alsuhaibani Omar , Al Amro Mohamed , Gharawi Ali , Al Sharif Omar , Elborai Yasser , Alabbas Fahad , Binhassan Amal , AlMoshary May , Al Mussaed Eman , Alkhayat Nawaf
Published: December 2020

In January 2020, the WHO declared the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern. Due to the rapid spread of 2019-nCoV, all countries started preventive and precautionary measures to prevent COVID-19 infection spread. These measures limited the population mobility and services provided, which subsequently Impact of on children with cancer and cancer care delivery in the many health centers in Saudi Arabia. We did a cross-sectional study to assess the impact of this outbreak on children with cancer concerning all aspects of life including medical services provided, the specific precautions to prevent spread in cancer patients, mental, psychological effects, and its effect on the quality of life. We collected 204 responses during a survey that assessed the impact on the treatment of cancer children at a tertiary institution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of patients were receiving ongoing chemotherapy for leukemia/lymphoma. The majority of these patients (60.5%) reported a delay in treatment received due to hospital cancellation of appointments due to the pandemic. Although the majority of patients in our cohort complained of delayed treatment, fortunately, none of the delays led to fatalities. In the context of global lockdowns and physical distancing to help flatten the COVID-19 curve, telemedicine has proved fundamental to keeping patients and their healthcare providers connected and safe. Children also faced multiple other difficulties such as psychosocial issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our long-term goals are to develop new programs that will enable children with cancer to emerge successfully during a pandemic.
Sodium Butyrate and Indole-3-propionic Acid Prevent the Increase of Cytokines and Kynurenine Levels in LPS-induced Human Primary Astrocytes
Authors: Garcez Michelle L , Tan Vanessa X , Heng Benjamin , Guillemin Gilles J
Published: December 2020

The crosstalk between central nervous system (CNS) and gut microbiota plays key roles in neuroinflammation and chronic immune activation that are common features of all neurodegenerative diseases. Imbalance in the microbiota can lead to an increase in the intestinal permeability allowing toxins to diffuse and reach the CNS, as well as impairing the production of neuroprotective metabolites such as sodium butyrate (SB) and indole-3-propionic acid (IPA). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of SB and IPA on LPS-induced production of cytokines and tryptophan metabolites in human astrocytes. Primary cultures of human astrocytes were pre-incubated with SB or IPA for 1 hour before treatment with LPS. Cell viability was not affected at 24, 48 or 72 hours after pre-treatment with SB, IPA or LPS treatment. SB was able to significantly prevent the increase of GM-CSF, MCP-1, IL-6 IL-12, and IL-13 triggered by LPS. SB and IPA also prevented inflammation indicated by the increase in kynurenine and kynurenine/tryptophan ratio induced by LPS treatment. IPA pre-treatment prevented the LPS-induced increase in MCP-1, IL-12, IL-13, and TNF-α levels 24 hours after pre-treatment, but had no effect on tryptophan metabolites. The present study showed for the first time that bacterial metabolites SB and IPA have potential anti-inflammatory effect on primary human astrocytes with potential therapeutic benefit in neurodegenerative disease characterized by the presence of chronic low-grade inflammation.
Predictors of E-Cigarette Initiation: Findings From the Youth and Young Adult Panel Study
Authors: Jayakumar Navitha , O’Connor Shawn , Diemert Lori , Schwartz Robert
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

Although previous studies have identified reasons why youth try e-cigarettes, longitudinal research is needed to identify predictors of e-cigarette initiation. This study assesses predictors of e-cigarette initiation among youth and young adults in the 2018-2019 Youth and Young Adult Panel Study.

Methods:

This study examined the proportion of Canadian participants aged 16 to 25 (n = 137) reporting never use of e-cigarettes at baseline in 2018. Individuals were categorized as not initiated and initiated at 12-month follow-up. We examined demographic characteristics, substance use, health status, social influences and perception by initiation category. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were calculated using logistic regression models and multivariable logistic regression model.

Results:

Among the 137 never e-cigarette users at baseline, 59% remained never users while 41% initiated use of e-cigarettes during the 12-month follow-up. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that regularly seeing anyone use e-cigarettes (AOR: 4.11; 95% CI: 1.04, 16.31) and seeing anyone use e-cigarettes very often or always at baseline (AOR: 4.54; 95% CI: 1.21, 17.01) is associated with initiating e-cigarette use among youth and young adults.

Conclusion:

The results revealed social influences to be the most important predictors of initiation among youth and young adults. Interventions to prevent youth and young adults from initiating e-cigarette use should expand from only focusing on peer use to reducing use in public space such as parks and recreational facilities.
Speaking truth through power: Conceptualizing internal whistleblowing hotlines with Foucault’s dispositive
Authors: du Plessis Erik Mygind
Published: December 2020

This article is an examination of the various ambivalences, limitations and dilemmas that are associated with the internal whistleblowing hotline – which is conceptualized as a management technique that strives to contain, codify, constrain, standardize, and neutralize acts of speaking up against illegal or unethical practices. In other words the interest is on what happens when the critical practice of whistleblowing or ‘speaking truth to power’ is sought institutionalized and transformed into a practice of ‘speaking truth through power’ – that is, through the managerial instrument of the whistleblowing hotline. The article argues that the Foucauldian concept of dispositive can help explain how a seemingly expedient and pragmatic technique such as the whistleblowing hotline, is in fact riddled with complexity and contradiction, which in turn creates a series of dilemmas and limitations related to aim and function the hotline. The analysis thus shows how the internal whistleblowing hotline can take different forms depending on the dispositive permeating it. Empirically, the analysis is based on descriptions of the use and function of internal whistleblowing hotlines in a Danish context.
Tree planting indices and their effects on summer park thermal environment: A case study of a subtropical satellite city, China
Authors: Guo Wei , Cheng Bin , Wang Chunlu , Tang Xinyu
Published: December 2020

Urban residents are suffering from serious thermal stress resulting from urban heat island and global warming. Investigators have explored several methods to address this issue. Vegetation, especially trees, were found to play a vital part in urban environments. It produces a cooling effect by reducing temperature and radiation levels. To find thermal performances of trees in detail, this study physically measured two urban parks during August 2019 in a satellite city of China regarding their thermal environments relevant to tree planting indices. There were three planting indices used, sky view factor, leaf area index and enclosure area. Through associating them with thermal indicators by linear regression, all of the indices were confirmed to have significant thermal effects. Every 0.1 increase in sky view factor resulted in an increase of 1°C air temperature, 0.16 m/s air velocity, 40 W/m2 solar radiation level and 1.6°C mean radiant temperature. Same effects were found in nearly 0.4 leaf area index decrease and approximately 20 m2 enclosure area increase. These results provide very optimistic directions for future urban forestry planning and landscaping.
Extending the Internet meme: Conceptualizing technological mimesis and imitation publics on the TikTok platform
Authors: Zulli Diana , Zulli David James
Published: December 2020

Scholars have long been interested in how social media platforms shape user communication and behavior. We add to this literature by critically analyzing the TikTok platform. We argue that the principles of mimesis—imitation and replication—are encouraged by the platform’s logic and design and can be observed in the (1) user sign-up process and default page, (2) icons and video-editing features, and (3) user and video creation norms. These memetic features alter modes of sociality, contributing to what we theorize as imitation publics on TikTok. This analysis extends the meme’s theoretical and methodological utility by conceptualizing the TikTok platform as a memetic text in and of itself and illustrates a novel type of networked public.
Co-creation in North American and European digital native media: Web, social networks and offline spaces
Authors: Sixto-García José , Rodríguez-Vázquez Ana Isabel , Soengas-Pérez Xosé
Published: December 2020

Organisations from various productive sectors are increasingly involving their audiences in their co-creation processes, both for production and for the ideation and marketing of the products they offer. This research analyses this issue in native digital newspapers, offering a comparative perspective between Europe and the United States. The co-creation options that these newspapers, developed on and for the internet, provided to their readers, are investigated in the three scenarios in which it is possible to co-create: via web, social networks and offline spaces. The findings indicate that the spaces enabled for co-creation are still residual and that the media should continue to value citizen’s contributions, and carrying on incorporating those contributions within their agendas, thus protecting freedom of expression, as well as the right to receive truthful information.
Reflections on ethnographic fieldwork across a lifetime
Authors: Gross Joan
Published: December 2020

In this ‘Tale from the Field’, I reflect on the practice of ethnographic fieldwork with folk puppeteers over time, using my own experiences in a single fieldwork site at two points, 38 years apart. I describe my fieldwork as a graduate student in 1982 and as a professor towards the end of my career in 2020. I reflect on differences based on digital communication equipment and on my own changing positionality. My 2020 fieldwork was interrupted by the covid-19 confinement which adds a new wrinkle to contemporary participant observation.
Nonlinear vibration of knitted spacer fabric under harmonic excitation
Authors: Chen Fuxing , Hu Hong
Published: December 2020

Knitted spacer fabrics can be an alternative material to typical rubber sponges and polyurethane foams for the protection of the human body from vibration exposure, such as automotive seat cushions and anti-vibration gloves. To provide a theoretical basis for the understanding of the nonlinear vibration behavior of the mass-spacer fabric system under harmonic excitation, experimental, analytical and numerical methods are used. Different from a linear mass-spring-damper vibration model, this study builds a phenomenological model with the asymmetric elastic force and the fractional derivative damping force to describe the periodic solution of the mass-spacer fabric system under harmonic excitation. Mathematical expression of the harmonic amplitude versus frequency response curve (FRC) is obtained using the harmonic balance method (HBM) to solve the equation of motion of the system. Parameter values in the model are estimated by performing curve fit between the modeled FRC and the experimental data of acceleration transmissibility. Theoretical analysis concerning the influence of varying excitation level on the FRCs is carried out, showing that nonlinear softening resonance turns into nonlinear hardening resonance with the increase of excitation level, due to the quadratic stiffness term and the cubic stiffness term in the model, respectively. The quadratic stiffness term also results in biased vibration response and causes an even order harmonic distortion. Besides, the increase of excitation level also results in elevated peak transmissibility at resonance.
Endovascular management of radial artery loop for neuroangiography: Case series
Authors: Dossani Rimal H , Waqas Muhammad , Tso Michael K , Cappuzzo Justin M , Popoola Daniel , Snyder Kenneth V , Levy Elad I , Siddiqui Adnan H , Davies Jason M
Published: December 2020

Background

Radial loops are rare congenital radial artery anomalies that may pose a significant challenge to successful transradial neuroangiography. In this case series, we describe the anatomy and frequency of radial artery loops and provide a technique for successful navigation of this anatomic anomaly.

Methods

We reviewed our database of radial diagnostic or interventional neuroangiographic procedures to identify cases in which a radial loop was encountered during the procedure. The loop pattern, the presence of an associated recurrent radial artery branch, navigation technique, and procedure-related complications were recorded. A descriptive analysis was performed.

Results

A total of 997 transradial approach procedures were performed over a 9-month period. A radial loop was identified in 10 (1.0%) patients. The average age was 68.6 ± 14.3 years. A microcatheter advanced over a microwire was used to navigate the loop and avoid entry into the recurrent branch. A diagnostic neuroangiographic procedure was performed successfully in 8 cases and an intervention was performed successfully in 1 case. A 360° loop was present in 2 of these cases. In each case, transradial access was performed successfully. In 1 other diagnostic case, transradial access was aborted, and the femoral artery was accessed to perform the procedure.

Conclusions

A radial loop was present in 1% of the cases in this series. Our technical results suggest that this anomaly should not be considered a contraindication to transradial neuroangiography because the procedure was successfully performed in most (9 of 10) cases using a microcatheter system to navigate the loop.
Kinematics analysis and experimental study on three-dimensional space bending flexible pneumatic arm
Authors: Hongbo Liu , Dexu Geng , Junye Li
Published: December 2020

A type of three-dimensional space bending flexible pneumatic arm employing axial elongation pneumatic artificial muscles was proposed. It was mainly composed of six pneumatic artificial muscles symmetrically distributed in parallel, and six artificial muscles were fixed 60° each other in space. The elastic skeleton was added among the arm to improve its rigidity and stability. Especially, the driving device of the arm was just the body of the arm. The arm has the advantages of simple structure, convenient manufacture, safety and flexibility, and it can achieve omnidirectional bending movement. According to the static characteristic and deformation of the arm, the kinematics model and the grasping force model of the arm were established. Further, the theoretical model was verified by experiments and then the relations between deforming properties, the working space, the grasping force and air pressure of the arm were obtained. The motion performance experiment of the arm was carried out in a laboratory environment. The experimental results show that the flexible arm has flexible movements, strong adaptive ability, simple control, and certain load capacity when bending.
Investigation of optimal lamination condition of CFRTP by compression molding method and a comparison of mechanical properties with CFRTS
Authors: Kim Dae Won , Jin Chul Kyu , Lee Min Sik , Kang Chung Gil , Seo Hyung Yoon
Published: December 2020

The variables of die temperature, pressure, time, lamination method, and forming count are applied to fabricate thermosoftening CFRP (CFRTP) with compression molding method. The mechanical properties of CFRTP are compared with those of thermosetting CFRP (CFRTS). The first lamination method is that one hotmelt is inserted into carbon fiber (five carbon fibers and four hotmelts). The optimal lamination conditions are the die temperature of 220°C, pressure of 6 MPa, and pressurization time for 10 min. The tensile strength of CFRTP of this lamination method is 400 MPa. For higher tensile strength value, the second lamination method was applied. CFRTP prepreg was prepared with one hotmelt and one carbon fiber by applying die temperature at optimal lamination conditions. Five CFRTP prepregs were laminated under the same conditions. When the CFRTP sheet was three formings, the tensile strength of 494 MPa could be obtained. CFRTS are prepared by laminating the epoxy prepregs at 140°C with the compressive pressure of 0.5 MPa for 30 min. CFRTP sheet has the lower tensile strength than CFRTS sheet by 223 MPa, but the flexural strength was higher by 61 MPa and by 1.0 J/cm2 for Charpy impact test.
Disuse Atrophy of Articular Cartilage Induced by Unloading Condition Accelerates Histological Progression of Osteoarthritis in a Post-traumatic Rat Model
Authors: Takahashi Ikufumi , Matsuzaki Taro , Kuroki Hiroshi , Hoso Masahiro
Published: December 2020

Objective

The study aim was to evaluate the histological relationship between osteoarthritis (OA) and articular cartilage in disuse atrophy induced by hindlimb unloading in a post-traumatic OA rat model.

Design

Forty male rats were divided into the 4 following experimental groups: control, hindlimb suspension (HS), OA induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (OA), and OA induction after hindlimb suspension (HS-OA). Histological changes in the articular cartilage of the tibia were evaluated by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores and histomorphometrical analyses at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after OA induction.

Results

We confirmed that disuse atrophy of the articular cartilage was caused by thinning of the articular cartilage and the decrease in matrix staining for the nonloading period of 4 weeks. The OARSI scores and histomorphological analyses revealed that OA progressed significantly wider and deeper in the HS-OA group than in the OA group over time. In the sham group, disuse atrophy of the articular cartilage recovered at 2 weeks after reloading.

Conclusions

This study revealed that OA progressed faster in cartilage atrophy than in normal articular cartilage. Further studies are required for investigating the mechanisms of disuse atrophy of cartilage and its association with OA using the biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis.
Atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesions of undetermined significance: What radiologists need to know
Authors: Ling Johnny , Li Wencheng , Lalwani Neeraj
Published: December 2020

Atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesions of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) refers to an intermediate histologic category of thyroid nodules in The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. Although the risk of malignancy in this category was originally cited as 5–15%, recent literature has suggested higher rates of related malignancy ranging from 38% to 55%. Malignant nodules warrant surgery with total thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy, whereas benign nodules can be observed or followed with serial ultrasounds (US) based on their imaging characteristics. The management of nodules with a cytopathologic diagnosis of AUS/FLUS can be difficult because theses nodules lie between the extremes of benign and malignant. The management options for such nodules include observation, repeat fine-needle aspiration, and surgery. The use of molecular genetics, the identification of suspicious US characteristics, and the recognition of additional clinical factors are all important in the development of an appropriate, tailored management approach. Institutional factors also play a crucial role.
Prediction of therapeutic efficacy of gabapentin by Hull Airway Reflux Questionnaire in chronic refractory cough
Authors: Zhang Mengru , Chen Qiang , Dong Ran , Yu Li , Ai Zisheng , Xu Xianghuai , Qiu Zhongmin
Published: December 2020

Background:

Gabapentin is recommended for the treatment of chronic refractory cough (CRC). This study aims to identify its therapeutic predictors in a prospective clinical study.

Methods:

A total of 179 patients with CRC were treated with gabapentin. Prior to the therapy, all patients were assessed by Hull Airway Reflux Questionnaire (HARQ) and inhaled capsaicin challenge. When the treatment ended and cough resolution was confirmed, a stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the therapeutic predictors for gabapentin and to establish the prediction equation.

Results:

Gabapentin treatment achieved a therapeutic success rate of 66.48%. HARQ scores were significantly higher in responders than non-responders to gabapentin (29.79 ± 9.58 versus 21.95 ± 7.83, t = –3.685, p <0.001), which were positively related to the therapeutic efficacy of gabapentin ( r = 0.433, p <0.001). The optimal cutoff point of 21.50 in HARQ presented with a moderate ability to predict gabapentin efficacy, with a sensitivity of 84.60% and specificity of 63.60%. Multiple logistic regression identified items of “A tickle in your throat, or a lump in your throat” (OR = 7.927, p = 0.005), “Cough when you get out of bed in the morning” (OR = 7.016, p = 0.045), and “Cough with eating” (OR = 6.689, p = 0.011) as independent predictors. The established logistic regression equation predicted 83.72% of the treatment success rate of gabapentin, which was verified by consequent preliminary revalidating study in 59 patients.

Conclusion:

HARQ may be useful to screen patients with CRC most likely responsive to gabapentin, and help improve the therapeutic success.

Trial registration:

http://www.chictr.org/ ; No.: ChiCTR-ONC-13003123
Unresolvable Pixels Contribute to Character Legibility: Another Reason Why High-Resolution Images Appear Clearer
Authors: Ohnishi Madoka , Oda Koichi
Published: December 2020

This study examined the effect of character sample density on legibility. As the spatial frequency component important for character recognition is said to be 1 to 3 cycles/letter (cpl), six dots in each direction should be sufficient to represent a character; however, some studies have reported that high-density characters are more legible. Considering that these seemingly contradictory findings could be compatible, we analyzed the frequency component of the character stimulus with adjusted sample density and found that the component content of 1 to 3 cpl increased in the high-density character. In the following three psychophysical experiments, high sample density characters tended to have lower contrast thresholds, both for normal and low vision. Furthermore, the contrast threshold with characters of each sample density was predicted from the amplitude of the 1 to 3 cpl component. Thus, while increasing the sample density improves legibility, adding a high frequency is not important in itself. The findings suggest that enhancing the frequency components important for recognizing characters by adding the high-frequency component contributes to making characters more legible.
A case of milker’s nodules in Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Phillips Zoë C , Holfeld Karen I , Lang Amanda LS , Richels Lindsay D
Published: December 2020

We present a case of milker’s nodules in a 41-year-old rancher from Saskatchewan, Canada, with secondary complications consisting of papular erythema and lymphadenopathy.
Do political connections make businesspeople richer? Evidence from Russia, 2003–2010
Authors: Grigoriev Ivan S. , Zhirkov Kirill
Published: December 2020

Extensive literature shows that businesspeople thrive on political connections. Most research, however, does not differentiate between types of political connection, thus effectively assuming that economic return on being connected should not differ systematically between federal and regional, legislative and executive, formal and informal connections. We collect a unique comprehensive dataset on Russia’s richest businesspeople in 2003–2010 and demonstrate that only certain types of connections work, depending on the political context. Our analysis shows that as Russian politics became centralized and the federal executive more powerful during the 2000s, businesspeople with informal connections to the federal executive increased their fortunes much faster compared with everyone else—including those with any other type of connections. Businesspeople’s wealth thus dynamically reflected these important political changes. This suggests a procedure for inferring nominally unobservable changes in the political system from politically connected businesspeople’s fortunes, while also shedding additional light on the institutional origins of informality in Russian politics today.
Medical software applications for in-hospital insulin therapy: A systematic review
Authors: Jones Julia Mandaro Lavinas , Feitosa Alina Coutinho Rodrigues , Hita Malena Costa , Fonseca Elisabeth Martinez , Pato Rodrigo Braga , Toyoshima Marcos Tadashi Kakitani
Published: December 2020

Background

In-hospital hyperglycemia (HH) is frequent and related to higher morbidity and mortality. Despite the benefits of HH treatment, glycemic control is often poor and neglected. The use of health applications to support diagnosis and therapy is now incorporated into medical practice. Medical applications for inpatient glycemic management have potential to standardize this handling by the nonspecialist physician. However, related studies are scarce. We aim to evaluate the efficacy in inpatient glycemic control parameters of medical software applications in non-critical care settings.

Methods

This systematic review on in-hospital insulin applications was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Data were extracted in triplicate and methodological quality was verified. Specific outcomes of interest were glycemic control efficacy, hypoglycemia risk, length of in-hospital stay, integration with the electronic medical record and healthcare staff acceptance.

Results

Among the 573 articles initially identified and subsequent revision of the references of each one, seven studies involving six applications were eligible for the review. A better glycemic control was reported with the use of most in-hospital insulin applications in the studies evaluated, but there was no mention of the time to reach the glycemic goal. The risk of hypoglycemia was low. Different reasons influenced the varied acceptance of the use of applications among health professionals.

Conclusion

The six applications of inpatient insulin therapy in a non-critical care environment proved to be useful and safe compared to the usual management. Medical apps are tools that can help improve the quality of patient care.
Tennessee Healthcare Provider Practices, Attitudes, and Knowledge Around HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis
Authors: Moore Emily , Kelly Sean G. , Alexander Leah , Luther Patrick , Cooper Robert , Rebeiro Peter F. , Zuckerman Autumn D. , Hargreaves Margaret , Bourgi Kassem , Schlundt David , Bonnet Kemberlee , Pettit April C.
Published: December 2020

Introduction/Objectives:

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use in the southern United States is low despite its effectiveness in preventing HIV acquisition and high regional HIV prevalence. Our objectives were to assess PrEP knowledge, attitudes, and prescribing practices among Tennessee primary care providers.

Methods:

We developed an anonymous cross-sectional electronic survey from March to November 2019. Survey development was guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior framework and refined through piloting and interviews. Participants included members of professional society and health center listservs licensed to practice in Tennessee. Respondents were excluded if they did not complete the question regarding PrEP prescription in the previous year or were not in a position to prescribe PrEP (e.g., hospital medicine). Metrics included PrEP prescription in the preceding year, PrEP knowledge scores (range 0-8), provider attitudes about PrEP, and provider and practice characteristics. Knowledge scores and categorical variables were compared across PrEP prescriber status with Wilcoxon rank-sum and Fisher’s exact tests, respectively.

Results:

Of 147 survey responses, 99 were included and 43 (43%) reported PrEP prescription in the preceding year. Compared with non-prescribers: prescribers had higher median PrEP knowledge scores (7.3 vs 5.6, P < .01), a higher proportion had self-reported patient PrEP inquiries (95% vs 21%, P < .01), and a higher proportion had self-reported good or excellent ability to take a sexual history (83% vs 58%, P = .01) and comfort taking a sexual history (92% vs 63%, P < .01) from men who have sex with men, a subgroup with high HIV risk. Most respondents felt obligated to provide PrEP (65%), and felt all primary care providers should provide PrEP (63%).

Conclusion:

PrEP provision is significantly associated with PrEP knowledge, patient PrEP inquiries, and provider sexual history taking ability and comfort. Future research should evaluate temporal relationships between these associations and PrEP prescription as potential routes to increase PrEP provision.
Examining the Roles of Aptitude, Motivation, Strategy Use, Language Processing Experience, and Gender in the Development of the Breadth and Depth of EFL Learners’ Vocabulary Knowledge
Authors: Lee Sunjung
Published: December 2020

This study examined the simultaneous effects of L2 individual difference (ID) variables (aptitude, motivation, strategy use, language processing experience, and gender) on English as a foreign language (EFL) breadth and depth of L2 vocabulary knowledge of 492 Korean university–level learners. Independent variable measures included the (a) Korean version of the Modern Language Aptitude Test, (b) L2 Attitude/Motivation Battery, (c) L2 Vocabulary Learning Strategies Survey, and (d) L2 Language Processing Experience Survey. The dependent variables (i.e., vocabulary breadth and depth) were assessed via the Vocabulary Levels Test and Word Associates Test, respectively. Employing multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM), results revealed positive significant effects of (a) aptitude on vocabulary breadth and depth, (b) motivation on strategy use, and (c) motivation on both dependent variables, however mediated by a significant direct effect of language processing experience on the dependent variables. There were no effects obtained for L2 strategy use nor for participant gender in the model.
The Interregional Transfer of Cluster Enterprises in China From the Perspective of Network Embedding
Authors: Zhou Yong , Li Miaomiao , Wang Dan
Published: December 2020

Based on the network embedding theory, cluster enterprises embedded in a social network can be divided into those based either on relational or structural embeddings. We use different indicators to measure how the characteristics of embeddedness in networks affect the interregional industry transfer stickiness and choice of transfer mode in China. We measure an enterprise’s network and structure characteristics, and adopt a multiple linear regression using survey data to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that the greater the relationship strength and relationship stability, the stronger the transfer stickiness and the more inclined enterprises are to choosing the partial transfer mode. Similarly, the greater the network density and network centrality, the stronger the transfer stickiness and the more inclined enterprises are to choosing partial transfers. Conversely, the higher the network heterogeneity, the weaker the transfer stickiness, meaning that enterprises tend to choose the overall transfer mode.
Brazil’s Humanitarian Food Cooperation: From an Innovative Policy to the Politics of Traditional Aid
Authors: Lima Thiago
Published: December 2020

Brazil had donated food abroad on previous occasions, but an institutionalized humanitarian food aid policy was something innovative in its history. The original goal was to connect the produce of the small family farmers to an international humanitarian policy. However, in practice, the donations privileged the commodities of the large agribusiness farms. This article explains the political economy that diverted the policy from its original social purpose and made Brazil one of the five biggest donors of food to the World Food Program for a short period of time.
Internet of Things—A Novel Innovation in Dentistry
Authors: Balaji Ganesh S  , Sugumar Kalaivanan
Published: December 2020

We are living in an era where medicine and dentistry are evolving. Dental caries, tooth malalignment and periodontal diseases are being encountered by dental specialists in their daily practices. New digital technologies are emerging in dentistry for diagnostic and treatment purposes. Digitization enhances our efficiency and saves time. One of the recent smart technological innovation in healthcare field is the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT consists of a network of physical gadgets embedded with instrumentation electronics, mounted chips and sensors. Through cloud web technology and internet connectivity, the required data collection is enabled. Acquired data is then exchanged to the doctors and analysis is done. This review article deals about the concept of IoT and its futuristic role in dentistry. The review article is based on the electronic searching and analysis of various international and national publications on the IoT concept in dentistry, medicine and biomedical engineering. A bench marking analysis was made on various applications, pros and cons of IoT in dentistry. IoT will play a paramount role in the clinical advancement aspects of diagnosis and management of various oral diseases in the forthcoming decades.
Return-to-Play and Competitive Outcomes After Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction Among Baseball Players: A Systematic Review
Authors: Thomas Stephen J. , Paul Ryan W. , Rosen Adam B. , Wilkins Sam J. , Scheidt Joseph , Kelly John D. , Crotin Ryan L.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction (UCLR) is very common in baseball. However, no review has compared the return-to-play (RTP) and in-game performance statistics of pitchers after primary and revision UCLR as well as of position players after UCLR.

Purpose:

To review, synthesize, and evaluate the published literature on outcomes after UCLR in baseball players to determine RTP and competitive outcomes among various populations of baseball players.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A literature search including studies between 1980 and November 4, 2019, was conducted for articles that included the following terms: ulnar collateral ligament, elbow, medial collateral ligament, Tommy John surgery, throwing athletes, baseball pitchers, biomechanics, and performance. To be included, studies must have evaluated baseball players at any level who underwent UCLR (primary or revision) and assessed RTP and/or competitive outcomes.

Results:

A total of 29 studies with relatively high methodological quality met the inclusion criteria. After primary UCLR, Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers returned to play in 80% to 97% of cases in approximately 12 months; however, return to the same level of play (RTSP) was less frequent and took longer, with 67% to 87% of MLB pitchers returning in about 15 months. RTP rates for MLB pitchers after revision UCLR were slightly lower, ranging from 77% to 85%, while RTSP rates ranged from 55% to 78%. RTP rates for catchers (59%-80%) were generally lower than RTP rates for infielders (76%) and outfielders (89%). All studies found a decrease in pitching workloads after UCLR. Fastball usage may also decrease after UCLR. Changes in earned run average and walks plus hits per inning pitched were inconclusive.

Conclusion:

Pitchers returned to play after UCLR in approximately 12 months and generally took longer to return to their same level of play. Pitchers also returned to play less frequently after revision UCLR. After both primary and revision UCLR, professional pitchers experienced decreased workloads and potentially decreased fastball usage as well. Catchers may RTP after UCLR less frequently than pitchers, infielders, and outfielders possibly because of the frequency of throwing in the position. These results will help guide clinical decision making and patient education when treating UCL tears in baseball players.
Evaluation of an Adaptive Dynamic Compensation System in Cochlear Implant Listeners
Authors: Langner Florian , Büchner Andreas , Nogueira Waldo
Published: December 2020

Cochlear implant (CI) sound processing typically uses a front-end automatic gain control (AGC), reducing the acoustic dynamic range (DR) to control the output level and protect the signal processing against large amplitude changes. It can also introduce distortions into the signal and does not allow a direct mapping between acoustic input and electric output. For speech in noise, a reduction in DR can result in lower speech intelligibility due to compressed modulations of speech. This study proposes to implement a CI signal processing scheme consisting of a full acoustic DR with adaptive properties to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and overall speech intelligibility. Measurements based on the Short-Time Objective Intelligibility measure and an electrodogram analysis, as well as behavioral tests in up to 10 CI users, were used to compare performance with a single-channel, dual-loop, front-end AGC and with an adaptive back-end multiband dynamic compensation system (Voice Guard [VG]). Speech intelligibility in quiet and at a +10 dB signal-to-noise ratio was assessed with the Hochmair–Schulz–Moser sentence test. A logatome discrimination task with different consonants was performed in quiet. Speech intelligibility was significantly higher in quiet for VG than for AGC, but intelligibility was similar in noise. Participants obtained significantly better scores with VG than AGC in the logatome discrimination task. The objective measurements predicted significantly better performance estimates for VG. Overall, a dynamic compensation system can outperform a single-stage compression (AGC + linear compression) for speech perception in quiet.