bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Scoring System to Predict Length of Stay After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Russo Glenn S. , Canseco Jose A. , Chang Michael , Levy Hannah A. , Nicholson Kristen , Karamian Brian A. , Mangan John , Fang Taolin , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Kepler Christopher K.
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

The movement toward reducing healthcare expenditures has led to an increased volume of outpatient anterior cervical diskectomy and fusions (ACDFs). Appropriateness for outpatient surgery can be gauged based on the duration of recovery each patient will likely need.

Methods:

Patients undergoing 1- or 2-level ACDFs were retrospectively identified at a single Level I spine surgery referral institution. Length of stay (LOS) was categorized binarily as either less than two midnights or two or more midnights. The data were split into training (80%) and test (20%) sets. Two multivariate regressions and three machine learning models were developed to predict a probability of LOS ≥ 2 based on preoperative patient characteristics. Using each model, coefficients were computed for each risk factor based on the training data set and used to create a calculatable ACDF Predictive Scoring System (APSS). Performance of each APSS was then evaluated on a subsample of the data set withheld from training. Decision curve analysis was done to evaluate benefit across probability thresholds for the best performing model.

Results:

In the final analysis, 1,516 patients had a LOS <2 and 643 had a LOS ≥2. Patient characteristics used for predictive modeling were American Society of Anesthesiologists score, age, body mass index, sex, procedure type, history of chronic pulmonary disease, depression, diabetes, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. The best performing APSS was modeled after a lasso regression. When applied to the withheld test data set, the APSS-lasso had an area under the curve from the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.68, with a specificity of 0.78 and a sensitivity of 0.49. The calculated APSS scores ranged between 0 and 45 and corresponded to a probability of LOS ≥2 between 4% and 97%.

Conclusion:

Using classic statistics and machine learning, this scoring system provides a platform for stratifying patients undergoing ACDF into an inpatient or outpatient surgical setting.
Acetoine and chitinase productionby native rizobacteria from Western Paraná
Authors: Paulo  Silva  Monteiro João , José  Scherer Anderson , Mateus  Hass Lucas , Patrícia  Pinto  Korber Luana , Peixoto de Freitas Guilherme , Carré-Missio Vivian , Antônio Bacellar Barreiros Marco , George Rosset Isac , Grange Luciana
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate28 strains of nativerhizobacteriafrom the west region of Paraná, evaluating the acetoin and chitinase production capacity, because of their roleinbiocontrol. Thebacteriaisolates were submitted to the modified Voges-Proskauer (VP) assayin Clark & Lubs liquid medium forglucose fermentation. Metaboliteproductionwasevaluated in a spectrophotometer,and it showed a wide variation in concentrations (0,476to1,865) for differentisolates.Strains 241, 320, 326, and 273showedhighervaluesthan the others tested. According to positive results in the qualitative test of VP, 11 isolates were chosen for the tests in minimal medium containing chitin as the only source of carbon. Isolates that presented the degradation halo formation were considered as chitinolytic bacteria, evidencing chitinaseactivity. Among these strains, two belonged tothe genus Bacillusspp. (56 and 121) and two tothe genus Enterobacterspp. (292 and 151). Therefore, the present work was able to identify native strains with potential for biocontrol studies allowing tocontinue investigations of other metabolitesproducedby thosebacteria in this collection regarding plant protection.
Desempenho agronômico de mandioca de mesa manejada com irrigação e uso de cobertura plástica do solo
Authors: Cesar  dos Anjos Antonini Jorge , Alano  Vieira Eduardo , de  Freitas  Fialho Josefino , Antônio Macena Fernando , Naudin Krishna , Vitória Malaquias Juaci
Published: January 2021

Although cassava is recognized for its high tolerance to drought, irrigation is showing satisfactory results. However, few studies have been carried out to determine the effects of soil cover, irrigation and the combination of both on crop development. Theobjective of this study was to determine the influence of irrigation and plastic soil cover on the agronomic performance of sweet cassava. The planting was done in beds, in thedouble row system with the stem cutingsimplanted vertically, with 0.60m between rows and 0.80 m between plants. The following treatments were applied: naked non-irrigated bedding, bedding covered with non-irrigated black polyethylene plastic, naked bedding with irrigation and bedding covered with irrigated black polyethylene plastic. Irrigation wasperformedby conventional sprinkling, based on the daily soil water balance at the effective depth of the cassava root system in the different stages of crop development. The characters evaluated were: shoot weight, root yield, starch percentage in the roots and time for cooking. The expression of the characters shoot weight, root yield and starch percentage in the roots wassignificantly influenced by irrigation managementandsoil cover. The individual use of irrigation and plastic soilcover technologies led to increases in root yieldof 55% and 13%, respectively, and when used together, root yieldincreased by 89%.
Épocas, formas de aplicação e doses de nitrogênio na cultura do milho em condições de cerrado
Authors: de Sousa Netto Maurílio , Castro de Oliveira Fernando , da Silva Araújo Lucas , Marques da Silveira Pedro , César Ribeiro da Cunha Paulo
Published: January 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the different timing, methodsof applicationand nitrogen doses in the agronomic characteristics, production components, grain yield, as well as the nutrient utilization efficiency in the maize crop. The experimental design of randomized blocks, in a factorial scheme (2 x 2 x 4) and four replicates, was used for the experiment. The treatments were two application times, (maize sowing and in V7 stage coverage); two forms of application(superficial and incorporated to the soil at 8 cm depth); and four nitrogen doses (0, 60, 120, 180 kg ha-1). The agronomic characteristics of corn, plant height, spike insertion height, stalk diameter and leaf nitrogen did not differedaccording to the seasons or the application forms, only the nitrogen doses. The components of the production, length and numberof rows per spike, number of grains per row, mass of 100 grains and grain yield presented better results with application of the nitrogen incorporated in the soil and doses of 120 to 180 kg ha-1of nitrogen. The incorporation practice and the 60 kg ha-1dose provided greater agronomic efficiency in the use of nitrogen.
Imagens digitalizadas na avaliação do teste de tetrazólio em sementes de trigo
Authors: Bastos  Garcia Emanueli , Rizzatti  Ávila Marizangela , da  Silva  Fonseca  Júnior Nelson , Takashi Nagashima Getulio
Published: January 2021

The tetrazolium test can be an alternative to obtain fast results of the physiological potential of wheat seeds. In this context, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of the tetrazolium test through the evaluation by analysis of digitized images in the determination of the physiological quality of wheat seeds.The experiment was carried out with 22 lots of wheat seeds, submitted to the determination of the physiological potential, including the tetrazolium test evaluated by means of digitized image analysis.For digitization, after longitudinal bisection, and staining in 0.075% tetrazolium solution, the seeds were grouped on tabletop scanner glass, stored and classified into four vigor classes. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, with means grouped by the Scott-Knott test, at 5% of significance; we also performed an analysis of the simple correlation coefficients between tetrazolium test results and other tests.The evaluation of the tetrazolium test through the analysis of digitized images grouped the lots in three levels of vigor.The method is effective in determining the vigor and viability of wheat seeds, because the possibility of expanding the images that allows precise analysis of the embryonic axis structures.
Inseticidas nas sementes e a entomotoxina cry 1 ac protegem a soja contra a lagarta-do-velho-mundo
Authors: Sartori Suzana Crislaine , Maria Melara Karoline , Roberto Salvadori José
Published: January 2021

The Helicoverpa armigera caterpillar occurs from the emergence of the plants to the reproductive stage of the soybean crop, which can cause significant losses.As an initial pest, both neonate and more developed caterpillars can be found, the latter from the previous crop.The use of Bt cultivars and insecticides in seed treatment are options to pest managementat the beginning of soybean development, but there are doubtsabout the efficacy of these control methods. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the protective effect of insecticides applied to seeds and Cry 1Ac protein, in relation to the attack of the H. armigeracaterpillar, as an initial pest in soybean plants.Experiments were conducted in the laboratory, using a completely randomized design, with six treatments:four insecticides related to seeds and control (without insecticide), in conventional cultivar soybeans (Target BMX), and the Cry 1Ac protein in soybeans cultivate Bt (DM 5958 IPRO), without insecticide. Our results confirm that under laboratory conditions the insecticides cyantraniliprole (60 g ai / 100 kg of seeds) and chlorantraniliprole (62.5 g ai / 100 kg of seeds) protect the soybean against the injuries of H. armigera3º-4ºínstars, in cotyledons and unifoliolate and trifoliolate leaves, at 5 days after the emergenceof the plants. The protein Cry 1Acprotects the soybean plants from this type of injury caused byboth3rd-4thand 5th-6thínstarscaterpillars, at 5 and 10 days after emergence.
Salicylic acid and its method of application affect germination and vigor in bell pepper seedlings under salt stress
Authors: de  Oliveira  Maia  Júnior Sebastião , Ribeiro  de  Andrade Jailma , do  Nascimento Ronaldo , Felipe  de Lima Robson , Costa Santos Nascimento Elka , Costa Batista Mateus , Félix Basílio Guimarães Rafaela , Vailan de Castro Bezerra Carlos
Published: January 2021

This study investigated the effect of two salicylic acid application methods (seed immersion and wetting) on the germination and growth characteristics ofcv. All Big bell pepper seedlings exposed to 0 or 100 mM of NaCl.The experimentwas conducted in aBiochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)incubator, using a completely randomized designwith eight treatments (immersionin salicylic acid or distilled water and wettingwith salicylic acid or water, in conjunction with 0 or 100 mMof NaCl) and four repetitions.The results indicated that under non-salineconditions, wetting with salicylic acid (SA) inhibited germination and seedling length, whereas NaCl stress reduced the germination, growth, total dry weight and vigor of seedlings.However, SA application, especially by wetting, mitigated the toxic effects of NaCl in bell pepper seedlings,improving relative water content and radicle length, as well as total length, dry weight and vigor.This study highlights the potential benefits of SA, particularly when applied via wetting, in attenuating phytotoxicity caused by NaCl stress and its effect on the germination, growth and vigor of bell pepper seedlings.
Toxicosis of Snake, Scorpion, Honeybee, Spider, and Wasp Venoms: Part 2
Authors: Alhaji Saganuwan Saganuwan
Published: January 2021

Toxicosis is a poisoning caused by venomous animals such as snake, scorpion, honeybee, spider and wasp. Their poisons contain amino acids, peptides, proteins, enzymes and metallic ions that are responsible for neurotoxicity, hemotoxicity and myotoxicity. Because of in vivo therapeutic challenges posed by toxicosis, there is need for ideal therapeutic agents against envenomation caused by venomous animals. Findings have shown that toxicosis could be treated symptomatically. Snake and scorpion antivenins could be used for treatment of poisoning caused by snake, scorpion, honeybee, spider and wasp. The amount of antivenin is dependent on the quantity of venom injected into the affected individuals. Moreso, sympotomatic treatments are also done according to the systems affected. Hospitalization is necessary for assessment of therapeutic success.
Responding to Changes in Environmental Turbulence - A Strategy to Driving Business Growth in Facing Economic Downturns
Authors: Arifiani Librita , Prabowo Harjanto , Furinto Asnan , Kosasih Wibowo
Published: January 2021

Society 5.0 focuses on people and changes from innovation to technological transformation through industrial automation 4.0. In this study, environmental turbulence refers to exogenous factors that give rise to an uncertain and volatile situation that impacts performance. This study was measured by asking respondents’ perceptions through explanatory studies and preliminary surveys about market predictability, innovation, and customer preference. Disruptive innovation and environmental turbulence are key creative drivers for reengineering businesses; however, only agile innovation can take advantage of the economic downturn. Exploratory case studies and literature reviews are using to test the antecedent of environmental turbulence, Distinctive Innovation Capabilities, through an innovative business model to firm performance. From a managerial perspective, this study provides a comprehensive view of environmental turbulence’s impact, how to develop a DIC strategy for developing an organization’s business model, how to achieve it, what variables contribute, and how to relate it to performance. This research’s authenticity lies in how management comes up with a practically oriented framework of how organizations shape to be innovative and competitive by constructing common business models. However, this study has limitations due to its qualitative nature and conceptual framework, which needs to be investigated further through large-scale surveys by quantitative research.
Nutritional Deficiencies Post Bariatric Surgery: A Forgotten Area Impacting Long-Term Success and Quality of Life
Authors: Elhag Wahiba , El Ansari Walid
Published: January 2021

Bariatric surgery (BS) results in significant weight loss and improvement of obesity associated comorbidities. Despite the benefits achieved with these operations, deficiencies of vitamins and other micronutrients are common. Such deficiencies may become clinically significant if not discovered and treated early. Therefore, it is imperative to undertake thorough screening, and have sound preventive strategies in place in order to make BS a safer procedure. This chapter will provide the multidisciplinary bariatric team with a comprehensive review of micronutrient deficiencies before and after bariatric surgery. The focus will be on the most common micronutrient deficiencies that are encountered in various types of BS procedures, including water soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and trace elements deficiencies, as well as protein malnutrition. The chapter starts with an overview of the causes of micronutrient deficiencies in patients with obesity and before undergoing BS. It reviews the screening of patients for preexisting micronutrient deficiencies prior to their BS. Then the chapter addresses the potential causes and mechanisms leading to such deficiencies after BS. It then conducts an in depth discourse of the prevalence of deficiencies by the type of BS, the presenting symptoms, and the investigations required for the diagnoses. The chapter will also discuss the management of each deficiency according to the severity of the symptoms. The chapter also reviews the recent updated guidelines for standard nutritional care post BS. We will finally conclude with a framework of the preventive strategies for optimal care to ensure long term success post-surgery.
Utility and Appropriate Use of PCSK9 Inhibitors in the Current Era
Authors: Singh Aniruddha , Huffman Travis , Smith Megan
Published: January 2021

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) remain the number one cause of death and morbidity in the country. Elevated cholesterol/hyperlipidemia has been considered one of the major risk factors for ASCVD. Statins have been the main stay therapy for treating hyperlipidemia achieving remarkable clinical benefits; however; its inability to achieve the desired reduction in the low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) in some people and the disabling side effects from it in others, has led to a search for an alternative therapy. One of the groundbreaking inventions in this field has been the advent of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i). These agents have similar efficacy to high intensity statins and at the same time are tolerated well with a low incidence of side effects. Based on the results from multiple large scale clinical outcome trials, this class of LDL-C lowering agents has been recommended as appropriate second-line agents, or as an alternative therapy in cases of significant statin intolerance, for patients with established ASCVD and suboptimal LDL levels. As evidence supporting their efficacy and safety continues to mount, use of PCSK9i is likely to keep expanding in the current ASCVD population. In this chapter we discuss the advent of PCSK9i, their clinical utility, and their appropriate use keeping in view the high drug cost and other barriers in prescribing them.
Identification of Peptides and Proteins in Illegally Distributed Products by MALDI-TOF-MS
Authors: Amini Ahmad , Rundlöf Torgny , Lodén Henrik , A. Carlsson Johan , Lavén Martin , Mulugeta Ezra , Björk Karin , Arvidsson Torbjörn , Agerkvist Iréne , Perolari Anette
Published: January 2021

An analytical strategy based on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) for identification of peptides and proteins in illegally distributed products is presented. The identified compounds include human growth hormone (hGH), human somatoliberin, anti-obesity drug (AOD), growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRP-2 and GHRP-6), Glycine-GHRP-2 and Glycine-GHRP-6, ipamorelin, insulin aspart and porcine, delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP), thymosin β4, insulin like growth factor (IGF), mechano growth factor (MGF), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), melanotan II, bremelanotide, dermorphin and body protecting compound (BPC 157). The identification of proteins was mainly based on peptide mass fingerprinting, i.e., bottom up approach, while the smaller peptides were identified through de-novo sequencing. In cases when a reference standard was available, complementary identification was performed by capillary electrophoresis in double-injection mode (DICE), where a suspicious product was compared with the reference standard through two consecutive injections within the same electrophoretic run.
Power Asymmetry, Negotiations and Conflict Management in Organizations
Authors: Fousiani Kyriaki
Published: January 2021

Relationships are seldom equal. In fact, social interactions involve most of the times power asymmetric relationships. Especially in organizations people are daily faced with situations where they are either in a powerful or in a powerless position compared to others. Power stems from various sources and takes several forms. For instance, people are powerful when they can administer punishments or rewards, when they are in a hierarchically higher position than others, when they have knowledge and expertise, when they are admired and respected, and when they have alternative options which enable them to make choices. Importantly, power determines the way people interact with each other and subsequently, the way they engage in conflicts and conflict resolution. Power-holders are best able to asymmetrically enforce their will and therefore, they have the capability to determine the process and the outcome of a conflict. In this chapter, I present the major sources of power and the main differences between them. Consequently, I elaborate on the impact of power on conflict management based on the negotiation literature. I conclude by touching on the necessity to distinguish between two contradictory faces of power: power as opportunity and power as responsibility.
Migraine-Related Disabilities Among Saudi Migraine Patients and Its Association with Social Factors
Authors: AboTaleb Hanin Abdulbaset , Al-Hayani Majed Mohammad , Alghamdi Badrah Saeed
Published: January 2021

Background: Migraine is a complex disorder triggered by an interaction of multiple abnormalities involving genes, blood vessels, and brain structures. It is characterized by throbbing headaches, mostly on one side of the head. It is one of the most common causes of disability, as announced by the Global Burden of the Diseases (GBD). Objectives: We aimed at assessing disabilities in Saudi migraine patients and addressing the relation between migraine-associated disabilities and social factors in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We conducted a web-based survey randomly through social media channels to the general population around Saudi Arabia. Basic personal information, along with a confirmation of the migraine diagnosis, were included in the first part of the questionnaire, and the respondent’s eligibility was determined to complete the survey. Specified questions about the sociodemographic characteristics, migraine attacks and medications, and the items of Migraine Disability Assessment score (MIDAS), were included in the next parts of the survey. Results: Of the 480 total responses, 250 (52.1%) eligible participants were included (mean age of 34.84 ± 10.14 years; 83.2% females). Most of the participants were married (59.6%), had three or more kids (50.7%), had a bachelor’s degree (60.8%), and 52.8% were employed. Only 16.4% of the subjects did regular exercise, and 16.8% were current smokers. No significant association was detected between the MIDAS score and most of the social characteristics, including marital status, number of kids, education level, occupation, and smocking. Conclusions: Most of the migraineurs in Saudi Arabia had a severe disability according to the MIDAS score. Gender, regular exercise, the severity of the disease, and frequency of attack had a statistically significant relationship with migraine-related disabilities. Migraine treatment and prophylaxis were incompetent in decreasing migraine severity and related disabilities in our selected participants.
The Sexual Attitudes of Iranian Students
Authors: Rajabi Gholamreza , Abbasi Ghodrat all
Published: January 2021

Background: Sexual attitudes are a central concept in the study of sexuality and may largely influence the decision-making of the youth to engage in premarital sexual relations. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the sexual attitudes (permissive/conservative) of Iranian students. Methods: This study was conducted on 280 students (170 females and 110 males) who were selected via multistage random sampling from the students of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in Ahvaz, Iran. Data were collected using the short-form sexual attitude scale. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 22 using the factorial analysis of variance. Results: A significant difference was observed between the male and female students in terms of sexual attitudes as the sexual attitude of the female students was conservative, while the sexual attitude of the male students was permissive. In addition, sexual attitudes differed significantly between age groups as the students aged 18 - 22 years had conservative sexual attitudes, while those aged 23 - 26 years had permissive sexual attitudes. Conclusion: The results of this survey could guide psychologists and counselors in helping students with the issues regarding premarital sex and the prevention of high-risk sexual behaviors.
The American Founding, Civic Virtue and Religion
Authors: De Maio Gerald , Muzzio Douglas ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: January 2021

This essay focuses on the attempts to give institutional expression to religion. It surveys various solutions articulated by theorists, ancient and modem, to address the sometimes uneasy relationship between religion and the polity. The emphasis then shifts to the statesmen-theoreticians who gave constitutional form to the American regime. The experiments contained in the early state constitutions are the primary focus. Contemporary expositions of American civil religion are viewed in light of the founding experience.
Will Perestroika Survive Until 1993?
Authors: Ciesielczyk Marek ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: January 2021

This essay explores the thesis that the essence of the Soviet communist strategy remains immutable regardless of the developmental stage of the communist system, the Party leadership, or the composition of the top Party organs. It argues further that changes in the Soviet communist system have a cyclical character, oscillating between "malignant" phases of harsh terror and more relaxed phases of "lurking" communism in which terror is lessened, but not removed, and popular expectations are raised. Each cycle takes approximately a generation. A new, "malignant" phase is forecast for the near future which would bring about the demise of perestroika in the Soviet Union by 1993, concurrently with Gorbachev's likely removal from power.
The American Bishops' Letter on the U.S. Economy---Revisited
Authors: Dechert Charles R. ,   Institute for Interdisciplinary Research
Published: January 2021

The American Catholic Church has attempted to apply and extend the social teachings of the Universal Church in light of American conditions and political culture, most recently in the 1986 Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy, promulgated after six: years of analysis, debate, and amendment. Moving from an emphasis on government responsibilities for economic well-being and social welfare to a family-centered social vision stressing mediating groups and voluntary service, the American Church asserted a perennial social doctrine reaffirmed and extended in Pope John Paul II's Centesimus Annus. The latter calls on a century of experience that has demonstrated the failures of the bureaucratic state and "real socialism," the utility of a market economy in allocating resources efficiently, and the shift from a land-based social economy to one founded on knowledge and skill.
Early and Family Literacy Committee: Sharing the EFL’s Research and Links
Authors: Committee Early and Family Literacy
Published: January 2021

Serving on an ALSC committee is a great way to meet other children’s librarians and to work on issues that interest you. Committees create or sponsor programs for conferences, discuss current issues and trends, brainstorm new ideas, participate in national projects, work as a team to review all sorts of media and present national awards, promote intellectual freedom, and more. Committee work enables you to share ideas and help shape the world of children’s librarianship. In fact, this column was envisioned and created by Dr. Tess Prendergast, while she was serving on the Children and Libraries Editorial Advisory Committee.Earlier this year, co-chairs of the ALSC Early and Family Literacy (EFL) Committee expressed a desire to write about some current research resources.
Soap, Suds, and Stories: Early Literacy at the Laundromat
Authors: McChesney Elizabeth , Conner Marisa
Published: January 2021

“I love the literacy area and really appreciate the librarians’ patience and love. I think there are few places like this in our community. I think the literacy corner is very important for this community. We come here every other week, and now he has something to do. He asks me, “Mommy, can we go play at the laundromat?”—Parent
Small cities of the Tver region: in search of a place formula
Authors: Smirnov I.P. , Smirnova A.A. , Lebedev P.S.
Published: January 2021

The article attempts to determine «the place formula» for four small cities of the Tver region – Toropets, Kalyazin, Bezhetsk and Bologoye. In the scientifi literature, the phrase «place formula» fi appeared and conceptually took shape, probably in the article by A.I. Zyryanov, published in the journal «Regional’nye issledovanija» in 2013. The theoretical framework of this concept is the classical concept of economic-geographical position (EGP). The identifi of the key features of the EGP of these small cities based on the fi research with using local historical information and statistical data. The studied cities are different in their history, location, performed functions and role in the space of the region. Several positions were chosen as the key characteristics that were included in the formulation of the main properties of the place: natural features, transport accessibility and density, metropolitan position, and centrality. The main features of the EGP, which formed the basis of the «geographical formula» for the selected small cities of the Tver region, are as follows: for Toropets – remoteness and borderline, for Kalyazin – location on the Volga and proximity to the Moscow region, for Bezhetsk – its existence as a center of agriculturally developed and densely populated territory, for Bologoye – its functioning as a railway junction between the two Russian capitals. For a city, and especially for a small one, the articulation and translation of its “formula” can become the basis for a long-term development strategy.
Planning a Library Leadership Retreat on the Cheap: Case Study and Analysis
Authors: Brower Stewart
Published: January 2021

Staying aheadof the pitch:an old baseball metaphor that means to anticipate where the ball is going to go so that the batter can score a hit. But to anticipate changes in a field as robust and challenging as information sciences, reflection and contemplation are often key to good planning. With simple day-to-day management of libraries already being a full-time task, true leadership and planning often comes with a real, physical break from the workplace and daily routines. With this in mind, the leadership retreat should be employed by librarians to give themselves the luxury of deep reflection, camaraderie, and thoughtful planning in environments conducive to such work. This articleoutlines a simple process that can be used to run a planning retreat, at a reasonablecost, and within a modest time frame. To outline this process, a case study involving the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa Schusterman Library will be described.
Systematic assessment with "POE" method in office buildings cases study on the redesign results of office interior after occupied and operated
Authors: Yudi Permana , Nurrahman Hafiz , Permana Aathira
Published: January 2021

This research is motivated by the fact that an office as a forum for activities depends on the type of business being carried out, where the conditions of the office will determine the credibility and synergy of a business entity, guaranteeing the performance and productivity of its employees. This study aims to formulate an interior design concept based on Post Occupancy Evaluation with the Mixed Methods Research (MMR) approach, which emphasizes the meaning of empiric based on relevant field data. The research method used the case study method with the MMR approach in data collection and analysis. The research step was started by analyzing the physical space conditions based on the design results that were compared with standardization, then a satisfaction survey was carried out using a questionnaire that was submitted to the employees as respondents. The MMR approach is intended to ensure the level of significance of the quality of the work environment in the room, the quality of the workplace, and the performance of employees. The research object is the Haleyora Powerindo office building, Jakarta. The results of the study show that the work environment quality is high and responds positively. According to the workplace quality, satisfaction is mainly related to workspace area and quality, comfort and style of furniture, circulation, and accessibility to the work table, effectiveness and efficiency of workplace layout, ICT implementation, and HVAC and maintenance. Social space and entertainment facilities provide flexibility in interacting between officers of different divisions that were not in the previous office. Based on the results of multiple regression calculations, the in-door environment and the officer workspace quality have a significant effect on officer performance. These are 3 main factors critical in conducting systematic evaluations to obtain results from office space design. This study is expected to be a strategic reference for planning and designing a similar spatial atmosphere in different locations or cases. Further research needs to be developed in the future on the ergonomic aspect through the human-centered design approach to obtain a single guideline for office design based on post-occupancy space performance and user participation.
Circumference of essentially 4-connected planar triangulations
Authors: Fabrici Igor , Harant Jochen , Mohr Samuel , Schmidt Jens
Published: January 2021

A $3$-connected graph $G$ is essentially $4$-connected if, for any $3$-cut $S\subseteq V(G)$ of $G$, at most one component of $G-S$ contains at
least two vertices. We prove that every essentially $4$-connected maximal planar graph $G$ on $n$ vertices contains a cycle of length at least
$\frac{2}{3}(n+4)$; moreover, this bound is sharp.
Was steckt denn nun wirklich hinter diesem Impfzwang? Sprachliche Konstruktion der Impfverschwörung in der Debatte über die Masernimpfpflicht in Deutschland
Authors: Belosevic Milena
Published: January 2021

The article deals with the construction of the anti-vaccine conspiracy theories in a corpus of You-Tube comments on the compulsory measles vaccination in Germany between March and September 2019. Starting from the assumption that the anti-vaccine conspiracy theories can be seen as a form of vaccine scepticism or lack of trust, the article explores the linguistic aspects of this conspiracy theory using the methods of the topos analysis and discourse-analytical approach to trust. The analysis shows that the language of YouTube comments does not contain elements of anti-vaccine conspiracy theories.
Electronic Art: Modern Short Fiction Transmedia Storytelling in Japan
Authors: Saponjic Jovanovic Evelina
Published: January 2021

Digital modern fiction in Japan is a relatively new concept in literary waters, having its roots firmly placed in the 21st century. In the course over the last two decades, this branch of literary fiction has developed into a widespread sensation. The trendy “mobile phone novels” or keitai shousetsu differ from the traditional printed literary fiction because of several factors. Among these, we can take into account the writers, the audience, the form, the structure and the particular syntax, as well as the means and place of distribution. The writers are young authors whose mobile phone novels often lure to readers of the same age. Their uploaded novels into virtual platforms confirms the shapeshifting ways in which messages are sent from the addresser to the addressee in this virtual and technological era. These novels are created in such a way that they be intriguing due to the fact that creators and recipients are involved. It is interesting to point out that there is a certain phenomenon of mirror imagery between addressers and addressees since the keitai shousetsu readers tend to the same age and gender as the writers. Statistically speaking, the 86% of high schoolers, the 75% of middle schoolers and the 23% of grade schoolers, read mobile phone novels. This paper argues that keitai shousetsu can be seen as transmedia structures because they can involve a larger complex storyland which is shared and distributed on different media platforms.
Lower turning point convegence zone in deep water with an incomplete channel
Authors: Piao Sheng-Chun , Li Zi-Yang , Wang Xiao-Han , Zhang Ming-Hui ,   State Key Laboratory of Underwater Acoustic Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China,   Key Laboratory of Marine Information Acquisition and Security, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China,   College of Underwater Acoustic Engeering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China
Published: January 2021

In a deep sea sound channel, rays will bend due to the sound speed profile, and convergence zone will occur when the rays are intensive. Transmission loss in the convergence zone is smaller and it is conducive to acoustic detection and communication. Therefore the study of acoustic characteristics in convergence zone is always the focus of deep-sea acoustics. A long-range sound propagation experiment is conducted in the South China Sea. An equivalent broadband explosive sound source of 1 kg is placed at a depth of 200 m, and the hydrophone receives the data at 3146 m far. The processing and analysis of the experimental data indicate that there is a convergence zone below the sound channel axis in the incomplete deep channel. Compared with the upper turning point convergence zone near the surface, this convergence zone has a high convergence gain at a long distance. The caustic lines of refracted type and refracted surface-refleted type are determined by means of ray-normal mode theory. It is found that the location of the deep convergence zone observed in the experiment is consistent with the position of the refracted caustic line. It is proved that the convergence zone is a lower turning point convergence zone formed by the superposition of a large number of normal modes in the same phase, and it has a convergence effect at a certain depth below the sound channel axis in the deep sea. The formation conditions of the convergence zone and the influence of sound source depth on the caustic structure of the convergence zone are studied. The comparisons of the transmission loss and the width between the upper and lower turning point convergence zone at a long distance aremade. The analysis shows that the convergence gain in the seventh lower turning point convergence zone is still no less than 10 dB. The influence of the vertical structure of sound velocity on the lower turning point convergence zone is studied. The theoretical analysis results are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Phase field study of effect of Al on Cu-rich precipitates in Fe-Cu-Mn-Al alloys
Authors: Guo Zhen , Zhao Yu-Hong , Sun Yuan-Yang , Zhao Bao-Jun , Tian Xiao-Lin , Hou Hua ,   School of Material Science and Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China
Published: January 2021

Low carbon steel plays an important role in many applications due to its high strength. Its high strength comes from the strengthening effect of nano-Cu-rich phase precipitates. In order to effectively adjust the microstructure of Cu-rich phase precipitates and obtain Fe-Cu-based steel with the best properties by adding different alloying elements (Mn, Al), it is necessary to understand the precipitation process of Cu particles. In this paper, based on the Ginzburg-Landau theory, the previous phase field model is modified, and the continuous phase field method is used to simulate the precipitation mechanism of nanometer Cu-rich precipitates and the inhibiting of the effect of Al content on Cu-rich precipitates of Fe-15%Cu-3%Mn-xAl (x = 1%, 3%, 5% mass fraction) alloy at 873 K isothermal aging. Combining with the free energy derived from thermodynamics database, the microstructure evolution corresponds to the real alloy system. By calculating the composition field variables and structural order parameters, the evolution of phase separation and precipitated phase morphology in aging process are simulated. Moreover, the influence law of morphology, quantity density, average particle radius, growth and coarsening of Cu-rich precipitated phase are discussed. The results show that in the early stage of aging process, the nano-Cu-rich phase precipitates through the spinodal decomposition mechanism, and is randomly distributed in the iron matrix. Furthermore, due to the difference in atomic diffusion rate, the core-shell structure with Cu-rich phase as a core is formed. With the aging time extending, the structure of Cu-rich phase precipitates changes from bcc to fcc. Because of the synergistic effect between Al and Cu, the diffusion of Cu is slowed down. Besides, with the Al and Mn atoms precipitating, Al/Mn clusters are segregated around the Cu-rich precipitates, forming the Al/Mn intermetallic core-shell structure, and gradually wrapping the Cu-rich phase uniformly. During the evolution of the precipitation stage, the Al/Mn clusters are isolated around the Cu-rich precipitation phase, forming a gradually uniform Al/Mn intermetallic phase core shell structure covering the Cu-rich phase, which is to hinder the buffer layer from forming in the precipitation stage of the reservoir. In addition, with the Al content increasing, the Al/Mn intermetallic phase promotes the growth of the buffer layer and hinders the Cu-rich precipitate phase from growing and coarsening.
Reflection mode photoacoustic/thermoacoustic dual modality imaging based on hollow concave array
Authors: Xie Shi-Meng , Huang Lin , Wang Xue , Chi Zi-Hui , Tang Yong-Hui , Zheng Zhu , Jiang Hua-Bei ,   School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing 400065, China,   School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China,   Department of Medical Imaging, Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd., Shenzhen 518057, China,   Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
Published: January 2021

Photoacoustic (PA) and thermoacoustic (TA) imaging can share a set of data acquisition and data processing system, in addition to different excitation sources. In this paper, a reflection mode PA/TA dual modality imaging based on a hollow concave array is proposed. The PA/TA signals are excited through the holes in the hollow array by using optical fiber and dipole antenna, respectively. The excited light, microwave and received ultrasonic signals are coaxial, forming a PA/TA dual modality imaging mode. Through the compensation and calibration of the transducer crystal phase and amplitude of the hollow part of the array, a 3-mm-diameter plastic tube filled with 0.9 wt.% salt water, safflower oil, human arm, back of hand and instep are successfully imaged, separately. These experimental results show that the spatial resolution of the PA/TA dual modality imaging system is 0.33 mm, and this technology has a potential to provide the optical and microwave absorption distribution of tissues at the same time by using the same hollow concave array, which is helpful in accurately detecting tumor, diabetic foot and other diseases, and has a wide range of clinical application prospects.
Release probability increases towards distal dendrites boosting high-frequency signal transfer in the rodent hippocampus
Authors: Jensen Thomas P , Kopach Olga , Reynolds James P , Savtchenko Leonid P , Rusakov Dmitri A
Published: January 2021

Dendritic integration of synaptic inputs involves their increased electrotonic attenuation at distal dendrites, which can be counterbalanced by the increased synaptic receptor density. However, during network activity, the influence of individual synapses depends on their release fidelity, the dendritic distribution of which remains poorly understood. Here, we employed classical optical quantal analyses and a genetically encoded optical glutamate sensor in acute hippocampal slices of rats and mice to monitor glutamate release at CA3-CA1 synapses. We find that their release probability increases with greater distances from the soma. Similar-fidelity synapses tend to group together, whereas release probability shows no trends regarding the branch ends. Simulations with a realistic CA1 pyramidal cell hosting stochastic synapses suggest that the observed trends boost signal transfer fidelity, particularly at higher input frequencies. Because high-frequency bursting has been associated with learning, the release probability pattern we have found may play a key role in memory trace formation.
ARL3 activation requires the co-GEF BART and effector-mediated turnover
Authors: ElMaghloob Yasmin , Sot Begoña , McIlwraith Michael J , Garcia Esther , Yelland Tamas , Ismail Shehab
Published: January 2021

The ADP-ribosylation factor-like 3 (ARL3) is a ciliopathy G-protein which regulates the ciliary trafficking of several lipid-modified proteins. ARL3 is activated by its guanine exchange factor (GEF) ARL13B via an unresolved mechanism. BART is described as an ARL3 effector which has also been implicated in ciliopathies, although the role of its ARL3 interaction is unknown. Here, we show that, at physiological GTP:GDP levels, human ARL3GDP is weakly activated by ARL13B. However, BART interacts with nucleotide-free ARL3 and, in concert with ARL13B, efficiently activates ARL3. In addition, BART binds ARL3GTP and inhibits GTP dissociation, thereby stabilising the active G-protein; the binding of ARL3 effectors then releases BART. Finally, using live cell imaging, we show that BART accesses the primary cilium and colocalises with ARL13B. We propose a model wherein BART functions as a bona fide co-GEF for ARL3 and maintains the active ARL3GTP, until it is recycled by ARL3 effectors.
Geographic disparities, determinants, and temporal changes in the prevalence of pre-diabetes in Florida
Authors: Lord Jennifer , Roberson Shamarial , Odoi Agricola
Published: January 2021

Background

Left unchecked, pre-diabetes progresses to diabetes and its complications that are important health burdens in the United States. There is evidence of geographic disparities in the condition with some areas having a significantly high risks of the condition and its risk factors. Identifying these disparities, their determinants, and changes in burden are useful for guiding control programs and stopping the progression of pre-diabetes to diabetes. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate geographic disparities of pre-diabetes prevalence in Florida, identify predictors of the observed spatial patterns, as well as changes in disease burden between 2013 and 2016.

Methods

The 2013 and 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data were obtained from the Florida Department of Health. Counties with significant changes in the prevalence of the condition between 2013 and 2016 were identified using tests for equality of proportions adjusted for multiple comparisons using the Simes method. Flexible scan statistics were used to identify significant high prevalence geographic clusters. Multivariable regression models were used to identify determinants of county-level pre-diabetes prevalence.

Results

The state-wide age-adjusted prevalence of pre-diabetes increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) from 8.0% in 2013 to 10.5% in 2016 with 72% (48/67) of the counties reporting statistically significant increases. Significant local geographic hotspots were identified. High prevalence of pre-diabetes tended to occur in counties with high proportions of non-Hispanic black population, low median household income, and low proportion of the population without health insurance coverage.

Conclusions

Geographic disparities of pre-diabetes continues to exist in Florida with most counties reporting significant increases in prevalence between 2013 and 2016. These findings are critical for guiding health planning, resource allocation and intervention programs.