bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and Efficacy of the Noncessation Method of Antithrombotic Agents after Emergency Endoscopic Hemostasis in Patients with Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Multicenter Pilot Study
Authors: Yamaguchi Daisuke , Tominaga Naoyuki , Miyahara Koichi , Tsuruoka Nanae , Sakata Yasuhisa , Takeuchi Yuki , Matsunaga Takuya , Hidaka Hidenori , Akutagawa Takashi , Noda Takahiro , Ogata Shinichi , Tsunada Seiji , Esaki Motohiro
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims. The present study aimed to clarify the safety and efficacy of the noncessation method of antithrombotic agents after emergency endoscopic hemostasis in patients with nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). Methods. In this multicenter, prospective, pilot study, we performed emergency endoscopic hemostasis for nonvariceal UGIB in patients taking antithrombotic agents and resumed the medications without a cessation period (group A). The clinical characteristics, types of antithrombotic agents, UGIB etiology, treatment outcome, and adverse events were evaluated. We used propensity score matching to compare treatment outcomes and adverse events with our previous cohort (group B) in whom antithrombotic agents were transiently discontinued after emergency endoscopic hemostasis. Results. Forty-three consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled. The main antithrombotic agents were low-dose aspirin and direct oral anticoagulants; 11 patients (25.6%) were taking multiple antithrombotics. Peptic ulcers were the main cause of bleeding (95.4%). Endoscopic hemostasis was successful in all patients and the incidence of rebleeding within a month was 7.0%. Propensity score matching created 40 matched pairs. Endoscopic hemostasis was performed by soft coagulation significantly more frequently in group A than in group B (97.5% versus 60.0%,

P

 < 0.001). Neither the rebleeding rate within a month nor thromboembolic event rate was different between the two groups. However, the mean duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter in group A than in group B (8.6 ± 5.2 d versus 14.4 ± 7.1 d,

P

 < 0.001). Conclusions. Antithrombotic agents possibly can be continued after successful emergency endoscopic hemostasis for nonvariceal UGIB.
Ageing Effects, Generation Means, and Path Coefficient Analyses on High Kernel Elongation in Mahsuri Mutan and Basmati 370 Rice Populations
Authors: Ab. Halim Anna Arina Bt , Rafii Mohd Y. , Osman Mohamad B. , Oladosu Yusuff , Chukwu Samuel C.
Published: May 2021

High kernel elongation (HKE) is one of the high‐quality characteristics in rice. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of ageing treatments, gene actions, and inheritance pattern of kernel elongation on cooking quality in two populations of rice and determine the path of influence and contribution of other traits to kernel elongation in rice. Two rice populations derived from crosses between MR219 × Mahsuri Mutan and MR219 × Basmati 370 were used. The breeding materials included two F1 progenies from the two populations, and their respective parents were grown in four different batches at a week interval to synchronize the flowering between the female and male plants. Scaling tests and generation means analysis were carried out to determine ageing effects and estimate additive‐dominance gene action and epistasis. The estimation of gene interaction was based on quantitative traits. Path coefficient analysis was done using SAS software version 9.4 to determine the path of influence (direct or indirect) of six quantitative traits on HKE. Results obtained showed that nonallelic gene interaction was observed in all traits. The results before ageing and after ageing showed significant differences in all traits, while the gene interaction changed after ageing. The HKE value improved after ageing, suggesting that ageing is an external factor that could influence gene expression. The epistasis effect for HKE obtained from the cross Mahsuri Mutan × MR219 showed duplicate epistasis while that obtained from a cross between Basmati 370 × MR219 showed complimentary epistasis. Besides, the heritability of HKE was higher in Basmati 370 × MR219 compared to that obtained in Mahsuri Mutan × MR219. The path analysis showed that the cooked grain length and length‐width ratio positively significantly affected HKE. It was concluded that ageing treatment is an external factor that could improve the expression of HKE. The findings from this study would be useful to breeders in the selection and development of new specialty (HKE) rice varieties.
The Influence of Action Video Gaming Experience on the Perception of Emotional Faces and Emotional Word Meaning
Authors: Yan Yuening , Li Yi , Lou Xinyu , Li Senqi , Yao Yutong , Gong Diankun , Ma Weiyi , Yan Guojian
Published: May 2021

Action video gaming (AVG) experience has been found related to sensorimotor and attentional development. However, the influence of AVG experience on the development of emotional perception skills is still unclear. Using behavioral and ERP measures, this study examined the relationship between AVG experience and the ability to decode emotional faces and emotional word meanings. AVG experts and amateurs completed an emotional word-face Stroop task prior to (the pregaming phase) and after (the postgaming phase) a 1 h AVG session. Within-group comparisons showed that after the 1 h AVG session, a more negative N400 was observed in both groups of participants, and a more negative N170 was observed in the experts. Between-group comparisons showed that the experts had a greater change of N170 and N400 amplitudes across phases than the amateurs. The results suggest that both the 1 h and long-term AVG experiences may be related to an increased difficulty of emotional perception. Furthermore, certain behavioral and ERP measures showed neither within- nor between-group differences, suggesting that the relationship between AVG experience and emotional perception skills still needs further research.
Cell Heterogeneity Analysis in Single‐Cell RNA‐seq Data Using Mixture Exponential Graph and Markov Random Field Model
Authors: Wang Yishu , Tian Xuehan , Ai Dongmei
Published: May 2021

Advanced single‐cell profiling technologies promote exploration of cell heterogeneity, and clustering of single‐cell RNA (scRNA‐seq) data enables discovery of coexpression genes and network relationships between genes. In particular, single‐cell profiling of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can provide unique insights into tumor heterogeneity (including in triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC)), while scRNA‐seq leads to better understanding of subclonal architecture and biological function. Despite numerous reports suggesting a direct correlation between circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and poor clinical outcomes, few studies have provided a thorough heterogeneity characterization of CTCs. In addition, TNBC is a disease with not only intertumor but also intratumor heterogeneity and represents various biological distinct subgroups that may have relationships with immune functions that are not clearly established yet. In this article, we introduce a new scheme for detecting genotypic characterization of single‐cell heterogeneities and apply it to CTC and TNBC single‐cell RNA‐seq data. First, we use an existing mixture exponential family graph model to partition the cell‐cell network; then, with the Markov random field model, we obtain more flexible network rewiring. Finally, we find the cell heterogeneity and network relationships according to different high coexpression gene modules in different cell subsets. Our results demonstrate that this scheme provides a reasonable and effective way to model different cell clusters and different biological enrichment gene clusters. Thus, using different internal coexpression genes of different cell clusters, we can infer the differences in tumor composition and diversity.
Bond and Option Prices under Skew Vasicek Model with Transaction Cost
Authors: Samimi Hossein , Najafi Alireza
Published: May 2021

This paper studies the European option pricing on the zero-coupon bond in which the Skew Vasicek model uses to predict the interest rate amount. To do this, we apply the skew Brownian motion as the random part of the model and show that results of the model predictions are better than other types of the model. Besides, we obtain an analytical formula for pricing the zero-coupon bond and find the European option price by constructing a portfolio that contains the option and a share of the bond. Since the skew Brownian motion is not a martingale, thus we add transaction costs to the portfolio, where the time between trades follows the exponential distribution. Finally, some numerical results are presented to show the efficiency of the proposed model.
Frequency of Aspirin Resistance in Ischemic Stroke Patients and Healthy Controls from Colombia
Authors: Roman-Gonzalez Alejandro , Naranjo Carlos Andrés , Cardona-Maya Walter D. , Vallejo Dionis , Garcia Francisco , Franco Cesar , Alvarez Leonor , Tobón Luis Ignacio , López Marta Ibeth , Rua Carolina , Bedoya Gabriel , Cadavid Ángela , Torres José Domingo
Published: May 2021

Objective. To evaluate the aspirin resistance prevalence in patients with previous ischemic cerebrovascular disease undergoing aspirin therapy for secondary prevention. Materials and Methods. Three hundred fifty patients presenting ischemic strokes and 100 healthy controls under aspirin treatment were evaluated using the optic platelet aggregation test. Results. Aspirin resistance was found in 7.4% of the patients with ischemic stroke and 4% of controls. Aspirin resistance was associated with stroke recurrence in univariate analysis (

p
=
0.004

). Aspirin resistance was not associated with smoking, diabetes, or hypercholesterolemia. Conclusion. Aspirin resistance is present in Colombian patients with ischemic stroke as well as in healthy controls.
Fuzzy Knowledge Distance with Three-Layer Perspectives in Neighborhood System
Authors: Yang Jie , Luo Tian , Zhao Fan , Li Shuai , Zhou Wei
Published: May 2021

Information granule is the basic element in granular computing (GrC), and it can be obtained according to the granulation criterion. In neighborhood rough sets, current uncertainty measures focus on computing the knowledge granulation of single granular space and have two main limitations: (i) neglecting the structural information of boundary regions and (ii) the inability to reflect the difference between neighborhood granular spaces with the same uncertainty for approximating a target concept. Firstly, a fuzziness-based uncertainty measure for neighborhood rough sets is introduced to characterize the structural information of boundary regions. Moreover, from the perspective of distance, based on the idea of density peaks, we present a fuzzy-neighborhood-granule-distance- (FNGD-) based method to discover the relationship between granules in a granular space. Then, to characterize the difference between granular spaces for approximating a target concept, we present the fuzzy neighborhood granular space distance (FNGSD) and fuzzy neighborhood boundary region distance (FNBRD). FNGD, FNGSD, and FNBRD are hierarchically organized from fineness to coarseness according to the semantics of granularity, which provide three-layer perspectives in the neighborhood system.
Study on the Evaluation Standard of Construction Quality for Asphalt Pavement Based on the Intelligent Sensing Aggregate
Authors: Zhang Chen , Zheng Yuxin
Published: May 2021

The traditional evaluation method of construction quality for asphalt pavement has gradually lagged behind the pace of development of the road industry. Big data, Internet of Things (IoT), and intelligent sensing technology have been reflected in the field of road engineering, but these technologies also have technical shortcomings in terms of applicability, durability, real‐time performance, and portability in practice. To provide a new method for construction quality evaluation of asphalt pavement, this study developed an intelligent sensing aggregate (ISA) with low cost and high precision based on the 3D printing and Internet of Things (IoT) technology. Based on the laboratory test and field test, the sensing characteristics, high‐temperature resistance, and mechanical properties of ISA are analyzed to verify the reliability of ISA. Through the quantitative analysis of ISA perception data, the Driving Perception Index (DPI) is proposed. By analyzing the quantitative correlation between the spatial angle of ISA and the compaction degree, the quantitative correlation between the DPI, International Roughness Index (IRI), and the deflection value, the evaluation standard of construction quality for asphalt pavement is established. The result shows that the best baud rate for ISA is 9600 bps, and the corresponding data transmission distance is 350 m. In the range of 6 m, the cars, trucks, trailers, and buses can be perceived by ISA. The maximum operating temperature of ISA is up to 200°C. Embedding ISA into asphalt mixture has no significant effect on original gradation of asphalt mixture. The established evaluation standard of construction quality for asphalt pavement takes into account the compaction quality, the requirements of bearing capacity, and the driving comfort of asphalt pavement, which is suitable for expressway and first‐class highway.
Gaps de entendimento: construindo significados da responsabilidade social corporativa na mineração de agregados
Authors: Pereira Renata Cherém de Araújo , Barros Amon Narciso de
Published: May 2021

Analisamos como o significado é atribuído à responsabilidade social corporativa (RSC) por atores de mercado, governo e sociedade civil envolvidos na mineração agregada em São Paulo. O estudo se concentra nesse setor por ser uma atividade de impactos negativos notórios. Os interesses divergentes entre esses atores formaram um cenário bastante conturbado, no qual a RSC é apresentada como fundamental para reduzir os aspectos negativos e os conflitos entre os representantes da sociedade causados ​​pela mineração. Pouca atenção tem sido dada na relação entre significados da formação de indivíduos em RSC e práticas de RSC no setor de mineração situado em uma área urbana nos países em desenvolvimento. Por meio de um estudo de caso qualitativo, foram realizadas 58 entrevistas com integrantes da sociedade civil, do Estado e do mercado. Análise de documentos e observação foram técnicas utilizadas como complementares às entrevistas. Os achados deste artigo revelaram três entendimentos sobre a RSC entre os grupos da sociedade estudados: voluntário, ambiental e social. Com base na relação entre esses entendimentos, percebemos um padrão na formação do processo de como os atores dão sentido ao termo.
A reforma trabalhista e as implicações para a saúde do trabalhador
Authors: Damasceno Julia Oliveira , Batista Carolina Pinheiro , Oliveira Ana Maria Caldeira
Published: May 2021

A Lei n. 13.467/2017, conhecida como Reforma Trabalhista, trouxe várias modificações ao texto da Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho. Várias dessas mudanças desrespeitam as normas relativas à saúde do trabalhador, dispostas tanto na Constituição Federal de 1988 quanto na legislação infraconstitucional. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e analisar as possíveis implicações da Reforma Trabalhista para a saúde do trabalhador, tendo em vista os regramentos constitucionais. Para o desenvolvimento do estudo, utilizou-se a metodologia qualitativa com adoção da técnica de análise de conteúdo de documentos. Foram analisadas quatro alterações propostas pela Lei n. 13.467/2017, quais sejam: a possibilidade de alterar o enquadramento do grau de insalubridade mediante negociação coletiva; a possibilidade de reduzir o intervalo intrajornada também por negociação coletiva; a possibilidade de trabalho em condições insalubres durante a gravidez/fase de lactação; e a liberação da terceirização de qualquer atividade. Verificou-se que a “modernização” trazida pela reforma trabalhista consiste, na realidade, na desconstrução da estrutura constitucional e infraconstitucional de proteção ao trabalhador, com desrespeito aos padrões de saúde e segurança até então presentes no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro. Como consequência, o estudo aponta para a probabilidade de aumento nos números de acidentes de trabalho e de doenças relacionadas ao trabalho.
Clinical Potential of Beat‐to‐Beat Diastolic Interval Control in Preventing Cardiac Arrhythmias
Authors: Kulkarni Kanchan , Walton Richard D. , Armoundas Antonis A. , Tolkacheva Elena G.
Published: May 2021

Life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death are often preceded by cardiac alternans, a beat‐to‐beat oscillation in the T‐wave morphology or duration. However, given the spatiotemporal and structural complexity of the human heart, designing algorithms to effectively suppress alternans and prevent fatal rhythms is challenging. Recently, an antiarrhythmic constant diastolic interval pacing protocol was proposed and shown to be effective in suppressing alternans in 0‐, 1‐, and 2‐dimensional in silico studies as well as in ex vivo whole heart experiments. Herein, we provide a systematic review of the electrophysiological conditions and mechanisms that enable constant diastolic interval pacing to be an effective antiarrhythmic pacing strategy. We also demonstrate a successful translation of the constant diastolic interval pacing protocol into an ECG‐based real‐time control system capable of modulating beat‐to‐beat cardiac electrical activity and preventing alternans. Furthermore, we present evidence of the clinical utility of real‐time alternans suppression in reducing arrhythmia susceptibility in vivo. We provide a comprehensive overview of this promising pacing technique, which can potentially be translated into a clinically viable device that could radically improve the quality of life of patients experiencing abnormal cardiac rhythms.
Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery: Legitimate Refinement or Illegal Mutilation?
Authors: Gaffney-Rhys Ruth
Published: May 2021

The aim of this article is to assess whether Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery (FGCS), which refers to procedures which change the structure and appearance of healthy female genitalia for non-medical reasons, violates the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003, in the light of CPS guidance issued in 2019 and literature regarding the motivations of women seeking FGCS and its effectiveness. The paper concludes that FGCS does, prima facie, constitute FGM and argues that the medical exception contained in the legislation should seldom be available – but based on CPS guidance, a criminal prosecution will rarely be in the public interest. The article ends by asserting that the distinction drawn in practice (if not in law) between the treatment of western and non-western women is problematic, not only because it is discriminatory, but because tolerating FGCS may serve to legitimise FGM and result in the circumvention of the FGM Act 2003.
The Constitution, Constitutionalism and the Economy of Mauritius: An Assessment of Their Interactions Critical to the Relative Economic Success of the Country
Authors: Mahadew Roopanand
Published: May 2021

The success of Mauritius as an economy, despite a rather dismal prediction by Nobel Prize recipient James Meade in 1961, has been appealing to many local and international researchers who have written extensively the subject. However, what role have the Constitution of Mauritius and the broad notions of constitutionalism played in this economic success have been critical questions that have been left unanswered. The article discusses firstly how, despite the Mauritian Constitution not being one which is economy-oriented in a direct way, has contributed immensely through the concept of constitutionalism. Secondly, the role of constitutionalism and its impact on the Mauritian economy is also assessed with particular reference to the three arms of government and the judiciary. Finally, the article argues that, as a way forward and to further bolster the Mauritian economy, it is essential now for the Constitution to directly devote a chapter on economic development through relevant and necessary amendments. The main argument to this proposition is that enshrining the concept, methods, and directions that the economy should take in the Constitution confers more constitutional protection and guarantees that no regressive measures are allowed in future.
Teleological Interpretation in the Emerging Socio-Economic Rights Jurisprudence of the African Court: African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights v Republic of Kenya
Authors: Amin Anneth
Published: May 2021

The African Court has recently decided on merits its first socio-economic rights case – ‘the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights v Republic of Kenya’. The Court applied aspects of the teleological approach to interpretation to interpret socio-economic rights in question. The article examines the Court’s application of the teleological approach in its emerging socio-economic rights jurisprudence. The analysis shows that, although the Court found the respondent State in violation of a wide range of socio-economic rights, there are still some shortcomings in its application of the teleological approach. The African Court did not extensively exhaust all the interpretative tools within the African Charter that are in line with the teleological approach. Consequently, the interpretative potential embedded in these aspects of the teleological approach for effective interpretation of socio-economic rights in the African Charter is restricted. The Court also applied the tenets of the teleological approach inappropriately and interpreted some rights relevant to socio-economic rights based on a narrow textual approach. The mixing of the interpretative approaches leads to jurisprudential inconsistencies. If the Court certainly adopts and appropriately apply the teleological interpretation, it will contribute in advancing effective promotion and protection of these rights in the Continent.
Revision of the Nearctic Haliplidae (Coleoptera)
Authors: van Vondel Bernhard J.
Published: May 2021

The Haliplidae of the Nearctic region are revised. The generic and subgeneric division as proposed by Vondel is accepted here. The subgenus Paraliaphlus Guignot, 1930 is redefined. One species is described as new: Peltodytes roughleyi sp. n. Haliplus ohioensis Wallis, 1933, H. ungularis Wallis, 1933 and H. canadensis Wallis, 1933 are established as junior synonyms of H. annulatus Roberts, 1913, H. cylindricus Roberts, 1913 and H. nitens LeConte, 1850, respectively. Peltodytes lengi Roberts, 1913 is established as junior synonym of P. duodecimpunctatus (Say, 1823). P. mexicanus (Wehncke, 1883) and P. dispersus Roberts, 1913 are both established as junior synonyms of P. simplex (LeConte, 1852). Lectotypes are designated for Haliplus blanchardi Roberts, 1913, H. confluentus Roberts, 1913, H. cylindricus Roberts, 1913, H. fasciatus Aubé, 1838, H. gracilis Roberts, 1913, H. leopardus Roberts, 1913, H. pantherinus Aubé, 1838, Peltodytes dispersus Roberts, 1913, P. duodecimpunctatus (Say, 1823), P. festivus (Wehncke, 1876), P. oppositus Roberts, 1913, P. sexmaculatus Roberts, 1913, P. shermani Roberts, 1913 and P. tortulosus Roberts, 1913. All species are illustrated and (re)described. A key to the Nearctic species is provided, as well as distribution maps.
Business School Rankings: The Financial Times’ Experience and Evolutions
Authors: Jack Andrew
Published: May 2021

The growing demand for societal impact of teaching, research, and operations necessitates fresh approaches to our analysis of business school rankings. I discuss the Financial Times’ approach and the need for fresh methods, metrics, and standards.
Spiritually Oriented Expressive Writing and Promoting Positive Outcomes After a Natural Disaster
Authors: Mosher David K. , Hook Joshua N. , Captari Laura E. , Hodge Adam S. , Bellegarde Nic , Davis Don E. , McElroy-Heltzel Stacey E. , Choe Elise J. , Van Tongeren Daryl R. , Davis Edward B. , Aten Jamie D.
Published: May 2021

Natural disasters can disrupt and challenge survivors’ core belief systems, leading to negative health consequences. People often rely on religion/spirituality to help them cope and make meaning, but to date very few studies have specifically focused on exploring spiritually oriented expressive writing interventions with natural disaster survivors. Therefore, the current longitudinal, mixed-methods study utilized an experimental design with random assignment of 132 survivors of the 2016 Louisiana flooding. Quantitative measures were completed before and after the writing intervention, then at 1-month and 6-month follow-up time points. Results indicated that the spiritually oriented intervention was effective in promoting meaning in life but not life satisfaction. Survivors with lower preintervention positive attitudes toward God evidenced the strongest growth over time regarding meaning in life. Qualitative analyses, using a directed content analysis approach, revealed six themes in the experimental group’s written responses that expanded previous research. Finally, we discuss implications for counseling and future research.
Safety and Inner City Neighborhood Change: Student and Teacher Perspectives
Authors: Patel Sejal , Ranjbar Miad , Cummins Tawnya C. , Cummins Natalie M.
Published: May 2021

The introduction of mixed-income communities in public housing neighborhoods is a common revitalization strategy in metropolitan areas in North America. This study investigates student and teacher perspectives on safety in a Canadian inner city and marginalized neighborhood undergoing revitalization, alongside the redesign of a local school. The displacement of families and students, tied to housing relocation and student school mobility, resulted in increased concern around bullying, school safety, and displacement of place-based familiarity and social bonds. While most students felt safe at school, they were acutely aware of community level violence, criminal and gang activity in the neighborhood, and racial stereotyping. Students were also generally skeptical that revitalization would address the root causes of violence. The findings support the importance of including children’s voices when planning, implementing, and evaluating policy initiatives that directly affect their lives.
Dabigatran-Induced Nephropathy and Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Its Successful Treatment with Idarucizumab: A Case Report
Authors: Marchesini Francesca , Ossato Andrea , Zendrini Alberto , Arginelli Federica , Zuppini Teresa , Realdon Nicola , Zamperini Massimo , Tessari Roberto
Published: May 2021

Recently, the atrial fibrillation treatment guidelines have been updated to now recommend Non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) as the preferred alternative to warfarin for systemic embolism and stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. NOACs have major pharmacologic advantages over warfarin, although the most common complications are gastrointestinal bleeding and NOAC-induced nephropathy within 6 weeks after starting therapy, as several recent case-reports stated. We are reporting for the first time a chronic delayed adverse reaction (regularly reported to Authorities) observed in an 82-year-old woman 27 months after starting dabigatran (110 mg twice a day), characterized by concomitant gastrointestinal bleeding and nephropathy. Idarucizumab administration immediately improved both bleeding and renal parameters. Moreover, we are going to highlight the importance of the compliance, the adherence to the therapeutic plan and the supervision of the Hospital Pharmacy on drug prescriptions. In fact in our case, dabigatran was firstly prescribed by the neurologist and delivered by the hospital pharmacy, but the patient continued the treatment for 27 months, prescribed by general practitioner without any laboratory control. This lack of supervision certainly contributed to the onset of the adverse reaction reported.
Empowering Kibera during political change: A case study through a Freirean lens
Authors: Gibson Neil , Vertigans Stephen , Mueller-Hirth Natascha
Published: May 2021

Empowerment is an often used concept and the work of Paulo Freire has helped to define the application and outcomes of approaches. The researchers visited Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya, during periods of political activity which had previously resulted in violence. Community members identified strategies employed in an attempt to curtail heightened risk. These factors were analysed to evaluate whether empowerment, as espoused by Freire, was still relevant in community development work. Empowerment strategies were multi-faceted and highlighted that they had created new issues for the community to address, suggesting strategy and outcomes need to be strong considerations in future work.
3D printing of spent coffee ground derived biochar reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Alhelal Ahmed , Mohammed Zaheeruddin , Jeelani Shaik , Rangari Vijaya K
Published: May 2021

Semi-crystalline carbon biochar is derived from spent coffee grounds (SCG) by a controlled pyrolysis process at high temperature/pressure conditions. Obtained biochar is characterized using XRD, SEM, and TEM techniques. Biochar particles are in the micrometer range with nanostructured morphologies. The SCG biochar thus produced is used as reinforcement in epoxy resin to 3 D print samples using the direct-write (DW) method with 1 and 3 wt. % loadings. Rheology results show that the addition of biochar makes resin viscous, enabling it to be stable soon after print; however, it could also lead to clogging of resin in printer head. The printed samples are characterized for chemical, thermal and mechanical properties using FTIR, TGA, DMA and flexure tests. Storage modulus improved with 1 wt. % biochar addition up to 27.5% and flexural modulus and strength increased up to 55.55% and 43.30% respectively. However, with higher loading of 3 wt. % both viscoelastic and flexural properties of 3D printed samples drastically reduced thus undermining the feasibility of 3D printing biochar reinforced epoxies at higher loadings.
Multicriteria optimization of a novel degradable nonwoven mulch fabricated from recycled natural fibers using CV-TOPSIS technique
Authors: Liu Xian , Chen Changjie , Sun Xiaoxia , Wang Xinhou
Published: May 2021

Conventional polyethylene mulch is widely used in arid areas; however, excess residues have caused significant problems, such as tillage soil pollution, crop destruction, and food crisis. To solve these problems, new types of degradable nonwoven mulch fabricated from recycled natural fibers are proposed in this study, which are measured by field trial performances based on cotton yield and quality indicators, and prioritized by the Coefficient of Variation-Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (CV-TOPSIS) method. The results from this study indicate the suitability of the new mulch in cropping systems. Moreover, based on the CV-TOPSIS method, five mulch samples were prioritized as N-3 > N-4 > N-1 > N-2 > N-5, considering an agricultural evaluation. This study also confirmed that the CV-TOPSIS method was precise and robust for analyzing comprehensive agronomic assessments. The development of a new degradable nonwoven mulch provides a bidirectionally beneficial approach for recycling industrial waste fibers and for enhancing agricultural production. The comprehensive evaluation method for both crop quantity and quality introduces an efficient assessment of various mulch. In the future, deducing the parameters of the degradable nonwoven mulch design and optimizing this method requires further study.
An in-pipe worm robot with pneumatic actuators based on origami paper-fabric composites
Authors: Jiang Cheng , Pei Zeguang
Published: May 2021

This article reports on the design, fabrication, and characterization of an in-pipe worm-like soft robot with pneumatic actuators based on origami paper-fabric composites in which the paper and fabric serve as the skeleton and skin of the robot, respectively. The robot is assembled with an extensor of a bellow-like structure for implementing peristaltic locomotion and a clamp fabricated using a Kresling crease pattern at each end of the robot for anchoring. The performances of the pneumatic actuators, as well as the worm robot, are characterized and their dependence on some material, structural, and pneumatic parameters are investigated. Stepwise inflation of the clamp actuator takes place as the pressurization duration increases. The extension ratio of the extensor has a nonlinear relationship with the pressurization duration. The higher rigidity of the paper with a high weight per unit area can facilitate faster retention near the end of the extension process for the extensor with a small number of creases, while it becomes a resistance for the extension of the extensor with a large number of creases. The softness, lightweight features, low cost, ease to fabricate, modular design, and mobility of the worm robot indicate it has potential to find application in pipeline inspection, etc.
Factors Affecting Utilization of the National Health Insurance Scheme by Federal Civil Servants in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Adebiyi Obelebra , Adeniji Foluke Olukemi
Published: May 2021

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) of Nigeria was established in 2005. This study assessed the utilization of health care and associated factors amongst the federal civil servants using the NHIS in Rivers state. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires. Data were collated and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. A Chi-square test was carried out. The level of Confidence was set at 95%, and the P-value ≤ .05. Out of a total of 334 respondents, 280 (83.8%) were enrolled for NHIS, 203 (72.5%) utilized the services of the scheme. Most 181 (82.1%) of the respondents who utilized visited the facility at least once in the preceding year. Although, 123 (43.9%) of the respondents made payments at a point of access to health care services, overall there was a reduction in out of pocket payment. Possession of NHIS card, the attitude of health workers, and patients’ satisfaction were found to significantly affect utilization P ≤ .05. Regression analysis shows age and income to be a predictor of utilization of the NHIS. Though utilization is high, effort should be made to remove payment at the point of access and improving the harsh attitude of some of the health workers.
Inequitable Utilization of Neonatal Health Services in Southwest Ethiopia: The Effects of Socioeconomic Disparities
Authors: Yitbarek Kiddus , Hurlburt Sarah , Hagen Terje P. , Berhane Melkamu , Abraham Gelila , Adamu Ayinengida , Tsega Gebeyehu , Woldie Mirkuzie
Published: May 2021

Low levels of neonatal health services utilization and high neonatal deaths are often concentrated among socially and economically disadvantaged groups, especially in low-income countries. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess inequity in the use of neonatal health services in Southwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 8 districts located in Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia from 19 March to 28 April 2018. A total of 835 mothers were included in the study with systematic random sampling. Principal component analysis was conducted to develop wealth quintiles of the households. Equity in neonatal health services was measured using rate-ratio, concentration curve, concentration index, and analyzed by binary logistic regression. Neonates from richer families were 1.25 times more likely to use neonatal health services than the poorer households with a concentration index value of 0.07. Neonates from highly educated mothers have better used the services and the corresponding concentration index value of 0.03. Neonatal service utilization was 1.32 times higher in the highest wealth quintile in rural settings. Similarly, services delivered at health posts and hospitals were used 2.4 and 2 times more by the wealthy, whereas services given at health centers are more utilized by the poorest. Outputs of binary logistic regression analysis indicated that neonates from middle quintile wealth households were found to be better neonatal health service users [AOR_1.72, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.82]. Neonate born from a secondary school attended mother [AOR_3.56, 95% CI: 1.90, 6.69] were more likely to use neonatal health services. Neonatal health service utilization in Southwest Ethiopia is more common among neonates from richer households and more educated mothers. There is a big difference among the wealthy and poorer in a rural setting and among those who used health posts. Working on the social-determinants of health will facilitate eliminating inequity.
Expanding Maternity Waiting Homes as an Approach to Improve Institutional Delivery in Southwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Hailu Meaza , Tafese Fikru , Tsega Gebeyehu , Adamu Ayinengida , Yitbarek Kiddus , Tilahun Tizta , Siraneh Yibeltal , Erchafo Belay , Woldie Mirkuzie
Published: May 2021

With the promising efforts in increasing institutional delivery yet, maternal and child mortality is high in Ethiopia. One of the strategies used to minimize this problem was the introduction of Maternity Waiting Homes (MWH). MWHs are residential facilities for pregnant women near a qualified medical facility. The introduction of MWHs has improved institutional delivery in many countries. In Ethiopia however, the contribution of MWHs was rarely studied. To fill this gap, we have conducted a community-based unmatched case-control study from March 1 to April 20, 2016, in Southwestern Ethiopia. Mothers who delivered at a health facility within 1 year were considered as cases while mothers delivered at home were controls. We used simple random sampling to identify study participants from the pool of cases and controls who were identified by census. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20. Binary logistic regression was used to identify significant predictors. A total of 140 cases and 273 controls were included in the study. Among the case, 86 (61.4%) used MWHs during their last delivery. Variables like educational status of the mothers [AOR = 2.96, 95% CI: 1.41, 6.23], educational status of the husband [AOR = 5.19, 95% CI: 1.52, 17.76], and having antenatal care follow up [AOR = 3.22, 95% CI: 1.59, 6.54]. This study remarks, accessing MWHs, creating better awareness in utilizing them, and practicing antenatal follow-up have a crucial role in improving institutional delivery. Therefore, strengthening the existing and establishing new MWHs to deliver quality services is a good strategy in reducing home delivery.
An Iterative Parametric Bootstrap Approach to Evaluating Rater Fit
Authors: Guo Wenjing , Wind Stefanie A.
Published: May 2021

When analysts evaluate performance assessments, they often use modern measurement theory models to identify raters who frequently give ratings that are different from what would be expected, given the quality of the performance. To detect problematic scoring patterns, two rater fit statistics, the infit and outfit mean square error ( MSE) statistics are routinely used. However, the interpretation of these statistics is not straightforward. A common practice is that researchers employ established rule-of-thumb critical values to interpret infit and outfit MSE statistics. Unfortunately, prior studies have shown that these rule-of-thumb values may not be appropriate in many empirical situations. Parametric bootstrapped critical values for infit and outfit MSE statistics provide a promising alternative approach to identifying item and person misfit in item response theory (IRT) analyses. However, researchers have not examined the performance of this approach for detecting rater misfit. In this study, we illustrate a bootstrap procedure that researchers can use to identify critical values for infit and outfit MSE statistics, and we used a simulation study to assess the false-positive and true-positive rates of these two statistics. We observed that the false-positive rates were highly inflated, and the true-positive rates were relatively low. Thus, we proposed an iterative parametric bootstrap procedure to overcome these limitations. The results indicated that using the iterative procedure to establish 95% critical values of infit and outfit MSE statistics had better-controlled false-positive rates and higher true-positive rates compared to using traditional parametric bootstrap procedure and rule-of-thumb critical values.
A market-based rationale for the privacy paradox
Authors: Akanbi Opeyemi
Published: May 2021

Moving beyond the current focus on the individual as the unit of analysis in the privacy paradox, this article examines the misalignment between privacy attitudes and online behaviors at the level of society as a collective. I draw on Facebook’s market performance to show how despite concerns about privacy, market structures drive user, advertiser and investor behaviors to continue to reward corporate owners of social media platforms. In this market-oriented analysis, I introduce the metaphor of elasticity to capture the responsiveness of demand for social media to the data (price) charged by social media companies. Overall, this article positions social media as inelastic, relative to privacy costs; highlights the role of the social collective in the privacy crises; and ultimately underscores the need for structural interventions in addressing privacy risks.
Aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting through a right thoracotomy for a patient with a left chest wall tumor
Authors: Fukuzumi Masaomi , Okano Ryoi , Gatate Yuko , Miyauchi Tadamasa , Tedoriya Takeo
Published: May 2021

A 68-year-old man was diagnosed with severe aortic stenosis and right coronary artery occlusion on preoperative examination for total extirpation of a giant left breast liposarcoma. Prior to the intervention for the liposarcoma, he underwent successful aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting via a right anterolateral thoracotomy to avoid the tumor close to the sternum. On postoperative day 28, the patient underwent a successful wide excision of the left chest wall tumor.
Migration, emotions and policies of sensibilities in Central America
Authors: Herrera Jeanie Maritza , Rivera Manuel
Published: May 2021

In Central America, irregular migration to the United States has become an alternative with the aim of finding better living conditions, safety or to achieve the ‘American Dream’. Mobility is linked to conflict networks associated with poverty and violence. This article aims to analyze the problem of migration in Central America and the policies of sensibilities associated with it. First, an overview of social studies on emotions in the region is presented. Then, an analysis of migration policies and the main programs implemented to control irregular migration from Central America to North America, is introduced, specifically the Agreement that designates Guatemala as a ‘Safe Third Country’. As well, a characterization of the migratory context, its institutionality and the mechanisms for containing massive migratory flows is presented, as a demonstration of the relationship between state actions, sensibilities and social support mechanisms associated with migration and migrants’ feelings.
Decentralisation or deconcentration: The case of regional and local economic development in South Africa
Authors: Khambule Isaac
Published: May 2021

The widespread globalisation, democratisation and decentralisation process that took place in developing nations in the early 1990s created unique opportunities for subnational governments to play an important role in delivering developmental outcomes. Revitalising regional and local economies is one important mandate that emerged with the decentralisation process as a key function for local governments. However, the local government sphere in South Africa faces failures in driving regional and local economic development due to various institutional and market-related challenges. Against the failure of decentralised entities to drive regional and local economic development in South Africa, this article considers the utilisation of deconcentration through dedicating national administrative powers and resources to the regional level to revitalise the prospects of local economies. The article argues that there are better prospects for regional and local economic development through deconcentration due to the expertise, resources and capacities found within the national and provincial governments, as they receive a significant share of the national division of revenues. The article further demonstrates how deconcentration can be implemented through the state deconcentrating and managing its economic development functions at the regional level to municipal-owned district economic development entities tasked with stimulating regional economic development.
Amelioration of lower limb pain and foot drop with 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation: A case series
Authors: Feng Honghui , Doherty Patrick , Rotte Anand , Bovinet Christopher
Published: May 2021

There are limited treatment options for patients with foot drop and associated lower back and/or leg pain. We present a case series of three patients who received permanent implantation of 10 kHz spinal cord stimulation (10 kHz SCS) devices. Following treatment, all patients reported sustained improvements in lower back and leg pain, foot mechanics and function which resulted in increased mobility and cessation of opioid use for pain management. Patients were followed up for approximately four years. Treatment with 10 kHz SCS may be a promising alternative to other interventional procedures commonly used for these patients.
Efficacy and safety of prophylactic superselective embolization for angiomyolipoma at the renal hilum
Authors: Inoue Tatsuro , Zhang Xixi , Kuwatsuru Ryohei , Okada Shingo , Kato Hitomi , Ozu Hiromi , Yanagida Masataka , Yamashiro Yuki
Published: May 2021

Objective

This study investigated the efficacy and safety of superselective transcatheter arterial embolization for angiomyolipoma at the renal hilum.

Methods

Between August 2012 and January 2015, 13 patients with 16 angiomyolipomas at the renal hilum underwent initial, prophylactic, superselective transcatheter arterial embolization. The patients were followed by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, and volume-reduction ratios after embolization were measured.

Results

The mean or median post-embolization volume reduction ratios were 23% (follow-up duration, 1–2 months), 55% (3–6 months), 55% (7–12 months), 66% (1–2 years), 67% (2–3 years), and 54% (>3 years). After initial embolization, none of the 16 tumors bled or required surgery; two (13%) tumors recurred; and three (19%) tumors received repeat embolization. Estimated glomerular filtration rates were not decreased at medians of 7 days (near the time of discharge) and 39 days (first clinical follow-up) post-procedure, compared with baseline. Except for post-embolization syndrome, no procedure-related complications occurred.

Conclusions

Superselective embolization for renal hilar angiomyolipoma is safe and kidney-preserving, with good tumor volume reduction and bleeding prevention.