bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redefining Cardiac Biomarkers in Predicting Mortality of Inpatients With COVID-19
Authors: Qin Juan-Juan , Cheng Xu , Zhou Feng , Lei Fang , Akolkar Gauri , Cai Jingjing , Zhang Xiao-Jing , Blet Alice , Xie Jing , Zhang Peng , Liu Ye-Mao , Huang Zizhen , Zhao Ling-Ping , Lin Lijin , Xia Meng , Chen Ming-Ming , Song Xiaohui , Bai Liangjie , Chen Ze , Zhang Xingyuan , Xiang Da , Chen Jing , Xu Qingbo , Ma Xinliang , Touyz Rhian M. , Gao Chen , Wang Haitao , Liu Liming , Mao Weiming , Luo Pengcheng , Yan Youqin , Ye Ping , Chen Manhua , Chen Guohua , Zhu Lihua , She Zhi-Gang , Huang Xiaodong , Yuan Yufeng , Zhang Bing-Hong , Wang Yibin , Liu Peter P. , Li Hongliang
Published: July 2020

The prognostic power of circulating cardiac biomarkers, their utility, and pattern of release in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients have not been clearly defined. In this multicentered retrospective study, we enrolled 3219 patients with diagnosed COVID-19 admitted to 9 hospitals from December 31, 2019 to March 4, 2020, to estimate the associations and prognostic power of circulating cardiac injury markers with the poor outcomes of COVID-19. In the mixed-effects Cox model, after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities, the adjusted hazard ratio of 28-day mortality for hs-cTnI (high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I) was 7.12 ([95% CI, 4.60–11.03]
P
<0.001), (NT-pro)BNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide or brain natriuretic peptide) was 5.11 ([95% CI, 3.50–7.47]
P
<0.001), CK (creatine phosphokinase)-MB was 4.86 ([95% CI, 3.33–7.09]
P
<0.001), MYO (myoglobin) was 4.50 ([95% CI, 3.18–6.36]
P
<0.001), and CK was 3.56 ([95% CI, 2.53–5.02]
P
<0.001). The cutoffs of those cardiac biomarkers for effective prognosis of 28-day mortality of COVID-19 were found to be much lower than for regular heart disease at about 19%–50% of the currently recommended thresholds. Patients with elevated cardiac injury markers above the newly established cutoffs were associated with significantly increased risk of COVID-19 death. In conclusion, cardiac biomarker elevations are significantly associated with 28-day death in patients with COVID-19. The prognostic cutoff values of these biomarkers might be much lower than the current reference standards. These findings can assist in better management of COVID-19 patients to improve outcomes. Importantly, the newly established cutoff levels of COVID-19–associated cardiac biomarkers may serve as useful criteria for the future prospective studies and clinical trials.
Isaac Satanow (1732–1804) on Moral and Intellectual Perfection
Authors: Morlok Elke
Published: July 2020

Isaac ben Moshe Halevi (Isaac Satanow, 1732–1804) serves as an interesting example of how Jewish intellectuals offered alternative ways of entering the new era. Unlike other authors, Satanow does not explicitly concentrate on secularization or assimilation in his writing, but instead intends to revive traditional values and writing by putting them into a new cultural and intellectual framework. Satanow combines relevant topics from Jewish tradition with scientific discoveries, philosophical reasoning, and kabbalistic thought. An analysis of Satanow’s unique combination of literary and intellectual corpora from various periods and backgrounds offers a more nuanced picture of European Jewish intellectual history and challenges the grand narratives of scholarship. Furthermore, an awareness of the deep impact of German philosophy and natural science on Satanow’s thought provides insight into his relationship with the majority culture and his Eastern European background and also shows how his concept of modernity seeped in via complex networks.
Saussurea yilingii (Asteraceae, Cardueae), a new species from Sichuan, China

Authors: CHEN YOU-SHENG
Published: July 2020

Saussurea yilingii, a new species from Muli county, Sichuan province of China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to the species of snow lotus in habit, odour, and dark brown phyllaries but is lacking membranous colourful upper leaves which are typical for Saussurea subgen. Amphilaena. The new species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Urocaridella arabianensis n. sp., a new Palaemonid shrimp (Crustacea, Decapoda, Palaemonidae) from Lakshadweep Islands, India with taxonomic comparison on the genus Urocaridella Borradaile, 1915
Authors: AKASH S. , PURUSHOTHAMAN P. , MADHAVAN MANU , RAVI CHARAN , HISHAM T. JAFER , SUDHAKAR M. , KUMAR T.T. AJITH , KULDEEP LAL K
Published: July 2020

A new species of the genus Urocaridella Borradaile, 1915, Urocaridella arabianensis n. sp. is described and illustrated based on fifty-five specimens collected from the reef regions of Agatti Island, Lakshadweep, Arabian Sea. Urocaridella arabianensis n. sp. is morphologically close to U. pulchella Yokes & Galil, 2006, reported from the Mediterranean Sea. However, the present specimen is clearly distinguished with its rostrum length, which is 1.7 to 2.1 times as long as carapace, 10 ventral rostral teeth, carpus of 1st pereopod is 2.5 times long as palm, carpus of 2nd pereopod is 1.8 times as long as palm, presence of a spine in latero-middle of the fourth and fifth abdomens and the sixth abdominal segment is 2.3 times long as the fifth segment. Partial segment of the mitochondrial COI, 16S rRNA and nuclear gene 18S rRNA and H3 indicates that the new species is sister to a clade comprising of U. pulchella, U. antonbruunii and U. degravei. The pair wise genetic distance of COI showed great distance with the closest congeneric species.
Post-cholecystectomy Gallstone Ileus
Authors: Meier Jennie , Guzzetta Angela A. , Huerta Sergio
Published: July 2020

Gallstone ileus is an unusual complication of cholelithiasis. Classically, a stone is impacted at the terminal ileum originating from a cholecystoduodenal fistula. Exceptions to this pathophysiology have been noted at each step. In this systematic review, we document a comprehensive review of postcholecystectomy gallstone ileus inclusive of 49 separate cases and report 8 different mechanisms leading to this unusual complication. The most common mechanism is a lost stone during cholecystectomy that then erodes through the intestinal wall leading to bowel obstruction. Our review showed an older, female predominance (64.0%) at an average age of 68.0 years, patients typically had a burden of comorbidities. Delay in diagnosis was common (64% of cases) with the correct diagnosis made in 37.5% of patients during admission. Pneumobilia was commonly reported (29.0%). There was a wide range in the amount of time between cholecystectomy and gallstone ileus, from 10 days to 50 years (mean 12.4 years). Postcholecystectomy gallstone ileus is an unusual complication of cholelithiasis, which mandates surgery. Retrieval of stones should be undertaken if they are spilled during cholecystectomy. Owing to the increasing age of the American patient population, it is likely that a higher number of patients with this condition will be encountered.
Wide Gastric Conduit Increases the Risk of Benign Anastomotic Stricture After Esophagectomy
Authors: Zhu Dong-shan , Cao Jian-wei , Geng Ming-fei , Huang Xiao-yu , Hu Chong-ming , Li Jian , Fu Dong-hong , Liu Wei
Published: July 2020

Background

To identify the association between the width of the gastric conduit and the benign anastomotic stricture (BAS) after esophagectomy with end-to-side cervical anastomosis for esophageal cancer.

Methods

Patients with esophageal cancer who underwent esophagectomy between July 2013 and July 2014 were included in this study. The gastric conduit was used for reconstruction in all patients and end-to-side cervical anastomosis were performed using a circular stapler. The patients were divided into a narrow group (3-5 cm) and a wide group (>5 cm) based on the gastric conduit width. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the possible factors (patients’ age, gender, preoperative comorbidities, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, gastric conduit width, anastomotic leakage) that could affect the incidence of BAS.

Results

Two-hundred and one patients were included in this study. The median follow-up period was 29 months (17-58 months). Seven cases (3.5%) showed anastomotic leakage in the postoperative period and 38 patients (18.9%) developed BAS; all within the first year of follow-up. In univariate analysis, the width of the gastric conduit was the only risk factor for the development of BAS (odds ratio [OR] = 3.36, P = .005). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the wide group was an independent significant risk factor for the development of BAS developing compared with the narrow group (OR = 2.84, P = .02).

Conclusions

A wide gastric conduit width (>5 cm) is an independent risk factor for the development of BAS after esophagectomy and stapled cervical end-to-side anastomosis for esophageal cancer.
Lessons Learned and Experiences Shared From the Front Lines: Milan and Madrid
Authors: Wexner Steven D. , Cortés-Guiral Delia , Spinelli Antonino , Mayol Julio
Published: July 2020

Under the aegis of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the senior author (SDW), a member of the Board of Regents of the ACS, interviewed 3 of his international colleagues in colon and rectal surgery who found themselves dealing with a flood of patients from the COVID-19 pandemic. Each was in a “hot spot” where the outbreak overwhelmed the capacities of the hospitals. Professor Antonino Spinelli of Milan dealt with the sudden increase in COVID-19 patients that threatened to push all other emergencies and urgent cancer cases aside. Providers lacked the personal protective equipment to be adequately safe in the environment. In Madrid, Dr Julio Mayol recounted how 10%-15% of the workers in his hospital were incapacitated by the virus, many of them doctors providing direct care to patients. The disease is so prevalent that all emergency patients are treated as though they have the infection. Having practices in Saudi Arabia and Spain, Dr Delia Cortés-Guiral saw how the former country controlled the epidemic through a strict lockdown of travel and closure of holy pilgrimage sites and social gatherings. In contrast, upon her return to her native country, she experienced the near-breakdown of the health care system by the suddenness of the outbreak. “There are now no specialists now, she says.” All of the specialties are treating COVID-19 patients and all of us are learning at the same time how to deal with this disease.

“It is a nightmare now here in Spain”.
Immigration stress among refugees resettled in the United States
Authors: Kamimura Akiko , Weaver Shannon , Sin Kai , Pye Mu , Panahi Samin
Published: July 2020

Background:

Immigration stress includes acculturation stress and the stress related to language barriers, discrimination, occupational challenges, and feelings of isolation from society and a sense of newness or loss.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to examine immigration stress among refugees resettled in the United States.

Methods:

A self-administered or interviewer-administered survey was collected from individuals with a refugee background in Utah from summer through fall in 2017 ( N = 190).

Results:

Older age was associated with higher levels of financial stress and homesickness. Poorer levels of self-rated health and fewer somatic symptoms were related to higher levels of homesickness and language barriers. Higher educational attainment was associated with higher levels of financial stress.

Conclusion:

Refugees are a vulnerable population due to being displaced to a foreign country and having to quickly learn a new language and different culture. It is imperative to gain more knowledge on diverse refugee groups and ways in which they can maintain optimum quality of life through and after the resettlement process.
Motor, Cognitive, and Socioemotional Skills Among Children With Disabilities Over Time
Authors: Cheung W. Catherine , Meadan Hedda , Shen Sa
Published: July 2020

Preschoolers demonstrate rapid growth in motor, cognitive, and socioemotional (SE) skills. The Early Childhood Longitude Study–Birth Cohort was used to investigate the discrepancy in fine motor, gross motor, cognitive, and SE skills between children with and without disabilities. Findings indicated that, compared with typically developing children (TDC), children with disabilities (CWD) have (a) significant discrepancies in preschool and kindergarten among these skills, (b) an increased discrepancy in fine motor and cognitive skills from preschool to kindergarten, (c) the largest gaps in gross motor skills at preschool and kindergarten, and (d) no significant change in SE gaps from preschool to kindergarten. The findings provide evidence to support the discrepancies in motor, cognitive, and SE skills between CWD and TDC that occur as early as preschool, and that these discrepancies are not getting smaller as children enter kindergarten.
Identifying Positive Features of the Sadness Prototype
Authors: Shirai Mariko , Nagamine Masato
Published: July 2020

Sadness, an emotional experience of daily life, is typically associated with negative experiences such as the loss of a loved one. However, sadness also has an adaptive function, as it can help us respond appropriately to environmental demands. While previous research has revealed positive functions of sadness, it is unclear whether laypeople recognize any positive aspects of sadness. In the present three-part study, we aimed to identify whether laypeople conceptualize any positive features of sadness. In Part 1, we asked Japanese participants ( n = 122) to describe the features of “sadness,” and their responses revealed 37 different sadness features, some of which were assumed to be positive aspects (e.g., meaning making). In Part 2, we asked a second group of Japanese participants ( n = 140) to rate the centrality of each previously named feature, and we then classified the features into either central or peripheral sadness features. At this point, participants reported positive aspects of sadness (e.g., co-occurrence of positive emotion). To confirm the differences between central and peripheral features, in Part 3 we examined automatic responses toward these features from a third group of Japanese participants ( n = 91) and demonstrated the relationship between the concept of sadness and its characteristic features. We presented these participants with a subset of the features of sadness and then asked them to complete a recall and recognition task. As expected, they recalled central features more often than peripheral features of sadness, and they generated false recognitions to central features. In conclusion, this three-part study indicated that there are positive features related to the function of sadness that laypeople can identify in their mental lexicon.
Conditioning well data to rule-based lobe model by machine learning with a generative adversarial network
Authors: Jo Honggeun , Santos Javier E , Pyrcz Michael J
Published: July 2020

Rule-based reservoir modeling methods integrate geological depositional process concepts to generate reservoir models that capture realistic geologic features for improved subsurface predictions and uncertainty models to support development decision making. However, the robust and direct conditioning of these models to subsurface data, such as well logs, core descriptions, and seismic inversions and interpretations, remains as an obstacle for the broad application as a standard subsurface modeling technology. We implement a machine learning-based method for fast and flexible data conditioning of rule-based models. This study builds on a rule-based modeling method for deep-water lobe reservoirs. The model has three geological inputs: (1) the depositional element geometry, (2) the compositional exponent for element stacking pattern, and (3) the distribution of petrophysical properties with hierarchical trends conformable to the surfaces. A deep learning-based workflow is proposed for robust and non-iterative data conditioning. First, a generative adversarial network learns salient geometric features from the ensemble of the training rule-based models. Then, a new rule-based model is generated and a mask is applied to remove the model near local data along the well trajectories. Last, semantic image inpainting restores the mask with the optimum generative adversarial network realization that is consistent with both local data and the surrounding model. For the deep-water lobe example, the generative adversarial network learns the primary geological spatial features to generate reservoir realizations that reproduce hierarchical trend as well as the surface geometries and stacking pattern. Moreover, the trained generative adversarial network explores the latent reservoir manifold and identifies the ensemble of models to represent an uncertainty model. Semantic image inpainting determines the optimum replacement for the near-data mask that is consistent with the local data and the rest of the model. This work results in subsurface models that accurately reproduce reservoir heterogeneity, continuity, and spatial distribution of petrophysical parameters while honoring the local well data constraints.
Teachers’ Experiences With Difficult Bullying Situations in the School: An Explorative Study
Authors: van Verseveld Marloes D. A. , Fekkes Minne , Fukkink Ruben G. , Oostdam Ron J.
Published: July 2020

Although anti-bullying programs often include a component that focuses on strengthening teachers’ abilities in identifying and addressing bullying, it is not clear which bullying situations teachers find difficult to address and what type of support is needed. In the current qualitative study, we investigated what teachers considered difficult bullying situations, how they responded to these situations, and which barriers they encountered. We used data from individual in-depth interviews conducted with 38 Dutch elementary school teachers. Qualitative analysis showed that teachers experienced difficulties in (a) identifying bullying that happens out of sight, (b) estimating the seriousness of a reported incident, (c) addressing persistent aggressive and bullying behavior, and (d) finding solutions with parents to reduce bullying. Teachers used a variety of strategies in their efforts to address these situations. The results give insight into teachers’ needs regarding specific training and support in anti-bullying programs and preservice teacher programs.
Government Financial Management and the Coronavirus Pandemic: A Comparative Look at South Korea and the United States
Authors: Park Sungho , Maher Craig S.
Published: July 2020

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious respiratory illness afflicting people to a degree not seen since the flu pandemic of 1968 when approximately one million lives were lost worldwide. What makes COVID-19 distinct is the rate at which it spread throughout the world, stress-testing health care systems and stymieing global economies. To confront this unprecedented crisis, nearly every country has been developing a wide range of policy responses, including fiscal measures. This study aims to discuss government fiscal responses to the pandemic from a financial management perspective. The core question is, “How does each country’s financial management system support its fiscal responses to the crisis?” We are particularly interested in reexamining commonly accepted norms about fiscal federalism and the fiscal condition of national and local governments heading into this pandemic. This study takes a comparative approach to the question, focusing on South Korea and the United States. Our findings suggest that the ability to respond to this pandemic in a comprehensive and effective manner is challenged by each nation’s financial management system that generates variation in policy coordination and responsiveness.
Evidence-Based Decision-Making for a Public Health Emergency in China: Easier Said Than Done
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Chen Kelin , Zhao Ji
Published: July 2020

This article aims to argue that evidence-based decision-making for a public health emergency is “easier said than done” reflected on COVID-19 response in China. For the local government, the behavioral pattern is prone to blame-avoiding instead of making decision following scientific evidence and experts’ advice. However, such behavior is not based on completely subjective judgment but a rational choice for the local government. Some consequences associated with China’s response to COVID-19 reveals an inflexible administrative system. Therefore, China’s governance reform should focus on empowering local governments with more flexibility and resilience, which enables local governments to make independent and scientific decisions in an emergency.
Comparison of Coracoid Graft Position and Fixation in the Open Versus Arthroscopic Latarjet Techniques: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Minuesa-Asensio Alvaro , García-Esteo Francisco , Mérida-Velasco José Ramón , Barrio-Asensio Carmen , López-Fernández Pedro , Aramberri-Gutiérrez Mikel , Murillo-González Jorge
Published: July 2020

Background:

Since the description of the arthroscopic Latarjet technique, discussion about the superiority of the open or arthroscopic procedure has arisen. The appropriate placement of the coracoid graft (CG) on the anterior glenoid neck is reported to be the most important step of the Latarjet procedure.

Purpose:

To verify if there are differences in the parameters that may affect the final position and fixation of CG obtained from the open and arthroscopic Latarjet techniques.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty fresh-frozen human paired cadaveric shoulder specimens were randomly distributed in 2 surgery groups (open group [OG] and arthroscopic group [AG]) with 10 specimens in each. Two surgeons, each with experience performing open and arthroscopic Latarjet techniques, executed these procedures: one surgeon performed all open techniques, and the other performed all arthroscopic techniques, respectively. After surgery, a computerized tomography scan was performed. The surgical time, the position of each CG, a series of variables that might affect the CG fixation, and the level of the subscapularis muscle split were evaluated.

Results:

The mean surgical time was significantly longer in the AG (mean, 26 minutes for OG and 57 minutes for AG). Three intraoperative complications (30%) were identified in the AG, consisting of graft fractures. The CG was determined to be in an optimal cranial-caudal position in 90% of specimens of the OG and 44% of the AG (Fisher, P = .057). In both groups, the CG was placed in an optimal medial-lateral position in all specimens. In the OG, the degree of parallelism between the major axes of the glenoid surface and CG was significantly greater than in the AG (mean, 3.8º for OG and 15.1º for AG). No significant differences were observed in superior and inferior screw orientation between the groups. In the longitudinal and transverse directions, significant differences were found in the centering of the superior screw, being closer to the ideal point in the OG than in the AG. The location where the longitudinal subscapularis muscle split was performed was significantly higher in the AG.

Conclusion:

The open Latarjet technique required less surgical time; presented a lower number of intraoperative complications; and allowed more adequate placement of the CG, better centering of the screws, and a subscapularis muscle split closer to the ideal position.

Clinical Relevance:

The reported benefits of the arthroscopic Latarjet technique seem less clear if we take into account the added surgery time and complications.
Sex Differences in Anatomic Features Linked to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries During Skeletal Growth and Maturation
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Shayan , Kiapour Ata M.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Several anatomic features of the knee have been shown to affect joint and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loading and the risk of subsequent injuries. While several studies have highlighted sex differences between these anatomic features, little is known on how these differences develop during skeletal growth and maturation.

Hypotheses:

(A) Anatomic features linked to an ACL injury will significantly change during skeletal growth and maturation. (B) The age-related changes in anatomic features linked to an ACL injury are different between male and female patients.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3

Methods:

After institutional review board approval, magnetic resonance imaging data from 269 unique knees (patient age 3-18 years; 51% female), free from any injuries, were used to measure femoral notch width, posterior slope of the lateral tibial plateau (lateral tibial slope), medial tibial depth, tibial spine height, and posterior lateral meniscal bone angle. Linear regression was used to test the associations between age and quantified anatomic indices. Patients were then divided into 4 age groups: preschool (3-6 years), prepubertal (7-10 years), early adolescent (11-14 years), and late adolescent (15-18 years). Also, 2-way analysis of variance with the Holm-Sidak post hoc test was used to compare morphology between male and female patients in each age group.

Results:

The femoral notch width, medial tibial depth, and tibial spine height significantly increased with age ( P < .001). The lateral tibial slope decreased with age only in male patients ( P < .001). Except for the posterior lateral meniscal bone angle, the age-related changes in anatomy were different between male and female patients ( P < .05). On average, early and late adolescent female patients had smaller femoral notches, steeper lateral tibial slopes, flatter medial tibial plateaus, and shorter tibial spines compared with age-matched male patients ( P < .01).

Conclusion:

Overall, the findings supported our hypotheses, showing sex-specific changes in anatomic features linked to an ACL injury during skeletal growth and maturation. These observations help to better explain the reported age and sex differences in the prevalence of ACL injuries. The fact that most of these anatomic features undergo substantial changes during skeletal growth and maturation introduces the hypothesis that prophylactic interventions (ie, activity modification) would have the potential to reshape a maturing knee in a manner that lowers the risk of noncontact ACL injuries.
Comparing Meniscectomy and Meniscal Repair: A Matched Cohort Analysis Utilizing a National Insurance Database
Authors: Sochacki Kyle R. , Varshneya Kunal , Calcei Jacob G. , Safran Marc R. , Abrams Geoffrey D. , Donahue Joseph , Sherman Seth L.
Published: July 2020

Background:

Meniscal repair leads to improved patient outcomes compared with meniscectomy in small case series.

Purpose:

To compare the reoperation rates, 30-day complication rates, and cost differences between meniscectomy and meniscal repair in a large insurance database.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A national insurance database was queried for patients who underwent meniscectomy (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code 29880 or 29881) or meniscal repair (CPT code 29882 or 29883) in the outpatient setting and who had a minimum 2-year follow-up. Patients without confirmed laterality and patients who underwent concomitant ligament reconstruction were excluded. Reoperation was defined by ipsilateral knee procedure after the index surgery. The 30-day postoperative complication rates were assessed using the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. The cost of the procedures per patient was calculated. Propensity score matching was utilized to create matched cohorts with similar characteristics. Statistical comparisons of cohort characteristics, reoperations, postoperative complications, and payments were made. All P values were reported with significance set at P < .05.

Results:

A total of 27,580 patients (22,064 meniscectomy and 5516 meniscal repair; mean age, 29.9 ± 15.1 years; 41.2% female) were included in this study with a mean follow-up of 45.6 ± 21.0 months. The matched groups were similar with regard to characteristics and comorbidities. There were significantly more patients who required reoperation after index meniscectomy compared with meniscal repair postoperatively (5.3% vs 2.1%; P < .001). Patients undergoing meniscectomy were also significantly more likely to undergo any ipsilateral meniscal surgery ( P < .001), meniscal transplantation ( P = .005), or total knee arthroplasty ( P = .001) postoperatively. There was a significantly higher overall 30-day complication rate after meniscal repair (1.2%) compared with meniscectomy (0.82%; P = .011). The total day-of-surgery payments was significantly higher in the repair group compared with the meniscectomy group ($7094 vs $5423; P < .001).

Conclusion:

Meniscal repair leads to significantly lower rates of reoperation and higher rates of early complications with a higher total cost compared with meniscectomy in a large database study.
Planning of surgical activity in the COVID-19 era: A proposal for a step toward a possible healthcare organization
Authors: Rocco Bernardo , Bagni Alessandra , Bertellini Elisabtta , Sighinolfi Maria Chiara
Published: July 2020

Health-care systems worldwide are experiencing a decline in elective surgical activity during the current COVID-19 pandemics. The progression of morbid conditions—especially of cancer—and the uncontained increase of waiting list for scheduled interventions are the major drawbacks. We propose a possible organization of a COVID-19 free hospital or hub, that include both patients’ and workforce’s preparation before entering the facility. The addition of a planned pathway for the whole workforce (physicians, nurses, cleaning and transporting crews, etc.) represents the basis of the program, and involves COVID-19 testing and subsequent self-isolation before entering the hospital, avoidance of work in non-COVID free areas, a strategic fractioning with a multilayer coverage system of care, periodic re-testing. Based on these suggestions, the realization of a COVID-19 free hospital could be achieved, allowing the continuation of a safe surgical activity in view of a possible restoration of non-urgent activity.
Part-time by Gender, Not Choice: The Gender Gap in Involuntary Part-time Work
Authors: Pech Corey , Klainot-Hess Elizabeth , Norris Davon
Published: July 2020

Gender inequality in the labor market is a key focus of stratification research. Increasingly, variation in hours worked separates men and women’s employment experiences. Though women often voluntarily work part-time at higher rates than men, involuntary part-time work is both analytically distinct from voluntary part-time work and leaves workers economically precarious. To date, researchers have not systematically investigated gender disparities in involuntary part-time work in the United States. Utilizing Current Population Survey data, we test for a gender gap in involuntary part-time work and evaluate two potential mechanisms: occupational segregation and penalties for care work. We find that women are much more likely than men to work in involuntary part-time positions. Occupational segregation and a care work penalty partially, but not fully, explain this gap. Findings extend existing theories of gender inequality in the workforce and show how an underresearched dimension of job quality creates gender stratification in the United States.
Gender Disparity in Travel Demand Management of University Students and Employees
Authors: Zhang Sumei , Li Yanmei , Frimpong Boamah Emmanuel , Mog Justin
Published: July 2020

The Earn-a-Bike (EAB) program is a travel demand management (TDM) effort at the University of Louisville. It provides a $400 bike shop voucher for students and university employees to forgo their parking permits for two years. This research explores this program to answer three questions: Does gender affect people’s willingness to participate in a TDM program such as the EAB? Does gender have different impacts on population segments at different life stages? How does a suburbanized spatial structure interact with gender and affect people’s willingness to participate in the EAB program? The findings suggest that females are generally less willing to participate in the EAB program. However, when the student and faculty/staff populations are separated, this gender effect became insignificant for the student population, but became stronger for the faculty/staff population. Furthermore, females in suburban areas are less likely than males to participate in the program.
Sex workers access to health and social care services: A social justice response
Authors: Sweeney Leigh-Ann , Taylor Leonard , Molcho Michal
Published: July 2020

This research explores service providers’ views on the barriers that prevent women in the sex work industry in Ireland from accessing co-ordinated health services. A purposive sample of eight service providers in the field of women’s health and social care in the West of Ireland were selected and interviewed for this study. The service providers were asked about their perception of the barriers of sex workers accessing health and social care services. Using thematic analysis, three key themes were identified: (1) lack of knowledge of women’s involvement in sex work; (2) identified barriers to health services; and (3) legislative and policy barriers to providing supportive services. While the service providers acknowledged that they do not knowingly provide services for sex workers, they all recognise that some of their service users are at risk of, and potentially are, involved in sex work. Yet, they were able to identify some of the barriers sex workers face when accessing their services. All these barriers were the result to the services’ limited capacity to support women engaging in sex work. At the time of data collection, the legislative context meant that selling sex under certain conditions was outside the law. This study highlights the consequences that criminalisation can have on the health of sex workers and the need for a paradigm shift in existing health and social care services. In this paper, we propose that a social justice rather than a criminal justice approach has the potential to address sex workers’ right to access appropriate health care. This paper gives due recognition to marginalised women, and advocates for better provision of services for women in the sex industry, while considering the new legislation of 2017.
From Intention to Trust to Behavioral Trust: Trust Building in Family Business Advising
Authors: de Groote Julia K. , Bertschi-Michel Alexandra
Published: July 2020

By building on foundations from psychology, we aim to enhance academic understanding of the advising process in family businesses. We find evidence, based on rich qualitative data, suggesting that trust serves as a key construct in the relationship between family businesses and their advisors. In particular, we empirically show and theorize that trusting relationships evolve via a nonlinear process characterized by a constant interplay between cognitive and—increasingly important—affective assessments of family business trustors. The following types of trust emerge from these internal assessments: an intention to trust, which develops into perceived trust and finally results in behavioral trust.
Effect of specimen orientation to the rolling direction on uniaxial tensile forming and failure limits
Authors: Ghosal Puja , Paul Surajit Kumar
Published: July 2020

Alteration of forming and failure limits due to planar anisotropy of the sheet metal significantly affects the safe forming operation region and finally successfully manufacturing of a sheet metal formed component. This article presents the effect of planar anisotropy on uniaxial tensile properties, forming and failure limits of cold-rolled ferritic and dual-phase steels. In-situ three dimensional digital image correlation technique is used to measure the evolution of local strain components during uniaxial tensile test. For both the steels, necking limit is highest for the specimen at an orientation of 90° to rolling direction, while failure limit is highest for those specimen whose orientation is 45° to rolling direction for ferritic steel, and both 0° and 90° to rolling direction for dual-phase steel. Uniaxial tensile deformation path for ferritic steel holds lower slope than dual-phase steel as depicted in major versus minor strain plot.
Tool wear monitoring in drilling of high-strength compacted graphite cast irons
Authors: da Silva LRR , Del Claro VTS , Andrade CLF , Guesser WL , Jackson MJ , Machado AR
Published: July 2020

Machining is such a complex system that any foreseen result is practically impossible. However, research always helps to further understand the process, which contributes to providing positive results. Tool wear is always difficult to foresee, but it can be measured and related to several output parameters. In each individual application, there will be the best parameter that most reliably represents the tool wear. In the present investigation, the hole quality parameters (roughness and cylindricity), power consumption, electrical consumption of the machine tool and the acoustic emission signals were recorded and correlated to the tool condition in order to find the best output parameter for tool wear monitoring during the drilling of compact graphite cast irons. Two high-strength grades of compacted graphite cast irons (both CGI 500 with changes in the matrix and graphitic structure) were machined and compared to the standard grade (CGI 450) usually used in the manufacturing of engines using TiAlN-coated carbide drills at a constant cutting condition. The results showed that the best output parameter to monitor the tool wear was the electric current signal.
Digital Twin–oriented real-time cutting simulation for intelligent computer numerical control machining
Authors: Cao Xian , Zhao Gang , Xiao Wenlei
Published: July 2020

Digital Twin has become a frontier research topic in recent years and the important development direction of intelligent manufacturing. For numerical control machining, a Digital Twin system can be used as an intelligent monitoring and analysis center by reflecting the real machining process in a virtual environment. The machining simulation is the key technology to realize this kind of application. However, existing machining simulation systems are designed for off-line situation that cannot be used directly in Digital Twin environment. The challenges for machining simulation are analyzed and explained in this article: (1) complete process data representation in simulation system; (2) executing in cooperating with computer numerical control system; (3) more efficient simulation algorithm. In order to meet these challenges, a new machining simulation system is proposed. STEP-NC standard is used to save complete process data exported from the computer-aided manufacturing system and synchronization algorithm is developed based on the communication data of computer numerical control system. Most importantly, an optimized tri-dexel-based machining simulation algorithm is developed to perform high efficiency that can follow the real machining process. Finally, a Digital Twin system for NC machining is presented that has been tested and verified in a workshop located in COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd).
Mechanism of interior noise generation in high-speed vehicle based on anti-noise operational transfer path analysis
Authors: Liu Ningning , Sun Yuedong , Wang Yansong , Sun Pei , Li Wenwu , Guo Hui
Published: July 2020

Owing to the continuous development of the automobile industry, increasingly stringent performance requirements for noise, vibration, and harshness of automobiles are being presented. Interior noise control in high-speed vehicles has not been adequately addressed, owing to the complex mechanism of noise generation. As simulations performed previously focused on vehicle wind noise and tyre noise cannot adequately predict the effect on passenger ear-side noise, these issues are investigated in this study. Their effects on passengers are investigated using transfer path analysis. An anti-noise operational transfer path analysis is proposed to study noise generated in high-speed vehicles. The established anti-noise operational transfer path analysis model can eliminate crosstalks between noise source signals of different transmission paths. The model is validated by comparing the measured and calculated values of the anti-noise operational transfer path analysis model. The coherence of the input noise signal and the ear-side noise signal of the passenger is assessed using coherence analysis. By calculating and categorising the contributions of different noise sources in different locations and types, the main noise sources affecting passenger comfort are determined. The result indicates that the main noise sources affecting the passenger’s ear-side noise change from engine noise to left-A wind noise and tyre radiation noise with increasing vehicle speed, in which the proportion also increase. The proposed anti-noise operational transfer path analysis is suitable for the interior-noise analysis of high-speed vehicles, and this study may serve as a reference for future studies regarding active and passive noise control in high-speed vehicles.
A controversy in Folha de S. Paulo: Critical discourse reflections on the representation of homelessness and the coloniality of being
Authors: de Melo Resende Viviane
Published: July 2020

In this article, I present some results of a project that, in the context of critical discourse studies and the interdiscursive analysis of public policies, focused on representations of online journalism regarding public policies aimed at the homeless population. The research project ‘Representations of public policies for the homeless population as territory management: spatial metaphors in Folha de S. Paulo’ was developed at the Pompeu Fabra University, Spain, throughout 2018 (supported by CAPES 88881.172032/2018-01). Using as a reference one of the leading newspaper of the city of São Paulo, Folha de Sao Paulo in its digital platform, I have compiled a comprehensive corpus of news about homelessness published during 3 years. Besides the panoramic analyses of the corpus, the article analyses more closely four texts that address each other in a sequence, a polemic concerning law and rights. These texts, published during 2 weeks, emerged from the corpus 105 texts on public policies directed to the homeless population, analyzed through a QDA software, focusing on patterns of metaphorical representation of public policies addressed to the homeless population.
Role of nitric oxide donor in methotrexate-induced testicular injury via modulation of pro-inflammatory mediators, eNOS and P-glycoprotein
Authors: Abdelzaher WY , Khalaf HM , El-Hussieny M , Bayoumi AMA , Shehata S , Refaie MMM
Published: July 2020

Methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent but its clinical use is challenged with different forms of toxicities including testicular injury. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of potassium channel opener, nicorandil (NIC) (3 and 10 mg/kg/day) on MTX-induced testicular injury in a rat model. Rats were randomly divided into four groups (nine rats each) and treated for 2 weeks as follows: (I) normal control (CON group) received vehicle, (II) model group (MTX group) given MTX (20 mg/kg) single intraperitoneal ( i.p.) injection dose on 11th day, (III) MTX + NLD group treated with NIC (3 mg/kg/day) orally for 2 weeks and MTX (20 mg/kg) single i.p. dose on 11th day, and (IV) MTX + NHD group treated with NIC (10 mg/kg/day) orally for 2 weeks and MTX (20 mg/kg) single i.p. injection on the 11th day. The testicular injury was assessed biochemically via serum testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, testicular oxidative stress parameters, P-glycoprotein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1β. Furthermore, histopathological evaluation, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) immunoexpression, and detection of p53 expression level using Western blotting were performed. Results showed that MTX induced testicular injury which was proved by both biochemical and histopathological evaluations. Our results concluded that NIC pretreatment attenuated MTX-induced testicular injury via significantly increased eNOS immunoexpression, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Interestingly, NIC high dose is more protective than low dose.
Effect of different particle size of silica on structure, morphology, and properties of thermoplastic cassava starch
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Fan Lilan , Xiong Junmei , Liang Zesheng
Published: July 2020

Thermoplastic cassava starch (TPS)/silica (SiO2) composites were prepared through melt-mixing, and the effect of different SiO2 particle size (20 nm, 200 nm, and 23 µm) on the structure, morphology, and properties of TPS/SiO2 composites was investigated. TPS/SiO2 composite containing 200 nm SiO2 has the lowest plasticizing time and torque, and the highest tensile and impact strength. The 23 µm SiO2 particle has the strongest effect on promoting retrogradation of starch, while the 200 nm SiO2 particle could inhibit the retrogradation of starch. TPS/SiO2 composite containing 200 nm SiO2 has the highest thermal stability, resistant water absorption, and light transmittance. The 200 nm SiO2 particle could be uniformly and finely dispersed in the starch matrix, however 20 nm SiO2 particle easily aggregated in TPS. The spherulites size was uniform in TPS/SiO2 composite containing 200 nm SiO2. TPS/SiO2 composite indicates the mixture of A + V types of crystalline structure, and TPS/SiO2 composite containing 23 µm SiO2 had the largest crystal size.
Nurse managers’ perspectives on working with everyday ethics in long-term care
Authors: Devik Siri Andreassen , Munkeby Hilde , Finnanger Monica , Moe Aud
Published: July 2020

Background:

Nurse managers are expected to continuously ensure that ethical standards are met and to support healthcare workers’ ethical competence. Several studies have concluded that nurses across various healthcare settings lack the support needed to provide safe, compassionate and competent ethical care.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore and understand how nurse managers perceive their role in supporting their staff in conducting ethically sound care in nursing homes and home nursing care.

Design and participants:

Qualitative individual interviews were performed with 10 nurse managers with human resources responsibilities for healthcare workers in four nursing home wards and six home nursing care districts. Content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Ethical considerations:

The Norwegian Centre for Research Data granted permission for this study.

Findings:

The analysis resulted in seven subcategories that were grouped into three main categories: managers’ perception of the importance of the role, managers’ experiences of exercising the role and managers’ opportunities to fulfil the role. Challenges with conceptualizing ethics were highlighted, as well as lack of applicable tools or time and varying motivation among employees.

Discussion:

The leaders tended to perceive ethics as a ‘personal matter’ and that the need for and benefit of ethical support (e.g., ethics reflection) depended on individuals’ vulnerability, attitudes, commitment and previous experiences. The managers did not seem to distinguish between their own responsibility to support ethical competence and the responsibility of the individual employee to provide ethical care.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that nurse managers need support themselves, both to understand and to carry out their responsibilities to foster their staffs’ ethical conduct. Supporting staff in conducting ethically sound care requires more than organizing meeting places for ethical reflection; it also requires greater awareness and understanding of what ethical leadership means.