bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of atmospheric ice adhesion properties of superhydrophobic surface by in-situ shear system
Authors: Liu Yan , Xi Naiyuan , Zhang Xiangning , Liu Nan
Published: November 2020

Based on shear strength calculation, this paper established an accurate method to measure the ice adhesion strength on any solid surface in an environment chamber by using self-made experimental equipment. The inherent characteristics of material and external environment which have
strong influence on ice adhesion strength were investigated. The mechanism of ice adhesion was interpreted by studying the adhesion strength of ice layer with different surface wettability. The smooth steel substrate without any treatment and superhydrophobic surface samples were selected
to study the relationship between ice adhesion strength and surface temperature. Meanwhile, the ice peak adhesion strength of the surface after freezing for 20–360 min under different low temperatures was analyzed. The results showed that the equipment provides a scientific and reasonable
approach for the researchers to characterize the anti-icing performance of surfaces with different wettability.
Flower-like C@V2O5 microspheres as highly electrochemically active cathode in aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Wu Zebin , Zhou Wei , Liu Zhen , Zhou Yijie , Zeng Guilin , Chen Han
Published: November 2020

Flower-like C@V2O5 microspheres with high specific capacity were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The microstructure, specific capacity and electrochemical properties of C@V2O5 microspheres were studied. Results showed that the
C@V2O5 microspheres with a diameter of ∼3 m are covered over by V2O5 nanosheets, and therefore have a large surface area which is almost 5 times higher than that of pure V2O5 powders. Moreover, the initial specific capacity
of C@V2O5 microsphere is as high as 247.42 mAh · g–1, and after 100 cycles, the capacity retention rate is still 99.4%. Compared with pure V2O5, flower-like C@V2O5 microspheres show higher discharge specific
capacity, better rate performance and more stable cycling performance.
Preparation and characterization of a fly ash and cement-based foam composite
Authors: Zhao Liang , Huang Qian , Xue Qunhu , Yao Shuang , Li Xiang
Published: November 2020

Industrial waste fly ash and ordinary Portland cement (PO42.5) were used as the main raw materials, Ca(OH)2 as the alkali activator, modified rosin soap as the foaming agent, and glass fiber as the reinforcing agent. A physical foaming technology was chosen to fabricate a
fly ash and cement-based foam composite. The effects of water-to-binder (W/B) ratio and glass fiber addition on the performance of the foam composite were studied. The structure formation and reinforcement mechanism of the foam composite were discussed, and the optimal formulation was determined,
which provides a new technical approach to utilize fly ash and improve the strength and reliability of foam cement products. The results show that different water-to-binder ratios directly affect the stability of the pores during the foaming process, and the glass fiber has a protective effect
on the foam. When the W/B ratio is 0.5, meanwhile the addition of glass fiber is 1.5%, the fly ash and cement-based foam composite can achieve better physical performance: the dry density is 368 kg/m3, the water absorption rate is 39.12%, and the 28-day compressive strength is increased
by 86.31% (reaching 3.47 MPa) compared to that of the sample without a glass fiber.
Preference of three scarab beetle species to floral cues
Authors: Zhang Hongfei , Li Weizheng , Zhang Yan , Yuan Guohui , Yang Mingsheng
Published: November 2020

The role of floral visual cues was studied in both sexes of three nocturnal scarab beetle species (Holotrichia oblita, Holotrichia parallela, and Anomala corpulenta). Flower patterns were designed using n-petal rose curve and radial gradient tools. Bioassay
of plain colored patterns showed that both sexes of H. oblita and H. parallela preferred yellow and white. In contrast, A. corpulenta showed sexual differentiation in preferences. Comparison between given radial gradient patterns and their color components indicated that
a radial gradient was necessary in both sexes of H. oblita rather than both sexes of H. parallela to elicit the highest response. Sexual differentiation was found in A. corpulenta. Among 4-, 8-, and 12-petaled patterns, the 4-petaled patterns were most preferred by all
of the test insects, regardless of species and sex. Choice assays that provided both odor and visual cues suggest that olfaction may be the primary sensory modality in the three scarab species.
Facile designed poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-containing nano-platform carried dual drug system to improve progressive combination cancer therapy against human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Wang Pengyun , Wei Lei , Yang Shuye , Dong Xuebo , Wang Zhen , Li Liang , Zhang Xianqi
Published: November 2020

We have designed a methodology to achieve treatment-actuated modifications in a tumor microenvironment by utilizing synergistic activity between two potential anticancer drugs. Dual drug delivery of Sorafenib (Sf) along with Cisplatin (Pt) exhibits a great anti-cancer potential, as
Sf enhances the effect of Pt treatment of human osteosarcoma cells by providing microenvironment stability. However, encapsulation of Sf and Pt obsessed by poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-based nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs) is incompetent owing to unsuitability between the binary free Sf and
Pt moieties and the polymeric system. Now, we display that Pt can be prepared by hydrophobic covering of the drug centers with dioleoylphosphatidic acid (DOPA). The DOPA-covered Pt centers can be co-encapsulated in PLGA NPs alongside Sf to stimulate excellent anticancer property. The occurrence
of the Pt centers suggestively enhanced the encapsulations of Sf into PLGA-NPs. Formation of the nanocomposite (Pt-Sf@PLGA-NPs) was confirmed by FTIR and X-ray spectroscopic techniques. Further, the morphology of Pt-Sf@PLGA-NPs and nanoparticle size was examined by scanning electron microscopic
and transmission microscopy, respectively. Furthermore, Pt-Sf@PLGA-NPs induced significant apoptosis in human osteosarcoma MG-63 and U2OS cancer cells in vitro. The results suggest that Pt-Sf@PLGA-NPs are one of the promising human osteosarcoma cancer therapeutic candidates worthy of
further investigations.
Spatial conformation measurement of gold nanorods translocated through a solid-state nanopore
Authors: Xi Guohao , Ye Yuan , Wang Lulu , Zhuang Wei , Yan Xin , Wang Yutong , Zhang Lei , Wu Lingzhi
Published: November 2020

The solid-state nanopore has been developed as a powerful biosensor to detect individual molecules and nanoparticles. The operational principle of the technique was to determine the volume, concentration, and zeta potential of the particles from the electrical signals as nanoparticles
passing through the pore. Here, gold nanorod samples were used to measure the dynamic translocation process though a nano channel. Gold nanorods have a high throughput in silicon nitride nanopore sensing because of their positive charge characteristics. Meanwhile, a set of varied shapes of
nanorods was modeled in nanopore transport. Rod-like nanoparticles were found to adjust partial conformation to enter and pass the pore, and it was found that the dynamic process of nanorod translocation is the result of a combination of electrophoresis and electroosmotic action between nanopores
and nanoparticles. These results improve our understanding of the dynamics of rod-shaped biopolymers and viruses translocating through biomembranes. They provide a new way of depicting biomolecule transport in the life system.
Physiological Measurements of Situation Awareness: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Ting , Yang Jing , Liang Nade , Pitts Brandon J. , Prakah-Asante Kwaku , Curry Reates , Duerstock Bradley , Wachs Juan P , Yu Denny
Published: November 2020

Objective

The goal of this systematic literature review is to investigate the relationship between indirect physiological measurements and direct measures of situation awareness (SA).

Background

Across different environments and tasks, assessments of SA are often performed using techniques designed specifically to directly measure SA, such as SAGAT, SPAM, and/or SART. However, research suggests that indirect physiological sensing methods may also be capable of predicting SA. Currently, it is unclear which particular physiological approaches are sensitive to changes in SA.

Method

Seven databases were searched using the PRISMA reporting guidelines. Eligibility criteria included human-subject experiments that used at least one direct SA assessment technique, as well as at least one physiological measurement. Information extracted from each article was the physiological metric(s), the direct SA measurement(s), the correlation between these two metrics, and the experimental task(s). All studies underwent a quality assessment.

Results

Twenty-five articles were included in this review. Eye tracking techniques were the most commonly used physiological measures, and correlations between conscious aspects of eye movement measures and direct SA scores were observed. Evidence for cardiovascular predictors of SA were mixed. EEG studies were too few to form strong conclusions, but were consistently positive.

Conclusion

Further investigation is needed to methodically collect more relevant data and comprehensively model the relationships between a wider range of physiological measurements and direct assessments of SA.

Application

This review will guide researchers and practitioners in methods to indirectly assess SA with sensors and highlight opportunities for future research on wearables and SA.
Social Distance between Residents and Tourists Explained by Residents’ Attitudes Concerning Tourism
Authors: Thyne Maree , Woosnam Kyle Maurice , Watkins Leah , Ribeiro Manuel Alector
Published: November 2020

Drawing on the theory of social distance, this study examined the extent to which residents’ attitudes concerning tourism can predict a sympathetic understanding of tourists. Results from residents within the rapidly emerging inbound tourism market, Japan ( n=1569), were analyzed. EFA was undertaken on both residents’ attitudes and social distance data. CFA was then undertaken to establish a measurement model, followed by SEM to examine model relationships. The SEM revealed that more negative attitudes concerning tourism were found to have the strongest impact on less sympathetic understanding of tourists and vice versa, revealing that residents’ attitudes toward tourists depend in part upon whether attitudes about tourism are positive or negative. This study expands residents’ attitude theory by exploring the outcomes of such attitudes, rather than focusing on antecedents. Practical implications are advanced concerning internal marketing strategies, such as disseminating the positive impacts of tourism development to residents.
Ex Ante Tourism Forecasting Assessment
Authors: Liu Anyu , Lin Vera Shanshan , Li Gang , Song Haiyan
Published: November 2020

Although numerous studies have focused on forecasting international tourism demand, minimal light has been shed on the factors influencing the accuracy of real-world ex ante forecasting. This study evaluates the forecasting errors across various prediction horizons by analyzing the annually published forecasts of the Pacific Asia Tourism Association (PATA) from 2013 to 2017, comprising 765 origin–destination pairs covering 31 destinations in the region. The regression analysis shows that the variation in tourism demand and gross domestic product (GDP), covariation between tourism demand and GDP, order of lagged variables, origin, destination, and forecasting method all have significant effects on the forecasting accuracy over different horizons. This suggests that tourism forecasting should account for these factors in the future.
Migration as a Livelihood Strategy Adopted by Fisherfolk in South India
Authors: Rajan S. Irudaya , Pillai Kildos Anthony
Published: November 2020

Using the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF), this study traces the livelihood conditions of a coastal community located in Kanniyakumari district in south India. From a vulnerable, pre-modern phase, this fishing group, by adapting to technologically advanced craft and gears moved into a more dynamic phase of modernisation with diverse livelihood opportunities. Unfortunately later, this fishing community began to suffer economically as the use of harmful gears in their boats resulted in the decimation of marine resources and subsequently a reduction in their income. In the absence of any institutional support mechanism to sustain them, fishing households have begun looking outside their home environs for economic opportunities to better their living conditions. One of the more significant ways through which the fishing community has been able to cope with its strained circumstances is to migrate to the Gulf countries.
Signaling Under Threat: Evidence of Voluntary Disclosure in Contested Takeovers
Authors: Lobo Gerald J. , Xie Kangzhen , Yan Claire J.
Published: November 2020

We investigate voluntary disclosure strategies in contested takeovers and the associated economic consequences. Using a difference-in-differences research design and propensity score matching, we find that, relative to friendly takeovers, target management in contested takeovers provides more earnings guidance and conveys more good news during the takeover. Moreover, voluntary disclosure helps contested targets negotiate a better offer, and the results are stronger for targets with more information asymmetry. Collectively, targets adopt voluntary disclosure and alter their strategies under the threat of contested takeover to enhance their bargaining power. Voluntary disclosure by contested targets serves as a negotiation tactic that potentially benefits target shareholders.
Forging Forms of Authority through the Sociomateriality of Food in Partial Organizations
Authors: Pascucci Stefano , Dentoni Domenico , Clements Jen , Poldner Kim , Gartner William B.
Published: November 2020

This study theorizes on the sociomateriality of food in authority-building processes of partial organizations by exploring alternative food networks (AFNs). Through the construction of arenas for food provisioning, AFNs represent grassroots collectives that deliberately differentiate their practices from mainstream forms of food provisioning. Based on a sequential mixed-methods analysis of 24 AFNs, where an inductive chronological analysis is followed by a qualitative comparative analysis (QCA), we found that the entanglements between participants’ food provisioning practices and food itself shape how authority emerges in AFNs. Food generates biological, physiological and social struggles for AFN participants who, in turn, respond by embracing or avoiding them. As an outcome, most AFNs tend to bureaucratize over time according to four identified patterns while a few idiosyncratically build a more shared basis of authority. We conclude that the sociomateriality of food plays an important yet indirect role in understanding why and how food provisioning arenas re-organize and forge their forms of authority over time.
Investigating Category Dynamics: An Archival Study of the German Food Market
Authors: Gollnhofer Johanna , Bhatnagar Kushagra
Published: November 2020

The contemporary German food market is marked by a large number of food items on retail shelves—the choice and abundance of products stand in sharp contrast to the market of the 1950s. We conduct a qualitative, interpretive analysis of the archives of a food magazine from West Germany between 1949 and 2014 to understand the changes the German food market has undergone. Drawing on category research, we discover three inter-related category dynamics that contribute to the change in the market: category member proliferation, category member valorization, and category member entanglement. We then discuss the implications of category dynamics and theorize how they drive category change.
Teachers’ Experiences With LGBTQ+ Issues in Secondary Schools: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Goldstein-Schultz Martha
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study investigated teachers’ experiences with LGBTQ+ instruction as well as other school environment changes related to LGBTQ+ issues. It looked at teachers’ attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals, comfort levels with the topics and administrative support, self-perceived knowledge and teacher preparation, and supports and barriers to instruction. Lastly, the study investigated teachers’ in-service and pre-service training experiences.

Design

Using a sequential mixed methods approach, research began with qualitative inquiry, followed by quantitative assessment via self-administered paper surveys.

Methods

There were 11 in-depth participant interviews, and 94 surveys assessing teachers’ attitudes, comfort levels, self-perceived knowledge and preparation, and supports and barriers to LGBTQ+ topics.

Results

Data analysis revealed teachers’ school location and pre-service and in-service training experiences impacted comfort levels and self-perceived knowledge and preparation levels to teach these issues. Data also indicated that new teachers were the least comfortable with LGBTQ+ topics in the classroom and school environment.

Conclusion

Data demonstrated lack of LGBTQ+ teacher training, indicated need to support new Health Education professionals, and inadequate pre-service teacher training.
Optimization of microstructural morphology via laser processing to enhance the bond strength of Al-CFRP
Authors: Liu Xiaokang , Zhu Hang , Xie Yingxi , Xu Lanying , Lin Na , Lu Longsheng
Published: November 2020

Generating surface-functional microstructures is an effective way to enhance the bonding strength of metal and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). In this study, different microstructural morphologies consisting of two different patterns were generated on the aluminum alloy (A7075) surface via laser processing. The experimental results indicated that different microstructural morphologies contribute to the enhancement of the shear strength of lap joints. The maximum shear strength of these joints was almost four times stronger than that of lap joints without the microstructures. In addition, the investigation indicated that the shear strength was not only determined by surface roughness and contact area but also by the arrangement of different microstructures. These results are mainly due to the combination of mechanical interlocking and physical adhesion. Finally, the corresponding mechanical models of Al-CFRP lap joints were proposed according to the bonding mechanisms and fracture behaviors.
Experimental investigation of ground effects on aerodynamics of sinusoidal leading-edge wings
Authors: Mehraban AA , Djavareshkian MH
Published: November 2020

Sinusoidal leading-edge wings have attracted many considerations since they can delay the stall and enhance the maneuverability. The main contribution of this research study is to experimentally investigate effects of ground on aerodynamic performance of sinusoidal leading-edge wings. To this end, 6 tubercled wings with different amplitudes and wavelengths are fabricated and compared with the baseline wing which has smooth leading-edge. Proposed wings are tested in different distances from the ground in a wind tunnel lab for a wide range of angle of attack from 0° to 36° and low Reynolds number of 45,000. Results indicated that lift coefficient is improved when wings get close to the ground. Furthermore, increment of protuberance amplitude in the vicinity of the ground could efficiently prevent stalling particularly for shorter wavelength.
Nonlinear dynamic properties of the rotor-bearing system involving bolted disk-disk joint
Authors: Luo Zhong , Li Yuqi , Li Lei , Liu Zijia
Published: November 2020

Bolted joints are major components to connect the multiple stages of disks in the aero-engine, which directly influences the motion state of the rotor system. This paper studies the effect of some typical structure parameters on the time-varying bending stiffness of the bolted disk-disk joint through finite-element simulations. Based on the Lagrange’s equations, a two-node element used to represent the bolted joint is derived, which is called the joint element. Then, a mathematical model of the rotor system with a bolted disk-disk joint supported by ball bearings is established through the Timoshenko beam and the joint element. The dynamic model is numerically solved using the Newmark-β method. The largest Lyapunov exponent, three-dimension spectral plots, and frequency-response curves are employed to reveal the effect of the bending behavior on the rotor dynamics. Comparisons indicate that the structural parameter of the bolted joint has a slight influence on motion stability, critical speed, and amplitude corresponding to the critical speed. Finally, an experimental study is conducted through a bolted-disk joint rotor test rig with an electrical tightening wrench, showing that the increase of pre-tightening torque will lead to a decrease of the amplitude corresponding to critical speed due to the hardening effect. The modeling method proposed in the present work paves a way for modeling and analyzing of the rotor system with a bolted disk-disk joint.
A patient-specific finite element model of the smoker’s lung during breathing
Authors: Hasani Mojtaba , Razaghi Reza , Hassani Kamran , Rahmati Seyed Mohammadali , Tehrani Pedram , Karimi Alireza
Published: November 2020

Lungs expand during breathing through increasing the space in the chest cavity. The mechanical properties of the lung play a pivotal role for space, which provides during breathing. Smoking via chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can affect this mechanical function through the alteration of the mechanical properties of the lung tissue. Recently our group performed an experimental study to measure the axial and transversal mechanical properties of the human healthy and smokers’ lung tissues (Karimi et al., Tech Health Care 2018). Our results revealed a higher stiffness for the smokers’ lung tissues compared to the healthy ones. Here, we aimed to calculate the stresses, pressures, deformations, and kinetic energies in the healthy and smokers’ lung tissues during breathing in interaction with the ribs and sternum. To do that, a patient-specific finite element (FE) model of the human lung was established and numerically subjected to an inhale-exhale pressure phase. The FE results revealed a higher pressure and a lower deformation in the smoking lung tissue compared to the healthy one. In addition, the stiffer smoking lung exerted a higher pressure and deformation in the sternum and ribs compared to the healthy lung. Furthermore, the smoking lung displayed a lower kinetic energy compared to the healthy lung and as a result, it transferred a higher amount of energy to the bones, which might increase the chance of bone remodeling and/or fracture during, e.g., coughing. These results have implications for not only understanding of the stresses and deformations induce in the lung tissues among the healthy and smokers during breathing but also for providing a preliminary information for the medical and biomechanical experts to have an assessment of the amount of injury occurs to the lung because of smoking.
A novel mobile phone application for infant stool color recognition: An easy and effective tool to identify acholic stools in newborns
Authors: Angelico Roberta , Liccardo Daniela , Paoletti Monica , Pietrobattista Andrea , Basso Maria S , Mosca Antonella , Safarikia Samira , Grimaldi Chiara , Saffioti Maria C , Candusso Manila , Maggiore Giuseppe , Spada Marco
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Early diagnosis of biliary atresia is essential to improve long-term outcomes. Newborn screening with an infant stool color card allows early recognition of biliary atresia patients. Our aim was to develop and validate a mobile phone application (PopòApp) able to identify acholic stools.

Methods

An intuitive app was developed for iOS and Android smartphones. A learning machine process was used to generate an algorithm for stools color recognition based on the seven colors of the infant stool color card, which were considered as the gold standard. Consecutive images of stools were taken by the PopòApp, directly into the diapers of children aged ≤6 months. The PopòApp classified the photographs as “normal”, “acholic” or “uncertain”. To validate the PopòApp, four doctors independently classified all images, and only those for which all doctors agreed were included. The sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive values, and accuracy of the PopòApp were evaluated.

Results

Of 165 images collected, 160 were included in the study. All acholic stools were recognized by the PopòApp. The PopòApp sensitivity was 100% (95% CI:93.9%–100%) with no false negatives, regardless of the brand of phone. The specificity was 99.0% (95% CI:94.6%–99.9%). The accurancy of the PopòApp was 99.4% (95% CI:96.6%–99.9%), with a positive predictive value of 98.4% (95% CI:89.8%–99.8%).

Conclusion

The current study proved, in a large cohort, that the PopòApp is an accurate and easy tool for recognition of acholic stools. The mobile App may represent an effective strategy for the early referral of children with acholic stools, and potentially could improve the outcomes of biliary atresia.
Identification of practically important traumatic brain injury using Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network rule in children younger than 2 years with minor head trauma
Authors: Kim Jon Soo , Kim Jin Cheol , Sung Won Young
Published: November 2020

Background:

Minor head trauma is frequently presented to the pediatric emergency department. Despite the burden this injury poses on public health, evidence-based clinical guidelines on the assessment and management of pediatric minor head trauma remain unestablished, particularly in children below 2 years. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a clinical decision rule (Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network rule) and physician discretion in the recognition of practically important traumatic brain injury in children below 2 years of age presenting with minor head trauma to the emergency department.

Methods:

The medical records of children younger than 2 years presenting with head trauma to the emergency department were reviewed with Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 14–15. Practically important traumatic brain injury is a clinically essential traumatic brain injury including all cranial abnormalities (e.g. skull fracture) detected by computed tomography. All predictor variables of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network rule and practically important traumatic brain injury outcomes were validated.

Results:

We enrolled and analyzed 433 children below 2 years. The most frequently observed mechanisms of injury in decreasing order were as follows: falls > 90 cm, head struck by high-impact objects, slip down, and automobile traffic accident. Of 224 children, positive findings were observed in 35 and 144 had one or more predictors of Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network rule. The sensitivity, specificity, and negative likelihood ratio of the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network rule for practically important traumatic brain injury were 94.3%, 41.3%, and 0.14, respectively.

Conclusion:

The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network rule would assist in clinical decision-making to appropriately detect potential head injuries in children below 2 years, thereby reducing unnecessary performance of computed tomography scan.
Mediating Effects of Social Support on Caregiver Burden and Quality of Life for Compound and Noncompound Caregivers
Authors: Marsack-Topolewski Christina N.
Published: November 2020

This study sought to explore the mediating effect of informal social support on the relationship between caregiver burden and quality of life among compound and noncompound caregivers. Parents ( N = 320) completed a web-based survey aimed to examine effects of caring for an adult child with autism spectrum disorder. Results of the mediation analysis suggested that informal social support partially mediated the relationship between caregiver burden and quality of life for both groups. Informal social support appears to be more impactful for noncompound caregivers compared with compound caregivers based on a greater reduction in explained variance. These results highlight the importance of informal social support as caregivers juggle ongoing challenges to provide care to one or more care recipients.
The role of Ahmed glaucoma valve in the management of refractory glaucoma: Long-term outcomes and complications
Authors: Luzu Jade , Baudouin Christophe , Hamard Pascale
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and long-term complications of the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) in refractory glaucoma.

Materials and methods:

Seventy-eight eyes with glaucoma refractory to conventional surgical procedures (filtration surgery and diode laser cyclophotocoagulation) underwent AGV implantation between May 2006 and August 2018. The criteria for success were defined as an intraocular pressure (IOP) less than 18 mmHg and a decrease of at least 20% from the preoperative IOP. The criteria for failure were an IOP greater than 18 mmHg or less than 5 mmHg, an increase in medical treatment, a decrease of less than 20% of the initial IOP, the need for another glaucoma surgery, or a decrease in visual acuity attributable to the valve.

Results:

IOP decreased from 31.0 ± 9.0 mmHg to 17.2 ± 7.2 mmHg (mean follow-up 32.5 months), for a mean IOP lowering of 44.5% ( p < 0.001). Medical treatment was significantly reduced from 5.3 ± 1.5 to 2.8 ± 1.9 ( p < 0.0001). The cumulative success rates were 59.4% at 3 years and 45.1% at 5 years. Encapsulation of the filtration bleb was the most common short-term complication (32.1%). Relevant long-term complications were bleb fibrosis with elevated IOP (12.8%) and corneal decompensation (10.2%).

Conclusion:

The AGV is an effective procedure in the long-term for controlling IOP in refractory glaucoma, with limited incidence of complications. These results suggest that the AGV might be considered earlier in the surgical strategy for glaucoma not controlled after one well-performed conventional filtration surgery.
A custom-made conformer wrapped in lower oral mucosa for the correction of severely contracted socket
Authors: Yang Fan , Li Zhengkang , Deng Yuan
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To investigate the clinical effects of a custom-made conformer wrapped in lower oral mucosa for the correction of severely contracted socket.

Methods:

Clinical data and photographs of 32 patients with severely contracted socket were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 32 cases, 21 were males and 11 were females. Their ages ranged from 20 to 71 years (mean, 45 years). Each patient underwent conjunctival sac plasty using a custom-made conformer wrapped by oral mucosa, then compression bandage for 1 month. All patients received tarsorrhaphy 6 months postoperatively, and an artificial eye was worn 1 week later.

Results:

All the grafts were fully vascularized. The conjunctival sacs had enough space to fit the desirable artificial eyes, and adequate aesthetic outcomes were reached postoperatively. The mean depth of the upper fornix was 4.28 ± 0.66 mm preoperatively and 18.84 ± 0.65 mm postoperatively ( p < 0.01), and lower fornix depth was 2.69 ± 0.42 and 8.78 ± 0.82 mm, respectively ( p < 0.01). Lower lip deformity occurred in one case.

Conclusion:

A custom-made conformer wrapped in lower oral mucosa was a safe and effective grafting material. The grafts can be effectively used in the reconstruction of severely contracted socket and lead to good cosmetic outcomes.
Ocular oncology service during the COVID-19 outbreak in Florence (Italy): Practical considerations for the management of patients
Authors: Mazzini Cinzia , Pieretti Giulia , Vicini Giulio , Nicolosi Cristina , Giattini Dario , Calamita Roberto , Santoro Nicola , Giansanti Fabrizio
Published: November 2020

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has imposed the adoption of strategies to limit the risk of contagion for cancer patients without compromising their healthcare. As well as cancers of other sites, the treatment of certain ocular and periocular malignancies is considered non-deferrable and should proceed despite the pandemic. Delays in treatment of these patients may result in negative outcomes. Herein, we provide some practical considerations deriving from our experience at the Ocular Oncology Unit of Careggi University Hospital (Florence, Italy).
Multi-modal prediction of breast cancer using particle swarm optimization with non-dominating sorting
Authors: S Vijayalakshmi , A John , R Sunder , Mohan Senthilkumar , Bhattacharya Sweta , Kaluri Rajesh , Feng Guang , Tariq Usman
Published: November 2020

Cancer is enlisted as the second leading reason for death across the world wherein almost one person out of six dies of cancer. Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer predominant in women having the second highest mortality rate in the world. Various scientific studies have been conducted to combat this disease, and machine learning approaches have been an extremely popular choice. Particle swarm optimization has been identified as one of the most powerful and efficient technique for the diagnosis of breast cancer guiding physicians towards timely and accurate treatment. It is also pertinent to mention that multi-modal prediction methods are used to make decisions depending upon different scenarios and aspects whereas the non-dominating sorting feature is useful to sort different objects based on differing requirements. The main novelty of this work is multi-modal prediction algorithm for breast cancer prediction is proposed. The work encompasses the use of particle swarm optimization, non-dominating sorting and multi-classifier techniques, namely, k-nearest neighbour method, fast decision tree and kernel density estimation. Finally, Bayes’ theorem is implemented for revising the results to achieve optimum accuracy in the breast cancer prediction. The proposed particle swarm optimization and non-domination sorting with classifier technique model helps to select the most significant features relevant to breast cancer predictions. The selected features design the objective of the problem model. The proposed model is implemented on the WBCD and WDBC breast cancer data sets publicly available from the UCI machine learning data repository. The metrics considered are sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and time complexity. The experimental results of the study using measures such as sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and time complexity. The experimental results of the study are evaluated against the state-of-the-art algorithms, namely, genetic algorithm kernel density estimation and particle swarm optimization kernel density estimation wherein the results justify the superiority of the proposed model.
Using Video-Diaries in Educational Research Exploring Identity: Affordances and Constraints
Authors: Danielsson Anna T. , Berge Maria
Published: November 2020

To use video in educational research has become more and more common in the last few decades, including methodologies where informants themselves use video-cameras for documentation. The purpose of the article is to discuss affordances and constraints of using video-diaries as a data generation method for investigating students’ identity constitution. Video-diaries were recorded as part of a larger project, where the empirical data also included observations and videorecordings of teaching and semi-structured interviews. The noninterference of the researchers during the video-diaries was found to be both a strength, in that students more freely could tell their own stories, and a weakness, in that it put high demands on the students’ ability to express themselves in monologue format. An important affordance of the video-diaries was that they contributed to a “thick” data set, both in that they informed our individual, semi-structured interviews and allowed us to quickly move on to in-depth conversations, and in that the students were able to utilize artifacts and show environments of importance to them.
Black Lives Matter and the revitalization of collective visionary leadership
Authors: Jackson Sarah J
Published: November 2020

Herein, I share a conversation with Alicia Garza, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter Global Network, as context to detail the collective visionary leadership of the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States. After highlighting how Garza enacts this tradition in the contemporary era, I revisit Ella Baker’s foundational model of collective visionary leadership from the civil rights era. Collective visionary leadership, embodied across these generations, is local and community-based, centers the power and knowledge of ordinary people, and prioritizes transformative accountability and liberatory visions of the future. Such leadership has been central to a range of transformational movements, and especially those anchored by Black women and Black queer folk. I also consider what critiques of traditional models of leadership collective visionary leadership levies both past and present. I call on all those concerned with the act of leading justly to take up this model.
Comprehensive analysis of neuronal guidance cue expression regulation during monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation reveals post-transcriptional regulation of semaphorin7A by the RNA-binding protein quaking
Authors: Zhang Huayu , Prins Jurriën , Vreeken Dianne , Florijn Barend W , de Bruin Ruben G , van Hengel Oscar RJ , van Essen Mieke F , Duijs Jacques MGJ , Van Esch Hilde , van der Veer Eric P , van Zonneveld Anton Jan , Gils Janine M van
Published: November 2020

In response to inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, monocytes differentiate into macrophages. Comprehensive analysis of gene expression regulation of neuronal guidance cue (NGC) ligands and receptors in the monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation process is not available yet. We performed transcriptome profiling in both human primary PBMCs/PBMC-derived macrophages and THP-1 cells/THP-1-macrophages using microarray or RNA sequencing methods. Pathway analysis showed that the axonal guidance pathway is significantly regulated upon monocyte differentiation. We confirmed NGC ligands and receptors which were consistently regulated, including SEMA4D, SEMA7A, NRP1, NRP2, PLXNA1 and PLXNA3. The involvement of RNA-binding protein quaking (QKI) in the regulation of NGC expression was investigated using monocytes and macrophages from a QKI haplo-insufficient patient and her healthy sibling. This revealed a positive correlation of SEMA7A expression with QKI expression. In silico analysis of 3′UTRs of NGCs proposed the competitive binding of QKI to proximal microRNA targeting sites as the mechanism of QKI-dependent regulation of SEMA7A. RNA immunoprecipitation confirmed an interaction of QKI with the 3′UTR of SEMA7A. Loss of SEMA7A resulted in monocyte differentiation towards a more anti-inflammatory macrophage. Taken together, the axonal guidance pathway is regulated during monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation, and the regulation is in line with the necessary functional adaption for the specialised role of macrophages.
The MECKI score initiative: Development and state of the art
Authors: Salvioni Elisabetta , Bonomi Alice , Re Federica , Mapelli Massimo , Mattavelli Irene , Vitale Giuseppe , Sarullo Filippo M , Palermo Pietro , Veglia Fabrizio , Agostoni Piergiuseppe
Published: November 2020

The high morbidity and poor survival rates associated with chronic heart failure still represent a big challenge, despite improvements in treatments and the development of new therapeutic opportunities. The prediction of outcome in heart failure is gradually moving towards a multiparametric approach in order to obtain more accurate models and to tailor the prognostic evaluation to the individual characteristics of a single subject. The Metabolic Exercise test data combined with Cardiac and Kidney Indexes (MECKI) score was developed 10 years ago from 2715 patients and subsequently validated in a different population. The score allows an accurate evaluation of the risk of heart failure patients using only six variables that include the evaluation of the exercise capacity (peak oxygen uptake and ventilation/CO2 production slope), blood samples (haemoglobin, Na+, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) and echocardiography (left ventricular ejection fraction). Over the following years, the MECKI score was tested taking into account therapies and specific markers of heart failure, and it proved to be a simple, useful tool for risk stratification and for therapeutic strategies in heart failure patients. The close connection between the centres involved and the continuous updating of the data allow the participating sites to propose substudies on specific subpopulations based on a common dataset and to put together and develop new ideas and perspectives.
Risk stratification in cardiomyopathy
Authors: Sinagra Gianfranco , Carriere Cosimo , Clemenza Francesco , Minà Chiara , Bandera Francesco , Zaffalon Denise , Gugliandolo Paola , Merlo Marco , Guazzi Marco , Agostoni Piergiuseppe
Published: November 2020

Prognostic stratification of cardiomyopathies represents a cornerstone for the appropriate management of patients and is focused mainly on arrhythmic events and heart failure. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing provides additional prognostic information, particularly in the setting of heart failure. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing data, integrated in scores such as the Metabolism Exercise Cardiac Kidney Index score have been shown to improve the risk stratification of these patients. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing has been analysed as a potential supplier of prognostic parameters in the context of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, for which it has been shown that a reduced oxygen consumption peak, an increased ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope and chronotropic incompetence correlate with a worse prognosis. To a lesser extent, in dilated cardiomyopathy, it has been shown that the percentage of oxygen consumption peak, not the pure value, and the ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope are associated with a greater cardiovascular risk. Few data are available about other cardiomyopathies (arrhythmogenic and restrictive). Cardiomyopathy patients should be early and routinely referred to heart failure advanced centres in order to perform a comprehensive risk stratification which should include a cardiopulmonary exercise test, with variables and cut-offs shown to improve their risk stratification.
An observational study assessing the impact of a cardiac arrest centre on patient outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA)
Authors: Kelham Matthew , Jones Timothy N , Rathod Krishnaraj S , Guttmann Oliver , Proudfoot Alastair , Rees Paul , Knight Charles J , Ozkor Muhiddin , Wragg Andrew , Jain Ajay , Baumbach Andreas , Mathur Anthony , Jones Daniel A
Published: November 2020

Background:

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a major cause of death worldwide. Recent guidelines recommend the centralisation of OHCA services in cardiac arrest centres to improve outcomes. In 2015, two major tertiary cardiac centres in London merged to form a large dedicated tertiary cardiac centre. This study aimed to compare the short-term mortality of patients admitted with an OHCA before-and-after the merger of services had taken place and admission criteria were relaxed, which led to managing OHCA in higher volume.

Methods:

We retrospectively analysed the data of OHCA patients pre- and post-merger. Baseline demographic and medical characteristics were recorded, along with factors relating to the cardiac arrest. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality.

Results:

OHCA patients (N =728; 267 pre- and 461 post-merger) between 2013 and 2018 were analysed. Patients admitted pre-merger were older (65.0 vs. 62.4 years, p=0.027), otherwise there were similar baseline demographic and peri-arrest characteristics. There was a greater proportion of non-acute coronary syndrome-related OHCA admission post-merger (10.1% vs. 23.4%, p=0.0001) and a corresponding decrease in those admitted with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (80.2% vs. 57.0%, p=0.0001) and those treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (78.8% vs. 54.0%, p=0.0001). Despite this, in-hospital mortality was lower post-merger (63.7% vs. 44.3%, p=0.0001), which persisted after adjustment for demographic and arrest-related characteristics using stepwise logistic regression (p=0.036) between the groups.

Conclusion:

Despite an increase in non-acute coronary syndrome-related OHCA cases, the formation of a centralised invasive heart centre was associated with improved survival in OHCA patients. This suggests there may be a benefit of a cardiac arrest centre model of care.
Swift and certain probation: Assessing fidelity to the HOPE model
Authors: Frailing Kelly , Kennedy Jahdai , Taylor Rae , Rapp Victoria
Published: November 2020

While outcomes for HOPE and HOPE-like probation programs have received a good deal of attention in the literature, there is arguably less focus on implementation of those programs with fidelity to the HOPE model. This study describes one such program, the Swift and Certain Probation program in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, and the degree to which it was implemented with fidelity using the list of elements laid out in the Demonstration Field Experiment (DFE) Final Report. We observed the Swift and Certain Probation program for two years and found that it is implemented with fidelity across many, but not all, of the elements of HOPE. We conclude with lingering issues for both the implementation and evaluation of HOPE and, especially, HOPE-like programs.
Understanding Humanitarian Supply Chain Through Causal Modelling
Authors: Mishra Vinaytosh , Sharma Mohita G.
Published: November 2020

Research Questions: Does being in the social welfare slow-onset disaster quadrant help in garnering resources during the sudden disaster?

Theory: Humanitarian supply chain has been traditionally explained as a system involved in mobilizing people, resources, skills and knowledge for disaster relief operations. The established classification of disasters includes natural and man-made disasters. These are further classified into sudden- and slow-onset disasters. Social welfare supply chains happen to be a distinctive type of humanitarian supply chain working in slow-onset disasters such as poverty and drought. To understand the complex systems like humanitarian supply chain, system dynamics modelling is used.

Type of the Case: Study of a phenomenon.

Basis of the Case: In this study, we proposed a humanitarian supply chain case and system dynamics model that works as a social welfare supply chain. In the face of a calamity, operations are ramped up for the sudden-onset conditions. After the initial phase is over, operations are ramped down and again become stable.

Protagonist: Absent.

Findings: The study tests the results of four policy measures (a) increasing goodwill, (b) decreasing stringent directive, (c) increasing donor attitude and (d) a combination of all of these measures. These measures are additive in nature, and a humanitarian supply chain can use these policy measures to respond to a sudden disaster.

Discussions: The case discusses various policy measures taken by the humanitarian supply chain during a sudden disaster. It also explores whether being in the slow-onset quadrant helps tack sudden disasters like earthquakes or terrorist attacks. An organization can start with decreasing the stringent measures in the case of a sudden disaster. Increasing donor attitude and goodwill requires long-term outreach efforts.