bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soft Tissue Sepsis Places a Massive Burden on Regional and Tertiary Surgical Services in KZN Province South Africa
Authors: Ehlers Vincent , Kohler C. , Di Rago Natasha , Tefera Aida , Lutge Elizabeth , Clarke Damian 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundFrequently, surgical intervention is needed to treat soft tissue sepsis (STS). Ideally, most STS should be managed at the lowest level of surgical care close to the patient's home and a well‐functioning surgical service will be able to deliver this safely and effectively. This study interrogates the burden of STS in the province of KwaZulu‐Natal and reviews at which level in the health system the operative management of STS is being dealt with.MethodsThis study describes the operations for soft tissue sepsis conducted at all regional and tertiary hospitals in KwaZulu‐Natal province for the period of 1 July to 31 December 2015. All procedures for soft tissue sepsis were identified for closer review.ResultsBetween 1 June and 31 December 2015, a total 6302 soft tissue‐related procedures were performed in the regional and tertiary hospitals of KZN. The breakdown by anatomical region was as follows, 618 (9.8%) head and neck surgeries, 895 (14.2%) chest and back, 277 (4.4%) abdominal wall, 818 (13%) pelvis/perineal/buttock and 3070 (48.7%) extremity‐related surgeries. There were a further 815 (12.9%) soft tissue‐related procedures where the anatomical region was unspecified. Of the soft tissue procedures, 3943 (62.6%) were for the management of soft tissue sepsis. The anatomical regions involved included 316 (8%) head and neck, 485 (12.3%) chest and back, 194 (4.9%) abdominal wall, 589 (14.9%) pelvic, perineal and buttock, 2054 (52.1%) extremity and 365 unspecified operations. Peri‐anal sepsis contributed 315 (8%), breast sepsis contributed to 372 (9.4%) of all soft tissue sepsis and amputations of extremities 658 (16.7%) of septic soft tissue procedures.ConclusionThere is a significant burden of soft tissue sepsis requiring surgical treatment each month at regional and tertiary hospitals in KZN. This is made up of breast sepsis, peri‐anal sepsis and diabetic foot sepsis. This burden is being managed at an inappropriate level of care.
Clinical adhesion score (CLAS): development of a novel clinical score for adhesion-related complications in abdominal and pelvic surgery
Authors:   CLAS Collaboration, Lier Elisabeth Jacomine , van den Beukel Barend A. W. , Gawria Larsa , van der Wees Philip J. , van den Hil Leontine , Bouvy Nicole D. , Cheong Ying , de Wilde Rudy-Leon , van Goor Harry , Stommel Martijn W. J. , ten Broek Richard P. G. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Background
Adhesions are a major cause of long-term postsurgical complications in abdominal and pelvic surgery. Existing adhesion scores primarily measure morphological characteristics of adhesions that do not necessarily correlate with morbidity. The aim of this study was to develop a clinical adhesion score (CLAS) measuring overall clinical morbidity of adhesion-related complications in abdominal and pelvic surgery.

Methods
An international Delphi study was performed to identify relevant score items for adhesion-related complications, including small bowel obstruction, female infertility, chronic abdominal or pelvic pain, and difficulties at reoperation. The CLAS includes clinical outcomes, related to morbidity of adhesions, and weight factors, to correct the outcome scores for the likelihood that symptoms are truly caused by adhesions. In a pilot study, two independent researchers retrospectively scored the CLAS in 51 patients to evaluate inter-observer reliability, by calculating the Intraclass correlation coefficient. During a feasibility assessment, we evaluated whether the CLAS completely covered different clinical scenarios of adhesion-related morbidity.

Results
Three Delphi rounds were performed. 43 experts agreed to participate, 38(88%) completed the first round, and 32 (74%) the third round. Consensus was reached on 83.4% of items. Inter-observer reliability for the CLAS was 0.95 (95% CI 0.91–0.97). During feasibility assessment, six items were included. As a result, the CLAS includes 22 outcomes and 23 weight factors.

Conclusion
The CLAS represents a promising scoring system to measure and monitor the clinical morbidity of adhesion-related complications. Further studies are needed to confirm its utility in clinical practice.
Poland as a hub of the Silk Road Economic Belt: is the narrative of opportunity supported by developments on the ground?
Authors: Jakubowski Andrzej , Komornicki Tomasz , Kowalczyk Karol , Miszczuk Andrzej 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe article presents an analysis of Poland’s potential role as a European hub supporting the transportation of goods on the route between China and the EU. The authors point out a number of factors that can favour the development of a Silk Road Economic Belt (SREB) hub in Poland. At the same time, they emphasise that higher demand for shipments through the New Eurasian Land Bridge within the SREB does not automatically mean that Poland will become the main hub on its European end. The study highlights several important aspects of competition as a result of which Poland is likely to adopt the role of a regional hub in Central and Eastern Europe.
A matheuristic approach to large-scale avionic scheduling
Authors: Karlsson Emil , Rönnberg Elina , Stenberg Andreas , Uppman Hannes 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPre-runtime scheduling of avionic systems is used to ensure that the systems provide the desired functionality at the correct time. This paper considers scheduling of an integrated modular avionic system which from a more general perspective can be seen as a multiprocessor scheduling problem that includes a communication network. The addressed system is practically relevant and the computational evaluations are made on large-scale instances developed together with the industrial partner Saab. A subset of the instances is made publicly available. Our contribution is a matheuristic for solving these large-scale instances and it is obtained by improving the model formulations used in a previously suggested constraint generation procedure and by including an adaptive large neighbourhood search to extend it into a matheuristic. Characteristics of our adaptive large neighbourhood search are that it is made over both discrete and continuous variables and that it needs to balance the search for feasibility and profitable objective value. The repair operation is to apply a mixed-integer programming solver on a model where most of the constraints are treated as soft and a violation of them is instead penalised in the objective function. The largest solved instance, with respect to the number of tasks, has 54,731 tasks and 2530 communication messages.
Artificial intelligence as law
Authors: Verheij Bart 
Published: May 2020

AbstractInformation technology is so ubiquitous and AI’s progress so inspiring that also legal professionals experience its benefits and have high expectations. At the same time, the powers of AI have been rising so strongly that it is no longer obvious that AI applications (whether in the law or elsewhere) help promoting a good society; in fact they are sometimes harmful. Hence many argue that safeguards are needed for AI to be trustworthy, social, responsible, humane, ethical. In short: AI should be good for us. But how to establish proper safeguards for AI? One strong answer readily available is: consider the problems and solutions studied in AI & Law. AI & Law has worked on the design of social, explainable, responsible AI aligned with human values for decades already, AI & Law addresses the hardest problems across the breadth of AI (in reasoning, knowledge, learning and language), and AI & Law inspires new solutions (argumentation, schemes and norms, rules and cases, interpretation). It is argued that the study of AI as Law supports the development of an AI that is good for us, making AI & Law more relevant than ever.
Evaluating alternative approaches for the seismic design of structures
Authors: Gkimprixis Athanasios , Tubaldi Enrico , Douglas John 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe current design approach recommended by seismic codes is often based on the use of uniform-hazard response spectra, reduced to account for inelastic structural behaviour. This approach has some strong limitations that have been highlighted in many studies, including not allowing a direct control of the seismic risk and losses. This study aims at quantifying the levels of safety and the costs associated with this design approach, and to investigate alternative design approaches that have been developed in the last decades. In particular, a risk-targeting approach and a minimum-cost approach are considered. The first one, allowed by US codes, aims at designing structures with the same risk of collapse throughout regions of different seismicity. The second one aims to minimize the sum of the initial construction cost and the cost of expected losses due to future earthquakes. The comparison of the three approaches is performed by considering, as an example structure, a four-storey reinforced concrete frame building located in different areas in Europe, and by looking at the implications in terms of achieved safety levels, initial costs, and future losses. The study’s results provide useful information on how the design criteria and the different hazard levels throughout Europe affect the cost and safety levels of seismic design.
Local Business, Local Peace? Intergroup and Economic Dynamics
Authors: Joseph Jay , Katsos John E. , Daher Mariam 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe field of “business for peace” recognizes the role that businesses can play in peacebuilding. However, like much of the discussion concerning business in conflict zones, it has prioritized the view of multinationals, often overlooking the role of indigenous local firms. The economic, social, and intergroup dynamics experienced by local businesses in conflict zones are understudied, with the current paper beginning by positioning micro- and small enterprises (MSEs) in the peacebuilding debate, then engaging with multidisciplinary works to understand how they foster peace. Through a case study set in north Lebanon, we conducted semi-structured interviews with twenty-three MSE owners in one industry who operate across sectarian divisions and with recently displaced Syrian refugees. Our findings indicate that local business activity can simultaneously promote peace and foster conflict, with peacebuilding improved when intergroup differences are reduced within the operating environment. Furthermore, the importance of economic development was elevated for local businesses, suggesting that peace through mechanisms such as social development, the rule of law, and training, is only achieved if economic needs are alleviated through these measures. We conclude by citing how contextual factors in conflict zones can enhance intergroup differences, and how resolving such factors can promote peacebuilding, with further empirical work needed in this area.
Angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance as a novel, pressure-wire-free tool to assess coronary microcirculation in ST elevation myocardial infarction
Authors:   Oxford Acute Myocardial Infarction (OXAMI) Study Investigators, De Maria Giovanni Luigi , Scarsini Roberto , Shanmuganathan Mayooran , Kotronias Rafail A. , Terentes-Printzios Dimitrios , Borlotti Alessandra , Langrish Jeremy P. , Lucking Andrew J. , Choudhury Robin P. , Kharbanda Rajesh , Ferreira Vanessa M. , Channon Keith M. , Garcia-Garcia Hector M. , Banning Adrian P. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractImmediate assessment of coronary microcirculation during treatment of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may facilitate patient stratification for targeted treatment algorithms. Use of pressure-wire to measure the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) is possible but has inevitable practical restrictions. We aimed to develop and validate angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance (IMRangio) as a novel and pressure-wire-free index to facilitate assessment of the coronary microcirculation. 45 STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) were enrolled. Immediately before stenting and at completion of pPCI, IMR was measured within the infarct related artery (IRA). At the same time points, 2 angiographic views were acquired during hyperaemia to measure quantitative flow ratio (QFR) from which IMRangio was derived. In a subset of 15 patients both IMR and IMRangio were also measured in the non-IRA. Patients underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) at 48 h for assessment of microvascular obstruction (MVO). IMRangio and IMR were significantly correlated (ρ: 0.85, p < 0.001). Both IMR and IMRangio were higher in the IRA rather than in the non-IRA (p = 0.01 and p = 0.006, respectively) and were higher in patients with evidence of clinically significant MVO (> 1.55% of left ventricular mass) (p = 0.03 and p = 0.005, respectively). Post-pPCI IMRangio presented and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.96 (CI95% 0.92–1.00, p < 0.001) for prediction of post-pPCI IMR > 40U and of 0.81 (CI95% 0.65–0.97, p < 0.001) for MVO > 1.55%. IMRangio is a promising tool for the assessment of coronary microcirculation. Assessment of IMR without the use of a pressure-wire may enable more rapid, convenient and cost-effective assessment of coronary microvascular function.
Cross-border cooperation in the execution of sentences between the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium: an empirical and comparative legal study on the implementation of EU framework decisions 2008/909/JHA and 2008/947/JHA
Authors: Hofmann Robin , Nelen Hans 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis study aims at comparing legal practices in the execution of sentences within the framework of cross-border cooperation between The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Based on quantitative and qualitative data, the implementation of the EU Framework Decisions 2008/909/JHA on the transfer of prisoners and 2008/947/JHA on the mutual recognition of judgments and probation decisions in the three countries is analyzed. Interview data with legal practitioners suggest that social rehabilitation, consents of the convicted individuals and the actual place of living, play an important role in the initiations of transfers. Empirical evidence that both Framework Decisions are increasingly instrumentalized for migration control purposes, as the current scientific debate suggest, is weak in the three case countries. The relatively small numbers of transfers of prisoners and judgements show, that the transfer instrument is still not implemented to its full potential. This study exemplifies remaining challenges connected to the principle of mutual trust in the daily practice of cross-border legal cooperation within the EU.
The Relationship Between Tool Use and Prey Availability in Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) of Northern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Hicks Thurston C. , Kühl Hjalmar S. , Boesch Christophe , Menken Steph B. J. , Hart John , Roessingh Peter , Ewango Corneille , Mundry Roger 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA key feature of human behavioral diversity is that it can be constrained by cultural preference (“cultural override”); that is, population-specific preferences can override resource availability. Here we investigate whether a similar phenomenon can be found in one of our closest relatives, as well as the potential impacts of ecological differences on feeding behavior. Our study subjects were different subpopulations of Eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) occupying two very different habitats, moist tropical lowland forests vs. moist tropical forest–savanna mosaic on opposite sides of a major river. Given differences in encounter rates of different kinds of tool sites on both sides of the Uele River, we predicted that these subpopulations would differ in their likelihood of using tools to prey on two insect species despite similar availability. In surveys conducted over a 9-year period at 19 different survey regions in northern Democratic Republic of Congo (10 in lowland forest and 9 in mosaic), we collected and analyzed data on chimpanzee tool-assisted exploitation of insects. To determine the availability of insect species eaten by the chimpanzees, we counted insects and their mounds on transects and recces at 12 of these sites. For stick tools used to harvest epigaeicDorylusand ponerine ants, we evaluated seasonal, geographical, and prey-availability factors that might influence their occurrence, using nest encounter rate as a proxy to control for chimpanzee abundance. Across the 19 survey regions spanning both sides of the Uele, we found little difference in the availability of epigaeicDorylusand ponerine ants. Despite this, tool encounter rates for epigaeicDorylus, but not ponerine, ants were significantly higher in the mosaic to the north of the Uele. Furthermore, we found no evidence for termite fishing anywhere, despite the availability ofMacrotermesmounds throughout the region and the fact that chimpanzees at a number of other study sites use tools to harvest these termites. Instead, the chimpanzees of this region used a novel percussive technique to harvest two other types of termites,Cubitermessp. andThoracotermes macrothorax.This mismatch between prey availability and predation is consistent with cultural override, but given the different habitats on the two sides of the Uele River, we cannot fully rule out the influence of ecological factors. Comparing our findings with those of similar studies of other chimpanzee populations promises to contribute to our understanding of the evolution of behavioral diversity in humans and our closest cousins.
The need to consider the predictive capacity of intelligence and its malleability within design and technology education research
Authors: Buckley Jeffrey 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGeneral intelligence is a fundamental human capacity with significant educational implications. However, it is often not considered in educational research despite substantial evidence illustrating its association with positive life outcomes and student’s capacity to learn. There are a number of potential reasons for this including the controversial history of the use of intelligence tests, validity concerns, counter-moral implications associated with equality, lack of related training, and discipline research priorities. Design and technology (D&T) education however presents a subject area where consideration of student’s intelligence appears particularly important. The focus on design provides students with regular variation learning contexts, with a similar phenomenon occurring through the subject areas focus on technology as a result of constant cultural and societal technological advances. However, intelligence is rarely considered within D&T education research. Therefore, this article puts forward an argument and rationale as to why D&T researchers need to give more consideration to the predictive value of general intelligence and its malleability in pertinent research and discusses some implications for intelligence in practice.
Trajectories of Autism Symptom Severity Change During Early Childhood
Authors: Waizbard-Bartov Einat , Ferrer Emilio , Young Gregory S. , Heath Brianna , Rogers Sally , Wu Nordahl Christine , Solomon Marjorie , Amaral David G. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAutism symptom severity change was evaluated during early childhood in 125 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children were assessed at approximately 3 and 6 years of age for autism symptom severity, IQ and adaptive functioning. Each child was assigned a change score, representing the difference between ADOS Calibrated Severity Scores (CSS) at the two ages. A Decreased Severity Group (28.8%) decreased by 2 or more points; a Stable Severity Group (54.4%) changed by 1 point or less; and an Increased Severity Group (16.8%) increased by 2 or more points. Girls tended to decrease in severity more than boys and increase in severity less than boys. There was no clear relationship between intervention history and membership in the groups.
Monitoring the role of enantiomers in the surface modification and adsorption process of polymers imprinted by chiral molecules: theory and practice
Authors: Woźnica Marcin , Sobiech Monika , Pałka Norbert , Luliński Piotr 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study was to explore the role of enantiomers in the surface modification and adsorption process of polymers imprinted by chiral molecules. Here, R-, S- and R/S-1-aminoindanes (TR, TS and TR/S) were used as the model template molecules. Optimization of synthetic protocols facilitated preselection of the most efficient composition for a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)—methacrylic acid-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate—with satisfactory specificity and an imprinting factor equal to 3. This polymer composition was used further to analyse the effect of configuration of the template on adsorption properties. The results showed preferable adsorption of R-enantiomer, TR in the R-MIP and S-enantiomer, TS in the S-MIP but revealed variations in the binding capacities of TR and TS in the R- and S-cavity (stereoselectivity factor; k = 1.66 to 1.22, respectively). The theoretically analysed binding energies (ΔEB) of both TR and TS in the R-cavity (ΔEB = − 506.14 to − 256.77 kcal mol−1) and S-cavity (ΔEB = − 302.42 to − 347.18 kcal mol−1) were in agreement with empirical data. Morphology and porosity analyses revealed the impact of the template molecule on the pore system of the MIP and control (a non-imprinted polymer), but enantiomers were only found to have a negligible role. Binding characterization revealed that the physisorption-governed adsorption process and Dubinin–Radushkevich model fitted the experimental data best. Finally, terahertz spectroscopy was employed to confirm the similarity between both materials imprinted by each enantiomer.