bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear modelling of the seismic response of masonry structures: Calibration strategies
Authors: D’Altri Antonio Maria , Cannizzaro Francesco , Petracca Massimo , Talledo Diego Alejandro 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a simple and practitioners-friendly calibration strategy to consistently link target panel-scale mechanical properties (that can be found in national standards) to model material-scale mechanical properties is presented. Simple masonry panel geometries, with various boundary conditions, are utilized to test numerical models and calibrate their mechanical properties. The calibration is successfully conducted through five different numerical models (most of them available in commercial software packages) suitable for nonlinear modelling of masonry structures, using nonlinear static analyses. Firstly, the panel stiffness calibration is performed, focusing the attention to the shear stiffness. Secondly, the panel strength calibration is conducted for several axial load ratios by attempts using as reference the target panel strength deduced by well-known analytical strength criteria. The results in terms of panel strength for the five different models show that this calibration strategy appears effective in obtaining model properties coherent with Italian National Standard and Eurocode. Open issues remain for the calibration of the post-peak response of masonry panels, which still appears highly conventional in the standards.
Development of a thermal model for irreversible electroporation: an approach to estimate and optimize the IRE protocols
Authors: Wardhana Girindra , Almeida João Pedro , Abayazid Momen , Fütterer Jurgen J. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is an emerging technique that has drawn attention in the field of cancer treatment. IRE uses non-thermal electric pulses to induce death of cancerous cells. However, recent studies have shown that the application of this technique may result in heating of the tissue. There is still room for improving its efficiency and defining better treatment protocols. This study investigates the optimal IRE protocols that avoiding the thermal damage during the IRE treatment.

Methods
Electrode and pulse parameter are investigated. Finite element models are created to evaluate the ablation area and the temperature changes in the tissue. The model is validated experimentally in bovine liver tissue, while the parameters were optimized using response surface method (RSM).

Results
From analysis of variance, the parameter of electrode distance and input voltage has significant effect to the temperature rise in the IRE treatment of bovine liver (P = 0.020 and P = 0.003 respectively). Meanwhile, only the input voltage significantly affects the ablation area (P < 0.001). The optimal result from RSM showed that for maximum ablation area 250.82mm2 with no thermal damage, the IRE protocol consisted of an active electrode length of 10 mm, a distance between electrodes of 10 mm, and the delivery of 50 pulses of 41.21 µs and 3000 V.

Conclusions
The approach presented in this study allows the optimization of the IRE protocols. An optimal IRE protocol that maximizes the ablation area was successfully calculated which can be applied with no risk of thermal damage to the tissue.
An Investigation into the Correlation of Small Punch and Uniaxial Creep Data for Waspaloy
Authors: Williams T. , Evans M. , Harrison W. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Within the aerospace sector, the understanding and prediction of creep strains for materials used in high-temperature applications, such as Nickel-based super alloys, is imperative. Small punch testing offers the potential for understanding creep behavior using much less material than conventional uniaxial testing but in contrast to uniaxial creep tests, the stress in small punch creep (SPC) tests is multiaxial. SPC testing can be a valuable tool for validating models of creep deformation, but the key to unlocking its full capability is through the accurate correlation of the creep material properties measured through both techniques. As such, the focus of this paper is to correlate the creep behavior of Waspaloy obtained through conventional uniaxial testing to that obtained via small punch creep testing. Recently, and for low chrome steels, this has been achieved through use of the k
sp method, but there are good reasons for believing this technique will not work so well for Nickel-based super alloys. This paper shows this to be the case for Waspaloy and proposes some alternative methods of correlation based on combining the Monkman–Grant relation and the Wilshire equations for both uniaxial and small punch creep. It was found that this latter approach enabled the accurate conversion of SPC minimum displacement rates to equivalent uniaxial minimum creep rates which, when combined with the Wilshire equations, enabled SPC test loads to be converted into equivalent uniaxial stresses (and visa versa) with levels of accuracy that were significantly reduced when compared to using the k
sp method. Further, the random error associated with these conversions were dramatically increased.
A new inferential approach for response-adaptive clinical trials: the variance-stabilized bootstrap
Authors: Baldi Antognini Alessandro , Novelli Marco , Zagoraiou Maroussa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis paper discusses disadvantages and limitations of the available inferential approaches in sequential clinical trials for treatment comparisons managed via response-adaptive randomization. Then, we propose an inferential methodology for response-adaptive designs which, by exploiting a variance stabilizing transformation into a bootstrap framework, is able to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, regardless of the chosen allocation procedure as well as the desired target. We derive the theoretical properties of the suggested proposal, showing its superiority with respect to likelihood, randomization and design-based inferential approaches. Several illustrative examples and simulation studies are provided in order to confirm the relevance of our results.
Library for universal virtual reality experiments (luVRe): A standardized immersive 3D/360° picture and video database for VR based research
Authors: Schöne Benjamin , Kisker Joanna , Sylvester Rebecca Sophia , Radtke Elise Leila , Gruber Thomas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractVirtual reality is a promising tool for experimental psychology, enhancing the ecological validity of psychological science. The advantage of VR is that it enables researchers to study emotional and cognitive processes under realistic conditions while maintaining strict experimental control. To make it easier for scientists to get into the world of VR research and to improve the comparability of scientific results, we have created and validated a standardized set of 3D/360° videos and photos. Study 1 investigated the electrophysiological differences between motivational and emotional reactions exhibited under immersive VR and conventional 2D conditions. The obtained frontal alpha asymmetries show diverge patterns between the two conditions giving rise to further speculations that associated psychological processes exhibit more natural functional properties under immersive conditions. The feeling of being at the center of a realistic VR environment creates a sense of self-relevance. In VR, motivational tendencies and emotional reactions are related to objects or persons within the vicinity of the participant and not to the stimuli presented on a screen. Study 2, investigating the memory performance for VR videos as opposed to a conventional 2D screen presentation, provides evidence that memory formed under immersive conditions created more profound memory traces. This so-called memory superiority effect for the VR conditions might again result from the feeling of being in a scene, thus facilitating the formation of autobiographical memory. The implementation of VR experiments using the database is straightforward as it does neither require much technical equipment nor a high level of VR expertise.
Robotic versus laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Authors: Marano Luigi , Fusario Daniele , Savelli Vinno , Marrelli Daniele , Roviello Franco 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAn umbrella review was performed to summarize literature data and to investigate benefits and harm of robotic gastrectomy (RG) compared to laparoscopic (LG) approach. To overcome the intrinsic limitations of laparoscopy, the robotic approach is claimed to facilitate lymph-node dissection and complex reconstruction after gastrectomy, to assure oncologic safety also in advanced gastric cancer. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases for all meta-analyses published up to December 2019. The search strategy was previously published in a protocol. We selected fourteen meta-analyses comparing outcomes between LG and RG with curative intent in patients with diagnosis of resectable gastric cancer. We highlight that RG has a longer operation time, inferior blood loss, reduction in hospital stay and a more rapid recovery of bowel function. In meta-analyses with statistical significance the number of nodes removed in RG is higher than LG and the distal margin of resection is higher. There is no difference in terms of total complication rate, mortality, morbidity, anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stenosis, intestinal obstruction and in conversion rate to open technique. The safety and efficacy of robotic gastrectomy are not clearly supported by strong evidence, suggesting that the outcomes reported for each surgical technique need to be interpreted with caution, in particular for the meta-analyses in which the heterogeneity is large. Certainly, robotic gastrectomy is associated with shorter time to oral intake, lesser intraoperative bleeding and longer operation time with an acceptable level of evidence. On the other hand, the data regarding other outcomes are insufficient as well as non-significant, from an evidence point of view, to draw any robust conclusion.
Exploring the emotional burdens and impact of medical negligence litigation on the plaintiff and medical practitioner: insights from Ireland
Authors: Tumelty Mary-Elizabeth 
Published: May 2021

AbstractArguments for reform of the dynamic of medical negligence litigation in Ireland frequently centre on temporal and financial concerns. However, as the field of law and psychology has continued to grow, a body of international literature has emerged which recognises that litigation can have a destructive emotional impact on its participants, particularly in the context of medical negligence disputes.This paper contributes to the discourse on law-caused harms through a critical exploration of the emotional burdens of medical negligence litigation from the perspective of both the plaintiff and medical practitioner, with reference to the findings of an empirical study (interviews with barristers, patient support groups, and medical professional bodies) and the literature. Whilst the temporal and financial efficiency of medical negligence litigation is important, if litigation can cause emotional harm, this should be considered a serious, undesirable effect of the traditional adversarial process, and may have broader implications for reform in this area.
Training in endoscopic ear surgery using the papaya petiole
Authors: Narendrakumar V 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundEndoscopic ear surgery is a game changer in the field of otology. Training in endoscopic skills is essential for ENT residents, and is especially important during the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown period. In such difficult times, ENT residents and surgeons can undergo hands-on training using a papaya petiole, even within their homes.ObjectiveEndoscopic ear surgery training can be carried out using a papaya petiole, enabling the practice of grommet insertion, tympanomeatal flap elevation and foreign body removal from the external auditory canal. This model does not need any laboratory setup.Results and conclusionThe hollow structure of the papaya petiole model is very similar to that of the external auditory canal, making training in endoscopic ear surgery easy. Use of the model helps a beginner to train in endoscopic handling and microsurgical instrumentation, and improves depth perception. In addition, it does not require high-end facilities to store equipment or undertake the training at any given point in time.
The provision of ENT teaching in the undergraduate medical curriculum: a review and recommendations
Authors: Patel B , Saeed S R , Smith S 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe existing provision of ENT teaching in the undergraduate curriculum is deemed inadequate by medical students, general practitioners and ENT surgeons alike. This study aims to explore the perceptions of a variety of stakeholders on how undergraduate ENT provision can be optimised.MethodsThis study involved semi-structured interviews with seven participants (two medical students, two general practitioners, two ENT surgeons and a curriculum developer). Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify key themes that emerged from the interviews.ResultsThe four emergent themes were evaluation of current ENT provision, barriers to learning and teaching, alternate means of delivery of ENT education, and professional identity development. A number of barriers to learning and teaching in the clinical environment were identified including student-related, teacher-related and environmental factors.ConclusionThe existing ENT provision should be re-considered to help students achieve a basic level of competence in managing common ENT conditions. This can be achieved by ENT teaching in additional contexts including general practice, e-learning and simulation workshops.
Informant-based screening tools for dementia: an overview of systematic reviews
Authors: Taylor-Rowan Martin , Nafisi Sara , Owen Rhiannon , Duffy Robyn , Patel Amit , Burton Jennifer K. , Quinn Terence J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundInformant-based questionnaires may have utility for cognitive impairment or dementia screening. Reviews describing the accuracy of respective questionnaires are available, but their focus on individual questionnaires precludes comparisons across tools. We conducted an overview of systematic reviews to assess the comparative accuracy of informant questionnaires and identify areas where evidence is lacking.MethodsWe searched six databases to identify systematic reviews describing diagnostic test accuracy of informant questionnaires for cognitive impairment or dementia. We pooled sensitivity and specificity data for each questionnaire and used network approaches to compare accuracy estimates across the differing tests. We used grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) to evaluate the overall certainty of evidence. Finally, we created an evidence ‘heat-map’, describing the availability of accurate data for individual tests in different populations and settings.ResultsWe identified 25 reviews, consisting of 93 studies and 13 informant questionnaires. Pooled analysis (37 studies; 11 052 participants) ranked the eight-item interview to ascertain dementia (AD8) highest for sensitivity [90%; 95% credible intervals (CrI) = 82–95; ‘best-test’ probability = 36]; while the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) was most specific (81%; 95% CrI = 66–90; ‘best-test’ probability = 29%). GRADE-based evaluation of evidence suggested certainty was ‘low’ overall. Our heat-map indicated that only AD8 and IQCODE have been extensively evaluated and most studies have been in the secondary care settings.ConclusionsAD8 and IQCODE appear to be valid questionnaires for cognitive impairment or dementia assessment. Other available informant-based cognitive screening questionnaires lack evidence to justify their use at present. Evidence on the accuracy of available tools in primary care settings and with specific populations is required.
Pre-conceptual counselling in cardiology patients: still work to do and still missed opportunities. A comparison between 2015 and 2019 in women with cardiac disease attending combined obstetric cardiology clinics. Should the European Guidelines change anything?
Authors: Kasargod Prabhakar Chethan R. , Pamment Daisy , Thompson Peter J. , Chong Hsu , Thorne Sara A. , Fox Caroline , Morris Katie , Hudsmith Lucy H. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWomen with underlying cardiac conditions have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Counselling reproductive age women with heart disease is important to assist them in deciding whether to pursue pregnancy, to ensure their best cardiovascular status prior to pregnancy, and that they understand the risks of pregnancy for them and baby. This also provides an opportunity to explore management strategies to reduce risks. For this growing cohort of women, there is a great need for pre-conceptual counselling.This retrospective comparative audit assessed new referrals and pre-conceptual counselling of women attending a joint obstetric–cardiology clinic at a tertiary maternity centre in a 12-month period of 2015–2016 compared with 2018–2019. This reflected the timing of the introduction of a multidisciplinary meeting prior to clinics and assessed the impact on referrals with the introduction of the European Society of Cardiology guidelines.Data were reviewed from 56 and 67 patients in respective audit periods. Patient’s risk was stratified using modified World Health Organization classification.Less than 50% of women with pre-existing cardiac conditions had received pre-conceptual counselling, although half of them had risks clearly documented. The majority of patients had a recent electrocardiograph and echocardiogram performed prior to counselling, and there was a modest improvement in the number of appropriate functional tests performed between time points. One-third of patients in both cohorts were taking cardiac medications during pregnancy.There was a significant increase in the number of pregnant women with cardiac disease and in complexity according to modified World Health Organization risk classification. While there have been improvements, it is clear that further work to improve availability and documentation of pre-pregnancy counselling is needed.
Prehospital Decompression of Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review of Recent Evidence
Authors: Robitaille-Fortin Maxime , Norman Sharon , Archer Thomas , Mercier Eric 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroduction:Pneumothorax remains an important cause of preventable trauma death. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the recent evidence on the efficacy, patient outcomes, and adverse events of different chest decompression approaches relevant to the out-of-hospital setting.Methods:A comprehensive literature search was performed using five databases (from January 1, 2014 through June 15, 2020). To be considered eligible, studies required to report original data on decompression of suspected or proven traumatic pneumothorax and be considered relevant to the prehospital context. They also required to be conducted mostly on an adult population (expected more than ≥80% of the population ≥16 years old) of patients. Needle chest decompression (NCD), finger thoracostomy (FT), and tube thoracostomy were considered. No meta-analysis was performed. Level of evidence was assigned using the Harbour and Miller system.Results:A total of 1,420 citations were obtained by the search strategy, of which 20 studies were included. Overall, the level of evidence was low. Eleven studies reported on the efficacy and patient outcomes following chest decompression. The most studied technique was NCD (n = 7), followed by FT (n = 5). Definitions of a successful chest decompression were heterogeneous. Subjective improvement following NCD ranged between 18% and 86% (n = 6). Successful FT was reported for between 9.7% and 32.0% of interventions following a traumatic cardiac arrest. Adverse events were infrequently reported. Nine studies presented only on anatomical measures with predicted failure and success. The mean anterior chest wall thickness (CWT) was larger than the lateral CWT in all studies except one. The predicted success rate of NCD ranged between 90% and 100% when using needle >7cm (n = 7) both for the lateral and anterior approaches. The reported risk of iatrogenic injuries was higher for the lateral approach, mostly on the left side because of the proximity with the heart.Conclusions:Based on observational studies with a low level of evidence, prehospital NCD should be performed using a needle >7cm length with either a lateral or anterior approach. While FT is an interesting diagnostic and therapeutic approach, evidence on the success rates and complications is limited. High-quality studies are required to determine the optimal chest decompression approach applicable in the out-of-hospital setting.
Haplotype analysis ofSaltolQTL region in diverse landraces, wild rice and introgression lines of rice (Oryza sativaL.)
Authors: Manohara K. K. , Morajkar Shaiesh , Shanbhag Yogini , Phadte Pratham , Singh Nagendra Kumar 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSalt stress is a major abiotic stress affecting the productivity of rice crop worldwide. This study screened a set of 71 rice genotypes collected from coastal parts of Goa and Karnataka states in India for seedling stage salinity tolerance to identify genotypes alternative to standard salt-tolerant donors Pokkali, FL478, etc. Phenotyping for seedling stage tolerance was carried out under micro plots at an induced salinity of 12 dS/m. For haplotyping, 14SaltolQTL linked simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers on chromosome 1 were utilized. On the basis of the response to salt stress, 10 genotypes were found tolerant, 16 moderately tolerant, 29 sensitive and 15 as highly sensitive. Among the SSR markers, marker RM10871 was the most polymorphic with a polymorphic information content of 0.90, exhibiting 14 different alleles followed by RM10793 (0.84) and RM3412 (0.80) with 8 and 7 alleles, respectively. These markers also exhibited high values for the effective number of alleles (Ne) and gene diversity (I). The haplotype analysis revealed that the allelic constitution of theSaltolregion of 10 tolerant genotypes from our study varied in comparison to the reference tolerant check FL478. Further, the haplotype of three tolerant genotypes, namely, Goa Dhan 2, Panvel 1 and Goa wild rice (GWR) 005 appears to be completely different from the FL478 haplotype indicating tolerance in these genotypes is controlled by genomic region other thanSaltol.These three genotypes with probable novel regions for seedling stage salt tolerance can be considered for enhancing salinity tolerance of rice cultivars.
Must International Legal Pedagogy Remain Eurocentric?
Authors: AL ATTAR Mohsen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMainstream international law is Eurocentric. Throughout the past half millennia, no territory beyond Europe was safe from jus gentium's striking capability to legitimize the intrusion of European civilizational precepts. Beginning with the Americas but quickly shifting to Africa and Asia, each continent was a battleground for the penetration of a provincial knowledge system. In this paper, I explore the implications of Eurocentrism for international legal pedagogy. While textbook authors now pay homage to other civilizations, their effusions are ornamental only. Instead of supporting epistemological equivalency, they centre European international law throughout their works, exorcising the brutalities of European history that generated the law in question. After setting out the dilemma, I outline three approaches towards transforming international legal pedagogy that capitalize on the decolonization movement. Each method builds on the premise that, without epistemic diversity, legal pedagogy will continue to rationalize European international law's predatory impulse.