bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investor Due Diligence and Legitimate Expectations
Authors: Matos Shaun 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This article examines the significance of investor due diligence in the context of a claim that a host State has breached its obligation to provide fair and equitable treatment (FET). Despite increasing reliance on due diligence exercises, there are considerable differences in how tribunals understand and use such exercises. These differences are related to different visions of the function and future of international investment law. After exploring the different approaches that are taken, this article will argue that the most coherent approach is to treat investor due diligence as merely a technique for assessing investor reasonableness and prudence, rather than a strict requirement.
Jurisdiction and Applicable Law in the Settlement of Marine Environmental Disputes under UNCLOS
Authors: Nguyen Lan Ngoc 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Part XII of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the protection and preservation of the marine environment contains provisions that are worded in a general manner. As “the problems of ocean space are closely interrelated and need to be considered as a whole”, these provisions need to be interpreted in harmony with the wider corpus of international law. However, when marine environmental disputes are brought before the UNCLOS dispute settlement bodies, their jurisdiction is limited to disputes arising under UNCLOS. The tribunals, therefore, have to navigate between deciding disputes in a hollistic manner and remaining within their jurisdictional limits. This article discusses the techniques used by UNCLOS tribunals to resort to other sources of international law when settling marine environmental disputes. It will then assess whether, in doing so, the tribunals have remained within their jurisdictional parameters and the wider implications of this practice.
Cultural Influences on Opinion Expression in an Online and Offline Context
Authors: Al-Sumait Fahed , Frederick Edward , Al-Kandari Ali , Sharif Ahmad 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
This study compares the expression of opinion in incongruent offline and online settings regarding the issue of gender desegregation in Kuwait’s public schools. Spiral of silence theory provides the theoretical foundation for examining the impact of certain cultural factors and religious influences on the expression of opinion, their relationship to the fundamental tenets of the theory, such as fear of social isolation, and Twitter use variables among respondents to a survey. The results to a questionnaire administered to 534 public and private university students indicate greater overall expression of opinion in the offline than online context. Offline and online, the nonconformist personality variable was a positive predictor of expression of opinion, and fear of social isolation was a negative predictor. The perceived position of Islam on the issue was a predictor of expression of opinion only in the offline context. Finally, daily average use of Twitter was an additional predictor of expression of opinion in the online environment.
Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab and Cost-Effective Management of Hospital Admissions for Snakebites
Authors: Bowden Mallory B. , Christie Dudley B. , Hand Kelly H. , Montgomery Anne 
Published: January 2022

Background Venomous snakebites are a common clinical scenario in the Southeastern United States. CroFab® (Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine), BTG, Wales, UK) antivenom is indicated in cases involving pit vipers and is known to be expensive. The treatment protocol for snakebites is based on clinically subjective measures triggering the application, or escalation of, antivenom administration. The purpose of this study is to characterize the use of CroFab at our institution and to evaluate the impact of its use regarding cost and overall outcomes. We suspect that it is often used but potentially less often needed. We hypothesized that CroFab use was associated with increased length of stay (LOS) without an observed difference in patient outcomes. Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review of snakebite patients at our level-1 trauma center from 2000 to 2016 was performed. Snakebite location, snake species, number of vials of CroFab administered, hospital LOS, intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, and complications were identified for each patient. Patients were divided into CroFab (C) and no CroFab (NC) groups. Results One hundred ninety patients with venomous snakebites were included. 53.7% of patients received CroFab. There was no difference in the complication rate of C versus NC groups, ( P = .1118). CroFab use was associated with longer hospital LOS ( P < .0001) and ICU LOS ( P < .0001). Discussion CroFab use was associated with increased LOS in our patient population. There was no difference in observed outcomes between the C and NC groups. These findings imply that CroFab is potentially over-used in our patient population.
Is It Beneficial to Optimize Vital Signs Before Embolization for Pelvic Fractures? A Dilemma Between Resuscitation and Hemostasis
Authors: Kuo Ling-Wei , Wang Chen-Yu , Liao Chien-An , Wu Yu-Tung , Liao Chien-Hung , Hsieh Chi-Hsun , Fu Chih-Yuan 
Published: January 2022

Purpose Adequate resuscitation and definitive hemostasis are both important in the management of hemorrhage related to pelvic fracture. The goal of this study was to analyze the relationship between the amount of blood transfused before transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and the clinical outcome later in the disease course. Methods Patients with pelvic fractures who underwent TAE for hemostasis from January 2018 to December 2019 were studied. The characteristics of patients who received blood transfusions of >2 U (1000 mL) and ≤2 U before TAE were compared. The mortality rate, blood transfusion-related complications, and length of stay were compared between these two groups. Results Among the 75 studied patients, 39 (52.0%) received blood transfusions of ≤2 U before TAE, and the other 36 (48.0%) patients received blood transfusions of >2 U before TAE. The incidence rates of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, and coagulopathy were significantly higher in the >2 U group (97.2% vs 81.1%, P = .027; 50.0% vs 27.0%, P = .045; and 44.4% vs 5.4%, P < .01, respectively). After nonsurvivors were excluded, the >2 U group had a significantly higher proportion (43.8% vs 14.7%, P < .001) of prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (7 days or more) and a longer hospital length of stay (33.8 ± 15.1 vs 21.9 ± 94.0, P < .01) than the ≤2 U group. Pre-TAE blood transfusion >2 U serves as an independent risk factor for prolonged ICU length of stay and increased hospital length of stay. Conclusion Early hemostasis for pelvic fracture-related hemorrhage is suggested to prevent pre-TAE blood transfusion-associated adverse effects of blood transfusion.
Outcomes of Early Versus Delayed Completion Thyroidectomy for Malignancy
Authors: Park Jaimie J. , Frank Ethan , Simental Alfred A. , Park Joshua S. , Kim Stephanie , Imperio-Lagabon Kristelle , Van der Werf Owen 
Published: January 2022

Purpose To determine whether time interval between hemi-thyroidectomy and subsequent completion thyroidectomy impacts outcomes. Methods Retrospective review of 68 patients having completion thyroidectomy from August 2012 to December 2019. Patients were separated into two groups based on the time interval between surgeries: early (≤10 days) or delayed (≥90 days). Results Patients who underwent delayed completion thyroidectomy (n = 17) had significantly higher rates of hypocalcemia and/or hypoparathyroidism ( P = .03) and higher rates of requiring postoperative hospitalization ( P=.07) compared to those who underwent early completion thyroidectomy (n = 51). Delayed completion had significantly lower risk of developing one or more of dysphonia, dysphagia, or vocal cord paresis postoperatively ( P=.02). No patients developed hematoma or wound infection. Conclusions Delayed completion thyroidectomy is associated with increased rates of hypocalcemia, but lower rates of dysphonia and dysphagia. Given the low risk of long-term complications in both groups, it may be beneficial to perform completion thyroidectomy early in order to expedite cancer treatment.
Urgent Breast-Related Consults Seen by Acute Care Surgery at a Safety Net Hospital
Authors: Sargent Rachel E. , Schellenberg Morgan , Owattanapanich Natthida , Chen Allen , Chen Eric , Sener Stephen F. , Inaba Kenji 
Published: January 2022

Background Classically, urgent breast consults are seen by Breast Surgery or Surgical Oncology (BS/SO). At our safety net hospital, Acute Care Surgery (ACS) performs all urgent surgical consultations, including initial assessment of breast consults with coordinated BS/SO follow-up. The objective was to determine safety of ACS initial assessment of acute breast pathology. Methods All urgent breast-related consultations were included (2016-2019). Demographics, consult indications, and investigations/interventions were captured. Outcomes were compared between patients assessed by ACS versus both ACS and BS/SO at presentation. Results 234 patients met study criteria, with median age 39 years. Patients were primarily Hispanic (82%) women (96%). Most were not seen by BS/SO at presentation (69%), although BS/SO assessment was more frequent among patients ultimately diagnosed with cancer (8% vs 1%, P = .012). No patient had delay >90 days to core biopsy from presentation. Outcomes including time to cancer diagnosis (14 vs 8 days, P = .143) and outpatient BS/SO assessment (16 vs 13 days, P = .528); loss to follow-up (25% vs 21%, P = .414); and ED recidivism (24% vs 18%, P = .274) were comparable between patients seen by ACS versus ACS/BS/SO at index presentation. Conclusion Urgent breast consults at our safety net hospital typically underwent initial assessment by ACS with outpatient evaluation by BS/SO. Time to follow-up and cancer diagnosis, loss to follow-up, and ED recidivism were similar after index presentation assessment by ACS versus ACS and BS/SO. In a resource-limited environment, urgent breast consults can be safely managed in the acute setting by ACS with coordinated outpatient BS/SO follow-up.
The Economic Effects on Acute Care Surgery in a New York City Public Hospital During the COVID Pandemic
Authors: Moghadamyeghaneh Zhobin , Ojo Adedolapo , Rahimi Murwarid , Kopatsis Anthony Paul , Kopatsis Katherine , Kopatsis Anthony 
Published: January 2022

Background Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, less acute care surgical procedures have been performed and consequently hospitals have experienced significant revenue loss. We aim to investigate these procedures performed before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as their effect on the economy. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent cholecystectomies and appendectomies during March–May 2019 compared to the same time period in 2020 using Chi-square and t-tests. Results There were 345 patients who presented with appendicitis or cholecystitis to Elmhurst Hospital Center during the March–May 2019 and 2020 time period. There were three times as many total operations, or about 75%, in 2019 (261) compared to 2020 (84). There was a decrease in the number of admissions from 2019 to 2020 for both acute cholecystitis (149 vs 43, respectively) and acute appendicitis (112 vs 41, respectively). The largest decrease in the number of admissions in 2020 compared to 2019 was observed in April 2020 (98 vs 9, P < .01) followed by May [69 vs 20, P < .01], and March [94 vs 55, P < .01]. Corresponding to the decrease in operative patterns was a noticeable six-time reduction in revenue for the procedures in 2019 ($187,283) compared to 2020 ($30,415). Conclusion We observed almost a triple reduction in the number of cholecystitis and appendicitis procedures performed during the 2020 pandemic surge as compared to the 2019 pre-pandemic data. Elmhurst hospital also experienced four times the loss of revenue during the same time period.
Force Control Strategy of Five-Digit Precision Grasping With Aligned and Unaligned Configurations
Authors: Chen Po-Tsun , Hsu Hsiu-Yun , Su You-Hua , Lin Chien-Ju , Chieh Hsiao-Feng , Kuo Li-Chieh , Su Fong-Chin 
Published: January 2022

Objective To investigate the digit force control during a five-digit precision grasp in aligned (AG) and unaligned grasping (UG) configurations. Background The effects of various cylindrical handles for tools on power grasp performance have been previously investigated. However, there is little information on force control strategy of precision grasp to fit various grasping configurations. Method Twenty healthy young adults were recruited to perform a lift-hold-lower task. The AG and UG configurations on a cylindrical simulator with force transducers were adjusted for each individual. The applied force and moment, the force variability during holding, and force correlations between thumb and each finger were measured. Result No differences in applied force, force correlation, repeatability, and variability were found between configurations. However, the moments applied in UG were significantly larger than those in AG. Conclusion The force control during precision grasp did not change significantly across AG and UG except for the digit moment. The simulator is controlled efficiently with large moment during UG, which is thus the optimal configuration for precision grasping with a cylindrical handle. Further research should consider the effects of task type and handle design on force control, especially for individuals with hand disorders. Application To design the handle of specific tool, one should consider the appropriate configuration according to the task requirements of precision grasping to reduce the risk of accumulating extra loads on digits with a cylindrical handle.
Life-Threatening Stridor due to Laryngeal Tuberculosis in the COVID-19 Era: Report of a Case
Authors: Valjarevic Svetlana , Radaljac Dejan , Miladinovic Nenad 
Published: January 2022

Laryngeal tuberculosis is the most frequent granulomatous disease of the larynx and it is prone to be diagnosed as cancer. COVID-19 pandemic caused considerable disruption in tuberculosis service provisions both in the primary care and hospital settings. This report describes a rare case of life-threatening stridor in a patient who presented with an ulceroproliferative laryngeal mass later confirmed as laryngeal tuberculosis. Urgent tracheostomy was performed. The patient’s sputum and the computed tomography of the chest revealed a pulmonary, as well as laryngeal tuberculosis. The patient was commenced on a 24 week course of anti-tuberculous treatment which was interrupted because of a mild course of hospital-acquired coronavirus infection. 3 months after initial treatment for tuberculosis, his sputum cultures became negative. Flexible laryngoscopy was performed at our department 4 months after commencement of treatment, demonstrating complete regression of the lesion and symmetrical laryngeal mobility, hence the patient was successfully decannulated and discharged to be followed up to his community hospital. In the time of COVID-19 pandemic, we should never underestimate other severe infectious diseases.
Two-stage model of prepreg bonding interface formation in automated fiber placement process
Authors: Xiao Rui , Wang Wang , Shi Jiaqi , Xiao Jun 
Published: January 2022

While Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) of thermoset matrix composites are widely used in the aviation industry, there is little conclusive research on the relationship between the physical model of bonding interface formation process and the actual bonding strength between prepreg layers formed in AFP process. Although massive amounts of experimental data on prepreg tack have been achieved from existing research, engineers are unable to use these data as a decisive criterion in choosing process parameters. In this research, a prepreg layup physical model based on reptation model and viscoelastic mechanical model is built, in which the bonding interface formation process is divided into two stages, namely, diffusion and viscous stage. Layup-peeling experiments are conducted via a special designed high-speed layup experimental platform so that practical AFP process parameters can be imitated, and a logarithmic curve of layup velocity-peeling energy under different layup pressure is achieved. The slope of the logarithmic curve and the surface morphology of the sample after peeling prove the correctness of the established model. Simultaneously, the experimental data proves that when prepreg is peeled off, the transition from the cohesive failure mode to the interface failure mode occurs at the laying speed between 100 mm/s and 200 mm/s. These results can be used as a reference for choosing AFP process parameters to realize the balance between good bonding quality and harmless separation of adjacent prepreg layers.
Effects of different thermal modes of obstacles on the natural convective Al2O3-water nanofluidic transport inside a triangular cavity
Authors: Acharya Nilankush 
Published: January 2022

This study investigates the Al2O3-water nanofluidic transport within an isosceles triangular compartment with top vertex downwards. The top wall is maintained isothermally cooled and left as well as right inclined walls are made uniformly heated. Two diamond-shaped obstacles are positioned inside the enclosure. The nanofluidic motion is supposed to be magnetically influenced. This investigation includes a fine analysis of how various thermal modes of obstacles affect the velocity and thermal profiles of the nanofluid. Appropriate similarity conversion leads to having a non-dimensional flow profile and is treated with Galerkin finite element scheme. The grid independency, experimental verification, and comparison assessments are directed to explore the model accuracy. The dynamic parameters like Rayleigh number [Formula: see text], nanoparticle volume fraction [Formula: see text], and Hartmann number [Formula: see text] are varied to perceive the noteworthy changes in isotherms, velocity, streamlines, and Nusselt number. The consequences specify average Nusselt number deteriorates for Hartmann number but escalates for nanoparticle concentration and Rayleigh number. Both heated and adiabatic obstacles exhibit high heat transport, while cold obstacles reveal the lowest magnitude in heat transmission. For Rayleigh number, cold obstacles reveal 34.51% heat transport enhancement, whereas it is 52.72% for heated obstacles compared to cold one. mathematics subject classification: 76W05
Study of wear losses and frictional heat dissipation during dry sliding wear of ilmenite reinforced Al-alloy composite
Authors: Singhal Varun , Prakash Pandey Om 
Published: January 2022

In this investigation, ilmenite mineral reinforced Al–Si alloy matrix composite (AMC) has been developed. The wear behavior of the developed composites has been studied for their end application as break drum material to replace cast iron used in automobile industries. Ilmenite is one of the major sea beach mineral. AMC has been prepared through a low-cost stir-casting method in which 1 wt.% graphite (Gr)/tin (Sn) as a solid lubricant has been added during the fabrication of composites itself. The optical micrographs of AMC revealed uniform distribution of ilmenite particles throughout the matrix. The wear rate of the base LM30 alloy containing 17% Si and the developed composites has been studied at different normal loads at a constant velocity of 1.6 m.s−1. Optimized data revealed a significant wear rate reduction due to solid lubrication provided by Gr/Sn (∼32%). The wear rate of composites has been compared with traditional cast iron used in brake drums under similar experimental conditions. Composites exhibit nearly identical wear behavior throughout the test. The microstructural study of wear track and debris revealed that Sn and Gr used as solid lubricants played a vital role in reducing the wear loss of the prepared composites. A theoretical study of frictional heat generated during dry sliding and its dissipation has been done to establish the operative wear mechanism in the composites.
What makes an optimal delivery for PrEP against HIV: A qualitative study in MSM
Authors: Lau Janice Y. C. , Wong Ngai-Sze , Lee Krystal C. K. , Kwan Tsz-Ho , Lui Grace C. Y. , Chan Denise P. C. , Lee Shui-Shan 
Published: January 2022

Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective means of HIV prevention for men who have sex with men (MSM), a key population whose engagement is crucial for achieving effective public health outcomes. An optimal service model would be important in planning the implementation of PrEP in places where such service has not been established. Methods A qualitative study was conducted to delineate the attributes of an optimal PrEP service model for MSM in Hong Kong, a city where no formal PrEP programs existed. Twenty purposively sampled MSM who were enrollees of two pilot PrEP projects participated in the semi-structured interviews promoting story-telling. The coded data were thematically analyzed following Grounded Theory approach, focusing on uncovering a typology of the essential attributes of an optimal PrEP service model, and the reasons for such preferences. Results Participating MSM were all ethnic Chinese and aged 26 to 52 years. All had received PrEP from pilot projects in conjunction with periodic screening of sexually transmitted infections (STI), HIV antibody, and plasma creatinine. Four major themes emerged as regards the attributes of a preferred PrEP service: (i) comprehensiveness of HIV/STI and safety monitoring; (ii) convenient unitary service; (iii) stigma-free PrEP access and protecting confidentiality; and (iv) affordable price. Whereas regular provision of PrEP was acceptable to MSM, unaffordability and related stigma were the anticipated challenges for potential service providers. Conclusions The qualitative assessment of MSM’s preference for PrEP service delivery has yielded important information on the many facets of a desirable service model.
The potential use of serum interleukin-21 as biomarker for lupus nephritis activity compared to cytokines of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family
Authors: Shater Hend , Fawzy Mary , Farid Alyaa , El-Amir Azza , Fouad Salwa , Madbouly Neveen 
Published: January 2022

Objective Lupus nephritis (LN) is a significant consequence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that focuses on evaluation of serum interleukin (IL-) 21 as a diagnostic biomarker of LN activity, compared to B lymphocyte stimulator (BlyS), tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 13 (TNF-SF13), and traditional techniques of active LN attempting to compare their diagnostic usefulness. Methods Serum levels of IL-21, BlyS, and TNF-SF13 during LN were investigated. Twenty-five biopsy-proven, active LN female patients and 15 SLE patients without active LN and 20 healthy controls (HCs) joined this work. Results Serum IL-21 level was significantly higher in active LN group than in inactive LN group. Correlation analysis showed that serum IL-21 levels were significantly correlated with total SLEDAI (r = 0.41, p = 0.03), renal-SLEDAI (r = 0.48, p = 0.04), renal activity index (AI) (r = 0.93; p < 0.001), and 24-h proteinuria (r = 0.51; p > 0.008). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) revealed the ability of serum IL-21 to discriminate between active and inactive LN with 70% sensitivity at >240 pg/ml cutoff point (AUC 0.809). Conclusion For Egyptian SLE patients, serum levels of IL-21 were superior to TNF-SF13 and BlyS and correlated significantly with the activity indexes of LN, indicating a promising role as a potential biomarker of active LN.