Consistent Criteria Research Articles

A failure criterion for genuinely orthotropic materials and integration of a series of criteria for materials of different degrees of anisotropy.

Existing failure criteria for orthotropic materials are subject to an underlying assumption which cause contradictions when applied to genuinely orthotropic materials that are significantly anisotropic in elasticity as well as in strengths. For such materials, there is lack of consistent failure criteria to support their applications in engineering structures. A general quadratic failure criterion tends to leave undetermined coefficients for interactive terms. A rational approach is adopted in this paper based on mathematical and logical considerations to determine these coefficients as the objective of this paper. Considerations are based on the intrinsic characteristics of the quadric surfaces introduced by the quadratic failure criterion. These coefficients must take the values as obtained, leaving no alternatives if logic prevails. The obtained criterion integrates for the first time a range of criteria separately formulated for materials of different degrees of anisotropy, from genuinely orthotropic, through transversely isotropic, cubically symmetric, to completely isotropic ones with different or identical tensile and compression strengths.

Primary and specialist care interaction and referral patterns for individuals with chronic kidney disease: a narrative review.

Timely referral of individuals with chronic kidney disease from primary care to secondary care is evidenced to improve patient outcomes, especially for those whose disease progresses to kidney failure requiring kidney replacement therapy. A shortage of specialist nephrology services plus no consistent criteria for referral and reporting leads to referral pattern variability in the management of individuals with chronic kidney disease. The objective of this review was to explore the referral patterns of individuals with chronic kidney disease from primary care to specialist nephrology services. It focused on the primary-specialist care interface, optimal timing of referral to nephrology services, adequacy of preparation for kidney replacement therapy, and the role of clinical criteria vs. risk-based prediction tools in guiding the referral process. A narrative review was utilised to summarise the literature, with the intent of providing a broad-based understanding of the referral patterns for patients with chronic kidney disease in order to guide clinical practice decisions. The review identified original English language qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods publications as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses available in PubMed and Google Scholar from their inception to 24 March 2023. Thirteen papers met the criteria for detailed review. We grouped the findings into three main themes: (1) Outcomes of the timing of referral to nephrology services, (2) Adequacy of preparation for kidney replacement therapy, and (3) Comparison of clinical criteria vs. risk-based prediction tools. The review demonstrated that regardless of the time frame used to define early vs. late referral in relation to the start of kidney replacement therapy, better outcomes are evidenced in patients referred early. This review informs the patterns and timing of referral for pre-dialysis specialist care to mitigate adverse outcomes for individuals with chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis. Enhancing current risk prediction equations will enable primary care clinicians to accurately predict the risk of clinically important outcomes and provide much-needed guidance on the timing of referral between primary care and specialist nephrology services.

Prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adult prisoners: An updated meta-analysis.

Previous meta-analyses may have overestimated the prevalence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in prisoners by including data from selected samples. To estimate the prevalence of ADHD in unselected samples of adults in prison and examine potential sources of heterogeneity by meta-regression and subgroup analyses. We assessed all studies included in a 2018 systematic review for eligibility and updated the literature search to include studies published up to September 2023. A total of 11 studies reporting robust diagnostic data on ADHD in 3919 unselected adults in prison were included. In meta-regression, ADHD prevalence did not differ between men and women but it was significantly higher in studies using a two-phase design. In random sampling studies, the pooled prevalence of ADHD was 8.3% (95% CI: 3.8-12.8) which was further halved after the removal of an outlier. One in 12 adults in prison have been diagnosed with ADHD. Our findings highlight the importance of using clear and consistent inclusion criteria in meta-analyses of prevalence.

The Improvement of the Selection Mechanism of International Students Coming to China: Take Countries along the Belt and Road as an Example

As China's influence grows globally, particularly after the introduction of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, an increasing number of foreign students are choosing to pursue their higher education in China. Given this context, China is beginning to place an increasing emphasis on the quality control of its international student population. Thus, this essay examines China's current system of international student selection. The examination reveals that there are issues with China's system for selecting international students. Both the language assessment and the academic ability evaluation are devoid of professionalism and refinement, as well as consistent criteria. Additionally, the preliminary mechanism has not gained traction or been useful, and other complementing, alternative mechanisms are disregarded. This paper offers recommendations from three perspectives—the language evaluation mechanism, the academic assessment mechanism, and the alternative assessment mechanism—to encourage the enhancement of the selection process for foreign students entering China. In order to support both the internationalization of higher education and the Belt and Road initiative, the Chinese government and universities should raise the bar for selecting international students and implement policies that are appropriate for the current state of affairs and the challenges facing the countries that form the route.

Droplet coalescence kinetics: Thermodynamic non-equilibrium effects and entropy production mechanism

The thermodynamic non-equilibrium (TNE) effects and the relationships between various TNE effects and entropy production rate, morphology, kinematics, and dynamics during two initially static droplet coalescences are studied in detail via the discrete Boltzmann method. Temporal evolutions of the total TNE strength D¯* and the total entropy production rate can both provide concise, effective, and consistent physical criteria to distinguish different stages of droplet coalescence. Specifically, when the total TNE strength D¯* and the total entropy production rate reach their maxima, it corresponds to the time when the liquid–vapor interface length changes the fastest; when the total TNE strength D¯* and the total entropy production rate reach their valleys, it corresponds to the moment of the droplet being the longest elliptical shape. Throughout the merging process, the force contributed by surface tension in the coalescence direction acts as the primary driving force for droplet coalescence and reaches its maximum simultaneously with coalescent acceleration. In contrast, the force arising from non-organized momentum fluxes (NOMFs) in the coalescing direction inhibits the merging process and reaches its maximum at the same time as the total TNE strength D¯*. In the coalescence of two unequal-sized droplets, contrary to the larger droplet, the smaller droplet exhibits higher values for total TNE strength D¯*, merging velocity, driving force contributed by surface tension, and resistance contributed by the NOMFs. Moreover, these values gradually increase with the initial radius ratio of the large and small droplets due to the stronger non-equilibrium driving forces stemming from larger curvature. However, non-equilibrium components and forces related to shear velocity in the small droplet are consistently smaller than those in the larger droplet and diminish with the radius ratio. This study offers kinetic insights into the complexity of thermodynamic non-equilibrium effects during the process of droplet coalescence, advancing our comprehension of the underlying physical processes in both engineering applications and the natural world.

Fuzzy Divergence Measure Based on Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution Method for Staff Performance Appraisal

Fuzzy set theory has extensively employed various divergence measure methods to quantify distinctions between two elements. The primary objective of this study is to introduce a generalized divergence measure integrated into the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) approach. Given the inherent uncertainty and ambiguity in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) scenarios, the concept of the fuzzy α-cut is leveraged. This allows experts to establish a broader spectrum of rankings, accommodating fluctuations in their confidence levels. To produce consistent criteria weights with the existence of outliers, the fuzzy Method based on the Removal Effects of Criteria (MEREC) is employed. To showcase the viability and effectiveness of the proposed approach, a quantitative illustration is provided through a staff performance review. In this context, the findings are compared with other MCDM methodologies, considering correlation coefficients and CPU time. The results demonstrate that the proposed technique aligns with current distance measure approaches, with all correlation coefficient values exceeding 0.9. Notably, the proposed method also boasts the shortest CPU time when compared to alternative divergence measure methodologies. As a result, it becomes evident that the proposed technique yields more sensible and practical results compared to its counterparts in this category.

Design and analysis of a nozzle-less twin-entry turbine volute for automobile application

Due to the increasing demand for improved fuel economy in passenger cars, recent internal combustion engines come with a turbocharger. Turbochargers are a method of engine downsizing that forces more compressed air into the combustion chamber, enabling a high power density. Two main types of turbines are commonly adopted in turbochargers; single-entry and multiple-entry. The multiple-entry type includes twin-entry and double-entry volutes. A twin-entry volute consists of two inlets with a divider that feed the entire circumference of a rotor whereas a double-entry volute has two separate inlets that feed the rotor separately. A twin-entry volute's design is based on a single-entry volute by merely placing a divider into the volute. The conventional design approach of a twin-entry volute gives relatively little consideration to the design aspects such as the divider's length, the divider's width, and the cross-sectional shape of the volute. The above-mentioned design aspects of a twin-entry volute have an impact on the performance of a turbine. This paper intends to design a new twin-entry volute with a specified divider length and width. The volute's profile is based on a single-entry volute. In addition, the performance of this twin-entry turbine is compared with the asymmetric double-entry turbine. The comparison of these configurations relies on consistent criteria, including the A/R ratio, mixed-flow rotor, and cross-sectional of the volute. The simulation was executed at two different turbine speeds; 30k RPM (50 %) and 48k RPM (80 %). The validation simulation shows great agreement with the experimental data with a Root Mean Square Error of less than 5 % for both speed lines. Based on the results obtained, the twin-entry turbine shows a lower swallowing capacity than the asymmetric double-entry turbine at both operating conditions. At both speed lines, the twin-entry turbine's efficiency begins to fall toward the end. The incidence angle of the twin-entry turbine is 24.4° at 50 % operating speed and -3.72° at 80 % operating speed. In both turbines, entropy generation reduces as the speed line increases, and both turbines exhibit a similar entropy generation at both speed lines. The existence of a horseshoe vortex near the hub surface and the tip leakage vortex near the shroud region of the blade substantially influence both the turbines' performance.

Prevalence of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum in elementary school baseball players based on ultrasonographic screening: a 15-year overview in Tokushima, Japan

BackgroundAlthough several operative procedures have evolved for capitellar osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), the best outcome is achieved by early detection and conservative treatment. The objective of this study was to clarify changes in the prevalence of capitellar OCD in young baseball players over a long-term period based on consistent criteria in Tokushima, Japan between 2006 and 2020. MethodsThe number of players who underwent screening and the discovery rate of capitellar OCD during the study period were investigated. School grade and radiographic stage were also evaluated. ResultsThe confirmation rate was significantly higher when ultrasonographic screening was performed than when screening was based on physical findings (65.8% vs. 1.9%, p<0.001). The overall incidence of OCD in elementary school players based on ultrasonographic screening was 1.4% during the 10-year study period. Twenty-one (10.8%) of the 195 players identified to have OCD had experienced lateral elbow pain. When classified radiographically, the lesion was stage I in 73.3% of cases, stage II in 24.1%, and stage III in 2.6%. No cases of OCD were diagnosed before the fourth grade. The prevalence rates increased gradually from the fourth grade to the sixth grade. ConclusionUltrasonographic screening could be more effective for detecting capitellar OCD than screening based on physical findings. The overall prevalence of OCD among elementary school players was 1.4% over 10 years. The prevalence rates increased gradually from the fourth grade onwards.

Delayed increase in stone tool cutting-edge productivity at the Middle-Upper Paleolithic transition in southern Jordan

Although the lithic cutting-edge productivity has long been recognized as a quantifiable aspect of prehistoric human technological evolution, there remains uncertainty how the productivity changed during the Middle-to-Upper Paleolithic transition. Here we present the cutting-edge productivity of eight lithic assemblages in the eastern Mediterranean region that represent a chrono-cultural sequence including the Late Middle Paleolithic, Initial Upper Paleolithic, the Early Upper Paleolithic, and the Epipaleolithic. The results show that a major increase in the cutting-edge productivity does not coincide with the conventional Middle-Upper Paleolithic boundary characterized by the increase in blades in the Initial Upper Paleolithic, but it occurs later in association with the development of bladelet technology in the Early Upper Paleolithic. Given increasing discussions on the complexity of Middle-Upper Paleolithic cultural changes, it may be fruitful to have a long-term perspective and employ consistent criteria for diachronic comparisons to make objective assessment of how cultural changes proceeded across conventional chrono-cultural boundaries.

Epidemiology of Dementia in China in 2010–2020: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Dementia has become one of the leading causes of death across the world. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of dementia in China between 2010 and 2020, and to investigate any geographical, age, and sex differences in the prevalence and incidence of dementia. Methods: Five databases were searched. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled prevalence of dementia. Subgroup analysis was based on the type of dementia. The incidence and mortality of dementia were synthesized qualitatively. Results: A total of 19 studies were included. The meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of dementia was 6% (95%CI 5%, 8%), the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was 5% (95%CI 4%, 6%), and the prevalence of vascular dementia (VaD) was 1% (95%CI 0%, 2%). The subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence rates of dementia in rural (6%, 95%CI 4%, 8%) and urban areas were similar (6%, 95%CI 4%, 8%). Deaths due to dementia increased over time. Conclusion: The prevalence, incidence, and mortality of dementia increased with age and over time. Applying consistent criteria to the diagnosis of cognitive impairment and dementia is necessary to help with disease monitoring. Promoting dementia knowledge and awareness at the community level is necessary.

Patient Selection in Randomized Controlled Trials of Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review Assessing Inclusion Criteria.

Patients undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at widely disparate stages of osteoarthritis, raising the possibility of high heterogeneity among patients enrolled in TKA research studies. Obscuration of treatment effectiveness and other problems that may stem from cohort heterogeneity can be controlled in clinical studies by rigorously defining target patients. The purpose of this review was to determine the extent to which randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on TKA use osteoarthritis severity, as defined by radiographic grade or patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), in their inclusion criteria, and to investigate potential impact on outcome. A search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases used a combination of terms involving TKA, PROMs, and radiographic scoring. A total of 1,227 studies were independently reviewed by 2 screeners for the above terms. RCTs with ≥100 patients (236) and with <100 patients (325) undergoing TKA were analyzed with regard to the specific inclusion criteria and recruitment process. Among the identified RCTs with ≥100 patients, 18 (<8%, with a total of 2,952 randomized patients) used specific radiographic scoring or PROM thresholds in their inclusion criteria. Eleven of the 18 studies used specific radiographic scoring, such as the Kellgren-Lawrence or Ahlbäck classifications. Three studies used preoperative PROM thresholds: Knee Society Knee Score of <60, Knee Society Function Score of <60, Oxford Knee Score of <20, and Hospital for Special Surgery Score of <60. Among studies with <100 patients, 48 (<15%) used specific inclusion criteria. The vast majority of RCTs (>85%) did not enroll patients based on disease severity, as measured by PROM score thresholds or radiographic classifications, in their inclusion criteria. The lack of consistent inclusion criteria likely results in heterogeneous cohorts, potentially undermining the validity of RCTs on TKA. Prognostic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Correlating food and nutritional patterns with cancers in the pediatric oncology population at two specialized hospitals in Tanzania

BackgroundThis study of nutritional patterns in relation to cancers among pediatric oncology population in Tanzania was motivated by the lack of up-to-date information about the nutritional practices, the controversy around the importance of nutritional support and the lack of consistent nutritional criteria among pediatric oncology populations.MethodsA survey study in two cancer referral hospitals of children diagnosed with any cancers, aged between 1 and 17 years inclusive and being eligible for enteral feeding included 131 children. Their demographic, nutritional, feeding and cancer profiles were analyzed descriptively through mapping and other approaches as well as inferentially using multinomial regression models to understand different aspects of nutrition for children suffering from cancers.ResultsThe majority (15% or higher) of pediatric oncology population originated from the lake zone. Between 7 and 12% of pediatric oncology population originated from the Western zone. The top-three cancers with their percentages in the brackets were: Wilms Tumor (32%), Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (26%) and Retinoblastoma (13%). About 69% of the pediatric oncology population ate foods that are rich in energy but poor in protein such as rice (21.5%), porridge (19.3%), banana (11.7%) and potatoes (10.2%). On the other hand, only 17.5% ate foods that are generally protein-rich such as meat (8.0%), fish (5.3%) and chicken (4.2%); and 12.7% ate milk (4.2%), beans (3.4%), vegetables (2.7%), eggs (1.9%) and fruits (1.5%). Cancers impacted food intake in about 60% of all children with cancers and affected appetite in 18.3% of them. Cancers caused vomiting in 16% and diarrhea in 6.1% of children. The majority of children with cancers (61.8%) took at least one meal while 34.4% took just snacks (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe majority of pediatric oncology population had erratic nutritional patterns and took foods high in energy and poor in proteins. There is a two-way interaction between cancers and nutrition in which cancers affect general nutritional intake which could affect the cancer treatment outcomes in return. Therefore, it is important to consider these interactions while managing pediatric oncology populations in this and similar settings.

Prospective cohort study of Helicobacter pylori infection on the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

To investigate the epidemiological connection between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori). 6,478 retired and active workers, aged 22-69 years, were included in the study. Their baseline measures of height, weight, waist measurement, body mass index, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, plasma lipid, liver function index, glycosylated hemoglobin, abdominal ultrasonography, and findings from the line “13 C urea breath test” H. pylori test were analyzed, and follow-up with consistent baseline methods and criteria was performed annually. Over a 4-year period, the prevalence of NAFLD increased by 16.9%, with 612 (18.7%) of those who tested positive for H. pylori developing NAFLD, whereas 484 (15.1%) of those who did not test positive for H. pylori were later diagnosed with new NAFLD ( χ2 = 14.862, P &lt; 0.05). One of the risk factors identified in the univariable Cox regression model for NAFLD was H. pylori (Hazard Ratio = 1.297; 95.0% confidence interval (CI) 1.150,1.485, P &lt; 0.000); however, H. pylori continued to be an independent factor affecting the risk of NAFLD even after accounting for gender, age, and aspects of the metabolic syndrome (Hazard Ratio = 1.240; 95.0% CI 1.077,1.429, P = 0.003). The growth of NAFLD may be correlated with H. pylori infection.

A Novel Diagnostic and Treatment Algorithm for Acute Mastoiditis in Children Based on 109 Cases.

Acute mastoiditis (AM) is a potentially life-threatening condition primarily affecting children. To date, there are no consistent criteria or valid guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric AM. Therefore, this study evaluates the clinical course of AM in terms of clinical signs and treatment. In addition, a novel classification scheme for the disease and a treatment algorithm is being proposed. Patient records over a 12-year period from a single center were reviewed to identify confirmed cases of AM in children. Data collected included clinical signs, body temperature, and infection parameters during the disease, as well as radiological imaging, antibiotics, and surgical as well as conservative treatment. In addition, a classification of the AM stages was established in accordance with the findings described and practical experience, consisting of four stages (1, mastoidal irritation; 2, mild AM; 3, advanced AM; 4, advanced AM and additional complications) with corresponding treatment recommendations. In the retrospective cohort, those AM cases that were treated alongside the classification were compared with the rest concerning clinical course and outcome. A total of 109 patients (mean age, 3.8 ± 3.8 years) were included. The main symptoms at hospital admission were auricular protrusion (n = 73; 67.0%), fever (n = 56; 51.4%) with a mean temperature of 38.3 ± 1.1°C, and otalgia (n = 28; 25.7%). The mean laboratory-tested levels of leukocytes and C-reactive protein at the time of hospital admission were 15.96 ± 8.7/nl and 59.6 ± 54.0 mg/L, respectively. During winter, there was a higher prevalence of AM, with peak hospital admissions in April (n = 22). The most common pathogen was Streptococcus pyogenes (32 cases). Treatment was purely conservative in four cases, whereas the remaining cases underwent surgery (41× grommet insertion, 64× plus mastoidectomy). The outcome was generally good, but in eight patients a second surgical procedure had to be performed as they showed signs of clinical deterioration. A total of 101 patients were treated according to the proposed algorithm, and all of which had a good outcome without the need for further interventions. Based on clinical experience in a large cohort of pediatric AM patients, a novel diagnostic and treatment algorithm has been developed and successfully tested in a retrospective cohort for AM in children to prevent further complications and to ease its management by pediatricians and otorhinolaryngologists in the emergency setting.

Comparison of multiple modalities for drug response prediction with learning curves using neural networks and XGBoost.

Anti-cancer drug response prediction is a central problem within stratified medicine. Transcriptomic profiles of cancer cell lines are typically used for drug response prediction, but we hypothesize that proteomics or phosphoproteomics might be more suitable as they give a more direct insight into cellular processes. However, there has not yet been a systematic comparison between all three of these datatypes using consistent evaluation criteria. Due to the limited number of cell lines with phosphoproteomics profiles we use learning curves, a plot of predictive performance as a function of dataset size, to compare the current performance and predict the future performance of the three omics datasets with more data. We use neural networks and XGBoost and compare them against a simple rule-based benchmark. We show that phosphoproteomics slightly outperforms RNA-seq and proteomics using the 38 cell lines with profiles of all three omics data types. Furthermore, using the 877 cell lines with proteomics and RNA-seq profiles, we show that RNA-seq slightly outperforms proteomics. With the learning curves we predict that the mean squared error using the phosphoproteomics dataset would decrease by if a dataset of the same size as the proteomics/transcriptomics was collected. For the cell lines with proteomics and RNA-seq profiles the learning curves reveal that for smaller dataset sizes neural networks outperform XGBoost and vice versa for larger datasets. Furthermore, the trajectory of the XGBoost curve suggests that it will improve faster than the neural networks as more data are collected. See https://github.com/Nik-BB/Learning-curves-for-DRP for the code used.

Assessing the Relationship Between Traditional In Vitro Fertilization and Birth Defects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background Previously published meta-analyses revealed that IVF combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) had an increased risk of birth defects in children. ICSI is more invasive, expensive, and time-consuming than IVF, but both result in comparable live birth rates. Currently, despite traditional IVF being used less frequently nationally and internationally than combined IVF/ICSI, it is important to understand the relationship between traditional IVF and birth defects due to a paucity of literature. Objective This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on whether traditional IVF techniques increase the risk for “all” birth defects and “major” birth defects in singletons compared to naturally conceived children. Search Strategy PubMed and EMBASE databases adhered to PRISMA guidelines. Selection Criteria Study selection consisted of original publications in English reporting birth defects for IVF singletons vs. naturally conceived children. Data Collection and Analysis Nine selected items from STROBE criteria were employed to rate study quality. Random effect models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios. Results From 916 publications, fifteen studies met eligibility criteria. Eight studies were rated as high quality, while the remaining 7 were rated as medium. A higher rate of “all” birth defects (pooled OR= 1.44 (95% CI:1.15-1.80) as well as a higher risk for “major” birth defects (pooled OR= 1.64; 95% CI: 1.24-2.18) were observed among traditional IVF-conceived singletons compared to naturally conceived children. Conclusions This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to date to provide the highest available evidence that IVF is associated with “all” and “major” birth defects among IVF singletons compared to naturally conceived infants. Future large prospective studies should employ standardized reporting and uniform protocols for identifying birth defects with consistent diagnostic criteria for both minor and major birth defects, and comparable durations of follow-up in order to obtain an accurate estimate of birth defects after IVF.

Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review.

It remains unclear whether antibiotic prophylaxis (AP) should be recommended or discouraged in robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) for prostate cancer (PCa). The development of microbial resistance and side effects are risks of antibiotic use. This systematic review (SR) investigates the evidence base for AP in RALP. A systematic literature search was conducted until 12 January 2023, using Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Cochrane CDSR (via Ovid) and CINAHL for studies reporting the effect of AP on postoperative infectious complications in RALP. Of 436 screened publications, 8 studies comprising 6378 RALP procedures met the inclusion criteria. There was no evidence of a difference in the rate and severity of infective complications within 30 days after RALP surgery between different AP protocols. No studies omitted AP. For patients who received AP, the overall occurrence of postoperative infectious complications varied between 0.6% and 6.6%. The reported urinary tract infection (UTI) rates varied from 0.16% (4/2500) to 8.9% (15/169). Wound infections were reported in 0.46% (4/865) to 1.12% (1/89). Sepsis/bacteraemia and hyperpyrexia were registered in 0.1% (1/1084) and 1.6% (5/317), respectively. Infected lymphoceles (iLC) rates were 0.9% (3 of 317) in a RALP cohort that included 88.6% pelvic lymph node dissections (PLND), and 3% (26 of 865) in a RALP cohort where all patients underwent PLND. Our findings underscore that AP is being administered in RALP procedures without scientifically proven evidence. Prospective studies that apply consistent and uniform criteria for measuring infectious complications and antibiotic-related side effects are needed to ensure the comparability of results and guidance on AP in RALP.

Shallow sources of upper mantle seismic anisotropy in East Africa

The East African rift overlies one or more mantle upwellings and it traverses heterogeneous Archaean-Paleozoic lithosphere rifted in Mesozoic and Cenozoic time. We re-analyze XKS shear wave splitting at publicly available stations to evaluate models for rifting above mantle plumes. We use consistent criteria to compare and contrast both splitting direction and strength, infilling critical gaps with new data from the Turkana Depression and North Tanzania Divergence sectors of the East African rift system. Our results show large spatial variations in the amount of splitting (0.1–2.5 s), with fast axes predominantly sub-parallel to the orientation of Cenozoic rifts underlain by thinned lithosphere with and without surface magmatism. The amount of splitting increases with lithospheric thinning and magmatic modification. Nowhere are fast axes perpendicular to the rift, arguing against the development of extensional strain fabrics. Thick cratons are characterized by small amounts of splitting (≤0.5 s) with a variety of orientations that may characterize mantle plume flow. Splitting rotates to rift parallel and increases in strength over short distances into rift zones, implying a shallow depth range for the anisotropy in some places. The shallow source and correlation between splitting direction and the shape of upper mantle thin zones suggests that the combination of channel flow and oriented melt pockets contribute > 1 s to the observed splitting delays. Enhanced flow, metasomatism, and melt intrusion at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary suggest that fluid infiltration to the base of the lithosphere may facilitate rifting of cratonic lithosphere.

APPRAISAL OF POTENTIAL DIGITAL ARCHIVAL CONTENT

The appraisal is a set of critical processes and skills in records management and archival practice. It is not an elementary operation; thus, to some archival writers, it belongs to the background of archivists' work. On the other hand, other archivists consider appraisal a critical archival process. This paper thematises the value of digital archival materials. The author starts with a reflection of value and appraisal and a literature review. Then, the author examines various digital archival content and their value in archives and repositories with distinctive missions. After that, the author reduces the catalogue of values that governs appraisal operations and analyses the notion of the value of digital content. Finally, the paper provides essential guidance for applying consistent appraisal criteria on potential digital archival content.

Materi Muatan Peraturan Perundang-Undangan UU 1945

The period between 2004 and 2009 saw a lot of work from the office in charge of making laws (the Position Establishment Act) which produced a number of non-partisan laws for the general public. Therefore, it is detrimental to the community because it is not in line with what is generally agreed upon by the community, as stated in the Basic Regulations (1945 Constitution), which are the source and basis for the formulation of the law in question. As a result, the Constitutional Court has conducted many judicial reviews based on citizen requests. In this regard, the authors conducted a normative review and concluded that certain laws conflicted with the Uniform Unified Development Act of 1945. The Prolegnas list compiled by the DPR and the President did not always use clear, precise and consistent criteria for laws. This means that several laws enacted in the DPR for the 2004–2009 period did not meet the standards for good lawmaking set forth in Law Number 12 of 2011 concerning Establishment of Accounting Principles. Keywords: Regulations, Legislation, material.