Social or economic class? False dichotomies, reductionism and abstract categories

Against the backdrop of socio-economic conflict, this paper analyses a number of approaches to classes in the economics, political economy and sociology literatures. Our argument is structured into two themes which consider: (i) class and individualism; (ii) social and economic classes. We also consider deductive and inductive class analyses within these themes. This typology is used to classify the methodological approaches of scholars from a variety of traditions, thereby providing a basis for assessing their congruence, and the plausibility of developing an integrated perspective on class, spanning heterodox economics and sociology. Initial discussion considers classical political economy and its Marxian derivatives, including Lenin’s criteria for categorising classes, and relatively recent approaches derived from economics, political economy (in the Marxian tradition), and sociology. Based on our analysis of the two themes identified we argue that the abstract pairs of categories — class-individual, social-economic — should not be falsely dichotomised. In addition, we argue that a reductionist approach to class (be it economic or micro-reductionism) only provides a partial account, and fails to capture the complexity of class in relation to other forms of social stratification

Application of a 6DOF algorithm for the investigation of impulse waves generated due to sub-aerial landslides

Inland water bodies such as lakes, rivers and streams are generally considered safe from extreme wave events. Such inland water bodies are susceptible to extreme wave events due to impact of aerial landslides, where a large mass of land impacts the water at high velocities, resulting in a sudden transfer of momentum to the water body. Similar events can occur due to an underwater landslide as well. The evaluation of such extreme events in inland water bodies and the impact of such extreme waves on the regions adjacent to the water body is essential to assess the safety of the constructions on the banks of the water bodies. The generation of extreme waves due to aerial and sub-aerial landslides depends on several parameters such as the height of fall, the composition of the impacting land mass and the bottom slope of the water body. In this paper, the 6DOF algorithm implemented in the open source Computational Fluid Dy- namics (CFD) model REEF3D is used to simulate the motion of a sliding wedge impacting the water free surface. This is used to represent a sliding landmass impacting water after a landslide event. The wedge is represented using a primitive triangular surface mesh and a ray-tracing algorithm is used to determine the position of the object with respect to the underlying grid. Further, the level set method is then used to represent the solid boundary. The motion of the wedge is obtained by propagating the level set equation. The interaction of the wedge with the free water surface is obtained in a sharp and accurate manner using the level set method for both the water free surface and the solid boundary. REEF3D uses a staggered Cartesian numerical grid with a fifth-order WENO scheme for convection discretisation and a third-order Runge- Kutta scheme for time advancement. With the higher-order methods and the level set method, the model can be used to calculate detailed flow information such as the pressure changes in the water on impact and the associated deformation of the water free surface. The accurate representation of these characteristics is essential for correctly evaluating the height and period of the generated extreme wave and associated properties such as the wave celerity and wave run up on the banks during the extreme event

Lower plasma levels of selenium and glutathione in smear-positive tuberculosis patients in Malawi

No Abstract

3D Numerical modelling of pile scour with free surface profile under waves and current using the level set method in model REEF3D

Wave action stirs up sediments and keeps it in suspension while currents wash it away from the coastal zone. The combined action of the waves and current close to the sediment bed may worsen the situation by creating excessive sediment transport leading to the failure of hydraulic structures. In this study, numerical modeling of local scour under waves and current is carried out using the open source CFD model REEF3D, which solves the Navier-Stokes equation using the finite difference method. The simulated flow field from the Navier-Stokes equations is coupled with sediment transport algorithms in a numerical waves tank. Further, the calculated bedload and suspended load are linked with the Exner formula to calculate bed elevation changes. The free surface and scoured bed surface are captured using the level set method. Two case scenarios, namely scour under waves and scour under current are run until the equilibrium scour condition is achieved. The simulated results are compared with experimental data of Link (2006) and Sumer & Fredsøe (2001). Good comparison between experimental data and simulated results is observed. It is observed that for equal flow velocity in the flume, sediment transport under current only condition is larger than under waves alone

Utility and limitations of EEG in the diagnosis and management of ALDH7A1-related pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy. A retrospective observational study

PurposePyridoxine-dependent epilepsy due to ALDH7A1 variants (PDE-ALDH7A1) is a rare disorder, presenting typically with severe neonatal, epileptic encephalopathy. Early diagnosis is imperative to prevent uncontrolled seizures. We have explored the role of EEG in the diagnosis and management of PDE.MethodsA total of 13 Norwegian patients with PDE-ALDH7A1 were identified, of whom five had reached adult age. Altogether 163 EEG recordings were assessed, 101 from the 1st year of life.ResultsMedian age at seizure onset was 9 h (IQR 41), range 1 h-6 days. Median delay from first seizure to first pyridoxine injection was 2 days (IQR 5.5). An EEG burst suppression pattern was seen in eight patients (62%) during the first 5 days of life. Eleven patients had recordings during pyridoxine injections: in three, immediate EEG improvement correlated with seizure control, whereas in six, no change of epileptiform activity occurred. Of these six, one had prompt clinical effect, one had delayed effect (< 1 day), one had no effect, one had uncertain effect, and another had more seizures. A patient without seizures at time of pyridoxine trial remained seizure free for 6 days. Two patients with prompt clinical effect had increased paroxysmal activity, one as a conversion to burst suppression. Autonomic seizures in the form of apnoea appeared to promote respiratory distress and were documented by EEG in one patient. EEG follow-up in adult age did not show signs of progressing encephalopathy.ConclusionA neonatal burst suppression EEG pattern should raise the suspicion of PDE-ALDH7A1. Respiratory distress is common; isolated apnoeic seizures may contribute. EEG responses during pyridoxine trials are diverse, often with poor correlation to immediate clinical effect. Reliance on single trials may lead to under-recognition of this treatable condition. Pyridoxine should be continued until results from biomarkers and genetic testing are available

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat