bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory Nasal Swelling due to Leishmania tropica
Authors: Fellah Hajiba , Hakkour Maryam , Delouane Bouchra , Hmamouch Asmae , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Sebti Faiza , Sadak Abderrahim
Published: December 2021

Since its discovery in the 19th century, cutaneous leishmaniasis has been a major public health problem, especially with the appearance of more and more unusual cases of cutaneous lesions due to this parasite. Indeed, the present study joins the previous studies and describes a typical case of a nasal lesion due to Leishmania infection. This is a 20-year-old young man, with no particular pathological history, from an epidemic focus who presented with inflammatory nasal swelling similar to a mucocutaneous form. However, the X-ray data showed that no lysis of the bones proper to the nose was detected and no damage to the underlying mucosa was observed. Nevertheless, the parasitological diagnosis confirmed the presence of amastigotes, and the results of the molecular study showed that the electrophoretic profile was comparable to that of L. tropica. After diagnosis and confirmation, treatment with meglumine antimonate at the rate of two ampoules/injection (one ampoule = 5 ml) of antimony salt for one month was administered intramuscularly with favorable outcome. Atypical forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis constitute a rare and unusual entity often leading to diagnostic delay. For this, the clinical examination must take into account both exceptional presentations of Leishmania infection, in particular in subjects living or having stayed in an endemic area, in order to ensure appropriate and early treatment.
Project Portfolio Selection and Scheduling with Resource Allocation, Synergies, and Project Divisibility
Authors: Arratia-Martinez Nancy M. , Hernandez-Gonzalez Nelly M. , Lopez-Irarragorri Fernando
Published: December 2021

A project portfolio can be defined as a set of project proposals that are selected according to one or more criteria by a decision-maker (individual or group). Regularly, the portfolio selection involves different decision problems, among those evaluation, selection, scheduling, and resource allocation. In published scientific literature, these problems have been addressed mainly separately giving as a result suboptimal solutions (portfolios). In addition, elements as partial allocation and project representation through tasks constitute relevant characteristics in practice that remain unaddressed in depth. The proposal of this research is to integrate the project selection and project scheduling, incorporating all relevant elements of both decision problems through the scheduling of tasks allowing to determine when the task will be funded and executed. The main impact of precedence rules at the task level in the portfolio is also studied. In this work, Project Portfolio Selection and Scheduling Problem (PPSS) is studied and solved through a new mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model. The model incorporates renewable and nonrenewable resource allocation, along with partial and total funding policies, project divisibility, and interdependences. Scheduling is integrated into the model, both at the project level and at the project task level, which allows scheduling in noncontiguous periods. Small instances (up to 64 projects) and medium instances (up to 128 projects) were solved optimally in very short times. The relationship between the quality of near-optimal solutions and the solution computing time by modifying the parameters of the solver employed was researched. No significant change in the solution’s quality was perceived, but a significant reduction in solution computing time was achieved. Furthermore, the main effects of precedence rules on solution times and portfolio impact were studied. Results show that even if few precedence rules were introduced, the resource allocation of tasks changed significantly, even though the portfolio impact or the number of projects of the selected portfolios remains the same.
Study and Application on Big Data Information Fusion System Based on IoT
Authors: Zheng Lina
Published: December 2021

In our study, we first illustrated information fusion technology and Internet of Things (IoT), and then we built farmland IoT information collection platform on the basis of ZigBee technology and agricultural sensors to collect climate data including air pressure, temperature, soil water content, light intensity, and relative humidity. Finally, prediction model was used to evaluate crop growth condition. Results show that temperature increases with time and reaches the maximum at 13:00 PM. But relative humidity decreases with time and reaches the maximum at 3:30 AM. Light intensity presents a straight trend with time and reaches the maximum at 13:30 PM. CO2 concentration presents a fluctuation trend with time and reaches high point at 7:00 AM. Prediction model presented a high accuracy outcome with 99% accuracy in training data and 100% in testing set. Therefore, we can conclude that big data fusion technology on the basis of IoT has a good future in many fields excepting agriculture crop, which is also an irreversible trend.
Airway Management and Anesthesia for Tracheal Resection in a 68-Year-Old: 3 Airways for the Price of 1
Authors: Smart Klint J. , Sofjan Iwan P.
Published: December 2021

Subglottic tracheal stenosis can occur after prolonged intubation or tracheostomy. This stenosis can become severe and causes symptoms refractory to endoscopic interventions that require tracheal resection. This surgery presents unique anesthetic issues due to the airway anatomy, physiology, and shared airway management with the surgical team. We present the case of a 68-year-old patient who underwent cervical tracheal resection and reconstruction due to persistent symptoms despite balloon dilation and medical management with oxygen and heliox. Our anesthesia management involved several techniques that allowed the safe completion of this procedure. Firstly, we started the airway management with a combined size 4 Ambu® AuraStraight™ (Denmark) supraglottic airway device and flexible bronchoscopy to allow localization of the stenosis and dilation before endotracheal tube (ETT) placement. The conventional approach for this endoscopic evaluation phase is to use rigid bronchoscopy. Secondly, we used prior CT images to help guide our ETT tube size selection. Thirdly, we used total intravenous anesthesia during most of the procedure because of the intermittent apnea necessary to complete the tracheal resection. Lastly, extubation had to be done very carefully to minimize excessive patient neck movement and avoid any reintubation. Both could lead to a catastrophe with the newly reconstructed trachea.
An IoT Crossdomain Access Decision‐Making Method Based on Federated Learning
Authors: Li Chao , Li Fan , Hao Zhiqiang , Yin Lihua , Sun Zhe , Wang Chonghua
Published: December 2021

Crossdomain collaboration allows smart devices work together in different Internet of Things (IoT) domains. Trusted third party‐based solutions require to fully understand the access information of the collaboration participants to implement crossdomain access control, which brings privacy risk. In this paper, we propose a federated learning‐based crossdomain access decision‐making method (FCAD), which builds a crossdomain access decision‐making model without sharing privacy information of collaboration participants. Crossdomain access logs are extracted to construct a training dataset. Data enhancement method is used to address the uneven distribution of the dataset. Federated learning and gradient aggregation methods are used to prevent privacy leaks. The experiments on the public dataset show that FCAD obtains a prediction accuracy of 83.6% in the existing crossdomain access system.
HOXA-AS3 Promotes Proliferation and Migration of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells via the miR-455-5p/PD-L1 Axis
Authors: Zeng Cheng , Ye Shaojun , Chen Yu , Zhang Qu , Luo Yan , Gai Liang , Luo Bo
Published: December 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent type of hepatic carcinoma. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are considered crucial regulators of gene expression; however, their functions in HCC are not well understood. Thus, the present study is aimed at elucidating the functions of the lncRNA HOXA-AS3 in HCC. The functions of the HOXA-AS3/miR-455-5p/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis were investigated in vitro via qRT-PCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays. The effect of HOXA-AS3 expression on tumor growth and metastasis was assessed using a mouse xenograft model. High HOXA-AS3 expression was observed in the HCC cell lines. Furthermore, overexpression of HOXA-AS3 in HCC cells enhanced proliferation, migration, and invasion, regulated the cell cycle, and retarded apoptosis. We also identified an miR-455-5p binding site in HOXA-AS3. By sponging miR-455-5p, HOXA-AS3 increased the expression of PD-L1. Additionally, both the inhibition of PD-L1 and overexpression of miR-455-5p reversed the effects on cell proliferation and invasion triggered by the overexpression of HOXA-AS3. In conclusion, HOXA-AS3 modulated the functions of HCC cells through the miR-455-5p/PD-L1 axis. Therefore, HOXA-AS3 may be a novel therapeutic target for HCC.
Hepcidin Promoted Ferroptosis through Iron Metabolism which Is Associated with DMT1 Signaling Activation in Early Brain Injury following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Zhang Hongxia , Ostrowski Robert , Jiang Dengzhi , Zhao Qing , Liang Yidan , Che Xudong , Zhao Jun , Xiang Xiang , Qin Wang , He Zhaohui
Published: December 2021

Iron metabolism disturbances play an important role in early brain injury (EBI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and hepcidin largely influences iron metabolism. Importantly, iron metabolism may be associated with ferroptosis, recently a nonapoptotic iron‐dependent form of cell death that may have a great impact on brain injury after SAH. We investigated hepcidin on iron metabolism and ferroptosis involving divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1), and ferroportin‐1 (FPN1) in a rat model of SAH. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to the endovascular perforation to induce SAH, and treated with heparin (inhibitor of hepcidin), or oncostatin M (OSM, inducer of hepcidin), or ebselen (inhibitor of DMT1) by intracerebroventricular injections. Hepcidin, DMT1, FPN1 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. Iron metabolism was detected through Perl’s iron staining and iron content assay. Ferroptosis, the ROS production, lipid peroxidation (LPO) was evaluated by monitoring methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) activity, and transmission electron microscopy. Neurological deficit scores, Evans blue staining and brain water content were also determined to detect EBI 72 h after SAH. Our results showed that inhibition of DMT1 by ebselen could suppress iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation, and thereby alleviate ferroptosis and EBI in SAH rats. Heparin downregulated the expression of hepcidin and DMT1, increased FPN1, and exerted protective effects that were equivalent to those of ebselen on ferroptosis and EBI. In addition, OSM increased the expression of hepcidin and DMT1, decreased FPN1, and aggravated ferroptosis and EBI, while the effect on ferroptosis was reversed by ebselen. Therefore, the study revealed that hepcidin could regulate iron metabolism and contribute to ferroptosis via DMT1 signaling activation in rats with EBI after SAH.
Isolated Leptomeningeal Progression in a Patient with NTRK Fusion+ Uterine Sarcoma: A Case Report
Authors: Lanman Tyler , Hayden Gephart Melanie , Bui Nam , Toland Angus , Nagpal Seema
Published: December 2021

While neurotrophic tropomyosin receptor kinase (NTRK) fusions represent rare oncogenic drivers (<1% of solid cancers), the recent approval of NTRK inhibitors (larotrectinib and entrectinib) led to dramatic responses in patients with NTRK fusion+ tumors. Both drugs have phase I data, demonstrating efficacy in the central nervous system (CNS), including both primary brain tumors and brain metastases. We present a 29-year-old woman who was diagnosed with NTRK3-SPECC1L fusion+ undifferentiated uterine sarcoma and underwent resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Two years later, lung metastases were discovered. She was started on larotrectinib with complete response. She remained stable on larotrectinib until she presented with altered mental status and seizures. MRI demonstrated leptomeningeal enhancement, but because leptomeningeal progression from sarcoma is exceedingly rare and her symptoms improved dramatically with antiepileptics, these findings were initially attributed to seizures. After 2 unrevealing lumbar punctures and stable systemic imaging, a brain biopsy demonstrated metastatic sarcoma, still showing NTRK positivity. She underwent whole brain radiotherapy and was switched to entrectinib, but had clinical progression 1 month later and transitioned to hospice. This case demonstrates the efficacy of NTRK inhibitors in rare and aggressive cancer but highlights that these patients can develop isolated CNS progression even in the setting of CNS-penetrant drugs. CNS progression can occur if there is incomplete CNS drug penetration, discordance in molecular profiles between CNS and systemic disease, or acquired NTRK inhibitor resistance. In this case, CNS disease maintained the NTRK fusion status, but either inadequate CNS penetration or development of a resistance gene may explain the isolated CNS progression.
Occult Disseminated Metastatic Breast Carcinoma Presenting as Acquired Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Chong Siew Lian , Ahmad Asnawi Asral Wirda , Hamzah Roszymah , Liew Pek Kuen , Ong Tee Chuan , Tan Sen Mui , Chang Kian Meng
Published: December 2021

Cancer-related microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA) is a rare and life-threatening condition. We present a patient who had been treated for invasive lobular breast carcinoma in clinical remission with fever and hemolytic anemia. The peripheral blood film showed MAHA and thrombocytopenia, and a functional deficiency of ADAMTS13 activity of 23% consistent with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy confirmed metastatic carcinoma. Further evaluation revealed the involvement of multiple bone sites without recurrence of the primary tumor. The patient received a daily plasma exchange with cryosupernatant and was pulsed with corticosteroids. MAHA related to breast cancer appears to be a rare occurrence.
CD8 Treg-Mediated Suppression of Naive CD4+ T Cell Differentiation into Follicular Helper T Cells
Authors: Kasahara Taissa M. , Gupta Sudhir
Published: December 2021

Background: The regulatory CD8+ T (CD8+ Treg) cells play an important role in immune tolerance and have been implicated in several human autoimmune diseases. In this context, follicular helper T (TFH) cells contribute by controlling the antibody production. In mice, CD8+ Treg cells control the number and function of TFH cells however the role of human CD8+ Treg cells on the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into TFH cells has not been studied. Objectives: Here, we evaluated the ability of human CD183+ CD8+ Treg cells to suppress TFH cell differentiation in vitro. Methods: Activated CD183+CCR7+CD45RA−CD8+ Treg and CD183+CD25highICOS+CD8+ Treg cells were sorted and cocultured with naïve CD4+ T cells under TFH differentiation condition. The differentiation of TFH cells was evaluated by flow cytometry. Results: Our results showed that activated CD183+CD8+ Treg cells upregulated the expression of Forkhead box P3 transcription factor, inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOS), and CD25 compared to CD183−CD8+ T cells. The CD183+CD25highICOS+CD8+ Treg cells suppressed TFH cell differentiation and CD4+ T cell proliferation in vitro which was not observed when CD183+CCR7+CD45RA−CD8+ Treg were cocultured with naïve CD4+ T cells under TFH cell differentiation condition. Conclusion: These results suggest that CD25highICOS+CD183+CD8+ Treg cells may regulate autoimmune and inflammatory responses mediated by TFH cells.
The Use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Surgery: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Dagli Mert Marcel , Rajesh Aashish , Asaad Malke , Butler Charles E.
Published: December 2021

Interest in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in medicine has grown exponentially over the last few years. With its ability to enhance speed, precision, and efficiency, AI has immense potential, especially in the field of surgery. This article aims to provide a comprehensive literature review of artificial intelligence as it applies to surgery and discuss practical examples, current applications, and challenges to the adoption of this technology. Furthermore, we elaborate on the utility of natural language processing and computer vision in improving surgical outcomes, research, and patient care.
Low Self-Control and Cybercrime Victimization: An Examination of Indirect Effects Through Risky Online Behavior
Authors: Partin Raymond D. , Meldrum Ryan C. , Lehmann Peter S. , Back Sinchul , Trucco Elisa M.
Published: December 2021

Research has established that individuals lower in self-control are at increased risk of offline criminal victimization due to their proclivity to engage in risky routine activities. While some studies have investigated whether a similar pattern is observed in the online context, additional inquiry into whether the link between low self-control and cybercrime victimization operates indirectly through risky online behavior is warranted given certain measurement and methodological limitations of prior research. Using original data collected on a sample of young adults, we find that the association between low self-control and a variety measure of cybercrime victimization operates entirely and indirectly through a variety measure of risky online behaviors. The implications of this finding for policy and programing are discussed.
Testing Cognitive Models to Characterize Trauma Anniversary Reactions Marked by Stress and Growth
Authors: Bruce Madeline J. , Weaver Terri L.
Published: December 2021

Objective: Contemporary theories conceptualize the anniversary of a traumatic event as a trauma reminder capable of activating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The current study uses the cognitive stress and growth model to examine this model’s usefulness in characterizing anniversary reactions. Method: Participants ( N = 197) were MTurk workers who endorsed an “emotionally charged reaction on or near the anniversary of a tragic event.” They completed assessments of PTSD, posttraumatic growth (PTG), sense of control, rumination, and trauma centrality. Results: Multiple regression analyses found both anniversary-related stress and PTSD symptoms were associated with similar factors with similar magnitude across both outcomes. Trauma centrality was uniquely associated with anniversary-related PTG. Conclusions: Anniversaries marked by stress are characterized by factors similar to PTSD generally, but growth-related reactions have different correlates compared to PTG outside the reaction. These findings suggest the anniversary period may be a time of self-reflection about the event and its impact.
Estimating the overhead and coupling of scientific computing clusters
Authors: Vivas Aurelio , Castro Harold
Published: December 2021

Since simulation became the third pillar of scientific research, several forms of computers have become available to drive computer aided simulations, and nowadays, clusters are the most popular type of computers supporting these tasks. For instance, cluster settings, such as the so-called supercomputers, cluster of workstations (COW), cluster of desktops (COD), and cluster of virtual machines (COV) have been considered in literature to embrace a variety of scientific applications. However, those scientific applications categorized as high-performance computing (HPC) are conceptually restricted to be addressed only by supercomputers. In this aspect, we introduce the notions of cluster overhead and cluster coupling to assess the capacity of non-HPC systems to handle HPC applications. We also compare the cluster overhead with an existing measure of overhead in computing systems, the total parallel overhead, to explain the correctness of our methodology. The evaluation of capacity considers the seven dwarfs of scientific computing, which are well-known, scientific computing building blocks considered in the development of HPC applications. The evaluation of these building blocks provides insights regarding the strengths and weaknesses of non-HPC systems to deal with future HPC applications developed with one or a combination of these algorithmic building blocks.
Breathy Dysphonia, Not Just a Pain in the Neck
Authors: Patel Shiv , Vahabzadeh-Hagh Andrew M.
Published: December 2021

We describe a rare occurrence of unilateral vocal fold paralysis associated with a cervical osteophyte abutting the course of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Trans-nasal laryngoscopy is vital in diagnosing vocal fold paralysis, but often does not provide insight into etiology. This case highlights the importance of radiographic imaging in newly diagnosed vocal fold paralysis, and underscores the principle that a diagnosis is not idiopathic until all sources have been ruled out.
An Interpretation of Value Change: A Philosophical Disquisition of Climate Change and Energy Transition Debate
Authors: Melnyk Anna
Published: December 2021

Changing values may give rise to intergenerational conflicts, like in the ongoing climate change and energy transition debate. This essay focuses on the interpretative question of how this value change can best be understood. To elucidate the interpretation of value change, two philosophical perspectives on value are introduced: Berlin’s value pluralism and Dworkin’s interpretivism. While both authors do not explicitly discuss value change, I argue that their perspectives can be used for interpreting value change in the case of climate change and the energy transition. I claim that Berlin’s pluralistic account of value would understand the value change as an intergenerational conflict and therefore provide a too narrow and static ground for understanding ongoing value change. Instead, by exploring Dworkin’s standpoint in moral epistemology, this essay distills a more encompassing perspective on how values may relate, converge, overlap, and change, fulfilling their functions in the course of climate change and energy transition. This perspective is further detailed by taking inspiration from Shue’s work on the (re)interpretation of equity in the climate change debate. I argue that the resulting perspective allows us to see value change as a gradual process rather than as a clash between generations and their values.
Chronological brain lesions after SARS-CoV-2 infection in hACE2-transgenic mice
Authors: Vidal Enric , López-Figueroa Carlos , Rodon Jordi , Pérez Mónica , Brustolin Marco , Cantero Guillermo , Guallar Víctor , Izquierdo-Useros Nuria , Carrillo Jorge , Blanco Julià , Clotet Bonaventura , Vergara-Alert Júlia , Segalés Joaquim
Published: December 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes respiratory disease, but it can also affect other organs including the central nervous system. Several animal models have been developed to address different key questions related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Wild-type mice are minimally susceptible to certain SARS-CoV-2 lineages (beta and gamma variants), whereas hACE2-transgenic mice succumb to SARS-CoV-2 and develop a fatal neurological disease. In this article, we aimed to chronologically characterize SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion and neuropathology. Necropsies were performed at different time points, and the brain and olfactory mucosa were processed for histopathological analysis. SARS-CoV-2 virological assays including immunohistochemistry were performed along with a panel of antibodies to assess neuroinflammation. At 6 to 7 days post inoculation (dpi), brain lesions were characterized by nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis and diffuse astrogliosis and microgliosis. Vasculitis and thrombosis were also present and associated with occasional microhemorrhages and spongiosis. Moreover, there was vacuolar degeneration of virus-infected neurons. At 2 dpi, SARS-CoV-2 immunolabeling was only found in the olfactory mucosa, but at 4 dpi intraneuronal virus immunolabeling had already reached most of the brain areas. Maximal distribution of the virus was observed throughout the brain at 6 to 7 dpi except for the cerebellum, which was mostly spared. Our results suggest an early entry of the virus through the olfactory mucosa and a rapid interneuronal spread of the virus leading to acute encephalitis and neuronal damage in this mouse model.
History and philosophy of geography III: Global histories of geography, statues that must fall and a radical and multilingual turn
Authors: Ferretti Federico
Published: December 2021

Finishing my triennial series of reports on the increasingly vibrant (and still much neglected) field of the history and philosophy of geography (HPG), I first discuss how some trends that I identified are continuing, such as a growing drive towards internationalisation and multilingualism and an increasing engagement with decolonial themes and histories of radical activism inside and outside the academically defined field of geography. I conclude with a call to go further in fostering cosmopolitanism, multilingualism and epistemic inclusion as a way to contribute to decolonise geography starting by its amazing philosophies and histories.
Comparative study of multiple heat indices in revisiting summer heat across China based on meteorological observations
Authors: Feng Yao , Wang Hong , Liu Wenbin , Sun Fubao , Cui Huijuan
Published: December 2021

Multiple indices have been created to measure hot conditions that may cause discomfort, stress even death to humans. However, distinctions among these indices and their performance in measuring heat remain undisclosed. We conduct a comparative study of multiple heat indices and revisit the spatiotemporal changes in summer heat across China. The maximum temperature-based index, more sensitive to average and maximum temperatures, suggests a larger increasing trend (0.42°C/10a) in heat intensity than those average temperature-based ones which are more sensitive to minimum temperature. The absolute threshold-based heat-day indices are not so applicable as the relative ones in measuring the increasing heat days over the Tibetan Plateau. During 1960–2018, significant ( p < 0.05) increasing trends in heat intensity (0.11–0.42°C/10a) and heat day (0.63–2.67 days/10a) are revealed with a jump-like increase after the mid-1990s at the country level. Stronger heat intensity occurs over the southeast and north China with larger increasing trends over the Tibetan Plateau and northwest China. Northern China with larger increasing heat intensity and days should take effective measures of adaptation to reduce suffering from the summer heat. Given differences among multiple indices and the performance over different regions, a rational selection of heat index considering the research subject of interest and regional climatology is highly recommended.
Precision Estimates and Statements for Performance Indices from the Indirect Tensile Cracking Test at Intermediate Temperature
Authors: Boz Ilker , Habbouche Jhony , Diefenderfer Stacey , Bilgic Yusuf
Published: December 2021

The Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken initiatives to implement the Balanced Mix Design (BMD) method to assure the long-term service life of its pavement network from a mixture quality standpoint. As part of this initiative, the cracking tolerance (CT) index obtained from the indirect tensile (IDT) test at intermediate temperature in accordance with ASTM D8225-19 was selected for evaluating the cracking potential of dense-graded surface asphalt mixtures. This prompted the need to generate the precision estimates (repeatability and reproducibility) for the test method for proper implementation during quality measurement practices. Thus, this interlaboratory study was undertaken to determine the precision estimates of the CT index calculated from the IDT test and to develop the associated precision statements. In addition, fracture strain tolerance (FST) and indirect tensile strength were included. Two asphalt mixes with significantly different CT index values were designed for the evaluation. Forty-six pairs of five replicate sets of compacted specimens (one set for each mix) were sent to 41 participating laboratories to be tested at 25°C. The test results were checked for data quality. The effects of loading rate and manufacturers on the indices were also evaluated. The test results indicated that one third of the sets were not tested in full accordance with the ASTM standard, indicating a need for training. The results also indicated that the specified loading rate of 50 ± 2 mm/min in ASTM D8225-19 for the IDT test may need revision. Finally, the precision estimates and associated statements for the three indices were presented.
Controlling Mixed Connected and Non-Connected Vehicle Traffic Through a Diamond Interchange
Authors: Potluri Viswanath , Mirchandani Pitu
Published: December 2021

Diamond interchanges (DIs) allow movement of vehicles between surface streets and freeways for all types of vehicles, including normal non-connected human-driven vehicle (NHDV) traffic and the connected vehicles (CVs). Unlike simple intersections, DIs consist of a pair of closely spaced intersections that are controlled together with complicated traffic movements and heavy demand fluctuations. This paper reviews the movements being controlled at DIs and presents a dynamic programming (DP)-based real-time proactive traffic control algorithm called MIDAS, to control both NHDVs and CVs. Like seminal cycle-free adaptive control methods such as OPAC and RHODES, MIDAS uses a forward recursion DP approach with efficient data structures for any large set of phase movements being controlled at DIs, over a finite-time horizon that rolls forward, and then uses a backward recursion to retrieve the optimal phase sequence and duration of phases. MIDAS captures Eulerian measurements from fixed loop detectors for all vehicles, and also captures Lagrangian measurements like in-vehicle GPS from CVs to estimate link travel times, arrival times, turning movements, etc. For every time horizon MIDAS predicts future arrivals, estimates queues at the interchange, and then minimizes a user-defined metric like delays, stops, or queues at an interchange. The paper compares performances of MIDAS with those of an optimal fixed cycle time signal control (OFTC) scheme and RHODES control on a simulated DI. The simulation is of Phoenix, AZ, DI (on I-17/19th Ave.) that uses the VISSIM micro-simulation platform. Performance is evaluated for various traffic loads and various CV market penetrations. Results show that MIDAS control outperforms RHODES and OFTC.
Impact of Shared Lanes on Performance of the Combined Flexible Lane Assignment and Reservation-based Intersection Control
Authors: Azadi Farzaneh , Mitrovic Nikola , Stevanovic Aleksandar
Published: December 2021

Benefiting from opportunities offered by connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), a concept called Combined Alternate-Direction Lane Assignment and Reservation-based Intersection Control (CADLARIC) was proposed recently for management of directionally unrestricted traffic flows in urban environments. In CADLARIC, resolution of vehicular conflicts is distributed between links and intersections to prevent intersections from turning into traffic bottlenecks. Although CADLARIC has shown promising results, it has been observed that, once traffic volume on a certain lane reaches “physical capacity,” adding more traffic on that lane degrades performance of the entire system, as each lane is exclusively dedicated to a particular movement. To overcome this problem, Combined Flexible Lane Assignment and Reservation-based Intersection Control (CFLARIC) is proposed, which offers more flexible lane assignment possibilities. While CFLARIC allows left- and right-turning lanes to be shared with through traffic, it is unclear how much through traffic should be assigned to turning lanes. Thus, this study investigates which strategy is the most beneficial when reassigning extra through traffic to the turning lanes. This goal is divided into two objectives: 1. Identify which lanes should be shared, and 2. Find a close-to-optimal amount of through traffic that should be assigned to the identified shared lane. The proposed CFLARIC strategies are compared with Fixed-Time Control (FTC), Full Reservation-based Intersection Control (FRIC), and CADLARIC for multiple demand scenarios. The results show that the best performing CFLARIC strategies outperform FTC, FRIC, and CADLARIC for delay and number of stops, and reduce the number of conflicting situations compared with FRIC and CADLARIC.
Effect of Mind Mapping on Creative Thinking of Children in Scratch Visual Programming Education
Authors: Su Yu-Sheng , Shao Mingming , Zhao Li
Published: December 2021

Scratch, a kind of visual programming software, has been widely used in instruction for primary school children. Scratch constructs a digital world for children to design, develop, and create coursework in which their creative thinking is fostered. Different instructional methods have been designed and implemented to stimulate children’s creative thinking skills through their coursework. This study investigated whether scaffolding construction with mind mapping promoted children’s creative thinking in a Scratch course. Two groups of 84 fifth-grade pupils participated in the study. The experimental group of 44 students adopted the scaffolding construction with mind mapping in the Scratch course, while the control group of 40 students did not use the mind mapping method. The Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking-Figural (TTCT-F) and Torrance Creative Personality Self-Report Scale were used three times over the 16-week learning period. The results show that learning in the Scratch course promoted the children’s creative thinking. The difference between the two groups indicates that mind mapping was beneficial to improve the children’s creative thinking.
Effects of shear-thickening polymer on force attenuation capacities in hip protectors
Authors: Yum Haeun , Lim Hamin , Min Dahae , Kwon Chani , Seo Jiin , Kim Minji , Kim Bobae , Lee Kyoung Min , Lee Taeyong
Published: December 2021

Many elderly people use hip protectors to prevent hip fractures from sideways falls. These hip protectors absorb or shunt away the energy applied to the greater trochanter. Herein, shear-thickening polymer (STP)-based hip protectors composed of STP and polyurethane foam are studied. The purpose of this study was to identify the main factor that reduces the impact force directly applied to the femoral neck region and to determine the optimal thickness of STP in hip protectors. Seven hip protectors of different thicknesses were prepared, and two sets of free-fall mechanical tests with a low impact energy of 25.1 J and moderate impact energy of 44.1 J were conducted for each hip protector. When the thickness of STP exceeded 8 mm, the resultant peak force tended to plateau under both impact conditions, and the force attenuation capacity decreased even under low impact energy conditions. Thus, a hip protector with a 6 mm or 8 mm STP and 5 mm foam was recommended. The STP was the key factor affecting force attenuation capacity, not the polyurethane foam. However, the foam also played an important role in helping the STP function and improving compliance for users.
A compliance modeling method of flexible rotary joint for collaborative robot using passive network synthesis theory
Authors: Xu Shoulin , He Bin
Published: December 2021

Collaborative robots have become a research focus because of their wide applications. However, the previous compliance design method of the flexible rotary joint for collaborative robot mainly relied on experience of designers, and “trial and error” method is usually adopted, no feasible and systematic theory for the designer to select numerical value and series-parallel connection mode of the springs and dampers for the flexible rotary joint. Thus, developing a feasible compliance modeling theory to guide the design of the flexible rotary joint is a particularly challenging task. The main contribution of this paper is to present a novel and effective compliance modeling theory of the flexible rotary joint for collaborative robot based on electrical and mechanical passive network synthesis, to provide theoretical and systematic guidances for compliance design of the flexible rotary joint. First, inerter element is introduced into the mechanical system, and the compliance of the flexible rotary joint is expressed as an angular velocity admittance function using electrical and mechanical network analogy. Then, by passive network synthesis theory, the three kinds of compliance realization forms of rational function and four-element compliance realization conditions of biquadratic function for the flexible rotary joint are given using inerters, springs, and dampers. Moreover, numerical examples and simulations are conducted to illustrate effectiveness of the proposed compliance realization method. Finally, discussions are given to illustrate advantages of the proposed compliance modeling and design methods compared with the previous method.
Surface wettability effect of plain and plasma-sprayed copper-coated surfaces on CHF enhancement during saturated pool boiling of FC-72
Authors: Mohanty Rajiva Lochan , Moharana Subhakanta , Das Mihir Kumar
Published: December 2021

In the current scenario, CHF study is essential for the safe operation of electronics equipment comprising a two-phase heat transfer process. Therefore, the present experimental investigation involves saturated pool boiling and CHF study of FC 72 over a plain stainless steel surface (SS) and microporous copper-coated SS surfaces under atmospheric conditions. Accordingly, three different plasma-sprayed copper-coated surfaces with coating thicknesses of 65 μm, 105 μm, and 145 μm prepared using micro copper particles of size 25–45 μm. The analysis of the results shows that with an increase in heat flux values, the boiling heat transfer coefficient increases over plain as well as coated surfaces. The plasma-spayed copper-coated surfaces with a coating thickness of 65 μm and 105 μm exhibit a higher boiling heat transfer coefficient as than the plain surface. On the other hand, a 145 μm thick coated surface resulted in a comparable boiling heat transfer coefficient with the plain SS surface. Among the three porous-coated surfaces, the boiling heat transfer coefficient decreases continuously from 65 μm to 145 μm of the coated surface. On the contrary, to the observed nucleate boiling behavior, all the porous-coated surfaces show a higher value of CHF than the plain surface, and the CHF value is found to increase continuously from 65 μm to 145 μm of the coated surfaces. The enhancement of CHF values was found to be 66.29%, 69.17%, and 77.75% for a coating thickness of 65 μm, 105 μm, and 145 μm, respectively, compared with the plain surface. The porous coating thickness of 65 μm shows a greater value of heat transfer coefficient than 105 μm and 145 μm whereas 145 μm exhibits a higher value of CHF as than 65 μm and 105 μm.
Effect of pulse injection on film cooling performance: Experimental and numerical investigation
Authors: Hosseini Baghdad Abadi Seyyed Mehdi , Zirak Saadat , Rajabi Zargarabad Mehran
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the influence of pulsating air on film cooling of a flat plate at different frequencies and blowing ratios are experimentally and numerically investigated. Square wave pulsed flow is generated at four frequencies of 2, 10, 50, and 100 Hz corresponding to Strouhal numbers of 0.00254, 0.0127, 0.0636, and 0.1271, respectively, and at five blowing ratios of 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2.4, and 3. Reynolds-averaged Navier−Stokes equations are resolved to analyze the coolant film effectiveness based on parameters set in the experiments. The [Formula: see text] model used for turbulent modeling. The obtained results showed that the performance of pulsating cooling decreases with increasing of blowing ratio at the same flow as steady state conditions. The difference between numerical and experimental values for the centerline film effectiveness shows good adaptation at the distances of the injection hole downstream. The lift-off of the local jet increased under pulsation. Increasing the pulse frequency increases the overall efficiency of film cooling. The maximum mean centerline pulsating film cooling effectiveness is obtained at Strouhal number of 0.0636 and a blowing ratio of 0.5, and the minimum value is for Strouhal number of 0.00254 and a blowing ratio of 3. For pulsed flow, the maximum discrepancy of the mean centerline film effectiveness between experimental and numerical results was 17.82%.
Computer self-efficacy, computer anxiety, cognitive skills, and use of electronic library resources by social science undergraduates in a tertiary university in Nigeria
Authors: Popoola Sunday Olanrewaju , Adedokun Omolola Omolara
Published: December 2021

This study investigated the influence of computer self-efficacy, computer anxiety, and cognitive skills on the use of electronic library resources by social science undergraduates in a tertiary institution in Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted and stratified random sampling technique was used to select 869 sample size from a population of 1452 social science undergraduates across five departments. A total of 793 questionnaire was properly filled and collated which equals a response rate of 91.3% from the population sample. Findings from the study revealed that there were significant relationships among computer selfefficacy, computer anxiety, cognitive skills, and use of electronic library resources by the respondents. Computer self-efficacy, computer anxiety, and cognitive skills individually and jointly had a significant influence on the use of electronic library resources of the respondents. Therefore, library management in the tertiary institution should give due consideration to computer self-efficacy, computer anxiety, and cognitive skills of the respondents when planning to enhance their use of electronic library resources among others.
The contribution of the Scottish doctor Robert Erskine to the development of Russian medicine in the 18th century
Authors: Mustafin Dmitry Iskhakovich , Sanatko Maria Dmitrievna , McDonald Iain Orr , Wright Clive
Published: December 2021

The Scottish doctor Robert Erskine (1677–1718) became Chief Doctor of Russia and personal physician to Tsar Peter the Great. Extensive archival material documents his remarkable career. From schooling in the village of Alva and apprenticeship to an Edinburgh apothecary, he went on to study medicine in Paris and Utrecht and was admitted to the Royal Society in London. Recruited into the service of the Tsar, to whom he became a trusted friend and counsellor, Erskine played a central role in the modernisation of Russian medicine, pharmacy and natural science in the early 18th century. His untimely death at age 41 was marked with a state funeral in St Petersburg. Some historians in Russia assert that in their country, the development of medicine and the natural sciences took place without the transitional stages of iatrochemistry and iatrophysics which characterised the shift in scientific thinking throughout Europe in the early modern period. This study of archival records shows that Erskine held iatrophysical and iatrochemical views in common with his European contemporaries. His influence ensured that Russia was thoroughly involved in European developments in science and medicine in the 18th century.
Richardson v Oracle more than half a decade on: Did the ‘ground break’ for victim compensation?
Authors: Taylor Joshua , Taylor Alice
Published: December 2021

In 2014, the decision in Richardson v Oracle significantly increased compensation awards for victims of discrimination and sexual harassment. Commentators referred to the decision as ‘ground-breaking’ and hypothesised that the floodgates would open for sexual harassment and discrimination cases. This article reviews these claims seven years on and asks: did the floodgates open? Case law review and analysis concludes that, while the ground did not break open for victims of discrimination and sexual harassment, it has certainly cracked – although unevenly. As such, more is required to create truly just outcomes for victims in discrimination law.
A Randomized Controlled Trial: The Effect of Acupressure and Foot Reflexology on Pain During Heel-Lancing in Neonates
Authors: Deniz Ayşe Özge , Açikgöz Ayfer
Published: December 2021

This randomized controlled study aimed to determine the effects of acupressure and foot reflexology on procedural pain during heel-lancing in newborns. This study was conducted with 105 neonates (35 foot reflexology group, 35 acupressure group, and 35 control group) who met the inclusion criteria and who were delivered by cesarean section between October 2017 and March 2018 at a state hospital in Turkey. A “Newborn Information Form” and a “Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale” (N-PASS) were used to collect data. The study found a significant intergroup difference between pain scores of neonates during the procedures ( p < .05). Advanced analyses found that the pain scores in the acupressure and foot reflexology groups were similar, whereas the pain scores in the control group were higher than in the other two groups. Acupressure and foot reflexology administered during heel lancing in newborns are effective methods for reducing pain.
Sense of Coherence in Parents of Children With Cancer and Its Relationship With Self-Construal in Southeastern Iran
Authors: Ghorbani Fereshteh , Razban Farideh , Iranmanesh Sedigheh , Dehghan Mahlagha
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to determine sense of coherence and its relationship with self-construal in parents of children with cancer in southeastern Iran. In this descriptive correlational study, 127 parents of children with cancer were studied using sense of coherence scale (SOC) and self-construal scale (SCS) in Iran. The results of the study showed that total mean score of SOC was 51.4 ± 14.2 and the interdependent self-construal (INT) in parents was higher than independent self-construal (IND). Also, the relationship between SOC and SCS showed that IND had a positive and statistically significant relationship with SOC manageability subscale. The weak SOC in the studied parents can cause more stress and suffering in dealing with their child’s disease. It is essential that health care providers provide a comprehensive program to enhance parents’ SOC and it should be noted that people who have a more INT felt less able to manage challenging situations.
To Vaccinate or Not? The Role Played by Uncertainty Communication on Public Understanding and Behavior Regarding COVID-19
Authors: Kelp Nicole C. , Witt Jessica K. , Sivakumar Gayathri
Published: December 2021

Communication regarding COVID-19 vaccines requires evidence-based strategies. We present findings from a quantitative survey measuring participants’ understanding, trust, and decision-making in response to information conveying low or high uncertainty regarding the vaccine. Communication conveying high uncertainty led to lower self-assessed understanding but higher actual understanding of possible outcomes. Communication conveying low uncertainty increased vaccine acceptance by those who previously opposed vaccines. This indicates that communicating uncertainty may have different effects over time and that adjusting messaging depending on audiences’ prior vaccine attitudes might be important. These findings support the need for further investigation of how uncertainty communication influences vaccine acceptance.