bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation Techniques for Thin-Walled Circular Tubes
Authors: Gao Zhipeng , Ruan Dong , Zhang Hai , Zhao Jian , Gao Zhanyuan , Huang Zhixin
Published: November 2022

Finite element analysis (FEA) is widely used to investigate the crushing performance of thin-walled tubes, and carry out parametric studies. However, simulation results are not always in good agreements with experimental results especially in terms of deformation modes in published literature. In this paper, a systematic FEA study will be conducted to evaluate two main simulation techniques using indentation triggers and buckling modes to introduce imperfections in FEA. Axial compressive tests were first carried out on three types of thin-walled circular tubes with different geometrical parameters. The finite element models were subsequently developed and used to explore the effects of indentation triggers and buckling modes on the deformation modes and force–displacement curves of thin-walled tubes. The influences of indentation depths and indentation positions on the crushing performance were investigated. Similarly, the effects of the order of buckling modes and scale factors on the crushing characteristics were examined as well. It has been found that for thin-walled circular tubes, a suitable simulation technique with indentation triggers or buckling modes can be employed to precisely mimic the deformation mode and corresponding force–displacement curve. This study is expected to provide some practical techniques and insights into the numerical simulation of circular tubes.
The elastic deformation process of bimetallic objects
Authors: Ta Thi Thanh Mai , Hoang Phuong Cuc
Published: November 2022

In industrial problems linear elasticity simulation has been known to be successfully solved by the Finite Element Methods (FEMs). However, a mathematical model as well as a numerical solution program that can be applied to the deformation simulation of bimetallic materials are still the challenges in this research area. In this paper, we investigate a mathematical model for the linear elastic deformation of bimetallic structures. By reducing the linear elasticity problem to its weak form, we apply the continuous Galerkin approximation to obtain the discrete problem. The existence and the uniqueness of the solution of the weak problem are clearly demonstrated, ensuring the well-posedness of the problem. In addition, the numerical simulations with bimetallic materials have been built on Freefem[Formula: see text] software that illustrate the efficiency and reliability of the numerical method.
Deleterious Variation in Natural Populations and Implications for Conservation Genetics
Authors: Robinson Jacqueline , Kyriazis Christopher C. , Yuan Stella C. , Lohmueller Kirk E.
Published: November 2022

Deleterious mutations decrease reproductive fitness and are ubiquitous in genomes. Given that many organisms face ongoing threats of extinction, there is interest in elucidating the impact of deleterious variation on extinction risk and optimizing management strategies accounting for such mutations. Quantifying deleterious variation and understanding the effects of population history on deleterious variation are complex endeavors because we do not know the strength of selection acting on each mutation. Further, the effect of demographic history on deleterious mutations depends on the strength of selection against the mutation and the degree of dominance. Here we clarify how deleterious variation can be quantified and studied in natural populations. We then discuss how different demographic factors, such as small population size, nonequilibrium population size changes, inbreeding, and gene flow, affect deleterious variation. Lastly, we provide guidance on studying deleterious variation in nonmodel populations of conservation concern.
Performance Enhancement of FeS2 as Cathode Material for Thermal Batteries by Ball Milling After Adding Nano Vacancy-Containing WS2
Authors: Chen Fuhua , Guo Hao , Tang Licheng , Li Wenzhe , Ge Chang , Zhao Lili , Chu Ying , Wang Xueying , Zhu Yongping , Zhan Zhiqiang
Published: November 2022

As the most commonly used cathode material for thermal batteries, FeS2 has the advantages of low price and abundant resources. However, the preparation of FeS2 by hydrothermal method is complicated, and FeS2 prepared by solid-phase method has a larger particle size. In this study, surface nanoscale FeS2 was synthesized using a milling method, and add nano WS2 with sulfur vacancies (WS2-Vs) to enhance thermal stability and conductivity. The results showed that the thermal decomposition temperature of FeS2 after adding 3% nano WS2-Vs ball milling for 4 h (FeS2@3%WS2-Vs-4h) was 100 °C higher than that of FeS2 ball milling for 4 h (FeS2–4h). In addition, the step-pulse discharge showed that single cell with FeS2@3%WS2-Vs-4h sample as the cathode active material has a lower internal resistance. Therefore, the discharge specific capacity of FeS2@3%WS2-Vs-4h is increased by 10.5% compared to pristine FeS2. The FeS2 doped with nano WS2-Vs retained the small particle size after ball milling, which not only did not excessively reduce the thermal stability, but also effectively improved its electrical conductivity with the increase of the discharge depth during the discharge process, thus achieve the effect of killing two birds with one stone. This work provides a novel cathode additive for thermal battery.
Facile Density Measurement Method for High-Concentration Sulfate Determination
Authors: Oreiro Sara Noriega , Berdiyeva Perizat , Bentien Anders
Published: November 2022

In this study, a fast, facile and high accuracy method for high concentration sulfate determination is presented. The method is based on precipitation of sulfate ions with barium ions. The sulfate amount is quantified by measurement of the density of the barium and sulfate ion solutions before mixing, and the density of the supernatant after mixing. A calibration curve for sulfate concentration between 2.5 and 5.5 M in vanadium electrolyte was performed, obtaining a precision better than 0.7%, in agreement with a propagation-of-error analysis. Accuracy is determined by one-point calibration against a sample with known sulfate concentration and is at best the same as the precision. Within the precision of the method, no systematic effect of the presence of other ions/interferents (vanadium, phosphate) on the sulfate determination is observed.
Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis to Explore the Mechanism of Huaiqihuang‐Mediated Alleviation of Henoch–Schönlein Purpura Nephritis
Authors: Liu Qingqing , Liu Jiahua , Du Yaya , Guo Weiyan , Mi Jie , Guo Yanyan
Published: November 2022

Objective. Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) is considered a major cause of chronic renal failure and is the most common secondary glomerular disease in children. Huaiqihuang (HQH), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, exhibits therapeutic effects against HSPN in clinical practice. However, the potential molecular targets and mechanisms underlying HSPN treatment remain unclear. Methods. By constructing a protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network, core targets related to HQH and HSPN were identified. Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways were analyzed to identify the main pathways related to HSPN based on the core targets. To screen the main active ingredients of HQH against HSPN, an ingredient‐target‐pathway network was constructed using the top 10 main pathways associated with HSPN. Then, molecular docking was performed to explore the interactions and binding patterns between molecules and proteins. Results. Clinical data showed that HQH combined with conventional medicine significantly reduced 24‐hour urine protein excretion, urine microalbumin levels, and erythrocyte counts in the urine sediment of HSPN patients. By constructing PPI models, 15 potential core targets were identified. The top 10 main pathways showed higher enrichment ratios, including the cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction and signaling pathways related to NOD‐like receptor, IL‐17, etc. Through the ingredient‐target‐pathway network and molecular docking, we revealed that five active ingredients of HQH had good affinities with three core targets, AKT1, MMP9, and SERPINE1, which may be vital in treating HSPN. Conclusions. The study preliminarily explored the active ingredients, targets, and pathways involved in HQH therapy for HSPN. The mechanism of HQH therapy may be attributed to the modulation of inflammatory response, immune response, and oxidative stress. Combined with clinical data, our results indicate that HQH is highly effective in treating HSPN.
Observations on Harmonics Summation in Transmission Systems: Alternative Aggregation Estimation
Authors: Salles Rafael S. , Silva Maise N. S. , Ribeiro Paulo F.
Published: November 2022

The aggregation of harmonic components from different sources is one of the critical and challenging assessments in electric power systems. Harmonic summation analysis and estimation is not a simple task since there will be variations because of the grid complexity, nonlinear sources, and unpredictable behaviour of harmonic currents that affect the results. An evaluation of harmonic summation using alternative methods to calculate the harmonic composition at any network point is suggested. A typical arrangement of transmission grids was modelled and used to simulate the results. This paper aims to highlight the results obtained by these alternative methods of harmonic summation and show the role of this type of analysis in transmission systems planning. The contributions are (a) illustrate how alternative methods of harmonic summation can be applied to investigate harmonic aggregation from different sources; (b) provide a case study that also discusses the harmonic aggregation effects with different locations of sources and component phase angle shifting; (c) show comparison and correlation between those alternative summations calculations with a standardized and firmly adopted method (proposed by IEC 61000-3-6). The software MATLAB/Simulink performs simulation and analysis. Finally, the work discusses the findings.
Clinical Study on the Efficacy of Bevacizumab in Combination with Pembrolizumab on Cellular Immune Function in the Treatment of Driver Gene-Negative Stage IV Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gong Jun , Gu Juanjuan , Jiang Lili , Zhao Dongxia , Shao Lili , Chen Xi , Liu Jianhua
Published: November 2022

Purpose. To explore the efficacy of bevacizumab in combination with PD-1 immune drug pembrolizumab on cellular immune function in the treatment of driver gene-negative stage IV lung adenocarcinoma and its short-term survival effect. Methods. From February 2020 to December 2021, 85 patients with driver gene-negative stage IV lung adenocarcinoma were admitted to our hospital and treated with first-line therapy, and their clinical records were reviewed retrospectively. According to the treatments, the patients were separated into two groups the combination group (n = 45) and the control group (n = 40). The treatment regimen of the control group was an AP chemotherapy regimen (pemetrexed combined with cisplatin) + PD-1 immune drug pembrolizumab. The treatment regimen of the combination group was AP chemotherapy regimen + PD-1 immune drug pembrolizumab combined with bevacizumab. We evaluated the pre- and post-treatment cellular immunological function of the two patient groups and discussed the difference between them. Results. There was a substantial difference in the overall effective rate and the disease control rate between the two groups, with the former being 27.50% compared to 48.89% and the latter being 72.50% compared to 93.33% among these 85 patients studied. The KPS for the combination group improved and stayed at 91.11% after treatment, which is considerably better than the KPS for the control group, which was 42.50% (χ2 = 23.09,

P
<
0.05

). There was no significant difference (

P
>
0.05

) in the numbers of CD3+, CD4+, CD19+, CD8+, or CD4+/CD8+ cells pretreatment between the two groups, but after treatment, the combination group had significantly higher numbers of all these cells. Neither the CD8+ nor the CD19+ level was significantly different between the control and combination groups (

P
>
0.05

). Furthermore, the incidence of common clinical side effects was similar between the two groups (

P
>
0.05

). Proteinuria, tiredness, increased alanine aminotransferase, hypertension, immunological pneumonia, muscle pain, arthralgia, hypothyroidism, etc. were the most common side effects reported among both groups throughout therapy. A grade IV side effect is rare. After follow-up until March 2022, the median PFS for the control group was 9.00 ± 1.65 months (95% CI, 5.76–12.24) and the mean PFS was 11.48 ± 0.91 months (95% CI, 9.69–13.26). Comparison of the median PFS of the combination group (13.00 ± 1.10) months (95% CI: 10.84–15.16) with the average PFS of the group (15.52 ± 0.88) months (95% CI = 13.79–17.25) reveals a statistically significant difference (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Combining bevacizumab with the PD-1 immune medication pembrolizumab to treat patients with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma improves the quality of life, short-term therapeutic effectiveness, immune function, and PFS.
Effect of Spirulina Meal Supplementation on Growth Performance and Feed Utilization in Fish and Shrimp: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Ling , Liu Haiyan , Zhang Peiyu
Published: November 2022

The application potential of spirulina meal in aquaculture feeds has been well summarized in several descriptive reviews. Nevertheless, they converged on compiling results from all possible relevant studies. Little available quantitative analysis regarding the pertinent topics has been reported. This quantitative meta-analysis was performed to investigate the influences of dietary spirulina meal (SPM) addition on responsive variables in aquaculture animals, including final body weight (FBW), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), condition factor (CF), and hepatosomatic index (HSI). The pooled standardized mean difference (Hedges’

g

) and 95% confidence limit were computed to quantify the primary outcomes based on random-effects model. The sensitivity and subgroup analyses were carried out to evaluate the validity of the pooled effect size. The meta-regression analysis was conducted to investigate the optimal inclusion of SPM as a feed supplement and the upper threshold of SPM usage for substituting fishmeal in aquaculture animals. The results indicated that on the whole, dietary SPM addition significantly improved FBW, SGR, and PER; statistically decreased FCR of animals; had no significant influence on CF and HSI. The growth-enhancing effect of SPM inclusion in the form of feed additive was significant; however, the effect was indistinctive in the form of feedstuff. Furthermore, the meta-regression analysis displayed that the optimal levels of SPM as a feed supplement in fish and shrimp diets were 1.46%-2.26% and 1.67%, respectively. Additionally, up to 22.03%-24.53% and 14.95%-24.85% of SPM as fishmeal substitute did not have a negative effect on growth and feed utilization in fish and shrimp, respectively. Therefore, SPM is a promising fishmeal substitute and a growth-promoting feed additive for sustainable aquaculture of fish and shrimp.
Clinical Features, Histological Characteristics, and Disease Outcomes of Mycosis Fungoides in Children and Adolescents: A Nationwide Multicentre Cohort of 46 Patients
Authors: Welfringer-Morin Anne , Barroil Marion , Fraitag Sylvie , Szablewski Vanessa , Boccara Olivia , Lacour Jean-Philippe , Chiaverini Christine , Bagot Martine , Ram-Wolff Caroline , Vignon-Pennamen Marie-Dominique , Dalle Stéphane , D’incan Michel , Amatore Florent , Beylot-Barry Marie , Vergier Béatrice , Mazereeuw-Hautier Juliette , Tedbirt Billal , Quereux Gaelle , Carpentier Olivier , Skowron Francois , Bertrand Yves , Van Eeckhout Pascal , Dekeuleneer Valérie , Nardin Charlee , Adamski Henri , Ingen-Housz-Oro Saskia , Dereure Olivier , Bodemer Christine
Published: November 2022

Background: Our objective was to describe the clinical, histological characteristics, and disease outcome of a cohort of mycosis fungoides (MF) diagnosed during childhood including disease status at adulthood. Methods: This is a retrospective multicentre survey of patients aged under 18 years at diagnosis with histologically confirmed MF. Patients’ clinical and histological characteristics, treatments, and disease outcome (for patients followed for more than 12 months) were analysed. Results: Forty-six patients were included (median age at diagnosis: 11 years; M:F sex ratio: 3:1) with 39 (85%) followed for at least 12 months. Thirty-nine patients (85%) had stage I MF. Hypopigmented patches were observed in 48% and folliculotropism in 43% patients. Immunophenotype of the skin infiltrate was predominantly CD8+ in 17% of patients. Initial management included a wait-and-see strategy in 6/39 (15%), skin-directed treatment in 27 (69%), and systemic treatment in 6 (15%) patients, respectively, with partial or complete clinical response (PR or CR) observed in 28 patients (72%). 14/39 patients (36%) relapsed after initial response. After a median follow-up period of 54 months, disease status at last news was PR or CR in 31/39 (79%), stable disease in 6 (15%), and progression in 2 (5%) patients. Histological transformation was observed in 3/39 (8%). Of the 15 patients followed until adulthood, 13 (87%) had persistent MF. Discussion: This survey confirms the high frequency of hypopigmented and folliculotropic lesions and of CD8+ immunophenotype compared to adult MF patients. The long-term course is usually indolent but transformation may occur sometimes long after disease onset and the disease may persist during adulthood.
Advanced Imaging in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Literature Review of the Current State of the Art
Authors: Sinonquel Pieter , Vermeire Séverine , Maes Frederik , Bisschops Raf
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims: Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy has known a great evolution in the last decades. Imaging techniques evolved from imaging with only standard white light endoscopes toward high-definition resolution endoscopes and the use of multiple color enhancement techniques, over to automated endoscopic assessment systems based on artificial intelligence. This narrative literature review aimed to provide a detailed overview on the latest evolutions within the field of advanced GI endoscopy, mainly focusing on the screening, diagnosis, and surveillance of common upper and lower GI pathology. Methods: This review comprises only literature about screening, diagnosis, and surveillance strategies using advanced endoscopic imaging techniques published in (inter)national peer-reviewed journals and written in English. Studies with only adult patients included were selected. A search was performed using MESH terms: dye-based chromoendoscopy, virtual chromoendoscopy, video enhancement technique, upper GI tract, lower GI tract, Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, gastric cancer, colorectal polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, artificial intelligence. This review does not elaborate on the therapeutic application or impact of advanced GI endoscopy. Conclusions: Focusing on current and future applications and evolutions in the field of both upper and lower GI advanced endoscopy, this overview is a practical but detailed projection of the latest developments. Within this review, an active leap toward artificial intelligence and its recent developments in GI endoscopy was made. Additionally, the literature is weighted against the current international guidelines and assessed for its potential positive future impact.
"Viajo devagar": Saramago e a rapidez
Authors: Franklin Gabriel
Published: November 2022

O presente ensaio crítico presta-se a refletir acerca da escrita de José Saramago, em especial sobre o ritmo narrativo adotado pelo autor português em seu livro de contos "Objecto quase". Publicado em 1978, no início da retomada literária de Saramago, o livro é composto de seis histórias, que são analisadas ao longo do ensaio sob a perspectiva da Rapidez. Esta é entendida nos parâmetros apontados por Italo Calvino na segunda de cinco conferências presentes em seu "Seis propostas para o próximo milênio", onde reflete sobre os valores essenciais para o futuro da literatura. Sobre a Rapidez, Calvino discorre acerca da busca pelo ritmo narrativo ideal, ponto que é utilizado, neste ensaio, como base para a análise de cada um dos contos de "Objecto quase", com o objetivo de demonstrar que a escrita de Saramago pode ser citada como essencial para a posteridade.
As ilhas dos contos desconhecidos: "A morte de Julião" e "O Sr. Cristo"
Authors: Thimóteo Saulo Gomes
Published: November 2022

As primeiras obras de José Saramago, feitas no final da década de 1940, revelam um jovem escritor em busca de uma forma de expressão. Após o romance "Terra do Pecado", dois contos foram publicados em revistas, revelando algumas características que se desenvolverão em seus romances consagrados. Embora esses narradores e personagens não sejam tão profundamente construídos, elementos como a inquietação pela falta de algo ou a necessidade de agir para reverter essa ausência são sugeridos nesses textos e ajudam a ter uma visão mais ampla da literatura de Saramago.
O espaço lisboeta em "Memorial do convento": entre o sagrado e o profano
Authors: Mello Marco Aurélio
Published: November 2022

Utilizando-se de uma perspectiva geralmente marginalizada pela historiografia oficial, o narrador de "Memorial do convento", romance de José Saramago (1922-2010) publicado em 1982, elege como protagonistas personagens até então anônimos, como é o caso de Baltasar Sete-Sóis, metonímia dos homens esquecidos pela história oficial, o qual, regressando de guerra com a Espanha, chega à Lisboa do início do século XVIII. O presente artigo objetiva identificar como o narrador de Memorial do convento reconstrói essa Lisboa, especialmente no que concerne aos espaços da cidade portuguesa. Este estudo revela que tais espaços são marcados por forte influência da Igreja Católica e da arte barroca, estética caracterizada pela intensidade, pela pujança e pela conciliação de polos opostos, como é o caso do sagrado e do profano.
Holding the State Accountable: Feminising Work and Responsibility
Authors: Karunakaran Kalpana
Published: November 2022

The article discusses an increasingly commonplace phenomenon whereby women take on the formidable challenge of holding state actors accountable for the survival and well-being of their working class and land-poor communities. Women provide the bottom-up pressure, be it through negotiations or agitational collective action, that pushes the state to fulfils its commitment to provide water, subsidised food, essential household commodities, public transport and sanitation facilities. This article argues that this labour is both skill-building and exhausting and points to its ‘irreducibly political’ nature. The article also discusses the parallels with the women members of self-help groups relentlessly conducting complex negotiations with multiple institutional actors in order to realise their policy entitlements of bank linkage and anti-poverty loans. While some forms of women’s action vis-à-vis state actors are collaborative in nature, others are more conflictual and confrontationist, depending on local contexts and conditions.
Cumulative Experiences of Immigration Enforcement Policy and the Physical and Mental Health Outcomes of Asian and Latinx Immigrants in the United States
Authors: Young Maria-Elena De Trinidad , Chen Lei , Sudhinaraset May , Saadi Altaf , Kietzman Kathryn G. , Wallace Steven P.
Published: November 2022

Immigration enforcement policies in the United States and other nations have long been enacted and implemented as intentional tools of racial control. There is mounting evidence that immigration raids, arrests, and deportations in the United States are associated with poor immigrant health outcomes, but this research has primarily focused on associations between health and single, specific enforcement actions or experiences that may not capture the entirety of immigrants’ experiences with racialized exclusion. Further, there has been little examination of Asian immigrants’ experiences with enforcement in the United States. This article assesses the relationship between Asian and Latinx immigrants’ physical and mental health and their cumulative experiences of immigration enforcement. We analyze responses to a 2018 population-based telephone survey of 1,103 Asian and Latin American immigrants in California. Participants were asked about seven distinct exclusionary immigration and local law enforcement experiences and their self-rated health (SRH) and psychological distress. We tested the association between each enforcement experience and SRH and psychological distress, controlling for covariates. After creating a cumulative measure of exclusion by summing participants’ total number of enforcement experiences, we examined the association between cumulative enforcement experiences and SRH and psychological distress and tested interactions by ethnicity and citizenship. While a greater proportion of Latinx than Asian participants reported enforcement experiences, each additional enforcement experience was associated with poorer self-rated health and greater psychological distress for both groups. This article suggests that the overall immigration enforcement system, from surveillance to deportation, is associated with worse health outcomes for immigrants.
Upper limb manual training for children with cerebral palsy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yang Fu-An , Lee Ting-Hsuan , Huang Shih-Wei , Liou Tsan-Hon , Escorpizo Reuben , Chen Hung-Chou
Published: November 2022

Objective

There are different upper limb manual training protocols, namely constraint-induced movement therapy, modified constraint-induced movement therapy, hand–arm bimanual intensive training, hand–arm bimanual intensive training including lower extremity, action observation training, and mirror therapy, available for improving functional outcomes in children with cerebral palsy. However, the effect and priority of these strategies remain unclear.

Data sources

We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases for relevant articles from inception to October 12, 2022.

Review methods

To assess the effect and priority of different strategies of upper limb manual training protocols through a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Results

We included 22 randomized controlled trials in this network meta-analysis. The ranking probability and standard mean differences with 95% credible intervals of the comparison between placebo and other forms of upper limb manual training were as follows: mirror therapy = 2.83 (1.78, 3.88), hand–arm bimanual intensive training including the lower extremity = 0.53 (0.09, 0.96), constraint-induced movement therapy = 0.44 (0.18, 0.71), hand–arm bimanual intensive training = 0.41 (0.15, 0.67), modified constraint-induced movement therapy = 0.39 (0.03, 0.74), and action observation training = 0.18 ( − 0.29, 0.65). No significant inconsistency was noted between the results of direct and indirect comparisons.

Conclusion

We suggest that mirror therapy could be the upper limb manual training protocol of choice for improving functional outcomes in patients with cerebral palsy.
Legacy, truth and collusion in the North of Ireland
Authors: McGovern Mark
Published: November 2022

The British state is currently taking forward deeply contentious legislation that would essentially end all legacy investigations and court cases relating to the conflict in the North of Ireland (1968–1998). Shaped by a long-term rightwing campaign to prevent any further investigation or prosecution of former British soldiers, and a wider culture of denial of the role of state collusion in the conflict, the legacy proposals are ostensibly defended on the grounds that current mechanisms do not work for victims’ families. This article seeks to both challenge that narrative and to build on earlier analyses of collusion ( Race & Class 57, no. 2; 58, no. 3) to demonstrate how recently published reports of official investigations into collusion between state agents and loyalist paramilitaries have provided important information for victims’ families and insights into the patterns of collusion. Such patterns can be identified in terms of state actions and omissions taking place before, during and after lethal loyalist attacks. They include providing weapons and targeting intelligence while failing to provide warnings to those being targeted; the direct involvement of serving and former members of the security forces in loyalist killings; blocking investigations, destroying records and employing (and protecting) state agents and informers involved in mass murder.
Violent Recidivism and Adverse Childhood Experiences in Forensic Psychiatric Patients With Impaired Intellectual Functioning
Authors: Janković Marija , Van Boxtel Geert , Bogaerts Stefan
Published: November 2022

Accurate risk assessment and insight into which factors are associated with recidivism are essential for forensic correctional practice. Therefore, we investigated whether the Historical, Clinical, and Future–Revised (HKT-R [ Historisch Klinisch Toekomst–Revised]) risk assessment instrument could predict violent recidivism over a 2-year follow-up period in forensic psychiatric patients with intelligence quotient (IQ) < 80. We refer to these patients as intellectually disabled (ID) and patients with IQ ≥ 80 as non-ID. Additionally, the associations of the 14 clinical HKT-R factors with ID versus non-ID group membership were investigated, as well as a possible moderating role of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) in these associations. The final sample encompassed 748 forensic psychiatric patients (15.9% were patients with ID) who were unconditionally released from highly secured Dutch forensic psychiatric institutions between 2004 and 2014. The results showed that the HKT-R total score (AUC = 0.705, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.527, 0.882]) and the clinical domain (AUC = 0.733, 95% CI [0.579, 0.886]) had a large effect size for predictive validity for 2-year violent recidivism, while the future domain (AUC = 0.653, 95% CI [0.524, 0.781]) and the historical domain (AUC = 0.585, 95% CI [0.397, 0.772]) had a medium effect size for predictive validity for 2-year violent recidivism in ID patients. It was also found that lower levels of self-reliance and social skills were associated with ID, indicating that treatment should prioritize these skills. However, ACE was not associated with ID, nor did it moderate the associations of the clinical HKT-R factors with ID. This study contributes to the understanding of both risk assessment and treatment of forensic psychiatric patients with ID.
The impact of COVID-19 on labour markets and living standards in Mauritius
Authors: Ranzani Marco , Kern Andreas
Published: November 2022

Understanding the distributional impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the labour market and ultimately on the living standards of the population is key to designing adequate policy responses to shield individuals’ and families’ livelihoods. This article illustrates the impact of COVID-19 on the labour market as well as on living standards in the case of a small open economy: Mauritius. We present descriptive evidence based on a unique set of telephone household surveys, representative of the Mauritian population, conducted between May 2020 and March 2021. We find that women had a higher risk of losing their job and leaving the labour force, reversing a decade-long trend of increasing labour force participation. Low-skill workers in sectors that depend on global demand – and even more so if employed informally – together with women were more likely to be affected by the crisis. One in three households reported a loss in income since the start of the pandemic, and the probability of experiencing this shock increases with the number of household members who lost their job and who were employed informally. From a policy perspective, our findings underscore the negative distributional consequences of the pandemic and provide substantive evidence for the viability of a further proactive policy stance to shield the livelihoods of vulnerable households during the economic recovery phase.
Assessment of Internal Nasal Dimensions of Individuals With Cleft Lip and Palate and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome by Computed Tomography
Authors: Loureiro Natalia Bortotti , Marzano-Rodrigues Maria Noel , Trindade-Suedam Ivy Kiemle , D Aquino Alessandro , Trindade Sergio Henrique Kiemle
Published: November 2022

To evaluate nasal cavity (NC) dimensions of individuals with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and primary snoring, by tomographic image analysis, compared to individuals with OSA without CL/P (N-CL/P).

Cross-sectional and retrospective.

Tertiary referral center.

Patients were divided into 2 groups: (G1) CL/P + OSA or primary snoring, n = 11; (G2) N-CL/P + OSA, n = 13.

NC tomographic images were reconstructed using ITK-SNAP software, and measurements were obtained from these three-dimensional models using SpaceClaim software.

Total NC volumes, right and left NC volumes, and volumes of the nostril to the nasal valve (V1) and from the nasal valve to the superior limit of the nasopharynx (V2), cross-sectional areas, and perimeters.

NC volumes (total, right, and left sides), V1, and V2, though smaller in the CL/P + OSA, did not differ significantly from the N-CL/P + OSA. Cross-sectional areas and perimeters of the superior limit of the nasopharynx, in the CL/P + OSA, presented significantly higher values compared to the N-CL/P + OSA ( P ≤ .05).

The internal nasal dimensions of patients with CL/P do not seem to be part of the etiopathogenesis, nor constitute a risk factor for OSA with greater severity, in this special group of patients.
Harvesting electricity from random vibrations via a nonlinear energy sink
Authors: Xue Ji-Ren , Zhang Ye-Wei , Niu Mu-Qing , Chen Li-Qun
Published: November 2022

Integration of a vibration absorber and an energy harvester is a promising approach to achieve simultaneously vibration reductions and vibratory energy harvesting. The present work investigates random responses of a nonlinear energy sink (NES) combined with a giant magnetostrictive energy harvester (GMEH). When a structure is modeled as a one-degree-of-freedom oscillator subjected to a random excitation, the structure with the integrated NES-GMEH is governed by two simultaneous nonlinear stochastic differential equations coupled with a nonlinear algebraic equation. The Ferrari formula is applied to decouple the algebraic equations from the stochastic differential-algebraic equations. The resulting stochastic algebraic differential equations are transformed into the steady Fokker-Planck-Kolmogorov equations. A fourth finite difference scheme is used to solve numerically the FPK equations. The FPK equations based solutions are qualitatively verified via Monte Carlo simulations. The parametric effects on vibration suppression and electricity production are examined, where the electricity is indicated by the square expectations of voltage and power. The responses of the structure, the structure with the NES only and the structure with both NES-GMEH are compared under the same Gaussian white noise and system parameters. It is found that the integrated NES-GMEH system achieves the best vibration suppression. It is demonstrated that a properly designed NES-GMEH device can simultaneously suppress vibration and produce electricity under Gaussian white noise excitations.
Autism voices: Perspectives of the needs, challenges, and hopes for the future of autistic youth
Authors: Tesfaye Rackeb , Courchesne Valerie , Mirenda Pat , Mitchell Wendy , Nicholas David , Singh Ilina , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Elsabbagh Mayada
Published: November 2022

The Autism Voices study draws on novel inclusive methods to obtain the first-person experiences of autistic youth with a range of cognitive and verbal abilities. Thirty-one autistic youth were interviewed with a strength-based protocol, enabling them to provide responses in the modality of their choice. Dynamics between youth and their environments such as home, school, and community were explored. Youth were questioned about their interests, plans for the future, experiences with various emotions, and experience of autism. Based on a thematic analysis, six themes emerged: (1) autistic identities, (2) thinking about the future, (3) seeking social connection on their own terms, (4) seeking autonomy, (5) school as both a stressor and social facilitator, and (6) experiences of stress and anxiety. The experiences described by autistic youth parallel many of the aspirations and challenges of typically developing adolescents, while being uniquely shaped by their autism. We discuss how these insights shared by autistic youth can facilitate active involvement in their communities, promote well-being, and promote optimal transition into adulthood. Autism Voices demonstrates that partnering with multiple stakeholders and the use of inclusive methodologies are pivotal steps toward capturing the voices of all autistic youth.

Lay abstract

Currently, our understanding of the adolescent period for autistic youth has relied on the expertise of researchers, clinicians, parents, and teachers, yet rarely involves their unique first-person experiences. Our study attempted to understand the experiences and perspectives of autistic adolescents in their home, school, and community environments using the Autism Voices protocol, a semi-structured interview specifically designed and tailored to engage with autistic youth with various language and intellectual levels. The analysis of the 31 interviews conducted with autistic adolescents aged 11–18 years highlighted six themes: (1) autistic identities, (2) thinking about the future, (3) seeking social connection on their own terms, (4) seeking autonomy, (5) school as both a stressor and social facilitator, and (6) experiences of stress and anxiety. These results highlight similarities and differences in the adolescent experiences of autistic youth compared to their typically developing peers. Our findings suggest that by removing assumptions about the experiences of autistic individuals and investing in inclusive interview methods, we can faithfully capture the experiences of autistic youth regardless of their communication and cognitive abilities. Being able to capture and amplify these diverse voices will facilitate the active involvement of autistic communities in research and clinical and policy decisions that impact them.
Comparative study on the effect of nanoparticles in ternary fuel blends on combustion, performance, and emissions characteristics of diesel engine
Authors: Bidir Michael G , Narayanan Kalamegam Millerjothi , Adaramola Muyiwa S , Hagos Ftwi Y , Singh Ramesh Chandra
Published: November 2022

Literature indicated that pure biodiesel is not suitable as a stand-alone fuel for compression ignition engines due to technical and operational conditions. Biodiesel is being utilized as a blended fuel with diesel. The main drawbacks of biodiesel blends are the formation of higher NOx emissions and brake-specific energy consumption due to the lower calorific value of the fuel. Hence, there are efforts to improve the fuel by the incorporation of nanoparticles. The objective of the current manuscript is toexperimentally investigate the effect of adding 50 mg per liter (mg/L) graphene nanoparticles and 5% and 15% ethanol mixed to form ternary blended fuel on the combustion, performance and emissions in diesel engine. In the present work, a single-cylinder, four-stroke, water-cooled naturally aspirated DI diesel engine capable of developing 3.5 kW at 1500 rpm was used for the study. The fuel samples are K20, K15E5, K5E15, K15E5GNP50, and K5E15GNP50, where “K,”“E,” and “GNP” stand for biodiesel, ethanol, and graphene nanoparticle, respectively and the corresponding number indicate percentage in the overall blend. The result showed that nanoparticles added to ternary fuel blends improve the engine performance meaningfully, and the brake thermal efficiency higher by 2.03% compared to K20 biodiesel blend. K15E5GNP50 blends resulted in an appreciable reduction in CO, UHC, NOx and smoke levels compared to that of other blends. The maximum reduction in NOx and CO level was found to be about 21% compared to neat diesel. Also, the maximum reduction in smoke level was detected to be about 50%, mainly at full-load conditions. It is concluded that graphene nanoparticle-enhanced blends of K15E5GNP50 has improved engine performance and emissions characteristics.
Framework of an algorithm-aided BIM approach for modular residential building information models
Authors: Pibal Sophia S. , Khoss Konstantin , Kovacic Iva
Published: November 2022

The digital transformation of the construction industry and the lack of integration of digital technologies in design and construction processes are the motivation for this research. BIM solutions enable new levels of design processes and provide platforms for computational design and novel approaches in the AEC industry. In computational design parametric, generative or algorithmic procedures are utilized to support, optimize, or replace manual processes. The combination of BIM and generative, parametric or algorithmic design forms a hybrid that aims to combine the advantages of both concepts and allows for generative design processes with the creation of BIM objects containing metadata. Along with the digital transformation and novel approaches in the AEC industry, modular construction aims to shift from mass production to mass customization and maximize opportunities for cost-effective, economical, and sustainable buildings. This paper addresses the approach of generating building information models using algorithm-aided design combined with BIM at an early design stage for modular multi-story residential buildings that are affordable and sustainable. In this study, we present the framework of an algorithm-aided BIM approach, from the concept of the generative algorithm to the evaluation approach and the proof of concept as the test of the framework.
Psychological Distress and Interventions for Older Victims of Crime: A Systematic Review
Authors: Satchell Jessica , Craston Tabitha , Drennan Vari M. , Billings Jo , Serfaty Marc
Published: November 2022

We aimed to conduct the first systematic narrative review and quality appraisal of existing evidence on the psychological consequences of crime in older victims in the community and psychological interventions. We searched five databases to identify all peer-reviewed literature published in English on psychological impact and/or interventions for older crime victims and quality appraised these using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines (Prospero: CRD42019140137). Evidence from included studies were narratively synthesized, along with their strengths and limitations. We found 20 studies on psychological distress in older victims, four of which included interventions. From these, we identified 30 different impacts including symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, emotions including humiliation and self-blame, and behavioral changes. Only feasibility interventions have been published, although promising results were reported for cognitive-behavioral informed treatments for depression and anxiety. Studies were wide-ranging in aims, crimes included, and outcomes used. Recommendations for improving the evidence-base and to raise the profile of this neglected population have been provided.
Contamination and removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in multilayered assemblies of firefighting protective clothing
Authors: Wang Hongyang , Wang Junsheng , Zhao Bi , Hu Shengli , Xue Gang , Xia Jianjun
Published: November 2022

Contaminants deposited on the firefighter protective clothing increase the risk of carcinogenesis by transdermal absorption. The effects of the inclination angle, waterproof grade, and fabric structure of the flame retardant outer layer of firefighting protective clothing on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination and laundering were studied by simulating smoking exposure. The permeation and transmission process of PAHs in multilayered assemblies were investigated. Results showed that the adsorption capacity of soot and PAH contamination on fabric with a water repellent finish relatively increased, and outer layer absorbed more PAHs at 180° compared to other inclination angles. The fabric structure with single layer had a strong adsorption capacity and low removal capacity for PAHs. The highest amount of PAH contaminant was found in the moisture barrier layer, and the removal rate (44.7%) was much lower than that of the outer layer cleaned through conventional laundering (91.3%). The research can better provide scientific support for pollution control and clothing cleaning in the actual firefight.
Long-term survival analysis of 191 MAÏA® prostheses for trapeziometacarpal arthritis
Authors: Chiche Leo , Chammas Pierre Emmanuel , Vial D’Allais Paul , Lazerges Cyril , Coulet Bertrand , Chammas Michel
Published: November 2022

Surgery for trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis after failure of medical treatment remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term results of the MAÏA® trapeziometacarpal prosthesis (Lépine, Genay, France). This was a retrospective clinical and radiographic study of 191 MAÏA® trapeziometacarpal prostheses implanted between 2001 and 2016 from a single centre. The survival rate of the implants at the final follow-up of 12 years (range 17 days to 140 months) was 88%. Median pain score was 1/10. The median Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score was 20. The rate of major complications was 9% (5% dislocations and 4% loosening) with all dislocations needing revision surgery. The risk of prosthetic dislocation was highest during the first 3 years, most often related to malposition of the trapezium implant. The MAÏA trapeziometacarpal prosthesis represents a long-term solution for surgical treatment of thumb rhizarthrosis. Level of evidence: IV
The potential activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa as an antibacterial agent against multidrug-resistant isolates from intensive care unit and anticancer agent
Authors: Abeer Mohammed A. B. , Abd Elhamid Mona Mohamed , Khalil Magdy Kamal Mohammed , Ali Abdallah Soubhy , Abbas Rateb Nabil
Published: November 2022

Background

Antibiotic resistance is a global problem; especially the multidrug-resistant bacteria are a serious and fatal problem in the intensive care unit. Interestingly, biosynthesized silver nanoparticles are the promising key to eliminate these microbes. Using Pseudomonas aeruginosa supernatant is an easy and cheap method in silver nanoparticle biosynthesis. The biosynthesis conditions were adjusted, and the profiling of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was confirmed.

Results

The UV spectroscopy at a wavelength at 400 nm was 0.539 A.U., transmission electron microscope showed nanoparticles were homogeneous with a square and spherical shape, its average size 20 nm, The capping material and the existence of silver nanoparticles were confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The minimum inhibitory concentration was 1 mg/ml against multidrug-resistant bacteria, and LC50 was 62.307 μg/ml on the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line.

Conclusions

Microbial-synthesized silver nanoparticles have a potential application to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria, especially in the intensive care unit.