bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic analysis of simple and modified organic Rankine cycle and vapor compression refrigeration (ORC–VCR) systems
Authors: Ashwni  , Sherwani Ahmad Faizan , Tiwari Deepak
Published: December 2020

This paper compares the thermodynamic performance of two ORC–VCR systems using the zeotropic mixture (Hexane/R245fa); one is a simple ORC–VCR system whereas the second one is a modified ORC–VCR system. Both ORC–VCR systems are different in terms of VCR sub‐cycle. The modified ORC–VCR system contains an additional flash tank, expansion valve, and compressor compared to the simple ORC–VCR system in the VCR sub‐cycle. The thermodynamic performance of the systems have been evaluated in terms of Cooling capacity (Qevap), Coefficient of performance of the system (COPs), exergetic efficiency (ηex), and cost function (UAtot) . Modified ORC–VCR system exhibits 23.4, 23.4, 29.00, and 41% enhancement in cooling capacity (Qevap), COPs, exergetic efficiency (ηex), and cost function (UAtot), respectively, compared to the simple system. Moreover, there is 4, 5, and 84.73% enhancement in Qevap at the mass fraction of 0.9, COPs at the mass fraction of 0.6, and ηex at the mass fraction of 0.5 for the modified ORC–VCR system with the use of the zeotropic mixture.
Treatment of refractory myasthenia gravis by double‐filtration plasmapheresis and rituximab: A case series of nine patients and literature review
Authors: Bennani Hamza N. , Lagrange Emmeline , Noble Johan , Malvezzi Paolo , Motte Lionel , Chevallier Eloi , Rostaing Lionel , Jouve Thomas
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease mediated by circulating autoantibodies (anti‐AchR, anti‐MuSK, etc.). More than 20% of myasthenic patients are refractory to conventional treatments (plasma exchange, IVIg, steroids, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil). Rituximab (B‐lymphocyte‐depleting anti‐CD20) and apheresis (double‐filtration plasmapheresis [DFPP] and immunoadsorption [IA]) are interesting therapeutic alternatives.

Methods

This monocentric pilot study included nine refractory myasthenic patients (March 2018 to May 2020) treated by DFPP and/or IA associated with rituximab (375 mg/m2). Clinical responses were assessed using the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) score.

Results

Average age of patients was 53 ± 17 years. Gender ratio (M/F) was 3:6. The combination of apheresis and rituximab reduced median MGFA score from IV to II after 12 months of follow‐up. Clinical improvement assessed by MGFA score was sustained in the long‐term for all patients, during an average follow‐up of 14 ± 9 months, allowing them to be self‐sufficient and out sick‐leave. The median number of apheresis sessions was 7 (5‐30). The dose of prednisolone was reduced in two patients from 40 mg/d and 30 mg/d to 7.5 mg/d and 10 mg/d, respectively. It was stopped in a patient who was taking 30 mg/d. No infectious, bleeding, or thrombosis complications were noted.

Conclusion

The combination of rituximab and DFPP was effective to treat refractory MG.
MnTE‐2‐PyP disrupts Staphylococcus aureus biofilms in a novel fracture model
Authors: Lindsay Sarah E. , Lindsay Hunter G. , Kallet Julia , Weaver Michael R. , Curran‐Everett Douglas , Crapo James D. , Regan Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2020

Biofilm‐associated infections in orthopedic surgery lead to worse clinical outcomes and greater morbidity and mortality. The scope of the problem encompasses infected total joints, internally fixed fractures, and implanted devices. Diagnosis is difficult. Cultures are often negative, and antibiotic treatments are ineffective. The infections resist killing by the immune system and antibiotics. The organized matrix structure of extracellular polymeric substances within the biofilm shields and protects the bacteria from identification and immune cell action. Bacteria in biofilms actively modulate their redox environment and can enhance the matrix structure by creating an oxidizing environment. We postulated that a potent redox‐active metalloporphyrin MnTE‐2‐PyP (chemical name: manganese (II) meso‐tetrakis‐(N‐methylpyridinium‐2‐yl) porphyrin) that scavenges reactive species and modulates the redox state to a reduced state, would improve the effect of antibiotic treatment for a biofilm‐associated infection. An infected fracture model with a midshaft femoral osteotomy was created in C57B6 mice, internally fixed with an intramedullary 23‐gauge needle and seeded with a biofilm‐forming variant of Staphylococcus aureus. Animals were divided into three treatment groups: control, antibiotic alone, and combined antibioticplus MnTE‐2‐PyP. The combined treatment group had significantly decreased bacterial counts in harvested bone, compared with antibiotic alone. In vitro crystal violet assay of biofilm structure and corresponding nitroblue tetrazolium assay for reactive oxygen species (ROS) demonstrated that MnTE‐2‐PyP decreased the biofilm structure and reduced ROS in a correlated and dose‐dependent manner. The biofilm structure is redox‐sensitive in S. aureus and an ROS scavenger improved the effect of antibiotic therapy in model of biofilm‐associated infections.
Countergradient variation concealed adaptive responses to temperature increase in Daphnia from heated lakes
Authors: Dziuba Marcin Krzysztof , Kuczyński Lechosław , Wejnerowski Łukasz , Cerbin Slawek , Wolinska Justyna
Published: December 2020

To test the general assumption that global warming will induce body size reduction in aquatic organisms, we used a system of lakes continually heated for six decades by warm water discharge from power plants. Their temperature elevation of 3–4°C corresponds with climate change forecasts for the end of the 21st century. We compared body size and reproduction of Daphnia longispina complex communities inhabiting heated and non‐heated (control) lakes nearby. No difference in body size was found, but Daphnia communities from heated lakes had a wider thermal breadth for reproduction. The two lake groups varied in the taxonomic composition of Daphnia communities. Thus, to disentangle inter‐ and intraspecific sources of variation, and to examine evolution vs. phenotypic plasticity of investigated traits, we performed two life history experiments: (1) a between‐species experiment compared D. galeata inhabiting heated lakes with D. longispina typical of nearby control lakes, under three temperature regimes; (2) a within‐species experiment compared D. galeata from heated lakes with conspecifics from high latitude (cold control) and low latitude (warm control) lakes, under two temperature regimes. The experiments revealed countergradient variation: environmental constraints on body size in situ concealed evolution of larger potential body size in Daphnia from heated lakes. In turn, evolution of increased body size plasticity resulted in an efficient resource allocation trade‐off: more effective reproduction at high temperature, at the cost of size reduction. We suggest that large size is adaptive during active overwintering, while plastic size reduction is a coping strategy for high temperatures.
Synthesis design of wideband bandpass filter with narrow notch band
Authors: Chai Yong‐Qiang , Cheng Chong‐Hu , Mo Jin‐Rong , Shi Yan‐Feng , Hu Sheng‐Bo
Published: December 2020

In this article, a novel wideband bandpass filter (BPF) with narrow notch band is presented. It is composed of two sets of shunt microstrip‐to‐slotline vertical transitions, a coplanar waveguide (CPW) connecting line, and a meandering half‐wavelength slotline section. Utilizing the synthesis method based on the transmission line network, a four‐pole BPF with Chebyshev equal‐ripple frequency response is realized in the desired passband. The narrow notch band with 3‐dB fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 3% at the center frequency 2.75 GHz is introduced by an embedding meandering slotline stub. To verify the theoretical prediction, the proposed BPF is fabricated and measured. The circuit model and EM simulation are consistent with theoretical calculation and test results, which sufficiently confirm the correctness and feasibility of the design method.
Conservation planning in an uncertain climate: Identifying projects that remain valuable and feasible across future scenarios
Authors: Wineland Sean M. , Fovargue Rachel , Gill Ken C. , Rezapour Shabnam , Neeson Thomas M.
Published: December 2020

Conservation actors face the challenge of allocating limited resources despite uncertainty about future climate conditions. In many cases, the potential value and feasibility of proposed projects vary across climate scenarios. A key goal is to identify areas where conservation outcomes can balance both environmental and human needs.

We developed a conservation prioritization framework that jointly considers the value and feasibility of candidate projects across future climate scenarios. We then applied this framework to the challenge of meeting environmental flow targets across the Red River basin of the south‐central United States.

To estimate the conservation feasibility of meeting environmental flow goals in a river reach in each climate scenario, we used a basin‐wide hydrologic planning tool to quantify the reduction in societal water usage needed to meet environmental flow targets. To estimate the biodiversity value of each river reach in each climate scenario, we used climate‐driven species distribution models and species’ conservation status.

We found that river reaches in the east‐central portion of the basin may be good candidates for conservation investments, because they had high biodiversity value and high sociopolitical feasibility in all future climate scenarios. In contrast, sites in the arid western reaches of the basin had high biodiversity value, but low feasibility of achieving environmental flow goals.

Our framework should have broad applicability given that the value and feasibility of conservation projects vary across climate scenarios in ecosystems around the world. It may serve as a coarse filter to identify sites for more detailed analyses and could be integrated with complementarity‐based approaches to conservation planning to balance species’ representation across projects.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Study on corrosion behavior of new corrosion inhibitor imidazole derivatives for mild steel in oil‐in‐water emulsion
Authors: Xiong Sang , Wu Hao , Liu Zhiyuan , Wang Yichao , Lin Wei
Published: December 2020

Two imidazole derivatives, 2‐(2‐((benzo[d]thiazol‐2‐ylthio)methyl)‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)ethan‐1‐ol (BTM) and 2‐(2‐((1H‐benzo[d][1,2,3]triazol‐1‐yl)methyl)‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)ethan‐1‐ol (BTMS), as a new corrosion inhibitor were synthesized, and their inhibition behaviors for mild steel contained in emulsion were investigated by gravimetric experiment, electrochemical tests, and theoretical calculations. The results show that the inhibition effect of BTMS is better than that of BTM, the maximum value of the inhibition efficiency reaches 97.9%. The resultant adsorption films from BTM/BTMS adsorbed on mild steel, effectively inhibiting the corrosion of mild steel is mainly through chemisorption and follow to Langmuir's adsorption isotherm.
Identifying Information Gaps in Predicting Winter Foraging Habitat for Juvenile Gulf Sturgeon
Authors: Dale Leah L. , Patrick Cronin James , Brink Virginia L. , Tirpak Blair E. , Tirpak John M. , Pine William E.
Published: December 2020

The Gulf Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi is an anadromous species that inhabits Gulf of Mexico coastal waters from Louisiana to Florida and is listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Seasonal cues (e.g., freshwater discharge) determine the timing of spawning and migration and may influence the availability of critical habitat during winter months in six estuaries. Large information gaps, especially related to critical estuarine habitat for juveniles, hinder recovery efforts to protect these habitats and assess risks from emerging threats. Using Apalachicola Bay, Florida, as a model system, we developed and analyzed a preliminary Bayesian network model so that we could identify knowledge gaps (i.e., where expert knowledge was lacking) and data gaps (i.e., where data were unavailable) that limit the ability to assess the quantity of critical estuarine habitat for juvenile Gulf Sturgeon. The model hypothesized habitat availability per winter month in estuarine habitat under alternative scenarios of river discharge and length of the winter foraging season. A search for geospatial data sets revealed that the largest gap involved salinity, temperature, and oxygen (i.e., water condition) monitoring data, with data available only for Apalachicola Bay. For the Apalachicola Bay model, data gaps prevented the development of 53% of water condition geospatial data sets and a sensitivity analysis showed that water condition data most limited the ability to predict habitat availability. Expert knowledge was low, and conditional certainty scores showed that the relationships with the lowest certainty were abiotic suitability and habitat availability. Reducing information gaps could aid the development of a model that is appropriate for informing management. Future efforts could prioritize the expansion of water monitoring within critical habitat estuaries and predicting abiotic suitability and habitat availability. Bayesian network models can easily incorporate prior and new information for complex systems. Thus, our model could be updated as future research and monitoring efforts close these information gaps.
Monitoring Vocalizing Species by Engaging Community Volunteers Using Cell Phones
Authors: Platenberg Renata J. , Raymore Martha , Primack Avram , Troutman Kelcie
Published: December 2020

Biodiversity monitoring is important for species and habitat management, although it can be costly in terms of personnel time and expertise. Citizen Science projects that engage community participants to collect species distribution data can provide high volumes of data at little cost, but data are often associated with unknown observer error. Projects that remove decision‐making (e.g., species identification) allow for higher participation because expertise requirements are eliminated. We piloted a project using Citizen Science principles to solve logistical challenges for a synoptic amphibian survey across an island array in the United States Virgin Islands by inviting the community to collect recordings of frogs using cell phones. We received >270 recordings and location data from community participants during a 2‐week survey window; these were processed manually, using bioacoustics analysis software for species identification and location. Species detections were comparable to previous methods of survey although new distribution records were substantially increased. Utilizing Citizen Scientists to conduct recorded surveys of amphibians using cell phones offers a low‐cost method for expanding survey effort for predictably‐vocalizing species. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Fixing the non-relativistic expansion of the 1PM potential
Authors: Grignani Gianluca , Harmark Troels , Orselli Marta , Placidi Andrea
Published: December 2020

Abstract

We obtain a first order post-Minkowskian two-body effective potential whose post-Newtonian expansion directly reproduces the Einstein-Infeld-Hoffmann potential. Post-Minkowskian potentials can be extracted from on-shell scattering amplitudes in a quantum field theory of scalar matter coupled to gravity. Previously, such potentials did not reproduce the Einstein-Infeld-Hoffmann potential without employing a suitable canonical transformation. In this work, we resolve this issue by obtaining a new expression for the first-order post-Minkowskian potential. This is accomplished by exploiting the reference frame dependence that arises in the scattering amplitude computation. Finally, as a check on our result, we demonstrate that our new potential gives the correct scattering angle.
Nuclear dimension of simple $$\mathrm {C}^*$$-algebras
Authors: Castillejos Jorge , Evington Samuel , Tikuisis Aaron , White Stuart , Winter Wilhelm
Published: December 2020

We compute the nuclear dimension of separable, simple, unital, nuclear,$${\mathcal {Z}}$$Z-stable$$\mathrm {C}^*$$C∗-algebras. This makes classification accessible from$${\mathcal {Z}}$$Z-stability and in particular brings large classes of$$\mathrm {C}^*$$C∗-algebras associated to free and minimal actions of amenable groups on finite dimensional spaces within the scope of the Elliott classification programme.
The Real Experience and Management Strategies Analysis of Chinese Nurses Aiding COVID-19 Epidemic: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Li Linbo , Hou Yongchao , Kang Fengying , Li Suping , Zhao Juan
Published: December 2020

Objective:

Emergent public health events, such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), have been the focus of attention of researchers at home and abroad. In China, nurses are an important group contributing to the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pneumonia epidemic.

Methods:

Using semi-structured interviews, qualitative interviews were conducted with 23 nurses who supported the novel coronavirus pneumonia epidemic, and the data were collated and analyzed using Colaizzi analysis.

Results:

The work experience of Chinese nurses can be summarized into 4 major themes: they had different emotional experiences during aiding periods, aiding work had a double impact on the nurses, there were certain difficulties in aiding work, and there were significant age differences in aiding work experience.

Conclusions:

It is necessary to strengthen the psychological construction of nurses. All hospitals must coordinate and manage various safety tasks, and ensure the precise, scientific, and streamlined deployment of rescue work. Humanized management, shift adjustment, performance allocation weight, and organizational care are also the top priorities of human resource management.
Amidst pandemic and racial upheaval: Where Asian Americans Fit
Authors: Hua Whitney , Junn Jane
Published: December 2020

As racial tensions flare amidst a global pandemic and national social justice upheaval, the centrality of structural racism has renewed old questions and raised new ones about where Asian Americans fit in U.S. politics. This paper provides an overview of the unique racial history of Asians in the United States and analyzes the implications of dynamic racialization and status for Asian Americans. In particular, we examine the dynamism of Asian Americans' racial positionality relative to historical shifts in economic-based conceptions of their desirability as workers in American capitalism. Taking history, power, and institutions of white supremacy into account, we analyze where Asian Americans fit in contemporary U.S. politics, presenting a better understanding of the persistent structures underlying racial inequality and developing a foundation from which Asian Americans can work to enhance equality.
VERRIUS FLACCUS, HIS ALEXANDRIAN MODEL, OR JUST AN ANONYMOUS GRAMMARIAN? THE MOST ANCIENT DIRECT WITNESS OF A LATINARS GRAMMATICA
Authors: Scappaticcio Maria Chiara
Published: December 2020

When dealing with manuscripts transmitting otherwise unknown ancient texts and without asubscriptio, the work of a philologist and literary critic becomes both more difficult and more engrossing. Definitive proof is impossible; at the end there can only be a hypothesis. When dealing with a unique grammatical text, such a hypothesis becomes even more delicate because of the standardization of ancient grammar. But it can happen that, behind crystallized theoretical argumentation and apparently canonical formulas, interstices can be explored that lead to unforeseen possibilities, more exciting—and even more suitable—than those that have already emerged.
Why declare independence? Observing, believing, and performing the ritual
Authors: Knotter Lucas
Published: December 2020

Declarations of independence continue to be commonplace in international affairs, yet their efficacy as means towards statehood remains disputed in traditional international legal and political thinking and conduct. Consequently, recent scholarship on state recognition and emerging statehood suggests that the international persistence of such declarations should be understood in the context of broader international processes, narratives, and assemblages of state creation. Such suggestions, however, risk reifying declarations’ effectiveness more in relation to international structure(s) than to independence movement's own agency. This article, therefore, calls for a reframing of declarations of independence as a ritual in international relations. It argues that participating in the international ritual of independence declaration forms an attempt to ‘fuse’ the movement's political practice with international recognition, serves to express an internal belief in ‘redemption’ through the ‘ascension’ into the ‘celestial’ existence of recognised statehood, and offers an opportunity to internally bolster political community through political performance. Ritual theory, thus, uncovers how the global persistence of independence declarations cannot be explained merely through discrete oppositions of non-recognition versus recognition, belief versus reality, and/or non-state versus state community, and instead opens up new space for understanding the contradictions characterising the international political (in)significance and persistence of statehood declarations.
From public interest to public obligation: compulsory land expropriation for capital reconstruction in Nationalist China
Authors: Tsui Carmen C.M.
Published: December 2020

In 1927, the Nationalist government launched an ambitious project to transform Nanjing into a modern capital. During this reconstruction process, private lands were seized in the name of public interest for the construction of public works. In the face of opposition from affected landowners, Nationalist leaders shifted the emphasis from ‘public interest’ (gonggong liyi) to ‘public obligation’ (shimin zeren), stressing the duty of urban residents to support capital reconstruction and stigmatizing opponents as anti-development. This article examines compulsory land expropriation in Nationalist China and shows how the government turned discourses of public interest and public obligation into modern land laws.
Effective Diahaline Diffusivities in Estuaries
Authors: Burchard Hans , Gräwe Ulf , Klingbeil Knut , Koganti Nicky , Lange Xaver , Lorenz Marvin
Published: December 2020

The present study aims to estimate effective diahaline turbulent salinity fluxes and diffusivities in numerical model simulations of estuarine scenarios. The underlying method is based on a quantification of salinity mixing per salinity class, which is shown to be twice the turbulent salinity transport across the respective isohaline. Using this relation, the recently derived universal law of estuarine mixing, predicting that average mixing per salinity class is twice the respective salinity times the river run‐off, can be directly derived. The turbulent salinity transport is accurately decomposed into physical (due to the turbulence closure) and numerical (due to truncation errors of the salinity advection scheme) contributions. The effective diahaline diffusivity representative for a salinity class and an estuarine region results as the ratio of the diahaline turbulent salinity transport and the respective (negative) salinity gradient, both integrated over the isohaline area in that region and averaged over a specified period. With this approach, the physical (or numerical) diffusivities are calculated as half of the product of physical (or numerical) mixing and the isohaline volume, divided by the square of the isohaline area. The method for accurately calculating physical and numerical diahaline diffusivities is tested and demonstrated for a three‐dimensional idealized exponential estuary. As a major product of this study, maps of the spatial distribution of the effective diahaline diffusivities are shown for the model estuary.
Vowel Context Effects on Consonant Repetition in Early Words
Authors: Kim Namhee , Davis Barbara L.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Consonant repetitions within words are a well-attested speech error pattern in children's early speech acquisition. We investigated the role of intervening vowel context in understanding speech forms containing consonant repetitions in early words. Intrasyllabic consonant–vowel (CV) sequences within consonant–vowel–consonant (CVC) and consonant–vowel–consonant–vowel (CVCV) forms containing consonant repetitions were analyzed to evaluate whether children's lack of independent movement control for the tongue in word-level sequences might contribute to these observed speech patterns.

Method

Spontaneous speech data produced by 10 typically developing children learning American English were analyzed longitudinally from the onset of word use to 36 months. Overall patterns and word shape effects for nine CV combinations occurring in their CVC and CVCV word shapes that contained repeated nonadjacent consonants and the intervening vowel were analyzed.

Results

Three CV combinations—coronal-front vowel, labial-central vowel, and dorsal-back vowel—occurred at above-chance levels. Preference for these CV patterns was strong in CVCV but not in CVC word shapes. These CV combinations occurred frequently at all time periods analyzed for CVCV's while decreasing across time for CVC's.

Conclusions

Analysis of intrasyllabic patterns within word forms containing consonant repetitions revealed that consonant repetitions in many early words occurred at above-chance levels in the context of articulatorily compatible vowels. Results suggest that children's production system capacities are an important contributing principle accounting for vowel context effects within word forms containing consonant repetitions during earliest speech acquisition.
An integral sliding mode fault tolerant control for a class of non‐linear Lipschitz systems
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Ammar , Ijaz Salman , Zou Yao , Hamayun Mirza Tariq
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes an active fault‐tolerant control (FTC) strategy for a class of non‐linear Lipschitz systems. The proposed FTC approach employs the integral sliding mode control (ISMC) technique due to its inherent capability of dealing with system uncertainties. First, under the nominal fault‐free condition, the linear matrix inequality technique is introduced to design the primary controller for the non‐linear Lipschitz system. To accommodate the actuator faults/failures, the ISMC law is combined with a control allocation scheme that distributes the control signals to the redundant actuators. A non‐linear octorotor system is then used as a test bench to validate the tolerance performance of the proposed FTC strategy. In particular, the proposed FTC strategy is applied for the inner‐loop control, while in the outer loop, a fractional‐order control approach is used to achieve the precise longitude and latitude control. Finally, various simulations are performed to justify the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Parity space‐based optimal event‐triggered fault detection
Authors: Qiu Aibing , Ji Xiaolei , Wang Shengfeng
Published: December 2020

The article investigates the problem of parity space‐based optimal fault detection for event‐triggered systems. By introducing a novel parity vector based event‐triggering mechanism, and taking the effects of faults, disturbances and event‐triggered transmission errors on the residual into consideration, it is proven that the optimal parity vector for time‐triggered residual generator, which can make a trade‐off between fault sensitivity and disturbance robustness, is also optimal for event‐triggered counterpart, as both fault and disturbance information are included in the event‐triggered transmission error. Then, a time‐varying threshold is designed for residual evaluation by accounting for the effects of disturbance and event‐triggered transmission errors on the residual. Based on this, a quantitative analysis of the influence of the event‐triggering mechanism on false alarm rate is developed, which provides a way to choose the event‐triggered parameter from the viewpoint of fault diagnosis. Moreover, the proposed method is extended to event‐triggered systems with packet dropouts. Finally, a benchmark model of the vehicle lateral dynamic system is utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed parity space‐based optimal event‐triggered fault detection approach.
Control strategy for large‐scale fires near power transmission lines and its application
Authors: Wu Chuanping , Lu Jiazheng , Chen Baohui , Liu Yu , Zhou Tiannian , Zhou Tejun
Published: December 2020

To prevent fires causing the power transmission lines trip, a control strategy including the methods of fire forecasting, fire monitoring and fire extinguishing for large‐scale fires under power transmission lines is proposed. A water mist fire extinguishing method for transmission lines with high‐voltage was presented to ensure the fire extinguishers safe. Compared with conventional measures of fire risk evaluation and fire detection, the proposed control strategy can proactively control the fires to ensure the transmission lines run continuously, rather than passively stop running to avoid the fire. The timeliness of fires rescue for power grid is analysed statistically, and the control strategy for fires near transmission lines is presented and discussed. The proposed strategy had been widely used in Hunan province power grid of State Grid in China. After the applications, the average fire tripping number of transmission lines with the voltage levels of 220 kV and above each year was reduced by 64.6% during the period of 2015 to 2019 compared to previous five years, and there was no transmission line trip due to fire during the Qing‐ming high‐fire periods from 2015 to 2020, which proved the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Determine heavy metals in water, aquatic plants, and sediment in water systems
Authors: Flefel Hassan , Nokhrin Denis , Donnik Irina
Published: December 2020

Objective:Biomonitoring pollution of water bodies with heavy metals using evaluation of the level of concentration of heavy metals in water, aquatic plants, and sediments in 9 important rivers and lakes in the water bodies of Yekaterinburg. (Eight rivers and one lake).Methods: Sample preparation for the atomic absorption determination of the acid-soluble “mobile” form of eight metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) in the composition of bottom sediments was carried out by the method of wet mineralization in accordance with the Methodological Guidelines the definition of heavy metals.Results:All concentrations of heavy metals in sediments and aquatic plants were higher than in a water sample.Conclusions: Concentrations of all water samples were within acceptable limits established by WHO, while the concentrations of all aquatic plants and sediment were above the acceptable limits of WHO.
Modeling the process of cost formation and their transition to the state of expenses
Authors: Polikarpova Elena Petrovna , Mizikovskiy Igor Efimovich
Published: December 2020

Almost any activity involves a cost. From the point of view of the economy of organizations, costs are the basis of economic life. Directly or indirectly, they are the object or component of the work of all employees of an economic entity - managers, executors, service personnel, etc. In addition, their labor creates costs for the organization in view of the obligation to pay for it. In the context of digitalization of production in the agro-industrial complex, the requirements for accounting are increasing, as the main source of providing enterprise management with information on costs formation. This article studied costs as an object of accounting from the point of view of their recognition, essence, transition from one state to another. As a result of the study, on the basis of balance equality, a symbolic model of costs formation in an economic entity and a model of their transition to the state of expenses were built and substantiated. Such methods as collection and analysis of information, comparison, modeling and a balance method were used.
Synchronization of mechanisms for realizing the interests of the population in rural territories
Authors: Khanmagomedov Seyidullah , Mukailov Mukail , Ulchibekova Nazima , Yusufov Abdulkadi , Ashurbekova Tamila
Published: December 2020

The subject of the research is an expert analytical assessment of the arguments for enhancing the manifestation of interest and the adoption of programs by the country’s top authorities to improve agricultural policy, accelerate the development of conditions and mechanisms for the implementation of socio-economic problems and interests of the population of rural areas. Using the methods of economic and statistical analysis and logistic and expert assessment, chronic and urgent problems in agro-industrial production, in social engineering, stimulating the interests of the rural population and developing new mechanisms for their implementation are analyzed. Results. The assessment of the state of social engineering infrastructure at the level of the region, federal district and country is given. A model of the mechanism for motivating and realizing the socio-economic interests of the population of rural areas, the author’s presentation of the visions of experts, agricultural scientists on the role of the state and modern agricultural policy in the effective development of agricultural sectors and improving the quality of life in rural areas are proposed. Conclusions. The importance of the adopted new State Program for the integrated development of rural areas was noted, priority directions and ways of developing the mechanism for realizing socio-economic interests, increasing the level of employment and consumer ability of the rural population, etc.
The Practical Value of Good Laser Safety Software
Authors: Webb Jim
Published: December 2020

Having been a laser safety officer (LSO) for over 25 years, I have relied heavily on laser safety calculation software. For the LSO, hazard evaluation is a core function of their role. When determining the correct attenuation factors for laser protective eyewear, where does a safe distance start? Is there a diffuse reflection hazard, and how far might it extend? These and other questions are critical for an LSO to know when they advise a user on how to achieve safety in their laser laboratory. The user also needs to appreciate where these numbers come from in order to have confidence in them.

Both International Electrotechnical Commission and American National Standards Institute have formulas and tables to figure out these answers. As it will be shown, picking the right value is critical but not always clear from tables found in the standards. The typical LSO training course will spend a day to two days on doing laser safety calculations. As with all training and especially with complex math calculations, if one does not practice them, errors and uncertainty can occur. An LSO may go months before they need to perform these calculations, or they might do some daily. For the LSO who rarely needs to do calculations, software gives a sense of confidence. As long as the correct inputs are made, they do not have to worry about remembering units, exponentials, correction factors, and how the numbers are manipulated. For the LSO who is flooded with calculations to do, software is a great time saver. In addition, a printout of the results can become part of the hazard evaluation documentation as well as give the user an opportunity to check specification. With all the considerations listed earlier, what are the elements of good software? I am delighted to have Jim Webb address this question. Jim is a developer of one of the most adaptive and complete laser safety software on the market and in this chapter presents an insider's view.
A multidimensional perspective on written language development (Una perspectiva multidimensional del desarrollo del lenguaje escrito)
Authors: Stavans Anat , Tolchinsky Liliana
Published: December 2020

The development of writing is pivotal in the educational and communicative growth from childhood to adulthood. This special issue harnesses studies that examine the development of text writing in different discourse genres and languages, showcasing a set of text-embedded features that function as the blueprint for children’s evolving writing ability. These studies focus on both word-level and text-level features; a range of discourse genres; different language domains marked as indicators of writing quality; explanatory factors of writing quality; and a crosslinguistic scope encompassing language typology, the developmental span of writing and writing difficulties. The multidimensional perspective taken in this themed issue addresses the particular and universal aspects underlying the development of writing.
A study of 87 mycetoma patients seen at three health facilities in Nouakchott, Mauritania
Authors: Kébé M , Ba O , Mohamed Abderahmane M A , Mohamed Baba N D , Ball M , Fahal A
Published: December 2020

Background

Mycetoma is a chronic, progressive and destructive inflammatory disease that affects the skin, subcutaneous and other tissues. The objective of this study was to identify all cases of mycetoma diagnosed in three health facilities in Nouakchott, Mauritania during 2016–2018.

Methods

This retrospective hospital-based study was conducted at the Dermatology, Orthopedics, Mycology and Pathology departments of the National Hospital Center of Nouakchott, the Military Hospital of Nouakchott and the National Institute for Research in Public Health of Nouakchott.

Results

Eighty-seven patients were included in this study. They comprised 65 male patients (74.71%) and 22 females (25.28%) with a gender ratio of 4:1. The mean age was 41.87 y and ages ranged from 14 to 70 y. The most common age group was 40–45 y (11%). The foot was the most frequently affected site seen in 60 patients (69%), followed by ankle and hand with 6 patients each (7%). In the study, 56 patients (64%) had regional lymphadenopathy. Forty-nine patients (56%) had bone involvement. Thirty-two patients (37%) had medical treatment. Twenty-seven patients (87%) received fluconazole and four patients (13%) had co-trimoxazole treatment.

Conclusion

The mycetoma patients seen in these three centres were mainly male farmers from rural areas. The lesions were seen mainly in the lower limbs and the majority had bone involvement radiologically.
2020: The Year of COVID-19
Authors: Roush Karen
Published: December 2020

A deadly pandemic dominated the year, which ended on a slightly hopeful note.
‘Get Our House in Order’
Authors: Roush Karen
Published: December 2020

In a webinar hosted by AJN, nurse experts examined how the profession can confront structural racism from within.
Early vs. Late Androgen Suppression Therapy for Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kane Terri
Published: December 2020

Editor's note: The mission of Cochrane Nursing is to provide an international evidence base for nurses involved in delivering, leading, or researching nursing care. Cochrane Corner provides summaries of recent systematic reviews from the Cochrane Library. For more information, see https://nursing.cochrane.org.
Implementation of a Warm Zone Model During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Omess Sarah , Kaplow Roberta , Green Alyson , Kingsley-Mota William , Mota Sérgio , Paris Lauren , Wilson Keisa
Published: December 2020

In March 2020, in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the executive leadership of an academic medical center in Atlanta tasked an interprofessional quality improvement (QI) team with identifying ways to improve staff and patient safety while caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection. Additional goals of the initiative were to improve workflow efficiency by reducing the amount of time spent donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) and to conserve PPE, which could be in short supply in a prolonged pandemic. The QI team developed a “warm zone model” that allowed staff members to wear the same mask, eye protection, and gown while moving between the rooms of patients who had tested positive for COVID-19. The risk of self-contamination while doffing PPE is well documented. Staff members were trained to conserve PPE and to properly change gloves and perform hand hygiene between exiting and entering patients' rooms. The warm zone model allowed multidisciplinary team members to reduce the times they donned and doffed PPE per shift while maintaining or increasing the times they entered and exited patients' rooms. Staff members believed that the model improved workflow and teamwork while maintaining staff members' personal safety. Daily gown use decreased on the acute care unit where the model was employed, helping to preserve PPE supplies. Once the model was proven successful in acute care, it was modified and instituted on several critical care COVID-19 cohort units.
Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Simplified Chinese Version of the Copenhagen Neck Function Disability Scale
Authors: Cao Shiqi , Zhou Chunhui , Wang Qi , Hu Fanqi , Zhang Leiming , Ding Yu , Zhang Xuesong
Published: December 2020

Study Design.

A cross-sectional study.

Objective.

Th aim of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt Copenhagen Neck Function Disability Scale into a Simplified Chinese version (CNFDS-C), and evaluate the reliability and validity of CNFDS-C in patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain.

Summary of Background Data.

The CNFDS is a reliable and valid evaluation instrument for chronic neck pain. However, Simplified Chinese version of CNFDS hasn’t been validated.

Methods.

A total of 150 participants were included in this study. Internal consistency was estimated according to Cronbach alpha. Test–retest reliability was assessed by intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct validity was analyzed by correlations between CNFDS-C and the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) as well as the short form (36) health survey (SF-36).

Results.

The original version of the CNFDS was cross-culturally adapted and translated into Simplified Chinese. CNFDS-C was indicated to have excellent reliability (Cronbach alpha = 0.810, ICC = 0.927). Moderate to substantial correlations between CNFDS-C and NDI (r = 0.642, P < 0.001), VAS (r = 0.581, P < 0.001), as well as Physical Function (r = −0.583, P < .001), Role Physical (r = −0.478, P < 0.001), Bodily Pain (r = −0.610, P < 0.001), and General Health (r = −0.439, P < 0.001) subscales of SF-36 were observed.

Conclusion.

CNFDS-C was demonstrated to have acceptable reliability and validity in patients with nonspecific chronic neck pain, which could be recommended for patients in Chinese mainland.

Level of Evidence: 3
Risk factor analysis of bronchospasm after tracheobronchial foreign body removal
Authors: Cui Yu , Shao Jianli , Sun Hai , Wang Xin , Zhu Zhanpeng
Published: December 2020

This retrospective study aimed to investigate bronchospasm after tracheobronchial foreign body removal. Bronchoscopy is the main clinical treatment for removing airway foreign bodies, but postoperative airway spasm is very common. In our study, we perform a risk factor analysis of bronchospasm after tracheobronchial foreign body removal. The sample was composed of 261 children with airway foreign bodies who had undergone clinical bronchoscopy for foreign body removal under general anesthesia were enrolled from the department of otolaryngology, the First Hospital of Jilin University from 2014 to 2019, of which 78 in the left bronchus, 107 in the right bronchus, 51 in the main bronchus, and 25 in the subglottis. All patients were confirmed by radiographic examination or pulmonary auscultation. All their medical records and clinical data were retrospectively analyzed; single factor and multiple factor analyses of bronchospasm were performed. The logistic regression analysis showed that age, foreign body retention time and operation time were independent risk factors for postoperative airway spasm. A history of pneumonia was not an independent risk factor for postoperative airway spasm. We should pay more attention in the preoperative period according to the specific situation of child; the right means of anesthesia and appropriate hormonal drugs should be chosen to prevent the occurrence of postoperative airway spasm.
Association of Academic Physiatrists Women’s Task Force Follow-up Report
Authors: Silver Julie K. , Cuccurullo Sara , Weiss Lyn , Visco Christopher , Sowa Gwendolyn , Oh-Park Mooyeon , Karimi Danielle Perret , Frontera Walter R. , Fleming Talya K. , Bosques Glendaliz , Ambrose Anne Felicia , Knowlton Tiffany
Published: December 2020

The Association of Academic Physiatrists convened a Women’s Task Force in 2016, under the leadership of then Association of Academic Physiatrists President Gerard Francisco, MD, to evaluate data and metrics pertaining to the representation and inclusion of female physiatrists in the society. An initial published report focused on a retrospective analysis of data in categories such as leadership, conference presentations, and recognition awards. The findings, which highlighted areas in which the Association of Academic Physiatrists had been successful in supporting gender equity as well as areas in which female physiatrists were underrepresented, provided a base from which to strategically focus on closing gaps in representation. The task force developed an action plan that was approved by the Board of Trustees and included strategies aimed at closing gaps and collecting data to determine corresponding effectiveness. Because most of the categories fell under the supervision of various Association of Academic Physiatrists committees, an appointee from each committee (“diversity steward”) liaised with the Women’s Task Force. The diversity stewards reviewed the plan with their respective committees and collected data within their committee’s purview. This task force follow-up report documents recent progress, consistent with the Association of Academic Physiatrists Board of Trustees commitment to transparency and gender equity.
Racial/Ethnic and Income Disparities in the Prevalence of Comorbidities that Are Associated With Risk for Severe COVID-19 Among Adults Receiving HIV Care, United States, 2014–2019
Authors: Weiser John K. , Tie Yunfeng , Beer Linda , Neblett Fanfair Robyn , Shouse Roy Luke
Published: December 2020

Background:

Health inequities among people with HIV may be compounded by disparities in the prevalence of comorbidities associated with an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

Setting:

Complex sample survey designed to produce nationally representative estimates of behavioral and clinical characteristics of adults with diagnosed HIV in the United States.

Methods:

We estimated the prevalence of having ≥1 diagnosed comorbidity associated with severe illness from COVID-19 and prevalence differences (PDs) by race/ethnicity, income level, and type of health insurance. We considered PDs ≥5 percentage points to be meaningful from a public health perspective.

Results:

An estimated 37.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 36.6 to 39.2] of adults receiving HIV care had ≥1 diagnosed comorbidity associated with severe illness from COVID-19. Compared with non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks or African Americans were more likely [adjusted PD, 7.8 percentage points (95% CI: 5.7 to 10.0)] and non-Hispanic Asians were less likely [adjusted PD, −13.7 percentage points (95% CI: −22.3 to −5.0)] to have ≥1 diagnosed comorbidity after adjusting for age differences. There were no meaningful differences between non-Hispanic Whites and adults in other racial/ethnic groups. Those with low income were more likely to have ≥1 diagnosed comorbidity [PD, 7.3 percentage points (95% CI: 5.1 to 9.4)].

Conclusions:

Among adults receiving HIV care, non-Hispanic Blacks and those with low income were more likely to have ≥1 diagnosed comorbidity associated with severe COVID-19. Building health equity among people with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic may require reducing the impact of comorbidities in heavily affected communities.