bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humans in Hierarchies: Intergroup Relations in Education Reform
Authors: Rinehart Kathawalla Renée , Mehta Jal
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Existing research on loosely coupled educational systems has largely ignored the social and affective dimensions of such systems. Drawing on literature from organizational behavior, this study examines how “human” factors, including role identity dynamics, power dynamics, and stereotyping, shape the implementation of state-led education reforms. Research Method/Approach: This study draws on interviews and focus groups with 77 actors from different organizational levels in two states and uses a grounded theory analytical approach. Findings: Our findings indicate that stereotyping is ubiquitous across contexts, that the way actors stereotype and perceive each other depends on their positions in the system, and that stereotypes of higher ups often persist even as higher ups are aware of them and try unsuccessfully to mitigate them. We theorize about the reasons for these outcomes and their consequences for efforts at systemic change. Implications for Research and Practice: This study underscores the importance of social and emotional factors in education reform efforts, which have been under-theorized to this point. It demonstrates that reforms could be more successful when higher ups and lower downs have more frequent and meaningful interactions, which facilitate opportunities to break down social and emotional barriers to successful implementation.
Using time difference analysis algorithms to measure the response time of rat auditory cortex neurons to auditory nerve stimulation
Authors: Zhu Linda , Luo Hao , Zhang Jinsheng
Published: April 2022

Measurement of the information flow along the ascending auditory pathway from the periphery to the auditory cortex (AC) has been given much attention in neurocomputation. While the neurophysiological mechanisms of the auditory pathway have been well studied, the temporal resolution and relationships among the auditory centers are still under investigation, especially when suffering from acoustic trauma that results in peripheral deficits and neural signal changes in the auditory system. In this study, we measured rat AC neurons and auditory nerve (AN) signals in digital format by using two new algorithms to calculate the neural response time of the AC neurons to electrical stimulation of the AN and quantify the neural information flow in the temporal domain. One algorithm compared time difference of neural spikes directly, which was based on the conventional idea of spike train in neurocomputation. The other employed a modified cross-correlation algorithm. Both algorithms shared the same pre-signal processing of spike selection. The statistical results by the two methods were compared and various parameters in the algorithms and their impact on the accuracy of the results were discussed. To test the effectiveness of the proposed method, the time difference between the AC to AN activities was calculated by both algorithms with raw neural signals collected. The neural signals from the animals were measured before and after noise trauma, and one of the animals received intra-modiolus electrical stimulation (IMES) to stimulate the AN. The results from using the two algorithms were generally consistent, and the biological mechanisms behind the time delay results between AC and AN activities were discussed.
Dynamic fracture behavior of hygrothermally degraded carbon epoxy composites
Authors: Pittman Emily R , Lamberson Leslie E
Published: April 2022

Composite structures used in aerospace, automotive, and military applications are often subjected to aggressive marine or water environments during their service life that can cause material degradation over time. Many composites absorb moisture when exposed to wet environments which may affect their microstructure, consequently influencing their bulk material properties and performance. Additionally, certain applications may require them to be subjected to seawater environments where the addition of saline can further degrade the material over time. This experimental investigation examines the effects of moisture absorption and saline on the dynamic fracture behavior of unidirectional carbon epoxy composites. To accelerate mass absorption, samples were soaked in elevated temperature baths (70°C) of either ASTM standard seawater or distilled water. To explore the role of absorption duration on the dynamic fracture behavior, soaking time varied between 3.5 hours and longer than 4 months. Pre-cracked specimens were impacted using a long-bar striker device at 4 m/s, to instigate a dominantly Mode-I (opening) fracture response. Digital image correlation was used in conjunction with ultra-high-speed imaging to track the crack tip surface displacements and an elastodynamic solution for an orthotropic material leveraged to extract the stress intensity factor (SIF) up to and at initiation. The critical SIF of the soaked samples is compared with results from a group of ambient condition, unsoaked samples. Results suggest that moisture absorption causes the matrix to expand and introduce microcracks or delamination between plies as the composite swells to accommodate the additional water, inversely affecting the material resistance to fracture.
Thermal behavior of the ZrB2 skeleton infiltrated with Cu and CuCrZr alloy
Authors: Koráb Juraj , Balog Martin , Žemlička Matúš , Drienovský Marián , Španielka Ján , Kováčik Jaroslav , Dvorák Tomáš , Štefánik Pavol
Published: April 2022

This paper presents the thermal behavior of ZrB2 skeletal material (38% porosity) infiltrated with pure Cu or CuCrZr alloy. Gas-assisted pressure infiltration technology was used to prepare the composites. Thermal diffusivity, density and specific heat measurements were used to calculate the thermal conductivity—the room temperature values of the Cu-ZrB2 and the CuCrZr-ZrB2 material were 157 W m−1 K−1 and 146 W m−1 K−1, respectively, and they decreased with increasing temperature. Analysis of the results showed significant influence of the interface on the thermal conductivity of the CuCrZr-ZrB2 composite. The results indicate that the improved interfacial conductivity was formed due to the presence of the Zr in both the copper alloy and the ceramic skeleton. During infiltration, Zr atoms diffused from the liquid metal to the interface between the metal and the matrix. Here, they created a layer that had metal-related properties. The layer improved wettability of the interface and at the same time the thermal conductivity of the whole composite. The values were compared with the data of the Cu–graphite composite made by the powder metallurgical route where heat transfer through the interface approaches zero. Obtained experimental data were analyzed using the Differential Effective Media (DEM) technique, showing high thermal conductance of the interface between the CuCrZr metal matrix and ceramic skeleton.
What’s Time Got to Do With It?: A Time-Informed Approach to Longitudinal Research With Trauma Affected and Bereaved Populations
Authors: Saltzman Leia Y. , Hunter Lauren D.
Published: April 2022

This paper outlines a new approach to using participants' self-identified temporal triggers to center data collection around meaningful time periods as it pertains to coping with loss and trauma. We describe the utility of ecological momentary assessment and wearable technology as tools for time-informed data collection; and provide a study protocol for a recent study in which we paired these approaches to gather data from adult respondents who had lost a loved one. Data collection included two phases: a baseline phase and a target date phase. The target date phase was centered around the participant’s self-identified temporal trigger. Several lmitations to this mode of data collection are disucsed. The overall approach is client centered and more accurately captures the lived experiences of individuals coping with loss and trauma. Data of this kind will begin to highlight the psychological and physiological impacts of anniversary dates among survivors of trauma and loss.
What Really Happens in Vegas?: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluation of Nevada's First Day Reporting Center
Authors: Belisle Linsey A. , West Matthew P. , Sousa William H.
Published: April 2022

The current study is one of few to utilize a randomized controlled trial design to evaluate the effects of a Day Reporting Center (DRC). Individuals on community supervision were randomly assigned to the DRC group or the control group. Path models examined the direct and indirect effects of DRC participation on social outcomes, revocations, and violations. Findings suggest that DRCs might effectively achieve their goals, at least in the short term and for some types of individuals. While these findings suggest that DRCs can be effective, more research is needed before definitive policy implications can be made.
The Effectiveness of a Mindfulness Induction as a Buffer Against Stress Among University Students With and Without a History of Self-Injury
Authors: Petrovic Julia , Bastien Laurianne , Mettler Jessica , Heath Nancy L.
Published: April 2022

Stressful experiences are abundant in university and students with a history of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) may be hyper-reactive to stress. While brief mindfulness inductions have been proposed as a buffer against acute stress, whether they function differently in students with a history of NSSI remains in question. This study sought to explore the impact of an online mindfulness induction on (a) two facets of state mindfulness (i.e., mind and body) and (b) state stress, following a stress induction task, in university students with versus without a history of NSSI. Participants were Canadian university students with ( n = 82; Mage = 21.30 years, SD = 2.92; 87.8% female) and without ( n = 82; Mage = 21.71 years, SD = 3.18; 87.8% female) a history of NSSI, matched on gender, age, and faculty, who completed baseline (T1) measures of state stress and state mindfulness. Participants were randomly assigned to complete a mindfulness induction or an active control task. All participants then underwent a stress induction, and again completed measures of state stress and state mindfulness (T2). Results from three-way mixed ANOVAs revealed that state stress increased from T1 to T2 for all participants, regardless of group or condition. Among those assigned to the control condition, state mindfulness of the body was lower at T2 for participants with a history of NSSI compared to those without such a history. However, participants with a history of NSSI who completed the mindfulness induction reported greater state mindfulness of the body at T2 than students with a history of NSSI who completed an active control task. Findings highlight the unique response of university students with a history of NSSI to a brief mindfulness induction. Implications are discussed in the context of future research and clinical applications.
Order Online or Call it in? Conceptualization and Measurement of Preferences for Computer versus Human Interaction
Authors: Travis Justin , Wilgus Samuel
Published: April 2022

Technology is increasingly integrated into everyday life and consequently, traditional social exchanges between human agents have evolved to include human-computer interaction, providing scientists new directions for understanding and predicting consumer behavior. Despite progress, there are conceptual and empirical limitations in current measures applied to consumer/user preferences. This paper documents the development and validation of the 10-item preference for computer versus human interaction (PCHI) scale across three distinct samples and incorporating items that (a) include direct comparisons between computers and humans, (b) are independent of specific contexts or technologies, and (c) capture major theoretical domains of social, consumer, and human factors psychology. Results support the hypothesized three-factor structure (efficiency, ease of use, and trust) and demonstrate the utility of this measure to predict everyday consumer decisions beyond extant measures. Additionally, the PCHI offers marketing, user experience, and other practitioners a brief instrument for developing interventions, training protocols, and modeling attitudes.
Tangential elastic contact model of the cylindrical contact with different axis crossing angles
Authors: Guo Tieneng , Ji Ruguo , Ma Yunfei , Peng Liwei
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a cylinder contact model with different axis crossing angles is proposed, and the axis crossing angle is introduced into the normal and tangential constitutive equations. This paper uses the method of formula derivation to establish the analytical solution of the tangential elastic contact of the cylinder with different axis cross angles, and gives the relational expression of the tangential load and the tangential displacement. The finite element method (FEM) is used to verify the tangential displacement load curve and the tangential stiffness curve of the two cylinders. The influence of various factors on mechanical properties such as tangential stiffness, tangential displacement and contact area is explored, and the distribution of stress and strain on the contact surface is analyzed. The research results show that the tangential displacement and tangential stiffness of the cylindrical contact model correspond well to the simulation results.
Detection of operating mode changes, without a priori model and in uncertain environments
Authors: Ragot José
Published: April 2022

Starting from the general observation that a measurement delivered by a sensor is subject to an uncertainty, its use in a decision chain must take into account this imprecise character. It is thus advisable to propagate this imprecision in all the chain of treatment and use of the measurement in question. In what follows, this principle is applied to the diagnostic function, one of the components of system monitoring. More precisely, we propose to analyze the temporal data collected on a system in order to detect and locate possible changes in the behavior of this system.
Research and application of Gob-Side entry retaining with roof presplitting under residual coal pillar of upper coal seam
Authors: Tian Xichun , Wang Jiong , Yu Guangyuan , Wang Haoseng , Liu Peng , Pan Zhifu , Wang Yanjun
Published: April 2022

In the mining of close coal seam, the stress concentration under the residual coal pillar in the upper coal seam leads to serious deformation to roadway surrounding rock in the lower coal seam. Hence, it poses a huge challenge to the maintenance of entry surrounding rock. Based on this, an approach of entry surrounding rock control technology, directional pre-splitting, and roof-cutting pressure relief, was applied. The stress and deformation of entry surrounding rock utilizing directional pre-splitting and roof-cutting pressure relief were studied by numerical simulation and field test The results indicated that the depth of stress concentration under the residual coal pillar achieve 44 m. With the application of the roof presplitting, the vertical stress of the entry roof decreased. Utilizing the roof presplitting with a height of 7 m and an angle of 15°, the gangue filled the goaf and supported the overlying strata. Meanwhile, the surrounding rock of entry was controlled with a constant resistance anchor cable (9 m length) and gangue prevention support structure. Through field test monitoring, the roof pressure and the deformation of surrounding rock increases rapidly at 30 ∼ 110 m behind the working face. From 110 ∼ 160 m, the increased rate of roof pressure and surrounding rock deformation gradually slows down and tends to be stable at 160 m behind the working face. The maximum displacement of the roof to the floor is 511 mm, and the maximum displacement of the gangue rock wall to coal wall is 421 mm. The remaining roadway meets the demand of the adjacent working face.
Research on information dissemination of blockchain network community under the action of negative incentive mechanism
Authors: Xie Renqiang , Zhang Wende
Published: April 2022

Traditional online communities suffer from false, repetitive or low-level content, with blockchain technology able to solve these problems. Specifically, the incentive mechanism is the blockchain’s core value, including positive and negative incentive mechanisms. The former strengthens people’s behaviour positively, while the latter, on the contrary, adopts mandatory methods such as punishment to eliminate the occurrence of certain types of behaviour. The negative incentive mechanism is the key factor to solve the problems presented above that traditional online communities face. Specifically, this article develops a solution that utilises the negative incentive mechanism, based on the classic infectious disease model (SIR model), introduces smart nodes, puts forward the SSIR model of information dissemination in the blockchain network community, and establishes a set of differential equations reflecting the information dissemination rules. Based on the parameter assumption and solving the equations with MATLAB, this article compares and reveals the changes of different user types on the SIR and SSIR models. Furthermore, we utilise the data collected from the Steemit blockchain community and Sina Weibo platform and apply the Social Network Analysis method to compare and analyse the information dissemination between the blockchain and the traditional network community. The research results highlight that the negative incentive mechanism in the blockchain network community affords a more rational behaviour of user information dissemination, a simpler interaction between users, and reducing to a certain extent the dissemination of ‘distorted’ or ‘uncertain’ information.
Psychological foundations and behavioral consequences of COVID-19 conspiracy theory beliefs: The Turkish case
Authors: Erisen Cengiz
Published: April 2022

This article offers a comprehensive approach to understanding pandemic-related behavior by tackling both the psychological predictors of belief in conspiracy theories about COVID-19 and their potential consequences for trust in experts and institutions, compliance behavior and vaccine acceptance. Drawing from an observational survey ( n = 1028) in Turkey, this article examines: (a) the psychological precedents of believing COVID-19 conspiracy theories; (b) how trust in experts, scientists and health authorities is influential in controlling these beliefs; (c) to what extent conspiracy theory beliefs affect compliance with protective measures; and (d) who is more likely to accept vaccination. Results demonstrate that one of the potential solutions to the influence of conspiracy theory beliefs across an array of attitudes and behaviors is to establish trust in experts, scientists and health authorities.
Current management of acute type B dissection in 2021
Authors: Matsuda Hitoshi
Published: April 2022

The rationale for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection depends on the phase of disease: acute phase, which is ‘complicated’, subacute to early chronic phase, which requires ‘preemptive TEVAR’ and chronic phase, which entails ‘prevention of further dilatation and rupture’. Low operative mortality and morbidity after TEVAR for complicated acute type B aortic dissection have been reported with significant improvement during midterm survival. ‘Retrograde’ type A dissection, which can be described as type B0,X (X>3) according to a new reporting standard, has reportedly been treated with TEVAR with less invasiveness. TEVAR is the first and possibly the only effective strategy for acute type B dissection, so that expansion of indications for type B0,X, as described in the new reporting standard has been validated.
Sri Lankan Northern Tamils in Colombo: Broken Memories of Home
Authors: Chattoraj Diotima
Published: April 2022

The Sri Lankan conflict that officially ended in 2009 resulted not only in large numbers of Tamils leaving the country to join the vast global Tamil diaspora but also created many internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Sri Lanka’s Northern Tamil communities who settled in Colombo. This article examines the idea of home among such IDPs, showing how broken memories of an earlier home and different approaches towards return shape feelings of being an ‘insider’ or ‘outsider’ among Tamil IDPs in Colombo. Drawing on the life experiences of such IDPs, the article shows that they now often view Colombo as a more suitable home yet are still ‘becoming insiders’ rather than ‘being insiders’.
The role of self-perceived academic competence in children with childhood-onset fluency disorder
Authors: Nousia Anastasia , Martzoukou Maria , Siafaka Vassiliki
Published: April 2022

The aim of the present study was to investigate the five different components of self-perception (academic competence, social acceptance, athletic competence, physical appearance and school behavior), and to identify the dimensions that affect self-esteem in children with Childhood onset Fluency Disorder (CoFD). The study sample consisted of thirty children with CoFD and, as controls, thirty children without CoFD, aged from 9 to 11;7 years old. The following instruments were used: (1) the Greek version of Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC), (2) the “Children's Phonetic and Phonological development assessment” and, (3) a demographic characteristics form. Results revealed that while children with CoFD did report lower perceived academic competence than did those of the control group, and their academic competence self-perception shaped both their self-esteem and their school behavior self-perception. Moreover, academic competence self-perception was found to mediate in the relationship between CoFD, self-esteem and school behavior self-perception. Perceived academic competence in children with CoFD is linked to self-esteem and perceived school behavior, and this may impact on their relationships, emotional health and overall well-being. Health professionals should become able to estimate coexisting psychological difficulties and negative behaviors of parents or teachers that may affect the children's self-esteem. Furthermore, they should be able to suggest targeted psychological interventions for children and parents, while in the same frame teachers need to be properly trained about the management of stuttering in the classroom. The role of the speech therapist in the school context for in-service provision of information is therefore considered to be of paramount importance.
Patient perspectives of lithium and quetiapine augmentation treatment in treatment-resistant depression: A qualitative assessment
Authors: McKeown Lucas , Taylor Rachael W , Day Elana , Shah Rupal , Marwood Lindsey , Tee Helena , Kerr-Gaffney Jess , Oprea Emanuella , Geddes John R , McAllister-Williams R Hamish , Young Allan H , Cleare Anthony J
Published: April 2022

Background:

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) has a profound cost to patients and healthcare services worldwide. Pharmacological augmentation is one therapeutic option for TRD, with lithium and quetiapine currently recommended as first-line agents. Patient opinions about pharmacological augmentation may affect treatment outcomes, yet these have not been systematically explored.

Aims:

This study aimed to qualitatively assess patient experiences of lithium and quetiapine augmentation.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 patients from the ongoing lithium versus quetiapine open-label trial comparing these augmentation agents in patients with TRD. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and a thematic analysis was used to assess patient opinions of each agent.

Results:

Four main themes were generated from the thematic analysis: ‘Initial concerns’, ‘Experience of side effects’, ‘Perception of treatment efficacy’ and ‘Positive perception of treatment monitoring’. Patient accounts indicated a predominantly positive experience of lithium and quetiapine augmentation. Greater apprehension about side effects was reported for lithium prior to treatment initiation, but greater experience of negative side effects was reported for quetiapine. Clinical monitoring was perceived positively.

Conclusion:

Patient accounts suggested treatment augmentation with lithium or quetiapine was acceptable and helpful for most patients. However, anticipation and experiences of adverse side effects may prevent some patients from benefitting from these treatments.
Interactive Contribution of Observed Mother-Youth Emotional Climate and Youth Physiology: A Biopsychosocial Approach to Understanding Youth Coping With Peer Stress
Authors: Li Xiaomei , Tu Kelly M. , McElwain Nancy L.
Published: April 2022

We examined the prospective associations between two indicators of mother-youth emotional climate (i.e., maternal affect, dyadic cohesiveness) during a peer problem discussion and youth coping with peer stress following entry into middle school. We also investigated youth baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) as a moderator of these associations given its role in physiological stress regulation. Participants were 100 mother-youth dyads (53% boys; Mage = 11.05 years; 43% ethnic minorities). More positive maternal affect at Time 1 (spring of 5th grade) was associated with more primary and secondary control engagement coping and advice-seeking at Time 2 (fall of 6th grade); greater dyadic cohesiveness was prospectively linked with more advice-seeking only. Further, the positive association between maternal affect and primary control coping was only evident for youth who showed lower (not higher) baseline RSA. We discuss implications for jointly considering the mother-youth relational context and youth physiological regulatory capacity towards understanding coping socialization.
The HEXACO personality profile of musicians
Authors: Bandi Szabolcs Ajtony , Lukácsi Tünde , Kemény Viktor , Vida Dorian , Nagy Sándor Imre , Vas Bence , Révész György
Published: April 2022

While it is reasonable to assume that the passion and drive toward musicianship has its roots within the personality, there are few studies focusing on the relationship between musical practice and personality and their findings are often contradictory. The aim of this study is to explore the differences in personality traits between musicians and nonmusicians. Altogether 355 responders participated in our research ( MAge = 31, SD = 12.4), 189 musicians and 166 nonmusicians. We used the HEXACO Personality Inventory - Revised (HEXACO-PI-R) questionnaire for measuring the traits of the six-factor model of personality. Multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that musicians scored significantly higher on Honesty-Humility and Openness, while nonmusicians scored higher on Emotionality. Binary logistic regressions with stepwise method showed that the main personality facets which differentiate between musicians and nonmusicians are Aesthetic Appreciation, Creativity, Social Self-Esteem, Fearfulness, Greed Avoidance, and Organization. The explained variance of the model ranged between 15.6% and 26%. Our analysis shows that there are several important personality-based features of the six-factor model of personality that could help to efficiently differentiate between musicians and nonmusicians.
Nondestructive evaluation of carbon-fiber composites using digital image correlation, acoustic emission, and optical based modal analysis
Authors: Han Yunlong , Kumon Ronald , Mostafavi Yazdi Seyed Jamaleddin , Zhu Na , Afshar Arash , Baqersad Javad
Published: April 2022

Composite materials are increasingly used in the wind industries. Damage detection and health monitoring of composite materials are challenging due to the complex internal structure and unique material properties. Digital image correlation (DIC) and acoustic emission (AE) are both used for damage detection in structures. In this work, DIC performs a full-field strain measurement on the surface of the carbon-fiber specimen while AE continuously monitors and records the AE signals generated from specimen subsurface structure failures. These health monitoring techniques are integrated and evaluated in this study to correlate surface strain measurements and acoustic emission measurements on carbon-fiber specimens. The AE measurement results show that there is a correlation between the occurrence of AE events and the timing of complete specimen failure. DIC with a high-speed stereo camera system is also adopted to extract the change in the resonance frequencies and displacement and strain mode shapes of the specimen during experiments in cyclic loading.
Modeling Road Link-Level Truck Travel Times Using On- and Off-Network Characteristics
Authors: Duvvuri Sarvani , Pulugurtha Srinivas S.
Published: April 2022

Travel times of freight trucks (or trucks) play a major role in trip planning, identification of efficient routes, and allocating resources for implementation of strategies. While research on travel time estimation models for passenger cars or traffic stream is documented in the literature, their applicability for trucks remains debatable. Truck travel is influenced by the road characteristics, surrounding land use, and demographics of an area. The focus of this research, therefore, is on estimating the truck travel times using the on-network (road) and off-network (land use and demographics) characteristics. Truck travel time data for 501 road links in North Carolina from 2019 were processed for four times of the day and two days of the week. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used with the average truck travel time per mile (ATTTPM) as the dependent variable. Spatial proximity (buffers of 0.25 mi, 0.50 mi, and 1 mi) and spatial weights (distance decay functions like 1/d, 1/d2, and 1/d3) were explored to check the best possible approach for capturing off-network characteristics. The office (business park and administrative areas), transportation (rest areas and parking facilities), heavy commercial, and light industrial land uses have an increasing influence on the ATTTPM. The linear model developed using data from a 0.25-mi buffer is best suited to estimate the ATTTPM. Off-peak hour delivery incentives or truck priority systems on road links near these land uses can be implemented to improve truck mobility. The methodology illustrated in this research is transferable and could be used for estimating truck travel times across a region.
Length of Stay and Hospital Cost Reductions After Implementing Bedside Percutaneous Ultrasound Gastrostomy (PUG) in a Critical Care Unit
Authors: Marshall Jeffrey D. , Heavner Jason J. , Olivieri Peter P. , Van Ryzin Hannah K. , Thomas Janelle , Annous Youssef , Wilkerson R. Gentry
Published: April 2022

Background: Critical care patients receive 50% of gastrostomy tubes placed in the United States. Several gastrostomy placement methods exist, however care processes remain variable and often lack health system cost effectiveness. No data exists on efficiency or cost impact of performing bedside percutaneous ultrasound gastrostomy (PUG) on patients with ventilator-dependent respiratory failure. This study's objective was to determine if implementing bedside PUG would positively impact efficiency and cost outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) patients compared to usual care gastrostomy. Design and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with ventilator-dependent respiratory failure who received a gastrostomy consult or procedure in the ICU. Patients received PUG or usual care gastrostomy, determined by the presiding attending's skillset, and both groups were compared across patients’ demographics, clinical characteristics and outcomes. Primary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and total hospital costs. Results: A total of 88 patients were included in the analysis, 45 patients in the PUG group and 43 in the usual care gastrostomy group. No differences were observed in demographic and clinical characteristics. Patients who received PUG had a significantly shorter mean ICULOS and hospital LOS, with reductions of 5.0 and 8.7 days, respectively. Total hospital costs were significantly reduced in the PUG group, with a cost savings of US $26,621 per patient. No differences in mortality or discharge disposition were observed. PUG patients received concomitant percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy (PDT) and PUG (“TPUG”) 70% of the time, whereas no usual care patients received concomitant procedures. Off-hour procedures occurred in 53.3% of PUG and 4.6% of usual care gastrostomy. Conclusions: This study demonstrates bedside PUG leads to decreased LOS and total hospital costs in patients with ventilator-dependent respiratory failure. Hospital costs were significantly reduced with a per patient savings of $26,621 compared to usual care gastrostomy.
Effectiveness of non-uniform thickness on a locking compression plate used as a biodegradable bone implant plate
Authors: Singh Gourav , Pandey Ajay , Chandra Girish
Published: April 2022

Conventional locking compression plate (LCP) made of non-biodegradable materials are well-known bone implants for internal fracture fixation because of their proven experimental success. LCP, however, is mechanically underpowered when made up of biodegradable materials (even with Mg-alloy). The biodegradable implant plate should not only exhibit adequate mechanical performance during implantation but also perform well after fracture, at least until complete healing of the fractured bone. With the aim of achieving enhanced mechanical performance, the design of the LCP has been modified to the design of Biodegradable Locking Compression Plate (BLCP) by adding a suitable thickness in the middle (only 4.6% of the total volume of the LCP), which may help retain some additional strength during implantation and after degradation. Both BLCP and LCP have been comparatively analyzed via FEM with the aid of axial compression and four-point bending tests. BLCP has a better mechanical capability of withstanding loads in its degraded form than in its non-degradable form. Furthermore, BLCP is up to 15.83% mechanically better in the non-degraded form as compared to LCP, which again becomes up to 100% more mechanically adequate in the degraded forms of BLCP than in LCP. BLCP is found safe for degradation up to 2 mm or 6 months with an estimated degradation rate of 4 mm/year, which may allow it to support fractured bone for at least the standard healing time. BLCP can be considered as a superior biodegradable bone implant plate after experimental assurance with the physiological environment and may replace LCP.
School Bullying Victimization and Associated Factors Among School-Aged Adolescents in China
Authors: Meng Yanyuan , Yang Yaming , Lin Ping , Xiao Yue , Sun Yan , Qian Yining , Gu Jiachang , Fei Gaoqiang , Sun Qiannan , Jiang Xuanli , Wang Xiaoyu , Stallones Lorann , Xiang Henry , Zhang Xujun
Published: April 2022

There has been a significant amount of research on correlates of bullying victimization, but most prior studies are descriptive and do not distinguish between different types of bullying. The current study used a case-control study design to explore factors related to different types of bullying victimization, including physical, relational, verbal, sexual, property, and poly-bullying victimization. This study was conducted in a southern city in China, including 3054 cases who self-reported being victims of school bullying and 3054 controls who reported not being involved in any school bullying in the past 12 months. Each victim case was matched with a control on gender, school, and grade level. Univariate logistic analyses and multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with being a victim of school bullying. Results suggest physical bullying victimization was only associated with a family-level characteristic (parenting style) while the other four types of bullying victimization (relational, verbal, sexual, and property bullying) and poly-bullying victimization were associated with multiple social domain variables at individual, family, and school levels. Findings from this study provide evidence of factors for different types of bullying victimization and have implications for potential measures to prevent bullying. Measures from multiple social domains, including individual, family and school (e.g., developing healthy behaviors, improving social skills, positive parent-child interactions, building trust between teachers and peers, and forming strong friendships), should be considered in order to effectively prevent adolescent victimization from bullying.
Pharmacy Students’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Awareness Toward Marijuana Use
Authors: Hasan Khaled M. , Oluwafemi Olufisayo , Ketchatang Wilde
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of pharmacy students toward marijuana use. Methods: Pharmacy students were asked to complete a survey that assess students’ knowledge, attitudes, and awareness toward marijuana use. This study also compared students’ awareness about the harmful effects of marijuana in comparing with alcohol and smoking tobacco. Participants were asked about the possibilities of marijuana-induced cancer and addiction. Results: Twenty-three percent of pharmacy students reported having used marijuana at some point in their lives. In comparison with tobacco and alcohol, most of the students agreed that tobacco (49%) and alcohol (42%) are more harmful than marijuana ( P < .0001). More than sixty percent of students considered marijuana as an addictive substance ( P < .02). A 45% of students opposed the possibility of marijuana-induced cancer. Thirty-six percent of the students agreed that marijuana should be legalized for both medical and recreational use with a similar percentage of the students (30 – 32%) believed that marijuana should be legalized for medical use only. Conclusion: With the prevalence of marijuana use and discrepancy among pharmacy students’ responses regarding knowledge, attitudes, and awareness pharmacy schools need to adopt educational activities about the benefits and risks of marijuana.
Problematizing partner selection: Collaborative choices and decision-making uncertainty
Authors: van der Heijden Machiel
Published: April 2022

Although networked collaboration is often linked to positive outcomes, choosing suitable partners for collaboration can be difficult. Actors often only have limited information about the preferences, capabilities, and trustworthiness of prospective collaborators, meaning that considerable uncertainty may underlie collaborative choices. This article analyses the decision-making uncertainty associated with collaborative choices and assesses factors that potentially mitigate such uncertainty. Based on qualitative research, it presents a conceptual model that brings together and specifies mitigating factors at the network-, organizational, and individual-levels of analysis. The developed conceptual model provides a clearer theoretical understanding and presentation of the cross-level factors important to consider when studying collaborative behaviour. In addition, through its focus on uncertainty, it provides more consideration of the challenges that individual officials face when choosing collaborators in complex networked environments.
Coordinated control strategy of roll-yaw stability and path tracking for centralized drive electric vehicles
Authors: Xu Tongliang , Wang Xuanyao , Ma Chengcheng , Wei Xing
Published: April 2022

Previous anti-rollover studies only focused on reducing the risk of vehicle rollover, which could not guarantee yaw stability and ignored path tracking problems. This paper presents an integrated control scheme for centralized drive electric vehicles to prevent rollover, enhance the yaw stability, and ensure path tracking capability. The integration of stability control is implemented by switching among several control modes which include four control modes: yaw stability control, roll stability control, roll-yaw stability control, and rollover prevention. A differential drive based on direct yaw moment control (DYC) is employed to improve yaw stability, and the roll stability is improved via longitudinal speed control. Then, the DYC-based single-wheel braking is utilized to prevent rollover. Moreover, a model predictive control (MPC) algorithm is adopted to design the path tracking controller, and then the coordinated control scheme is proposed to realize a trade-off between stability control and path following. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can realize the rollover prevention function while satisfying the path tracking target and yaw stability.
Analysis of thermo-hydraulic characteristics for flow of MWCNT-Fe3O4/H2O hybrid nanofluid through a wavy channel under magnetic field
Authors: Mehta Sumit Kumar , Pati Sukumar
Published: April 2022

We investigate computationally the transport characteristics for flow of MWCNT-Fe3O4/H2O hybrid nanofluid through a wavy channel under the influence of an externally applied magnetic field. The flow and temperature fields are analyzed in terms of streamlines, isotherms, average Nusselt number ([Formula: see text]), magnetic enhancement ratio ( ERm), and magnetic performance factor ( PFm) for the following range of parameters: 100[Formula: see text]Re[Formula: see text]500, 0[Formula: see text] Ha[Formula: see text]10, and 0% [Formula: see text]0.3%. The strength of the reverse flow in the recirculatory zones decreases with Ha, and beyond a critical Ha, the flow becomes attached even in the diverging part of the channel. The hot spot intensity near the walls decreases and hence, the value of [Formula: see text] increases with the increase in volume fraction of nano-particles and Ha. The rate of increment of [Formula: see text] is steeper at lower values of Ha. It further reveals that PFm monotonically decreases with Ha for lower Re ( = 100). For higher values of Re, PFm decreases with Ha for its lower and higher values, while for the intermediate range of Ha, PFm increases with Ha.
The role of vehicle dynamics in train-induced ground vibrations and the detection of irregular axle-pulse responses due to a varying track support stiffness
Authors: Auersch Lutz
Published: April 2022

Train-induced ground vibrations are all generated by the vehicle, by static or dynamic vehicle loads. The most important and most accepted excitation are the dynamic wheel loads from the passage over track irregularities. Dynamic wheel loads will be compared from parallel axle-box and ground vibration measurements at more than seven sites. Some low-frequency excitation of ground vibrations, typically between 10 and 30 Hz, cannot be found in the axle-box measurements. Therefore, other vehicle modes, such as rigid bogie modes, flexible carriage modes, rigid and flexible wheelset modes, have been analysed for additional excitation forces. These vehicle dynamics analyses give an explanation for higher axle-box results at high frequencies, but not for the excitation of the higher low-frequency ground-vibration component. Finally, the effect of the moving static train loads will be analysed. For a regular track and soil, the moving static train loads yield the quasi-static response which exists only in the low-frequency nearfield of the track. If the support stiffness is randomly varying along the track, the pulses on the track generate an additional low-frequency component which is called the irregular pulse responses. This component will be demonstrated by numerical analysis where all axle pulses are superposed in frequency domain.
A Bayesian approach to simultaneous adjustment of misclassification and missingness in categorical covariates
Authors: Xia Michelle , Akakpo Rexford M.
Published: April 2022

This study considers concurrent adjustment of misclassification and missingness in categorical covariates in regression models. Under various misclassification and missingness mechanisms, we derive a general mixture regression structure for regression models that can incorporate multiple surrogates of categorical covariates that are subject to misclassification and missingness. In simulation studies, we demonstrate that including observations with missingness and/or multiple surrogates of the covariate helps alleviate the efficiency loss caused by misclassification. In addition, we study the efficacy of misclassification adjustment when the number of categories increases for the covariate of interest. Using data from the Longitudinal Studies of HIV-Associated Lung Infections and Complications, we perform simultaneous adjustment of misclassification and missingness in the self-reported cocaine and heroin use variable when assessing its association with lung density measures.
Engaging with precarious urban futures: From entrepreneurial to grounded cities
Authors: Essletzbichler Jürgen
Published: April 2022

In order to answer the question posed by the conference Urban Europe, Precarious Futures? the article examines the relationship between rising precariousness,the need for social-ecological transformation to keep socio-ecological environments manageable for future generations of Europeans and the provision of urban reliance systems as the key pillar of a possible transformation toward life within the planetary boundaries. The article has four goals: First, it establishes a link between the literatures on precarization, three possible political-economic development scenarios, and resulting modes of urban governance. Second, it develops the normative but theoretically and empirically backed claim that a strengthening of the foundational economy appears most suited to produce the necessary reductions in precarious living conditions and environmental destruction required for a socially and ecologically sustainable future. Third, the urban scale is argued to occupy a privileged position as a growing site of human habitation in Europe and for the design and provision of foundational infrastructure and universal basic services. The article links cities to the foundational economy via the concept of the Grounded City. Fourth, research on the provision of universal basic services in the City of Vienna is employed to illustrate that a narrow focus on cities as territorial-administrative containers ignoring their inter-territorial and inter-scalar relations is likely to produce socio-spatial rebound effects that may neutralize the gains of social-ecological investment in cities. Any effective social-ecological transformation thus requires coordination, cooperation, lobbying and political change at all scales of governance. In the European case, it requires the European Union to evolve from an economic to a social-ecological Union and for urban governance regimes across Europe to be altered to take into account the horizontal and intra-scalar relations that co-constitute cities.
Conceptualizing the Roles of Vedantic Personality and Spiritual Well-being as Drivers of Consciousness for Sustainable Consumption: Authentic Synthesis of an Ancient Philosophy with Modern Concepts
Authors: Mazumdar Pradeep , Mukhopadhyay Susmita
Published: April 2022

The study addresses the challenging crisis of sustainable consumption. It explores the philosophy of Samkhya, which is based on nature and spirit, also found in Vedantic knowledge, and synthesizes it with the knowledge of spiritual well-being found in modern literature to conceptualize the roles of the direct, mediating and moderated mediation relationships of different Vedantic personality types, spiritual well-being and family structure with consciousness for sustainable consumption and its three dimensions of environment, society and economy. Based on the conceptualized roles, different models have been proposed.