bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pole‐Placement‐Based Calibration of an Electromagnetically Realizable Inerter‐Based Vibration Absorber (IDVA) for Rotating Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Zhang Zili , Li Xiang , Larsen Tobias Greve , Sun Tao , Yang Qingshan
Published: February 2024

This paper deals with edgewise vibration mitigation of rotating wind turbine blades by means of inerter‐based vibration absorber (IDVA), which can be realized both mechanically and electromagnetically. Introducing the electromagnetically‐realizable IDVA to the blade forms a 3‐degree‐of‐freedom (3‐DOF) blade‐IDVA system consisting of the rotating blade, an absorber, and a series inerter‐dashpot‐spring subsystem. Analytical optimal design formulas of the rotating blade‐installed IDVA are then derived using a pole‐placement method where the equal‐modal‐damping‐ratio principle and the triple‐root‐bifurcation condition are applied. The analytical formulas show that the optimal parameters for the blade‐IDVA system merely depend on the spinning speed of the rotor given the IDVA location and the absorber mass. Numerical results of the NREL 5 MW wind turbine with optimal IDVA show that optimal IDVA leads to superior performance than optimal TMD in mitigating the blade edgewise vibration and behaves nearly as same as optimal RIDTMD, along with slightly optimal damper parameters variation. This means that the inerter‐dashpot‐spring system can be deployed flexibly for damping edgewise vibrations of rotating blades.
Stressful Life Events and Reward Processing in Adults: Moderation by Depression and Anhedonia
Authors: Min Sung , Mazurka Raegan , Pizzagalli Diego A. , Whitton Alexis E. , Milev Roumen V. , Bagby R. Michael , Kennedy Sidney H. , Harkness Kate L.
Published: February 2024

Background. Exposure to acute stress is associated with reduced reward processing in laboratory studies in animals and humans. However, less clear is the association between reward processing and exposure to naturalistic stressful life events. The goal of the current study was to provide a novel investigation of the relation between past 6-month stressful life events and reward processing, and the extent to which this relation was moderated by depression diagnostic status and state symptoms of anhedonia. Methods. The current study included a secondary analysis of data from 107 adults (37 current-depressed, 25 past-depressed, 45 never-depressed; 75% women) drawn from two previous community studies. Past 6-month stressful life events were assessed with a rigorous contextual interview with independent ratings. Response to monetary reward was assessed with a probabilistic reward task. Results. Among current-depressed participants, and among both current- and past-depressed participants with high levels of anhedonia, greater exposure to independent life events outside of individuals’ control was significantly associated with poorer reward learning. In direct contrast, among those with low levels of anhedonia, greater exposure to independent life events was significantly associated with a greater overall bias toward the more frequently rewarded stimulus. Conclusions. Results suggest that depression and anhedonia are uniquely associated with vulnerability to blunted reward learning in the face of uncontrollable stressors. In contrast, in the absence of anhedonia symptoms, heightened reward processing during or following independent stressful life event exposure may represent an adaptive response.
Information Entropy-Based Hybrid Models Improve the Accuracy of Reference Evapotranspiration Forecast
Authors: Qin Anzhen , Fan Zhilong , Zhang Liuzeng
Published: February 2024

Accurate forecasting of reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) is vital for sustainable water resource management. In this study, four popularly used single models were selected to forecast ET0 values, including support vector regression, Bayesian linear regression, ridge regression, and lasso regression models, respectively. They all had advantages of low requirement of data input and good capability of data fitting. However, forecast errors inevitably existed in those forecasting models due to data noise or overfitting. In order to improve the forecast accuracy of models, hybrid models were proposed to integrate the advantages of the single models. Before the construction of hybrid models, each single model’s weight was determined based on two weight determination methods, namely, the variance reciprocal and information entropy weighting methods. To validate the accuracy of the proposed hybrid models, 1–30 d forecast data from January 2 to February 1, 2022, were used as a test set in Xinxiang, North China Plain. The results confirmed the feasibility of the information entropy-based hybrid model. In detail, the information entropy model generated the mean absolute percentage errors of 11.9% or a decrease by 48.9% compared to the single and variance reciprocal hybrid models. Moreover, the model generated a correlation coefficient of 0.90 for 1–30 d ET0 forecasting or an increase by 13.6% compared to other models. The standard deviation and the root mean square error of the information entropy model were 1.65 mm·d−1 and 0.61 mm·d−1 or had a decrease by 16.4% and 23.7%. The maximum precision and the F1 score were 0.9618 and 0.9742 for the information entropy model. It was concluded that the information entropy-based hybrid model had the best midterm (1–30 d) ET0 forecasting performance in the North China Plain.
Neural Reward Anticipation Moderates Longitudinal Relation between Parents' Familism Values and Latinx American Youth's School Disengagement
Authors: Devakonda Varun , Zhou Zexi , Yang Beiming , Qu Yang
Published: February 2024

Parents' familism values predict a variety of Latinx American youth's academic adjustment. However, it is unclear how cultural values such as familism interact with youth's brain development, which is sensitive to sociocultural input, to shape their academic adjustment. Using a sample of 1916 Latinx American youth (mean age = 9.90 years, SD = .63 years; 50% girls) and their primary caregivers (mean age = 38.43 years, SD = 6.81 years; 90% mothers) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study, this study examined the longitudinal relation between parents' familism values and youth's school disengagement, as well as the moderating role of youth's neural sensitivity to personal reward. Parents' familism values predicted youth's decreased school disengagement 1 year later, adjusting for their baseline school disengagement and demographic covariates. Notably, this association was more salient among youth who showed lower (vs. higher) neural activation in the ventral striatum and the lateral OFC during the anticipation of a personal reward. These findings underscore the protective role of familism for Latinx American youth, highlighting the necessity of developing culturally informed interventions that take into consideration a youth's brain development.
Feeling safe to speak up: Leaders improving employee wellbeing through psychological safety
Authors: Clarke Emma , Näswall Katharina , Masselot Annick , Malinen Sanna
Published: February 2024

Leaders play an integral role in developing psychologically safe workplaces. To better understand the mechanisms that transmit leadership behaviors and the broader employee wellbeing outcomes as a result, more insight in high-demand, hierarchical working environments is necessary. In this article the authors explore psychological safety as a mechanism through which leadership influences wellbeing and employee experience in the context of New Zealand legal practice. Law firms are often hierarchical in nature, potentially creating power differences which can prevent employees from speaking up, and where employees are known to experience poor wellbeing. To test the hypothesized relationships, a time-lagged study design was used with surveys tested at two timepoints on 89 lawyers working in law firms. Results showed that psychological safety mediates the relationship between leadership and both positive and negative aspects of employee experience (general wellbeing, intrapersonal wellbeing, job satisfaction, self-reported performance, incivility, and burnout).
Improving the Usefulness and Use of Meta-Analysis to Inform Policy and Practice
Authors: Maynard Rebecca
Published: February 2024

This chapter begins with an overview of recent developments that have encouraged and facilitated greater use of research syntheses, including Meta-Analysis, to guide public policy and practice in education, workforce development, and social services. It discusses the role of Meta-Analysis for improving knowledge of the effectiveness of programs, policies, and practices and the applicability and generalizability of that knowledge to conditions other than those represented by the study samples and settings. The chapter concludes with recommendations for improving the potential of Meta-Analysis to accelerate knowledge development through changing how we design, conduct, and report findings of individual studies to maximize their usefulness in Meta-Analysis as well as how we produce and report Meta-Analysis findings. The paper includes references to resources supporting the recommendations.
A bearing-angle approach for unknown target motion analysis based on visual measurements
Authors: Ning Zian , Zhang Yin , Li Jianan , Chen Zhang , Zhao Shiyu
Published: February 2024

Vision-based estimation of the motion of a moving target is usually formulated as a bearing-only estimation problem where the visual measurement is modeled as a bearing vector. Although the bearing-only approach has been studied for decades, a fundamental limitation of this approach is that it requires extra lateral motion of the observer to enhance the target’s observability. Unfortunately, the extra lateral motion conflicts with the desired motion of the observer in many tasks. It is well-known that, once a target has been detected in an image, a bounding box that surrounds the target can be obtained. Surprisingly, this common visual measurement especially its size information has not been well explored up to now. In this paper, we propose a new bearing-angle approach to estimate the motion of a target by modeling its image bounding box as bearing-angle measurements. Both theoretical analysis and experimental results show that this approach can significantly enhance the observability without relying on additional lateral motion of the observer. The benefit of the bearing-angle approach comes with no additional cost because a bounding box is a standard output of object detection algorithms. The approach simply exploits the information that has not been fully exploited in the past. No additional sensing devices or special detection algorithms are required.
“Eastern Europe” and War. Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Kazharski Aliaksei , Makarychev Andrey
Published: February 2024

The present collection of papers is a joint effort aimed at making sense of the changes that Russia’s war against Ukraine ushered into the region of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). We have invited a team of authors working on the two subregions, the Visegrád Four and the Baltic Three, to share their reflections on how the full-scale invasion has impacted the transformations in the respective countries’ regional outlook. The “kidnapping” as an overarching theme of our forum is an image that refers us to the Cold War and the history of forceful subjugation of CEE countries to foreign imperial domination as a result of aggressive wars and the spheres of influence politics in Europe. As we now clearly see, that is a part of European history that, for the moment, refuses to become history tout court.
Experimental study on the surface defects of materials in bar rolling with a processing map applicable to billet-to-oval groove rolling
Authors: Lee Dongyun , Roh Yong-Hoon , Lee Youngseog
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes a systematic method for detecting surface defects (SDs) on specimens by performing a pilot hot (850°C–950°C) bar rolling test and suggests a processing map for billet-to-oval groove pass in bar rolling mills. Unlike previous studies, the specimens for the rolling test were prepared such that the billet surface became the surface of the specimens. A series of the rolling tests were performed at different temperature and area reduction ratios. Physical-chemical nondestructive testing was employed to detect SDs in the specimens before and after the rolling test. The depth of the SDs of the rolled specimens was measured using an optical microscope. The results revealed that the SDs depended both on the rolling parameters (temperature and reduction ratios) and the contact condition between the specimen and the roll groove during rolling, which is one of the characteristics of bar rolling that distinguishes it from flat rolling. The decrease in temperature caused an increase in the defect depth above the appropriate reduction ratio of 24.61% when the part of the specimen was in contact with the roll shoulder curve and the relief line of the oval roll groove. The proposed processing map presents a guiding path for operators in actual bar rolling mills to quickly determine a rolling condition (combination of temperature and reduction ratio), avoid SDs, and minimize defect depth within an acceptable range.
Synergistic effect of different high-performance fibers on the microstructural evolution and mechanical performance of novel hybrid metal matrix composites produced via friction stir processing for automotive applications
Authors: Olhan Sandeep , Antil Bindu , Behera B.K.
Published: February 2024

The present study aims to produce novel hybrid metal matrix composite (HMMC’s) material using a mixture of reinforcement (basalt, E-glass, and carbon fibers) in long, chopped, and flakes form via Friction Stir Processing (FSP) techniques. Subsequently, the effect of hybrid reinforcement on microstructural evolutions, mechanical performance, and the fracture mechanism of HMMC’s was investigated. The results demonstrated that hybrid reinforcement synergistically enhanced the tensile, flexural, and impact performance of FSPed HMMC’s compared to monolithic composites (non-hybrid) and received base metal (BM). The long fiber-reinforced hybrid aluminum metal matrix composites (HL) show a ~156% increment in tensile strength and ~196% increment in impact strength, while flakes-reinforced hybrid aluminum metal matrix composites (HF) show a ~101% increment in flexural strength compared to the BM. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis demonstrated a homogeneous dispersion of reinforcement and an excellent interfacial bonding of fibers with the aluminum matrix in the fabricated composites. The validation of element distribution and composition within the composites was confirmed using FESEM elemental mapping and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum.
Design of a novel low-speed gait rehabilitation device incorporating a synthesized geared five-bar mechanism
Authors: Vali Ashkan , Haghjoo Mohammad Reza , Beigzadeh Borhan
Published: February 2024

People with difficulty walking due to a stroke or neurophysiological gait deficit require gait rehabilitation. Recent research indicates that the optimal speed range for gait rehabilitation of such patients is less than 0.4 m/s. The design of a novel low-speed gait rehabilitation device based on a single degree of freedom (DOF) geared five-bar mechanism is presented in this paper. For this purpose, a natural gait meta-trajectory is generated using the recently acquired low-speed gait data suitable for human walking. A less-bulky single-DOF geared five-bar mechanism is synthesized and adjusted by applying the accurate and robust shadow robot control (SRC) synthesis method. Therefore, a practical and easily controlled gait rehabilitation device is designed, which can be mounted on any commercial treadmill and enables the patient to walk as close as possible to a normal gait. This device applies to a wide variety of individuals with different physiologies due to the mechanism’s adjustability, provided by the profile blending algorithm method. This method generates a set of continuous and speed-dependent gait trajectories for various individuals. The proposed device is inherently safe and easy to control due to the limited motion range of the single-DOF mechanisms and the use of a single actuator. Furthermore, because it only has two points of contact with the body (at the hip and the ankle), it takes less time for the user to don and doff.
Bearing fault diagnosis based on variational autoencoder and non-local block wide kernel convolutional neural network
Authors: Jiang Li , Guo Silong , Guo Shunsheng , Zhuang Kejia , Li Yibing
Published: February 2024

At present, convolutional neural network (CNN) is widely applied to bearing fault diagnosis However, the diagnosis performance will descend under the strong noise condition in the real industrial environment. Therefore, a denoising method named non-local block wide kernel CNN (NLBWCNN) is proposed based on wide convolution kernel and non-local block. Additionally, the data in the mechanical fault state is less than that in the health state in actual industrial production, which leads to the data imbalance problem. However, the fault classifier based on CNN needs a large amount of balanced data to train. Otherwise, it will not be fully trained, and thus its generalization ability will be affected. As a result, a method called VAE-NLBWCNN (variational autoencoder and NLBWCNN) is proposed for diagnosing bearing faults. The method employs variational autoencoder balanced the fault data. And then, the NLBWCNN is utilized to denoise and classify the fault data. The proposed VAE-NLBWCNN method is validated on three bearing datasets. The comparative experiments demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively expand unbalanced data and achieve the best performance in various noise conditions.
An Integrated Model Based Prediction of Machining Accuracy for Milling Machine
Authors: Huang Liang , Huang Hua , Wang Qingwen
Published: February 2024

The accuracy of machining can be predicted during the design process of CNC machine tools, while the prediction accuracy depends on the prediction model. However, when establishing the prediction model, the coupling effect among the machine tool’s different components is always ignored for modeling efficiency, so this will lead to its reliability cannot be guaranteed. To address this problem, the model reduction theory and the lumped parameter method are used in this study to set the state-space equations of the essential structural parts. Moreover, the electro-mechanical coupling parameter equation of the servo system is transformed into a state-space equation. Then the state-space equations of the components and the servo system are coupled to establish the machine tool dynamic model. Furthermore, a theoretical model of instantaneous undeformed chip thickness is found, and according to the linear relationship between the micro-cutting force and the instantaneous undeformed chip thickness, the instantaneous cutting force model of the cylindrical milling cutter is established. Based on these, the integrated model, which considers the mechanical structure, control system and cutting force, is obtained and further used in Simulink to build the machining accuracy prediction platform, as well as the accuracy of the integrated prediction model is verified. Moreover, the prediction model established by the integrated modeling method can effectively simulate the actual machining conditions of the machine tool, and the superiority of prediction is confirmed by comparing the simulated and measured results in peripheral milling applications. The results show the error in the system response efficiency is 14.8%, while the error in position accuracy and delay characteristics is less than 10%, the error between the predicted size of the prediction model and the actual size is within 28 μm, a minimum prediction error is 7 μm.
Research of time lag characteristics of Pilot-operated Solenoid Valve Damper based on multi-physics field
Authors: Wen Hansheng , Huang Haibo , Zhang Wenjian , Yang Mingliang , Ding Weiping
Published: February 2024

The development of semi-active suspensions has introduced Pilot-operated Solenoid Valve Dampers (PSVD) that can adjust damping characteristics for different road conditions while considering stability and comfort. However, the PSVD’s additional control system and valve-controlled components make it challenging to avoid time lag in the response of the damping force when the control current signal is switched. This time lag characteristic significantly impacts the performance of the control system, making it difficult to achieve optimal dynamic performance and potentially compromising the safety of drivers and passengers. As a result, understanding and representing the PSVD time lag characteristics and investigating their influence have become important research areas in the field of semi-active suspension. This article begins by explaining the mechanism behind the generation of PSVD time lag characteristics. It analyzes the structure and operating principle of the PSVD, identifying two main types of time lag: electromagnetic time lag and inertial time lag. To address the limitations of existing simulation models, the study combines parameterization and finite element simulation to create a multi-physics field time lag characteristics kinetic representation model of the PSVD, incorporating the electric, magnetic, mechanical, and fluid aspects. To validate the accuracy of the time lag characteristics simulation model, tests on the velocity and time lag characteristics of the PSVD are conducted. The simulation results are compared to the test results, demonstrating that the maximum error of the lag time meets the engineering confidence requirement. This confirms the feasibility of establishing a simulation model for the PSVD time lag characteristics. Finally, we analyze the PSVD total lag time under different working conditions using the simulation model. It explores the relationship between the PSVD total lag time and the lag time of each component, proposes a lag time decomposition relationship, and investigates the crucial influencing factors on the lag time.
Vehicle speed prediction using a convolutional neural network combined with a gated recurrent unit with attention
Authors: Zhang Dongxue , Wang Zhennan , Jiao Xiaohong , Zhang Zhao
Published: February 2024

Vehicle speed prediction can facilitate many applications, such as optimizing vehicle propulsion systems and designing advanced driver assistance control systems. In a complex and variable traffic environment, many dynamic factors affect vehicle speed and make it difficult to predict accurately. The development of intelligent transportation systems and machine learning methods makes it possible to predict short-term vehicle speed accurately. A novel vehicle speed prediction model is proposed in this paper to improve prediction accuracy based on a deep learning method. A practical temporal and channel attention module (TCAM) is designed for convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to strengthen meaningful information and reduce the amount of unnecessary information. A gated recurrent unit (GRU) network with an attention mechanism is constructed to explore significant hidden relationships among time-series data with its memory function. These two subprediction models are fused to enhance the performance of vehicle speed prediction. Simulation experiments using IPG Carmaker software validate that the proposed model provides better predictive accuracy than traditional and existing vehicle speed prediction methods based on deep learning.
Understanding Mutual Fund Investors’ Behaviour Using an Extended Model of Goal-directed Behaviour
Authors: Vishnani Sushma , Singh Nidhi , Srivastava Aman
Published: February 2024

The study explores and understands the behavioural process followed by individual investors who choose or do not choose to invest in mutual funds (MFs) employing the extended model of goal-directed behaviour (MGB). The study design comprises building and testing a theoretically integrated MGB in the context of MFs investing decisions by incorporating a moderating variable, Regret Averse Bias in MGB. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was utilized for the present study. The study’s outcomes revealed that the attitude of investors positively affected their desire to invest in MFs. The findings about emotions indicated the regulatory-focused approach of investors. They revealed the positive influence of negative emotions and no impact of positive emotions on an individual’s desire to invest in MFs. This confirmed the positive influence of financial self-efficacy (FSE) on the desire to invest and actual behaviour. Finally, the study established the moderating effect of regret aversion bias of investors on the association between the desire to invest and behavioural intention (BI). The study addresses the need to probe the relationship between anticipated emotions (AEs), regulatory focuses and behaviour strategies, as pointed out in earlier related literature.
Using formulations to maximize differences of opinion during televised climate change panel interviews
Authors: Nielsen Søren Beck
Published: February 2024

This paper discusses climate journalistic issues of polarization and ‘false balance’ based upon a study of Danish public service television panel interviews in which participants debate climate change politics. More specifically, the study uses Conversation Analysis to examine the host’s use of formulations. Formulations refer to utterances designed to give the gist (or its ‘natural’ upshots) of a co-participant’s preceding account. Analysis reveals that the host recurrently formulates a panelist’s assertion a bit stronger (e.g. more controversial), and subsequently makes an opposing participant comment upon this augmented version. The host, thus, actively solicits disagreement and rhetorically maximizes participants’ (latent) differences of opinion. This finding adds a new perspective to our understanding of the rise of the panel interview format, which is sometimes said to marginalize the host’s substantive journalistic role into a launcher of topics. It also offers points to ponder in a time where climate change communication researchers warn us that polarization is highly counter-productive in achieving shared understanding about the climate crisis, which we need to promote conversion.
Synthesis and structure characterization of ZnTiO3 nanoparticles and their antibacterial performances on silk fabrics
Authors: Thurnkul Naruemol , Sumang Rattiphorn
Published: February 2024

Nanomaterials are favored choices for antibacterial applications. ZnTiO3 nanoparticles, characterized by advantageous properties like small size, large surface area, and unique physicochemical attributes, represent a novel class of antibacterial active materials. In this study, we synthesized and characterized ZnTiO3 nanoparticles using the molten-salt method (MSS). The effect of various parameters, such as reaction temperature, size, and purity of products, was investigated. Additionally, the impact of ZnTiO3 nanoparticles on antibacterial activity in natural fabrics was studied. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The XRD results revealed that the particles exhibited high phase purity at 100% and good crystallinity. A crystalline pure perovskite phase of ZnTiO3 was formed at 700°C. The particle size of ZnTiO3 powder at the optimum temperature is 119 nm with a spherical-like shape. The modified fabric with ZnTiO3 and B7 demonstrated an excellent reduction of 100% in bacterial colonies. The results of this study demonstrate that ZnTiO3 synthesis using MSS is a simple and environmentally friendly method for achieving antibacterial activity in natural fabrics.
Adverse pregnancy, fetal and neonatal outcomes in women with sickle cell disease in a Middle Eastern country
Authors: Saif Said AL Harthi Salwa , Arulappan Judie , Al Yazeedi Basma , Al Zaabi Asma Hassan Salmeen
Published: February 2024

Background:

Sickle cell disease in pregnancy is associated with high maternal and fetal mortality. However, studies reporting pregnancy, fetal, and neonatal outcomes in women with sickle cell disease are extremely limited.

Objectives:

The objectives of the study are to determine whether women with sickle cell disease have a greater risk of adverse pregnancy, fetal, and neonatal outcomes than women without sickle cell disease and identify the predictors of adverse pregnancy, fetal, and neonatal outcomes in women with sickle cell disease.

Design:

A retrospective pair-matched case-control study was conducted to compare 171 pregnant women with sickle cell disease to 171 pregnant women without sickle cell disease in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

Methods:

All pregnant Omani women with sickle cell disease who delivered between January 2015 and August 2021 at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and Royal Hospital, who were either primipara or multipara and who had a gestational age of 24–42 weeks, were included as patients, whereas women who had no sickle cell disease or any comorbidity during pregnancy, who delivered within the same timeframe and at the same hospitals, were recruited as controls. The data were retrieved from electronic medical records and delivery registry books between January 2015 and August 2021.

Results:

Women with sickle cell disease who had severe anemia had increased odds of (χ2 = 58.56, p < 0.001) having adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women with sickle cell disease had 21.97% higher odds of delivering a baby with intrauterine growth retardation (χ2 = 17.80, unadjusted odds ratio = 2.91–166.13, p < 0.001). Newborns born to women with sickle cell disease had 3.93% greater odds of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (χ2 = 16.80, unadjusted odds ratio = 1.97–7.84, p < 0.001). In addition, the children born to women with sickle cell disease had 10.90% higher odds of being born with low birth weight (χ2 = 56.92, unadjusted odds ratio = 5.36–22.16, p < 0.001). Hemoglobin level (odds ratio = 0.17, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval = 0.10–3.0), past medical history (odds ratio = 7.95, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval = 2.39–26.43), past surgical history (odds ratio = 17.69, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval = 3.41–91.76), and preterm delivery (odds ratio = 9.48, p = 0.005, 95% confidence interval = 1.95–46.23) were identified as predictors of adverse pregnancy, fetal, and neonatal outcomes in women with sickle cell disease.

Conclusion:

As pregnant women with sickle cell disease are at increased risk for pregnancy, fetal, and neonatal adverse outcomes; improved antenatal surveillance and management may improve the outcomes.
Objective and subjective measurements of the influence of dampers on the shooting experience of barebow archers
Authors: Pietra Francesco , Loveday Philip W , Reid Robert
Published: February 2024

The barebow archery shooting style previously limited the stabilisation system to weights connected to the riser, which is the central part of the bow, but recently the use of damping devices has been allowed. No scientific study is available to evaluate the effect of damping on the archers’ shooting experience. A human-centred methodology was developed to address this problem. Objective metrics (measurable quantities) and subjective metrics (archers’ sensations using the equipment) were defined. These metrics were correlated to obtain a deeper understanding of the problem. Fifty-one weight configurations were tested for mechanical vibrations and sound of the bow on shooting. The mechanical vibration was measured at five positions on the bow. Fifteen configurations were selected and tested by eight archers to evaluate the subjective metrics. The results show that dedicated vibration-damping devices are capable of significantly reducing the mechanical vibrations and the intensity and pitch of the sound of the bow on shooting. A strong correlation exists between reduced vibrations, lower intensity and pitch* of the sound of the bow and the quality of the shooting experience. The methodology used in this work was successful in fostering an understanding of the relationship between objective and subjective metrics on shooting. The results of this analysis could be used to improve existing designs or create new products for archery.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Diagnostic Frequency and Medical Therapies Applied to Subjects With Functional Seizures
Authors: Schaefer Bennett Grace , Naik Sunil , Krawiec Conrad
Published: February 2024

Background and Purposes

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was associated with catastrophic consequences and increased psychological distress. However, it is unknown if the pandemic impacted the frequency of functional seizures (FS), a well known manifestation of psychiatric disease. The study objectives are to evaluate FS diagnostic code frequency before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and the therapies applied. We hypothesized that FS frequency would be higher during the pandemic, but that the therapies applied would be similar between the two time periods.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational cohort study utilizing the TriNetX ® electronic health record (EHR) database. We included subjects aged 8 to 65 years with a diagnostic code of “conversion disorder with seizures or convulsions.” After the query, the study population was divided into 2 groups [pre-COVID-19 (3/1/2018 to 2/29/2020) and COVID-19 (3/1/2020 to 2/28/2022). We analyzed subject demographics, diagnostic, procedure, and medication codes.

Results

We included 8680 subjects [5029 (57.9%) pre-COVID-19 and 3651 (42.1%) COVID-19] in this study. There was a higher odds of mental health conditions, anxiolytic prescription, emergency department services, and hospital services, but a lower odds of critical care services during COVID-19. There was no difference in antiepileptic use between the time periods.

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a higher odds of anxiolytic use, need for emergency department services, and hospital services was reported. In addition, there was a decreased odds of critical care services. This may reflect a change in how patients with FS were managed during the pandemic.
Gram negative bacteria related urinary tract infections: spectrum of antimicrobial resistance over 9 years in a University tertiary referral Hospital
Authors: Nedbal Carlotta , Mahobia Nitin , Browning Dave , Somani Bhaskar Kumar
Published: February 2024

Objective:

Overuse of antibiotics has led to an increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide, with a negative impact on the healthcare system and the patients. In this context, our study aims to assess the current AMR patterns of urinary tract infections (UTIs) associated to Gram-negative bacteria. Thus, we provide useful information for doctors dealing with prophylactic and therapeutic empiric therapies.

Materials and methods:

We retrospectively analysed more than 650,000 urine cultures collected in the Microbiology Department of a referral University Hospital of Southern England from January 2014 to December 2022.

Results:

AMR spectra for 164,059 Gram-negative associated (UTIs) were analysed. The lowest percentage of resistance was found for Amikacin (2.30%), Gentamicin (5.89%) and Co-Amoxiclav (10.49%). Over a 9-year time, there was no significant change in resistance to Amikacin (2.04% in 2014 compared to 2.18% in 2022; p = 0.602) and to Fosfomycin (11.50% in 2014 versus 16.65% in 2022; p = 0.577). Overall, the trend of AMR significantly rose for Cefalexin (17.96–18.42%; p < 0.0001), Co-amoxiclav (9.46–12.69%; p < 0.0001), Nitrofurantoin (10.20–14.18%; p < 0.0001) and Piperacillin/Tazobactam (14.52–18.96%; p < 0.0001). Gram-negative resistance spectrum towards Ciprofloxacin (11.83–9.01%; p < 0.0001), Gentamicin (6.29–5.26%; p < 0.0001), Pivmecillinam (26.88–11.02%; p < 0.0001), Trimethoprim (36.72–29.23%; p < 0.0001) and Ampicillin/Amoxicillin (65.20–57.99%; p < 0.0001) significantly decreased.

Conclusion:

Despite the application of national and international guidelines for prophylaxis and treatment of UTIs, the spectrum of resistance for the most common antibiotics is still changing. Clinicians in primary and secondary care must keep that in mind when prescribing antibiotics for suspected UTI and sepsis associated with Gram-negative infections Up-to-date therapeutic strategies can help implement treatment of UTI, reducing selection of multi-resistant pathogens and providing more accurate care for patients. Future studies will be required to help clinicians and keep the guidelines updated.
Imported congenital malaria caused by Plasmodium ovale: A case report
Authors: Erdman Laura K. , Boggild Andrea K. , Bitnun Ari
Published: February 2024

We describe a 5-week-old term infant with Plasmodium ovale severe congenital malaria in a non-endemic setting. She presented with diarrhea, poor feeding, lethargy, hepatosplenomegaly, and severe anemia. She was fortuitously diagnosed with malaria on routine blood smear, and successfully treated with intravenous artesunate. Subsequent history revealed maternal malaria diagnosis and treatment during pregnancy in Nigeria. This case underscores the importance of obtaining maternal exposure history and considering malaria testing in pregnant women and infants with unexplained illness. It also contributes to the limited literature on congenital malaria and severe malaria caused by P. ovale.
Does the drainage of irrigation through the ureteral access sheath have an impact on the results of primary retrograde intrarenal surgery?
Authors: Chandramohan Vaddi , Siddalinga Swamy PM , Ramakrishna Paidakula , Soundarya Ganesan , Babu Manas , Hemnath Anandan , Panda Rakesh
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

One of the risk factors associated with post-operative fever and infections is the amount of fluid absorbed by the kidney. We conducted a prospective study to analyse the effects of irrigation fluid inflow and outflow on post-operative complications and stone-free rate.

Material and methods:

We did a prospective study on all primary retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) cases performed at our hospital between JAN 2020 and JAN 2023. The fluid draining out of the access sheath was collected in a measuring container until the flexible scope was inside the access sheath. The amount of fluid retained by the body was measured by calculating the difference between the quantity of irrigation fluid utilised and the output from the access sheath.

Results:

A total of 566 patients were included in the study. The retained volume of more than 100 ml was associated with more pain (0.0/426 vs 49/140, p < 0.001), a higher incidence of fever (7/426 vs 22/140, p < 0.001), a higher incidence of high-grade complications (G4A 0 vs 4), and a higher incidence of residual stones (11/426 vs 49/140, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The outflow from the access sheath is a crucial factor that can significantly impact the outcome of RIRS.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable
Sports News in Five Arab Countries: A Comparative Study of Journalistic Role Performance Across Platforms and Sources
Authors: Kozman Claudia , Liu Lanfu (Randolph)
Published: February 2024

This study examines journalistic role performance in sports news in five Arab countries in relation to country, geographic frame, platforms, and sources. The comparative content analysis of three journalistic roles – loyal-facilitator, watchdog, and infotainment – in Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) relies on 874 sports news stories from 40 print, broadcast, and online outlets, sampled in 2020 through a constructed, two-week stratified-systematic approach. Results point to variations in all roles as a function of some predictors more than others. Specifically, the UAE tended to be the most loyal/cheerleader, whereas Qatar led in the infotainment role. Loyalty was also apparent across the region in domestic news that was more loyalist than foreign news. Sources mattered in that political sources tended to predict higher levels of loyalist content, while sports sources did not have any impact on any role. Sources’ viewpoint of diversity, on the other hand, revealed multiple perspectives to be associated with more infotainment and watchdog content. The results indicate the loyalist cheerleader role that sports journalists in the West have been associated with for decades also applies to the Arab region, suggesting sports journalists behave in a similar manner irrespective of their country of origin.
Indira Bai: Foregrounding the Community Saga
Authors: Koudur Shashikantha
Published: February 2024

The first social novel in Kannada, Indira Bai, is an important work not just for literary enthusiasts but also for historians of modernity, communities and communalism. The novel presents the engagements and negotiations of an upper-caste community with modernity. The gaps, presences and absences in the novel have the potential to throw light on the inter-community relations of present-day coastal Karnataka which is constantly bothered by communal disturbances. Corroborating the gaps and absences in the novel with certain historical sources, this article aims to strengthen the perspective that we need to restore literary sources from the regional languages as tools for constructing a more robust historical narrative. Translations help us take those resources to a wider, global audience in this endeavour.
Perceived stress and anxiety among medical students at Helwan University: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ebrahim Omnya S , Sayed Hanan Ali , Rabei Samah , Hegazy Nelly
Published: February 2024

Background:

Medical students are prone to high levels of perceived stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact their academic performance, as well as their physical and mental health. This study aimed to assess the main stressors, levels of perceived stress and anxiety, and their predictors among medical students.

Design and methods:

A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 1696 medical students at Helwan University. A cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate their perceived stress, stressors, and anxiety using the Perceived Stress Scale, Medical Students Stressor Questionnaire, and Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively.

Results:

Approximately 93% of medical students experienced moderate to high levels of stress, while 54.9% of medical students experienced moderate to concerning levels of anxiety. The main stressors were academic, teaching, social, intrapersonal, group activity, and desire-related stressors. Risk factors associated with higher perceived stress included being female, young age, living away from the family, obtaining lower academic percentages, having psychiatric, neurological, or other chronic medical illnesses, and experiencing higher levels of academic, intrapersonal, drive, and group activities-related stressors. Risk factors for higher anxiety included being female, residing in rural areas, having psychiatric, neurological, or other chronic medical illnesses, perceiving a high level of stress, and experiencing higher levels of academic, intrapersonal, and social-related stressors.

Conclusions:

The findings indicate that a significant proportion of medical students experience various levels of stress and anxiety. These results underscore the urgent need for a stress management program, to help medical students to cope with different stressors.
Reform Imperatives for Israel’s Future: Balancing Haredi Growth and the Nation’s Democratic Liberal Foundations
Authors: Noeske Elias , Paulsen Aaron , Gressing Antonia
Published: February 2024

The rapid growth of the Haredi community in Israel presents significant challenges to the nation’s democratic and liberal foundations. This article explores the demographics and implications of the Haredi population growth, emphasizing the need for reform to balance Haredi growth and Israel’s West-aligned core values. It proposes strategies to address key areas such as education, employment, women’s empowerment, queer rights, military and national service, security implications, and the influence of the Haredi community on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and Zionism. By promoting integration, accommodating diverse perspectives, and fostering open dialogue, Israel can navigate this complex situation and create a more inclusive society that upholds its foundational values. The article acknowledges the need for respectful and empathetic dialogue while recognizing the limitations of this perspective. The proposed reforms can be a starting point for discussion and collaboration, potentially inspiring similar efforts in other religious communities worldwide. Israel’s willingness and ability to unite its religious and secular worlds will determine its long-term identity as a democratic and inclusive homeland for the Jewish people.
Grounding legal geography: Conversations on law, space, and power across disparate geographies
Authors: Ojeda Diana , Blomley Nicholas
Published: February 2024

Legal geographic research is a heterogeneous and lively academic field that, for decades now, has offered a wide array of critiques to hegemonic takes on ‘law’, ‘space’, and ‘power’, and the relation among them. Nonetheless, a broader engagement with legal geographic scholarship beyond the Anglosphere has not been fully embraced. This article introduces a set of contributions to grounding legal geography: First, as a set of practices that situate us in particular places, or severs the connections we have with those places; and second, as a form of knowledge, constituted in particular places, in distinctive ways. In centering Colombian legal geographies, the articles in this theme issue offer a nuanced understanding of legal formations and practices that shape territory, property, mobility, security, formality, and legality, among other key issues in the study of law, space, and power.
Dietary Salt Can Be Crucial for Food-Induced Vascular Inflammation
Authors: Dewan Syed Masudur Rahman , Meem Sara Shahid , Proma Amrin Yeasin , Shahriar Mohammad
Published: February 2024

Salt enhances the taste as well as the nutritional value of food. Besides, several reports are available on the incidence and epidemiology of various illnesses in relation to salt intake. Excessive salt consumption has been found to be linked with high blood pressure, renal disease, and other cardiovascular disorders due to the result of vascular inflammation. Nevertheless, studies aimed at elucidating the molecular processes that produce vascular inflammation have yet to reach their conclusions. This article emphasizes the significance of investigating the mechanisms underlying both acute and chronic vascular inflammation induced by salt. It also explores the logical inferences behind cellular oxidative stress and the role of endothelial dysfunction as the potential initiator of the inflammatory segments that remain poorly understood. It is therefore hypothesized that salt is one of the causes of chronic vascular inflammation such as atherosclerosis. The hypothesis’s secrets, when revealed, can help assure cardiovascular health by proactive efforts and the development of appropriate preventative measures, in combination with medication, dietary and lifestyle adjustments.