bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the material distribution method for automotive electronic switch production: A rigid and flexible approach
Authors: Chen Yujin , Cheng Mengmeng , Wu Yaoguang , Zhu Jihong , Meng Yanmei
Published: August 2023

The lifecycle of automotive electronic switches is relatively short. The products exhibit a high level of customization. The assembly production demonstrates characteristics of high variety in small batch sizes and frequent production changeovers. Traditional delivery methods often result in issues such as excessive line-side inventory, residual material accumulation, and material management disorder. In this article, a reverse planning approach is adopted to logically analyze from the material demand side to the supply side. By integrating the concepts of push and pull production control, a just-in-time delivery sequencing model is designed. Furthermore, the model was validated based on production data from Company A. The aim is to reduce line-side inventory, improve delivery accuracy, shift from ensuring material supply to efficient supply, and enhance inventory turnover. The purpose of improvement is to achieve a 20% reduction in floor space occupied by the assembly workshop at the same production level, decrease line-side inventory (including raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods) by 30%, increase inventory turnover by 20%, reduce the working hours required for logistics personnel by 30%, and improve the accuracy of material deployment (including quantity and part number) from 92% to 99%.
Determination of the effects of nanoparticle reinforcements on mechanical and composite surface fractures in joints bonded with epoxy adhesives
Authors: Çetkin Edip
Published: August 2023

Various studies are carried out to increase the strength of the joints made with adhesives. One of these studies is to investigate the use of nanoparticles as reinforcement elements in adhesives. In this study, the tensile strength of the bonding joints made by adhesives DP410, DP460 and DP490 epoxy adhesives at the rates of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4% wt. of the graphene nanoparticles (GNP) were investigated. AA5754 aluminum alloys and glass fiber reinforced composites were used as adherent and patches, respectively. Tensile tests were carried out to determine the effect of reinforcement ratios on adhesive bonds. After the tensile tests, macro and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were taken to examine the adhesion damage between nanoparticle, adhesive and adherent surfaces. In the results of the tensile test experiments, the tensile strength of all the joints in which the reinforcement element is used was higher than the non-reinforced bonding. The highest tensile strength in GNP-reinforced joints using DP410 and DP490 adhesives was obtained as 5674.4 and 4837.4 MPa, respectively, at 0.2% wt. reinforcement rate. However, the highest tensile strength of all experiments was obtained as 6154.4 MPa in DP460 adhesive, where 0.3% wt. reinforcement ratio was used. In the damage analyses made after the tensile tests, it was observed that there were fiber breaks in the glass fiber composite used as the patch material in the bonding joints, where homogeneity was formed between the surfaces of the GNP and the epoxy adhesive. Especially, this situation occurred in the joints where 0.2% wt. in DP410 adhesive and 0.2% wt. and 0.3% wt. of reinforcement ratios of DP460 adhesive joints were used. Finally, in the fatigue tests, the GNP particle reinforcement increased the fatigue life of the adhesive joints.
MI-based BCI with accurate real-time three-class classification processing and light control application
Authors: Zhang Jiakai , Xu Boyang , Lou Xiongjie , Wu Yan , Shen Xiaoyan
Published: August 2023

The use of brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) to control intelligent devices is a current and future research direction. However, the challenges of low accuracy of real-time recognition and the need for multiple electroencephalographic channels are yet to be overcome. While a number of research teams have proposed many ways to improve offline classification accuracy, the potential problems in real-time experiments are often overlooked. In this study, we proposed a label-based channel diversion preprocessing to solve the problem of low real-time classification accuracy. The Tikhonov regularised common spatial-pattern algorithm (TRCSP) and one vs rest support vector machine (OVR-SVM) were used for feature extraction and pattern classification. High accuracy was achieved in real-time three-class classification using only three channels (average real-time accuracy of 87.46%, with a maximum of 90.33%). In addition, the stability and reliability of the system were verified through lighting control experiments in a real environment. Using the autonomy of MI and real-time feedback of light brightness, we have built a fully autonomous interactive system. The improvement in the real-time classification accuracy in this study is of great significance to the industrialisation of BCI.
Evaluation of heat stress induced plant metabolites in Fagopyrum esculentum Moench. by exogenous application of plant growth promoters
Authors: Nawaz Saher , Wahid Abdul , Shahbaz Muhammad , Basra Shahzad M. A.
Published: August 2023

Global warming has a direct relation with high temperature and management of heat stress in field crops is important for sustainable agriculture. Common buckwheat ( Fagorpyrum esculentum Moench.) is an emerging pseudocereal and alternative food crop but shows sensitivity to heat stress. This two years (2017 and 2018) research was conducted to explore the physiological and biochemical mechanism of improving heat stress tolerance in buckwheat with foliar spray of different plant growth promoters (PGPs). The preoptimized levels of moringa leaf extract (MLE) of fresh (MFLE, 3%) and dried leaves (MDLE, 10%), ascorbic acid (AsA, 0.5 mM), a vitamin biosynthesized in plants and thiourea (TU, 10 mM), a synthetic growth bioregulator were foliar sprayed. Results revealed that growth attributes including shoot (34.61%) and root length (27.62%), dry weight (641.94% and 40.23%, respectively), stem diameter (52.05%), no. of roots per plant (27.27%), leaf area (24.86%), and no. of internodes per plant (16.17%) were impaired by heat stress. Similarly, antioxidants including leaf and root superoxide dismutase (17.11% and 21.43%), peroxidase (16.81% and 8.40%) and catalase (6.51% and 6.54%), respectively, were significantly affected by heat stress. PGPs spray alleviated heat damage by reducing the biosynthesis of leaf and root MDA and H2O2, and preferential induction of enzymatic antioxidants. PCA-biplot analysis showed that, amongst PGPs, MDLE was greatly effective in inducing antioxidant defense under heat stress. PCA and correlation matrix revealed that PGPs prompted induction of antioxidants was effective more in roots than leaves under heat stress. Conclusively, the induction of antioxidant defense with the PGPs especially with MLEs spray is the main mechanism, with great implications for heat tolerance in common buckwheat.
Journey across the world to study medicine: The Anandi Joshi story
Authors: Bharadwaj Hareesha Rishab , Dalal Priyal , Tan Joecelyn Kirani , Agarwal Trishtha , Javed Mahnoor
Published: August 2023

Women faced significant barriers to pursue education in the 19th century, yet modern history has witnessed bold women overcoming insurmountable odds in this quest. To this end, Anandi Joshi braved monumental odds to successfully become the first female physician in India. Born in 1865, Anandi was one of 10 children. Her zeal for knowledge was noted early by her father, who ensured that his daughter was well-educated. She married Gopalrao Joshi as a child when she was nine; a practice that was common at the time. Anandi's quest to become a physician stemmed from a traumatic event which saw the death of her child due to the lack of medical care. Despite the numerous prevalent barriers which prevented women from indulging in education, Anandi was determined. She travelled to the United States, where through sheer persistence, she was admitted to the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania, where she graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in 1886. She subsequently returned to her home country, making her the first female physician in India. Despite her untimely death, Anandi became immortalised as a legend, a beacon of hope, and continues to serve as an inspiration for generations of Indian women.
Theory and Application in Personality Science: The Case of Social-cognitive Theory
Authors: Cervone Daniel
Published: August 2023

This article reviews the development of theoretical concepts and applications of basic findings in personality psychology. It does so primarily by focusing on social-cognitive theories of personality structure and functioning. These include the foundational theories of Bandura and Mischel and the subsequent KAPA model of Cervone. Three central themes in social-cognitive conceptions are identified: (a) a focus on individuals rather than on summaries of individual differences in the population, (b) attention to causal mechanisms underlying action and experience and (c) the study of persons in context, including attention to psychological processes through which people assign meaning to diverse settings and life challenges. These emphases facilitate applications, as is illustrated by a review of applied efforts in developing societies that capitalise on principles of social-cognitive theory, including assessments guided by the KAPA model.
Exchange Rate Pass-Through to Brazilian E-Commerce Prices
Authors: Amorim Daniel Penido de Lima , Resende Marcelo
Published: August 2023

E-commerce has experienced significant growth and is becoming more relevant to economies. The exchange rate can have notable implications on e-commerce prices, and this relationship is of great interest to consumers and retailers transacting online. Brazil is prominent among other emerging countries in issues relating to e-commerce. This article analyzes the relationships between the exchange rate and e-commerce prices in Brazil. The results reveal that: (a) there is an incomplete exchange rate pass-through to Brazilian e-commerce prices; (b) there is temporal precedence of the exchange rate in relation to these prices; (c) there is the possibility of arbitraging online purchases based on exchange rate variations. This article contributes to understanding the e-commerce price behavior in an emerging country. The evidence can support buyers interested in arbitrage.

JEL Classification F31, F41, L81
A Standardized Matrix for Mental Health Diversion Program Reporting
Authors: Gittner Lisaann S. , Dennis Jeff A.
Published: August 2023

A matrix is proposed to characterize mental health diversion programs and standardize the reporting of program context, outputs, outcomes, and community settings. Data collection for program reporting is challenging because individual programs report on what is relevant to local conditions and may omit or overlook important contextual or structural factors that are key to programmatic success or failure. This limits generalizability and comparability. Using a standard matrix reporting framework clearly lists the constructs of the program, context, and community systems. Two diversion programs are reported demonstrating the use of the matrix. Although different jurisdictions have a wide spectrum of agencies and resources available to support diversion, and may approach the concept differently, standardizing and streamlining reporting will assist with evaluation of diversion and the creation of sustainable programs.
What Do School Administrators Think About Race? A Critical Race Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Grace Jennifer , Lastrapes Renée E.
Published: August 2023

Purpose: This study intends to be a catalyst in preparing school leaders to go beyond the call of social justice, to step into the role of anti-racist school leaders who advocate and actualize systemic changes in the educational landscape. Research Methods: Data were gathered using a mixed method approach, starting with an online survey (ARDSA) of 223 school administrators across Texas followed by in-depth interviews with a representative sample of 19 school administrators. Data analysis techniques included quantitative analysis of surveys to determine school and district administrators’ perceptions of racism in schools and need for professional development followed by qualitative analysis to look for patterns and themes. Findings: Women agreed significantly more than men on Perceptions of Racial Inequities, Perceptions of Equitable Expectations, Addressing Racism, Critical Self-Awareness about Race, and Professional Development on Antiracism. Black and Latinx participants placed higher value on Engaging in Dialogues about Race with close connections more than Whites. Latinx and White participants agreed more with the items on remaining silent when witnessing or hearing about racism. Themes that emerged from the qualitative phase of this study included: Fear of Talking about Race, and Lack of Preparation from Educational Leadership Programs to Address Matters of Race. Implications: School districts and educational leadership preparation programs should be intentional about professional development, curriculum, and experiences that support leaders in developing critical awareness about race, understanding positionality and its role in school leadership, critical policy analysis, and engaging in courageous conversations that center race.
Intimate Partner Violence Polyvictimization and Health Outcomes
Authors: Cho Hyunkag , Kim Woojong , Nelson Abbie , Allen Jennifer
Published: August 2023

This study examines how gender interacts with polyvictimization patterns in survivors’ health problems using 8,587 survivors of intimate partner violence from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, a nationally representative sample collected in 2010. Polyvictimization included six categories that were created in our previous work: sexual violence, physical and psychological violence, coercive control, multiple violence, stalking, and psychological aggression. Multiple violence was associated with chronic pain, headache, difficulty sleeping, and poor health perception. Females experiencing coercive control were more likely to have chronic pain than males. The appropriate assessment of gendered patterns of polyvictimization, and relevant subsequent services and support will better address health problems among survivors.
Evaluation of bioactivities of Pistacia vera L. hull extracts as a potential antimicrobial and antioxidant natural source
Authors: Seker Gamze , Akbas Meltem Yesilcimen
Published: August 2023

Pistacia vera L. hull, a the major byproduct of pistachio processing, is a source of functional compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The extraction of these natural compounds from pistachio hulls and their use instead of synthetic chemicals has gained great attention. In this work, the phytochemical contents and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of pistachio hull ethanolic (PVE) and aqueous (PVD) extracts obtained by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were investigated. Gallic acid (1.9 and 1.5 mg/g dw), quercetin (0.025 and 0.009 mg/g dw), total phenolic (23.3 and 14.7 mg GAE/g dw) and flavonoid (5.0 and 2.9 mg QE/g dw) contents and antioxidant activities (SC50 0.63 and 0.56 mg/mL) of PVE and PVD extracts were determined, respectively. The extracts exhibited antimicrobial effects against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus subtilis. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs, 0.8–49.0 and 9.6–82.5 mg/mL) and the minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs, 1.3–99.1 and 15.5–150.0 mg/mL) of PVE and PVD extracts were determined, respectively. Kill curves revealed that PVE and PVD extracts could inhibit the growth of bacteria. It was shown that PVE and PVD extracts could represent a good economical source of functional and bioactive compounds.
Theory-based Evaluation of Lesson Study Professional Development: Challenges, Opportunities, and Lessons Learned
Authors: Follmer D. Jake , Groth Randall , Bergner Jennifer , Weaver Starlin
Published: August 2023

“Lesson study” has garnered considerable attention from educational researchers and practitioners as a promising method for improving instruction. At its core, lesson study reflects a collaborative inquiry process, grounded in cycles of planning, enacting, and reflecting, that promotes teacher learning through active engagement in lesson refinement. In this article, we leverage lesson study as an exemplar case to foreground an examination and application of theory-based evaluation. We overview a novel evaluation framework contextualized to this multidimensional instructional program and draw out the contributions of theory-based evaluation to the study of program effects. To ground the description of this framework, we summarize representative findings from our ongoing evaluation of a lesson study-based instructional program and discuss processes for selecting, using, and managing evidence sources as well as determining causal strands supporting program outcomes. We conclude by discussing lessons learned and implications for theory-based evaluation of complex programs.
Evaluation of a pilot Tree of Life group for children with epilepsy and their families
Authors: Bolt Charlotte , Wallace Tamara , Brandon Nicola , Brayley Amy , D’Urso Anita
Published: August 2023

Background

Tree of Life Groups (a narrative therapy technique) have been used successfully in a number of paediatric populations. The group intervention aims to give children a space to express their difficulties whilst also holding in mind their strengths and hopes, thereby creating a preferred identity incorporating their physical health condition. No studies were identified which described this approach in a paediatric epilepsy population or involving siblings, families and the multidisciplinary team.

Methods

The current paper describes a pilot intervention to facilitate a one-day psychoeducational Tree of Life group for children with epilepsy, their siblings and parents. Separate parent and sibling groups were facilitated concurrently. The groups were co-facilitated by Paediatric Psychology and Paediatric Epilepsy team members. Quantitative feedback was completed by the patient group. Patients, siblings, and parents provided qualitative feedback.

Results

A total of 6 patients, 14 siblings and 15 parents attended the group. Quantitative feedback indicated some improvement in patients’ confidence and knowledge of managing epilepsy, as well as some improvements in psychological adjustment and thoughts about epilepsy. 87.5% of patients and siblings detailed that they would recommend the group to others. Qualitative feedback from patients, siblings and parents indicated the helpfulness of relating to others and safely expressing difficulties.

Conclusions

The results indicated that this pilot group intervention was well received by children with epilepsy and their families. Future studies incorporating a larger sample are warranted to explore this further.
A qualitative study of a recovery capital assessment tool in alcohol and drug treatment facilities: Perspectives from social work professionals
Authors: Härd Sofia
Published: August 2023

The ambition to translate the concept of recovery capital (RC) from research to practice has entailed operationalisations of RC to measure progress and outcomes of alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatments.At the same time, the role played by standardisation in social work organisations is known to be a complex matter, and research suggests that the implementation of standardisation should be carried out with caution. By examining the need for a RC assessment tool in a Swedish AOD treatment context, this paper contributes to the discussion on the use of assessment tools for measuring treatment progress and outcome in AOD treatments, as well as interrelations between standardisation aims and social work professionals. Four group interviews with employees at AOD treatment facilities were conducted in Stockholm, Sweden. The interviewees were presented with an example of an RC-based assessment tool and asked to review the applicability of the tool in their daily work. The findings provide insights on the applicability of specific assessment list items, as well as general observations on the complex relationship between standardisation and discretion in social work. The findings suggest that professionals will ultimately rely on their knowledge and experience, and act accordingly to support the service user, regardless of any manual or standardisation that regulates their work.
Assessing the fatigue wear effect on traction coefficient and dynamic performance of roller bearing
Authors: Prasad Deepak Kumar , Amarnath M. , Chelladurai H. , Santhosh Kumar K.
Published: August 2023

Rolling element bearings are commonly employed in rotating machinery to support rotating shafts. These machinery elements are vulnerable to failure due to increased friction and heat, which cause progressive wear on the rolling interaction surfaces of the bearing. The failure of bearings causes an unpredicted shutdown of equipment, leading to an increase in downtime and financial losses. Various condition monitoring techniques have been developed for periodic assessment of failure in roller-bearing systems. The focus of this work is to establish a relationship between surface fatigue wear, film thickness [Formula: see text], asperity load ratio [Formula: see text], lubricant film stiffness [Formula: see text] and traction coefficient [Formula: see text] parameters. A periodic assessment of the above-mentioned parameters was made on the test bearing, which was subjected to a fatigue test for 2000 h. The results acquired from the experimental study highlighted that, as surface fatigue wear on the bearing interaction surfaces and lubricant degradation occurred with an increase in fatigue load cycles, the asperity load ratio [Formula: see text] and traction coefficient [Formula: see text] parameters showed a gradual rise in trend which further resulted in a difference in the dynamic behaviour of the bearing system.
A Qualitative Study Among Healthcare Providers on Risks Associated With the Use of Supportive Care for Cancer Treatment-Related Symptoms in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Mora Dana C. , Kristoffersen Agnete E. , Jong Miek C. , Hervik Jill A. , Stub Trine
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Although more than 300 000 children and adolescents worldwide are diagnosed with cancer yearly, little research has been conducted investigating how healthcare providers consider risk and patient safety connected with supportive care (including complementary and alternative medicine [CAM]) in this age group. This study aimed to explore how different healthcare providers perceive and evaluate risk when patients combine supportive care and conventional medicine in clinical practice and how they communicate and inform parents about the use of these modalities.

Materials and Methods:

In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 healthcare providers with expertise in treating pediatric oncology patients from 5 countries. Systematic content analysis was conducted using Nvivo 1.61.

Results:

The analysis resulted in 3 themes and 8 subthemes. Generally, participants were cautious about implementing unproven new modalities or therapies when recommending supporting care modalities to parents of children and adolescents with cancer. The most important criterion when recommending a modality was evidence for safety based on a risk/benefit evaluation. Negative interactions with conventional medicine were avoided by using the half-life of a drug approach (the time it takes for the amount of a drug’s active substance in the body to reduce by half). For patients with severe symptoms, less invasive modalities were used (ear seeds instead of ear needling). To enhance safety, participants practiced open and egalitarian communication with parents.

Conclusion:

Healthcare providers reported using a variety of approaches to achieve a safe practice when parents wanted to combine supportive care and conventional cancer treatment. They emphasized that these modalities should be foremost safe and not become an extra burden for the patients. Providers highlighted patient-centered care to meet the individual’s specific health needs and desired health outcomes. A lack of national and regional standardized training programs for supportive care in pediatric oncology was considered a hazard to patient safety.
Outcomes of Alternative Access Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Procedures
Authors: Waterford Stephen D. , Trujillo John F.
Published: August 2023

Alternative access transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) consists primarily of 4 different options: transcaval, transaxillary, transcarotid, and transapical. While many centers have a preferred alternative access site, few papers have compared the outcomes of TAVR with each alternative access site. In this review, we examine the outcomes of TAVR at each alternative access site, focusing on mortality, stroke, bleeding, pacemaker insertion, paravalvular leakage, and discharge to home. Notable findings include higher mortality in the transapical group and higher stroke rate in the transaxillary group. On the basis of these data, we suggest that transcarotid TAVR might represent the second choice of approach for TAVR when alternate access is required.
Periodic wave impeding barrier as a countermeasure of ground vibration
Authors: Laghfiri Hinde , Lamdouar Nouzha , Abbas Soufiane , Boudi El Mostapha
Published: August 2023

Single wave impeding barrier has been widely evaluated to attenuate vibrations. Nevertheless, research on the utilization of multiple-layer wave impeding barriers is extremely limited since most studies focus on periodic foundations and periodic piles. In this work, the attenuation of ground vibration utilizing a periodic wave-impeding barrier composed of rigid and elastic materials was investigated by applying improved plane wave expansion approach using the notion of phononic crystals, then the simulation of the proposed barrier is presented to demonstrate its relevance to the real case, where it can isolate more than 75% of vibration induced by El Centro earthquake. The effects of the key factors on the attenuation zone of the proposed wave impeding barrier are evaluated by conducting a thorough parametric study. Numerical results demonstrate that the mitigation efficiency at low frequencies increased as Young’s modulus of elastic material increased and as the density of two materials and periodic constant decreased. In addition, the proposed ANN model showed high accuracy to predict those parameters in order to choose them according to the desired attenuation zone. The findings of this study will aid the stakeholders in selecting the optimal geometrical and physical characteristics of the suggested barrier to attenuate vibration.
The effects of high quality team medicine on outcomes of chronic limb-threatening ischemia patients with infrapopliteal bypass
Authors: Kobayashi Taira , Hamamoto Masaki , Okazaki Takanobu , Okusako Ryo , Hasegawa Misa , Ishida Kazufumi , Honma Tomoaki , Ozawa Masamichi , Takahashi Shinya
Published: August 2023

Objectives

A team approach for treatment of patients with CLTI is used worldwide. However, the quality of team medicine is a concern. The Global Vascular Guidelines provide recommendations for high quality team medicine, but there is limited knowledge of the significance of team quality in CLTI treatment. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of team quality on clinical outcomes after infrapopliteal bypass.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed in 337 patients who underwent 414 infrapopliteal bypasses under a team medicine approach at a single center between 2009 and 2021. In 2017, team medicine was reorganized for improvement of quality. Comparisons were made between before (Group 1; 160 patients, 195 limbs) and after (Group 2; 177 patients, 219 limbs) reorganization. The primary endpoints were limb salvage and wound healing after infrapopliteal bypass.

Results

The patients included 227 males (67%) and had a median age of 76 [68-83] years. Diabetes mellitus was present in 67% and end-stage renal disease with hemodialysis in 37%. The follow-up rate was 96% in a mean follow-up period of 31±30 months. The 3-year limb salvage rate was significantly lower in Group 1 (before reorganization) than in Group 2 (after reorganization) (84% vs 95%, p = .001). The wound healing rates in the whole cohort were 72% at 6 months and 85% at 12 months, with no significant differences between the groups. In multivariate analysis, the risk factors for major amputation were treatment before reorganization (HR 2.68; p = .017), hemodialysis (HR 2.27; p = .017), and non-ambulatory status (HR 2.63; p = .005).

Conclusions

A reorganized team approach with the goal of higher quality was independently associated with reduced major amputation for patients with CLTI treated with infrapopliteal bypass. This result indicates the importance of a high quality team approach for success of this treatment.
Exploring the influence of postnatal depression on neonatal care practices among mothers in Western Kenya: A qualitative study
Authors: Gribbin Catherine , Achieng Florence , K’Oloo Alloys , Barsosio Hellen C , Kwobah Edith , Kariuki Simon , Nabwera Helen M
Published: August 2023

Background:

Postnatal depression (PND) is associated with adverse infant neurodevelopmental outcomes. Evidence is limited on how PND influences neonatal (<28 days old) outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, such as Kenya, which bear the global burden of neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Objectives:

To explore how PND influences neonatal feeding and care practices among women in the early postnatal period in rural Western Kenya.

Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted at 2-weeks postpartum among mothers of newborn infants identified <72 h old from the postnatal wards and clinics across five health facilities in Kisumu County of Western Kenya. They were all screened for features suggestive of postnatal depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

Results:

Twenty-four mothers were interviewed, 13 of whom had features suggestive of PND. All mothers experienced health or socio-economic adversities in the perinatal period, including traumatic deliveries, financial constraints, and challenging relationships with partners/other family members. Feeding difficulties due to perceived insufficient breastmilk were a particular challenge for mothers with features of PND, who were more likely to introduce complementary feeds. Maternal health-seeking decisions were influenced by high financial cost, long waiting times and poor interactions with health care providers that induced stress and fear among mothers. Maternal caregiving capacity was influenced by her ability to juggle other household duties, which was difficult for mothers with features suggestive of PND. Support from friends and relatives positively impacted maternal mood and caregiving ability.

Conclusion:

Mothers experienced many stress-inducing events in the perinatal period which potentially exacerbated features of PND in the immediate postnatal period. Women with features of PND were particularly vulnerable to these stressors that influenced infant caregiving practices. Addressing the socio-economic challenges and health system gaps that include scale up of compassionate and respectful care for women during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as early screening and intervention of PND, through enhanced referral pathways between health facilities and community support structures, could mitigate against the impact of PND on neonatal caregiving.
The relationship between mindfulness and mental distress in Chinese people during the COVID-19 pandemic: Moderating effects of infection severity of region and mediating effects of resilience and self-efficacy
Authors: Li Wendy Wen , Miller Daniel , Leow Timothy , Heward Carolyn , Li Yahong , Yang Fang , Yu Huizhen
Published: August 2023

The current study investigated the moderating effects of COVD-19 infection severity of region of residence, and the mediating effects of resilience and self-efficacy, on the relationship between mindfulness and mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 1,220 participants from 107 cities in China took part in a cross-sectional survey. The data were collected during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic (from April 10 to June 10, 2020). The final sample comprised of 1,201 participants with a mean age of 29.62 (SD = 12.72; Range = 18–78). Participants were categorized into high, moderate, and low infection-severity areas according to the numbers of infected people and deaths in their residential areas as of April 16, 2020. The findings showed that mindfulness, resilience, and self-efficacy were negatively associated with the mental distress indicators of stress, anxiety, and depression and that mindfulness, resilience, and self-efficacy positively correlated to one another. COVID-19 infection severity in one's region of residence did not moderate the negative associations between mindfulness and stress, anxiety and depression, while resilience and self-efficacy mediated the negative relationship between mindfulness and mental distress. This study therefore sheds light on some of the mechanisms by which mindfulness helps individuals maintain good mental health in times of adversity. The inclusion of mindfulness, resilience, and self-efficacy in the design and implementation of mental health intervention in response to the pandemic and future public health crisis may help mitigate some of the mental problems related to the COVID-19 and future pandemics.
National In-Hospital Outcomes of Mechanical Mitral Valve Replacement in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Elsisy Mohamed F. , Dearani Joseph A. , Ashikhmina Elena , Aganga Devon O. , Taggart Nathaniel W. , Todd Austin , Stephens Elizabeth H.
Published: August 2023

Background: National data about the outcomes of children undergoing mechanical mitral valve replacement (m-MVR) are scarce. Methods: A retrospective review of hospitalizations from the Kids’ Inpatient Database was performed for patients ≤18 years of age in the United States. A total of 500 patients underwent m-MVR in 2009, 2012, 2016, and 2019. Patients with single ventricle physiology were excluded (n  =  13). These patients were categorized into three groups according to age: neonates (<1 month, n  =  20), infants (1-12 months, n  =  76 patients), and children (1-18 years, n  =  404). Outcomes were compared between the three groups. Results: The proportion of m-MVR involving children undergoing MV procedures (repair and replacement) has increased from 17.3% in 2009 to 30.8% in 2019 (Ptrend < .01). History of cardiac surgery was present in 256 patients (51.2%). Concomitant procedures were performed in 119 patients (23.8%). Intra- or postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was required in 19 patients (3.8%). The overall in-hospital mortality was 4.8% and was significantly higher in neonates and infants compared with older children (10% vs 11.8% vs 3.2%, P = .003). The length of hospital stay was longer in the neonatal group (median, 57 days, interquartile range, [24.8-90] vs 29.5 days [15.5-61] vs 10 days [7-18], P < .01). Nonhome discharges were more common in neonates and infants (40% vs 36.8% vs 13.1%, P < .01). Conclusion: Mechanical mitral valve replacement is increasingly performed over time with acceptable in-hospital morbidity and mortality, especially in older children and adolescents. Neonates and infants are associated with worse hospital survival, prolonged hospitalization, and significant rates of nonhome discharges.
Age- and Gender-wise Differences in Blood Pressure Among the Adult Caste Population (Paundra Kshatriya) Living in Peri-urban Settings, West Bengal, India
Authors: Bharali Nitamoni , Hmar Tlanglawmkim , Bagchi Niloy Kr. , Adak Dipak Kr.
Published: August 2023

The Paundra Kshatriya, a peri-urban population, of South 24-Parganas, West Bengal, was studied to examine the relationship of blood pressure with age. Altogether, 240 adults (male: 98; female: 142) were studied. Both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (mm Hg) were found to be more among females than among males in different age groups. A gradual increase in SBP and DBP was evident with the advancement of age among both males and females. The coefficient of correlation values depicts a positive relationship between age and SBP as well as age and DBP in both genders.
Outcomes at Long-term Follow-up After Open Latarjet Versus Open Bankart Repair in Rugby Players
Authors: Bonnevialle Nicolas , Mattési Lucas , Martinel Vincent , Letartre Romain , Barret Hugo , Mansat Pierre
Published: August 2023

Background:

Because rugby is a collision sport, it exposes players to a high risk of recurrence after anterior shoulder stabilization. Therefore, the choice of surgical procedure warrants close attention in order to optimize the time to return to sport and the stability of the shoulder throughout the player’s career.

Hypothesis:

The open Latarjet procedure would allow for a faster return to play and provide a lower rate of recurrence than the open Bankart repair at long-term follow-up.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The study retrospectively enrolled 62 competitive rugby players who had undergone an anterior shoulder instability procedure and had at least 5 years of follow-up data. A total of 32 players treated with an open Bankart repair (BK group) were compared with 30 players (31 shoulders) treated with an open Latarjet procedure (LT group). Outcomes between groups were compared with the Rowe score, Walch-Duplay score, recurrence rate, and osteoarthritis evaluation on plain radiograph (Samilson classification).

Results:

The recurrence rate was significantly higher at 18.8% for the BK group (mean follow-up, 6.9 ± 1.7 years) compared with 3.3% for the LT group (mean follow-up, 6.2 ± 1.4 years) ( P = .04). No postoperative complications occurred in the BK group, whereas 1 infection and 1 hematoma required a second surgery in the LT group ( P = .14). In the BK and LT groups, 97% and 90% of players, respectively, were able to return to rugby at the same level or higher ( P = .27), at a mean time of 8 and 6.3 months, respectively ( P = .03). The mean Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores were not significantly different between the groups; however, the osteoarthritis rate was significantly higher in the BK versus the LT group (68% vs 38%, respectively; P = .03); 23% of patients, all in the BK group, had Samilson grade 2 osteoarthritis.

Conclusion:

The open Latarjet procedure outperformed the open Bankart procedure in terms of stability, time to return to play, and radiological outcomes at long-term follow-up in competitive rugby players.
Evaluation of deep marginal feedback cancellation for hearing aids using speech and music
Authors: Zheng Chengshi , Xu Chenyang , Wang Meihuang , Li Xiaodong , Moore Brian C. J.
Published: August 2023

Speech and music both play fundamental roles in daily life. Speech is important for communication while music is important for relaxation and social interaction. Both speech and music have a large dynamic range. This does not pose problems for listeners with normal hearing. However, for hearing-impaired listeners, elevated hearing thresholds may result in low-level portions of sound being inaudible. Hearing aids with frequency-dependent amplification and amplitude compression can partly compensate for this problem. However, the gain required for low-level portions of sound to compensate for the hearing loss can be larger than the maximum stable gain of a hearing aid, leading to acoustic feedback. Feedback control is used to avoid such instability, but this can lead to artifacts, especially when the gain is only just below the maximum stable gain. We previously proposed a deep-learning method called DeepMFC for controlling feedback and reducing artifacts and showed that when the sound source was speech DeepMFC performed much better than traditional approaches. However, its performance using music as the sound source was not assessed and the way in which it led to improved performance for speech was not determined. The present paper reveals how DeepMFC addresses feedback problems and evaluates DeepMFC using speech and music as sound sources with both objective and subjective measures. DeepMFC achieved good performance for both speech and music when it was trained with matched training materials. When combined with an adaptive feedback canceller it provided over 13 dB of additional stable gain for hearing-impaired listeners.
Short video-driven deep perception for city imagery
Authors: Chen Xiana , Yu Junxian , Zhu Yingying , Wu Ruonan , Tu Wei
Published: August 2023

City imagery is essential for enhancing city characteristics and disseminating city identity. As an emerging medium, short videos can intuitively reflect people’s perception of complex urban environment. In this study, we proposed a short video-driven deep learning perception framework to sense city imagery. To quantitatively deconstruct spatial imagery of urban space, deep neural network is used for pixel-level semantic segmentation. K-means clustering and hierarchical clustering analysis are carried out to extract and reveal the spatial imagery characteristics at the landmark level and the city level. Taking the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Great Bay Area (GBA) as the study area, an experiment was carried out with TikTok short videos. The results showed that (1) the spatial imagery of the GBA cities are divided into four categories: Green Waterfront, including Jiangmen, Huizhou, Zhuhai, Zhaoqing, and Zhongshan; Humanistic Capital, including Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Foshan; Modern Green City, including Shenzhen and Dongguan; Sky City, that is, Macao; (2) the landmark imagery in GBA can be characterized into five groups: Green Water and Blue Sky, Ancient Architecture of Greenery, Modern Architecture, Staggered Roads, and Urban Green Lung. It further investigated spatial distribution of landmark-level spatial imagery. These results prove the feasibility of sensing city imagery with short videos and provide useful insights into city imagery studies. It provides a new approach for understanding and spreading the city imagery over Internet.
Republication of “How Will the Foot and Ankle Orthopedic Community Respond to the Growing Opioid Epidemic?”
Authors: Donahue Gabrielle S. , Hagemeijer Noortje Catherine , Johnson Anne Holly
Published: August 2023

In the midst of the current opioid crisis, it has become critically important to properly manage opioid-prescribing patterns for the treatment of postoperative pain. There is currently a scarcity of literature specifying prescription and consumption patterns following orthopedic surgery and specifically foot and ankle surgery. Clinical guidelines for postoperative pain management are deficient.
Bacterial community analysis identifies Klebsiella pneumoniae as a native symbiotic bacterium in the newborn Protobothrops mucrosquamatus
Authors: Su Hung-Yuan , Hussain Bashir , Hsu Bing-Mu , Lee Kuo-Hsin , Mao Yan-Chiao , Chiang Liao-Chun , Chen Jung-Sheng
Published: August 2023

Background

The study of the native microbiome of organisms is crucial. The connection between the native microbiome and the host affects the formation of the innate immune system and the organism’s growth. However, the native microbiome of newborn venomous snakes has not been reported. Therefore, we aimed to determine the oral and skin microbiomes of newborn Protobothrops mucrosquamatus.

Results

We performed 16 S full-length sequencing on 14 samples collected from 7 newborn P. mucrosquamatus individuals, specifically targeting their oral and skin microbiomes. In terms of the oral and skin microbiome, the main species were Klebsiella pneumoniae lineages. According to subspecies/species analysis, the proportion from highest to lowest was K. quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae, K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae, and K. pneumoniae subsp. rhinoscleromatis. These three bacteria accounted for 62.5% and 85% of the skin and oral activity, respectively. The oral microbiome of newborn P. mucrosquamatus did not comprise common bacteria found in snakebite wounds or oral cultures in adult snakes. Therefore, the source of other microbiomes in the oral cavities of adult snakes may be the environment or prey. Functional Annotation of the Prokaryotic Taxa analysis showed that the skin/oral native microbiome metabolism was related to fermentation and human infection owing to the dominance of K. pneumoniae lineages. The characteristics of K. pneumoniae may impact the development of venom in venomous snakes.

Conclusion

The results of the native microbiome in the oral cavity and skin of newborn P. mucrosquamatus demonstrated that the habitat environment and prey capture may affect the composition of bacteria in adult snakes. We hypothesized that the native microbiome influences newborn venomous snakes and that K. pneumoniae lineages related to citrate fermentation may play a role in venom growth. However, further verification of this is required.
Isolation, biological and whole genome characteristics of a Proteus mirabilis bacteriophage strain
Authors: Hao Xirui , Cen Xin , He Min , Wen Yongping , Zhang Huanrong
Published: August 2023

Proteus mirabilis, a naturally resistant zoonotic bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, has exhibited an alarming increase in drug resistance. Consequently, there is an urgent need to explore alternative antimicrobial agents. Bacteriophages, viruses that selectively target bacteria, are abundant in the natural environment and have demonstrated potential as a promising alternative to antibiotics. In this study, we successfully isolated four strains of Proteus mirabilis phages from sewage obtained from a chicken farm in Sichuan, China. Subsequently, we characterized one of the most potent lytic phages, Q29, by examining its biological and genomic features. Comparative genomic analysis revealed the functional genes and phylogenetic evolution of Q29 phages. Our findings revealed that Proteus mirabilis bacteriophage Q29 possesses an icosahedral symmetrical head with a diameter of 95 nm and a tail length of 240 nm. Moreover, phage Q29 exhibited stability within a temperature range of 37 ℃ to 55 ℃ and under pH conditions ranging from 4 to 9. The optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI) for this phage was determined to be 0.001. Furthermore, the one-step growth curve results indicated an incubation period of approximately 15 min, an outbreak period of approximately 35 min, and an average cleavage quantity of approximately 60 plaque-forming units (PFU) per cell. The genome of phage Q29 was found to have a total length of 58,664 base pairs and encoded 335 open reading frames (ORFs) without carrying any antibiotic resistance genes. Additionally, genetic evolutionary analysis classified phage Q29 within the family Caudalidae and the genus Myotail. This study provides valuable research material for further development of Proteus mirabilis bacteriophage biologics as promising alternatives to antibiotics, particularly in light of the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance posed by this bacterium.