bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of gamma irradiation on structural, thermal and mechanical properties of polyamide-11/halloysite nanotubes nanocomposites
Authors: Sahnoune Mohamed , Kaci Mustapha , Garay Hélène , Lopez-Cuesta José-Marie , Mahlous Mohamed
Published: July 2021

The effect of gamma irradiation on neat Polyamide-11 (PA11) and PA11 filled with 3 wt% of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) was investigated at various doses up to 100 kGy in air and at room temperature. The irradiation test was conducted on sample films prepared by a twin-screw extruder in the first step then cast extrusion. The study showed the formation of a maximum of gel fraction up to 10 and 20 kGy for neat PA11 and PA11/HNTs, respectively. Furthermore, the results indicated the occurrence of crosslinking at low irradiation dose, whereas chain scission took place at higher ones. Additionally, the results revealed that the presence of HNTs limits the impacts of gamma irradiation through a barrier effect. An optimum irradiation dose was found for thermal and mechanical properties, corresponding to the dose for maximum gel formation. Moreover, experimental design was implemented to highlight the main incidences and interactions of both halloysite incorporation and radiation dose on some relevant effects of gamma irradiation.
Trends in Dementia Prevalence, Incidence, and Mortality in the United States (2000–2016)
Authors: Farina Mateo P. , Zhang Yuan S. , Kim Jung Ki , Hayward Mark D. , Crimmins Eileen M.
Published: July 2021

Objectives: The prevalence of dementia has declined in the United States; how this parallels to changes in incidence and mortality, and how improvements in educational attainment may have influences these trends, is not known. Methods: Using the Health and Retirement Study (2000–2016), we estimated logistic regression models to examine trends in dementia prevalence and incidence, and mortality for those with and without dementia. Results: The relative decline was about 2.4% per year for dementia prevalence and 1.9% for dementia incidence. Mortality declined similarly for those with and without dementia. Improved educational attainment accounted for decline in incidence, some of the decline in prevalence, and had a negligible role in mortality. Discussion: The declines in dementia incidence provide evidence that dementia prevalence should continue to decline in the near future. These declines are most likely largely driven by continued improvements in older adult education.
Sensor fusion approach for shape estimation of a base-excited cantilever beam
Authors: Mohammadi Arman , Nayyeri Pooyan , Zakerzadeh Mohammad R , Ayati Moosa
Published: July 2021

In smart structures, achieving a reliable set of measurement signals to monitor the system’s performance is critical. Also, the essence of using the optimum batch of sensors and an efficient algorithm to process these signals is significant for active vibration control of these structures. This paper primarily introduces a method of sensor fusion using the Kalman filter as an observer to gain the proper position signal from both an accelerometer and an ultrasonic sensor mounted on the tip of a cantilever beam. The main goal of this procedure is to eliminate both sensors’ shortcomings. Also, we present a novel approach to estimate the overall shape of the beam, using only the tip position signal. To this end, a high-speed camera is used to capture the motion of three markers on the beam under different excitation frequencies. Then, three long short-term memory networks are trained by deep learning methods, using a finite sequence of beam tip position, to act as observers for estimating the shape of the beam. The proposed methods are simulated and then validated by experiments.
Integrated control for distributed in-wheel motor drive electric vehicle based on states estimation and nonlinear MPC
Authors: Wang Qiuwei , Zhao Youqun , Lin Fen , Zhang Chenxi , Deng Huifan
Published: July 2021

In order to realize the integration of handling, lateral stability, rollover prevention, and ride comfort of distributed in-wheel motor drive electric vehicles (EVs), this study presents an integrated control strategy for distributed EVs based on states estimation through particle filter (PF) and nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC). To estimate the vehicle states including longitudinal velocity, lateral velocity, and sideslip angle, the random walk model is established to avoid complex tire forces calculation. Then PF completes estimation by measuring longitudinal and lateral acceleration and yaw rate. Considering handling, lateral stability, anti-rollover performance, and ride comfort comprehensively, proposed controller takes full advantages of distributed electric vehicle platform with four-wheel steering (4WS), four-wheel-drive (4WD), and active suspension technology to improve the overall performance in the NMPC structure. State/actuator constraints are also taken into account in the scheme. Finally, the co-simulation through commercial software Carsim and Simulink verifies the effectiveness of the vehicle states estimator and designed control algorithm. Results show that estimation error is controlled within 1% and overall performance of distributed EV is improved.
Longer duration of anti-retroviral therapy is associated with decreased risk of human papillomaviruses detection in Kenyan women living with HIV
Authors: Ermel Aaron , Tong Yan , Tonui Phillip , Orang’o Omenge , Muthoka Kapten , Wong Nelson , Manai Titus , Kiptoo Stephen , Loehrer Patrick J , Brown Darron R
Published: July 2021

Objective: A longitudinal study was conducted among women living with HIV in Kenya to determine if duration of anti-retroviral (ART) usage altered detection and persistence of oncogenic (high-risk) human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV). Methods: Women living with HIV without cervical dysplasia were enrolled at a cervical cancer screening clinic. Three cervical swabs, HIV viral loads, and CD4 cell counts were obtained at enrollment and at two annual visits. HPV genotyping was performed on swabs (Roche Linear Array). Linear regression models assessed effects of ART duration on HR-HPV detection and persistence. Results: Seventy-seven women, median age 38 years, completed three study visits and were included in the analysis. The mean time from HIV diagnosis to enrollment was 9.6 years (SD 3.9 years). The mean ART duration was 6.2 years (SD 3.1 years). Most women had undetectable HIV viral loads and CD4 cell counts above 500 cells/L. Each additional year of ART use reduced the likelihood of detection of HR-HPV by 10–15% and persistent detection of A9 HR-HPV by 20%. Conclusion: Among Kenyan women living with HIV, longer duration of ART use was associated with significantly reduced risk of all detection and persistent detection of HR-HPV.
A summer on Hounslow Heath: Combined army operations in late-seventeenth-century England
Authors: Shearwood Mark
Published: July 2021

This article re-examines the purpose of the army summer training camps introduced by James II that became an intrinsic part of London and army life between 1686 and 1688. Current historiography has associated these camps purely with James II’s attempt to subjugate both London and its predominantly Protestant population. This article will argue that although there is no doubt that those opposed to James II viewed the camp as intimidation, that was not James II’s primary focus as there were better locations for any large-scale camp if this was the intended purpose. Using contemporary newspapers, broadside ballads, and printed promotional material alongside more traditional archive sources, this article will show that the intention was primarily to increase the capabilities of the army. The camps were responsible for introducing new tactics and instrumental in the introduction of battalion guns into regiments of foot.
Exploring the Impacts of Economic Corridors on South Asian Countries
Authors: Fernando Srimal , Jha Pankaj
Published: July 2021

The growth of economic corridors in developing regions has become instrumental in boosting economic growth and infrastructure. Economic corridors integrate existing road and rail networks to build effective multimodal transportation networks within a particular geographical setting with the aid of quality distribution networks, logistics and infrastructure. This helps in interlinking various markets and production centres of respective countries. This article investigates the influence of economic corridors in promoting sustainable as well as economic development in the South Asian region. The primary data for the article was collected using semi-structured questionnaires for local respondents and interviews that were conducted with key informants across South Asian region.

According to the research conducted amongst informed individuals related to transport corridors and economic hubs in the region, it was found that there is direct correlation between the establishment of economic corridors and sustainable development. The article would examine the implication of economic corridors on their livelihood, in general, and to the select South Asian economies. The findings revealed that the developments of economic corridors are associated with several gains in terms of the creation of employment opportunities, investments and improvement of living standards. This study emphasises the potential of developing economic corridors in the region and contributes to the available literature on the subject matter in South Asia.
Time for a paradigm change? Incorporating transnational processes into the analysis of the emerging European health-care system
Authors: Stan Sabina , Erne Roland
Published: July 2021

Health services have long been insulated from the process of European integration. In this article, however, we show that we are witnessing their re-configuration in an emerging EU health-care system. The article uncovers the structuring lines of this system by focusing on three interrelated EU-wide processes influencing the integration of national health-care systems into a larger whole. First, the privatisation of health-care services following the constraints of Maastricht economic convergence and the EU accession criteria; second, health-care worker and patient mobility arising from the free movement of workers and services within the European Single Market; and third, new EU laws and country-specific prescriptions on economic governance that the EU has been issuing following the 2008 financial crisis. The article shows that these processes have helped to construct a European health-care system that is uneven in terms of the distribution of patient access to services and of health-care workers’ wages and working conditions, but very similar in terms of EU economic and financial governance pressures on health care across EU Member States.
Experiential Learning Style Grouping Impact on Student Outcomes in Team Leadership Coursework
Authors: Orsini Jonathan , Greenhaw Laura L. , Coleman Bradley M. , Stone Whitney A. , Bunch J.C.
Published: July 2021

This study explores how different team configurations based on members’ experiential learning styles impacted group level variables including team learning behavior, stages of team development, potency, psychological safety, and satisfaction in an undergraduate class. Groups with homogeneous learning styles experienced higher levels of friendship and lower levels of conflict, which were associated with greater satisfaction and more rapid progress through the stages of group development. Most significantly, satisfaction was more strongly correlated to team learning behavior than psychological safety, suggesting that student groups in higher education settings may rely on other factors to progress through the stages of group development.
Predictive Factors for the Development of Dyspnea Within 7 Days After Admission Among Terminally Ill Cancer Patients
Authors: Matsunuma Ryo , Yamaguchi Takashi , Mori Masanori , Ikari Tomoo , Suzuki Kozue , Matsuda Yoshinobu , Matsumoto Yoshihisa , Watanabe Hiroaki , Amano Koji , Kamura Rena , Kizawa Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2021

Background:

Predictive factors for the development of dyspnea have not been reported among terminally ill cancer patients.

Objective:

This current study aimed to identify the predictive factors attributed to the development of dyspnea within 7 days after admission among patients with cancer.

Methods:

This was a secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study on the dying process among patients admitted in inpatient hospices/palliative care units. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those who developed dyspnea (development group) and those who did not (non-development group). To determine independent predictive factors, univariate and multivariate analyses using the logistic regression model were performed.

Results:

From January 2017 to December 2017, 1159 patients were included in this analysis. Univariate analysis showed that male participants, those with primary lung cancer, ascites, and Karnofsky Performance Status score (KPS) of ≤40, smokers, and benzodiazepine users were significantly higher in the development group. Multivariate analysis revealed that primary lung cancer (odds ratio [OR]: 2.80, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.47-5.31; p = 0.002), KPS score (≤40) (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.02-3.31; p = 0.044), and presence of ascites (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.36-4.02; p = 0.002) were independent predictive factors for the development of dyspnea.

Conclusions:

Lung cancer, poor performance status, and ascites may be predictive factors for the development of dyspnea among terminally ill cancer patients. However, further studies should be performed to validate these findings.
The Role of District Leaders in School Reform: Implementing Year-Round Schooling1
Authors: Shields Carolyn M. , Oberg Steven Lynn , LaRocque Linda J.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we explore the role of district leaders in implementing school reform, specifically year-round schooling. We examine the experiences of four Florida districts with particular emphasis on their social, political, and fiscal contexts. Successful innovation is promoted as leaders act in a humane and open fashion that specifically in cludes eschewing promises that cannot be fulfilled. We have found that creating wide spread support for the innovation, being flexible, and creating a climate for change and innovation are crucial. Ensuring equitable implementation of the reform and attending fairly to details of both contracts and programs are especially important.
Taking Risks: A Requirement of the New Superintendency
Authors: Brunner C. Cryss
Published: July 2021

According to Cantor and Bernay (1992), “Risk taking is a critical factor of successful leadership” (p. 158). Surprisingly, however, the literature about the superintendency does not report that superintendents are risk takers. In fact, school administrators, at large, have never been portrayed as risk takers (Konnert & Gardner, 1987).

In contrast, I found the theme of risk taking in the narratives of twelve women in a national study that I did between 1993–1997. The purpose of this article is to examine the practice of women superintendents in order to get a glimpse of what it takes for superintendents to be or to become risk takers. The study revealed that the women had life circumstances and personal characteristics that helped them to relax and take risks. There were two primary circumstances: (1) community, and (2) challenge; and two primary personal characteristics: (1) courage, and (2) curiosity. If risk taking is an important part of practice in the superintendency, then we would be well served to use the knowledge gained from examinations, like this study of women superintendents’ practices, that clearly identify what it takes to be a risk taker in the role.
Safety and Efficacy of Triple Therapy With Ticagrelor or Prasugrel Versus Clopidogrel After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gill Kristina , Servati Nicholas , Flahive Julie , Fraielli Kyle
Published: July 2021

Background:

Patients on dual antiplatelet therapy following percutaneous coronary intervention often have indications for concomitant oral anticoagulation, known as triple antithrombotic therapy. Majority of literature evaluating triple antithrombotic therapy fails to adequately represent patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and those prescribed potent P2Y12 inhibitors, ticagrelor or prasugrel. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of triple antithrombotic regimens containing ticagrelor or prasugrel versus clopidogrel after percutaneous coronary intervention in the setting of ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods:

This was a single-center, retrospective cohort trial. The primary endpoint was net adverse clinical event, defined as the primary efficacy endpoint of death, myocardial infarction, or cerebrovascular accident and the primary safety endpoint of any bleeding event.

Results:

Between October 2017 and October 2019, a total of 65 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction were initiated on triple therapy. Forty-six patients were included in the primary analysis, of which 26 were discharged on triple antithrombotic therapy with clopidogrel and 20 discharged on potent P2Y12 inhibitors (ticagrelor or prasugrel). The primary endpoint occurred in 27% of the clopidogrel group and 40% of the potent P2Y12 inhibitor group ( P = 0.35). Bleeding occurred in 23% of the clopidogrel group and 35% of the potent P2Y12 inhibitor group ( P = 0.37).

Conclusions:

This small cohort study suggests, in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, the net adverse clinical event rate does not differ between clopidogrel and potent P2Y12 inhibitors in the setting of triple antithrombotic therapy. The results of this exploratory analysis warrant confirmation in a larger, randomized study.
Automaticity of Early Sexual Attention: An Event-Related Potential Study
Authors: Ziogas Anastasios , Habermeyer Benedikt , Kawohl Wolfram , Habermeyer Elmar , Mokros Andreas
Published: July 2021

A promising line of research on forensic assessment of paraphilic sexual interest focuses on behavioral measures of visual attention using sexual stimuli as distractors. The present study combined event-related potentials (ERPs) with behavioral measures to investigate whether detection of a hidden sexual preference can be improved with ERPs. Normal variants of sexual orientation were used for a proof-of-concept investigation. Accordingly, 40 heterosexual and 40 gay men participated in the study. Within each group, half of the participants were instructed to hide their sexual orientation. The results showed that a match between sexual orientation and stimulus delays responses and influences ERP before motor responses. Late ERP components showed higher potential in differentiating hidden sexual preferences than motor responses, thereby showing how ERPs can be used in combination with reaction time measures to potentially facilitate the detection of hidden sexual preferences.
Structural and foaming properties of whey and soy protein isolates in mixed systems before and after heat treatment
Authors: Alves Alane Cangani , Martha Lara , Casanova Federico , Tavares Guilherme M
Published: July 2021

The partial replacement of proteins from animal sources by plant proteins in formulated food products has been proposed as useful to improve sustainability aspects of the products without dramatically changing their techno-functional properties. Although several research groups have published on the gelling properties of mixed systems containing whey and soy protein isolates (WPI and SPI), their foaming properties are much less described. In this context, the main objective of this paper was to evaluate the structural and foaming properties of samples containing different mass ratios of WPI:SPI (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100) before and after heat treatment. The samples were evaluated according to their solubility, foaming capacity (FC), foam microstructure and foam stability (FS). Before heat treatment, mixing SPI to WPI did not affect the solubility of whey proteins, but, after heat treatment, insoluble co-aggregates were formed. Similar FC was measured for all samples despite their WPI:SPI ratio and the applied heat treatment. The partial replacement of WPI by SPI changed the microstructure of the foams and had an antagonistic effect on the FS of the samples, due to the negative effect of insoluble soy protein aggregates and/or insoluble co-aggregates on the reinforcement of the air-water interfacial film.
Foster parent perspectives on necessary supports for youth and their families departing foster care
Authors: Huscroft-D'Angelo Jacqueline , Poling Daniel , Trout Alexandra
Published: July 2021

More than 50% of children who depart foster care will experience a permanency placement after being involved in the child welfare system. The struggles faced by children and families during the transition into the home and community setting following foster care are well-known and often result in child welfare re-entry. Presently, little is known about preparation for permanency placements or appropriate supports to aide in this critical transition period. This includes understanding the perspectives of key stakeholders such as foster parents, who are essential to the transition. This descriptive study begins to address this need by examining the perspectives of foster parents (N = 60) on: (a) transition planning, (b) the importance of specific supports and services critical during to transition period, and (c) availability of supports during the transition period.

Findings

Results indicate that the most frequently addressed areas during transition planning process were family, medical/physical health, and education. Participants rated mental health and safety as the most important supports for youth. Most respondents indicated being unsure about the availability of nearly all supports. However, of those reported as available, safety and mental health supports were identified most often.

Application

Findings have practical application for service provision and transition planning for youth and their families departing foster care to permanency placements. Specifically, a continued focus on mental health and an increase in educational supports during the transition process. These are discussed in depth as well as implications for practice. Limitations and future research are also presented.
An experimental study with renewable fuels using ECN Spray A and D nozzles
Authors: Pastor José V , García-Oliver José M , Micó Carlos , García-Carrero Alba A
Published: July 2021

The decarbonization process of the automotive industry and the road transport sector has raised the interest on the development of cleaner fuels. A proper characterization of their properties and behavior under different operating conditions is mandatory to achieve an effective implementation in commercial engines. With this objective, the current work presents a comparison of two injectors from the Engine Combustion Network (ECN), namely Spray A and Spray D injectors, in terms of spray characteristics and combustion behavior for different fuels: diesel, dodecane, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), and two types of oxymethylene ethers (OME1 and OME x). The aim is to analyze how differences in nozzle geometry affect the behavior of different types of fuels. The experiments were carried out in a High Temperature and High Pressure test rig and operating conditions were chosen following ECN guidelines. Visualization techniques such as high speed schlieren imaging, OH* chemiluminescence and diffused back illumination were implemented to analyze the differences in liquid length, vapor penetration, auto ignition, flame lift-off length, and soot formation for both nozzles. In general, results showed the same trend for all the fuels tested: longer liquid length and faster vapor penetration for Spray D, as well as higher ignition delay and longer lift-off length. However, it was found that these parameters were less sensitive to the nozzle diameter for the oxygenated fuels tested. Furthermore, a different trend was observed for OME1, in terms of ignition behavior, in comparison to the other fuels. In terms of soot production, the Spray D nozzle increases its formation with the non-oxygenated fuels. In contrast, no soot was observed with the oxygenated ones under any operating conditions.
Deep learning prediction of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in African Americans by copy number variation
Authors: Liu Yichuan , Qu Hui-Qi , Chang Xiao , Nguyen Kenny , Qu Jingchun , Tian Lifeng , Glessner Joseph , Sleiman Patrick MA , Hakonarson Hakon
Published: July 2021

Current understanding of the underlying molecular network and mechanism for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is lacking and incomplete. Previous studies suggest that genomic structural variations play an important role in the pathogenesis of ADHD. For effective modeling, deep learning approaches have become a method of choice, with ability to predict the impact of genetic variations involving complicated mechanisms. In this study, we examined copy number variation in whole genome sequencing from 116 African Americans ADHD children and 408 African American controls. We divided the human genome into 150 regions, and the variation intensity in each region was applied as feature vectors for deep learning modeling to classify ADHD patients. The accuracy of deep learning for predicting ADHD diagnosis is consistently around 78% in a two-fold shuffle test, compared with ∼50% by traditional k-mean clustering methods. Additional whole genome sequencing data from 351 European Americans children, including 89 ADHD cases and 262 controls, were applied as independent validation using feature vectors obtained from the African American ethnicity analysis. The accuracy of ADHD labeling was lower in this setting (∼70–75%) but still above the results from traditional methods. The regions with highest weight overlapped with the previously reported ADHD-associated copy number variation regions, including genes such as GRM1 and GRM8, key drivers of metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling. A notable discovery is that structural variations in non-coding genomic (intronic/intergenic) regions show prediction weights that can be as high as prediction weight from variations in coding regions, results that were unexpected.
Examining the Type of Legal Representation and Its Influence on Disaggregated Dispositions in Juvenile Court
Authors: Brady Caitlin M. , Peck Jennifer H.
Published: July 2021

While prior studies of juvenile court outcomes have examined the impact of legal representation on out-of-home placement versus community sanctions, previous research has not fully explored the variation within sanctions that youth receive. The current study examines the influence of type of legal representation (public defender or private attorney) when predicting juvenile adjudications and dispositions. Using a sample of delinquent referrals from a Northeast state between 2009 and 2014, results showed that youth do receive different outcomes (e.g., probation, drug and alcohol treatment, accountability-oriented dispositions, etc.) based on the type of legal representation. The findings have important implications for juvenile court processing related to how courtroom actors impact case outcomes.
Early clinical experience with the p48MW HPC and p64MW HPC flow diverters in the anterior circulation aneurysm using single anti-platelet treatment
Authors: Bhogal Pervinder , Petrov Andrey , Rentsenkhu Ganbaatar , Nota Baatarjan , Ganzorig Erdenebat , Regzengombo Boldbat , Jagusch Sara , Henkes Elina , Henkes Hans
Published: July 2021

Background

The p64MW HPC and p48MW HPC flow diverters have reduced thrombogenicity due to hydrophilic coating. The purpose of this study was to evaluate its safety and efficacy in Mongolian patients under single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) with prasugrel.

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients enrolled into our prospectively maintained database to identify all patients treated with either the p48MW HPC or p64MW HPC under SAPT. We recorded baseline demographics, aneurysm size and location, procedural complications, angiographic and clinical results.

Results

24 patients, (female = 21, 87.5%), age 48.2 ± 11.6 years (range 25–63) underwent treatment of 30 aneurysms with either p64MW HPC or p48MW HPC. All aneurysms were saccular with dome width 8.2 ± 6.5 (range 1.6–26.0 mm) and dome height 7.6 ± 6.7 (range 1.6–30.0 mm). None of the aneurysms were previously treated. The average PRU was 54.6 ± 31.2 (range 1–127) on pre-operative VerifyNow testing. Angiographic follow-up was available for 13 patients (17 aneurysms), 183 ± 36 days post-procedure, at which point 64.7% of aneurysms (n = 11/17) were completely occluded and 11.8% (n = 2/17) had only neck remnants resulting in 76.5% of aneurysms being adequately occluded A single intra-operative complication (4.2%) occurred however all patients were mRS ≤1 at last follow-up. There were two post-operative complications neither of which resulted in permanent neurological morbidity. There were no instances of post-operative aneurysmal rupture or delayed parenchymal haemorrhage. The overall mortality was 0%.

Conclusion

The efficacy and safety of p64MW HPC coated devices under SAPT is similar to uncoated flow diverters that require DAPT.
A label-free and sensitive fluorescence assay for hyaluronidase activity through electrostatic-controlled quantum dots self-assembly
Authors: Wang Yan , Gao Wenwen
Published: July 2021

A label-free fluorescence assay for hyaluronidase (HAase) activity based on self-assembly of quantum dots is developed. A cationic polymer (polycation) can induce aggregation of the negatively charged quantum dots through electrostatic interactions and the fluorescence of the quantum dots is quenched. When the polycation is mixed with hyaluronic acid (HA), intense binding of HA to the polycation makes the quantum dots free and recovery of the fluorescence of the quantum dots is observed. However, in the presence of HAase, HA is hydrolyzed into small fragments and the polycation induces reaggregation of the quantum dots. A simple and rapid fluorescence sensor with high sensitivity and selectivity for HAase activity detection is therefore successfully established with a detection limit of 0.01 U/mL. Moreover, we have demonstrated an assay that can be applied to detect HAase activity in a complex mixture sample including 1% human serum.
Is physical fitness related with in-game physical performance? A case study through local positioning system in professional basketball players
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Alejandro , Ramírez-Campillo Rodrigo , Raya-González Javier , Castillo Daniel , Nakamura Fabio Y
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between physical fitness and external load determined by local positioning system (LPS) in a simulated basketball game. Fourteen professional male basketball players performed a lane agility drill, 20-m maximal sprint speed, countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump, and repeated sprint tests. Player movements during games (two games of 4 × 7 min) were measured using a portable WIMUPRO LPS and six ultra-wideband antennas. Distance covered, and distance covered in different speed zones, accelerations, and decelerations were recorded. The results obtained showed significant relationship between (a) distance at high decelerations (>−2.0 m s−2) and 20-m maximal sprint speed ( r = 0.669, p = 0.049); (b) 20-m maximal sprint speed and maximal speed in simulated games ( r = 0.576, p = 0.031); (c) CMJ height and sprint distance (>24.1 km h−1) covered in simulated games ( r = 0.772, p = 0.001); and (d) high decelerations and 20-m maximal sprint speed ( r = 0.669, p = 0.049) and best time in the RSA test ( r = −0.731, p = 0.039). Coaches and strength and conditioning coaches must adjust their training to optimize speed and jumping ability, as they are reflected in physical performance in-game. Players who reach higher speeds (i.e. RSAbest and 20-m sprint time) and CMJ height in field tests may be affected by greater deceleration load in specific training and competition (eccentric contraction). Since hamstring muscles suffer great strain during deceleration, they are more prone to injury, thus these players may require a specific training program to decrease performance losses and risk of injury.
Evaluation of the tactics for small- and medium-sized toy factories in China to deal with European and US toy safety requirements
Authors: Kwong CW , Mak SL , Li CH
Published: July 2021

China is the largest exporter of toys. Small- and medium-sized toy factories usually face various challenges when they deal with quality aspects and toy safety requirements. After a literature review and pilot study, a conceptual framework to improve factories’ capabilities in dealing with European and US toy safety requirements through Toy safety assessment, Cost and resources optimization, Industry 4.0, ISO 19600:2014 (which has become ISO 37301:2021), and Web-based product compliance platforms, is proposed. In mid-2020, a questionnaire was designed, and an internet questionnaire survey empirical study was conducted. The statistical results from 107 responses suggested that Toy Safety Assessment, ISO 19600:2014 (ISO 37301), and Industry 4.0 have made positive and significant contributions to factories’ capability to respond to European and US toy safety requirements. The study identifies and prioritizes the factors to improve toy factories’ capabilities in dealing with European and US requirements.
Social Security Policy in Response to the Pandemic COVID-19: A Case Study from Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Viet Lam Le
Published: July 2021

On the international scale of measurement, Vietnam stands out as a country that has successfully accomplished the objectives of minimizing the spread of COVID-19. These objectives have been achieved through several factors, including the Government’s commitment, excellent success of the health service, and the “wholeheartedness” of the armed forces, especially the social consensus, which is clearly reflected in the decisions and policies made. Among those crucial decisions, the stable social security system has been the key priority of the government of Vietnam because it provides a strong foundation for the disadvantaged, who are not expected to overcome the pandemic based on their low-level “resistance.” The article aims at illustrating Vietnam’s social security interventions and strategies when faced the global COVID-19 pandemic and it also draws some experience that need to be referenced in implementing Social Security Society witnessed from Vietnamese reality.
Extended Anterior Inferior Approach to Endoscopic Medial Maxillectomy for Maxillary Sinus Lesions
Authors: Huang Alice E. , Low Christopher M. , Stokken Janalee K.
Published: July 2021

Background

Myriad open and endoscopic approaches are employed to resect maxillary sinus lesions, each with associated advantages and disadvantages. The inferior and anterior portion of the sinus remains a challenging space to access.

Objectives

To describe the extended anterior inferior approach to endoscopic medial maxillectomy (EAMM) as a novel and valuable addition to a stepwise approach for minimizing surgical morbidity without compromising tumor outcomes. To report the outcomes of patients treated with this approach.

Methods

A retrospective case series study of 9 patients who underwent EAMM between 2016 and 2019 at a tertiary care referral center was performed. The endoscopic technique is described. The duration of follow-up ranged from 1 to 53 months. Intraoperative steps, including transection of the nasolacrimal duct and execution of an intraoperative dacryocystorhinostomy, were reviewed. Postoperative outcomes, including patient symptoms at follow-up and tumor recurrence, were recorded.

Results

Adequate exposure with gross total tumor resection or margin-negative tumor resection was achieved in all cases. Sparing of the nasolacrimal duct was achieved in 2 patients. No patients reported persistent epiphora, empty nose syndrome, or changes in cosmesis such as alar or nasal tip collapse. One patient reported unilateral V2 hypoesthesia at 6 months postoperatively that had resolved by his next follow-up 18 months after surgery. Postoperative tumor surveillance was achieved by endoscopic examinations in all patients and there was no evidence of tumor recurrence at a median follow-up of 22 months.

Conclusions

The EAMM provides improved access to the inferior–posterior–medial maxillary sinus. This approach minimizes the risk of hypoesthesia and change in cosmesis present in other approaches, and obviates division of the nasolacrimal duct for inferior, posterior–medial attached lesions. This progressive escalation of approach for maxillary sinus lesions minimizes injury to nasal and nasolacrimal structures without compromising tumor outcomes.
Hypochlorous Acid Versus Saline Nasal Irrigation in Allergic Rhinitis: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Study
Authors: Kim Ho Chan , Kim Dong-Kyu , Kim Ji Sun , Lee Ho Jun , Bae Mi Rye , Choi Woo Ri , Jang Yong Ju
Published: July 2021

Background

Low concentrations of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) have proven antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects without toxicity, although the mechanism has not been fully elucidated.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of HOCl nasal irrigation to reduce allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms compared with saline nasal irrigation.

Methods

This was multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Initially, 139 patients with perennial AR were enrolled; however, 25 did not successfully complete the study. Patients were randomly assigned to the nasal irrigation with low-concentration HOCl (n = 55) or normal saline (n = 59) treatment groups for the 4-week study period. Participants completed the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) at every visit (baseline, Weeks 2 and 4), and Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) was determined before and after nasal irrigation every morning and evening.

Results

We found that RQLQ scores significantly decreased after 4 weeks in the HOCl and placebo groups, but the decrement of the RQLQ score was similar between the 2 groups. Additionally, TNSS improved in both groups between baseline and Week 4, whereas there were no significant differences in the change of TNSS between the 2 groups. The HOCl group did not show any clinical side effects related to nasal irrigation.

Conclusion

Allergic symptoms significantly decreased with low-concentration HOCl nasal irrigation, without significant adverse events. However, HOCl showed no additional improvement in symptoms compared with saline nasal irrigation for patients with perennial AR.
Mentioning the Sample’s Country in the Article’s Title Leads to Bias in Research Evaluation
Authors: Kahalon Rotem , Klein Verena , Ksenofontov Inna , Ullrich Johannes , Wright Stephen C.
Published: July 2021

Psychology research from Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) countries, especially from the United States, receives more scientific attention than research from non-WEIRD countries. We investigate one structural way that this inequality might be enacted: mentioning the sample's country in the article title. Analyzing the current publication practice of four leading social psychology journals (Study 1) and conducting two experiments with U.S. American and German students (Study 2), we show that the country is more often mentioned in articles with samples from non-WEIRD countries than those with samples from WEIRD countries (especially the United States) and that this practice is associated with less scientific attention. We propose that this phenomenon represents a (perhaps unintentional) form of structural discrimination, which can lead to underrepresentation and reduced impact of social psychological research done with non-WEIRD samples. We outline possible changes in the publication process that could challenge this phenomenon.
Acute Kidney Injury and Associated Factors in Intensive Care Units at a Tertiary Hospital in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Minja Neema W. , Akrabi Huda , Yeates Karen , Kilonzo Kajiru Gad
Published: July 2021

Background:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a recognized complication in critically ill patients. The epidemiology of AKI varies worldwide, depending on the diagnostic criteria used and the setting. The International Society of Nephrology has called for a reduction in preventable deaths from AKI to zero by the year 2025. It is suspected that the majority of AKI cases are in limited-resource countries, but the true burden of AKI in these settings remains unknown.

Objective:

We aimed to determine, using standardized KDIGO (Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes) criteria, the prevalence of AKI, associated factors, and clinical characteristics of adult (≥18 years) patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at a tertiary hospital in Tanzania.

Design:

Prospective observational study from November 2017 to May 2018.

Methods:

In all, 320 patients admitted to medical and surgical ICUs were consecutively enrolled. Baseline, clinical, and laboratory data were collected on admission and during their ICU stay. Serum creatinine and urine output were measured, and KDIGO criteria were used to determine AKI status.

Results:

More than half (55.3%) of ICU patients were diagnosed with AKI. Of these, 80% were diagnosed within 24 hours of admission. Acute kidney injury stage 3 accounted for 35% of patients with AKI. Patients with AKI were older, more likely to have cardiovascular comorbidities, and with higher baseline serum levels of creatinine, potassium, universal vital assessment admission scores, and total white cell count ≥12. Sepsis (odds ratio [OR] = 3.81; confidence interval [CI] = 1.21-11.99), diabetes (OR = 2.54; CI = 1.24-5.17), and use of vasopressors (OR = 3.78; CI = 1.36-10.54) were independently associated with AKI in multivariable logistic regression. Less than one-third of those who needed dialysis received it. There was 100% mortality in those who needed dialysis but did not receive (n = 19).

Limitations:

Being based at a referral center, the findings do not represent the true burden of AKI in the community.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of AKI was very high in ICUs in Northern Tanzania. The majority of patients presented with AKI and were severely ill, suggesting late presentation, underscoring the importance of prioritizing prevention and early intervention. Further studies should explore locally suitable AKI risk scores that could be used to identify high-risk patients in the community health centers from where patients are referred.
Living with grandparents: Multi-generational families and the academic performance of grandchildren in China
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wu Yuxiao
Published: July 2021

Previous studies on social stratification and intergenerational mobility have mostly focused on the effects of parents on their children’s socioeconomic status (SES) attainment, but less attention has been paid to the important role played by grandparents in the life chances of their grandchildren, and its underlying mechanism. By analyzing a national survey sample data of junior high school students in China, this study examines the influence factors of living with grandparents and their effect on the academic performance of adolescents, and the intermediate mechanism. The study finds that (a) three-generation cohabitation occurs when there is a functional need for the nuclear family, and children with lower SES, working mothers, or single-parent families are more likely to experience cohabitation between grandparents and grandchildren; (b) living with grandparents has significant positive effects on adolescents’ academic performance after controlling for other factors; (c) the effect of living with grandparents is moderated by the family’s SES and family structure, and students from lower-SES or single-parent families benefit more from living with grandparents; and (d) living with grandparents to a certain extent benefits grandchildren’s academic performance by enhancing family social capital investment. Households in which grandparents cohabit invest significantly more in the social capital of children than those who do not have grandparents cohabiting. The results of this study show that in modern society, family kinship networks still play a very important role in the status attainment and social mobility of individuals. Therefore, scholars should pay more attention to the important role of extended families in social stratification and mobility and its micro-mechanisms.
The Impact of a Yearlong Diabetes Prevention Program-Based Lifestyle Intervention on Cardiovascular Health Metrics
Authors: Devaraj Susan M. , Rockette-Wagner Bonny , Miller Rachel G. , Arena Vincent C. , Napoleone Jenna M. , Conroy Molly B. , Kriska Andrea M.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The American Heart Association created “Life’s Simple Seven” metrics to estimate progress toward improving US cardiovascular health in a standardized manner. Given the widespread use of federally funded Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)-based lifestyle interventions such as the Group Lifestyle Balance (DPP-GLB), evaluation of change in health metrics within such a program is of national interest. This study examined change in cardiovascular health metric scores during the course of a yearlong DPP-GLB intervention.

Methods

Data were combined from 2 similar randomized trials offering a community based DPP-GLB lifestyle intervention to overweight/obese individuals with prediabetes and/or metabolic syndrome. Pre/post lifestyle intervention participation changes in 5 of the 7 cardiovascular health metrics were examined at 6 and 12 months (BMI, blood pressure, total cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, physical activity). Smoking was rare and diet was not measured.

Results

Among 305 participants with complete data (81.8% of 373 eligible adults), significant improvements were demonstrated in all 5 risk factors measured continuously at 6 and 12 months. There were significant positive shifts in the “ideal” and “total” metric scores at both time points. Also noted were beneficial shifts in the proportion of participants across categories for BMI, activity, and blood pressure.

Conclusion

AHA-metrics could have clinical utility in estimating an individual’s cardiovascular health status and in capturing improvement in cardiometabolic/behavioral risk factors resulting from participation in a community-based translation of the DPP lifestyle intervention.