bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Diastolic Vessel Restriction on Quality of Life in Symptomatic Myocardial Bridging Patients Treated With Surgical Unroofing: Preoperative Assessments With Intravascular Ultrasound and Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Hashikata Takehiro , Honda Yasuhiro , Wang Hanjay , Pargaonkar Vedant S. , Nishi Takeshi , Hollak M. Brooke , Rogers Ian S. , Nieman Koen , Yock Paul G. , Fitzgerald Peter J. , Schnittger Ingela , Boyd Jack H. , Tremmel Jennifer A.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Despite optimal medical therapy, a myocardial bridge (MB) can cause life-limiting symptoms in a subset of patients. While surgical unroofing has been shown to improve MB-derived refractory angina, diagnostic indices of clinical symptoms and predictors of improvement following surgery are yet to be elucidated.

Methods:

To identify determinants of preoperative symptoms and their improvement following the surgery, preoperative intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and coronary computed tomography angiography were evaluated in 111 patients with symptomatic MB who underwent surgical unroofing. The primary outcome was the Seattle Angina Questionnaire summary score (the average of physical limitation, angina frequency, and quality of life scores). In addition to standard anatomic variables of an MB, degrees of extrinsic vessel restriction at end-diastole and end-systole were evaluated by IVUS using the ratio of measured vessel area and interpolated reference at the maximum compression site. The diastolic restriction was also evaluated by coronary computed tomography angiography as the maximum lumen area stenosis within the MB segment.

Results:

Even during diastole, IVUS revealed vessel restriction in 87% of the patients. Among the variables evaluated, vessel restriction was the strongest parameter correlating with the preoperative Seattle Angina Questionnaire summary score, particularly when assessed in diastole (
P
<0.0001 in IVUS,
P
=0.006 in coronary computed tomography angiography). The diastolic restriction by IVUS also showed a weak, but significant correlation with improvement in Seattle Angina Questionnaire summary score 6 months after surgery (
P
=0.004).

Conclusions:

Restricted arterial relaxation in diastole, rather than the degree of systolic compression or extent of an MB, seems to be the primary determinant of clinical symptoms and improvement in quality of life following surgical unroofing.
Perceived Correctness of Nominal Gender (Dis)Agreement by Heritage Speakers of Spanish
Authors: Gradoville Michael , Courval Max , Elder Paige , Hom Rachel , Palamaro Finn
Published: October 2021

This study investigates how quantity of exposure to Spanish as well as early language acquisition affects the ability of adult Spanish heritage speakers to perceive prescriptively (in)correct nominal gender agreement in three-word sequences of a noun with two modifiers. Thirty-six adult speakers of Spanish as a heritage language listened to 116 different three-word sequences, half of which contained prescriptively incorrect gender or number agreement. Participants were asked to determine if the phrase sounded right. Half of the test items were experimental and addressed gender agreement, while the other half were distractors based on number agreement. Furthermore, participants filled out the Bilingual Language Profile (Birdsong et al., 2012) to assess their exposure to and comfort with Spanish. As in many previous studies, participants had more difficulty identifying a prescriptively incorrect stimulus as incorrect than correct stimuli as correct. There was a split between sequential and simultaneous bilinguals: while increased Spanish exposure improved sequential bilinguals’ ability to accurately identify both correct and incorrect stimuli, simultaneous bilinguals only saw gains in their ability to identify correct stimuli.
Two new species of Sweltsa (Plecoptera: Chloroperlidae) from China
Authors: LI WENLIANG , WANG YINGYING , LI WEIHAI , LI MENGYU
Published: October 2021

Two new species of the genus Sweltsa Ricker, 1943 from Zhejiang Province, China are described and compared with similar species. The new species are Swelsta bicurvata Li, W.L. & Li, W.H. sp. nov. and Sweltsa zhejiangensis Li, W.H. & Wang, sp. nov.
A new species of the processid shrimp genus Nikoides Paul’son, 1875 (Decapoda: Caridea) from Japan
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , HIRABAYASHI ISAO
Published: October 2021

A new species of the processid shrimp genus Nikoides Paul’son, 1875, N. subdistalis, is described and illustrated on the basis of five specimens collected from Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, at depths of 7–12 m. The new species appears most similar to N. maldivensis Borradaile, 1915 among the 10 known congeners, but is notable in the unique dentition of the rostrum and the characteristic shape of the antennular stylocerite. A partial segment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene was sequenced from one of the paratypes of the new species, and genetic divergence among four congeneric taxa, of which three was downloaded from the GenBank database, is shown. An identification key to 11 species of Nikoides, including the new species, is given.
A new Cochylimorpha Razowski, 1959 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) from Altai and Tuva, Russia
Authors: ŠUMPICH JAN , BUDASHKIN YURIY
Published: October 2021

Cochylimorpha flavescens sp. nov. is described from the Altai Republic and Tuva Republic (Russia). The new species is related to Cochylimorpha obliquana (Eversmann, 1844) belonging to the C. jucundana species group of Cochylini tribe. The new species is figured in detail including male genitalia.
Can Serum Endocan Levels be Used as an Early Prognostic Marker for Endothelial Dysfunction in COVID-19?
Authors: Guzel Duygu , Kalkan Emra Asfuroglu , Eren Funda , Zengin Oguzhan , Erel Ozcan , Sahiner Enes S. , Inan Osman , Ates Ihsan
Published: October 2021

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether degree of pneumonia and COVID-19 prognosis are associated with serum endocan levels at the early stage, when vascular damage has started. Patients between the ages of 18–85 years who were hospitalized and followed up with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in the study. A total of 80 patients were divided into 2 groups as mild/moderate pneumonia and severe pneumonia. Serum endocan levels were measured on the 8th day from the onset of symptoms in all patients. Of the 80 patients included in the study, 56.3% were female and 43.8% were male. There was no significant relationship between serum endocan levels and degree of pneumonia ( P = .220) and prognosis of the disease ( P = .761). The correlation analysis indicated a weak positive correlation between serum endocan levels and lactate level in venous blood gas (r = .270; P = .037). During the 28-day follow-up, the mortality rate was 3.75%. It was determined that the serum endocan levels was not associated with the degree of pneumonia and was not an early prognostic marker for COVID-19.
Can patients with mild post-operative hyponatraemia following elective arthroplasty be discharged safely? A large-scale service evaluation suggests they can
Authors: Macdonald Jonathan , Cunningham Emma , Gallagher Nicola , Hamilton Paul , Cassidy Roslyn , Bryce Leeann , Beverland David
Published: October 2021

Background

Post-operative hyponatraemia is common following arthroplasty. Clinical hyponatraemia guidelines lack detail on when treatment is necessary, and there is a paucity of literature to guide best practice.

Methods

Data were collected within retrospective service evaluations over two time periods in a single high throughput joint unit. The hospital’s electronic database identified 1000 patients who were admitted electively between February 2012 and June 2013 and again between November 2018 and April 2019 for primary total hip, total knee or uni-compartmental knee arthroplasty. Hyponatraemia and non-hyponatraemia groups were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of post-operative hyponatraemia, length of stay (LOS), re-attendance or re-admission to hospital.

Results

Between 2012–2013 and 2018–2019, 32.1% and 25.7% of patients, respectively, developed post-operative hyponatraemia (serum sodium (s[Na]) ≤135 mmol/L). Those with post-operative hyponatraemia were significantly older, weighed less, were more comorbid and had lower pre-operative sodium. Multivariate analysis showed that increased age, knee surgery and lower pre-operative s[Na] independently predicted post-operative hyponatraemia. Post-operative hyponatraemia did not independently predict LOS, re-attendance or re-admission to hospital, within 90 days, in either cohort.

Conclusion

Post-operative hyponatraemia is common and may be a marker of pre-operative vulnerability. In these cohorts, it was not independently associated with LOS, re-attendance or re-admission to hospital. We suggest that otherwise well patients with mild hyponatraemia can be safely discharged earlier than is often the case and may not require extensive investigation. Further examination and research is required to develop a pre-operative approach to predict which patients will develop significant post-operative hyponatraemia.
The Making of China’s Climate Diplomacy: Analysis from the Perspective of Two-Level Games
Authors: Renjie Feng
Published: October 2021

This study illustrates the interaction of international and domestic factors that influenced China’s stance in the climate negotiations from 1992 to 2015. After providing a historical overview of China’s climate diplomacy, it elaborates on the external and internal factors that have shaped China’s climate diplomacy. At the international level, it examines the pressures that China has faced from both developed and developing countries at the United Nations climate change conferences. At the domestic level, it analyses three factors—China’s political system, its energy scenario and its environmental non-governmental organisations—that pushed China to soften its traditional positions. It ends with an elaboration of the interface of the international and domestic factors that have driven China’s shift away from blunt rejection of mitigation responsibility.
Emotional Pedagogy in Blind Students at School and Museum from the Systematic Review
Authors: Llamazares de Prado José Enrique , Arias Gago Ana Rosa
Published: October 2021

The incorporation of emotions in educational and cultural spaces is increasingly important in our society. The main objective is to review studies on emotional pedagogy both in school and in the museum and its importance in the education of blind pupils, providing elements for good practice. In the methodology used, a systematic review has been carried out with a selection of 410 articles examined up to 52 articles from 2003 to 2020. The search was conducted using 10 databases: Circ, Miar, Eric, Science Direct, 1Findr, Dialnet, Scopus, Google Scholar, Teacher Reference Center, and Wos. Among the results, we identified the importance of defining emotional training programs for teachers and museum didactic teams. They should be geared toward improving professional practices and cooperation between the museum and the school. In the conclusions obtained, it is fundamental to incorporate emotional literacy in inclusive education from the first stages of development, to promote creativity and emotional management, to exemplify the figure of the neuro-educator and his role in improving didactics both in schools and in the museum, favoring inclusion, promoting kinesthetic and corporal stimulation, both in the school and in the museum, it is a joint work between teachers and museum staff.
The Correlation between Social Justice Leadership and Student Alienation
Authors: Canlı Suzan , Demirtaş Hasan
Published: October 2021

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the correlation between social justice leadership levels of school principals and school alienation levels of students in Turkey. Furthermore, it investigated the students’ perceptions about social justice leadership and alienation from school and whether there were significant differences based on gender, socioeconomic status and student grade levels. Research Methods The study sample included 493 high school students assigned with the cluster sampling method. The “Social Justice Leadership Scale” and “Student Alienation Scale” were used in the study to collect the data. Descriptive statistical analysis, t-test, one-way analysis of variance, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted to analyze the data. Findings It was determined that there were significant differences between student perceptions on school alienation and social justice leadership of school principals based on the school's socioeconomic level, and the student's gender and grade level. There was a significant negative correlation between school alienation and social justice leadership. It was found that social justice leadership was a significant predictor of alienation from school and explained about 23% of the total variance in alienation from school. Implications Based on the study findings, it was concluded that exhibition of social justice leadership behavior by school principals decreased school alienation levels among the students. The level of school alienation of the students attending schools where principals exhibit social justice leadership behavior is expected to be lower.
Forensic psychiatric evaluations of people charged with rape in Croatia
Authors: Arbanas Goran , Marinović Paula , Buzina Nadica
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Sexual violence is a substantial public health problem that is associated with a major impact on victims, and in Croatia, more than half of reported cases of sexual violence involve rape. To help understand their general profiles and consider any implications arising, the aim of this research was to describe the forensic psychiatric characteristics of people charged with rape. Methods: All evaluations of people charged with rape and sent for evaluation at the largest assessment centre in Croatia during the period 2010–2018 were analysed ( n  =  56). Results: Alleged offences most often took place in a perpetrator or victim's home (71%), while the next most frequent location was the street (15%). Over 80% of alleged victims were known to the accused. Alcohol use and abuse were present in 73% of the accused, and 29% were drinking at the time of the alleged offence. Alcohol-related disorders were presented in 38% of the accused, while 38% had a personal history of drug use, and antisocial and narcissistic personality disorders were present in 48% and 29%, respectively. Psychotic disorders were rare (1.8%). Most of the accused were found to be criminally responsible; however, forensic psychiatric assessment procedures were inadequate when considering psychosexual assessments. Conclusions: Interventions based around public health and education should be considered in this field, and forensic psychiatric assessments should be prioritized for improvement.
Writing Impressively: Suggestions to Aspiring Engineer-Authors
Authors: Zeidner Martin A.
Published: October 2021

The ability to coin cryptic expressions and to write fluently without saying anything of consequence has long been prized by members of the upper echelons as an important source of prestige. It is also a reliable defense against responsible communication. Engineers who know their work well and write about it informatively are deprived of this opportunity to earn recognition.

The techniques of the elite, improved upon by avant-garde writers, are resolved into a few simple suggestions to aspiring engineer-authors. These suggestions, substituted for rules of normal English and conventional communication, supply technologists also with the means to achieve prestige, similarly without the burdens of productive research and conscientious language.
Scientific Logic: A Reader-Oriented Approach to Technical Writing
Authors: Samuels Marilyn Schauer
Published: October 2021

Borrowing from scientific logic, the technical writing teacher can demonstrate differences between the way researchers/writers problem solve and the way readers comprehend written reports that are roughly parallel to the differences between deductive and inductive logic. As three pyramid theories of writing and their application in university and industry classrooms demonstrate, learning both systems of logic and how to transpose one into the other enables students to understand and structure their information from their readers’ viewpoint. In this logical context, opening with the conclusion finally makes sense to most writers.
The Roles Played by Blood Inflammatory Parameters in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Guo Yan , Liu Jisheng
Published: October 2021

Objective:

The etiology of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) remains unknown; inflammation may be one cause. We retrospectively studied SSHNL cases in terms of the inflammatory parameters involved.

Methods:

We reviewed 169 SSNHL cases. The control group contained 132 patients with vocal cord polyps. The C-reactive protein (CRP) level, CRP/serum albumin (Alb) ratio, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) were compared between the 2 groups. The relationships between these parameters and the time to treatment after SSHNL onset, hearing level, and therapeutic effects were also analyzed.

Results:

The CRP level, CRP/Alb ratio, and NLR were higher in SSNHL patients than in controls, but only the NLR differed significantly between the 2 groups. We found no significant differences between patients with different hearing levels, those evaluated at various times after SSNHL onset, and those with different outcomes.

Conclusion:

The NLR is a reliable SSNHL diagnostic marker. The CRP level and CRP/Alb ratio are not useful indicators.
Bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss in patient with Behçet disease
Authors: Chuang Kai-Fen , Liu Feng-Cheng , Chen Hsin-Chien
Published: October 2021

Bacckground: Approximately 80% to 85% of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is idiopathic, but immune-mediated mechanisms are thought to be involved. Behçet disease is an autoinflammatory vasculitis that may involve vessels of the inner ear. It can cause sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and an increased risk of SSNHL. Study Sample: We report a 21-year-old man who was diagnosed with Behçet disease in childhood and presented to our clinic with a 10-day history of abrupt hearing deterioration in both ears. Pure-tone audiometry showed severe to profound bilateral SNHL. Results: Oral prednisolone was prescribed for 3 weeks. Concurrent intratympanic steroid injections (ITSIs) were administered in each ear every 2 days for 5 days. A total of 15 daily sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) were completed. Acupuncture was performed every 2 days for 1 month. After these combined therapies, the patient’s hearing threshold by 20 dB and his speech recognition threshold were improved. Conclusions: Some patients with SSNHL recover no hearing improvement after routine treatment, and alternative treatments including ITSI, HBOT, and acupuncture can be considered as optional. We used an aggressive multimodal approach to treat severe bilateral SSNHL in patient with Behçet disease.
Do Early-Life Social, Behavioral, and Health Exposures Increase Later-Life Arthritis Incidence?
Authors: Kemp Blakelee R. , Ferraro Kenneth F. , Morton Patricia M. , Thomas Patricia A. , Mustillo Sarah A. , Crimmins Eileen M.
Published: October 2021

Objectives: This study investigates direct and indirect influences of childhood social, behavioral, and health exposures on later-life osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis development. Methods: Drawing from cumulative inequality theory and six waves of the Health and Retirement Study (2004–2014), we estimate structural equation modeling-based discrete-time survival analysis of the association between six childhood exposure domains and both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis incidence for men ( n = 2720) and women ( n = 2974). Using the delta method to test for mediation, we examine indirect effects via selected health-related risks and resources. Results: Risky adolescent behavior is associated with rheumatoid arthritis incidence for women (h.O.R. = 1.883, 95% C.I. [1.016, 3.490]), whereas several types of childhood exposures are associated with later-life osteoarthritis development for both men and women. Experiencing two or more childhood socioeconomic disadvantages is indirectly associated with osteoarthritis (men: coef. = 0.024, 95% C.I. [0.003, 0.045]; women: coef. = 0.111, 95% C.I. [0.071, 0.150]) and rheumatoid arthritis (men: coef. = 0.037, 95% C.I. [0.000, 0.074]; women: coef. = 0.097, 95% C.I. [0.035, 0.159]) development through adult body mass index. Discussion: Findings highlight the importance of childhood contexts in understanding the development of later-life osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Understanding Physical and Emotional Sibling Violence: Perspectives From Group Facilitators of Parent Intervention Groups for Child Maltreatment
Authors: Shadik Jennifer A. , Perkins Nathan H. , Kim Ruri
Published: October 2021

Physical and emotional sibling violence is a common form of family violence with negative repercussions. Research on the experiences and perceptions of practitioners regarding sibling violence is scant. The researchers interviewed facilitators of parent intervention groups for child maltreatment to understand how sibling violence impacts the families they work with. This exploratory qualitative study examines the perspectives on sibling violence of five group facilitators. An inductive thematic analysis process was used to code the data and develop themes. Five themes emerged from the analysis including Parents lack of knowledge and awareness regarding sibling violence, Stress in parents and the family system, Crossing the line, Individual and developmental aspects, and Mechanisms to help parents address sibling violence. Facilitators identified challenges with definition and assessment of sibling violence, potential contributing factors for the occurrence of sibling violence, as well as strategies to help these families. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Intra-generational inequalities in young people’s political participation in Europe: The impact of social class on youth political engagement
Authors: Grasso Maria , Giugni Marco
Published: October 2021

The declining political engagement of youth is a concern in many European democracies. However, young people are also spearheading protest movements cross-nationally. While there has been research on political inequalities between generations or inter-generational differences, research looking at differences within youth itself, or inequalities between young people from different social backgrounds, particularly from a cross-national perspective, is rare. In this article, we aim to fill this gap in the literature. Using survey data from 2018 on young people aged 18–34 years, we analyse how social class background differentiates groups of young people in their political engagement and activism across nine European countries. We look at social differentiation by social class background for both political participation in a wide variety of political activities including conventional, unconventional, community and online forms of political participation, and at attitudes linked to broader political engagement, to paint a detailed picture of extant inequalities amongst young people from a cross-national perspective. The results clearly show that major class inequalities exist in political participation and broader political engagement among young people across Europe today.
Self-administered acupressure and exercise for patients with osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Guo Donghui , Ma Shiqiang , Zhao Yunchao , Dong Jun , Guo Binfang , Li Xiaoming
Published: October 2021

Objective

Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disease and seriously affects the athletic abilities of middle-aged and elderly patients. Acupressure is a traditional non-pharmacological intervention that promotes blood circulation and muscle activity. Self-administrated acupressure and exercise can be potential management for knee osteoarthritis.

Design

It is a randomized and controlled trial for knee osteoarthritis self-treatment.

Settings

Cangzhou Hospital.

Interventions

221 patients with knee osteoarthritis were recruited and randomly divided into 4 groups: control group ( n = 55), exercise group ( n = 56), acupressure group ( n = 55) and exercise & acupressure group ( n = 55). In the first eight weeks, corresponding training courses were provided to different groups of patients. The patients were asked to carry out their own corresponding interventions for 16 weeks. The patient‘s condition was evaluated in the sixteenth week.

Main measures

The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities global scores of knee osteoarthritis patients were assessed at the 8th and 16th week of our trial.

Results

Self-administered acupressure and exercise significantly decreased visual analogue scale (3.75 ± 1.89 versus 2.93 ± 1.73, p < 0.05), pain (7.6 ± 2.8 versus 4.8 ± 2.7, p < 0.05), stiffness (3.75 ± 1.89 versus 2.93 ± 1.73, p < 0.05) at the 16th week ( p < 0.05) in patients with knee osteoarthritis compared to other intervention. The combination of acupressure and exercise also improved the range of motion (114.4 ± 11.5 versus 120.4 ± 11.9, p < 0.05) and walk speed (1.48 ± 0.48 versus 1.76 ± 0.50, p < 0.05) of osteoarthritis patients ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Self-administrated exercise and acupressure alleviate the arthritic symptoms (swelling, pain, joint dysfunction and joint deformities) and improve the joint functions, supporting its potential use in the clinical management for osteoarthritis.
‘The whole of Shirebrook got put on an ASBO’: The co-production of territorial stigma in a former colliery town
Authors: Pattison James
Published: October 2021

This paper draws on data collected from a multimethod ethnographic study to contribute to debates on the production of territorial stigmatisation through the analysis of Shirebrook, UK: a small post-industrial mining town in Derbyshire, which now houses the distribution centre and warehouse of Sports Direct, recently the subject of high-profile scrutiny in the UK over working conditions. Combining semi-structured interviews, participant observation and the analysis of documentary sources, I argue that the territorial stigmatisation of Shirebrook does not emanate from a single source. Rather, multiple institutions and agents converge in the co-production of stigma. The analysis draws attention to local antagonisms and hierarchies in the production of stigma, demonstrating how relatively powerful actors ‘below’ do not simply resist or deflect stigma onto less powerful others, but influence the way that territorial stigma operates, problematising Wacquant's top-down conceptualisation.
Geographies of production III: Global production in/through nature
Authors: Werner Marion
Published: October 2021

This report draws upon political ecology and nature–society geography to examine the production network–nature nexus. Indebted to these approaches, a growing number of production network and value chain studies are expanding well beyond the field’s traditional remit of environmental governance. This work centers the institutional arrangements of firms, laboratories, workers, and regulations that organize and combine extensive and intensive strategies to appropriate nature’s value. ‘Nature’ is neither input nor output here; rather, it is metabolized in and through the functional coordination of these spatially distributed activities. I explore these themes in recent studies of resource extraction and frontier-making, chemical geographies of biocides, and the material-cum-geographical claims of ethical supply chains. Expanding and deepening the dialogue between conjunctural analyses of states, labor, and supply chains, on the one hand, and how socionatures condition these arrangements, on the other, is both analytically and politically necessary. I offer this, my final report, as a modest contribution to this endeavor.
Capabilities and Limitations of Telematics for Vehicle Emissions Inventories
Authors: Koupal John W. , DenBleyker Allison , Manne Gopi , Batista Maia Hill , Schmitt Thomas
Published: October 2021

Eastern Research Group, Inc. evaluated the current state of personal vehicle telematics data with respect to emission inventory development, identifying relative strengths and weaknesses, and how these data could align better with the needs of emission modelers. A market survey of telematics firms provided an overview of available data, and identified several candidate sources for location-based and engine-based telematics data on personal vehicles. Data were then purchased from three different vendors: StreetLight Data, Moonshadow Mobile, and Otonomo. These data were applied in case studies conducted in the Denver metro area, U.S., to assess strengths and weaknesses of telematics for developing emission inventories. Case studies included using telematics to estimate regional vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for annual emission inventories; tracking the VMT impacts of COVID shutdown; generating location- and time-specific vehicle activity inputs for project scale “hot spot” air quality analysis; and estimating the distribution of fuel fill level from real-world data, which is important for evaporative emissions. These case studies confirmed that telematics can serve a growing range of emission inventory use cases, and use of these data may help improve emission inventory accuracy. However, there are also several limitations of the data to consider in preparing emission inventories; for example, it can be difficult to assess the representativeness of telematics data because of a lack of vehicle information. The authors encourage telematics firms to cater data products more directly to the needs of emission inventory modelers, to better harness the enormous potential of these data for refining vehicle emission inventory estimates.
Demand-Driven Optimization Method for Microtransit Services
Authors: Veve Cyril , Chiabaut Nicolas
Published: October 2021

Many shared mobility solutions have been developed over recent decades. In the case of mobile technological innovations, new solutions that are more flexible to user demands have emerged. These dynamic solutions allow users to be served by optimizing different aspects such as the detour to pick up a passenger or the waiting time for users. Such methods make it possible to satisfy requests quickly and to match as closely as possible user expectations. However, these approaches usually use fleets composed of numerous small-capacity vehicles to serve each user. By contrast, microtransit aims to serve a more massive demand than conventional shared mobility methods. Our study falls within this context. It aims to identify recurrent patterns of mobility and to verify the possibility of implementing microtransit lines to serve them. In other words, the proposed method identifies spatial and temporal areas where the implementation of a flexible transport line would meet a potential mobility demand. The recurrence of trips in these specific areas provides a guarantee of the reliability of the designed lines.
Feasibility studies on wet grinding of carbon fibre reinforced epoxy polymer at minimum defect condition via eccentric sleeve grinding
Authors: Handa Danish , Sooraj VS
Published: October 2021

Although surface grinding is reported to be capable of precision material removal in carbon fibre reinforced epoxy polymer composites (CFRPs), it is highly limited by deprived cutting temperature dissipation, tool wear and sensitivity to undesired cutting defects. Continuous engagement of abrasive grains and successive accumulation of heat at cutting interface in conventional surface grinding results in severe surface damages. Though the controlled application of cutting fluids exhibited improved surface integrity, entrapment of fluid droplets into the defective zones/cracks of fibre, matrix and its interfaces are shown to be stimulating further defect propagation. Present paper investigates the feasibility of improving cutting fluid application in CFRP grinding, establishing a minimum surface defect condition through eccentric sleeve grinding (ESG). The reduction of post-grinding surface defects through an intermittent-progressive cutting scheme in ESG is demonstrated and the efficacy of cutting fluids in such a grinding scheme is illustrated through the comparison of grinding forces and surface characteristics.
Experiences and Perceived Benefits of a Youth Skateboarding Program in South Africa: From the Physical to Emotional and Beyond
Authors: Sorsdahl Katherine , Davies Thandi , Jensel Charl , Oberholzer Dallas , Gelberg Lillian , van der Westhuizen Claire
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to assess the mental health needs and risk behaviors of adolescents attending an afterschool life-skills skateboarding program, to evaluate the perceived benefits of the program, and to identify potential modifications required to meet the identified needs. Program participants were from three gang- and poverty-affected urban communities in Cape Town, South Africa. Seventy-six adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years old (83% male) completed a self-report survey, and 24 adolescents and 19 key influencers participated in in-depth interviews and focus groups. Descriptive analyses were conducted on survey data and a framework approach was used to analyze qualitative data. 72% of the adolescents reported symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety and/or depressive symptoms, 66% had experienced food insecurity, 45% had been physically abused at home, 47% had been bullied, and 59% had used alcohol. Benefits of the program included experiencing a sense of belonging to a skateboarding subculture, protection from gang recruitment and community violence, physical and emotional benefits of exercise, mentors as positive role models, and learning life skills. Recommendations to improve the program were to include information on depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and grief, and to include stress management and emotion regulation skills.
Direct compensation of the spindle rotation error with an active hydrostatic journal bearing system
Authors: Xu Chunwang , Chen Shujiang , Lu Changhou , Wang Kang , Sun Jiaheng
Published: October 2021

Spindle rotation accuracy is important in machining process. Indirect compensation of spindle rotation error has been widely adopted in the field of machining accuracy improvement. However, there are some limitations on indirect compensation, and a little research on direct compensation can be found. This article utilizes active lubrication technology to improve the spindle rotation accuracy. Hydrostatic journal bearing with control recesses and servo valve drove by piezoelectric ceramics are adopted to compose the compensation element. The simple control strategy PID is adopted to provide control signal for servo valve. Both simulation and experiment are designed and conducted. The results show that proposed bearing system has the ability to improve the spindle rotation accuracy.
Entropy generation analysis of radiative Williamson fluid flow in an inclined microchannel with multiple slip and convective heating boundary effects
Authors: Shashikumar NS , Thriveni K. , Madhu Macha , Mahanthesh B. , Gireesha BJ , Kishan N.
Published: October 2021

The main theme of the current work is to investigate the flow and heat transport characteristics of non-Newtonian Williamson fluid in an inclined micro-channel along with entropy generation analysis. The significance of the thermal radiation, convective boundary condition, and multiple slip effects is explored. The entropy generation of the system has been analyzed by adopting the 2nd law of thermodynamics. The rheological expressions of the Williamson fluid model are also taken into account. The nonlinear system is tackled by using the finite element method. An appropriate comparison has been made with previously published results in the literature as a limiting case of the considered problem. The comparison confirmed an excellent agreement. Detailed discussion of the significance of effective parameters on Bejan number, entropy generation rate, temperature and velocity is presented through graphs. The numerical results portray that the entropy generation and Bejan number have escalating behavior to the higher value of angle of inclination. Furthermore, the Bejan number changing its behavior at two points for different values of Reynolds’ number.
Sensitivity analysis for operating loads in fatigue design of railway vehicles
Authors: Kraft Sönke , Lüdicke Daniel
Published: October 2021

For the reliable simulation-based fatigue design of railway vehicles, the operation conditions and resulting loads over the lifespan of the vehicle have to be considered. After introducing the relevant fatigue loads on the vehicle and the methods for modelling the fatigue damage, this work aims at analysing the influence of the operating conditions and loads on the damage using sensitivity analysis. Two approaches are studied: the variance-based sensitivity analysis of the loads acting on the car body and the influence of different operating conditions using statistical values per track section. The loads are obtained from multi-body simulations and the damage is estimated using both physical FE-models and meta-models. The performances of linear regression models and polynomial chaos models are evaluated. The proposed sensitivity analysis is applied to the highspeed train being developed in the Next Generation Train (NGT) project at DLR and will serve as a basis for the virtual design and reliability analysis.
Behavioural interventions yield electricity savings among high-income households in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Williams Stephanie P , Thondhlana Gladman , Kua Harn Wei
Published: October 2021

The societal benefits of addressing wasteful electricity use practices through behavioural interventions are now well-established. Surprisingly, in South Africa, where the economy is highly dependent on fossil fuel (coal) for electricity generation, this subject remains little studied and understood. The residential sector is a major electricity consumer, and high-income households, in particular, use a substantial proportion of total electricity with serious adverse impacts on grid stability and the environment, which can disproportionately affect the poor. Using a field-based experiment, this study examines the impact of behavioural interventions on household electricity savings and the determinants of success among high-income households in Johannesburg, South Africa. Over the intervention period, households exposed to a combination of electricity-saving information, frequent reminders and feedback on monthly electricity-saving performance showed mean electricity savings of about 1.5%, ranging from 2% to 4% of electricity, while households in the control group showed increased electricity consumption by approximately 11%. Out of all the demographic and personal value factors considered, age, achievement and benevolence promoted electricity savings, while household size, number of rooms, baseline electricity consumption and security inhibited savings. The findings empirically validate the impact of behavioural interventions on, and the positive influence of, personal values in promoting participation in electricity-saving actions within households.
Multi-scale finite element modeling of bending behavior of 3D multi-cell spacer weft-knitted composites with different structures
Authors: Yang Can , Lu Ming , Eskenati Amir Reza
Published: October 2021

In the present study, a multi-scale finite element model is proposed to predict the linear and nonlinear behavior of the 3D multi-cell spacer weft-knitted composite under bending load. In this study, a unit-cell of the composite which includes plain and biaxial weft-knitted structures was modeled at the meso scale. Periodic boundary conditions were applied to the meso model to calculate the elastic constants of each composite structure. In order to obtain failure parameters of the composites, the Puck failure criterion model was utilized by a VUMAT code for the meso model. Afterward, the elastic constants of the composites based on a Python code were extracted from the meso model. Moreover, failure parameters that include tensile and compressive strength through the fiber and transverse directions were obtained from the meso model. All elastic and failure parameters were used for the macro model which is created with different profiles under bending load. The numerical results at the meso scale showed that the presence of the weft and warp yarns inside the biaxial weft-knitted composite increases the strength of the composite through the course and wale directions. Moreover, the stiffness of the composite would be improved. So, the samples that contained a biaxial composite had more stiffness and bending strength in comparison with plain composite samples because the top and bottom layers were manufactured by the biaxial weft-knitted structure. Besides, the comparison between numerical and experimental force–deflection curves showed that the proposed model could predict the linear and nonlinear behavior of the composites with high accuracy. So, this model can be used for other textile composites with complex shapes to predict the mechanical behavior of them.
Access to Diagnostic Services Through Health Insurance Schemes: Lessons from a Southern Indian State for Post-COVID Era
Authors: RamPrakash Rajalakshmi , Arun Joe
Published: October 2021

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has reiterated the importance of diagnostic services in ensuring public health of a nation. Access to timely diagnostic services can be limited because of non-availability and inability to pay, especially in lower-middle-income countries. The need for testing for COVID-19 and other diseases is likely to increase in the coming years. An innovative publicly funded health insurance scheme is being implemented in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, India since 2012 for providing financial protection and improving access to diagnostic services. Secondary data pertaining to empanelled public and private diagnostic centres, procedures covered, package rates and claims were procured from the state government and analysed. The article discusses the findings using the World Health Organization’s Universal Health Coverage framework. It argues that public policies providing health protection must explicitly include diagnostic services to fulfil the aim of leaving no one behind in the post-COVID world.
Trends, Sociodemographic and Hospital-Level Factors Associated With Palliative Care Utilization Among Multiple Myeloma Patients Using the National Inpatient Sample (2016-2018)
Authors: Jackson Inimfon , Jackson Nsikak , Etuk Aniekeme
Published: October 2021

Background:

Several factors are reported to be associated with palliative care utilization among patients with various cancers, but literature is lacking on multiple myeloma (MM) specific factors. MM patients have a high symptom burden and early involvement of palliative could increase their quality of life. We examined factors associated with palliative care utilization among MM patients and explored prevalence trends in palliative care utilization among patients with MM.

Methods:

Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using the National Inpatient Sample data collected between 2016 and 2018. Descriptive analyses were used to explore prevalence trends in palliative care utilization over time. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine sociodemographic and hospital-level factors associated with palliative care utilization in MM patients.

Results:

Overall prevalence of palliative care utilization in our population was 7.7% with a trend of increasing use of palliative care from 7.3% in 2016 to 8.2% in 2018. MM patients aged 70 years and above had 1.30 times higher odds (95% CI: 1.20-1.42) of receiving palliative care relative to those younger than 70 years. Compared to non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.86; 95% CI: 0.79-0.94) were less likely to utilize palliative care. Patients on Medicaid (AOR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.08-1.49), private insurance (AOR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.16-1.39) and other insurance types (AOR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.79-2.47) had significantly higher odds of receiving palliative care when compared to those on Medicare. Other factors identified were hospital region, location, patient disposition, admission type, length of stay, and number of comorbidities.

Conclusion:

Our findings highlight the urgent need for education of hospital physicians on the need for early palliative care involvement in the care of hospitalized MM patients. Messaging interventions such as the delivery of pop-up messages in electronic medical records to serve as reminders for physicians can be explored as a potential way to increase palliative care consultations for patients who need them.
Evidence-Based and Culturally Sustaining Practices for Diverse Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Nandakumar Vandana , McCree Nikita , Green Ambra L.
Published: October 2021

Children from diverse backgrounds are more likely to receive special education services for emotional or behavioral disorders. These data validate the research that advocates for practitioners to use evidence-based and culturally sustaining practices. This article discusses how strategically implemented, evidence-based, and culturally sustaining practices can assist in preventing inaccurate referrals for special education services.
Nurse Burnout in Hospice and Palliative Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Frechman Erica , Wright Patricia M.
Published: October 2021

Burnout in hospice and palliative care nurses is a growing issue, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, few studies have focused specifically on burnout in this population. A scoping review was undertaken to identify what is known about burnout among hospice and palliative care nurses, and to unify disparate findings. Analysis of eight articles revealed three overarching categories: personal factors, organizational/workplace factors, and nursing professional development factors. Each category was then divided into three cross-cutting subcategories: contributory and noncontributory factors, mitigating factors, and workplace issues. Recommendations for individuals include self-care as well as self-awareness of intrinsic characteristics that can predispose one to burnout. Within the workplace, leaders are challenged to support evidence-based practice and ongoing education. Role modeling positive communication skills, effective conflict mitigation, responsiveness, promotion of equity, and workplace commitment also help to create a culture of wellness. Nursing professional development may aid in resilience-building, and promotion of self-efficacy, self-confidence, and assertiveness. Although all identified recommendations were derived from the literature, no interventional studies have been conducted to test the effects of suggested interventions. Future research should include interventional studies as well as qualitative research to capture nuanced experiences of burnout in hospice and palliative care nurses.