bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Forgotten Antiproteinuric Properties of Diuretics
Authors: Trujillo Hernando , Caravaca-Fontán Fernando , Caro Jara , Morales Enrique , Praga Manuel
Published: July 2021

Background: Although diuretics are one of the most widely used drugs by nephrologists, their antiproteinuric properties are not generally taken into consideration. Summary: Thiazide diuretics have been shown to reduce proteinuria by >35% in several prospective controlled studies, and these values are markedly increased when combined with a low-salt diet. Thiazide-like diuretics (indapamide and chlorthalidone) have shown similar effectiveness. The antiproteinuric effect of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (spironolactone, eplerenone, and finerenone) has been clearly established through prospective and controlled studies, and treatment with finerenone reduces the risk of chronic kidney disease progression in type-2 diabetic patients. The efficacy of other diuretics such as amiloride, triamterene, acetazolamide, or loop diuretics has been less explored, but different investigations suggest that they might share the same antiproteinuric properties of other diuretics that should be evaluated through controlled studies. Although the inclusion of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) among diuretics is a controversial issue, their renoprotective and cardioprotective properties, confirmed in various landmark trials, constitute a true revolution in the treatment of patients with kidney disease. Recent subanalyses of these trials have shown that the early antiproteinuric effect induced by SGLT2i predicts long-term preservation of kidney function. Key Message: Whether the early reduction in proteinuria induced by diuretics other than finerenone and SGLT2i, as summarized in this review, also translates into long-term renoprotection requires further prospective and observational studies. In any case, it is important for the clinician to be aware of the antiproteinuric properties of drugs so often used in daily clinical practice.
Comparing the Prognostic Impact of Prediabetes with Diabetes in a Nationwide Cohort of Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndromes: An Analysis of the START Registry
Authors: De Luca Leonardo , Gabrielli Domenico , Gonzini Lucio , Riccio Carmine , Arena Giuseppe , Miserrafiti Bruna , Mortara Andrea , Colivicchi Furio , Gulizia Michele Massimo , Temporelli Pier Luigi ,   on behalf of the START Investigators
Published: July 2021

Aims: Using data from the nationwide prospective START registry that enrolled a large cohort of patients with chronic coronary syndromes (CCS), we aimed to investigate whether the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and pre-DM independently affected the risk of cardiovascular events at 1-year follow-up. Methods: We assessed the impact of DM and pre-DM on all-cause mortality and a composite of all-cause mortality and hospitalization for cardiovascular causes at 1-year follow-up. Results: Among the 3,778 patients with available fasting plasma glucose data at study entry, 37% were classified as DM, 25% as pre-DM, and 38% as no DM. At 1 year, patients with DM had higher rates of all-cause death (p = 0.004) and death/cardiovascular hospitalization (p = 0.003) than those with pre-DM or without DM. Conversely, no significant differences in the adverse event rate were found between patients with pre-DM and those without DM. At unadjusted Cox analysis, DM resulted as a predictor of both death for any cause (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.41; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.34–4.34; p = 0.003) and all-cause death/hospitalization for cardiovascular causes (HR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.02–1.62; p = 0.03). However, DM did not result as an independent predictor of either endpoint at multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The risk of 1-year major events among patients with CCS and pre-DM is comparable to that of patients with CCS and normoglycemic status and is lower than that of patients with DM.
Idiopathic Atrial Flutter Associated with Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Preterm Newborn: A Case Report
Authors: Unde Nitin , ElHalik Mahmoud , Faquih Arif
Published: July 2021

Background: Arrhythmias in neonates are uncommon and usually affect newborns with a normal heart or associated with structural heart disease. Meanwhile, one uncommon type of supraventricular arrhythmias is atrial flutter (AF), which is reentry mechanisms in the atrium. The AF may result in heart failure or even death, but the majority of its cases have revealed favorable prognosis in the event of early prenatal diagnosis and immediate treatment [J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006;48:1040–6, Semin Fetal Neonatal Med. 2006;11:182–90, and Arch Argent Pediatr. 2007;105:427–35]. A persistent tachyarrhythmia can progress to a state of cardiac dysfunction known as tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. While this may be a rare cause of dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure in children, the condition is usually reversible and should be considered in newborn and infants [Europace. 2011;14(4):466–473]. Case Report: A preterm 33+1-week male newborn with birth weight 2,790 g was delivered through cesarean section. The baby presented with tachycardia after birth associated with respiratory distress. The physical examination showed heart rate >220/min, and ECG showed “saw tooth pattern” after intravenous adenosine boluses confirming diagnosis of AF (2-3:1). The heart rate reverted to sinus rhythm after synchronized cardioversion. Due to poor LV myocardial performance with dilated chambers, the baby received intravenous milrinone, followed by oral captopril. The baby was discharged on oral medications in perfect clinical condition, and follow-up showed no recurrence AF with improved cardiac function. Conclusion: Despite the rare occurrence, AF should be considered in differential diagnosis of newborn arrhythmia and diagnosed after intravenous adenosine injection. In few cases, AF can be associated with dilated cardiomyopathy which is a reversible condition.
Visceral Mycotic Aneurysm: Superior Mesenteric Artery Aneurysm Caused by K. pneumoniae
Authors: Almasoud Reham , Nwilati Alaaeddin , Bayazid Saeb , Shafaamri Mamoun
Published: July 2021

We herein report a rare case of mycotic aneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. A 66-year-old man, a known case of hypertension and aorto-oesophageal fistula with stented aorta in 2010 and 2018, presented to the emergency department multiple times over 2 months with severe postprandial abdominal pain associated with vomiting and fever. On his last presentation, the obtained blood cultures grew ESBL positive K. pneumoniae and a repeated computed tomography (CT) showed a growing aneurysm at the origin of the ileocecal branch of the superior mesenteric artery measuring 17 × 10 mm (the aneurysm was 8 × 7.5 mm in the CT angiography on the previous admission). Extensive workup did not reveal the underlying cause of the mycotic aneurysm, thus we believe the cause to be the infected aortic stent, leading to bacteraemia and vegetations to the mesenteric artery causing the aneurysm. The management plan was placed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of vascular surgeons and infectious disease specialists along with review from a dietician to evaluate the patient’s nutritional status. The patient was started on total parenteral nutrition due to his postprandial pain and on antibiotic therapy according to the infectious disease team’s recommendation. He underwent surgical resection of the mycotic aneurysm, which showed a thrombosed aneurysm in the jejunoileal mesenteric area. The histopathology of the resected tissue demonstrated inflammatory aneurysm of the mesenteric artery. Following the surgery, the patient continued his antibiotic therapy and was discharged on the 13th post-operative day with follow-up appointments in the vascular surgery and infectious disease clinic.
Microstrip patch antenna with metamaterial using superstrate technique for wireless communication
Authors: Salih Rasha Mahdi , Jassim Ali Khalid
Published: July 2021

This work builds a metamaterial (MTM) superstrate loaded on a patch of microstrip antenna for wireless communications. The MTM superstrate is made up of four G-shaped resonators on FR-4 substrate with a relative permittivity of 4.4 and has a total area of (8×16) mm2, and is higher than the patch. The MTM superstrate increases antenna gain while also raising the input reflection coefficient. When it is 9 mm above the patch, the gain increased from 3.28 dB to 6.02 dB, and when it is 7 mm above the patch, the input reflection coefficient was enhanced from -31.217 dB to -45.8 dB. When the MTM superstrate loaded antenna was compared to the traditional unloaded antenna, it was discovered that metamaterials have a lot of potential for improving antenna performance.
A multi domains short message sentiment classification using hybrid neural network architecture
Authors: Munandar Devi , Rozie Andri Fachrur , Arisal Andria
Published: July 2021

Sentiment analysis of short texts is challenging because of its limited context of information. It becomes more challenging to be done on limited resource language like Bahasa Indonesia. However, with various deep learning techniques, it can give pretty good accuracy. This paper explores several deep learning methods, such as multilayer perceptron (MLP), convolutional neural network (CNN), long short-term memory (LSTM), and builds combinations of those three architectures. The combinations of those three architectures are intended to get the best of those architecture models. The MLP accommodates the use of the previous model to obtain classification output. The CNN layer extracts the word feature vector from text sequences. Subsequently, the LSTM repetitively selects or discards feature sequences based on their context. Those advantages are useful for different domain datasets. The experiments on sentiment analysis of short text in Bahasa Indonesia show that hybrid models can obtain better performance, and the same architecture can be directly used in another domain-specific dataset.
5G cognitive radio system design with new algorithm asynchronous spectrum sensing
Authors: Saleh Mohammed Mehdi , Abbas Ahmed A. , Hammoodi Ahmed
Published: July 2021

Due to the rapid increase in wireless applications and the number of users, spectrum scarcity, energy consumption and latency issues will emerge, notably in the fifth generation (5G) system. Cognitive radio (CR) has emerged as the primary technology to address these challenges, allowing opportunist spectrum access as well as the ability to analyze, observe, and learn how to respond to environmental 5G conditions. The CR has the ability to sense the spectrum and detect empty bands in order to use underutilized frequency bands without causing unwanted interference with legacy networks. In this paper, we presented a spectrum sensing algorithm based on energy detection that allows secondary user SU to transmit asynchronously with primary user PU without causing harmful interference. This algorithm reduced the sensing time required to scan the whole frequency band by dividing it into n sub-bands that are all scanned at the same time. Also, this algorithm allows cognitive radio networks (CRN) nodes to select their operating band without requiring cooperation with licensed users. According to the BER, secondary users have better performance compared with primary users.
Pneumonia detection using butterfly optimization and hybrid butterfly optimization algorithm
Authors: Khaleel Baydaa I. , Ahmed Manar Y.
Published: July 2021

Pneumonia affects so many people around the world, which leads to many of them being killed. In order to identify and diagnose the disease, the patient must first undergo an x-ray scan of the chest (CXR). Disease will be identified according to the CXR images. Software diagnostic tools are used to help decision-making and to promote the pneumonia diagnosis process. From these tools is the gray level distribution moments (GLDM) algorithm which is used for CXR image features extraction, and we used the meta-heuristic algorithm representing the basic butterfly optimization algorithm using lèvy flight (BOALF) and the modified butterfly optimization algorithm (BOARN) to detect pneumonia on the basis of these extracted features. And then we've also been making hybrid between the BOA with fuzzy membership function to get as novel method called it fuzzy butterfly optimization algorithm (FBOA). These methods were based on various x-ray images of the chest. In testing phase, the proposed method obtained the highest diagnostic rate of the disease compared to the other two methods in this work.
A low cost SSVEP-EEG based human-computer-interaction system for completely locked-in patients
Authors: Dilshad Azhar , Uddin Vali , Tanweer Muhammad Rizwan , Javid Tariq
Published: July 2021

Human computer interaction (HCI) for completely locked-in patients is a very difficult task. Nowadays, information technology (IT) is becoming an essential part of human life. Patients with completely locked-in state are generally unable to facilitate themselves by these useful technological advancements. Hence, they cannot use modern IT gadgets and applications throughout the lifespan after disability. Advancements in brain computer interface (BCI) enable operating IT devices using brain signals specifically when a person is unable to interact with the devices in conventional manner due to cognitive motor disability. However, existing state-of-the-art application specific BCI devices are comparatively too expensive. This paper presents a research and development work that aims to design and develop a low-cost general purpose HCI system that can be used to operate computers and a general purpose control panel through brain signals. The system is based on steady state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP). In proposed system, these electrical signals are obtained in response of a number of different flickering lights of different frequencies through electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes and an open source BCI hardware. Successful trails conducted on healthy participants suggest that severely paralyzed subjects can operate a computer or control panel as an alternative to conventional HCI device.
Compensating the performance of permanent magnet synchronous machines for fully electric vehicle using LPV control
Authors: Muazzam Hassam , Ishak Mohamad Khairi , Hanif Athar
Published: July 2021

The state-of-the-art robust H∞ linear parameter-varying controller is designed for wide speed operating range for non-linear mathematical model of permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSM) in d-q reference frame for fully electric vehicle. This study propose polytopic approach using rotor speed as scheduling variable to reformulate mathematical model of PMSM into linear parameter varying (LPV) form. The weights were optimized for sensitivity and complementary sensitivity function. The simulation results illustrate fast tracking and enhanced performance of the proposed control technique over wide range of rotor speed. Moreover, as part of this work, the results of H∞ linear parameter varying controller is validated by comparing it with linear quadratic integrator and proportional integral derivative (PID) control techniques to show the effectiveness of the proposed control technique.
Novel load balancing approach based on ant colony optimization technique in cloud computing
Authors: Alyouzbaki Yasameen A. Ghani , Al-Rawi Muaayed F.
Published: July 2021

The cloud is the framework in which communication is connected with virtual machines, data centers, hosts, and brokers. The broker searches for a highly reliable cloudlet virtual machine for execution. Vulnerability can occur in the network because of which framework gets overburden. A research strategy is introduced in this article to expand the fault tolerance of the framework. The proposed approach improvement depends on the algorithm of ant colony optimization (ACO) that can choose the better virtual machine on which is to migrate the cloudlet to reduce the execution time and energy consumption. The efficiency of the proposed approach simulated in terms of execution time, energy consumption and examined with CloudSim. The introduction is provided in this article with a detailed description of cloud computing and, in addition, green cloud computing with its models. This article also discussed the virtual machine (VM) in more depth in the introduction section, which allows cloud service providers to supervise cloud resources competently while dispensing with the need for human oversight. Then the article submitted and explained the related works with their discussion and then it explained the novel proposed load balancing based on ACO technique and concluded that the execution time and energy consumption of the proposed technique is better than the three-threshold energy saving algorithm (TESA) technique that is commonly used in cloud load balancing.
Optimum PID controller for airplane wing tires based on gravitational search algorithm
Authors: Mutlag Ammar Hussein , Mohammed Salim Omar Nameer , Mahdi Siraj Qays
Published: July 2021

In this paper, the gravitational search algorithm (GSA) is proposed as a method for controlling the opening and closing of airplane wing tires. The GSA is used to find the optimum proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller, which controls the wing tires during take-off and landing. In addition, the GSA is suggested as an approach for overcoming the absence of the transfer function, which is usually required to design the optimum PID. The use of the GSA is expected to improve the system. Two of the most popular optimisation algorithms-the harmony search algorithm (HSA) and the particle swarm optimisation (PSO)-were used for the sake of comparison. Moreover, the GSA-, HSA- and PSO-based optimum PID controllers were compared with one of the most important PID tuning methods, the Ziegler-Nichols (ZN) method. In this study, the integral time absolute error (ITAE) was used as a fitness function. First, four transfer functions for different applications were used to compare the performance of the GSA-based PID (PID-GSA), HSA-based PID (PID-HSA), PSO-based PID (PID-PSO) and Ziegler-Nichols-based PID (PID-ZN). Next, the GSA was used to design the optimum PID controller for the opening and closing systems of the airplane wing tires. The results reveal that the GSA provides better outcomes in terms of ITAE when compared with the other adopted algorithms. Furthermore, the GSA demonstrates a fast and robust response to reference variation.
Robust speaker verification by combining MFCC and entrocy in noisy conditions
Authors: Mohammed Duraid Y. , Al-Karawi Khamis , Aljuboori Ahmed
Published: July 2021

Automatic speaker recognition may achieve remarkable performance in matched training and test conditions. Conversely, results drop significantly in incompatible noisy conditions. Furthermore, feature extraction significantly affects performance. Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients MFCCs are most commonly used in this field of study. The literature has reported that the conditions for training and testing are highly correlated. Taken together, these facts support strong recommendations for using MFCC features in similar environmental conditions (train/test) for speaker recognition. However, with noise and reverberation present, MFCC performance is not reliable. To address this, we propose a new feature 'entrocy' for accurate and robust speaker recognition, which we mainly employ to support MFCC coefficients in noisy environments. Entrocy is the fourier transform of the entropy, a measure of the fluctuation of the information in sound segments over time. Entrocy features are combined with MFCCs to generate a composite feature set which is tested using the gaussian mixture model (GMM) speaker recognition method. The proposed method shows improved recognition accuracy over a range of signal-to-noise ratios.
Robotic arm joint position control using iterative learning and mixed sensitivity H∞ robust controller
Authors: Sutyasadi Petrus , Wicaksono Martinus Bagus
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes an improved control strategy of a robotic arm joint using hybrid controller consist of H∞ robust controller and iterative learning controller. The main advantage of this controller is the simple structure that made it possible to be implemented on a small embedded system for frugal innovation in industrial robotic arm development. Although it has a simple structure, it is a robust H∞ controller that has robust stability and robust performance. The iterative learning controller makes the trajectory tracking even better. To test the effectiveness of the proposed method, computer simulations using Matlab and hardware experiments were conducted. Variation of load was applied to both of the processes to present the uncertainties. The superiority of the proposed controller over the proportional integral derivative (PID) controller that usually being used in a low-cost robotic arm development is confirmed that it has better trajectory tracking. The error tracking along the slope of sinusoidal trajectory input was suppressed to zero. The biggest error along the trajectory that happened on every peak of the sinusoidal input, or when the direction is changed has been improved from 15 degrees to 4 degrees. This can be conceived that the proposed controller can be applied to control a low-cost robotic arm joint position which is applicable for small industries or educational purpose.
Estimation of lithium-ion battery state-of-charge using an extended kalman filter
Authors: Lagraoui Mouhssine , Nejmi Ali , Rayhane Hassan , Taouni Abderrahim
Published: July 2021

The main goal of a battery management system (BMS) is to estimate parameters descriptive of the battery pack operating conditions in real-time. One of the most critical aspects of BMS systems is estimating the battery's state of charge (SOC). However, in the case of a lithium-ion battery, it is not easy to provide an accurate estimate of the state of charge. In the present paper we propose a mechanism based on an extended kalman filter (EKF) to improve the state-of-charge estimation accuracy on lithium-ion cells. The paper covers the cell modeling and the system parameters identification requirements, the experimental tests, and results analysis. We first established a mathematical model representing the dynamics of a cell. We adopted a model that comprehends terms that describe the dynamic parameters like SOC, open-circuit voltage, transfer resistance, ohmic loss, diffusion capacitance, and resistance. Then, we performed the appropriate battery discharge tests to identify the parameters of the model. Finally, the EKF filter applied to the cell test data has shown high precision in SOC estimation, even in a noisy system.
Hybrid renewable energy photovoltaic and darrieus VAWT as propulsion fuel of prototype catamaran ship
Authors: Setiawan Budhy , Putra Ekananda Sulistyo , Siradjuddin Indrazno
Published: July 2021

Currently, marine transportation in the world still uses fossil fuels. In addition to running low on supplies, fossil fuels also cause emissions that cause global warming. Sea transportation generates around 1,000 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. Therefore, the exploration of alternative energy is becoming a popular research direction. Several renewable energy sources include solar and wind energy. Indonesia has an average wind speed of above 8 m/s at sea. Also, the energy potential of the sun is around 4.8 kWh/m2. Based on the potential of these renewable energy sources, this study discusses the potential of renewable energy sources from sunlight and wind, which are implemented in the prototype catamaran ship. The results obtained from the experiment, the total energy of photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine generators is 774 Wh. This energy can be used to charge a battery with a battery specification of 35Ah for 6 hours.
Stakeholders’ Awareness and Acceptability of University’s Vision and Mission, and Teacher Education Program Goals and Objectives in a State Institution in Central Luzon, Philippines
Authors: Garcia Susana S. , Rogayan Danilo V. , Gagasa Kenn Lesley M.
Published: July 2021

The vision, mission, goals and objectives (VMGO) of any institution serve as its founding pillars in realizing its thrusts, mandates and aspirations. This descriptive cross-sectional survey research gauged the level of awareness and acceptability of the stakeholders on the university vision and mission statement, and the goals and objectives of the teacher education programs of a state institution in Central Luzon, Philippines. A total of 118 stakeholders, composed of administrators, faculty members, staff, alumni and students, served as the study respondents. Results showed that the stakeholders are very much aware of the university’s new vision statement and mission. They are also very much aware on the goals and objectives of the teacher education programs. Almost all stakeholders have full participation in the reformulation of the vision statement. Further, the VMGO are clear, understandable and acceptable as assessed by the university stakeholders. Massive information dissemination of the VMGO in all types of media is recommended. Stakeholders are also encouraged to take part in the realization of the university’s target outcomes and mandates
Dor e fixadores externos: avaliação e tratamento
Authors: Imamura Marta , Targa Walter Hamilton de Castro , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Yeng Lin Tchia , Imamura Satiko Tomikawa
Published: July 2021

A dor é a principal causa de retardo na aquisição funcional nos doentes em uso de fixadores externos. O objetivo do presente trabalho é o de avaliar os achados clínicos e os resultados do tratamento da dor em 20 doentes portadores de dor com características neuropáticas durante a vigência do uso de fixador externo tipo Ilizarov nos membros inferiores. O tratamento consiste na utilização de medicamentos analgésicos de ação central associados a anti-inflamatórios não hormonais e medidas de medicina física que incluem compressas de gelo, termo terapia profunda com ultrassom e neuroestimulação do sistema nervoso periférico. Um doente recebeu bloqueio simpático. Os resultados demonstraram alívio sintomático da dor neuropática em 80,9% dos casos, a que possibilitou a permanência do fixador nos membros e abordagem reabilitacional intensiva objetivando ganho funcional durante a vigência do tratamento ortopédico.
Algumas verdades sobre a clínica fisiátrica do ombro doloroso
Authors: Leitão Raimundo Edson de Araujo , Leitão Valéria de Araujo
Published: July 2021

Em caso de ombro doloroso determinado por bursite aguda, não aplique nenhuma forma de calor. Tal procedimento irá certamente aumentar o sofrimento do paciente. Aplique gelo e mantenha o ombro em repouso. Prescreva uma tipóia. Nas bursites agudas do ombro ou de qualquer outra região do corpo, aplique gelo durante dez a quinze minutos, de duas em duas horas. Alivia a dor e reduz o processo inflamatório.
Nearness to the Real
Authors: Schechter Arthur
Published: July 2021

This article presents the theory of sainthood found in the writings of Dāwūd al-Qayṣarī (d. 751/1350), a major commentator on the Sufi thought of Ibn ʿArabī (d. 638/1240). Building on previous philosophical interpretations of Ibn ʿArabī’s thought to systematize the worldview now known as the “Oneness of Being” (waḥdat al-wujūd), Qayṣarī also developed a sophisticated theory of sainthood that not only described, but explained in detail what a saint was, how to become one, and what made the methods for doing so effective. After a historical introduction, I examine the principles of Qayṣarī’s hagiology in the broader context of his worldview, with special attention to his innovative use of philosophical language. Finally, my analysis of the spiritual path in Qayṣarī’s writings shows the consistency with which his account of Sufi wayfaring reflects these principles, according to which the acquisition of sainthood was a journey from the particular to the universal.
PU composites based on different types of textile fibers
Authors: Gama Nuno , Godinho B , Barros-Timmons Ana , Ferreira Artur
Published: July 2021

In this study polyurethane (PU) residues were mixed with residues of textile fibers (cotton, wool and synthetic fibers up to 70 wt/wt) to produce 100% recycled composites. In addition, the effect of the type of fiber on the performance of the ensuing composites was evaluated. The presence of fibers showed similar effect on the density, reducing the density in the 5.5-9.0% range. In a similar manner, the addition of fillers decreased their thermal conductivity. The 70 wt/wt wool composite presented 38.1% lower thermal conductivity when compared to the neat matrix, a reduction that was similar for the other type of fibers. Moreover, the presence of fillers yields stiffer materials, especially in the case of the Wool based composites, which with 70 wt/wt of filler content increased the tensile modulus of the ensuing material 3.4 times. This was attributed to the aspect ratio and stiffness of this type of fiber. Finally, the high-water absorption and lower thermal stability observed, especially in the case of the natural fibers, was associated with the hydrophilic nature of fibers and porosity of composites. Overall, the results suggest that these textile-based composites are suitable for construction and automotive applications, with the advantage of being produced from 100% recycled raw-materials, without compromised performance.
Linguistic and Personological Features of the Doka and Martin Grieving Style Continuum
Authors: Geisler James , Dykeman Cass
Published: July 2021

While there is extensive research on the adaptive grief styles developed by Doka and Martin, this study is the first of its kind to explore the language used among each style of grief. This study used clinical vignettes from a variety of sources on instrumental and intuitive grieving in an attempt to decipher the language use across various linguistic and psychological processes. Following this analysis, latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) was used fitting a two-topic model to analyze differences between topics while additionally performing a supervised LDA analysis. The strongest data from this study relate to intuitive grief, which found a higher use of present-tense language in comparison to the instrumental grief style. In addition, results found that the language used by intuitive grievers is slightly more distinguishable than that of its instrumental counterpart. Several implications for counseling and research were developed in response to these findings.
Finite element method coupled with TLBO for shape control optimization of piezoelectric bimorph in COMSOL Multiphysics
Authors: Sumit  , Shukla Rahul , Sinha A K
Published: July 2021

Finite element methods (FEMs) are more advantageous for analyzing complex geometry and structures than analytical methods. Local search optimization techniques are suitable for the unimodal problem because final result depends on the starting point. On the other hand, to optimize the parameters of multi-minima/maxima problems, global optimization-based FEM is used. Unfortunately, global optimization solvers are not present in, COMSOL Multiphysics, a versatile tool for solving varieties of problems using FEM. Teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO) is a global optimization technique and does not require any algorithm-specific parameter. In this paper, FEM is coupled with TLBO algorithms in COMSOL Multiphysics for solving the global optimization problem. The TLBO algorithm is implemented in COMSOL Multiphysics using the JAVA application programming interface and tested with the standard benchmark functions. The solutions of the standard benchmark problem in COMSOL Multiphysics are in close agreement with the results presented in literature. Furthermore, the optimization procedure thus established is used for the optimization of actuator voltage for piezoelectric bimorphs to achieve the desired shapes. The FEM-based TLBO method is compared with two optimization methods present in COMSOL Multiphysics for a shape control problem; (i) method of moving asymptotes (MMA) and (ii) Bound Optimization BY Quadratic Approximation (BOBYQA). The root mean square error shows that the FEM-based TLBO algorithm converges to a global minimum and gives the same result (19.3 nm) at multiple runs, whereas MMA and BOBYQA trapped in local minimum and gave different results for different starting points.
Hospital Staff’s Adherence to Information Security Policy: A Quest for the Antecedents of Deterrence Variables
Authors: Kuo Kuang-Ming , Talley Paul C. , Lin Dyi-Yih Michael
Published: July 2021

Information security has come to the forefront as an organizational priority since information systems are considered as some of the most important assets for achieving competitive advantages. Despite huge capital expenditures devoted to information security, the occurrence of security breaches is still very much on the rise. More studies are thus required to inform organizations with a better insight on how to adequately promote information security. To address this issue, this study investigates important factors influencing hospital staff’s adherence to Information Security Policy (ISP). Deterrence theory is adopted as the theoretical underpinning, in which punishment severity and punishment certainty are recognized as the most significant predictors of ISP adherence. Further, this study attempts to identify the antecedents of punishment severity and punishment certainty by drawing from upper echelon theory and well-acknowledged international standards of IS security practices. A survey approach was used to collect 299 valid responses from a large Taiwanese healthcare system, and hypotheses were tested by applying partial least squares-based structural equation modeling. Our empirical results show that Security Education, Training, and Awareness (SETA) programs, combined with internal auditing effectiveness are significant predictors of punishment severity and punishment certainty, while top management support is not. Further, punishment severity and punishment certainty are significant predictors of hospital staff’s ISP adherence intention. Our study highlights the importance of SETA programs and internal auditing for reinforcing hospital staff’s perceptions on punishment concerning ISP violation, hospitals can thus propose better internal strategies to improve their staff’s ISP compliance intention accordingly.
Research changes in the properties of butadiene-nitrile rubber under various aging conditions
Authors: Davydova Mariya L , Fedorova Aytalina F
Published: July 2021

This article represents the results of a study of changes in the properties of vulcanizates based on BNR-18 butadiene-nitrile rubber containing as stabilizers the experimental spatially hindered phenols Stafen, CO3, CO4, and industrial antioxidant 6PPD, after accelerated aging (100°C 96 h) and aging under full-scale exposure in extreme climatic conditions of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) during 2 years. In winter, the air temperature reached—48°C, in summer—+36.1°C. It is shown that the experimental sterically hindered phenols more effectively under natural exposure conditions. They are characterized by the most stability in terms of strength throughout the entire exposure period. Under conditions of accelerated aging, the vulcanizate containing the industrial antioxidant 6PPD is characterized by the greatest stability of physical and mechanical properties. According to the viscoelastic characteristics obtained in the dynamic loading mode, the contribution of the presented stabilizers in maintaining resistance to temperature and deformation effects compared with unstabilized rubber is confirmed.
Policy Frameworks and Parental Choice: Using Conjoint Analysis to Understand Parental Decision Making for Child Care
Authors: Davidson Adrienne M. , Burns Samantha , Hampton Delaine , White Linda , Perlman Michal
Published: July 2021

Many children in Canada and the United States experience poor-quality child care on a regular basis. Under the rubric of “parent choice,” governments continue to permit a variety of licensed care providers (centers and homes) as well as unlicensed home child care providers. Research suggests, however, that parents are not well-informed consumers about child care services, unaware of even the basic characteristics of their child’s care. In this study, we provide findings from a latent profile analysis based on a conjoint survey conducted in Toronto, Canada to better understand the factors that influence parents’ decisions in selecting child care services. Based on responses from over 700 parents, we identify five classes of parents that reflect a range of preferences in selecting child care. However, most groups show a strong preference for licensed early childhood education and care (ECEC) options. Limitations of this study and implications for policy are discussed.
Beyond the Economic-Need Hypothesis: A Life-Course Explanation of Women’s Extended Family Living Arrangements in Chile
Authors: Palma Julieta
Published: July 2021

Previous research has mainly understood household extension as a family strategy to face economic deprivation, giving little attention to other factors affecting it. Using 2017 data from the National Socioeconomic Characterization Survey, this article evaluates the role played by economic and life-course factors in extended family living arrangements among women in family units in Chile ( n = 60,111). Results indicate that economic needs are an important driver for those seeking refuge in someone else’s home, but they are less important for those hosting other relatives within their household. Importantly, the likelihood of living in an extended household—and the position that family units occupy within the household (as head-families or subfamilies)—changes over the life span. Young women (15–34 years) are more likely to live in extended households as sub-families, while middle-aged women (45–64 years) tend to live in extended households as household heads, hosting young cohabiting couples, or lone mothers.
A Study on Moderating Role of Family-Friendly Policies in Work–Life Balance
Authors: Nayak Anuradha , Pandey Mrinalini
Published: July 2021

The present study aims to explore the relationship between work demand and work–family conflict, and family demand and family–work conflict. This study also tries to find out the moderating effect of family-friendly policies between the proposed relationships. The data for this study were collected from 217 women employees working in steel manufacturing companies of Jharkhand. The results of the study indicate that there is positive correlation between work demand and work–family conflict, and family demand and family–work conflict. Moreover, family-friendly policies are observed to significantly moderate the relationship of work demand and work–family conflict, but they do not significantly moderate the relationship of family demand and family–work conflict. This article gives insights into understanding the role of family-friendly policies to reduce the work–family conflict among women employees. A few measures are suggested, and employers should adopt such policies to minimize the work–family conflict, which can lead to better work–life balance
Early outcome and mid-term survival after open arch repair using selective antegrade cerebral perfusion
Authors: Di Marco Luca , Berardi Marianna , Murana Giacomo , Leone Alessandro , Botta Luca , Amodio Ciro , Bacchi Reggiani Maria Letizia , Di Bartolomeo Roberto , Pacini Davide
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The introduction of selective antegrade cerebral perfusion technique as method of cerebral protection improved the outcome of open arch surgery. The aim of this study was to report early outcomes using this technique.

Methods

Between 1997 and 2017, data were collected retrospectively for all patients who underwent surgical replacement of the aortic arch using selective antegrade cerebral perfusion ( n = 938). To confirm the effectiveness of this cerebral protection method, early outcome and results were evaluated.

Results

The incidence of postoperative permanent neurological dysfunction was 6.4%. Overall hospital mortality was 11.9% ( n = 112). On multivariable analysis, age >75 years, female gender, euroscore at increment of 1 point, chronic renal failure, extension of thoracic aorta replacement and CPB time emerged as independent risk factors for hospital mortality. The mid-term survival at 1, 5, 10 and 15 years was 92%, 78%, 60% and 49%, respectively. The competing risk analysis for permanent neurological dysfunction and aortic reoperations was performed excluding the patients who died during the hospital stay. The cumulative incidence of permanent neurological dysfunction and aortic reoperations was 2% at 3 years, 3% at 5 years, 6% at 10 years, 12% at 3 years, 15% at 5 years and 19% at 10 years, respectively.

Conclusions

From the early 90s to the present day, the selective antegrade cerebral perfusion has confirmed to be a useful and “safe” method of brain protection in aortic arch surgery in terms of postoperative neurological complications.
Labour-saving technology and advanced marginality – A study of unemployed workers’ experiences of displacement in Finland
Authors: Hyötyläinen Mika
Published: July 2021

The article explores the experiences of people displaced from work by the introduction of labour-saving technology in Finland. Interviews with 13 unemployed individuals are used as data. The study is underpinned by a Marxist interpretation of potentially emancipatory technology under capitalism reduced to an instrument for reorganizing skilled workers into an exploitable, precarious cadre of surplus and abstract labour. Loïc Wacquant’s thesis on advanced marginality is used as a theoretical framework to unpack and understand the little-studied experience of being displaced from work by technology. The interviewees share a sense of growing alienation and social exclusion. Feeding these experiences are capricious changes in skill-demands and deskilling under automation and robotisation of work. The experiences are exacerbated by digitalised, vertiginous and isolating job-seeking and employment services that cast responsibility on the unemployed individual. While the participants of this study were not on the brink of acute or extreme socio-economic marginalisation, their experiences are rooted in the very same social, economic and political dynamics as advanced marginality. The findings of the study help anticipate the risk of advancing marginality faced by displaced workers, if social policy reforms are not carried out in the short term. In the long term, the findings support the argument that studies on labour-saving technologies and unemployment pay closer attention to the particular role of technology under capitalism.
Persistent CO2 reactivity deficits are associated with neurological dysfunction up to one year after repetitive mild closed head injury in adolescent mice
Authors: Wu Limin , Chan Suk-Tak , Edmiston William J , Jin Gina , Levy Emily S , Kwong Kenneth K , Mannix Rebekah , Meehan William P , Chifamba Fortunate F , Lipton Jonathan O , Whalen Michael J , Chen Yin-Ching I
Published: July 2021

Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) deficits in adolescents with concussion may persist after resolution of neurological symptoms. Whether or not CVR deficits predict long term neurological function is unknown. We used adolescent mice closed head injury (CHI) models (54 g, 107 cm or 117 cm drop height), followed by blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD)-functional MRI with CO2 challenge to assess CVR and brain connectivity. At one week, 3HD 107 cm mice showed delayed BOLD responses (p = 0.0074), normal striatal connectivity, and an impaired respiratory rate response to CO2 challenge (p = 0.0061 in ΔRmax). The 107 cm group developed rotarod deficits at 6 months (p = 0.02) and altered post-CO2 brain connectivity (3-fold increase in striatum to motor cortex correlation coefficient) by one year, but resolved their CVR and respiratory rate impairments, and did not develop cognitive or circadian activity deficits. In contrast, the 117 cm group had persistent CVR (delay time: p = 0.016; washout time: p = 0.039) and circadian activity deficits (free-running period: 23.7 hr in sham vs 23.9 hr in 3HD; amplitude: 0.15 in sham vs 0.2 in 3HD; peak activity: 18 in sham vs 21 in 3HD) at one year. Persistent CVR deficits after concussion may portend long-term neurological dysfunction. Further studies are warranted to determine the utility of CVR to predict chronic neurological outcome after mild traumatic brain injury.
High-dose short-course oral corticosteroid protocol for treatment of primary frozen shoulder: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Atici Teoman , Ermutlu Cenk , Akesen Selcan , Özyalçin Ali
Published: July 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effect of high-dose prednisolone on the functional outcome of patients with early-stage primary frozen shoulder.

Methods

Eighteen patients treated with oral prednisolone at an initial dose of 1 mg/kg/day for primary frozen shoulder were retrospectively evaluated. The patients’ range of motion, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, Constant–Murley score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and visual analog scale score were recorded at baseline and at 4 weeks and 6 months after treatment.

Results

Rapid recovery of shoulder motion was noted at 4 weeks with the exception of abduction, which was maintained at 6 months. Significant improvement in pain perception and the Constant–Murley score was evident at 4 weeks and extended to 6 months. The DASH and ASES scores did not show significant improvement in the first 4 weeks but were significantly improved at 6 months.

Conclusion

High-dose oral prednisolone treatment provides rapid symptom resolution that persists long after drug discontinuation. The early treatment period is characterized by marked reduction in pain and rapid recovery of shoulder motion. Improvements in functional outcomes and disability indices tend to be more subtle in the early period but significantly improve during late treatment.
‘My scar is called adoption’: The lived experiences of Irish mothers who have lost a child through closed adoption
Authors: McNamara Deborah , Egan Jonathan , McNeela Pádraig
Published: July 2021

Previous research has continuously identified a need for a comprehensive model of working with first mothers in adoption. This gap in knowledge has hindered the development of services, to the detriment of the quality of life and well-being of this group. This study seeks to remedy this deficiency by exploring the lived experiences of Irish mothers who have lost a child through closed adoption. It aims to expand understanding of the impact of such loss, in particular exploring how it affects their journey of reconnection and reunion with their child in adulthood. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with six women from Ireland who had lost a child in this way and their narratives were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Two superordinate themes emerged from the data: ‘Motherhood concealed: the loss of autonomy and connection’ and ‘Motherhood revealed: a pathway towards autonomy and reconnection’. Within each superordinate theme, two subordinate ones were identified: ‘Dehumanised, disempowered and dismissed’, ‘Coping through disconnection’, ‘Breaking the silence’ and ‘Reunion and reconnection’. The first two of these encapsulate the loss of personal autonomy and connectedness resulting from the loss of a child and how participants coped with it. The two others describe the participants’ experiences of growth in personal autonomy and agency through the process of breaking the silence of their concealed motherhood and of reconnection and reunification with their now adult children. The findings indicate that engaging in therapeutic services and/or with adoption peer support enables participants to express their feelings of grief and move from coping strategies dominated by disconnection to ones marked by the autonomous processing of emotion and new coping patterns. The process of reunification with their children plays a significant role in this transition.