bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lattice modeling for the influence of geometrical patterns of 3D spacer fabric on tensile behavior of concrete canvas
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Wulong , Chen Huisu , Han Yudong , Zhang Jian , Han Fangyu
Published: June 2021

Tensile behavior of concrete canvas (CC) mainly depends on the geometric patterns of 3D spacer fabric. A lattice model is proposed to model the three-dimensional structure of CC to investigate the influence of geometric patterns of 3D spacer fabric on the tensile behavior of CC. The stress intensity factor is also applied into the lattice model to study the crack development of CC subjected to tensile load. The simulation results are compared to the experiments to verify the model. Finally, the influence of geometric pattern of outer layer and spacer yarns on tensile behavior of CC are simulated based on our proposed lattice model. The results indicate that the tensile strength of CC increases as the loop unit size of outer surface decreases or the amount of spacer yarns increases; the tensile strength of CC with rhombus loop unit of outer surface layer is higher than that of CC with rectangle loop unit. The tensile strength of CC significantly increases with the increasing inclination angle of spacer yarns in 3D spacer fabric. Furthermore, CC specimens subjected to uni-axial tensile exhibit a multi-cracking behavior, the average crack spacing of specimen decreases with the decreasing inclination angle of spacer yarns in tensile direction.
Two novel compound heterozygous SAG mutations in an Italian patient with Oguchi disease: A genetic and multimodal retinal imaging study
Authors: Pilotto Elisabetta , Trevisson Eva , Nacci Elisabetta Beatrice , Longhin Evelyn , Guidolin Francesca , Midena Edoardo
Published: June 2021

Background:

Oguchi disease is a rare autosomal recessive retinal dystrophy, characterized by congenital stationary blindness and caused by pathogenic variants in SAG and GRK1 genes. The present study aimed to report an Italian patient affected by Oguchi disease, evaluated by means of a multimodal retinal imaging study and harboring two novel heterozygous pathogenic variants in the SAG gene.

Materials and methods:

A 60-year-old female complaining congenital stationary night blindness was investigated through fundus photograph, optical coherence tomography (OCT), electroretinography (ERG), and genetic testing.

Results:

Fundus examination showed a golden-grayish fundus aspect. The rod response of the scotopic ERG was undetectable and mixed rod-cone response was electronegative. Fundus photographs obtained in light and in prolonged dark-adapted conditions allowed to detect the Mizuo-Nakamura phenomenon. Light condition OCT over the abnormal retinal regions showed high-intensity areas in the outer photoreceptor segment layer, that reduced with prolonged dark adaption. Genetic testing identified two rare heterozygous sequence variants in the SAG gene: NM_000541.5:c.807delA p.(Glu270Lysfs*9) and NM_000541.5:c.1047-1G>C confirming the diagnosis of Oguchi disease.

Conclusions:

We identified the first Italian compound heterozygous patient harboring two novel alterations in the SAG gene (a frameshift deletion and a splicing variant). The involvement of the SAG gene in Oguchi disease is a common finding in Japanese population, but rarely identified in Caucasians. Clinical suspicion should prompt the molecular analysis of genes associated with this condition.
How do intracranial tumors associated with visual pathways affect quadrant and sectoral based optical coherence tomography measurements: The effect of intracranial tumors on RNFL and GC-IPL thickness
Authors: Özcan Yasin , Talıpınar Sinan , Kayıran Alp , Türe Uğur
Published: June 2021

Aim:

To investigate the quantitative sectoral and regional changes of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness in different types of intracranial tumors associated with visual pathways.

Methods:

This comparative retrospective study included 58 eyes of 30 patients with intracranial tumors and the data of 62 eyes of 31 healthy subjects. The RNFL and GCIPL thicknesses were analyzed using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). The tumors were classified into ones that affect pre-geniculate and post-geniculate pathway

Results:

The mean RNFL thickness in temporal quadrant was significantly thinner in eyes with intracranial tumors affecting the pre-geniculate optic pathway compared to controls ( p  = 0.04). In contrast, the mean superior quadrant RNFL thickness was significantly thicker in eyes with brain tumors associated with post-geniculate optic pathway ( p  = 0.01). The mean GC-IPL thicknesses of the inner ring superotemporal, superonasal, inferotemporal and inferionasal sectors and outer ring superonasal and inferonasal sectors were significantly thinner in eyes with intracranial tumors affecting the pre-geniculate optic pathway compared to control eyes ( p = 0.02, p = 0.001, p = 0.02, p = 0.003, p = 0.008 and p = 0.03 respectively).

Conclusion:

The results of this study showed that significant changes can be seen in the different RNFL quadrants and GC-IPL sectors in eyes with intracranial tumors affecting pre-geniculate or post-geniculate optic pathway. OCT is a very useful imaging technique to quantify these structural changes which take place during the neurodegeneration process of visual pathways in intracranial tumors.
Lessons learnt and future directions in managing dialysis access during the COVID 19 pandemic: Patient and provider experience in the United States
Authors: Agarwal Anil K , Sequeira Adrian , Oza-Gajera Bharvi P , Ramani Karthik , Packer Jeffrey , Litchfield Terry , Nations Mary Lea , Lerma Edgar V
Published: June 2021

Background:

The COVID 19 pandemic adversely impacted delivery of preventive, routine, urgent, and essential care worldwide. Dialysis access care was particularly affected due to the lack of specific guidelines regarding procedures for its creation and maintenance. Early guidance by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid was inadvertently interpreted as guidance to stop dialysis access procedures. Prompt action by professional societies was needed to furnish detailed guidance to establish essential nature of these procedures.

Methods:

The American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology (ASDIN) issued a joint statement with Vascular Access Society of the Americas (VASA) – “Maintaining Lifelines for ESKD Patients” to clearly establish the role of vascular access as a lifeline for ESKD (End Stage Kidney Disease) patients and the importance and urgency of its timely management. ASDIN also conducted a survey in mid-2020, that was administered to the ASDIN database as well as shared with the general public via the organization’s social media platforms. The respondents reported their experiences in the care of dialysis access, practice patterns and the utility of the ASDIN-VASA statement during the COVID 19 pandemic.

Results:

Of the 2030 individual surveys sent, 581 were opened and 53 (9.1%) responses were received from different parts of the country and from different practice settings. ASDIN COVID 19 triage document was frequently utilized and 83% of respondents found the document valuable. The survey also revealed multiple obstacles, including logistical and financial issues that led to significant disruption of services.

Conclusions:

The care of dialysis access was significantly affected in the United States during the COVID 19 pandemic due to multiple reasons. ASDIN actions provided valuable specific guidance regarding and explored barriers to dialysis access care. We describe those results and discuss strategies to prevent COVID 19 transmission with innovative strategies of providing access care. Individualized decision making is of essence when considering dialysis access procedures.
Characterization and Classification of Soils of Zamra Irrigation Scheme, Northeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Sebnie Workat , Adgo Enyew , Kendie Hailu
Published: June 2021

Understanding soil types of a given area is an important prerequisite to design optimum management strategies such as irrigation water management. The study was thus conducted on characterization and classification of Zamra irrigation scheme in Abergelle district of Amhara Region, which has an area of 196.16 ha. For this study, 53 auger observations, four profile pits, extensive visual observations, reconnaissance survey, and descriptions of soil profiles and laboratory analysis were used to study the morphological and physicochemical properties of the soils of the scheme. Twelve disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from all profiles of each genetic horizon for laboratory analysis. The soils of the study area were identified based on Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations/World Reference Base for Soil Resources (FAO/WRB) 2015. The results revealed that the textural classes of all profiles of the study site ranged from sandy clay loam to sandy loam. The chemical properties of the soil in terms of total nitrogen, organic matter, and available phosphorus were in the very low and low categories as per the criteria developed by Tekalign and Olsen, respectively, whereas exchangeable bases (Ca, Mg, K, and Na), cation exchange capacity, and extractable micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu) were medium to high. Based on morphological, physical, and chemical analyses, the soils were classified as Leptic Regosols (Eutric, Loamic; 21.99% of the area), Vertic Cambisols (Hypereutric; 17.87%), Haplic Regosols (Eutric; 36.69%), and Rhodic Nitisols (Eutric; 23.44%). Therefore, management techniques that enhance soil fertility (including crop rotations, manuring, fallow periods, proper management of crop residues, and leguminous cover crops) and water-saving technologies suitable to the terrain of the area are the best options to enhance land productivity in the area.
Ferro-nanofluid squeeze film lubrication with heat transfer
Authors: Kavarthalai Manimegalai , Ponnuswamy Vimala
Published: June 2021

A theoretical study of a squeezing ferro-nanofluid flow including thermal effects is carried out with application to bearings and articular cartilages. A representational geometry of the thin layer of a ferro-nanofluid squeezed between a flat rigid disk and a thin porous bed is considered. The flow behaviours and heat transfer in the fluid and porous regions are investigated. The mathematical problem is formulated based on the Neuringer–Rosensweig model for ferro-nanofluids in the fluid region including an external magnetic field, Darcy law for the porous region and Beavers–Joseph slip condition at the fluid–porous interface. The expressions for velocity, fluid film thickness, contact time, fluid flux, streamlines, pathlines, mean temperature and heat transfer rate in the fluid and porous regions are obtained by using a perturbation method. An asymptotic solution for the fluid layer thickness is also presented. The problem is also solved by a numerical method and the results by asymptotic analysis, perturbation and numerical methods are obtained assuming a constant force squeezing state and are compared. It is shown that the results obtained by all the methods agree well with each other. The effects of various parameters such as Darcy number, Beavers–Joseph constant and magnetization parameter on the flow behaviours, contact time, mean temperature and heat transfer rate are investigated. The novel results showing the impact of using ferro-nanofluids in the two applications under consideration are presented. The results under special cases are further compared with the existing results in the literature and are found to agree well.
Autoimmune glomerulonephritis in a multiple sclerosis patient after cladribine treatment
Authors: Schönfelder Kristina , Schuh Helene , Pfister Frederick , Krämer Julia , Eisenberger Ute , Skuljec Jelena , Hackert Jana , Ruck Tobias , Pfeuffer Steffen , Fleischer Michael , Gäckler Anja , Hagenacker Tim , Kribben Andreas , Meuth Sven G , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Pul Refik
Published: June 2021

Background:

Oral cladribine is an approved disease-modifying drug for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. In controlled clinical trials as well as in post marketing safety assessments, autoimmune conditions have not yet been reported as a specific side effect of cladribine.

Objective and Results:

Here, we report a case of anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody-mediated glomerulonephritis that occurred shortly after the fourth cladribine treatment cycle.

Conclusion:

Neurologists should be attentive to the development of secondary autoimmunity in cladribine-treated patients.
The affective logic of race: A cultural psychological analysis of racial signifying practices
Authors: de Abreu Márcio N , Tateo Luca , Marsico Giuseppina
Published: June 2021

In this article, we use the theoretical framework of affective logic to discuss the underlying cultural psychological aspects of racial signifying practices. We provide an analysis of the controversies around the music video “Vai Malandra,” by Brazilian pop singer Anitta, as a case study. Departing from the theoretical assumption that our primary relationship with the phenomenal world is affective (though culturally mediated), we argue that our personal trajectories and emotional reords provide our experiences with an affective dimension that both precedes and influences any logical assessment of reality and that makes our sense-making processes unique. Thus, we suggest that, in the arena of racial signifying practices, we must always look beyond the person’s ability to critically position themselves racially to consider the affective dimension of the relationship between the personal and the cultural as a fundamental element in the production of racial discourse.
Associations between parental distress and pediatric anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment outcomes
Authors: Sperling Jacqueline , Boger Kathryn , Potter Mona
Published: June 2021

This study investigated whether an intensive group-based cognitive-behavioral therapy program with family involvement for children with anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder could help reduce parental distress by addressing the larger family system. This study also examined associations between parental distress and parent-reported child outcomes of treatment. Two hundred ninety-nine children and adolescents, ages 6–19, who were patients in the intensive treatment program and their caregivers participated in this intervention-based study. Parents reported significant reductions in their own distress from admission to discharge, and greater reductions in parent-reported distress predicted greater reductions in parents’ reports of their children’s anxiety symptoms and the degree of child functional impairment. Higher levels of parent-reported parent mental health symptoms at children’s admission and at discharge were associated with poorer levels of functioning in children at discharge. Parents’ mental health symptoms may play a critical role in children and adolescents’ treatment outcomes and therefore may need to be a separate treatment target.
Effects of manipulating writing task complexity on learners’ performance in completing vocabulary and syntactic tasks
Authors: Zhan Ju , Sun Qiyu , Zhang Lawrence Jun
Published: June 2021

The present study investigated the potential of writing in English as a foreign language (EFL) for language learning by manipulating cognitive task complexity based on related models and hypotheses. English essays written by 59 Chinese postgraduate EFL students from different subject areas were analysed with reference to writing complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF). Results showed that task complexity had no significant effect on EFL learners’ lexical complexity but had an influence on their syntactic variation in EFL writing. Findings suggest that manipulating writing task complexity could be a feasible means to promoting and enhancing EFL learners’ language learning. Such findings might broaden our understanding of the relationship between EFL writing and language learning in an EFL learning context. The interplay of EFL writing and EFL learning is also pedagogically relevant to those who are interested in appropriately sequencing tasks for more effective language teaching.
The importance of increased processing demands in the design of Elicited Imitation tests
Authors: Erlam Rosemary , Wei Lan
Published: June 2021

This study is a conceptual replication of Ellis’ ‘Measuring implicit and explicit knowledge of a second language: A psychometric study’, published in Studies in Second Language Acquisition (2005), aiming to establish the importance of including belief statements (hypothesized to increase processing demands) in the design of Elicited Imitation (EI) tests. In a between-groups comparison, 103 participants completed one of two versions of Erlam’s EI test (2006), one which required participants to make a ‘belief’ judgement, and one which did not. Both contained ungrammatical stimuli. Participants were scored for repetition of grammatical stimuli and correction of ungrammatical stimuli. An Exit questionnaire aimed to establish how aware they were of ungrammatical stimuli. Participants also completed a timed grammaticality judgement test (TGJT), an untimed grammaticality judgement test (UGJT), a metalinguistic knowledge test (MKT), and another Elicited Imitation (EI) test designed as a measure of global proficiency. Performance on each EI version was examined in relationship to performance on these measures. There was no variation between performance on either EI test version. The article underscores the need for ongoing research investigating design features of EI tests.
Foregrounding learner voice: Chinese undergraduate students’ understanding of paraphrasing and source use conventions for English research paper writing
Authors: Du Qian , Liu Ying
Published: June 2021

We examined how a group of Chinese undergraduate students understood paraphrasing and source use conventions for research paper writing in English. Prior scholarship has generated valuable insights about novice second language (L2) writers’ unconventional source use practices, but little is known about how these writers interpret and understand source use expectations for English academic writing. We followed a group of nine Chinese undergraduate students for an academic term as they learned to paraphrase and write with sources for their research paper assignments. Drafts of students’ papers were collected and rounds of text-based interviews were conducted where students were asked to explain their source use decisions. Findings showed that the students actively and constantly referenced their source use knowledge of Chinese essay writing to help make sense of source use expectations for English academic writing, although their understanding of English academic source use as well as their rendition of culture may likely be viewed by expert academic writers as ‘insufficient’ or ‘inadequate’. We conclude by highlighting the importance of foregrounding learner voice and acknowledging the legitimacy of the interpretations of novice L2 writers as intercultural informants in the teaching of English academic source use.
Nobody cares for men anymore: Affective-discursive practices around men’s victimisation across online and offline contexts
Authors: Venäläinen Satu
Published: June 2021

Men’s victimisation is a central topic in online discussions, particularly in the manosphere, where its emphasis is often combined with a strong anti-feminist stance. This article examines the interplay of affects and discourse in meaning-making around men’s victimisation both in online discussions and among social and crisis workers asked to comment upon meanings circulating online. By using the concept of affective-discursive practice, the analysis shows how this meaning-making reiterates socially shared interpretative repertoires and positionings that mobilise affects based on sympathy, anger and hate. Furthermore, the article demonstrates how the practitioners respond to these affective meanings by adopting positions of responsibility, while also redirecting and neutralising online affect. The article contributes to knowledge on the interaction between online and offline meaning-making around men’s victimisation, and to building an understanding of affects and discourse in seemingly moderate meaning-making around this topic that however resonates and links with the more extreme anti-feminism of the manosphere.
Childhood exposure to physical and emotional violence over a 57-year period in Sweden
Authors: Lucas Steven , Janson Staffan
Published: June 2021

Aims:

The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence of childhood experiences of physical violence (CPV) and emotional violence (CEV) at the hands of parents over a 57-year period among adults born between 1937 and 1993.

Methods:

In 2012, a survey among women and men aged 18–74 years in Sweden was undertaken to examine the lifetime prevalence of physical, psychological and sexual violence and associations with current health in adulthood. Questionnaires were based on the Adverse Childhood Experiences study and a previous national survey of violence exposure. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the frequency of exposure to CPV and CEV, and changes over time were analysed using analysis of variance and logistic regression.

Results:

A total of 10,337 individuals participated (response rates: 56% for women and 48% for men). CPV decreased significantly over the time period studied, particularly for those born after 1983. This decrease was more evident for male respondents. Throughout the time period studied, the proportion of women reporting CEV was higher than for men. Among both genders there was a steady rise in CEV rates from those born in the late 1930s to those born in the mid-1980s, after which there was a decline that was more marked for men.

Conclusions:

A significant group of children in Sweden experience violence at the hands of parents. However, our data corroborate previous national studies that children’s exposure to violence has decreased. Clear gender differences indicate that these changes have affected girls and boys differently.
Comparison of the machinability of the 316L and 18Ni300 additively manufactured steels based on turning tests
Authors: Silva Tiago EF , Amaral Ana , Couto André , Coelho João , Reis Ana , Rosa Pedro AR , Jesus Abílio MP de
Published: June 2021

This paper focuses on the machinability of additively manufactured steel alloys (316L stainless steel and 18Ni300 Maraging steel) by reference to their conventional metallurgical conditions. The machinability of both metallurgical conditions has been evaluated by longitudinal turning tests under laboratory conditions using two different cutting tool geometries (flat rake face and chip-breaker geometry) and covering different cutting speeds, depths of cut and feed values. Cutting forces, chip morphology and surface roughness were investigated as machinability indicators. The influence of chip-breaker on process performance was also analysed. For a comprehensive discussion of the results, microstructure, chemical composition, surface roughness and mechanical strength of both metallurgical conditions were studied. The paper quantitatively demonstrates that despite the higher mechanical strength of additively manufactured alloys, no significant power requirements were verified for the finishing cutting of tested alloys, when compared with conventional materials. Also noteworthy, is the surface quality improvement of the printed samples due to the most favourable conditions for chip formation. The usage of a chip breaker insert had higher impact on reducing required cutting energy than on controlling chip geometry.
Studying the relationship between human resources practices, employee motivation, and online hotel reviews: An empirical approach to the hospitality industry
Authors: V de Souza Meira Jessica , Hancer Murat , Anjos Sara JG dos , Eves Anita
Published: June 2021

Increasing competition in hospitality is one of the industry challenges, which depends mainly on human capital. Thus, this research investigated the relationship between human resources practices, employee motivation, and online hotel reviews. Hypotheses were tested using two-phase survey data collected from 308 respondents corresponding to 154 dyads of frontline employees and human resources managers from hotels located in Brazil and England. Quantitative online hotel review ratings were collected from the surveyed hotels as performance indicators. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to examine the data collected. Employee intrinsic motivation negatively influenced online hotel review ratings. The online hotel review overall ratings were positively affected by extrinsic motivation. Likewise, human resources practices had a strong influence on the online hotel review service ratings. This study presented some insights to hospitality organizations, identifying relationships among three important topics on hotel management. This information can help hoteliers develop better competitive strategies, using human resources to increase online hotel review ratings, considered critical hotel performance indicators.
Methods for assessing the ship rudder stability under lock-in phenomena considering fluid-structure interactions
Authors: Choi Woen-Sug , Jang Won-Seok , Joe Beom-Jin , Hong Suk-Yoon , Song Jee-Hun , Kwon Hyun-Wung
Published: June 2021

Ship rudders, as well as other common underwater appendages, take the form of hydrofoils with a finite trailing-edge thickness to produce wake vortex shedding, which causes vibrations, due to the fluid-structure interactions. Notably, underdetermined phenomena, such as the lock-in phenomenon, raise significant concerns about the structural stability of rudders of large container ships. However, methods to accurately evaluate the stability at the lock-in region are unavailable, because of its high instability, which requires high computational costs, especially for underwater applications. In this study, to address these deficiencies, methods to estimate ship rudders’ structural response and stability at lock-in regions were developed by incorporating hybrid-coupling techniques. The effect of the lock-in phenomenon was investigated using an S-N curve and the fatigue structural-failure probability to quantify the risks. The structural response to the stability analysis was obtained using hybrid-coupling fluid-structure interaction analysis methods by preconditioning the solutions to reduce the numerical instability for first bending and twisting modes with the modified Theodorsen function and to share a single interface between the structure and flow solvers on the OpenFOAM computational fluid dynamics (CFD) toolbox. The accuracy of the structural responses was validated with experiments for the lock-in frequencies, velocity range, and, most importantly, amplitudes of the structural responses of a cantilever hydrofoil. Structural-stability analysis results using the proposed methods demonstrated a significant increase in the probability of premature structural failure, thereby demonstrating the usability of the methods by structural designers in the early design stages.
The affordances of PAR for a school-community partnership to enhance learner support in socio-economically challenged communities
Authors: Wood Lesley , McAteer Mary
Published: June 2021

Although complex reasons exist for the poor state of education in socio-economically challenged communities in South Africa, improving parental support to learners is one approach to buffer contextual adversities. Yet, historically, collaboration between school and parent has been problematic. We hypothesized that a participatory action research approach might be useful to develop positive relations between teachers and parents. We report on the benefits of a PAR project undertaken by seven community parents and five teachers to enhance learner support in a primary school situated in a low-income area. Thematic analysis of focus group interviews with participants, triangulated by transcriptions of a final project workshop, revealed that participation in the PAR process enabled i) the development of contextually relevant content for an educational programme; ii) change in the assumptions of parents and teachers about their respective roles in supporting the child; iii) the personal/technical skills development of participants; and iv) positive outcomes beyond the project. The insights gain from this study highlight the benefits of PAR to enable schools to harness the wealth of knowledge and skills that exist in their community to enhance learner support and improve the quality of teaching and learning.
Book Sharing With AAC Over Telepractice: A Tutorial
Authors: Abendroth Kathleen J. , Oxley Judith D. , Hays Katherine M.
Published: June 2021

Telepractice offers speech-language pathologists (SLPs) increased flexibility to support language development, including emergent literacy in clients with complex communication needs. However, clinicians may feel uncertain how to pair books with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) over telepractice. Following an overview of telepractice, book sharing, and e-helpers, we describe four practical ways to combine storybooks with AAC online. These include: (a) using accessible books, (b) screen sharing e-books and communication aid, (c) adapting slide shows, and (d) creating asynchronous videos. Finally, we offer suggestions for modeling AAC, prioritizing emotions in storybooks, and tips for clinical supervisors. This topic can direct future researchers and is relevant to practicing clinicians who want to support language development for clients using aided communication systems.
Acrocyanosis and Progressive Skin Necrosis as Manifestation of Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia Associated With Type I Cryoglobulinemia: A Case Report
Authors: Nekooghadam Seyed M. , Bozorgmehr Rama , Safavi-Naini Seyed A. A.
Published: June 2021

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM), a rare malignant disorder, occurs as a result of abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes that produce immunoglobulin M. In rare cases, WM complicates by type I cryoglobulinemia. Type I cryoglobulinemia usually presents with cutaneous manifestations such as Raynaud's phenomenon, purpura, necrosis, and gangrene. Various medical conditions, including thrombotic events, rheumatologic disorders, and malignancies, may present with skin discoloration and necrosis. Patients suffering from malignant diseases who initially present with skin manifestations usually are misdiagnosed by physicians. Here, we describe a 72-year-old man presenting with a 6-month acrocyanosis and progressive skin necrosis who was misdiagnosed by physicians. Finally, he was diagnosed to have WM associated with type I cryoglobulinemia. Though uncommon, hematologic malignancies can present with cutaneous manifestations. In some cases, patients may manifest with skin disorders alone. Early and prompt treatment of these diseases may save the patient life, relieve patient symptoms, and increase life quality.
An efficient anonymous authentication and key agreement scheme with privacy-preserving for smart cities
Authors: Xia Xueya , Ji Sai , Vijayakumar Pandi , Shen Jian , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C.
Published: June 2021

Internet of Things devices are responsible for collecting and transmitting data in smart cities, assisting smart cities to release greater potential. As Internet of Things devices are increasingly connected to smart cities, security and privacy have gradually become important issues. Recently, research works on mitigating security challenges of Internet of Things devices in smart cities mainly focused on authentication. However, in most of the existing authentication protocols, the trustworthiness evaluation of Internet of Things devices in smart cities is ignored. Considering the trustworthiness evaluation of Internet of Things devices is an important constituent of data source authentication, in this article, a cloud-aided trustworthiness evaluation mechanism is first designed to improve the credibility of the Internet of Things devices in smart cities. Furthermore, aiming at the problem that the user’s privacy is easy to leak in the process of authentication, an anonymous authentication and key agreement scheme based on non-interactive zero knowledge argument is proposed. The proposed scheme can ensure the privacy preservation and data security of Internet of Things devices in smart cities. The security analysis demonstrates that the proposed scheme is secure under q-SDH problem. The experimental simulation indicates that the performance of the proposal is greatly improved compared with other similar schemes.
Heroes and Hooligans: The Heterogeneity of Video Game Modders
Authors: Curtis Joanna , Oxburgh Gavin , Briggs Pam
Published: June 2021

Video games are hugely popular, generating more than twice the revenue of global movie and music industries combined. Whilst technically illegal and often carrying negative connotations, modding constitutes a moral grey area that is commonly accepted, often encouraged by proprietary owners and forum-centred gaming communities. Literature reflects a disparity between outsider and insider perceptions of modding, with a paucity of studies reflecting insider perspectives. Using Reddit forum data, this study contributes insight into perceptions of modding held by gamers and ‘modders’, as described in their words and their territory. Thematic analysis revealed four main themes relating to unfairness in the vendor community, modders as antagonists, differences between modders and modding as forms of self-defence. Conclusions include that modding appears to have both pro- and antisocial applications, but many people and organisations demonise modders as a homogeneous group, which may encourage antisocial behaviours.
The Assessment of Caloric Adequacy
Authors: Randolph Susan , Ely Richard D. , Allen Lindsay H. , Chávez Adolfo , Pelto Gretel H.
Published: June 2021

The assessment of caloric adequacy on the basis of caloric shortfalls from nominal needs misclassifies individuals (undernourished as well-nourished, and vice versa) unless important inter-individual variations in energy needs are controlled for. This paper explores the extent of misclassification resulting from inter-individual differences in activity choice.
The Use of the Height Census of Schoolchildren in Central America and Panama
Authors: Delgado Hernán , Palma Patricia , Fischer Magda
Published: June 2021

Height censuses - involving the measurement of all children attending first grade - have been used in Central America to detect growth retardation to screen high-risk groups and to target social interventions. Data on age sex residence, and socio-economic characteristics are obtained from the teachers. Studies carried out by INCAP hare confirmed the simplicity and low cost of analyses of height-census data as well as their reliability and validity. In the Central American region data on height retardation reflect the variation found among countries when other socioeconomic and biological indicators such as illiteracy infant and child mortality and social services are considered.
Fermented Cereal Gruels: Towards a Solution of the Weanling's Dilemma
Authors: Mensah Patience , Drasan B. S. , Harrison T. J. , Tomkins A. M.
Published: June 2021

The high incidence of diarrhoeal morbidity a the onset of weaning is due in part to consumption of contaminated food. This paper discusses the possible role of fermentation as a household food preparation technology in the improvement of the microbial quality of weaning foods as well as in providing adequate nutrients for infant growth and development. It discusses the extent to which fermented foods provide adequate nutrients; the degree to which fermentation can reduce the levels of aflatoxins, hydrocyanic acid, and other toxins in foods; whether fermentation reduces contamination of weaning foods by pathogens; and the role of fermented foods in reducing diarrhoeal morbidity, severity, and duration.
miR-28-5p improved carotid artery stenosis by regulating vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Liu Qiangrui , Yan Shibiao , Yuan Yangyi , Ji Shishun , Guo Long
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Abnormal proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are involved in carotid artery stenosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of serum miR-28-5p in asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis and its regulation on the proliferation and migration of VSMCs.

Methods

Serum miR-28-5p levels in 65 healthy controls and 68 asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis patients were detected by qRT–PCR. The receiver-operating characteristic curve was applied to elucidate the diagnostic value of serum miR-28-5p for carotid artery stenosis patients. The specificity of miRNA targets was detected by luciferase reporter assay. CCK-8 and Transwell assay were applied to detect proliferation and migration of cells. Pearson correlation test was used to investigate the correlation between Forkhead box subclass O 1 (FOXO1) and serum miR-28-5p.

Results

Serum miR-28-5p was significantly reduced in asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis patients. Moreover, miR-28-5p could distinguish asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis patients from healthy controls, with sensitivity and specificity of 86.8% and 81.5%, respectively, indicating its high diagnostic value. The overexpression of miR-28-5p inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, while inhibition of miR-28-5p resulted in the opposite effect. What is more, FOXO1, a direct target of miR-28-5p, was significantly increased in asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis patients. Inhibition of miR-28-5p in VSMCs reversed the reduction of FOXO1 levels in patients.

Conclusions

miR-28-5p is a valuable diagnostic biomarker for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis and can affect the proliferation and migration of VSMCs by regulating FOXO1.
Differences in disease prevalence among homeless and non-homeless veterans at an urban VA hospital
Authors: Tannis Candace , Rajupet Sritha
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Approximately 10% of homeless adults in the US are veterans and that number is increasing. Veterans who experience homelessness tend to do so for longer periods compared to non-veterans; and homelessness is associated with more chronic disease complications. We compared the prevalence of five chronic, ambulatory-care sensitive conditions in homeless and domiciled individuals who received primary care at an urban VA hospital.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Veteran’s Hospital Administration clinical data warehouse. Differences in disease prevalence were compared between the two groups using chi-square analyses and then adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, BMI, and other risk factors where appropriate, using logistic regression. All analyses were conducted using SAS version 9.4.

Results

Homeless individuals were 46% more likely to have asthma (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.16–1.84) and 40% more likely to have COPD (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.14–1.73) after adjustment for age, gender, race/ethnicity, BMI, and tobacco use status. After adjustment for covariates, there was no difference between homeless and domiciled veterans in the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, or congestive heart failure.

Discussion

Future quality improvement projects should identify social-environmental risk factors like employment characteristics, and housing quality that can impact chronic respiratory illness prevalence and associated complications.
Experiences of mental health professionals providing services to adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health problems: A systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research studies
Authors: Ee Jonathan , Stenfert Kroese Biza , Rose John
Published: June 2021

Background:

Mental health professionals play an important role in providing care and treatment for adults with intellectual disabilities. A number of studies use qualitative methods to explore the experiences of these professionals and their perspectives regarding the mental health services for this population. A systematic review using meta-ethnographic approach was undertaken to summarise this research.

Method:

A systematic search found 14 relevant studies which were critically appraised. Key themes from these studies were extracted and synthesised.

Results:

Three main themes were identified: 1) Understanding the person, 2) Relational interaction and 3) Organisational factors.

Conclusions:

The findings of this review identified the issues mental health professionals raised in relation to their work. They described the complex presenting problems as intense yet fulfilling therapeutic relationships with their clients and their wish to improve their knowledge and skills. They identified organisational issues that need to be addressed to improve staff morale and efficiency.
People with larger social networks show poorer voice recognition
Authors: Lev-Ari Shiri
Published: June 2021

The way we process language is influenced by our experience. We are more likely to attend to features that proved to be useful in the past. Importantly, the size of individuals’ social network can influence their experience, and consequently, how they process language. In the case of voice recognition, having a larger social network might provide more variable input and thus enhance the ability to recognise new voices. On the other hand, learning to recognise voices is more demanding and less beneficial for people with a larger social network as they have more speakers to learn yet spend less time with each. This paper tests whether social network size influences voice recognition, and if so, in which direction. Native Dutch speakers listed their social network and performed a voice recognition task. Results showed that people with larger social networks were poorer at learning to recognise voices. Experiment 2 replicated the results with a British sample and English stimuli. Experiment 3 showed that the effect does not generalise to voice recognition in an unfamiliar language suggesting that social network size influences attention to the linguistic rather than non-linguistic markers that differentiate speakers. The studies thus show that our social network size influences our inclination to learn speaker-specific patterns in our environment, and consequently, the development of skills that rely on such learned patterns, such as voice recognition.
Grouping effects in immediate reconstruction of order and the preconditions for long-term learning
Authors: Guitard Dominic , Saint-Aubin Jean , Cowan Nelson
Published: June 2021

One commonly acknowledged role of working memory is to set up conditions for new learning. Yet, it has long been understood that there is not a perfect correspondence between conditions leading to good immediate recall from working memory and conditions leading to good delayed recall from long-term memory. Here, in six experiments, we investigated the relation between grouping effects in immediate and delayed reconstruction of order for word lists. There has been a striking absence of tests of grouping effects in long-term memory. In the first four experiments, items within groups are presented concurrently, which encourages associations between items in a group. Despite that presumably favourable situation for group learning, in Experiments 1 and 2 we found effects of grouping only in immediate order reconstruction and not in delayed reconstruction. When more processing time was allowed (Experiments 3 and 4), grouping effects in both immediate and delayed order reconstruction were obtained. Experiment 5 showed that, with items presented one at a time, but with roughly the same amount of processing time and spatial separation as the previous two experiments, grouping effects were obtained neither in immediate order reconstruction nor in delayed reconstruction. However, in Experiment 6 with a more salient manipulation of grouping, effects of grouping were obtained in immediate order reconstruction, but not in delayed reconstruction. In sum, we demonstrated for the first time that there are mechanisms of temporal grouping that assist working memory but are relatively ineffective for long-term learning, in contrast to more effective, concurrent presentation.
Prepotent task-irrelevant semantic information is dampened by domain-specific control mechanisms during visual word recognition
Authors: Sulpizio Simone , Job Remo , Leoni Paolo , Scaltritti Michele
Published: June 2021

We investigated whether semantic interference occurring during visual word recognition is resolved using domain-general control mechanisms or using more specific mechanisms related to semantic processing. We asked participants to perform a lexical decision task with taboo stimuli, which induce semantic interference, as well as a semantic Stroop task and a Simon task, intended as benchmarks of linguistic-semantic and non-linguistic interference, respectively. Using a correlational approach, we investigated potential similarities between effects produced in the three tasks, both at the level of overall means and as a function of response speed (delta-plot analysis). Correlations selectively surfaced between the lexical decision and the semantic Stroop task. These findings suggest that, during visual word recognition, semantic interference is controlled by semantic-specific mechanisms, which intervene to face prepotent but task-irrelevant semantic information interfering with the accomplishment of the task’s goal.
Mild and Efficient Iodination of Aromatic Compounds with Pyridine–Iodine Monochloride Complex (PyICI)
Authors: Muathen Hussni A.
Published: June 2021

A wide range of aromatic compounds has been effectively iodinated with pyridine-iodine monochloride complex, PylCl.
A Convenient Method for the Synthesis of Mixed Succinimido Carbonates from Alcohols, using Disuccinimido Carbonate. Application to Alkoxycarbonylation of Amino Acids
Authors: Kundu Bijoy , Shukla Manisha , Shukla Sushma
Published: June 2021

An efficient method for the synthesis of various mixed succinimido carbonates, commonly used for alkoxycarbonylation of amino acids, is described; disuccinimido carbonate has been exclusively used as a reagent for preparation of the above carbonates from structurally diverse alcohols.
Studies on the Oxidation of some Sulfides with Pyridinium Dichromate in Acetonitrile medium
Authors: Meenakshisundaram Subbiah , Amutha M.
Published: June 2021

The kinetic behaviours of oxidation of dialkyl, alkyl aryl and diphenyl sulfides are quite different with pyridinium dichromate in acetonitrile medium; studies indicate the involvement of a sulfur cation free radical intermediate in diphenyl sulfide oxidation; electron releasing and withdrawing groups retard the reactivity of aryl methyl sulfides; the observed non-linear concave downwards type Hammett plot is well explained by assuming shifts in the rate-limiting step within the same overall reaction pathway.
An Expeditious Synthesis of 4-Acyl-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidines (6-acyl uracils) and 4-Acyl-6-aryl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydropyrimidines
Authors: Khan M. Wahab , Kundu Nitya G.
Published: June 2021

A facile synthesis of 4-acyl-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidines (6-acyl uracils) and 4-acyl-6-aryl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydropyrimidines is described where the Friedel–Crafts reaction on 2,6-dichloropyrimidine-4-carbonyl chloride plays a crucial role.
The Oxidation of Some Steroidal Dienes by Potassium Permanganate: Copper Sulfate
Authors: Hanson James R. , Hitchcock Peter B. , Nagaratnam Sivajini
Published: June 2021

Oxidation of androsta-3,5- and 4,6-dienes by the biphasic system potassium permanganate:copper sulfate afforded the 3α,4α-epoxy-5α-hydroxy-6-ketone and the 5α,6α-epoxy-4β-hydroxy-7-ketone respectively as the major products whilst the androsta-3,5-dien-7-one and androsta-4,6-dien-3-one gave the 3α,4α- and 6α,7α-epoxides as the major products.
The Reaction of the α-Selenium Stabilized Copper Reagents ArSeCH2Cu(CN)ZnCI with Aldehydes
Authors: Duan De-Hui , Huang Xian
Published: June 2021

α-Arylseleno-substituted zinc and copper organometallics, in the presence of a Lewis acid, can react with aldehydes, ketones and enals with high chemoselectivity and regioselectivity.