bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectral variational mode extraction and its application in fault detection of rolling bearing
Authors: Pang Bin , Zhang Heng , Cheng Tianshi , Sun Zhenduo , Shi Yan , Tang Guiji
Published: May 2022

The core of fault diagnosis of rolling bearing is to extract the narrowband sub-components containing fault feature information from the bearing fault signal. Variational mode extraction (VME), a novel single sub-component separation algorithm originated from variational mode decomposition (VMD), provides a promising solution to bearing fault detection. However, its performance is closely related to the hyperparameter selection, including the center frequency ω d and the penalty factor α. This paper proposes a non-recursive and adaptive signal decomposition algorithm termed spectral variational mode extraction (SVME). SVME can be seen as a spectral decomposition technique whose framework is composed of the adaptive spectral boundary division and boundary constrained VME. In the adaptive spectral boundary division, an adaptive iterative spectral envelope method referring to the continuous envelope correlation (CCE) index is developed to integrate with the parameterless scale-space division to adaptively locate the frequency band boundary. The presented adaptive spectral boundary division approach can effectively inhibit the spectral boundary over-division. In the boundary constrained VME, the dominant frequency of each frequency band determined by the optimal spectral division is distinguished as the preset center frequency. Meanwhile, the optimal penalty factor is determined based on the envelope spectral kurtosis (ESK) index and the boundary-constraint principle. The SVME method is utilized in the simulation and experimental case studies to investigate its capability. Furthermore, its superiority is highlighted through the comparison with the variational mode decomposition (VMD) and Autogram methods.
Extratextual talk in public library storytime programs: A focus on questions
Authors: Cahill Maria , Ingram Erin
Published: May 2022

Shared book reading in which children actively participate in the reading of a text via discussion or extratextual talk has been well-established as an activity to advance children’s literacy and language learning, and it is a characteristic practice of public library storytime programs. This study scrutinized the extratextual talk that occurred within the shared reading episodes of 15 public library storytime programs. Findings from this study confirm prior assertions that storytime programs hold the promise of advancing children’s early literacy development. With more than two-fifths of librarians’ extratextual utterances at an abstract level of understanding, storytimes serve as a favorable setting for advancing children’s inferencing skills and symbolic understanding. Results also point to areas that librarians might target for improvement including integration of questions requiring extended responses and attention to vocabulary.
In search of the ontology of participation in Participatory Action Research: Orlando Fals-Borda’s Participatory Turn, 1977–1980
Authors: Díaz-Arévalo Juan Mario
Published: May 2022

When did sociologist Orlando Fals-Borda name his method Participatory Action Research (PAR), and what were the epistemological implications of this shift from action research to PAR? To address these questions, this article critically examines Fals-Borda’s ‘participatory turn’ —his epistemological shift from orthodox Marxism to the participatory paradigm—, which squarely underpinned the origins of PAR yet has hitherto remained unexplored in the literature. The article focuses on Fals-Borda’s transition from participation “by” to participation “with” the people, which occurred during a period of intense self-criticism after years of radical activism. Drawing on exhaustive archival research, it examines the collaborative systematisation of his method alongside an emerging constellation of participatory research practices. Thereby, it highlights the centrality of collaboration to the development of his work and demonstrates that Fals-Borda’s embrace of the participatory paradigm stemmed from rejecting the centrality of historical materialism in favour of a model of research which supports and sustains the conditions for collective analysis and action through harnessing the creativity and wisdom of marginalized peoples. It concludes that for all the innovations in tools and techniques of action-oriented methods, the ontology of participation is what fundamentally differentiates PAR from other instrumental or top-down forms of people’s participation in research.
Machine learning in the discipline of architecture: A review on the research trends between 2014 and 2020
Authors: Özerol Gizem , Arslan Selçuk Semra
Published: May 2022

Through the recent technological developments within the fourth industrial revolution, artificial intelligence (AI) studies have had a huge impact on various disciplines such as social sciences, information communication technologies (ICTs), architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). Regarding decision-making and forecasting systems in particular, AI and machine learning (ML) technologies have provided an opportunity to improve the mutual relationships between machines and humans. When the connection between ML and architecture is considered, it is possible to claim that there is no parallel acceleration as in other disciplines. In this study, and considering the latest breakthroughs, we focus on revealing what ML and architecture have in common. Our focal point is to reveal common points by classifying and analyzing current literature through describing the potential of ML in architecture. Studies conducted using ML techniques and subsets of AI technologies were used in this paper, and the resulting data were interpreted using the bibliometric analysis method. In order to discuss the state-of-the-art research articles which have been published between 2014 and 2020, main subjects, subsets, and keywords were refined through the search engines. The statistical figures were demonstrated as huge datasets, and the results were clearly delineated through Sankey diagrams. Thanks to bibliometric analyses of the current literature of WOS (Web of Science), CUMINCAD (Cumulative Index about publications in Computer Aided Architectural Design supported by the sibling associations ACADIA, CAADRIA, eCAADe, SIGraDi, ASCAAD, and CAAD futures), predictable data have been presented allowing recommendations for possible future studies for researchers.
Role of the government in the establishment of world-class universities in China
Authors: Do Ha Thi Hai , Mai Anh Ngoc
Published: May 2022

This study used the historical research method to explore the Chinese government’s role in building world-class universities. We traced the government’s role in pushing policies for (i) accelerating academic improvement and (ii) enhancing the involvement of provincial governments in achieving universities’ world-class status. The findings revealed the effectiveness of using both direct and indirect interventions on establishing universities of world-class status. Talented Chinese academics working in flagship universities overseas returned and signed tenure contracts with key Chinese universities following national strategies. However, publication requirements tended to deter academics’ quality publications. Moreover, the national priority on achieving world-class status resulted in the concentration of the best Chinese students in major cities for studying and working, consequently leading to regional stratification. Graduates from elite Chinese universities also have more opportunities to earn higher incomes and better career prospects than other graduates. Future studies may adopt a similar strategy to investigate conditions in other countries.
The association between sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and incident dementia: A nationwide population-based longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Siao Wun-Zhih , Lin Tsung-Kun , Huang Jing-Yang , Tsai Chin-Feng , Jong Gwo-Ping
Published: May 2022

Background

The association of the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and incident dementia remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of incident dementia with the use of SGLT2 inhibitor.

Methods

This is a population-based cohort study utilizing Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. Each patient who took SGLT2 inhibitors was assigned to the SGLT2 inhibitor group, whereas 1:1 propensity score-matched randomly selected patients who were nonusers of SGLT2 inhibitors were assigned to the non-SGLT2 inhibitor group. The study outcome was incident dementia.

Results

A total of 976,972 patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) between 2011 and 2018 were included in this study. After the patients’ propensity score matching by age, sex, duration of DM, comorbidities and drug index date of the patients, a total of 103,247 patients in the SGLT2 inhibitor group and 103,247 in the non-SGLT2 inhibitor group were enrolled for analysis. The SGLT2 inhibitor group was associated with a lower risk of incident dementia (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.89, 95% confidence interval: 0.82–0.96; p = .0021). Diabetic complications were significantly lower in the SGLT2 inhibitor group compared with the non-SGLT2 group. Sensitivity analysis was also consistent with the main analysis.

Conclusions

Patients with type 2 DM who were prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors were associated with a lower risk of incident dementia compared with those not prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors in real-world practice.
Black, African American, and Migrant Indigenous Women in Leadership: Voices and Practices Informing Critical HRD
Authors: Santamaría Lorri J. , Manríquez Liliana , Diego Adriana , Salazár Dona Alberta , Lozano Claudia , García Aguilar Silvia
Published: May 2022

The Problem

The lack of theoretical frameworks representing voices and leadership experiences of women of color, compounded by multiple ways intersectionality changes the experience, continues to be under-represented in Human Resources Development (HRD) literature. Furthermore, given the field of HRD is fundamental to developing the whole person, lack of attention to voices and leadership experiences of women of color is problematic. Here, women of color represent Black, African American, and Indigenous women leaders.

The Solution

Applied critical leadership is introduced as a theoretical framework to expand and enhance HRD research, theory, and practice in the development of women of color as leaders. A conceptual development model, the Feminist Indigenous Mixteco Migrant Epistemology (FIMME) is introduced as a sociocultural view of leadership, defining multiple ways women of color harness the power of intersecting racial, ethnic, gendered, linguistic, socio-economic, and migrant leadership practices.

The Stakeholders

Human Resources Development scholars, students, and policymakers benefit from novel ways to think about women of color in leadership through culturally grounded concepts, bringing light to nuanced understandings. Exemplars for women’s leadership for culturally and linguistically diverse and Indigenous societies are provided as solutions to socio-political complexity.
Revictimisation of Women in Non-Urban Areas: A Scoping Review
Authors: Corbett Emily , Theobald Jacqui , Billett Paulina , Hooker Leesa , Edmonds Lee , Fisher Christopher
Published: May 2022

Literature widely acknowledges that women who experience Child Sex Abuse (CSA) have a higher risk of experiencing sexual revictimisation later in life, yet less is known about experiences of revictimisation in non-urban areas. The aim of this review is to examine what is known internationally regarding revictimisation of non-urban women, and to provide future research, practice and policy recommendations. A total of 2414 articles were identified through a comprehensive search across five broad health sciences and humanities databases; 11 articles met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. This review found a general lack of qualitative revictimisation studies, and limited research focusing on non-urban women. While existing studies included non-urban research samples, few articles ( n = 3) explored how non-urban location contextualises revictimisation experiences. Most peer-reviewed articles identified within this paper ( n = 7) examined intimate partner violence (IPV) revictimisation, highlighting a significant lack of research on sexual revictimisation within non-urban settings. Findings from the review indicate that experiences of violence in childhood and adulthood are frequent among non-urban women, and that experiencing child abuse is associated with a heightened likelihood of poor mental health and IPV in adulthood. The review also found that non-urban women faced significant structural disadvantage including low levels of employment and income, limited-service sector resources, unsafe family environments and exposure to community violence. Additional qualitative research is needed to better understand the experiences and needs of non-urban revictimised women, particularly within an Australian context.
Trauma Aware and Anti-Oppressive Arts-Health and Community Arts Practice: Guiding Principles for Facilitating Healing, Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Sunderland Naomi , Stevens Fiona , Knudsen Kate , Cooper Rae , Wobcke Marianne
Published: May 2022

There is a growing call for arts-health and community arts professionals to work in ‘trauma informed ways’ to prevent re-traumatisation and promote healing. This paper reports on a scoping review of existing literature that deal with trauma aware and informed practice and its applications in arts-health and community arts. Trauma informed practice does not seek to target or treat trauma but, rather, seeks to provide a safer and more informed space for people who experience post-traumatic stress conditions and symptoms to engage in facilitated arts activities. We particularly examine the extent to which existing literature acknowledges the presence of oppression-related collective trauma – such as racial trauma – and offers appropriate creative, anti-oppressive and trauma aware practice approaches. A total of 19 articles were included following librarian input and team checking. Included articles were written in English, published in peer reviewed academic journals, included a creative arts component, and adopted an intentional trauma informed or aware approach to practice. An additional three sources were included as part of descriptive synthesis to foreground leading First Nations resources for practice. Although no specific guidelines for trauma aware practice in arts-health or community arts were found, findings are consolidated at the end of the paper to offer interim principles, values and activities for trauma aware and informed practice in arts-health and community arts. Findings can also inform general trauma related research and therapy by highlighting the growing role of arts and creativity in responding to diverse experiences of trauma and its effects.
“I Wear a Mask. I Wear It All the Time. The Kids Don’t Wear Masks”: Early Childhood Education Mask-Wearing During COVID-19 in Florida
Authors: Farrer Mackie Joanna , Gray Heewon L. , Marshall Jennifer , Himmelgreen David , Alkon Abbey , Kirby Russell S.
Published: May 2022

Background

New federal health guidance was issued for early childhood education (ECE) programs to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in March 2020. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mask-wearing for adults and children aged 2 years and older. Wearing masks was a new practice for teachers and children, and this study investigated when and how masks were worn in ECE centers in Florida.

Methods

This study was part of a larger assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on mealtime routines in ECE centers. Two statewide surveys based on the Trust Model were sent to directors and teachers via Florida Department of Children and Families. Only teachers were interviewed. Data were collected from August to October 2020. The analysis included survey results and interview responses related to mask-wearing.

Results

Surveys were completed by 759 directors and 431 teachers, and 29 teachers were interviewed. Survey results indicated that more teachers than children wore masks during pre- and postmeal activities. Interviews revealed three models that explain mask-wearing: (1) teachers only, in which teachers were required to wear a mask, but children were not; (2) teachers and children, in which teachers and children were required to wear a mask; and (3) masks optional, in which teachers and children could choose to wear a mask.

Conclusion

Understanding how decisions about mask-wearing were made at the center level can inform training and support health and safety in ECE. Use of personal protective equipment (such as masks) is effective for reducing risk of pathogen transmission for children and adults in ECE settings.
Mobilizing the White: White Nationalism and Congressional Politics in the American South
Authors: Weiner Amanda , Zellman Ariel
Published: May 2022

To what extent do white nationalists influence Congressional representative conservatism? Although ethnocentrism, out-group prejudice, and racial threats strongly predict American political attitudes and voter behavior, how social movements predicated on these beliefs shape political outcomes is rarely considered. We argue that white nationalist activities significantly contribute to the radicalization of Congressional representatives’ policy agendas in a manner non-reducible to demographic or socioeconomic conditions. By mobilizing white voters against racial status threats, they indirectly compel politicians to adopt more radically conservative agendas. We quantitatively test these propositions by examining distributions of white nationalist groups in the American South against Congressional representative conservatism from 2010–2017. Analyses reveal that white nationalists indeed appear to significantly impact representative radical conservatism, even controlling for numerous factors commonly theorized to explain their rise. In doing so, we contribute to emerging insights on the political influence of the radical right on the contemporary American conservative “mainstream.”
IMRT and SBRT Treatment Planning Study for the First Clinical Biology-Guided Radiotherapy System
Authors: Pham Daniel , Simiele Eric , Breitkreutz Dylan , Capaldi Dante , Han Bin , Surucu Murat , Oderinde Seyi , Vitzthum Lucas , Gensheimer Michael , Bagshaw Hilary , Chin Alex , Xing Lei , Chang DT , Kovalchuk Natalyia
Published: May 2022

Purpose: The first clinical biology-guided radiation therapy (BgRT) system—RefleXionTM X1—was installed and commissioned for clinical use at our institution. This study aimed at evaluating the treatment plan quality and delivery efficiency for IMRT/SBRT cases without PET guidance. Methods: A total of 42 patient plans across 6 cancer sites (conventionally fractionated lung, head, and neck, anus, prostate, brain, and lung SBRT) planned with the EclipseTM treatment planning system (TPS) and treated with either a TrueBeam® or Trilogy® were selected for this retrospective study. For each Eclipse VMAT plan, 2 corresponding plans were generated on the X1 TPS with 10 mm jaws (X1-10mm) and 20 mm jaws (X1-20mm) using our institutional planning constraints. All clinically relevant metrics in this study, including PTV D95%, PTV D2%, Conformity Index (CI), R50, organs-at-risk (OAR) constraints, and beam-on time were analyzed and compared between 126 VMAT and RefleXion plans using paired t-tests. Results: All but 3 planning metrics were either equivalent or superior for the X1-10mm plans as compared to the Eclipse VMAT plans across all planning sites investigated. The Eclipse VMAT and X1-10mm plans generally achieved superior plan quality and sharper dose fall-off superior/inferior to targets as compared to the X1-20mm plans, however, the X1-20mm plans were still considered acceptable for treatment. On average, the required beam-on time increased by a factor of 1.6 across all sites for X1-10mm compared to X1-20mm plans. Conclusions: Clinically acceptable IMRT/SBRT treatment plans were generated with the X1 TPS for both the 10 mm and 20 mm jaw settings.
Molecular Layer Heterotopia: Harmless Brain Warts or Ictal Main Force?
Authors: Lillis Kyle P.
Published: May 2022

[Box: see text]
Integrating Network Neuroscience Into Epilepsy Care: Progress, Barriers, and Next Steps
Authors: Sinha Nishant , Johnson Graham W. , Davis Kathryn A. , Englot Dario J.
Published: May 2022

Drug resistant epilepsy is a disorder involving widespread brain network alterations. Recently, many groups have reported neuroimaging and electrophysiology network analysis techniques to aid medical management, support presurgical planning, and understand postsurgical seizure persistence. While these approaches may supplement standard tests to improve care, they are not yet used clinically or influencing medical or surgical decisions. When will this change? Which approaches have shown the most promise? What are the barriers to translating them into clinical use? How do we facilitate this transition? In this review, we will discuss progress, barriers, and next steps regarding the integration of brain network analysis into the medical and presurgical pipeline.
Predictors of Latina Undergraduate Psychology Students’ Resilience
Authors: Badiee Manijeh
Published: May 2022

In the face of environmental adversities, Latina college students demonstrate resilience. A psychosocial framework was applied in this study to evaluate perceptions of barriers (i.e., environmental risk), COVID-19 distress (i.e., personal vulnerability), social support (i.e., environmental protective), and mindfulness (i.e., personal strength) as predictors of Latina students’ resilience. Only social support and mindfulness contributed to resilience after controlling for demographic factors. Findings enhance strengths-based literature in resilience and have theoretical, research, and practical implications.
Impairments in Cognitive Control Using a Reverse Visually Guided Reaching Task Following Stroke
Authors: Lowrey Catherine R. , Dukelow Sean P. , Bagg Stephen D. , Ritsma Benjamin , Scott Stephen H.
Published: May 2022

Background

Cognitive and motor function must work together quickly and seamlessly to allow us to interact with a complex world, but their integration is difficult to assess directly. Interactive technology provides opportunities to assess motor actions requiring cognitive control.

Objective

To adapt a reverse reaching task to an interactive robotic platform to quantify impairments in cognitive-motor integration following stroke.

Methods

Participants with subacute stroke (N=59) performed two tasks using the Kinarm: Reverse Visually Guided Reaching (RVGR) and Visually Guided Reaching (VGR). Tasks required subjects move a cursor “quickly and accurately” to virtual targets. In RVGR, cursor motion was reversed compared to finger motion (i.e., hand moves left, cursor moves right). Task parameters and Task Scores were calculated based on models developed from healthy controls, and accounted for the influence of age, sex, and handedness.

Results

Many stroke participants (86%) were impaired in RVGR with their affected arm (Task Score > 95% of controls). The most common impairment was increased movement time. Seventy-three percent were also impaired with their less affected arm. The most common impairment was larger initial direction angles of reach. Impairments in RVGR improved over time, but 71% of participants tested longitudinally were still impaired with the affected arm ∼6 months post-stroke. Importantly, although 57% were impaired with the less affected arm at 6 months, these individuals were not impaired in VGR.

Conclusions

Individuals with stroke were impaired in a reverse reaching task but many did not show similar impairments in a standard reaching task, highlighting selective impairment in cognitive-motor integration.
A hybrid trust model based on communication and social trust for vehicular social networks
Authors: Fan Na , Shen Shuai , Wu Chase Q , Yao Junfeng
Published: May 2022

Vehicular social networks are emerging hybrid networks that combine traditional vehicular networks and social networks, with two key types of nodes, that is, vehicles and drivers. Since vehicle behaviors are controlled or influenced by drivers, the trustworthiness of a vehicle node is essentially determined by its own communication behaviors and its driver’s social characteristics. Therefore, human factors should be considered in securing the communication in vehicular social networks. In this article, we propose a hybrid trust model that considers both communication trust and social trust. Within the proposed scheme, we first construct a communication trust model to quantify the trust value based on the interactions between vehicle nodes, and then develop a social trust model to measure the social trust based on the social characteristics of vehicle drivers. Based on these two trust models, we compute the combined trust assessment of a vehicle node in vehicular social networks. Extensive simulations show that the proposed hybrid trust model improves the accuracy in evaluating the trustworthiness of vehicle nodes and the efficiency of communication in vehicular social networks.
Delay-reliability-aware protocol adaption and quality of service guarantee for message queuing telemetry transport-empowered electric Internet of things
Authors: Zhang Hao , Zhang Hongshuo , Wang Zhao , Zhou Zhenyu , Wang Qiang , Xu Guangyuan , Yang Junzhong , Gan Zhong
Published: May 2022

Message queuing telemetry transport has emerged as a promising communication protocol for resource-constrained electric Internet of things due to high bandwidth utilization, simple implementation, and various quality of service levels. Enabled by message queuing telemetry transport, electric Internet of things gateways adopt dynamic protocol adaptation, conversion, and quality of service level selection to realize bidirectional communication with massive devices and platforms based on heterogeneous communication protocols. However, protocol adaptation and quality of service guarantee in message queuing telemetry transport-empowered electric Internet of things still faces several challenges, such as unified communication architecture, differentiated quality of service requirements, lack of quality of service metric models, and incomplete information. In this paper, we first establish a unified communication architecture for message queuing telemetry transport-empowered electric Internet of things for adaptation and conversion of heterogeneous protocols. Second, we formulate the quality of service level selection optimization problem to minimize the weighted sum of packet-loss ratio and delay. Then, a delay-reliability-aware message queuing telemetry transport quality of service level selection algorithm based on upper confidence bound is proposed to learn the optimal quality of service level through dynamically interacting with the environment. Compared with single and fixed quality of service level selection strategies, delay-reliability-aware message queuing telemetry transport quality of service level selection can effectively reduce the weighted sum of delay and packet-loss ratio and satisfy the differentiated quality of service requirements of electric Internet of things.
Analysis of relay selection schemes in underlay cognitive radio non-orthogonal multiple access networks
Authors: Yang Dongmei , Li Cheng , Ren Baoquan , Li Hongjun , Guo Kefeng
Published: May 2022

This article investigates the impacts of relay selection schemes on cooperative underlay cognitive radio non-orthogonal multiple access networks, where the partial relay selection scheme, the max–min relay selection scheme and the two-stage relay selection scheme are applied in the network. Moreover, decode-and-forward protocol is used at the transmission relays. What’s more, in order to show the effect of the schemes on the considered network, the closed-form expressions and asymptotic expressions for the outage probability of the system are derived. Furthermore, the outage performance under the effect of perfect and imperfect successive interference cancellation is analysed. Numerical results are given to illustrate the impacts of the relay selection schemes, the number of relays, the residual interference factor and the power allocation factor on the outage performance. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations are presented to validate the accuracy of the numerical results.
Extended Use of Distal Embolic Protection Devices in Treatment of Distal Embolism During Lower Extremity Arterial Endovascular Interventions
Authors: Ibrahim Mudathir , Swearingen Bruce , Pu Sirui , Rhee Robert , Pu Qinghua
Published: May 2022

There is no consensus on the best treatment modality for acute distal embolization complications during endovascular interventions for peripheral arterial diseases. We report on 3 patients who underwent mechanical embolectomy using a distal embolic protection device (EPD). All patients showed angiographic evidence of distal embolism, which occurred during lower extremity limb salvage endovascular procedures. After embolectomy, all had complete recanalization of the involved vessel on completion angiogram, and none had any device-related complications or adverse outcomes from the embolization. This initial experience suggests that EPD can be used for both the prevention and treatment of intraoperative distal embolization during endovascular intervention of lower extremity arterial disease.
Lidocaine Nerve Block Diminishes the Effects of Therapeutic Electrical Stimulation to Enhance Nerve Regeneration in Rats
Authors: Keane Grace C. , Marsh Evan B. , Hunter Daniel A. , Schellhardt Lauren , Walker Eric R. , Wood Matthew D.
Published: May 2022

Background:

Although electrical stimulation (ES) can improve nerve regeneration, the impact of nerve block, such as lidocaine (Lido), on the therapeutic benefits of ES remains unclear. We used a rat tibial nerve transection-and-repair model to explore how either preoperative (PreOp) or postoperative (PostOp) nerve block affects ES-related improvement in regeneration.

Methods:

Lewis rats were used in 1 of 2 studies. The first evaluated the effects of extraneural Lido on both healthy and injured nerves. In the second study, rats were randomized to 5 experimental groups: No ES (negative control), PreOp Lido, ES + PreOp Lido, PostOp + ES, and ES (positive control). All groups underwent tibial nerve transection and repair. In both studies, nerves were harvested for histological analysis of regeneration distal to the injury site.

Results:

Application of extraneural Lido did not damage healthy or injured nerve based on qualitative histological observations. In the context of nerve transection and repair, the ES group exhibited improved axon regeneration at 21 days measured by the total number of myelinated fibers compared with No ES. Fiber density and percentage of neural tissue in the ES group were greater than those in both No ES and PreOp Lido + ES groups. ES + PostOp Lido was not different from No ES or ES group.

Conclusions:

Extraneural application of Lido did not damage nerves. Electrical stimulation augmented nerve regeneration, but Lido diminished the ES-related improvement in nerve regeneration. Clinical studies on the effects of ES to nerve regeneration may need to consider nerve block as a variable affecting ES outcome.
Feasibility of Enhancing Skin Permeability of Acyclovir through Sterile Topical Lyophilized Wafer on Self-Dissolving Microneedle-Treated Skin
Authors: Nagra Uzair , Barkat Kashif , Ashraf Muhammad U , Shabbir Maryam
Published: May 2022

Acyclovir is an antiviral drug that is frequently prescribed for the herpes virus. However, the drug requires frequent dosing due to limited bioavailability (10–26.7%). The rationale of the present study was to develop a self-dissolving microneedle system for local and systemic delivery of acyclovir using a topical lyophilized wafer on microneedle-treated skin to provide the drug at the site of infection. The microneedles prepared with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) (8% w/w) or HPMC (8% w/w)-polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) (30% w/w) penetrated excised rat skin, showing sufficient mechanical strength and rapid polymer dissolution. The topical wafer was prepared with acyclovir (40% w/w; equivalent to 200 mg of drug), gelatin (10% w/w), mannitol (5% w/w), and sodium chloride (5% w/w). The uniform distribution of acyclovir within the wafer in an amorphous form was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). No polymer–drug interaction was evident in the lyophilized wafer as per Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The wafer showed a sufficiently porous structure for rapid hydration as per scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. During ex-vivo analysis, the skin was pre-treated with a self-dissolving microneedle array for 5 minutes, and the wafer was placed on this microporated-skin. Topical wafer provided ∼7–11 times higher skin concentration than the ID99 reported with a lower lag-time. Based on in-vivo testing, ∼2.58 µg/ml of Cmax was achieved in rabbit plasma during 24 hours’ study. Our findings suggest that the self-dissolving microneedle-assisted topical wafer, proposed for the first time, would be efficacious against the infection residing in the skin layer and for systemic therapy.
A time fractional model of Brinkman-type nanofluid with ramped wall temperature and concentration
Authors: Hasin Faiza , Ahmad Zubair , Ali Farhad , Khan Naveed , Khan Ilyas
Published: May 2022

Nanofluid is an innovative heat transfer fluid with the potential to significantly enhance the heat transfer performance of traditional fluids. By adding various types of nanoparticles to ordinary base fluids, several attempts have been made to boost the rate of heat transfer and thermal conductivity. The unsteady electrically conducting flow of Brinkman-type nanofluid over an infinite vertical plate with ramping wall temperature and concentration is investigated in this article. Water is taken as the base fluid, and multi-walled carbon nanotubes are distributed equally throughout it. The Caputo-Fabrizio fractional derivative, which has a non-singular kernel, is used to generalize the classical model. The Laplace transform technique has been utilized to achieve exact solutions. Furthermore, various graphs for fractional and physical parameters are used to represent the solutions. All figures are drawn for both conditions, that is, ramped and isothermal wall temperature and concentration. The velocity field increases for greater values of thermal and mass Grashof numbers while the reverse effect is observed for Hartman number, Brinkman parameter and volume fraction. Moreover, the obtained results are also reduced to the already published results in order to show the validation of the present results. The results are used to calculate the skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number. The heat transfer of pure water is increased by 17.03% when 4% of nanoparticles are added to it which will of course increase the efficiency of solar collectors and solar pools. Moreover, the mass transfer decreases by 3.18% when 4% of nanoparticles which are dispersed in it.
Thermo-convective Arrhenius reactive fluid flow between two parallel plates
Authors: Hussain Khadim , Shuaib Muhammad , Ali Amjad , Rehman Hijab ur , Nasir Jamal
Published: May 2022

A nonlinear thermo-convective Arrhenius Casson fluid flow between two vertical parallel plates is modeled under the actions of exothermic chemical reaction, linear and nonlinear volumetric thermal and concentration expansions. The non dimensional coupled system of ordinary differential equations are solved numerically by using Parametric Continuation Method (PCM). The numerical results of (PCM) method are graphically justified with the solutions of [Formula: see text] package, which presented an excellent agreement with each other. For further validation of (PCM) method, the obtained results are also compared with previously published work and found an accuracy upto two decimal places. It has been found that Frank-Kameneskii’s parameter, depends on Arrhenius kinetics, has the tendency to enhanced the exothermic chemical reaction, which give rise in internal heat generation and heat transfer rate. The findings of the present study may be used for making energy source materials and in biological systems. Furthermore, the increasing values of [Formula: see text] are responsible to drop the exothermic reaction level within the flow system, due to which the mass transfer is reduced and make a reduction in concentration profile.
What we have learned from in-vitro studies of the chimney endovascular technique for treatment of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms: A systematic review
Authors: Meekel Jorn P , Tran Bich L , van Schaik Theodorus G , Donas Konstantinos P , Taneva Gergana T , Jongkind Vincent , Yeung Kak K
Published: May 2022

Background

A considerable number of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is not eligible for standard endovascular repair. These complex cases require alternative surgical approaches including the readily available chimney graft endovascular aneurysm repair (Ch-EVAR) or sealing (Ch-EVAS). The optimal configuration for Ch-EVAR or Ch-EVAS is important for success but not yet known.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to analyze current data of the outcomes of in-vitro chimney graft treatment in complex AAA.

Methods

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted including studies reporting on gutter size, main graft compression, and chimney graft compression in in-vitro configurations.

Results

The search resulted in 285 articles. 11 studies considering 219 individual tests could be included. Gutter size was comparable between Ch-EVAR and Ch-EVAS configurations. In Ch-EVAR set-ups, the deployed BECG were Advanta V12, VIABAHN®, and BeGraft. One type of SECG was used: VIABAHN®. The four types of main grafts (MG) deployed were: Endurant™ I/II; EXCLUDER Conformable AAA Endoprosthesis and AAA Endoprosthesis, and AFX™ Endovascular AAA Delivery System. In the EVAS-configurations, the Nellix® EVAS system was deployed. In general, SECG presented smaller gutters with higher chimney graft compression. 30% main grafts oversizing seems to give the smallest gutters without high risk of infolding of MG. Oversizing, EndoAnchors, and secondary endobag filling (in Ch-EVAS) reduced gutter sizes. CG ballooning during the entire polymer injection in Ch-EVAS prevented CG compression.

Conclusion

In-vitro investigations provide insight in optimal Ch-EVAR and Ch-EVAS configurations for simulated complex AAA repair. The findings above might aid physicians in their planning to potential CG set-ups and can be used in future research to refine the most optimal configuration for chimney graft technique in complex AAA.
Efficacy of statins combined with amiodarone in the treatment of atrial fibrillation: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Yingbiao , Zhu Xi , Ning Zhongping
Published: May 2022

Objectives:

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia in clinics with a high mortality rate. Recently, statins combined with amiodarone and amiodarone alone were used in the treatment of AF. This systematic review study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy and usefulness of statins combined with amiodarone and amiodarone alone in treating AF.

Methods:

Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were used to search for the relevant studies and full-text articles involved in evaluating statin-amiodarone versus amiodarone alone for AF. All included articles were quality assessed, and the data analysis was conducted with Review Manager 5.4.

Results:

Eight (8) relevant studies with 758 AF patients were included in this analysis. In the Meta-analysis, Statin-amiodarone treatment reduced AF recurrence (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.50–0.75; p < 0.00001), C-reactive protein (CRP) level (MD, 0.96; 95%CI, 0.64–1.29, p < 0.00001) and Left atrial diameter (LAD) (MD, 0.81; 95%CI, 0.06–1.56; p = 0.03) compared with amiodarone alone for AF. However, no difference was observed for change of total cholesterol (TC) (MD, 1.32; 95%CI, −0.24–2.88; p = 0.10).

Conclusion:

Statin-amiodarone effectively reduced CRP level, LAD and reduced the recurrence of AF than amiodarone alone.
Research on solving heading attitude of airdrop cargo platform based on line features
Authors: Li Xia , Zhang Bin , Zhang Hongying , Xu Ronghua , Bai Yalei
Published: May 2022

The present study envisages the development of an improved line features method to accurately estimate the attitude of the airdrop cargo platform during airdrop landing. Therefore, this article uses the geometric characteristics of the line features to improve the traditional line features extraction and removes the locally dense line features in the image, which greatly reduces the number of line features in the image. Then, the improved random sample consensus is used to remove the mismatching of line features, which improves the real-time performance of the algorithm and the accuracy of the attitude angle, and makes up for the problem of difficult extraction of point features or low matching accuracy in the airdrop environment. Finally, a constraint equation is established for the line features that are successfully matched, and using homography to obtain attitude of the airdrop cargo platform. This article also meets the requirements of accurate calculation attitude of airdrop cargo platform. The experiment shows the significance and feasibility of the airdrop cargo platform heading and attitude calculation technology based on the line feature, and it has a good application prospect.
An interreality study of race and homicide news coverage in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Authors: Klein Tim V , Hodges Quincy
Published: May 2022

Building on ethnic blame discourse, the social threat hypothesis, and media bias theories, this article makes a quantitative interreality comparison between homicide news coverage and homicide statistics in Baton Rouge, Louisiana—a city with one of the highest homicide rates in the United States of America. Findings reveal that Whites made up 2% of homicide victims in 2018 in Baton Rouge, but represented almost 40% of homicide victims in the news. Press releases issued by local law enforcement also overrepresented White homicide victims, as did follow-up stories. Findings on homicide suspects showed that Whites and Latinos were overrepresented, and Blacks were underrepresented.
UK obstetric sonographers’ experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic: Burnout, role satisfaction and impact on clinical practice
Authors: Skelton Emily , Harrison Gill , Rutherford Mary , Ayers Susan , Malamateniou Christina
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic placed additional demands and stressors on UK obstetric sonographers, who were required to balance parent safety and service quality, alongside staff safety. Increased pressure can negatively impact a healthcare worker’s well-being and the provision of person-centred care. The aim of this study was to explore obstetric sonographers’ experiences of performing pregnancy ultrasound scans during the pandemic and to assess the impact on burnout, role satisfaction and clinical practice.

Methods:

An online, anonymous cross-sectional survey was created to capture sonographers’ experience alongside using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory to evaluate burnout and Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation 10 (CORE-10) to measure psychological distress.

Results:

Responses were received from 138 sonographers. Of those completing the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory ( n = 89), 92.1% and 91.0% met the burnout thresholds for exhaustion and disengagement, respectively. Sonographers with a higher burnout score also perceived that COVID-19 had a greater, negative impact on their practice ( p < 0.05). The mean CORE-10 score of 14.39 (standard deviation = 7.99) suggests mild psychological distress among respondents. A significant decrease in role satisfaction was reported from before to during the pandemic ( p < 0.001), which was associated with higher scores for burnout and psychological distress ( p < 0.001). Change in role satisfaction was correlated with sonographers’ perception of safety while scanning during the pandemic ( R2 = 0.148, p < 0.001). Sixty-five sonographers (73.9%) reported they were considering leaving the profession, changing their area of practice or working hours within the next 5 years.

Conclusion:

Job and context-specific interventions are required to mitigate burnout and its consequences on the workforce and service provision beyond the pandemic.
Cytokine network analysis in a community-based pediatric sample of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Jason Leonard A. , Gaglio Caroline L. , Furst Jacob , Islam Mohammed , Sorenson Matthew , Conroy Karl E. , Katz Ben Z.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Studies have demonstrated immune dysfunction in adolescents with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS); however, evidence is varied. The current study used network analysis to examine relationships between cytokines among a sample of pediatric participants with ME/CFS.

Methods

10,119 youth aged 5–17 in the Chicagoland area were screened for ME/CFS; 111 subjects and controls were brought in for a physician examination and completed a blood draw. Youth were classified as controls (Cs, N = 43), ME/CFS (N = 23) or severe (S-ME/CFS, N = 45). Patterns of plasma cytokine networks were analyzed.

Results

All participant groups displayed a primary network of interconnected cytokines. In the ME/CFS group, inflammatory cytokines IL-12p70, IL-17A, and IFN-γ were connected and included in the primary membership, suggesting activation of inflammatory mechanisms. The S-ME/CFS group demonstrated a strong relationship between IL-17A and IL-23, a connection associated with chronic inflammation. The relationships of IL-6 and IL-8 in ME/CFS and S-ME/CFS participants also differed from Cs. Together, these results indicate pro-inflammatory responses in our illness populations.

Discussion

Our data imply biological differences between our three participant groups, with ME/CFS and S-ME/CFS participants demonstrating an inflammatory profile. Examining co-expression of cytokines may aid in the identification of a biomarker for pediatric ME/CFS.
Family dynamics, trauma, and child-related characteristics: examining factors associated with co-occurring mental health problems in clinically-referred children with and without an intellectual (and developmental) disability
Authors: Stewart Shannon L , Dave Hiten P , Lapshina Natalia
Published: May 2022

Psychiatric disorders are common in youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a vulnerable group of children whose behavioural problems often have more complicated care needs than other children, which can place a great deal of stress on their families. However, the association of family mental health issues, level of intellectual ability, and diagnostic co-morbidity in children is relatively under-studied. In the present study, we investigated the relationship among child diagnoses, family mental health problems, risk for self-injury, and disruption in care among children with ( N = 517) and without ( N = 517) intellectual and developmental disabilities. A negative binomial regression showed that mental health problems in multiple family members, self-injurious behaviour, and self-reported abuse/trauma was related to greater likelihood of provisional diagnoses of co-occurring psychiatric disorders in both a clinically referred sample and a sample with IDD. Implications for care-planning are discussed.