bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relating Ndesign to Field Compaction: A Case Study in Minnesota
Authors: Yan Tianhao , Turos Mugurel , Bennett Chelsea , Garrity John , Marasteanu Mihai
Published: January 2022

High field density helps in increasing the durability of asphalt pavements. In a current research effort, the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) have been working on designing asphalt mixtures with higher field densities. One critical issue is the determination of the Ndesign values for these mixtures. The physical meaning of Ndesign is discussed first. Instead of the traditional approach, in which Ndesign represents a measure of rutting resistance, Ndesign is interpreted as an indication of the compactability of mixtures. The field density data from some recent Minnesota pavement projects are analyzed. A clear negative correlation between Ndesign and field density level is identified, which confirms the significant effect of Ndesign on the compactability and consequently on the field density of mixtures. To achieve consistency between the laboratory and field compaction, it is proposed that Ndesign should be determined to reflect the real field compaction effort. A parameter called the equivalent number of gyrations to field compaction effort (Nequ) is proposed to quantify the field compaction effort, and the Nequ values for some recent Minnesota pavement projects are calculated. The results indicate that the field compaction effort for the current Minnesota projects evaluated corresponds to about 30 gyrations of gyratory compaction. The computed Nequ is then used as the Ndesign for a Superpave 5 mixture placed in a paving project, for which field density data and laboratory performance test results are obtained. The data analysis shows that both the field density and pavement performance of the Superpave 5 mixture are significantly improved compared with the traditional mixtures. The results indicate that Nequ provides a reasonable estimation of field compaction effort, and that Nequ can be used as the Ndesign for achieving higher field densities.
Investigation and MASH Full-Scale Crash Testing of the Practice of Raising Blockouts on W-Beam Rail Systems
Authors: Dobrovolny Chiara Silvestri , Bligh Roger , Kiani Maysam , Hangul Ali
Published: January 2022

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) clarifies appropriate height measures for W-beam guardrails. Identification of existing locations where rail height is lower than recommended by FHWA is common. A research study was conducted to investigate the crashworthiness of raising blockouts on posts to restore barrier height and provide clarification on implementation of such methodology. The researchers evaluated the crashworthiness of raising blockouts by conducting a full-scale Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) Crash Test 3-11 of a 28-in. W-beam guardrail system with composite blockouts raised 4 in. on posts. The 28-in. W-beam guardrail system with raised composite blockouts contained and redirected the 2270P vehicle, and it performed acceptably for MASH Test 3-11. The results of this study include guidance on the procedure for raising blockout mounting height on steel posts to achieve recommended rail height for a W-beam guardrail.
Impact of Transit Quality on Anchor-Mediated Knowledge Economies Across Large U.S. Cities
Authors: Zandiatashbar Ahoura , Hamidi Shima
Published: January 2022

Universities, medical centers, and headquarters are the driving forces behind cities’ innovation productivity and anchor-based urban revitalization efforts, such as innovation districts. As a result, there is increasing competition for corporate anchors, as well as emerging partnerships and conflicts. In each case, transit has a major role to play. Yet we know little about precisely how transit fits into the dynamics of anchor-based revitalization. To address this empirical gap, this study employed structural equation modeling to grasp both the direct and indirect impacts of transit on the knowledge-intensive firm location in 500 large U.S. cities. We conceptualized the indirect impact of transit as mediated by anchors with a composite value that we developed to quantitatively represent the presence and size of major innovation anchors in each city. According to our findings, the positive impact of transit on a city’s overall knowledge economy occurred through its role in supporting anchor institutions, a role that, in turn, significantly increased the likelihood of knowledge-based firms locating in the city. In short, transit quality was positively associated with larger and more established anchors, as well as the availability of more employees, which expands the city’s talent pool, a critical driver of knowledge-intensive employers’ location decisions. These findings call for greater attention to be paid to transit in cities’ anchor-based urban revitalization plans and to partnerships between cities, metropolitan organizations, and anchors in planning future transit systems.
Investigation of the Contribution of Deceleration Fuel Cut-off and Start/Stop Technologies to Fuel Economy by Considering New European Driving Cycle
Authors: Tekin Merve , İhsan Karamangil M.
Published: January 2022

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions released into the atmosphere cause climate change and air pollution. One of the main causes of GHG emissions is the transportation sector. The use of fossil fuels in internal combustion engine vehicles leads to the release of these harmful gases. For this reason, since 1992, several standards have been introduced to limit emissions from vehicles. Technologies such as reducing engine sizes, advanced compression-ignition or start/stop, and fuel cut-off have been developed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. In this study, the contribution of deceleration fuel cut-off and start/stop technologies to fuel economy has been examined considering the New European Driving Cycle. Therefore, the fuel consumption values were calculated by creating a longitudinal vehicle model for a light commercial vehicle with a diesel engine. At the end of the study, by using the two strategies together, fuel economies of 17.5% in the urban driving cycle, 3.7% in the extra-urban cycle, and 10% in total were achieved. CO2 emissions decreased in parallel with fuel consumption, by 10.1% in total.
Analysis and Prediction of Human Mobility in the United States during the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic using Regularized Linear Models
Authors: Chakraborty Meghna , Shakir Mahmud Md , Gates Timothy J. , Sinha Subhrajit
Published: January 2022

Since the United States started grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, with the highest number of confirmed cases and deaths in the world as of August 2020, most states have enforced travel restrictions resulting in drastic reductions in mobility and travel. However, the long-term implications of this crisis to mobility still remain uncertain. To this end, this study proposes an analytical framework that determines the most significant factors affecting human mobility in the United States during the early days of the pandemic. Particularly, the study uses least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regularization to identify the most significant variables influencing human mobility and uses linear regularization algorithms, including ridge, LASSO, and elastic net modeling techniques, to predict human mobility. State-level data were obtained from various sources from January 1, 2020 to June 13, 2020. The entire data set was divided into a training and a test data set, and the variables selected by LASSO were used to train models by the linear regularization algorithms, using the training data set. Finally, the prediction accuracy of the developed models was examined on the test data. The results indicate that several factors, including the number of new cases, social distancing, stay-at-home orders, domestic travel restrictions, mask-wearing policy, socioeconomic status, unemployment rate, transit mode share, percent of population working from home, and percent of older (60+ years) and African and Hispanic American populations, among others, significantly influence daily trips. Moreover, among all models, ridge regression provides the most superior performance with the least error, whereas both LASSO and elastic net performed better than the ordinary linear model.
Evaluation and comparison of S.T.O.N.E. and Guy’s scoring systems for predicting percutaneous nephrolithotomy outcomes in supine position
Authors: Arıman Ahmet , Merder Erkan , Toprak Erdem
Published: January 2022

Background:

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) was applied in the prone position until recently. But also, in recent years supine positions was applied in patients with kidney stones. Predicting how much renal stones can be cleared after surgery and possibility of complications is an important question for both surgeons and patients. Therefore different scoring systems are used to evaluate outcomes of PCNL before surgery.

Patients and methods:

Between 2018 and 2020, 80 patients with renal stone who underwent PCNL in the supine position were evaluated preoperatively by S.T.O.N.E. and Guy’s scoring systems (GSS). The predictions of both scoring systems for stone-free and complication rates in patients who underwent PCNL in the supine position were evaluated. Also, these scoring systems were compared among themselves for reliability.

Result:

In both scoring systems, there was a statistically significant difference between postoperative stone-free (SF) and residual stone (RS) of patients and in predicting the likelihood of complications in patients. No statistically significant difference was found between the two scoring systems in predicting the stone-free rate.

Conclusion:

Our findings revealed that S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry and Guy’s score systems can be used effectively to predict stone-free rate, complications, and operation duration in supine position PCNL for renal stones.
Caregivers’ Perceptions of a Youth-led Sexual Violence Prevention Initiative: A Brief Report
Authors: Edwards Katie M. , Hopfauf Skyler L. , Simon Briana R. , Waterman Emily A. , Banyard Victoria L.
Published: January 2022

Sexual and related forms of violence among middle and high school students are pervasive public health issues, and thus, there is a growing emphasis on the development and evaluation of sexual violence prevention efforts for youth. Caregivers such as parents are important partners in this work as they can facilitate youths’ involvement (e.g., give them permission to participate, provide instrumental support such as rides), but their perception of their youth’s involvement in sexual violence prevention efforts is largely unexplored. The current paper examined caregivers’ perceptions of their teens’ participation in a community-wide, out-of-school, youth-led sexual violence prevention initiative. Some caregivers of youth who were involved in the initiative ( N = 19; 79.9% White; 21.1% Native American) responded to closed- and open-ended questions about what their teen had talked to them about in relation to the initiative, why their teen participated in the initiative, and how involvement impacted their teen. Furthermore, caregivers who attended events themselves responded to questions about what they learned, what they liked best, and what they liked least. Over half of caregivers said that their teens talked to them about bystander intervention, social emotional skills, and what constitutes sexual violence. Perceptions of the initiative were largely positive both in terms of what the teen learned at part of the programming and in caregivers’ own experience participating. These results are promising for the role of caregivers in partners in prevention.
High-performance work practices lecturers’ performance connection: Does working condition matter?
Authors: Abboh Umar A , Majid Abdul HA , Fareed Mohammad , Abdussalaam Iyanda Ismail
Published: January 2022

Poor performance of lecturers in Nigerian Polytechnics warrants independent research on lecturers’ job performance, given that the poor performance has seriously affected educational development in the country. Substantial evidence from the extant literature has highlighted that high-performance work practices are significant predictors and drivers of enhanced performance. Also, the functionality of high-performance work practices is context-dependent. Therefore, the current study investigates the effect of high-performance work practices (recruitment and selection, training and development, and employee involvement) on lecturers’ performance in the context of Nigerian polytechnics. It also examines the moderating role of working conditions in the high-performance work practices’ relationship with lecturers’ performance. Data were obtained from 539 academics in the North-west Nigerian polytechnics. The overall findings indicate that training and development and employee involvement are significant predictors of enhanced lecturers’ performance, and working condition strengthens the recruitment and selection–performance connection and employee involvement–performance relationship. This implies that the link between HR practices and enhanced performance could be affected by the environment within which organizations operate. The present study focused mainly on teaching staff from the polytechnics located in the north-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Thus, other geopolitical zones and non-teaching staff from various polytechnics could be studied further by future studies.
Surgical Repair of Acquired Oronasal Fistulas Secondary to Periodontal Disease in Dogs Using a Flexible Bone Membrane: A Case Series
Authors: Shannon Suzy
Published: January 2022

Oronasal fistulas are sequelae to periodontal disease in dogs. Previous case series have described the use of auricular cartilage as a type of membrane to help with surgical repair of oronasal fistulas. This case series explores the use of a commercially available flexible bone membrane in the surgical repair of ten acquired oronasal fistulas in dogs. The use of the flexible bone membrane did not necessarily improve the surgical outcomes in these cases; however, larger controlled trials are necessary to further evaluate its use.
No Strings Attached: Philanthropy, Race, and Donor Control From Black Power to Black Lives Matter
Authors: Dunning Claire
Published: January 2022

This article examines a moment of crisis and experimentation in philanthropy from the late 1960s to analyze how race shapes philanthropy. Specifically, it considers two giving circles in Boston launched as a linked funding initiative to address economic and racial inequality: (a) a group of wealthy, White suburbanites who started the Fund for Urban Negro Development to direct donations with “no strings attached” to the other, (b) the Boston Black United Front Foundation, an entity started by Black power activists in the city. Using archival records of the two groups, I analyze their efforts to decouple hierarchies of race and giving in funder–grantee relationships, and connect scholarship on African American history and philanthropy to that on donor control. I frame the notion of “no strings attached” giving as relative and shaped by positioning and identity in ways that produce multiple understandings of the material and abstract “strings” of philanthropy.
CFD modeling of slurry flow erosion wear rate through mitre pipe bend
Authors: Parkash Om , kumar Arvind , Sikarwar Basant Singh
Published: January 2022

Erosive wear caused by particulates slurry is one of the major concerns in the pipe bend which may results in the failure of the pipe flow system. In the present work, erosion wear rate through mitre pipe bend caused by silica sand particulates slurry has been investigated using ANSYS Fluent code. The solid spherical particulates of size 125 µm and 250 µm having density of 2650 Kg/m3, were tracked to compute the erosion wear rate using Discrete Phase Method (DPM) model. The particulates were tracked using Eulerian-Lagrange approach along with k-ɛ turbulent model for continuous fluid phase. The silica particulates were injected at solid concentration of 5% and 10% (by weight) from the pipe inlet surface for wide range of velocities viz. 1–8 ms−1. The erosion wear rate was computed through four computational erosion models viz. Generic, Oka, Finnie and Mclaury. Furthermore, the outcomes obtained through Generic models are verified through existing experimental data in the literture. Moreover, the results of DPM concentration, turbulence intensity and particle tracking were predicted to analyze the secondary flow behaviour through the bend cross section. Finally, the effect of particulate size, solid concentration and flow velocity were discussed on erosion wear rate through bend cross section. The findings show that the locality of maximum erosive wear is positioned at the extrados of the bend outlet cross section. Additionally, it is found that Mclaury model offers higher erosion rate as compared to the other models and provides benchmark for designing the slurry pipeline system.
Design and manufacturing of an innovative rolling ball tool: A step forward towards the development of SPIF process
Authors: Nikoueifar M. , Vaheb A. , Honarpisheh M.
Published: January 2022

Incremental sheet forming (ISF) is an innovative forming technology which is widely used in various sectors of mechanical production. This is particularly useful for rapid prototyping and limited batch without a specific die. A new class of this method is single-point incremental forming (SPIF). This paper presents a comprehensive experimental investigation on the SPIF of Aluminum sheets, and, in particular, the influence of the forming tool is taken into account. A new rolling ball tool is designed to follow this, and the formability of the Aluminum sheets under the SPIF procedure is investigated for both new and conventional tools. Moreover, a number of important process parameters such as the feed rate, forming force, and surface roughness are considered in the experiments’ design. Finally, the optimal conditions in achieving a developed SPIF procedure in terms of the mentioned factors are reported and discussed. The findings of this work suggest that the surface quality after the forming process can be enhanced by 55% when using the new designed tool, while the forming force is reduced by 38% at the same time.
Rank-based risk target data analysis using digital twin on oil pipeline network based on manifold learning
Authors: Priyanka E.B. , Thangavel S. , Prabhakaran Priyanka
Published: January 2022

Oil and Gas Pipeline (OGP) projects face a wide scope of wellbeing and security Risk Factors (RFs) all around the world, especially in the oil and gas delivering nations having influencing climate and unsampled data. Lacking data about the reasons for pipeline risk predictor and unstructured data about the security of the OGP prevent endeavors of moderating such dangers. This paper, subsequently, means to foster a risk analyzing framework in view of a comprehensive methodology of recognizing, dissecting and positioning the related RFs, and assessing the conceivable pipeline characteristics. Hazard Mitigation Methods (HMMs), which are the initial steps of this approach. A new methodology has been created to direct disappointment investigation of pinhole erosion in pipelines utilizing the typical pipeline risk strategy and erosion climate reenactments during a full life pattern of the pipeline. Hence in the proposed work, manifold learning with rank based clustering algorithm is incorporated with the cloud server for improved data analysis. The probability risk rate is identified from the burst pressure by clustering the normal and leak category to improve the accuracy of the prediction system experimented on the lab-scale oil pipeline system. The numerical results like auto-correlation, periodogram, Laplace transformed P-P Plot are utilized to estimate the datasets restructured by the manifold learning approach. The obtained experimental results shows that the cloud server datasets are clustered with rank prioritization to make proactive decision in faster manner by distinguishing labelled and unlabeled pressure attributes.
Fighting Violent Extremism With Narrative Intervention: Evidence From a Field Experiment in West Africa
Authors: Bilali Rezarta
Published: January 2022

Violent extremism is one of the major challenges of our time. A cluster-randomized controlled trial with two arms (treatment vs. control) conducted in 132 villages in the Sahel region of Burkina Faso ( N = 2,904 participants) examined whether a narrative intervention in the format of a radio drama can shift behavioral intentions, beliefs, and attitudes in contexts of violent extremism. Individuals in intervention villages participated in weekly listening sessions to the radio drama (6 months’ content) over 12 weeks. Compared with the control condition, the narrative intervention reduced justification of violence, increased behavioral intentions to collaborate with the police, and increased prioritization of addressing violent extremism. The intervention did not influence beliefs about or attitudes toward the police (e.g., trust, fairness) or beliefs about police–community collaboration. Content analysis of the narrative intervention and participants’ reception and discussion of the intervention provide insights on the processes driving the intervention’s influence.
Lupus band test for diagnostic evaluation in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wongtada Chanidapa , Kerr Stephen J , Rerknimitr Pawinee
Published: January 2022

Background

The lupus band test (LBT) using a sample of clinically normal skin was proposed as a useful diagnostic test for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is mostly performed to help diagnosing SLE in patients with insufficient clinical and serological profiles. However, most published studies on its utility are outdated and the results remain controversial.

Objectives

To determine the diagnostic performance of LBT on non-lesion sun-protected (NLSP) and sun-exposed (NLSE) skin for SLE.

Methods

Consecutively presenting patients with clinical and serological suspicion of SLE who had LBT performed on non-lesion skin during January 2012 to August 2021 were retrospectively studied. LBT performed on either NLSE or NLSP skin biopsies were all included. Laboratory characteristics, number, types and patterns of deposited immunoreactants and disease activity were also assessed.

Results

LBT was performed in 57 patients with suspected SLE. LBT was positive in 18/57, 9/28 and 6/21 patients in overall non-lesion, NLSE and NLSP, respectively. Of all patients, 23 patients were diagnosed with SLE and 34 patients with other diseases. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of LBT on non-lesion skin was 56.5% and 88.2%, respectively. The ability of the test to discriminate between those with and without SLE, assessed by the area under the Receiver-Operating Characteristic curve, was 0.72 (0.61–0.84). The sensitivity and specificity of LBT on NLSE skin was 58.3% and 87.5% while those of NLSP skin, were 57.1% and 85.7%, respectively. We found no significant correlation between the positivity of LBT and overall disease activity. Types, number and pattern of deposited immunoreactants also showed no correlation with disease activity (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Used as a diagnostic adjunct, non-lesion LBT is still of value for diagnosing SLE in inconclusive cases.
Impact of Pandemic Communication on Brand-specific Outcomes: Testing the Moderating Role of Brand Attitude and Product Category
Authors: Nagpal Sonika , Gupta Garima
Published: January 2022

The unprecedented crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a shift in consumers’ attitude, behaviour and purchasing habits across the globe. While brands make all the efforts to cope up, they also need to devise strategies to survive in the post-crisis situation. It is in the light of this disturbed equilibrium that the present study is undertaken. Using structural equation modeling (SEM)-based analysis of 240 consumer responses, the article analyses the direct influence of pandemic communication and the indirect impact of brand attitude and product category on three specific brand outcomes, viz. image, trust and loyalty. The findings reveal a positive and significant impact of communication during pandemic on all three brand outcomes under investigation. Further, though the results do not divulge the moderating role of brand attitude, they establish the impact of pandemic communication on brand loyalty for non-essential product category. On the basis of the findings, the study yields useful suggestions that can be implemented by brands to hold themselves more strongly in the post-pandemic future.
External Shocks and Their Transmission Channels in Nigeria: A Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Approach
Authors: Ojeyinka Titus Ayobami , Yinusa Dauda Olalekan
Published: January 2022

The study examines the sources of external shocks and investigates their transmission channels in Nigeria using the trade-weighted variables from the country’s five top trading partners. Based on the assumption of the small open economy model, the study adopts the New Keynesian Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium Model on quarterly data between 1981 and 2018 using the Bayesian estimation technique. Findings from the study reveal that external shocks have a temporary and short-lived effect on the Nigerian economy. In addition, the article shows that oil price, foreign output, and foreign inflation shock have positive impacts on output gap and inflation, while the impact of foreign interest rate shock on the output gap and inflation is negative and not significant. The study also reveals that external shocks collectively explain 86% and 39%of total fluctuations in the output gap and inflation, respectively. Lastly, the study finds that external shocks transmit to the Nigerian economy via different channels. The study, therefore, concludes that terms of trade and exchange rate channels are the dominant transmitters of external shocks in Nigeria. Based on the findings from the study, important policy implications are highlighted.
Resisting the Tide: The Roles of Ideology in Sustaining Alternative Organizing at a Self-managed Cooperative
Authors: Soetens Aurélie , Huybrechts Benjamin
Published: January 2022

This paper examines how organizational ideology can be collectively mobilized to sustain an alternative organizational form—a self-managed cooperative—in resistance to institutional prescriptions perceived as hostile. Based on an ethnographic study of the Venezuelan cooperative Cecosesola, we identify three roles through which ideology enables the reproduction of the alternative form over time: ideology as a mobilizing normative framework to justify resistance; as a cultural-cognitive framework to engage members and integrate them into the resistance project; and as a regulatory framework ensuring member compliance. However, we find that in parallel with sustaining self-management as an alternative form, mobilizing ideology may also paradoxically entail costs in terms of individual sacrifices, exclusion of members and reduction of group heterogeneity, leading to the creation of an authoritarian system. These findings shed light on the ideological drivers of institutional resistance and bring new insights to understand the challenge of sustaining self-management and other alternative organizational forms within a hostile institutional context.
Balanced Crystalloid Versus Normal Saline as Resuscitative Fluid in Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Carrillo Adriana R. , Elwood Kirsten , Werth Chris , Mitchell Jessica , Sarangarm Preeyaporn
Published: January 2022

Background:

Large volume resuscitation with normal saline (NS) may be associated with iatrogenic hyperchloremia and renal injury.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to assess clinical outcomes associated with the use of Lactated Ringer’s (LR) compared to NS as resuscitative fluid in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Methods:

Single-center, retrospective analysis of patients admitted for DKA. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of iatrogenic hyperchloremia associated with fluid resuscitation using balanced crystalloid compared to NS.

Results

Iatrogenic hyperchloremia occurred more frequently in the NS group compared to the LR group (74.4% vs 64.2%; P = 0.05). Mean maximum serum chloride was higher in the NS group (115.7 mmol/L vs 113.7 mmol/L; P = 0.004). Incidence of hypernatremia was higher in the NS group (18.3% vs 9.3%; P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in the incidence of AKI; however, mean change in serum creatinine at 48 hours showed a significantly greater decrease in the LR group (-0.15 mg/dL vs -0.04 mg/dL; P = 0.002). No significant differences were found in intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay or total hospital length of stay.

Conclusion and Relevance

This study found a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of iatrogenic hyperchloremia with the use of LR compared to NS as fluid resuscitation in DKA. Serum creatinine was more improved in the LR group versus NS group at 48 hours. Preferential use of balanced crystalloid for fluid resuscitation in DKA may reduce incidence of hyperchloremia and support renal recovery in this population.
The Association Between Patterns of Trauma Exposure, Family Dysfunction, and Psychopathology Among Adolescent Females With Depressive Symptoms From Low-Income Contexts
Authors: Alto Michelle E. , Warmingham Jennifer M. , Handley Elizabeth D. , Manly Jody Todd , Cicchetti Dante , Toth Sheree L.
Published: January 2022

Distinguishing profiles of trauma exposure among low-income adolescent females with depressive symptoms is important for understanding comorbidity, family relationships, and treatment. Specifically, child maltreatment is essential to examine in comparison to other traumas. Participants included 170 adolescent females (65.3% Black; 21.2% White; 13.5% other race; 14.1% Latina/x) with depressive symptoms and their primary caregiver from low-income families. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified three trauma classes. Probabilities of endorsing different subtypes of maltreatment (physical abuse, physical neglect, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse), number of subtypes of maltreatment, and non-maltreatment traumas (accident, experiencing or witnessing physical assault, death or injury of loved one, medical trauma) varied among groups. Higher levels of family dysfunction and traumatic stress symptoms were reported in both classes with maltreatment exposure as compared to the class with only non-maltreatment trauma exposure. Findings have implications for family-focused interventions for maltreated adolescent females with depressive symptoms from low-income contexts.
Excessive Subchorionic Fibrinoid Deposition as a Component of Massive Perivillous Fibrin Deposition: A Case With Maternal Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Taweevisit Mana , Nimitpanya Panachai , Thorner Paul S.
Published: January 2022

Maternal floor infarction (MFI) and massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MPFD) are overlapping placental disorders of unknown etiology, associated with adverse obstetric outcome, and a significant risk of recurrence. We describe a 31-year-old mother with asymptomatic thrombocytopenia throughout pregnancy and a positive lupus anticoagulant. She delivered a normal female neonate at term, whose weight was small for gestational age, with a placenta weighing less than the 10th percentile. Placental examination showed MPFD together with excessive subchorionic fibrinoid deposition. The placenta showed diffuse C4d deposition and an immune-mediated reaction was postulated for the pathogenesis of the placental changes. We suggest that excessive subchorionic fibrinoid deposition may be part of the morphologic spectrum of MFI/MPFD.
The use of AVF.SIM system for the surgical planning of arteriovenous fistulae in routine clinical practice
Authors: Bozzetto Michela , Poloni Sofia , Caroli Anna , Curtò Diego , D’Haeninck Annick , Vanommeslaeghe Floris , Gjorgjievski Nikola , Remuzzi Andrea
Published: January 2022

Background:

The number of patients treated with hemodialysis (HD) in Europe is more than half a million and this number increases annually. The arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the vascular access (VA) of first choice, but the clinical outcome is still poor. A consistent number of AVFs fails to reach the desired blood flow rate for HD treatment, while some have too high flow and risk for cardiac complications. Despite the skill of the surgeons and the possibility to use Ultrasound investigation for mapping arm vasculature, it is still not possible to predict the blood flow volume that will be obtained after AVF maturation.

Methods:

We evaluated the potential of using a computational model (AVF.SIM) to predict the blood flow volume that will be achieved after AVF maturation, within a multicenter international clinical investigation aimed at assessing AVF.SIM predictive power. The study population included 231 patients, with data on AVF maturation in 124 patients, and on long-term primary patency in 180 patients.

Results:

At 1 year of follow-up, about 60% of AVFs were still patent, with comparable primary patency in proximal and distal anastomosis. The correlation between predicted and measured blood flow volume in the brachial artery at 40 days after surgery was statistically significant, with an overall correlation coefficient of 0.58 ( p < 0.001). The percent difference between measured and predicted brachial blood flow 40 days after surgery was less than 30% in 72% of patients investigated.

Conclusions:

The results indicate that the use of the AVF.SIM system allowed to predict with a good accuracy the blood flow volume achievable after VA maturation, for a given location and type of anastomosis. This information may help in AVF surgical planning, reducing the AVFs with too low or too high blood flow, thus improving AVF patency rate and clinical outcome of renal replacement therapy.
The use of tele-audiology in ototoxicity monitoring: A scoping review
Authors: Peerbhay Nazeera , Munsamy Danielle R , Dlamini Hombisa P , Langa Fisokuhle , Paken Jessica
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Due to the growing burden of disease in South Africa, encompassing conditions such as tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus, and cancer, the holistic management of affected patients incorporating ototoxicity monitoring is a necessity. However, ototoxicity monitoring in developing countries may be limited due to a lack of resources and inadequate healthcare facilities. Subsequently, the use of tele-audiology may be a revolutionary technique with the potential to provide audiology services to under-served populations with limited access.

Methods

The study aimed to describe the use of tele-audiology services in ototoxicity monitoring through a scoping review of English peer-reviewed articles from June 2009 to June 2020. Seventeen articles were purposively selected from the following databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Taylor and Francis Online, WorldCat, and Google Scholar. Data was extracted as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses diagram and results were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis.

Results and discussion

While a minority of the studies indicated that the cost of implementation and network connectivity within a South African context pose as barriers, most researchers reported that tele-audiology provides a reliable, time-efficient, cost-effective, and easily accessible alternative for ototoxicity monitoring. Hardware including the WAHTS, KUDUwave, and OtoID, along with software such as the TabSINT, Otocalc, uHear, and the hearTest, have proven to be useful for ototoxicity monitoring. A need for further investigations regarding the feasibility of tele-audiology implementation in South Africa is evident. Despite this, it provides audiologists with an opportunity to offer contact-less services during COVID-19, thus, confirming its versatility as an augmentative method for ototoxicity monitoring.
Automated provision of clinical routine data for a complex clinical follow-up study: A data warehouse solution
Authors: Kaspar Mathias , Fette Georg , Hanke Monika , Ertl Maximilian , Puppe Frank , Störk Stefan
Published: January 2022

A deep integration of routine care and research remains challenging in many respects. We aimed to show the feasibility of an automated transformation and transfer process feeding deeply structured data with a high level of granularity collected for a clinical prospective cohort study from our hospital information system to the study’s electronic data capture system, while accounting for study-specific data and visits. We developed a system integrating all necessary software and organizational processes then used in the study. The process and key system components are described together with descriptive statistics to show its feasibility in general and to identify individual challenges in particular. Data of 2051 patients enrolled between 2014 and 2020 was transferred. We were able to automate the transfer of approximately 11 million individual data values, representing 95% of all entered study data. These were recorded in n = 314 variables (28% of all variables), with some variables being used multiple times for follow-up visits. Our validation approach allowed for constant good data quality over the course of the study. In conclusion, the automated transfer of multi-dimensional routine medical data from HIS to study databases using specific study data and visit structures is complex, yet viable.
Collapse analysis of Al 6061 alloy conical shells with circular cutouts under axial loading: experiment and simulation
Authors: Hasanzadeh Hamid , Mohtarami Ehsan , Ebadati Mohammad , Kashyzadeh Kazem Reza , Omidi Bidgoli Mostafa
Published: January 2022

The current research is conducted to investigate the experimental and numerical study of crushing behavior and buckling modes of thin-walled truncated conical shells with or without cutouts and discontinuities under axial loading. In this regard, Instron 8802 servohydraulic machine is used to perform the experiments. Additionally, the buckling modes, derived from the axial collapse phenomenon, are simulated with Finite Element (FE) software. The force-displacement diagrams extracted numerically are compared with experimental results. Various factors, including maximum force, energy absorption, specific energy, and failure modes of each case, are also discussed. The results indicate that the increasing cutout cause a decrease in the maximum force and energy absorption. Moreover, with cutouts reduction, the failure modes of the samples changed from the diamond asymmetric mode and single-lobe mode to multi-lobes, and with removing cutouts, the failure mode is observed to be completely symmetric.
Dynamic response analysis of Euler–Bernoulli beam on spatially random transversely isotropic viscoelastic soil
Authors: Li Zele , Feng Decheng , Noori Mohammad , Basu Dipanjan , Altabey Wael A.
Published: January 2022

A novel dynamic soil-structure interaction model is developed for analysis for Euler–Bernoulli beam rests on a spatially random transversely isotropic viscoelastic foundation subjected to moving and oscillating loads. The dynamic equilibrium equation of beam-soil system is established using the extended Hamilton's principle, and the corresponding partial differential equations describing the displacement of beam and soil and boundary conditions are further obtained by the variational principles. These partial differential equations are discretized in spatial and time domains and solved by the finite difference (FD) method. After the differential equations of beam and soil are discretized in the spatial domain, the implicit iterative scheme is used to solve the equations in the time domain. The solving result shows the FD method is effective and convenient for solving the differential equations of beam-soil system. The spring foundation model adopted the modified Vlasov model, which is a two-parameter model considering the compression and shear of soil. The advantage of the present foundation model is avoided estimating input parameters of the modified Vlasov model using prior knowledge. The present solution is verified by publishing solution and equivalent three-dimensional FE analysis. The present model produced an accurate, faster, and effective displacement response. A few examples are carried out to analyze the parameter variation influence for beam on spatially random transversely isotropic viscoelastic soil under moving loads.
Evaluation of an integrative Bayesian peptide detection approach on a combinatorial peptide library
Authors: Hruska Miroslav , Holub Dusan
Published: January 2022

Detection of peptides lies at the core of bottom-up proteomics analyses. We examined a Bayesian approach to peptide detection, integrating match-based models (fragments, retention time, isotopic distribution, and precursor mass) and peptide prior probability models under a unified probabilistic framework. To assess the relevance of these models and their various combinations, we employed a complete- and a tail-complete search of a low-precursor-mass synthetic peptide library based on oncogenic KRAS peptides. The fragment match was by far the most informative match-based model, while the retention time match was the only remaining such model with an appreciable impact––increasing correct detections by around 8 %. A peptide prior probability model built from a reference proteome greatly improved the detection over a uniform prior, essentially transforming de novo sequencing into a reference-guided search. The knowledge of a correct sequence tag in advance to peptide-spectrum matching had only a moderate impact on peptide detection unless the tag was long and of high certainty. The approach also derived more precise error rates on the analyzed combinatorial peptide library than those estimated using PeptideProphet and Percolator, showing its potential applicability for the detection of homologous peptides. Although the approach requires further computational developments for routine data analysis, it illustrates the value of peptide prior probabilities and presents a Bayesian approach for their incorporation into peptide detection.
BeerMIMS: Exploring the Use of Membrane-Inlet Mass Spectrometry (MIMS) Coupled to KNIME for the Characterization of Danish Beers
Authors: Hughes Sean Sebastian , Nielsen Marcus M. K. , Jonsbo Rasmus Voersaa , Nielsen Carsten Uhd , Lauritsen Frants Roager , Prabhala Bala Krishna
Published: January 2022

Beer is a complex mix of more than 7700 compounds, around 800 of which are volatile. While GC-MS has been actively employed in the analysis of the volatome of beer, this method is challenged by the complex nature of the sample. Herein, we explored the possible of using membrane-inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS) coupled to KNIME to characterize local Danish beers. KNIME stands for Konstanz Information Miner and is a free open-source data processing software which comes with several prebuilt nodes, that, when organized, result in data processing workflows allowing swift analysis of data with outputs that can be visualized in the desired format. KNIME has been shown to be promising in automation of large datasets and requires very little computing power. In fact, most of the computations can be carried out on a regular PC. Herein, we have utilized a KNIME workflow for data visualization of MIMS data to understand the global volatome of beers. Feature identification was not possible as of now but with a combination of MIMS and a KNIME workflow, we were able to distinguish beers from different micro-breweries located in Denmark, laying the foundation for the use of MIMS in future analysis of the beer volatome.
Monitoring deformations of infrastructure networks: A fully automated GIS integration and analysis of InSAR time-series
Authors: Macchiarulo Valentina , Milillo Pietro , Blenkinsopp Chris , Giardina Giorgia
Published: January 2022

Ageing stock and extreme weather events pose a threat to the safety of infrastructure networks. In most countries, funding allocated to infrastructure management is insufficient to perform systematic inspections over large transport networks. As a result, early signs of distress can develop unnoticed, potentially leading to catastrophic structural failures. Over the past 20 years, a wealth of literature has demonstrated the capability of satellite-based Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) to accurately detect surface deformations of different types of assets. Thanks to the high accuracy and spatial density of measurements, and a short revisit time, space-borne remote-sensing techniques have the potential to provide a cost-effective and near real-time monitoring tool. Whilst InSAR techniques offer an effective approach for structural health monitoring, they also provide a large amount of data. For civil engineering procedures, these need to be analysed in combination with large infrastructure inventories. Over a regional scale, the manual extraction of InSAR-derived displacements from individual assets is extremely time-consuming and an automated integration of the two datasets is essential to effectively assess infrastructure systems. This paper presents a new methodology based on the fully automated integration of InSAR-based measurements and Geographic Information System-infrastructure inventories to detect potential warnings over extensive transport networks. A Sentinel dataset from 2016 to 2019 is used to analyse the Los Angeles highway and freeway network, while the Italian motorway network is evaluated by using open access ERS/Envisat datasets between 1992 and 2010, COSMO-SkyMed datasets between 2008 and 2014 and Sentinel datasets between 2014 and 2020. To demonstrate the flexibility of the proposed methodology to different SAR sensors and infrastructure classes, the analysis of bridges and viaducts in the two test areas is also performed. The outcomes highlight the potential of the proposed methodology to be integrated into structural health monitoring systems and improve current procedures for transport network management.
Development and mechanical properties of three-dimensional flat-knitted fabrics with reinforcement yarns
Authors: Tan Jiangtao , Jiang Gaoming , Gao Zhe , Ma Pibo , Zheng Peixiao
Published: January 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) flat-knitted fabrics have become a topic of interest in the field of composites in recent years because of the growing need for rapid preparation of complicated shape preforms. In order to improve the mechanical properties of 3D flat-knitted fabrics, two types of 3D flat-knitted fabrics with reinforcement yarn (FKFR) were developed using ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) yarn. Their basic structures were composed of plain structure and interlock structure with tuck stitch, respectively, and the reinforcement yarn was integrated into the fabric as the weft inlay. The tensile, bending, drape, and bursting properties of the two fabrics were characterized. Results showed that the basic structure of the fabric has impacted on the mechanical properties of the fabric significantly. The tensile and bending properties of the fabric with interlock structure were better than that of the fabric with plain structure. During the transverse stretching process, the surface structure of the fabric with interlock structure was more stable. Moreover, transverse yarn strength utilization of the fabric with interlock structure was 1.05, which reached the level of ordinary woven fabric. In addition, the bursting force of the fabric with excellent tensile properties was lower than that of the fabric with a plain structure because the latter has better extensibility.