bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexible energy load identification in intelligent manufacturing for demand response using a neural network integrated particle swarm optimization
Authors: Islam Md Monirul , Sun Zeyi , Qin Ruwen , Hu Wenqing , Xiong Haoyi , Xu Kaibo
Published: June 2020

Various demand response programs have been widely established by many utility companies as a critical load management tool to balance the demand and supply for the enhancement of power system stability in smart grid. While participating in these demand response programs, manufacturers need to develop their optimal demand response strategies so that their energy loads can be shifted successfully according to the request of the grid to achieve the lowest energy cost without any loss of production. In this paper, the flexibility of the electricity load from manufacturing systems is introduced. A binary integer mathematical model is developed to identify the flexible loads, their degree of flexibility, and corresponding optimal production schedule as well as the power consumption profiles to ensure the optimal participation of the manufacturers in the demand response programs. A neural network integrated particle swarm optimization algorithm, in which the learning rates of the particle swarm optimization algorithm are predicted by a trained neural network based on the improvement of the fitness values between two successive iterations, is proposed to find the near optimal solution of the formulated model. A numerical case study on a typical manufacturing system is conducted to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed model as well as the solution approach.
Amazon: A story of accumulation through intellectual rentiership and predation
Authors: Rikap Cecilia
Published: June 2020

This article elaborates on intellectual monopoly theory as a form of predation and rentiership using Amazon as a case study. By analysing Amazon’s financial statements, scientific publications and patents, we show that Amazon’s economic power heavily relies on its systematic innovations and capacity to centralize and analyse customized data that orients its business and innovations. We demonstrate how Amazon’s innovation activities have evolved over time with growing importance of technologies related to data and machine learning. We also map Amazon’s innovation networks with academic institutions and companies. We show how Amazon appropriates intellectual rents from these networks and from technological cooperation with other intellectual monopolies. We argue that Amazon, as other data-driven monopolies, predates value from suppliers and third-party companies participating in its platform. One striking characteristic of Amazon is the low rate of reported profits. The centrality of innovations leads us to suggest an alternative calculation that shows that Amazon’s profits are not as low as they appear in Annual Reports. We also argue that lower profits are coherent with Amazon’s rentiership and predatory strategy since they contribute to the avoidance of accusations of excessive market power. Finally, the paper offers preliminary observations on: (i) the complementarities between financial and intellectual rentierism and (ii) how data-driven intellectual monopoly expands big corporations’ political power. Going beyond the specific case of Amazon, we thus contribute to a better understanding of the role of lead firms and power dynamics within innovation networks.
Upscaling Virtual Exchange in University Education: Moving From Innovative Classroom Practice to Regional Governmental Policy
Authors: Garcés Pilar , O’Dowd Robert
Published: June 2020

Virtual exchange (VE) is an educational practice that involves the engagement of groups of learners in extended periods of online intercultural interaction and collaboration with international peers as an integrated part of their educational programs and under the guidance of educators and/or facilitators. Despite more than 20 years of research and recent large-scale initiatives such as Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange, this approach remains relatively unknown and often misunderstood in international education. Based on the qualitative and quantitative data of an Erasmus+ KA3 European Policy Experiment, which brought together practitioners, researchers, and ministerial policy makers from five European countries and autonomous regions, this article examines the challenges involved in implanting and upscaling an innovative practice such as VE in university internationalization practices. A case study from a Spanish regional autonomy, which took part in the project, is used to highlight barriers to take-up and integration at classroom, institutional, and policy levels. The data also provide a clear illustration of how an international practice such as VE can gain recognition and support though the coordination of bottom-up and top-down initiatives.
Pathogenic language in psychiatric practice and how to combat it
Authors: Bloch Sidney , Haslam Nick
Published: June 2020

Objective:

Psychiatrists are susceptible intermittently to use dehumanising terms in their clinical practice, which arguably harm patients and their families. Our goal is to shed light on this unwelcome phenomenon and to develop the means to combat it.

Method:

We have examined journal articles, books on the history of psychiatry, and educational material devised for psychiatric patients, for evidence of what we have called ‘pathogenic language’. We have also sought colleagues’ reflections on the subject.

Results:

We have identified several terms that are ostensibly pathogenic, tried to illuminate their intrinsic features and devised guidelines to stem their use.

Conclusions:

Psychiatrists have the potential to harm patients and their families by using pathogenic language when communicating with them. We conclude that meticulous attention to this risk, coupled with appropriate ethically based and educational strategies, can contribute to the eradication of pathogenic language and prevent its recurrence.
Environmental and Wildlife Crime in Sweden from 2000 to 2017
Authors: Stassen Richard , Ceccato Vania
Published: June 2020

This study combines police records with newspaper articles (media archives) to report the nature and trends of environmental and wildlife crime (EWC) in Sweden from 2000 to 2017. Geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial statistical techniques are used to implement a temporal and spatial analysis of EWC in Swedish municipalities, which are split into three types: urban, accessible rural, and remote rural. Findings show that following the 2006 legal reform that increased possibilities for prosecuting EWC, the number of both police-recorded cases and newspaper articles increased and eventually stabilized. They also show that although the majority of EWCs are minor crimes, particularly in urban municipalities, many of the more serious crimes show chronic temporal and spatial patterns in more rural and remote areas. The persistence of certain serious crimes over time is interpreted as an indication that the costs of breaking environmental law are low relative to economic gains. Then, drawing from criminological theory, the article finishes by discussing implications to research and policy.
A Study of Cognitive Results in Marketing and Finance Students
Authors: Ortiz-Rendón Paola Andrea , Montoya-Restrepo Luz Alexandra , Munuera-Alemán Jose-Luis
Published: June 2020

Background. It is undeniable that human capital is a highly valued resource in today’s increasingly competitive and interconnected world. Management education involving decision-making is a fundamental issue in today’s education systems. Particularly, the marketing audit improves the decision-making process based on the assessment of the marketing performance and the analysis of the market results. Although marketing audits are not widely used among organizations yet, marketing control mechanisms have become more important in organizational performance studies and must be integrated into marketing and finance education programs.

Method. This quasi-experimental study followed a pretest/posttest design to measure differences in the scores 281 marketing and finance students in Colombia taking part in a game of marketing audit.

Results and conclusion. All students significantly improved their higher grades after taking part in the game. Marketing and finance students also improved their responses. For the students in the final semester and for the male and mixed groups, there is insufficient evidence to suggest that the game can improve their cognitive results. Decisions between marketing and finance professionals must be reinforced, to allow academic organizations involved in developing markets and characterized by low levels of competitiveness improve their education levels.
Exploring the Effects of Violent Video Games on Healthcare Trainees
Authors: Krause Karlie A. , Smyth Chelsie , Jansen Kate L.
Published: June 2020

Background. The prevalence of video game play has continued to increase. Previous literature has suggested negative emotional consequences related to violent video game play, such as an increase in aggression and decrease in empathy. Healthcare providers require high levels of empathy to effectively work with patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of video games on empathy on a sample of graduate-level healthcare trainees.

Methods. A sample of 81 students on a healthcare campus completed a 30-item survey assessing video game habits and empathy levels. Participants were then placed into two groups (violent and non-violent) based on the amount of video game violence they are exposed to.

Results. The results revealed no differences between healthcare trainees on overall empathy. A follow-up analysis examining individual subscales that comprise the overall empathy score, indicated the violent video game players had lower scores on the Personal Distress scale.

Conclusion. Findings suggest that healthcare trainees who play violent video games do not experience decreased Empathic Concern or Perspective Taking, compared to individuals who do not play violent games. However, healthcare trainees who play violent video games indicated lower levels of Personal Distress. Given the intensity in healthcare settings, findings suggest violent video game play may be adaptive to healthcare trainees, as lower personal distress can lead to better decision-making and potentially prevent burnout. Further research is necessary to determine the role of video game play in healthcare professionals.
The Heat Death Line: Proposed Heat Index Alert Threshold for Preventing Heat-Related Fatalities in the Civilian Workforce
Authors: Maung Zaw , Tustin Aaron W.
Published: June 2020

A threshold Heat Index (HI) can serve as the basis for advising the civilian workforce about the risk of heat-related illnesses. We conducted a systematic review and compiled reports of work-related fatalities from heat-related illnesses. We calculated the HI for each fatality. Our objective was to expand upon the military’s concept of a “heat death line” and identify an HI alert threshold for the civilian workforce. We identified 14 publications totaling 570 heat-related deaths. In the meta-analysis, the median HI was 101 with a range of 62 to 137. Almost all deaths (96 percent and 99 percent of civilian and military fatalities, respectively) occurred when HI ≥80, which is our proposed heat death line. Some existing HI-based heat advisories are set at a higher temperature value. However, many occupational heat-related illnesses occur below these thresholds, resulting in low sensitivity and a false sense of security. In at-risk outdoor industries, HI ≥80 should trigger hazard awareness and protective actions.
How Counseling Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Supported with Motivational Interviewing Affects Levels of Functional Recovery in Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Yıldız Erman , Aylaz Rukuye
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to determine how counseling based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and supported with motivational interviewing (MIs) affected functional recovery in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (IDSs). A quasi-experimental design was used. The participants of this study were 87 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (36 in the experimental group and 51 in the control group). The experimental group received counseling based on ACT and supported with MIs. The data were collected between September 2018 and May 2019 using a Descriptive Information Form and the Functional Remission of General Schizophrenia Scale (FROGS). The participants in the experimental group were given a group counseling program of eight sessions at community mental health centers in downtown Malatya, Turkey. The results revealed a statistically significant difference in the mean scores on FROGS between those in the IDS experimental group and those in the control group. The scores increased on both groups.
About the One Hemi-Uvula Repair Technique During Palatoplasty
Authors: Elsherbiny Ahmed , Mazeed Ahmed S. , Saied Samia , Grant John H.
Published: June 2020

This is a response to a letter replying to our paper discussing the significance of the uvula during palatoplasty and our surgical technique of uvula repair. The hemi-uvula repair technique was developed independently in our department. In our publication, we fully cited the 2 studies by Rossell-Perry et al about uvula repair and acknowledged them to be the first to publish the concept of using one hemi-uvula. Upon further study, the mistake of omitting 2 references from the list, although they were cited in the text, was found to have occurred during the transition between publishers of this journal (corrected in Erratum). We highlighted some of the differences in the studies and techniques, which are already discussed in our paper, for further clarification.
Fuzzy robust control applied to rotor supported by active magnetic bearing
Authors: Carmo Carvalho Felipe , Fernandes de Oliveira Marcus V , Lara-Molina Fabian A , Cavalini Aldemir A , Steffen Valder
Published: June 2020

The technology associated with active magnetic bearings has been widely used in the last years and can be considered as being one of the most promising solutions for several applications in rotating machinery. Lubricants are not necessary, and high rotation speeds are reached without any relevant heating. Active magnetic bearings are classified as mechatronic systems because they are composed of mechanical and electronic parts that are controlled by using dedicated software. In this context, the present work is devoted to the design of robust controllers applied to supercritical rotors supported by active magnetic bearings. For this aim, numerical and experimental tests were carried out. Different from previous studies reported in the literature, the present contribution proposes a novel design procedure to robustify the neuro-fuzzy controller of a rotor supported by active magnetic bearings based on optimal robust design. This optimal design procedure tunes the robust neuro-fuzzy controller taking into account the optimal balance between vibration attenuation performance and robustness, that is the increase in vibration attenuation implies the reduction in the robustness. The first stage of the controller synthesis is dedicated to the specification of all design requirements. Then, the adaptative neuro-fuzzy controller was obtained, starting from the determination of the plant dominant poles and finally performing the model-based analysis of the system stability and performance. Finally, the vibration control performance and robustness are optimally balanced by using a robust optimization procedure. The behavior of the controller was evaluated by investigating the unbalance response of the rotating system. The obtained results demonstrated the effectiveness of the conveyed approach.
A new type of damper combining eddy current damping with rack and gear
Authors: Li Yafeng , Li Shouying , Wang Jianzhong , Chen Zhengqing
Published: June 2020

A new type of damper combining eddy current damping with rack and gear, which can simultaneously export damping and inertial forces, is proposed. Eddy current damping with rack and gear is supposed to be installed between the building superstructure and foundation to mitigate the seismic response of the building. First, the concept of eddy current damping with rack and gear is introduced in detail and its apparent mass and equivalent damping coefficient are both theoretically investigated. Second, a prototype of eddy current damping with rack and gear is manufactured, and a series of tests on the prototype are carried out to verify its structural parameters. The experimental and theoretical results of the apparent mass of the prototype agree well with each other. The experimental result of the equivalent damping coefficient of the prototype is slightly lower than the numerical results obtained from COMSOL Multiphysics and its maximum relative differences are 11.3% and 13.6% for α = 0° and 45°, respectively. Third, detailed parametric studies on the damping force, including the effects of the thickness of the conductor plate, air gap, and number and location of permanent magnets, are conducted. The results show that the damping force keeps a linear relationship with velocity if it is lower than 0.15 m/s, and with the increase of the velocity, a strong nonlinear relationship between the damping force and the velocity is observed. The available maximum damping force can be increased by decreasing the thickness of the conductor plate and the air gap, increasing the number of permanent magnets. There is an optimal location about the permanent magnets for the available maximum damping force. In addition, the hysteretic curves of the eddy current damping with rack and gear obtained from the test indicate that the ability of energy dissipation is considerable.
Postqualitative Inquiry: Or the Necessity of Theory
Authors: Mazzei Lisa A.
Published: June 2020

In this article, the author presents postqualitative inquiry not as a method with a script, but as that which emerges as a process methodology. This type of inquiry happens in the middle of things, in the threshold, as theoretical concepts and data constitute one another in an analytic practice of thinking with theory.
Feminicidio and #NiUna Menos: An Analysis of Twitter Conversations During the First 3 Years of the Argentinean Movement
Authors: Belotti Francesca , Comunello Francesca , Corradi Consuelo
Published: June 2020

This article analyzes the Twitter conversations carrying the hashtag #NiUnaMenos produced in Argentina during the time of the marches in 2015, 2016, and 2017, by adopting a quali-quantitative method. After describing the origins of NiUnaMenos, we illustrate the mobilizing force of femicide in a context of technopolitical use of social media by women’s movements. Data analysis diachronically shows to what extent and in what terms conversations on NiUnaMenos refer to gender violence and femicide. The conclusions highlight the effective combination of femicide narrative, the Argentinean human rights tradition, and Twitter usages in transforming violence against women into a general civic matter.
Operating-System Design and Its Implications for Victims of Family Violence: The Comparative Threat of Smart Phone Spyware for Android Versus iPhone Users
Authors: Harkin Diarmaid , Molnar Adam
Published: June 2020

Spyware products sold to general consumer audiences are a greater threat to those who own Android devices than those who own iPhones. This is a consequence of the Android operating system being more permissive of software functionality, allowing third-party developers greater latitude to build programs of less-restrained capability. Such risks, however, are disproportionately carried by victims of family violence who are significantly threatened by the rise of spyware. This article reflects on the connections between coding choices and personal security risks, and the implications for responding to the use of spyware in the context of family violence.
Teaching Data Journalism: Insights for Indian Journalism Education
Authors: Kashyap Geeta , Bhaskaran Harikrishnan
Published: June 2020

With emergent subspecialties like data journalism bringing new skillsets and job roles, professionals and journalism educators find it difficult to imbibe the fast-changing industry demands. Such challenges in some countries and media industries put journalism educators in an advantageous position, offering them an agency to actively shape the contours of industry practice than getting shaped by it. From this perspective, the present study tries to understand data journalism practices in India and suggests certain insights to integrate data journalism training in programmes offered by Indian journalism education. By probing insights from the literature on data journalism education and by examining existing data journalism practices in India, the study calls for intervention with a pedagogic strategy to impart better data-sourcing practices, coding skills and critical data literacy among the students as an antidote to the prevalent DIY culture and overdependence on data aggregates. The pedagogic strategy should convey the importance of audience centrality and ethics in data journalism practice. It argues that such an approach can, in effect, improve industry practices as well as the quality of journalism education in India.
Forget political corporate social responsibility
Authors: Rhodes Carl , Fleming Peter
Published: June 2020

We argue that political corporate social responsibility (PCSR), while hailed by many as a solution to societal problems not dealt with by government, reflects both a triumph of neoliberal corporate power and a harbinger of democracy’s demise. Drawing on the remarkably PCSR-like – declarations of BlackRock CEO and billionaire Larry Fink, we demonstrate how scholarly PCSR is suspiciously compatible with corporate deregulation and privatisation of the public sphere. Our article recommends scholars abandon PCSR when critically evaluating corporate domination and democratic alternatives to it in the neoliberal era.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia in adolescents with comorbid psychiatric disorders: A clinical pilot study
Authors: Åslund Lie , Lekander Mats , Wicksell Rikard K , Henje Eva , Jernelöv Susanna
Published: June 2020

Background:

Insomnia is common in adolescents and often comorbid with psychiatric disorders. This study evaluated changes in insomnia, sleep, and comorbid symptoms following cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in adolescents with comorbid psychiatric disorders and chronic pain.

Methods:

In this non-controlled clinical pilot study, participants ( n = 23, 78% female) were recruited from adolescent psychiatry and pediatric pain clinics. Assessments of self-reported insomnia, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, total sleep time, sleep efficiency and depression, anxiety, functional disability, and pain intensity were completed at pre- and post-intervention and 3 months follow-up.

Results:

From pre- to post-intervention, statistically significant improvements were found for insomnia symptoms ( p < .001; d = 1.63), sleep onset latency ( p < .001; d = 1.04), wake after sleep onset ( p < .001; d = 0.38), total sleep time ( p = .015; d = 0.22), sleep efficiency ( p < .001; d = 1.00), depression ( p < .001; d = 0.87), and anxiety ( p = .001; d = 0.31). Only eight participants reported data at follow-up with maintained improvements for all measures.

Conclusion:

This study provides support that insomnia symptoms and sleep can improve following CBT-I delivered in a clinical setting and that co-occurring psychiatric symptoms can be reduced. The results should be interpreted with caution due to the uncontrolled conditions and limited sample size. Well-powered clinical trials are needed to validate the suggested effects.
Sexual Wellbeing and Social Class in Britain: An Analysis of Nationally Representative Survey Data
Authors: van Hooff Jenny , Morris Stephen P
Published: June 2020

Sociological discussions of sexual practices are often abstracted out from material constraints, with sex understood to be a private, personal matter. In this article, we use data from the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3) to first investigate whether an association can be found between social class and high levels of sexual wellbeing, thus potentially calling into question the decoupling of material and class concerns from personal life. Second, our analysis builds on previous work that considered correlates of sexual fulfilment and wellbeing, but which has focused exclusively on low sexual functioning. Third, we argue that the measure of sexual function developed and utilised in Natsal-3 is more accurately described as sexual wellbeing, as it provides a composite assessment including relational factors, better suited to sociological analysis. Our findings demonstrate that respondents in managerial and professional occupations report greater odds of high sexual wellbeing, suggesting material resources play a role in the structuring of intimate life. We argue that the extension of social inequality into sexual practices is reflective of the significant impact class has on elements of everyday life.
Understanding parents’ conflicting beliefs about children’s digital book reading
Authors: Kucirkova Natalia , Flewitt Rosie
Published: June 2020

In light of growing evidence that many parents are deeply concerned about their young children’s increasing technology use, in this paper we report on aspects of a study funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council, where we sought to understand parents’ views on children’s digital book reading. We introduced seven families to four award-winning digital books (story apps and e-books), observed how the mothers mediated their children’s digital book reading over a period of several weeks and subsequently interviewed the mothers about their shared reading experiences with the digital books. Focusing on the interview data and drawing on the theoretical framework of socio-materiality, this paper reports on how parents’ views about digital book features were entangled with their social perceptions of the value of digital reading. Analysis of parents’ accounts show three conflicted themes of trust/mistrust, agency/dependency and nostalgia/realism in parental attitudes towards their children’s reading on screens. The paper concludes with a discussion of how these findings regarding the unresolved dichotomies inherent in parental views about their children’s digital reading are highly relevant for future research on parental mediation of their children’s learning with digital media.
Anxiety and depression in bronchiectasis: Response to pulmonary rehabilitation and minimal clinically important difference of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
Authors: Wynne Stephanie C , Patel Suhani , Barker Ruth E , Jones Sarah E , Walsh Jessica A , Kon Samantha SC , Cairn Julius , Loebinger Michael R , Wilson Robert , Man William D-C , Nolan Claire M
Published: June 2020

The aims of the study were to evaluate the responsiveness of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety (HADS-A) subscale and HADS-Depression (HADS-D) subscale to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with bronchiectasis compared to a matched group of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and provide estimates of the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of HADS-A and HADS-D in bronchiectasis. Patients with bronchiectasis and at least mild anxiety or depression (HADS-A ≥ 8 or/and HADS-D ≥ 8), as well as a propensity score-matched control group of patients with COPD, underwent an 8-week outpatient PR programme (two supervised sessions per week). Within- and between-group changes were calculated in response to PR. Anchor- and distribution-based methods were used to estimate the MCID. HADS-A and HADS-D improved in response to PR in both patients with bronchiectasis and those with COPD (median (25th, 75th centile)/mean (95% confidence interval) change: HADS-A change: bronchiectasis −2 (−5, 0), COPD −2 (−4, 0); p = 0.43 and HADS-D change: bronchiectasis −2 (−2 to −1), COPD −2 (−3 to −2); p = 0.16). Using 26 estimates, the MCID for HADS-A and HADS-D was −2 points. HADS-A and HADS-D are responsive to PR in patients with bronchiectasis and symptoms of mood disorder, with an MCID estimate of −2 points.
Balloon Angioplasty of Infrapopliteal Arteries: A Systematic Review and Proposed Algorithm for Optimal Endovascular Therapy
Authors: Giannopoulos Stefanos , Varcoe Ramon L. , Lichtenberg Michael , Rundback John , Brodmann Marianne , Zeller Thomas , Schneider Peter A. , Armstrong Ehrin J.
Published: June 2020

Endovascular revascularization has been increasingly utilized to treat patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), particularly atherosclerotic disease in the infrapopliteal arteries. Lesions of the infrapopliteal arteries are the result of 2 different etiologies: medial calcification and intimal atheromatous plaque. Although several devices are available for endovascular treatment of infrapopliteal lesions, balloon angioplasty still comprises the mainstay of therapy due to a lack of purpose-built devices. The mechanism of balloon angioplasty consists of adventitial stretching, medial necrosis, and dissection or plaque fracture. In many cases, the diffuse nature of infrapopliteal disease and plaque complexity may lead to dissection, recoil, and early restenosis. Optimal balloon angioplasty requires careful attention to assessment of vessel calcification, appropriate vessel sizing, and the use of long balloons with prolonged inflation times, as outlined in a treatment algorithm based on this systematic review. Further development of specific devices for this arterial segment are warranted, including devices for preventing recoil (eg, dedicated atherectomy devices), treating dissections (eg, tacks, stents), and preventing neointimal hyperplasia (eg, novel drug delivery techniques and drug-eluting stents). Further understanding of infrapopliteal disease, along with the development of new technologies, will help optimize the durability of endovascular interventions and ultimately improve the limb-related outcomes of patients with CLTI.
Infrapopliteal Anatomic Severity and Delayed Wound Healing in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in the Era of the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System
Authors: Hata Yosuke , Iida Osamu , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Asai Mitsutoshi , Masuda Masaharu , Okamoto Shin , Ishihara Takayuki , Nanto Kiyonori , Kanda Takashi , Tsujimura Takuya , Okuno Shota , Matsuda Yasuhiro , Mano Toshiaki
Published: June 2020

Purpose: To investigate the prognostic impact of infrapopliteal (IP) artery anatomic severity according to the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) on delayed wound healing in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 639 limbs with tissue loss in 484 CLTI patients (mean age 74±10 years; 300 men) presenting IP lesions treated with endovascular therapy between April 2010 and December 2015. Two-thirds of patients had diabetes (323, 67%) and over half were on hemodialysis (255, 53%). More than a third of the limbs (251, 39%) were classified as clinical stage 4 according to the Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) system. IP anatomic severity was classified based on preprocedural angiography according to the GLASS. Severity of arterial calcification was assessed using high-intensity fluoroscopy and classified into 3 groups: none (grade 0), unilateral (grade 1), and bilateral (grade 2). Poor below-the-ankle (BTA) runoff was defined as the lack of a pedal arch with 0 to 1-vessel runoff within the dorsal pedis artery and the lateral and medial plantar arteries. The outcome measure was 1-year wound healing. The association of anatomic characteristics with delayed wound healing was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Outcomes are presented as the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: During a mean follow-up of 22±19 months, the 1-year cumulative wound healing rate was estimated to be 59.0% (95% CI 54.5% to 63.5%). Multivariable analysis demonstrated independent associations between delayed wound healing and IP calcification grade (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.50, p=0.027) and poor BTA runoff (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.85, p=0.025) but not the GLASS IP grade (HR 0.92, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.14, p=0.21). Conclusion: The current study revealed that IP arterial calcification and poor BTA runoff were significantly associated with delayed wound healing, whereas the GLASS was not predictive of wound healing.
Integrated vacuum assisted resin infusion and resin transfer molding technique for manufacturing of nano-filled glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite
Authors: Agwa MA , Youssef Sherif M , Ali-Eldin Soliman S , Megahed M
Published: June 2020

Vacuum-Assisted Resin Infusion (VARI) and Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) techniques are the most common techniques for the manufacturing of polymeric composite laminates. The VARI technique has a lot of advantages such as low cost, free voids laminates and the ability to produce complex shapes. However, it has some drawbacks such as poor surface finish and temperature instabilities. On the contrary, the RTM technique can withstand high temperature, producing a good surface finish and complex shape laminates. However, it has a high tooling cost and poor quality laminates due to void contents. In this study, a new technique integrated both VARI and RTM techniques is developed to minimize their drawbacks. This technique involves using a semitransparent composite plate instead of a vacuum bag in the VARI technique. This semitransparent plate takes the inverse shape of the composite laminate similar to the RTM tooling. However, this plate has a low cost compared with RTM tooling and allows monitoring of the resin flow during the infusion process. To validate the integrated technique, the mechanical properties of composite laminates are compared with that produced by hand layup technique (HLT). Moreover, the influence of incorporation of 0.25 wt. % and 0.5 wt. % of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle into woven and chopped fiber/epoxy composite laminates was demonstrated. The results indicated that the laminates fabricated by the integrated VARI method showed higher mechanical properties than those produced by the hand-layup technique. Moreover, glass fiber/epoxy filled with 0.25 wt. % of TiO2 nanoparticles gives high mechanical properties.
A Tisket a Tasket: Chandelier ≠ Basket (Cell Bouton Density in Sclerotic DG)
Authors: Lillis Kyle P
Published: June 2020

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A score to predict one-year risk of recurrence after acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Strambo Davide , Zachariadis Alexandros , Lambrou Dimitris , Schwarz Ghil , Sirimarco Gaia , Aarnio Karolinaa , Putaala Jukka , Ntaios George , Vemmos Kostantinos , Michel Patrik
Published: June 2020

Background

An acute ischemic stroke carries a substantial risk of further recurrences. We aimed at developing and validating a prognostic tool to predict one-year stroke recurrence after acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

An integer score was derived by Cox regression analysis on a hospital-referred cohort of 3246 acute ischemic stroke patients from Switzerland, and tested for external validity in three similar independent cohorts from Athens ( n = 2495), Milan ( n = 1279), and Helsinki ( n = 714) by means of calibration and discrimination.

Results

In the derivation cohort, the recurrence rate was 7% ( n = 228/3246). We developed a nine-point score comprising: previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (1-point), stroke mechanism (small vessel disease and unknown mechanism: 0-points; rare stroke mechanism: 3-points; other mechanisms: 1-point), pre-stroke antiplatelets (1-point), active malignancy (2-points), chronic cerebrovascular lesions on imaging (1-point) and absence of early ischemic changes on first imaging (1-point). In the derivation cohort, the one-year risk of re-stroke was 3.0% (95%CI 1.9–4.1) in 932 (29%) patients with a score 0–1, 7.2% (6.1–8.3) in 2038 (63%) with a score 2–4, and 19.2% (14.6–23.9) in 276 (8%) with a score ≥ 5. The score calibrated well in the Athens (recurrences = 208/2495), but not in the Helsinki (recurrences = 15/714) or Milan (recurrences = 65/1279) cohorts. The AUC was 0.67 in the derivation cohort, and 0.56, 0.70, and 0.63 in the Athens, Helsinki, and Milan cohorts, respectively.

Conclusion

We developed a score to predict one-year stroke recurrence risk in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Since the score was not completely validated when applied to external datasets where it displayed poor to fair calibration and discrimination, additional efforts are required to ameliorate our accuracy for predicting stroke recurrence, by better refining this prognostic tool or developing new ones. Clinical and radiological markers of established cerebrovascular disease and stroke etiology were better predictors than the usual demographic vascular risk factors.
Control strategy of automotive electric power steering system based on generalized internal model control
Authors: Xue Mingchen , Xu Guangfei , Feng Jiwei , Meizhou Chen , Xu Haizhu
Published: June 2020

In terms of the research on electric power steering system, there are some problems, such as model uncertain and external interference. However, it is difficult for a general controller to deal with those problems as well as the performance of the system. Therefore, the paper is to propose a control method based on generalized internal model control, which is based on feedback and Youla parameterization, including performance controller and compensation controller. The performance controller is used to make the electric power steering system work well, while the compensation controller is used to solve model uncertain and external interference. First of all, the paper is to establish the model of electric power steering system, introduce the 2DOF vehicle and the tire model, set up the state space of the electric steering system including model uncertain and interference and design the generalized internal model controller. Finally, the simulation and the hardware-in-the-loop experiment are carried out to verify the controller. The results show that the proposed controller takes advantages of better control performance, solving model uncertain and external interference, and improving the performance and robustness of the system.
School Nurses on the Front Lines of Healthcare: The Approach to Maintaining Student Health and Wellness During COVID-19 School Closures
Authors: Rothstein Rachel , Olympia Robert P.
Published: June 2020

In response to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, most states in the United States enacted statewide school closures, ranging in duration from 1 month to the remainder of the academic year. The extended durations of these closures present unique challenges, as many families rely on the school as a source of physical activity, mental health services, psychosocial support, child care, and food security. While the school doors may be closed, the school nurse can still play a vital role in emergency management. This article discusses challenges and proposes solutions to maintaining student health and wellness during extended school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, it is inevitable that until a vaccine for coronavirus is developed and readily available, many schools will continue to see future closures, though likely for shorter periods of time, as they respond to local outbreaks.
Near-Peer Mentorship: A Model for Private Music Instruction in an Underserved Community
Authors: MacLeod Rebecca B. , Blanton Christen , Lewis Jessica , Ortiz Dixie
Published: June 2020

The case presented in this study focused on the experiences of students enrolled in a Saturday day music program situated in an underserved community. Students in this community represent a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, and we were interested in whether younger students in the program would benefit from receiving lessons from an older student from the same community. This case study was bound by the shared experiences of the participants who engaged in music teaching and learning through this community music program. Data included the following: student surveys, participant interviews, private lesson and orchestra class observations, and teacher assessments. Overall, near-peer mentorship was beneficial. The majority of participants in this study experienced gains in performance skills. Interviews with the mentors revealed several benefits from tutoring a younger student, including self-analysis of instrument performance, positive feelings gained from helping others, and social benefits. The fifth-grade students who were assigned a mentor reported that they learned instrument-specific skills from their mentor and felt more comfortable and confident playing different songs because instruction was individualized.
Efficacy and safety of bempedoic acid in patients with hypercholesterolemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Dai Lei , Zuo Yuyue , You Qiqi , Zeng Hesong , Cao Shiyi
Published: June 2020

Aim

Bempedoic acid is a novel oral drug, which has been increasingly researched to play an important role in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia recently. However, results from original studies were inconsistent and inconclusive. We aimed to conduct a meta-analysis to quantitatively appraise the efficacy and safety of bempedoic acid.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus were searched from inception to 30 January 2020. We included randomized controlled trials that compared the efficacy and safety of bempedoic acid with placebo in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Results from trials were presented as mean differences or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and were pooled by random or fixed effects model. The risk of bias and heterogeneity among trials were also assessed and analyzed.

Results

Pooled analysis of 10 eligible trials showed that bempedoic acid treatment resulted in greater lowering of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level than the placebo group (mean difference –23.16%, 95% CI –26.92% to –19.04%). We also found that improvements in lipid parameters and biomarkers were still maintained at weeks 24 and 52 from the long-term trials. As for safety, bempedoic acid did not increase the risk of overall adverse events (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.18). However, the incidence of adverse events leading to discontinuation was higher in the bempedoic acid group (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.82).

Conclusions

Available evidence from randomized controlled trials suggests that bempedoic acid provides a well-tolerated and effective therapeutic option for lipid lowering in patients with hyperlipidemia
Indigenous Movements, Collective Action, and Social Media: New Opportunities or New Threats?
Authors: Lupien Pascal
Published: June 2020

Indigenous peoples remain among the most marginalized population groups in the Americas. The decline of the Indigenous protest cycle in Latin America by the mid-2000s meant that research on collective action turned elsewhere just as the use of social media was becoming more prominent in the tactical repertoire of collective action, and we know little about how Indigenous groups have adapted new technologies for the purpose of civic engagement. If social media has begun to take the place of disruptive action (the most effective tactics in the 1990s according to Indigenous leaders), if personalized action is replacing collective identity (a strength of the Indigenous movements in the 1980s–1990s) and if their access to technology is limited, what does this mean for the ability of Indigenous communities to pursue their claims? Based on 2 years of fieldwork, this article addresses this question from the perspective of Indigenous organizations in three Latin American countries, Bolivia, Chile, and Ecuador. We find that some Indigenous organizations have benefited from the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in terms of enhanced communication, access to information, visibility, interest promotion, and commercialization of products and services. At this point in time, however, it appears that the disadvantages outweigh the benefits.
Rare case of abdominal scar endometriosis by direct communication between fallopian tube and abdominal wall
Authors: Bartels Chantal B , Luciano Anthony A , Luciano Danielle E
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Endometriosis involving a surgical scar occurs in 1%–2% of patients after cesarean section. There are three theories of pathogenesis: direct seeding of endometrium during surgery, distal migration by hematogenous or lymphatic routes, and scar tissue metaplasia. Retrograde menstruation, theorized to result in local pelvic endometriosis, has not been previously described to play a role in surgical scar endometriosis.

Case report:

A 36-year-old woman presented with a catamenial painful nodule in her cesarean section scar. She underwent laparoscopy with lysis of adhesions and excision of the abdominal wall nodule. The fimbriated end of the right fallopian tube was scarred to her abdominal wall at the site of the nodule, and chromopertubation proved direct communication between the painful nodule and the fallopian tube. Pathology confirmed surgical scar endometriosis.

Conclusion:

Retrograde menstruation remains a possible theory for pathogenesis of endometrial scar endometriosis, and laparoscopy should be considered at the time of resection when pelvic pain is present.
Use of Arterial Grafts in Hypothenar Hammer Syndrome: Application of Perforator Flap Anatomy
Authors: Diaz-Abele Julian , Saganski Emily , Islur Avinash
Published: June 2020

Background:

Hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS) is traditionally treated with venous bypass grafting, but controversy has arisen as arterial grafts have become more available.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all patients undergoing ulnar artery bypass grafting for HHS with an arterial graft from 2008 to 2017 was performed. We also review the literature for patency rates and discuss the scenarios that favor different graft choices.

Results:

Six patients were included in our series. Five had primary surgery and 1 had revision surgery for HHS. Five arterial grafts were from the deep inferior epigastric artery and 1 was from the lateral circumflex femoral artery. The proximal anastomotic site was the ulnar artery for all: n = 6. The distal anastomosis site was the palmar arch and common digital artery (CDA) of the ring/small finger and CDA of the middle/ring finger: n = 3; the palmar arch and the CDA of the ring/small finger: n = 3. All patients were symptom-free at follow-up and had a patent ulnar artery on Allen’s testing or angiogram.

Conclusion:

Patency rates of arterial grafts for HHS appear to be excellent and this small series and may offer an alternative to traditional venous grafts and end-to-end arterial anastomoses. We suggest using arterial perforator grafts from free flap donor sites. These have well-described anatomy, are easily harvested, and carry minimal donor site morbidity. Lateral circumflex femoral artery graft is favored in patients requiring a single distal anastomosis, who have a ventral hernia, or who are obese. Deep inferior epigastric artery graft is preferred when multiple distal targets or versatile configurations are needed, in thin patients, or in female patients.